Air Cylinder Design with Integrated Bolster Features

Abstract

A support surface includes a plurality of air cylinders disposed crosswise and aligned to define the support surface. The air cylinders include a first foam therein. Adjacent cylinders are provided with varying support characteristics to define multiple support zones along a length of the support surface. At least some of the plurality of air cylinders additionally include an integrated bolster at ends thereof that is formed of a second foam, firmer than the first foam.

1 . A support surface comprising a plurality of air cylinders disposed crosswise and aligned to define the support surface, the air cylinders including a first foam therein, wherein adjacent cylinders are provided with varying support characteristics to define multiple support zones along a length of the support surface, and wherein at least some of the plurality of air cylinders additionally comprise an integrated bolster at ends thereof, the integrated bolster being formed of a second foam firmer than the first foam. 
     
     
         2 . A support surface according to  claim 1 , further comprising a source of pressurized air communicating with at least some of the air cylinders, the source of pressurized air selectively varying the support characteristics of the air cylinder or air cylinders to which it is attached. 
     
     
         3 . A support surface according to  claim 1 , wherein the first foam is layered with differing structural characteristics to create progressive support. 
     
     
         4 . A support surface according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the air cylinders comprise the integrated bolsters, and wherein the integrated bolsters of adjacent air cylinders are aligned to define side rails along the length of the support surface. 
     
     
         5 . A support surface according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of air cylinders define a cylinder section of the support surface, the support surface further comprising a head section attached to the cylinder section at a head end thereof, a heel section attached at a heel end thereof, a base layer disposed beneath the cylinder section, and an interface layer disposed overlaying the cylinder section. 
     
     
         6 . A support surface according to  claim 5 , comprising ten air cylinders. 
     
     
         7 . A support surface according to  claim 5 , wherein the base layer is disposed beneath the cylinder section and the head section, and wherein the interface layer is disposed overlaying the cylinder section and the heel section. 
     
     
         8 . A support surface comprising:
 an air cylinder section including a plurality of air cylinders;   a head section attached to a head end of the cylinder section; and   a heel section attached to a heel end of the cylinder section,   wherein each of the plurality of cylinders comprises a foam cavity including a foam insert therein, and wherein at least some of the foam inserts comprise a center foam section and foam bolster sections disposed at outside ends of the center foam section, the foam bolster sections being firmer than the center foam section.   
     
     
         9 . A support surface according to  claim 8 , wherein the foam bolster sections of adjacent air cylinders are aligned to define side rails along a length of the support surface. 
     
     
         10 . A support surface according to  claim 8 , wherein the foam bolster sections are integral with the center foam section. 
     
     
         11 . A support surface according to  claim 8 , further comprising a source of pressurized air communicating with at least some of the air cylinders, the source of pressurized air selectively varying the support characteristics of the air cylinder or air cylinders to which it is attached. 
     
     
         12 . A support surface comprising a plurality of air cylinders disposed crosswise and aligned to define the support surface, the air cylinders including foam therein, wherein the air cylinders are provided with varying support characteristics and comprise:
 a main support component along a length of the support surface and in a center of the support surface; and   a pair of side support components along the length of the support surface and on opposite sides of the main support component, the side support components being firmer than the main support component,   wherein the main support component and the side support components extend across substantially an entire width of the support surface such that substantially the entire width of the support surface is a therapeutic surface.   
     
     
         13 . A support surface according to  claim 12 , wherein the support surface is less than 20″ wide. 
     
     
         14 . A support surface according to  claim 12 , wherein the support surface is about 18″ wide. 
     
     
         15 . A support surface according to  claim 12 , wherein each of the air cylinders comprises a center foam section and foam bolster sections disposed at outside ends of the center foam section, the foam bolster sections being firmer than the center foam section. 
     
     
         16 . A support surface according to  claim 12 , further comprising a source of pressurized air communicating with at least some of the air cylinders, the source of pressurized air selectively varying the support characteristics of the air cylinder or air cylinders to which it is attached.