Resilient grid for use with cellular cushions

Abstract

A resilient grid ( 10 ) for use with an inflatable cellular cushion ( 16 ) or mattress, the grid ( 10 ) comprising a plurality of openings ( 15 ), each opening ( 15 ) positioned and dimensioned to fit around a cell ( 20 ) of a cellular cushion ( 16 ) or mattress when the grid ( 10 ) is positioned on the base of the cushion or mattress. The grid can have an angled front support ( 23 ) side bolsters ( 26, 28 ). These components can be modular. The grid ( 10 ) provides stability and enhances positioning while providing temporary protection against bottoming out and provide airflow paths ( 22 ) among the cells.

1 . In an a cushion having an array of individual upstanding cells, a support and positioning apparatus comprising structural members defining a plurality of openings, each one of said openings disposed to position around one of said array of individual upstanding cells whereby said apparatus provides support and stability to the array of cells when a user is positioned on the cushion. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the structural members are arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows that define a plurality of openings arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a front support for under a leg area of a seated user. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a first side bolster and a second side bolster. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a front support for under a leg area of a seated user, a first side bolster and a second side bolster. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the front support and the side bolsters are removable. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the structural members comprise resilient foam. 
     
     
         8 . A resilient grid for use on an inflatable cellular cushion having a base and plurality of upstanding, inflatable cells on the base, the grid comprising a body section for positioning on the base of the cushion, said body section comprising a plurality of body members that define a plurality of openings, each of said plurality of openings dimensioned and positioned to encompass one of said inflatable cushion cells. 
     
     
         9 . The grid of  claim 8  further comprising a front support for under the leg area of a seated user. 
     
     
         10 . The grid of  claim 8  further comprising a first side bolster and a second side bolster. 
     
     
         11 . The grid of  claim 8  further comprising a front support for under the leg area of a seated user, a first side bolster and a second side bolster. 
     
     
         12 . The grid of  claim 11  wherein the body, the front support and the side bolsters are separate elements of the grid. 
     
     
         13 . A cushion, comprising:
 a cushion base;   an array of individual, upstanding cells arranged on an upper surface of the cushion base; and   a resilient grid having structural members defining an array of individual openings corresponding to the array of individual upstanding cells, said grid positioned on the cushion base with one of said array of individual upstanding cells positioned in one of said individual openings of the grid.   
     
     
         14 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein the array of individual, upstanding cells is in array of individual inflatable air cells. 
     
     
         15 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein the structural members are longitudinal and transverse members, said longitudinal and transverse members defining an array of longitudinal and transverse openings. 
     
     
         16 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein the grid comprises a resilient foam material. 
     
     
         17 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein said grid comprises a front support section. 
     
     
         18 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein said grid comprises a first side bolster and a second side bolster. 
     
     
         19 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein the longitudinal and transverse members create air flow paths between cells when the grid is position on the cushion base. 
     
     
         20 . The cushion of  claim 13  wherein compress of the resilient grid causes air flow among the array of upstanding cells.