Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CUSTOM ADJUSTABLE MATTRESS 5UPPORT
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FIELD OF THE I~VE~TION
This invention is directed to a novel inflat-
able adjustable mattress support and leveller. Moreparticularly, this invention is directed to a mattress
support and leveller in the form o a bladder which can
be selectively inflated in specific discrete areas to
provide custom enhanced support in corresponding areas
of a mattress which overlays the mattress support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIO~I
Mankind, during the course of sleeping or
resting for thousands of years, has reclined on a wide
lS variety o~ surfaces and supports. In western civiliza-
tions, the most commonly used apparatus upon which a
person sleeps is a mattress, or a mattress and an under-
lying boxspring. A wide variety of types of mattresses
have been developPd, including coil spring mattresses of
various grades of firmness, mattresses stuffed with
various resilient materials, air inflated mattresses and
water supported mattresses. With the advancement of
medicine, it has become established that the type and
quality of a mattress upon which a person reclines,
particularly if the person has a back problem, or some
other handicap, is extremely important. It is widely
accepted that a firm mattress is more beneficial than a
soft mattress for such persons. The firm mattress holds
the user's spine in a straighter line, which is benefi-
cial. Nevertheless, even expensive mattresses do notprovide ideal support or a person with a back problem,
or a person with some other handicap, especially after
prolonged use.
Mattresses that are used in institutions such
as hospitals, golden age homes, and the like, do not
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have the capabili~y of being selectively supportive of
specific areas of the recliner's body. As a general
rule, the mattresses used by these institutions, and
also those used by the inhabitants of residences, are of
the same firmness throughou-t, and do not provide selec-
tive degrees of firmness for specific areas of the
mattress .
Since the weight of each person sleeping on a
mattress varies and is not evenly distributed over the
area of the mattress, certain areas of the mattress,
particularly the areas around the shoulders and hip
regions oE the recliner, tend to break down more rapidly
than other areas of the mattress. As a consequence, the
mattress must be discarded, even though certain areas of
the mat~ress which do not endure the same weight, are
still fully functional.
The applicant is aware of the following
patents which disclose inventions that are more or less
pertinent to the subject invention.
United States
Patent Number Inventors Issue Date
4,467,484 Magatake et al. Aug. 29, 1984
4,357,724 Laforest Nov. 9t 1982
4,206,322 Young et al. Dec. 22, 1981
3,242,511 Ful-t~ et al. Mar. 29, 1966
252,822,544 Wenzelberger Feb. 11, 1958
2,000,873 Arens May 7, 1935
The Laforest, Arens and Fultz patents all
disclose inflatable bladders having a central cavity
therein for insertion in conventional mattresses.
None of the foregoing patents discloses an inflatable
bladder with separate inflation chambers for individual
inflation.
In the Laforest patent, the protrusions in the
core provide mattress stability while permitting adjust-
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m~nt of the degree of firmness by inflating the pneu-
matic core to a suitable pressure by means o~ valves. - -
Arens, in his patent, discloses a mattresshaving a pneumatic core which has the appearance of a
conventional stuffed mattress and incorporates an
inflatable flexible core in the interior thereof.
Fu1tz et al. disclose an inf1atab1e bladder
having a central cavity therein, but the entire surface
of the bladder is porous.
Wenzelberger, on the other hand, discloses a
pillow or cushion which is formed of foamed resilient
material. The material is cast around an inflatable a;r
tube/bladder.
Nagatake:et al. disclose a pneumatic cushion
made from a thin elastic sheet which can be repeatedly
infLated. It includes a board to isolate ~he wel~ed
portion from tension forces.
SUMMARY OF THE I~VE~TIO~
The invention is directed to a multiple cham-
bered pneumatically inflatable bladder ~or use as a
mattress support comprising: (a) a first individual
discrete pneumatically inflatable chamber; (b) a second
individual di~crete pneumatically inflatable chamber;
(c) a ~hird individual discrete pneumatically inflatable
chamber; and (d~ separate inflation valvP means for each
chamber, said inflation valve means being operable for
inflation and closab7e after the chamber has been
inflated pneumatically.
. The bladder may include a fourth individual
di~crete pneumatically inflatable chamber and it may be
of a general oval shape. Each o~ the cha~bers may have
a generally diamond shape, the chambers being arranged
adjacent tv one another.
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In the bladder, the first cham~er (a) may be
located in the interior area of the bladder and may be
of a diamond shape, there may be at least six of the
second chamber type, three of which are disposed on one
side of the first chamber, and the other three disposed
on the opposite side of -the first chamber, the groups of
the second type chambers being disposed adjacent to one
another. The third type chamber may comprise at least
two such chambers, one disposed on one side of the
second chamber type, and the other disposed on the
opposite side of the second chamber type.
In the bladder, there may be at least three of
each chamber type, the chambers being of a general
rectangular shape, and the chambers being arranged
adjacent to one another in rows. The bladder may have a
generally rectangular ~hape.
In the bladder, separate elongated tubes may
be connected to each of the valve means connected to
each individual chamber, each individual chamber being
inflatable by the tube that is specifically connected to
the specific chamber and its valve means.
In the bladder, the first type of chamber may
be i.nflated to one level of air pressure, the second
type of cham~er may be inflated to a second level of air
pressure different than the first level of air pressure,
and the third type of cham~er may be inflated to the
same or a different level of air pressure than the first
or second type of cha~ber. Each chamber may be inflated
to a different level of air pressure.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which disclose specific
embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to
restrict the scope of the invention in any way:
Fisure 1 illustrates a plan view of the
inflatable mattress support bladder;
E'igure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of
the mattress support bladder;
Figure 3 illustrates an end elevation view of
the inflatable mattress support bladder,
Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation section
view of the air valve that is affixed to each chamber
of the inflatable mattress support bladder;
Figure 5 illustrates a plan view of an alter-
native design of inflatable mattress support bladder;
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative design of
inflatable mattress support bladder; and
Figure 7 illustrates a further alternative
design of inflatable mattress support bladder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIO~ OF SPECIFIC
EMBODIME~TS OF THE I~VE~TIO~
This invention is directed to a unique multi-
ple chambered pneumatic inflatable bladder which can beplaced und~r a mattress, between a mattress and box~
spring, or incorporated at the factory into a mattress
or onto the upper surface of a boxspring. The bladder
enables fine adjustments to be made to the upper sleep
surface to suit each individual's body shape and weight.
The bladder also extends the functional life of the
mattress by permitting supporting adjustments to be made
to the areas of breakdown (sag) which all mattresses
inevitably experience. By means of breaXdown, even a
once perfect mattress will eventually cause discomfort
and backache. The bladder also enables specific extra
support areas to be tailored for a mattress where the
sleeper, for medical reasons or otherwise, requires s~lch
extra support in specific areas.
Referring now to Figure 1, it can be seen that
a plan view of one type oE design of multiple chambered
pneumatic inElatable bladder 2 is illustrated. As can
be seen in side elevation view in Figure 2, and end
elevation view in Figure 3, the bladder 2 is constructed
of an upper layer 3, and a lower layer 5, to form a
series oE adjacent diamond shaped, or triangular shaped,
chambers 4, each of which is individually inflatable
through individual valves 6. Each chamber 4 can be
custom inflated to any degree orally by any person such
as the person using the bladder 2, or an attendant or
nurse in an institution. Alternatively, the chambers 4
can be inflated using a hand pump or some other suitable
inflation means. Each specific chamber has been iden~
tified by either the letter A, B, C, D or E and these
are inflated to individual degrees as discussed below.
The different types of c~ambers A, B, C, D or E are
iden~ified by chamber type designations 7, 8, 9, 11 and
13 respectively.
Referring to Figure 4, which illu~trates a
side section view of the valve 6, the valve 6 is typi-
cally constructed to have a valve cap 10, which pivots
about valve cap hinge 12. The valve cap 10 is lifted up
when a person wants to blow air orally or manually into
the chamber 4 through the valve 6. Once the desired
quantity of air has been blown into the specific chamber
4 to which the valve 6 connects, then cap 10 is pivoted
back into position to close the valve 6. An internal
one way flapper 14 i9 con~tructed into the interior of
the valve 6 and permits air to be blown readily into the
chamber 4, but restricts khe passage of air out from the
interior of the cham~er 4~
Figure 5 illustrates an alternative design of
multiple chamber pneumatic inflatable bladder 16. In
this design, the individual adjacent chambers are formed
in a generally rectangular pattern. This orientation of
rectangular chambers may be found to be more use-ful in
providing a desired inflation pattern to accommodate
certain specific applications. Figure 5 also illus-
trates a series of tubes 17 which are connected to eachof the valves 6 of the bladder 16. These tubes enable
individual compartments of the bladder 16 to be cus-tom
inflated to specific desired levels without having to
lift the mattress overlying the bladder 16 or with
drawing the bladder 16 in order to inflate it.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate respectively plan
views of two further alternative designs of multiple
chambered pneumatic inflatable bladders 18 and 20.
Again, these altarnative designs may be found to be
des:irable for providing specific inflation patterns for
specific applicationsO Trial and error procedures as
discussed herein may establish whether one or another
arrangement o-f inflatable cha~ber pattexns is desirable
for a given application.
The size of the bladder is variable and can
conform with the size of the mattress and chamber
design. Generally, a suitable bladder size for most
applications involving a single mat.tress is approxi-
mately 36" by 30". For double mattresses, larger sizes
or two bladders can be used.
By means of variable levels of inflation for
individual chambers, the bladder can re-level and vary
the firmness of any mattress of any size, shape, den-
sity, and compression wear, at any given point or points
throughout the mattress.
The bladder can be constructed of any non-
flammable, non-porous airtight material such as flexible
polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, rubber or airtight
treated fabric. ~le valves for each chamber should be
airtight and preferably collapsible, with an inside
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flapper valve. The valve should be designed to acili-
tate mechanical or oral inflation of each individual
chamber or airtight cell. The valves can typically be
constructed of resilient plastic, such as polyethylene,
and can be pushed into the body of the mattress so that
no uncomfortable projections remain. The bladder is
constructed of two layers of any of -the above types o~
air impermeable materials fused by heat or adhesive,
around the perimeter, and also along the lines portrayed
in Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7, or other patterns, to form
individual separately inflatable airtight chambers or
cells. If need be, the bladder can be constructed to
have two or ~ore layers on either side of the central
air chambers.
The bladder is constructed so that each cham-
ber is inflated individually. Preferably each chamber
is independent. There is no interconnection between
neighbouring chambers unless it is advantageous in
specific instances to have such connection(s). In
certain applications, for example, it may be advanta-
geous to have interconnections between groups of cham-
bers to provide desired inflation patterns. Each cham-
ber, or group of chambers, in the bladder is specifi
cally designed Eor low~pressure custom inflation and
deflation by oral or mechanical means prior to being
placed underneath the mattress or between the mattress
and boxspxing or mattress support. When the correct
inflation pattern is used, the bladder is custom
adjusted to individual requirements, and will support
all normal variations of the human body during sleep.
Thus level spinal alignment from shoulder to hips is
maintained. As mentiorled herein, a sag occurs in all
mattresses, new or used. Should this sag be severe, a
hard surface (plywood board) may be placed under the
bladder to increase the desired overall support. A
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certain amount of experimentation by the user, or the
patient's aide, will be required when the bladder is
first used. Once the desired degree of inflation ~or
each chamber is determined, the bladder will support the
prone human body whether the subject sleeps on his or
her stomach, back, or in the recommended back pain
reducing side fetal position.
Specific Functions and
Inflation Patterns of Chambers
Figure 1 shows specific mattress cell types,
identified with the letters A, B, C, D and E. The
function of each type of chamber is listed below alpha~
betically. Inflation for ea~h chamber is adjustable
over the range O to 100 percent.
A Type Chambers are intended primarily for
mattress midriff sag correction or speciEic patient
support for that area. Generally, the inflation level
for a type A chamber is approximately 40 percent.
B Ty~ Chambers are intended for secondary
midriff sag correction or support. These are typically
grouped in three chambers surrounding the primary A type
chambers on both the left and right side of the bladder.
When the subject primarily sleeps on the left or right
side, the B typ~ chambers on the side opposite to the
side on which the subject sleeps are inflated l.ess as
those chambers are only required to support the arms and
legs, which have lesser weight. The B type chamber can
typically be inflated to 30 to 40 percent on the load
bearing side.
C Type Chambers are intended as peripheral
levelling chambers to even out or level the sleep wear
areas of the mattress so that they are level with the
unused portion of the mattress. The C type chambers
also have a cradling e~fect on the subject. The infla-
r~ J~
tion level Eor a C type chamber is typically approxi-
mately 10 percent.
D Type Chambers are positioned under the
shoulder areas and can specifically be used when a
subject sleeps on his or her stomach or back. The D
type chambers usually have an inflation level of
approximately 20 percent when the person sleeps on his
or her stomach or back. However, when the subject
sleeps in the side fetal positio~, the shoulder projects
and becomes a primary pressure point. In such a case,
the type D chamber typically requires little or no
inflation.
E Type Chambers are positioned under the hlps.
When the subject sleeps on his or her stomach, this
chamber usually requires approximately 30 percent
inflation level. When the person habitually sleeps on
his or her back, inflation is usually reduced to 15
percent to accommodate the downward projection of the
buttocks.
~en the subject sleeps on his or her side,
the hip area, corresponding to the location of an E type
chamber, becomes a primary pressure point, proportional
to hip size and weight, and will usually require a
lesser inflation level ranging from 0 to 15 percent.
The above mentioned inflation levels for the
various type chambers are only guidelines that are
typical of a mattress that is in reasonably good condi-
tion. Inflation levels of different type chambers can
be varied to accommodate specific situations. In
extreme condi~ions, w~lere there is undue breakdown of
the mattress, it may be necessary to fully inflate
certain chambers to compensate for the broken down
areas. In determining the proper inflation level for
each chamber, one can individually and progressively
inflate each chamber a certain amount and by trial and
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error reach required inflation levels and patterns for
the specific situation. Alternatively, it may be more
convenient and represent a useful technique ko inflate
each chamber 100 percent and then adjust for the local-
ized sag areas by deflating each chamber a certainamount using a trial and error method until the desired
results are achieved.
By means of a cu~tomized pattern of indivi-
dual chambers inflated to varying degrees, qupport is
trans~erred through th0 ma~tress to thereby maintain the
spine of the person or patient in a relatively straight
horizontal line during ~leep. It is generally recog-
nized that keeping the length of the spine horizontal
and extended during sleep allows the spine to "rest",
~hat is, there is a minimum of compres~ion or tension
force applied to the spine at this time. The bladder
and individual chambers react to overall body weight,
and provide displacement of that weight throughout the
bod~.
The bladder may also be used for those victims
with abnormal spinal conditions. The bladder has spe-
cial application for the medical profession by increas-
ing the sleeping comfort for patients with back prob-
lems, or if they are recovering from surgery and wish to
have support in specific areas and to deflect weight
from the affected area. In this special application,
the bladder may be used on top of the mattress surface
for easier insertion and adjustment under the patient by
an attendant. In such applications, the chamber valves
may be inflated by tubes which extend to the side of the
bed. This enables custom chamber inflation by means of
; a manual hand pump connected in turn to each tube by the
attendant. The patient can already be in the prone
posit~on on top of the bladder.
3S
f ~ A~
Example
Five prototypes with a configuration according
to Figure 1 have been -tested for about six months by
five different users. The five users all experienced
back pain. After only a short time of use of the proto-
types, all five users have experienced either consider-
able reduction or complete elimination of back pain.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the
art in the light of the foregoing disclosure t many
alterations and modifications are possi~le in the
practice of this invention without departing from the
spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of th~
invention is to be construed in accordance with the
substance defined by the following claims.
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