US 3,757,366 · Granted 1973-09-11
The 1973 Air-Cushion Patent That Tackles Bedsores
Imagine a pillow that doesn't just sit there—it actively blows temperature-controlled air through a soft, sheepskin-like surface to keep your skin healthy and prevent painful pressure sores. This patent describes exactly that: a smart cushion system that moves air across your entire body contact area to reduce the damage from lying in one spot too long.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a cushion system with a porous upper layer (made of artificial sheepskin or similar material), an internal resilient cushion, and built-in air-supply equipment that pushes temperature-controlled air through the entire porous surface. What's protected here is the specific combination of the air-delivery mechanism, the porous material that lets air pass through, and the arrangement that ensures air contacts substantially the whole user-facing area—not just a single spot.
Why it matters
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are a serious medical problem for people confined to beds or wheelchairs. By patenting a cushion that actively circulates air across the skin, this invention addresses a genuine healthcare need. The technology combines comfort furniture with medical function, creating a category of active-prevention products rather than passive cushions. For manufacturers, this patent would block competitors from using the same air-circulation method in pressure-relief cushions.
Real-world use
A hospital patient or nursing home resident lying in bed would rest on this cushion, feeling warm or cool air gently flowing across the contact surfaces—reducing pressure and moisture buildup that normally lead to bedsores.
Original USPTO abstract
Cushions and cushion arrangements for preventing and alleviating bedsores comprising a cushion structure including a casing having a porous upper portion of artificial sheepskin or similar material, a resilient cushion within the casing, means for supplying temperature-controlled air to the casing, and means within the casing for directing the air so as to cause it to pass through the porous upper portion of the casing, over substantially the entire area thereof, into contact with the body of the user.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 3,757,366
- Filing date
- 1971-08-18
- Grant date
- 1973-09-11
- Assignee
- W Sacher
- Inventor(s)
- SACHER W,US
- CPC class
- A47C21/044
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