Cushion and self-adjusting valve

Abstract

A cushion with a support pad comprising a plurality of compressible suspension elements with a cover top and bottom joined together to form an impervious barrier, and a valve in fluid communication with the plurality of compressible suspension elements that allows the controlled expulsion of air until a user positioned on the cushion is optimally immersed in the cushion. When the user is removed from the cushion, the valve allows ingress of air into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises an expansion valve controls air flow out of and into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises a labyrinth seal that dampens air flow and pressure spikes. The valve comprises a pressure responsive compression spring that controls the expulsion of air from the cushion and, consequently, adjusting the immersion depth of the seated user.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A cushion comprising:
 a support surface comprising a plurality of compressible suspension elements, and   a valve in fluid communication with the plurality of compressible suspension elements having internal labyrinth structures that provide a controlled expulsion of air from the cushion to dampen air flow until a user positioned on the cushion is optimally immersed in the cushion and control pressure spikes caused by movement on the cushion.   
     
     
         20 . The cushion of  claim 19  wherein the valve comprises an expansion valve. 
     
     
         21 . The cushion of  claim 19  wherein the valve comprises a pressure responsive compression spring, said compression spring having a predetermined compression force that controls the expulsion of air from the cushion corresponding to a desired immersion depth of the user. 
     
     
         22 . The cushion of  claim 19  further comprising a cover having a top and a bottom, the bottom configured complementary to the suspension elements to control splaying of the suspension elements under load. 
     
     
         23 . The cushion of  claim 22  wherein the cover top comprises vacuum formed polyurethane. 
     
     
         24 . The cushion of  claim 19  wherein the support surface comprises a anterior section and a posterior section comprising polyurethane foam, said posterior section having a greater restoring that the anterior section. 
     
     
         25 . The cushion of  claim 24  wherein said anterior section of the support surface has a cavity formed therein to house the valve. 
     
     
         26 . The cushion of  claim 19  wherein the compressible suspension elements are inflatable air cells. 
     
     
         27 . The cushion of  claim 19  wherein the valve further comprises:
 a valve seat, 
 a valve ball positioned adjacent the valve seat, and 
 a bias spring for biasing the valve ball against the valve seat to close the valve. 
 
     
     
         28 . The cushion and valve of  claim 19  wherein the labyrinth structures comprise a labyrinth seal that dampens air flow and pressure spikes at the valve ball. 
     
     
         29 . The cushion and valve of  claim 19  wherein the valve further comprises an inflation valve in fluid communication with the atmosphere to allow expansion of the compressible suspension elements. 
     
     
         30 . A valve for a cushion having compressible suspension elements, comprising:
 a valve ball and pressure responsive compression spring having a predetermined compression force that controls expulsion of air from the cushion corresponding to a desired immersion depth of a user, and a labyrinth structure in fluid communication with the compressible suspension elements and the valve ball that dampens dynamic air flow and pressure spikes against the valve ball.   
     
     
         31 . The valve of  claim 30  further comprising inflation valve structures that allow an ingress of air into the suspension elements when load is removed from the cushion.