Bead cushioning device
View Patent ↗A cushioning device has a flexible container and a plurality of polymeric beads within the flexible container which flows under a slight force and shears easily. The cushioning device is capable of receiving a physical object that applies a force to the cushion. When the force is initially applied to the cushioning device, the cushioning device is deformed to conform to the physical object from its original shape. When the physical object is not applying the force, the cushioning device reverts to a shape that is close to but not identical to the original shape, except for a limited number of materials such as molded elastomeric materials. In addition, the pressure exerted by the cushion on the physical object will reduce pressure that would cause tissue damage and lead to decubitus ulcers.
1. A cushioning device comprising:
a flexible container,
a plurality of polymeric beads within the flexible container which flows under a slight force and shears easily,
the cushioning device capable of receiving a physical object that applies a force to the cushioning device, when the force is initially applied to the cushioning device, the cushioning device is deformed to conform to the physical object from its original shape and when the physical object is not applying the force, the cushioning device reverts to a shape that is close to but not identical to the original shape;
wherein pressure exerted by the cushioning device on the physical object will reduce pressure that would cause tissue damage and lead to decubitus ulcers.
2. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric beads have a lubricant thereon.
3. The cushioning device of claim 2 wherein the lubricant is an inert viscous material.
4. The cushioning device of claim 3 wherein the inert viscous material is a silicone-based material or a natural oil.
5. The cushioning device of claim 4 wherein the silicone based material is polydimethylsiloxane.
6. The cushioning device of claim 4 wherein the natural oil is olive oil.
7. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric beads have a slip material.
8. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric beads have a predetermined viscosity.
9. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the flexible container has a resilient member attached to at least two points in the interior or exterior of the flexible container.
10. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the flexible container is attached to a resilient member.
11. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the flexible container overlies a portion of a second cushioning device.
12. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the flexible container is adjacent to a second cushioning device.
13. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the cushioning device has at least one interior surface within the flexible container to form at least two compartments within the flexible container.
14. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the cushioning device further comprises foam.
15. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the cushioning device further comprises a fluid.
16. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the cushioning device further comprises fiber fill to control the suspension of the polymeric beads.
17. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric bead is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.
18. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric bead can have any shape.
19. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the flexible container is trapezoidal in shape.
20. The cushioning device of claim 1 wherein the cushioning device is a bladder used in or on a mattress system.