Convective cushion with positive coefficient of resistance heating mode
First Claim
1. A convective cushion comprising:
- a plenum defined by a laterally extending bottom surface and a laterally extending top surface secured around a perimeter extending transversely therebetween to contain an air flow space, an air flow structure formed of fabric material disposed in the air flow space, said air flow structure spacing the top surface from the bottom surface, said top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from said air flow structure over substantially the entire top surface responsive to a flow of air blown laterally into said plenum, said top surface being sufficiently impervious to air to retain greater air pressure within the air flow space, said air flow structure maintaining a substantial portion of said flow of air within a venting air flow passing in a coplanar direction laterally between said top and bottom surfaces to be directed laterally outward through said plenum perimeter, a portion of the flow of air venting though said top surface;
a power unit located outside the plenum but in fluid communication with the plenum, and housing a blower in fluid communication with a heating module having a positive temperature coefficient type heating element;
a controller unit in communication with the blower and the heating element;
whereby a user resting atop the cushion is able to control the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and to said air flow structure to deliver said air of desired temperature and quantity to said top surface to produce the convective air flow over substantially the entire top surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cushion heated convectively using a positive temperature coefficient of resistance type resistive heating element, includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material or other air flow structure therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module includes a PTC type heating element. A remote control is provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication with the controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion controls the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface.
128 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A convective cushion comprising:
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a plenum defined by a laterally extending bottom surface and a laterally extending top surface secured around a perimeter extending transversely therebetween to contain an air flow space, an air flow structure formed of fabric material disposed in the air flow space, said air flow structure spacing the top surface from the bottom surface, said top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from said air flow structure over substantially the entire top surface responsive to a flow of air blown laterally into said plenum, said top surface being sufficiently impervious to air to retain greater air pressure within the air flow space, said air flow structure maintaining a substantial portion of said flow of air within a venting air flow passing in a coplanar direction laterally between said top and bottom surfaces to be directed laterally outward through said plenum perimeter, a portion of the flow of air venting though said top surface; a power unit located outside the plenum but in fluid communication with the plenum, and housing a blower in fluid communication with a heating module having a positive temperature coefficient type heating element; a controller unit in communication with the blower and the heating element; whereby a user resting atop the cushion is able to control the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and to said air flow structure to deliver said air of desired temperature and quantity to said top surface to produce the convective air flow over substantially the entire top surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 28)
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18. A mattress pad comprising:
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a plenum defined by a laterally extending bottom surface and a laterally extending air permeable top surface secured around a perimeter extending transversely therebetween, the plenum containing an air flow space, an air flow structure formed of fabric material and having an opening at one end disposed in the air flow space, said air flow structure spacing the top surface from the bottom surface, said top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from said air flow structure over substantially the entire top surface responsive to a flow of air blown laterally into said plenum, said top surface being sufficiently impervious to air to retain greater air pressure within the air flow space, said air flow structure guiding a substantial portion of said flow of air to maintain a venting air flow passing in a coplanar direction laterally between said top and bottom surfaces to be directed laterally outward through said plenum perimeter, a portion of the flow of air venting through said top surface; an air duct with one end sized to be received into the opening and a second end extending outside the plenum; a power unit housing a blower in fluid communication with a heating module and connected to the second end of the air duct; a controller unit in communication with the blower and the heating element; and wherein the heating module comprises a positive temperature coefficient type heating element in conduction with a heat exchanger, whereby a user resting atop the pad is able to control the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the pad and to said air flow structure to deliver said air of desired temperature and quantity to said top surface to produce the convective air flow over substantially all of the top surface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification