Apparatus and method for evaluating clearance from a contoured seat cushion
원문보기
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
G01B-007/28
A61B-005/103
출원번호
US-0628890
(2003-07-28)
발명자
/ 주소
Bieganek,Joseph S.
Hetzel,Thomas R.
Padgitt,Joan
출원인 / 주소
Aspen Seating, LLC
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
12인용 특허 :
86
초록▼
Clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person is evaluated with a clearance measurement device that deforms in response to force applied thereto. The clearance measurement device is located on the support contour at a p
Clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person is evaluated with a clearance measurement device that deforms in response to force applied thereto. The clearance measurement device is located on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. A person sits on the cushion with the clearance measurement device. The clearance is related to the extent of deformation. Impression foam, a malleable putty-like substance, or a fluid cushion are examples of clearance measurement devices.
대표청구항▼
What is claimed: 1. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a piece of impression foam as a clearance measurement device, the impression foam h
What is claimed: 1. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a piece of impression foam as a clearance measurement device, the impression foam having a crush characteristic which collapses the impression foam upon the application of force to the impression foam; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of collapse of the impression foam as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the impression foam was located at the predetermined location; and evaluating the clearance by attempting to collapse the impression foam to a greater extent than the impression foam was collapsed by sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour. 2. A method as defined in claim 1, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 3. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to at least 90% of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam. 4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to a predetermined fraction of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam, and selecting the impression foam with the predetermined fraction being sufficiently small to avoid creating an unnatural force against the anatomical portion upon the impression foam fully collapsing. 5. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is within the range of 1.50 to 1. 85 pounds per square inch. 6. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is approximately 1.56 pounds per square inch. 7. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a piece of impression foam as a clearance measurement device, the impression foam having a crush characteristic which collapses the impression foam upon the application of force to the impression foam; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of collapse of the impression foam as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the impression foam was located at the predetermined location; and evaluating the clearance by forming a hole through the impression foam at a location where the impression foam was collapsed by sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour. 8. A method as defined in claim 7, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 9. A method as defined in claim 7, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to at least 90% of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam. 10. A method as defined in claim 7, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to a predetermined fraction of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam, and selecting the impression foam with the predetermined fraction being sufficiently small to avoid creating an unnatural force against the anatomical portion upon the impression foam fully collapsing. 11. A method as defined in claim 7, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is within the range of 1.50 to 1. 85 pounds per square inch. 12. A method as defined in claim 7, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is approximately 1.56 pounds per square inch. 13. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a piece of impression foam as a clearance measurement device, the impression foam having a crush characteristic which collapses the impression foam upon the application of force to the impression foam; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of collapse of the impression foam as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the impression foam was located at the predetermined location; and enclosing the piece of impression foam within a flexible plastic envelope prior to locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. 14. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to at least 80% of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam. 15. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to at least 90% of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam. 16. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic which has the capability to collapse to a predetermined fraction of an initial thickness of non-collapsed impression foam, and selecting the impression foam with the predetermined fraction being sufficiently small to avoid creating an unnatural force against the anatomical portion upon the impression foam fully collapsing. 17. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is within the range of 1.50 to 1. 85 pounds per square inch. 18. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising: selecting the impression foam to have the crush characteristic in which a crushing force is approximately 1.56 pounds per square inch. 19. A method as defined in claim 13, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 20. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a putty-like substance as a clearance measurement device which deforms in response to force applied thereto, the putty-like substance having a malleable characteristic which indents the putty-like substance upon the application of force to the putty-like substance; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of indention of the putty-like substance as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the putty-like substance was located at the predetermined location; measuring an initial thickness of the putty-like substance prior to locating the putty-like substance on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour; forming a hole through the putty-like substance at a location corresponding to the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated after the person sat on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour; measuring the thickness of the putty-like substance at the hole; and evaluating the clearance by comparing the measured thickness with the initial thickness. 21. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising: establishing a predetermined thickness of the putty-like substance prior to locating the putty-like substance on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the putty-like substance was located at the predetermined location. 22. A method as defined in claim 21, further comprising: evaluating the clearance by determining whether the putty-like substance has been indented with respect to the predetermined thickness. 23. A method as defined in claim 22, further comprising: establishing the predetermined thickness uniformly over an entire surface of the putty-like substance. 24. A method as defined in claim 23, further comprising: determining an initial thickness of the putty-like substance prior to locating the putty-like substance on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the putty-like substance was located at the predetermined position; and evaluating the clearance by determining whether the initial thickness of the putty-like substance has changed as a result of sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour. 25. A method as defined in claim 20, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 26. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a putty-like substance as a clearance measurement device which deforms in response to force applied thereto, the putty-like substance having a malleable characteristic which indents the putty-like substance upon the application of force to the putty-like substance; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of indention of the putty-like substance as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the putty-like substance was located at the predetermined location; and enclosing the putty-like substance within a flexible plastic envelope prior to locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. 27. A method as defined in claim 26, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 28. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising: establishing a predetermined thickness of the putty-like substance prior to locating the putty-like substance on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the puffy-like substance was located at the predetermined location. 29. A method as defined in claim 28, further comprising: evaluating the clearance by determining whether the putty-like substance has been indented with respect to the predetermined thickness. 30. A method as defined in claim 29, further comprising: establishing the predetermined thickness uniformly over an entire surface of the putty-like substance. 31. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising: determining an initial thickness of the putty-like substance prior to locating the putty-like substance on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the putty-like substance was located at the predetermined location; and evaluating the clearance by determining whether the initial thickness of the putty-like substance has changed as a result of sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour. 32. A method of evaluating clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on the cushion, comprising: selecting a clearance measurement device which deforms in response to force applied thereto; selecting the clearance measurement device to include a flexible envelope containing fluid; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; applying pressure to conduct the fluid from the envelope by sitting the person on the cushion with the envelope between the anatomical portion and the support contour; and evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining amount of fluid remaining in the envelope after the person has been sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent the support contour while the clearance measurement device was located at the predetermined location. 33. A method as defined in claim 32, further comprising: establishing a predetermined initial amount of fluid in the envelope prior to locating the envelope on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour. 34. A method as defined in claim 32, further comprising: conducting the fluid from the envelope through a one-way valve which permits fluid flow out of the envelope and prevents fluid flow into the envelope. 35. A method as defined in claim 32, further comprising: measuring the amount of fluid in the envelope prior to locating the envelope on the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated and prior to sitting the person on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour; measuring the amount of fluid remaining in the envelope after the person has been sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent the support contour while the flexible envelope containing fluid was located at the predetermined location; and evaluating the clearance by comparing the measured initial amount of fluid with the measured remaining amount of fluid. 36. A method as defined in claim 32, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 37. A method of evaluating clearance between a plurality of different support contours of seat cushions and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person sitting on each cushion while supported by the different support contours in order to determine an appropriate support contour for a cushion to support the anatomical portion of the person, the method comprising: selecting a clearance measurement device which deforms in response to force applied thereto; locating the clearance measurement device on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; sitting the person on the cushion with the clearance measurement device located between the anatomical portion and the support contour at the predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated; evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent to which the clearance measurement device was deformed as a result of the person sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent to the support contour while the clearance measurement device was located at the predetermined location; performing the aforesaid locating, sitting and evaluating steps with a cushion having a first support contour to obtain a first clearance from the first support contour; performing the aforesaid locating, sitting and evaluating steps with a cushion having a second support contour to obtain a second clearance from the second support contour at substantially the same predetermined location that the first clearance was obtained from the first support contour; and selecting one of the first or second support contours by evaluating the first and second clearances relative to one another. 38. A method as defined in claim 37, further comprising: selecting the clearance measurement device to include a piece of impression foam having a crush characteristic which collapses the impression foam upon the application of force to the impression foam; and evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of collapse of the impression foam. 39. A method as defined in claim 37, further comprising: selecting the clearance measurement device to include a piece of putty-like substance having a malleable characteristic which indents the putty-like substance upon the application of force to the putty-like substance; and evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the extent of indention of the putty-like substance. 40. A method as defined in claim 37, further comprising: using as the clearance measurement device a flexible envelope containing fluid; applying pressure to conduct the fluid from the envelope by sitting the person on the cushion with the envelope between the anatomical portion and the support contour; and evaluating the clearance at the predetermined location by determining the amount of fluid remaining in the envelope after the person has been sitting on the cushion with the anatomical portion adjacent the support contour while the clearance measurement device was located at the predetermined location. 41. A method as defined in claim 37, used to measure the clearance with respect to a wheelchair user and a wheelchair cushion. 42. A method as defined in claim 37 wherein the clearance measurement device includes an impression foam. 43. A method as defined in claim 37 wherein the clearance measurement device includes a putty-like substance. 44. A method as defined in claim 37 wherein the clearance measurement device includes a flexible envelope containing a fluid.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (86)
Dinsmoor ; III John C. (Westminister CO), Adjustable cover and seating system for a wheelchair.
Hanson Denny (7046 Indian Peaks Trail Boulder CO 80301) Hanson Chris A. (4563 S. Meadow Dr. Boulder CO 80301), Anatomical wheelchair seat cushion system.
Dinsmoor ; III John C. (Westminster CO) Denton Grant C. (Boulder CO) Jay Eric C. (Boulder CO) Runkles Richard R. (Englewood CO), Anti-decubitus mattress pad.
Reger Steven I. (Shaker Heights OH) Neth Donald C. (Parma OH) McGovern Thomas F. (Cleveland Heights OH) ..AP: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Cleveland OH 02), Computer aided fabrication of wheelchair seats or other body supports.
Reger Steven I. (Shaker Heights OH) Neth Donald C. (Parma OH) McGovern Thomas F. (Cleveland Heights OH), Computer aided prescription of specialized seats for wheelchairs or other body supports.
Landi Curtis L. (Sunnyvale CA) Wilson Susan L. (Sunnyvale CA) Cazalet Peter M. (Los Altos Hills CA), Contoured seat cushion comprised of honeycomb cores.
Silverman Michael W. (Highland Park IL) Heinrich Michael (Chicago IL) Brubaker Clifford E. (Charlottesville VA) McLaurin Colin A. (Crozet VA), Mechanical shape sensor.
Jay Eric C. (Boulder CO) Runkles Richard R. (Englewood CO) Dyer John (Evergreen CO) Dinsmoor John (Westminster CO) Stoneburner Joe (Loveland CO), Method of making a seat cushion base.
Lee Eun K.,KRX ; Kim Dong H.,KRX ; Kim Hee T.,KRX ; Kang Shin C.,KRX ; Kim Young C.,KRX ; Moon Sei K.,KRX ; Bae Seong Y.,KRX ; Seo Gyo T.,KRX ; Lee Jong C.,KRX ; Zhoh Choon K.,KRX ; Cho Choong N.,KRX, Method of measuring height of foot arch.
Graebe Robert H. (7 Persimmon Ridge Dr. Belleville IL 62223), Modular cushion construction with detachable pommel, having a cover with front and rear openings.
Landi Curtis L. (Sunnyvale CA) Wilson Susan L. (Sunnyvale CA), Moldable panel for cushioning and protecting protrusions and areas, and method of making same.
Brubaker Clifford E. (Pittsburgh PA) Brienza David M. (Allison Park PA) Brienza Michael J. (Easton CT), Reusable die shape for the manufacture of molded cushions.
Saloff William S. (Heather La. ; R.M. Gloversville NY 12078) Saloff David (91 Hillside Ave. Mount Kisco NY 10549), Seat system for preventing decubiti.
Deegener Elmar (Stelzenberg DEX) Starke Frank (Schwbisch Hall DEX) Schfer Volker (Mnchweiler/Alsenz DEX), Vehicle seat, especially an air passenger seat.
Graebe Robert H., Wraparound orthotic base composite adjustable cushion using same and method of measuring fit of the adjusted cushion to the user's shape.
Graebe Robert H., Wraparound orthotic base, composite adjustable cushion using same and method of measuring fit of the adjusted cushion to the user's shape.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.