Segmented air mattress with variable stiffness insert
An air foam mattress system includes a foam top component, and a foundation component including a plurality of segmented, individually wrapped, inflatable air cells allowing for a plurality of pivot points, a segmented perimeter, and individual pressure adjustment of the segments for maximum patient comfort in all articulated-bed positions. In an embodiment, the air cell contains a u-shaped insert providing segmented perimeter sections integral to the air cell. In another embodiment, the air-cell contains a trapezoidal shaped insert with multiple segments having different degrees stiffness.
1. A mattress system, comprising:
an inflatable air cell extending a width of the system;
an insert disposed within the inflatable air cell and defining a trapezoidal shape, the insert comprising:
a first triangular end piece tapering from a thin outward perimeter edge portion to a thick inward portion;
a second triangular end piece tapering from a thin outward perimeter edge portion to a thick inward portion;
a bottom piece extending between the first and second triangular end pieces; and
wherein the first and second triangular end pieces are stiffer than the bottom piece.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a cover having a plurality of juxtaposed and pivotally-connected sleeves, wherein at least one of the sleeves receives the inflatable air cell.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the air cell allows airflow in and out of the air cell.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pieces of the insert are constructed of foam.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert further comprises:
a top piece disposed above the bottom piece and extending between the first and second triangular end pieces; and
wherein the bottom piece is of stiffer construction than the top piece.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the insert further comprises:
a middle piece disposed between the top piece and bottom piece extending between the first and second triangular end pieces.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the middle piece is of stiffer construction that the top piece, and of softer construction than the bottom piece.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of inflatable air cells having the insert disposed therein; and
wherein the system forms a segmented perimeter.
9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a cover having a plurality of juxtaposed and pivotally-connected sleeves, wherein the sleeves receive an inflatable air cell;
wherein the insert further comprises:
a top piece disposed above the bottom piece and extending between the first and second triangular end pieces;
a middle piece disposed between the top piece and bottom piece extending between the first and second triangular end pieces;
wherein the bottom piece is of stiffer construction than the top piece; and
wherein the middle piece is of stiffer construction than the top piece, and of softer construction than the bottom piece;
wherein the air cells allow air flow in and out of the air cells.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of air cells are joined together with a wrap forming a rectangular foundation assembly.
11. A mattress system comprising:
an inflatable air cell extending a width of the system;
an insert disposed within the air cell and defining a trapezoidal shape, the insert comprising:
a first triangular end piece tapering from a thin outward perimeter edge portion to a thick inward portion;
a second triangular end piece tapering from a thin outward perimeter edge portion to a thick inward portion;
a bottom piece extending between the first and second triangular end pieces;
a top piece disposed above the bottom piece and extending between the first and second triangular end pieces;
a middle piece disposed between the top piece and bottom piece extending between the first and second triangular end pieces;
wherein the bottom piece is of stiffer construction than the top piece;
wherein the middle piece is of stiffer construction than the top piece, and of softer construction of the bottom piece; and
wherein the first and second triangular end pieces are stiffer than the bottom piece.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the pieces of the insert are constructed of foam.
13. The system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a plurality of inflatable air cells; and
wherein the system forms a segmented perimeter.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of inflatable air cells allows airflow in and out of the cells.
15. The system of claim 13 , further comprising a cover having a plurality of juxtaposed and pivotally-connected sleeves, wherein at least one of the sleeves receives at least one of the plurality of inflatable air cells.