Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
Title: A BRACING MEMBER
Description of Invention
This application claims priority to UK patent application GB1314877.0 filed 20
August 2013, UK patent application GB1320511.7 filed 20 November 2013
and UK patent application GB1320712.1 filed 22 November 2013.
The present invention relates to a bracing member for use with a body support
unit. More particularly, the bracing member is for use with a body support
unit
comprising a plurality of columns of interconnected fluid-fillable cells.
Further,
the present invention relates to a body support unit, a column and a body
support platform.
In W02012/049481, the present applicant disclosed a body support platform
comprising a plurality of body support units. Each body support unit comprises
a plurality of columns, each column comprising a stack of fluid-fillable
substantially spherical resilient balls. Each ball of a respective column is
physically and fluidly connected to the adjacent ball(s) within said column,
such that a column may be compressed substantially independently of a
neighbouring column. A base provides a primary fluid reservoir and the
columns are arranged in an array across the base. The columns are
connected to the base such that the lowermost ball of each respective column
is directly fluidly connected to the primary fluid reservoir. The uppermost
ball
of the respective columns collectively define a body support surface.
W02012/049481 discloses various other advantages of the arrangement.
In W02013/114126, the applicant disclosed an improvement to the
arrangement in W02012/049481, comprising a tie arrangement. The tie
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
2
arrangement comprises a tie member having at least one retention aperture
configured to be releasably connected to a column at a point of reduced
diameter ("neck") between two neighbouring cells. A benefit of the tie
arrangement is that it serves to constrain relative sideways movement of the
columns of cells, without adversely affecting the behaviour of the columns.
Connecting parallel and neighbouring tie members together serves to reinforce
the body support platform and reduce or prevent lozenging of the body support
unit.
Although the tie members disclosed in W02013/114126 serve effectively to
constrain relative sideways movement of the columns, the applicant has
developed a further improvement in the form of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a bracing member for use with a
body support unit, the bracing member defining a lower surface having a
plurality of series of interconnected discrete voids extending substantially
vertically from the lower surface into the body, each series of voids to
retain a
respective column of interconnected fluid-fillable cells, in use.
Preferably, the bracing member further defines an upper surface.
Preferably, the upper surface is planar and provides a body support surface.
Preferably, the plurality of series of interconnected discrete voids extend
from
the lower surface to the upper surface.
Preferably, the bracing member is composed of a plurality of bracing
components.
Preferably, the bracing components are arranged in substantially horizontal
layers to define the bracing member, each bracing component having a
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
3
substantially horizontal mating face, wherein at least some bracing
components further have a plurality of apertures through the component which
together define said series of voids.
Preferably, the substantially horizontal mating face passes through at least
one void.
Preferably, each bracing component is provided with a matrix of apertures
therethrough, wherein the respective apertures of neighbouring bracing
components are axially aligned, the diameter of the apertures in one bracing
component being different to the diameter of the apertures in an at least one
neighbouring bracing component, such that a series of axially aligned
apertures together define said series of interconnected discrete voids..
Preferably, the apertures in the bracing components are substantially
cylindrical.
Preferably, the bracing components are arranged side-by-side to define the
bracing member, each bracing component having a substantially vertical
mating face.
Preferably, the longitudinal axis of at least one series of voids lies in the
plane
of the mating face.
Preferably, the upper surface comprises a plurality of protrusions extending
therefrom, each protrusion surrounding the uppermost void of a respective
series of voids, a top portion of the protrusions collectively defining a body
support surface, wherein the upper surface of the bracing member does not
contact a user in use.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
4
Preferably, the plurality of series of voids are arranged in the member in a
matrix.
Preferably, the bracing member is a unitary item.
Preferably, the voids are substantially spherical.
Preferably, the inside surface of each series of voids is coated with a fluid-
impermeable material to define a discrete column of interconnected fluid-
filled
cells therein.
Preferably, the coating is Latex.
Preferably, the bracing member is resilient.
Preferably, the bracing member is comprised of foam.
Preferably, the bracing member has a substantially uniform density.
Preferably, the bracing member further comprises at least one ventilation
channel fluidly connected between an upper surface and the lower surface of
the bracing member.
Preferably, the bracing member further comprises a base, wherein the bracing
member is attachable to the base.
Preferably, the base comprises a plurality of air supply ports, each air
supply
port for fluid connection with a respective column of interconnected fluid-
fillable
cells, in use.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
Preferably, the body support unit further comprises a column of interconnected
fluid-fillable cells received within each respective series of voids.
Preferably, the series of voids are shaped to as to substantially correspond
to
5 the columns of interconnected fluid-fillable cells.
Preferably, the voids are shaped so as to substantially correspond to the
shape of the cells.
Preferably, the cells are substantially spherical when filled with fluid and
the
voids are sized so as to correspond substantially to the spherical outer
surface
of a cell in use, such that is there is substantially no gap between the inner
surface of the voids and the outer surface of the cells.
Preferably, a retaining band is provided around the neck between two
neighbouring cells of the column, to constrain the neck when the column is
inflated.
The present invention further provides a body support platform having a
plurality of body support units embodying the invention.
The present invention further provides a body support unit comprising:
a bracing member having a plurality of recesses extending from a lower
surface into the bracing member; and
a plurality of columns, each comprising a series of interconnected fluid-
fillable cells,
wherein each column is retained within a respective recess.
Preferably, the recesses are substantially cylindrical.
Preferably, the recesses are blind recesses.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
6
Preferably, the recesses extend from the lower surface through to an upper
surface of the bracing member.
Preferably, the cells of each column are substantially spherical when filled
with
fluid.
Preferably, the diameter of the cells of each column, when filled with fluid,
is
larger than the diameter of the inner surface of the respective recess, such
that the bracing member adjacent the cells is at least partially locally
deformed
when the column is filled with fluid.
Preferably, the resiliency of the columns, when inflated, is different to the
resiliency of the bracing member.
Preferably, at least a portion of the resilient member adjacent one edge is
not
provided with recesses, to define a border.
Preferably, adjacent cells in a column are fluidly connected by a neck, and a
discrete retaining band is provided around the neck, so as to constrain the
neck when the column is filled with fluid.
The present invention further provides a column for a body support unit,
comprising a series of interconnected fluid-fillable cells, in which adjacent
cells
are fluidly connected by a neck, the column being provided with a discrete
retaining band at each neck, so as to constrain the neck when the column is
filled with fluid.
Preferably, the retaining band is resilient.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
7
The present invention further provides a former comprising a series of cups
connected together by neck forming portions.
Preferably, the cups are substantially spherical and the neck forming portions
are substantially cylindrical.
Preferably, the space envelope of the cross-section of the cups is
substantially
semi-circular.
The present invention further provides a method of forming a column of
interconnected fluid-fillable cells, comprising:
providing a former comprising a series of cups connected together by
neck forming portions; and
moulding material over the former.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the figures in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracing member embodying the
present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of the bracing member shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of a further bracing member embodying the
present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of another bracing member embodying the
present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bracing component of a bracing
member embodying the present invention;
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
8
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section of the bracing component of figure 6;
Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section of part of a bracing member embodying the
present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a cross-section of a part of another bracing member
embodying the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a cross-section of a body support unit embodying the
present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a cross-section of another body support unit embodying
the present invention;
Figure 11 illustrates a cross-section of a still further body support unit
embodying the present invention;
Figure 12 schematically illustrates a column embodying the present invention,
for use with a body support unit;
Figure 13 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of a bracing
member embodying the present invention;
Figure 14 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of another
bracing
member embodying the present invention;
Figure 15 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of another
bracing
member embodying the present invention;
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
9
Figure 16 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of another
bracing
member embodying the present invention;
Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a former embodying the present
invention
Figure 18 illustrates the former of figure 17 from one side.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a body support unit 1 incorporating a bracing
member 2 and base 3.
The bracing member 2 comprises a lower surface 4 and an upper surface 5. A
plurality of series 6 of interconnected discrete voids 7 extend substantially
vertically from the lower surface 4 into the body 2. In this embodiment, the
only connection between the series 6 of interconnected discrete voids 7 with
the outer surfaces of the bracing member 2 is with the lower surface 4. In the
embodiment shown in figure 2, the lower 4 and upper 5 surfaces are
substantially planar and horizontal in use.
In the embodiment shown in figure 2, each series 6 of interconnected discrete
voids 7 comprises three voids 7. This is not essential. There may be any
number of voids 7 (though at least two) in the series 6. Each of the voids 7
is
connected to a neighbouring void 7 by a neck portion 8. The lowermost void 7
is connected to the lower surface 4 of the bracing member 3 by a port 9. The
diameter, form and/or configuration of the port 9 are substantially the same
as
that of the neck 8. In the embodiment shown, the voids 7 are substantially
spherical.
The plurality of series 6 of voids 7 are preferably arranged within the member
2 in a matrix. With reference to the bracing member 2 illustrated in figure 1,
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
the series 6 of voids 7 may be arranged in a 4 X 4 array across the lower
surface 4 of the bracing member 2. The series 6 of voids 7 are preferably
arranged in uniform rows and columns.
5 The bracing member 2 of figure 2 may be manufactured from a block of
material, in which the series 6 of voids 7 are then created by removing
material. Material may be removed by drilling, milling, scrapping, melting
etc.
Alternatively, the bracing member 2 may be formed by moulding. A mould may
comprise a substantially cube-shaped chamber, into which formers are
10 inserted. Each former comprises a series of spheres arranged on a rod.
Molten material is introduced into the mould to form the bracing member. Once
cured and/or expanded, the moulded bracing member 2 comprises a series 6
of voids 7 which conform to the shape of the former. Alternatively, the
columns
10 of interconnected fluid-fillable cells 11 can be used as the formers. After
curing of the material, the columns 10 are either left in place, and
subsequently de/inflated, or removed.
Each series 6 of voids 7 is configured to retain a column 10 of interconnected
fluid-fillable cells 11 therein. Preferably, a column 10 of fluid-fillable
cells 11 is
shaped so as to substantially correspond to the shape of the series 6 of voids
7. This is to say, in an embodiment when the voids 7 are substantially
spherical in shape, having a predetermined diameter; the fluid-fillable cells
11
have a corresponding spherical shape with a corresponding predetermined
diameter. In one embodiment, the diameter of the inner surface of the voids 7
may be slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the fluid-
fillable
cells 11 of the column 10.
In one embodiment, the column 10 of cells 11 is manufactured as a discrete
item, separate to the bracing member 2. During assembly, the column 10 is
inserted into the series 6 of voids 7 and then subsequently inflated. During
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
11
inflation, the fluid causes the fluid-fillable cells 11 to expand so as to
fill, or
substantially fill, the voids 7 of the series 6.
In one embodiment, the discrete column 10 of interconnected fluid-fillable
cells
11 is secured to the inner surface of the series 6 of voids 7, preferably by
gluing.
In an alternative arrangement, the columns 10 of cells 11 may be formed, in
situ, within the series 6 of voids 7 by coating the inner surface of the voids
7
with a fluid- impermeable material. The coating may be provided by spraying
the inner surface of the voids 7, by dipping or by any other methods of
coating
a surface. Alternatively, the columns 10 of cells 11 may be formed first,
around which is then provided the bracing member 2. For example, as noted
above, the plurality of columns 10 of cells 11 may be arranged in a mould and
the mould is then filled with foam, or other material, to form the bracing
member 2 around the columns 10. Preferably, the coating is Latex. It may
also be any other airtight (fluid impermeable) stretchable (resilient)
mouldable
membrane.
Preferably, the fluid-fillable cells 11 are resilient, such that they stretch
when
pressure is applied to them (either by internal fluid pressure or an external
force).
The bracing member 2 is also preferably resilient. In one embodiment, the
bracing member 2 is comprised of foam. The bracing member 2 preferably
has substantially uniform density. In another embodiment, the density of the
bracing member 2 may vary across the bracing member 2. For example, a
lower part of the bracing member 2, closest to the lower surface 4, may be
more resilient than the part of the bracing member 2 at the top of the bracing
member, closer to the upper surface 5.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135 PCT/GB2014/052502
12
Figure 3 shows an alternative bracing member 12. The bracing member 12 is
illustrated without a column 10 of cells 11, for clarity. The upper surface 5
of
the bracing member 12 comprises a plurality of protrusions 13 extending
therefrom. Each protrusion 13 surrounds the uppermost void 7 of a respective
series 6 of voids 7. The top portions of the protrusions 13 collectively
define a
body support surface for supporting a human, in use. Preferably, the upper
surface 5 of the bracing member 13 does not contact a user in use. In the
embodiment shown, the upper surface 5 is substantially co-planar with the
equator of the uppermost void 7 of each respective series 6. The upper
surface 5 may terminate above or below the point shown in figure 3. A benefit
of the bracing member 12 illustrated in figure 3 is that the surface area of
the
bracing member 12 which contacts a user in use is reduced as compared to
the bracing member 2 shown in figure 2. An advantage of this arrangement is
that air may circulate between the protrusions 13, aiding to cool the user.
Figure 4 shows another bracing member 22 embodying the present invention.
The bracing member 22 is substantially identical to the bracing member 2
shown in figure 2, apart from the addition of a plurality of ventilation
channels
23 which fluidly connect between the upper surface 5 and lower surface 4 of
the bracing member 22. The ventilation channels 23 are not fluidly connected
to the series 6 of voids 7. In use, air (which may be heated or cooled as
appropriate) is provided through the ventilation channels 23 for supply to the
upper surface 5. Ventilation channels may be adopted with the bracing
member 12 shown in figure 3, or any of the bracing members embodying the
present invention.
The bracing members 2, 12, 22 illustrated in figures 1-4 are preferably
unitary
items. In an alternative arrangement, shown in figures 5 and 6, the bracing
member may comprise a plurality of individual and discrete bracing
components 30. Figure 6 illustrate a cross-section of the bracing component
30 of figure 5. Each of the substantially vertical side surfaces 31 of the
bracing
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135 PCT/GB2014/052502
13
component 30 is provided with a series 32 of depressions 33. Each
depression 33 is substantially hemispherical. When two bracing components
30 are arranged side-by-side, the respective depressions 33 of neighbouring
bracing components 30 define a series 6 of voids 7 such as those illustrated
in
figure 2. As a consequence, the longitudinal axis of a least one series 6 of
voids 7 lies in the plane of the mating face 31. It will be appreciated from
figure 6 that the bracing component 30 used at the ends of the bracing
member will only have depressions 33 provided on one side face 31.
A benefit of the arrangement illustrated in figures 5 and 6 is that there are
no
internal surfaces or voids. All of the depressions 33 open out towards a
surface of the bracing component 30. The bracing component 30 illustrated in
figure 6 may therefore be easier to manufacture. In an embodiment where the
columns of fluid-fillable cells are provided by coating the surface of the
bracing
component 30 with a fluid impermeable material, coating of the bracing
component 30 is much more easily performed, since all of the surfaces to be
coated are external. Any surface finishing (e.g. deburring) is also easier to
perform.
In an alternative arrangement, the plurality of bracing components may be
arranged in substantially horizontal layers to define the bracing member 2. In
this alternative arrangement, each component has a substantially horizontal
mating face. The mating face of this alternative bracing component may be
co-planar with a neck 8 of the series 6 of voids 7 or the equator of each void
7
of a series 6.
As illustrated in figure 2, the body support unit 1 further comprises a base
3,
(not shown in figures 3-6 for clarity). The bracing member 2 is attachable to
the base 3. In one embodiment, the bracing member 2 may be glued to the
base 3. Alternatively, since the diameter of the outer surface of the
lowermost
cell 11 of a column 10 is larger than the port 9, inflation of the column 10
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
14
serves to retain the column 10 within the voids 7. If the column 10 is secured
to the base 3, the consequence is that the bracing member 2 is also secured
relative to the base 3. The bracing member 2 may be secured to the base 3
(additionally or primarily) by a resilient outer sheath (not shown) or any
other
suitable arrangement.
The base 3 comprises a plurality of air supply ports 40, each air supply port
40
for fluid connection with a respective column 10 of interconnected fluid-
fillable
cells 11. In use, fluid (e.g. air) is supplied to an inner plenum of the base
3 to
act as a reservoir, which is then supplied to the cells 11 of the column 10
through the port 40 of the base and port 9 of the series 6 of voids 7.
Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section of part of a body support unit embodying
the present invention. A cross section of part of the base 3 is shown, with an
air supply port 40. The lower part of the column 10 is also shown, with the
cells 11 being substantially of the same form as the voids 7. In
the
arrangement shown in figure 7, the column 10 extends out of the port 9 of the
bracing member 42 and along a part of the lower surface 4. The lower end of
the column 10 effectively creates a flange 44. The diameter of the flange 44
is
preferably larger than the diameter of the port 9. The flange 44 is also
preferably larger than the air supply port 40 of the base 3. As a consequence,
when the base 3 is engaged with the bracing member 42, the flange 44 serves
to fluidly seal the air supply port 40 with the cells 11 of the columns 10.
The
flange 44 may be glued to the upper surface of the base 3 to prevent leakage.
Any other means of connecting the bracing member 42 to the base 3 may be
adopted to create a sufficient fluid seal between the column 10 and the base
3.
A benefit of the arrangement shown in figure 7 is that all of the respective
air
supply ports 40 of the base 3 may be simultaneously fluidly connected to each
of the respective columns 10 simply by engaging the bracing member 42
against the upper surface of the base 3.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
The arrangement shown in figure 7 may either comprise a discrete column 10,
as described above, or an integrated column 10 which has been provided by
coating the surface of the bracing member 42, also as described above.
5 Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement, in which the lower part
of the
column 10 is mechanically secured to a grommet 45 provided in (either
separately or as part of) the air supply port 40 of the base 3. The lower part
of
the column 10 may be held on the grommet 45 by suitable means, such as
gluing or a mechanical clip (not shown). A cut out 46 is provided in the lower
10 part of the bracing member 43 so as to accommodate the parts of the
mechanical connection between the column 10 and the grommet 45.
Preferably, the cut out 46 is large enough so as to accommodate the
components but not so large so as not to provide adequate support to the cells
11 of the column 10 in use. The arrangement shown in figure 8 preferably
15 comprises a discrete column 10, which is first attached to the grommet
45.
The columns 10 are then inserted into and received within the series 6 of
voids
7. The columns 10 are then inflated so as to substantially fill the voids 7 of
the
series 6.
It will be appreciated that various other alternatives to the arrangements
shown in figures 7 and 8 are possible. For example, the grommet 45 may be
integrally formed with the lower part of the column 10, and provided with a
thread on the outer surface of the grommet, which is received in a
correspondingly threaded part of the air inlet port 40 of the base 3.
A benefit of the present invention over, for example, the separate tie
arrangement disclosed in W02013/114126, is that it provides a single support
structure for the plurality of columns. A bracing member embodying the
present invention contacts the cells of the columns substantially across their
entire surface area, therefore effectively controlling (restraining) the
expansion
and movement of the columns.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135 PCT/GB2014/052502
16
The provision of the series of voids (preferably spherical) to retain a column
of
a plurality of cells is advantageous over the provision of a single
cylindrical
column in a cylindrical void since it serves substantially to provide the same
benefits as the arrangement of W02012/049481. The provision of a plurality
of cells increases the downwards-facing surface area of the column, which
engages the upwards-facing surfaces of the voids of the bracing member.
The provision of a plurality of cells provides the necessary resiliency whilst
still
maintaining adequate strength and support in the body support platform.
In the embodiments described above, the voids 7 are preferably substantially
spherical, having a predetermined diameter. Preferably, the voids 7 are sized
so as to correspond substantially to the spherical outer surface of a cell 10
of a
column 11.
Although preferred, this arrangement is not essential. A part of an
alternative,
composite, bracing member 72 is illustrated in figure 13. In this embodiment,
the bracing member 72 is comprised of a plurality of discrete planar bracing
components 72a, 72b.
Each of the bracing components 72a, 72b is provided with a matrix of
cylindrical apertures 73a, 73b extending from a top surface through to a
bottom surface. The diameter of the apertures 73a, 73b in one of the bracing
components 72a, 72b is different to the diameter of the apertures 73b, 73a in
the other of the bracing components 72b, 72a.
When a plurality of the bracing components 72a, 72b are alternately arranged
on top of one another, they effectively define a series of interconnected
discrete cylindrical voids, wherein adjacent voids are connected by a
cylindrical neck of narrower diameter. Accordingly, the shape of the recess
formed by the series of differing apertures 73a, 73b of the individual bracing
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
17
components 72a, 72b loosely conforms to the shape of the column 10 of
interconnected cells 11.
As illustrated schematically in figure 13, the alternate diameters of the
apertures 73a, 73b of the bracing components 72a, 72b serve to loosely follow
the outer profile of the column 10. Accordingly, as the column 10 is inflated
(filled with fluid such as air), the walls of the apertures 73a, 73b serve to
retain
the column 10 in the recess. Conveniently, the smaller diameter 73b of the
bracing component 72b serves to prevent over inflation or "bulging" of the
neck
of the column 10 between the cells 11.
As the column is filled with fluid, the top and bottom rims of the apertures
73b
are caused to deform by the expansion of the cells, as depicted in figure 13.
Likewise, the centre of the aperture 73a is caused to deform.
In figure 13, the top of each column of cells protrudes from the top of the
upper
surface of the bracing member, so as to contact the user in use.
Figure 14 shows a further bracing member 82 embodying the present
invention. The bracing member 82 comprises a plurality of bracing
components 82a, 82b, 82c. In the embodiment shown, each bracing
component 82a, 82b, 82c is substantially identical in thickness. Preferably,
the
thickness of a bracing component 82 is sized so as to substantially correspond
to the height of a cell 11 of a column 10 with which the bracing member 82 is
used.
Each bracing component 82 comprises a plurality of apertures 83. Preferably,
the apertures 83 are cylindrical. Preferably, the diameter of each aperture 83
is
identical, across all bracing components 82. The diameter of the aperture may
be substantially equal to, or smaller than, the diameter of the cell 11 of the
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
18
column 10 when inflated, as discussed above in connection with other
embodiments.
The bracing member 82 further comprises a plurality of ties 85. Each tie 85 is
substantially planar, and has a plurality of apertures 86. The diameter of the
apertures 86 of the tie 85 is smaller than the diameter of the aperture 83 of
the
bracing components 82. Preferably, the diameter of the apertures 86 of the tie
85 is sized so as substantially to correspond to the diameter of the neck of
the
column 10 between two adjacent cells 11.
The ties 85 are arranged between adjacent bracing components 82. The
centre of the aperture 86 of the tie 85 is preferably aligned/coaxial with the
centre of the aperture 83 of the bracing components 82. The ties 85 may be
secured to the surfaces of the bracing components 82 (e.g. by gluing). They
may alternatively or additionally by held in place by a frame surrounding the
body support unit.
The tie 85 may be resilient and/or flexible. The tie 85 may substantially take
the form as that illustrated in figure 3 and disclosed in W02013/114126 to the
applicant.
The resiliency of each of the bracing components 82 may be the same, or
different. For example, the top bracing component 82a may be less resilient
than the lower bracing component 82b.
The present invention provides a bracing member for use with a body support
unit, the bracing member comprising a plurality of bracing components
arranged in layers, wherein a substantially planar tie (retaining sheet) is
provided between adjacent bracing components, the bracing components and
the planar ties comprising a plurality of apertures, the diameter of the
apertures of the bracing components being greater than the diameter of the
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
19
apertures of the ties, wherein the centre of the apertures of the bracing
components is substantially aligned with the centre of the corresponding
apertures of the ties. In use, the aligned apertures of the bracing components
and the ties retain a respective column of interconnected fluid-fillable cell
therein.
The combination of the bracing components 82a, 82b, 82c, and the ties 85
form a series of interconnected discrete voids. Each void is created by the
aperture 83 of the bracing component 82a,b,c and the ties 85 arranged either
side of that aperture 83.
Figure 15 illustrates another bracing member 102 embodying the present
invention. The bracing member 102 is comprised of a plurality of bracing
components 102a, 102b. Each of the bracing components 102a, 102b
comprises an aperture 103, which has a substantially hemispherical surface.
The apertures 103 of two neighbouring bracing components 102a, 102b
together define a substantially spherical void, which receives a spherical
cell of
a column in use. The mating faces of the bracing components 102a, 102b
respectively intersect the neck 8 of the column or the equator of the cell of
the
column 10.
A benefit of the arrangement of figure 15 is that the bracing components 102a,
102b, and particularly the apertures 103 therein, are relatively easy to
manufacture, since the hemispherical aperture is always 'open' to one surface
of the bracing component 102a, 102b.
Figure 16 illustrates another bracing member 92 embodying the present
invention. The bracing member 92 is comprised of a plurality of bracing
components 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d, 92e etc. Each bracing component 92a-x
comprises an aperture 93. Preferably, the apertures 93 are substantially
cylindrical, aiding manufacture. The diameter of the aperture 93 in one
bracing
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
component 92a-x differs to that of the neighbouring bracing component 92a-x.
Collectively, the apertures 93 of all the bracing components 92a-x define an
inner surface which closely conforms to that of the column 10 of cells 11.
Therefore, even when the aperture 93 is substantially cylindrical, the thinner
5 the bracing component 92a-x and the more bracing components 92a-x there
are, the more closely the collective inner surface will conform to the non-
cylindrical outer surface of the column 10. It will be noted, for example,
that the
inner surface of the apertures 93 of the arrangement in Figure 16 more closely
conforms to the outer surface of the column than do the apertures 73a, 73b of
10 the arrangement disclosed in Figure 13.
In the embodiments illustrated in figures 2 to 6 and 13 to 16 there is
provided a
series of interconnected discrete voids extending substantially vertically
from
the lower surface into the body.
In the embodiments comprising a plurality of bracing components arranged
together to form a bracing member, the bracing components may be secured
together by gluing their respective mating surfaces. Alternatively, they may
be
held together by securing a band or sheath around the outside of the bracing
member. In another embodiment, the bracing components may be
mechanically secured by pegs or by inserting a pin through separate, axially
aligned, apertures in each of the bracing components. In another embodiment,
the bracing components may not be secured together. Instead, the insertion
and subsequent inflation of the column, alone, serves to retain the bracing
components in place.
With reference to figures 9 to 11, the present invention further provides a
body
support unit comprising: a bracing member having a plurality of recesses
extending from a lower surface into the bracing member; and a plurality of
columns, each comprising a series of interconnected fluid-fillable cells,
wherein each column is retained within a respective recess.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
21
Figure 9 illustrates, in cross-section, a body support unit 50 comprising a
bracing member 52. The bracing member 52 comprises a plurality of recesses
53 extending from the lower surface into the bracing member 52. The body
support unit 50 further comprises a plurality of columns 10, such as those
operable to be retained within the bracing member 2 shown in figure 2. A
column 10 is retained within each recess 53 of the bracing member 52.
Preferably, the recess 53 is substantially cylindrical. In the arrangement
shown in figures 9 and 10, the recess 53 is a blind recess. In figure 11, the
recess 63 extends from a lower surface to an upper surface of the bracing
member 62 ¨ i.e. it is a through hole.
In all embodiments, the cells 11 of the column 10 are substantially spherical
when inflated (filled with fluid).
In one embodiment, the diameter of the cells 11, when inflated, substantially
equals the diameter of the inner surface of the recess 53, 63.
In an alternative arrangement, illustrated in figure 10, the diameter of the
cells
11 of each column 10, when inflated, is larger than the diameter of the inner
surface of the respective recess 53, such that the bracing member 52 adjacent
the cells 11 is at least partially locally deformed by the inflation of the
column
10.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the local deformation of the bracing
member 52 adjacent the column 10 adds additional resiliency to the body
support unit, in addition to that provided by the column 10. As the bracing
member 52 is compressed by a force acting vertically downwards (for example
by a user sitting or laying on the body support unit), the fluid-filled column
10
provides resiliency against the vertical force, in reaction to the force. When
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135 PCT/GB2014/052502
22
under force, there is a tendency of the cells 11 of the column 10 to expand
further. With the arrangement of figure 10, the local deformation of the
bracing
member 52 serves to limit any additional expansion of the cells 11 of the
column 10, by increasing the resiliency. Effectively, the resiliency of the
cells
of the columns combines or compounds with the resiliency of the bracing
member.
A further advantage of the arrangement in figure 10 is that the local
deformation of the bracing member 52 adjacent the cells 11 causes friction at
the interface of the cells 11 with the inner surface of the recess 53.
Accordingly, in use, relative movement between the cells 11 of the column 10
and the inner surface of the recess 53 will be resisted by this friction.
The bracing members 52, 62, 72 of figures 9, 10, 11 and 13 may have similar
properties and methods of assembly or manufacture as those described above
and illustrated in figures 2 to 6. For example, the bracing members 52, 62, 72
may have similar properties of resiliency and/or density as those described
above. Similarly, the bracing members may further comprise ventilation
channels and/or may be comprised of a plurality of bracing components which
together form a composite bracing member.
An advantage of the bracing member 2 of figure 2 having a series of
interconnected voids is that it closely conforms to the outer shape of the
cells
11 of the column 10. Accordingly, when a vertical force is applied to the
arrangement 1 shown in figure 2, the bracing member 2 serves to provide a
substantially equal retaining force over the outer surface of the column 10.
This prevents any over-expansion, or "bulging" of any part of the column 10.
Since the recesses 53, 63 in the bracing members 52, 62, shown in figures 9
to 11 do not substantially conform to the outer surface of the column 10,
there
is a risk of over expansion/bulging when a force is applied to the column 10.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
23
Accordingly, figure 12 shows a column 10 for a body support unit, comprising
a series of interconnected fluid-fillable cells 11, in which adjacent cells 11
are
fluidly connected by a neck 12. The column 10 may be the same as that
shown in figure 2.
The column 10 is additionally provided with a discrete retaining band 100 at
each neck 12, so as to constrain the neck 12 when the column 10 is inflated.
Preferably, the retaining band 100 is resilient. Preferably, the resiliency of
the
retaining band 100 is greater than the resiliency of the material used to
manufacture the column 10.
The advantage of the arrangement shown in figure 12 is that, as the column is
inflated, or an external force is placed on the column, over inflation or
"bulging"
of the neck 12 is prevented by the retaining band 100. Advantageously, the
use of the retaining bands 100 helps the cells 11 of the column 10 to keep
their substantially spherical shape. The
retaining bands 100 preferably
provide adequate support to the necks 12 of the column 10 such that the
column 10 may be used with a substantially cylindrical recess 53 of the
bracing member 52 shown in figure 9; without needing a bracing member such
as that shown in figure 2.
It should be noted that Figures 13 to 16 illustrate only a section of the
bracing
member, for clarity. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the bracing
members have a plurality of apertures and are of the same or similar
dimensions and proportions to that shown in Figure 1. Likewise, the bracing
members would preferably be arranged on top of a reservoir such as that
demonstrated in figure 2, to form a body support unit.
Former and method of manufacturing a column
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
24
According to another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a method of
manufacturing a column of interconnected fluid-fillable cells, and an
associated
former.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a former 120 according to one embodiment. The
former 120 comprises a series of cups 121 connected together. Each cup 121
defines an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 123. Preferably the inner
122 and outer 123 surfaces are concentric with one another. Preferably, the
inner 122 and outer 123 surfaces are generally spherical.
The top surface of the cup, at the intersection of the inner 122 and outer 123
surfaces, defines an annulus 124, wherein the radius of the annulus 124
substantially corresponds to the radius of spherical curvature of the inner
122
and outer 123 surfaces. In other words, the annulus 124 is substantially
coterminous with the equator (great circle) of the spherical surface of the
outer/inner surface of the cup 121.
The inner 122 and outer 123 surfaces of each cup 121 are configured such
that material can be formed/moulded over them. Once the material has cured,
the former 120 can be removed and the formed article can be inflated to create
a substantially spherical object. Before inflation, the article effectively
comprises two flexible concave parts of material lying against each other.
When inflated, one of the concave parts of material is caused to become
convex by the inflation.
Each of the neighbouring cups 121 of the former 120 is joined together by a
neck forming portion 125. In one embodiment, the neck forming portion 125
defines a channel having an inner 126 and outer 127 surface. Preferably the
inner 126 and outer 127 surfaces of the neck forming portion 125 are
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
concentric with one another. Preferably, the inner 126 and outer 127 surfaces
of the neck forming portion 125 are generally cylindrical.
The inner 126 and outer 127 surfaces of the neck forming portion 125 are
5 configured such that material can be formed/moulded over them. Once the
material has cured, the former 120 can be removed and the formed article can
be inflated to create a substantially tubular object. Before inflation, the
article
effectively comprises two flexible `trough-shaped' parts of material lying
against each other. When inflated, one of the parts is caused to move away
10 from the other part, to define a cylindrical object (the neck).
Collectively, the plurality of cups 121 connected in a series with
corresponding
neck forming portions 125 allow the creation of an inflatable column 10
comprising a plurality of cells 11 (preferably balls) connected to one another
by
15 substantially cylindrical necks 8, such as that shown in figure 12.
The shape of the former 120 is particularly advantageous when removing a
formed column 10 from the former 120. It will be appreciated that, along the
length of the formed column 11, there are areas of large cross section (the
20 equator the cells 11) and areas of small cross-section (the necks 8).
When
removing the moulded column 10 from the former 120, it is necessary to
'stretch' the parts of the column with small cross-sections (the necks) over
the
parts of the former with larger cross-sections (the cups 121), to remove the
column 10 from the former. The space envelope occupied by a cup 121 is
25 approximately half that of a sphere.
Referring to Figure 18, it will be noted that the former 120 allows the column
10 to be removed whilst minimising the extent to which the necks of the
column 10 need to stretched.
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135
PCT/GB2014/052502
26
The alternative would be to provide a former comprising a plurality of spheres
connected together. If that alternative former was used, the neck of the
formed
column would need to stretch around the entire circumference of the spheres,
which could damage the material of the neck of the column. By comparison,
with the former 120 illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the neck only needs to
be
stretched over a hemisphere, reducing the risk of damage.
The present invention also provides a body support platform comprising a
plurality of body support units. In one embodiment, a body support platform
comprises an array of body support units, in an X x Y matrix. In one
embodiment, a body support platform may be 3 units wide by 5 units long (15
units in total). The body support platform preferably comprises a frame on
which the body support units are supported (directly or indirectly). In one
embodiment, there may be a single bracing member for the body support
platform. The single bracing member may receive the columns of a plurality of
body support units. That is to say that the columns of neighbouring body
support units (each having a discrete air supply and/or reservoir) are
effectively held relative to one another by a single bracing member embodying
the present invention.
Any references to "fluid" preferably refer to air, but other gases or liquids
are
suitable.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and
"comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or
integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the
presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims,
or
the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a
means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for
CA 02958162 2017-02-14
WO 2015/025135 PCT/GB2014/052502
27
attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any
combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in
diverse
forms thereof.
