An arrangement for the distribution of pressurized fluid to areas of a seat unit having a backrest comprising a first fluid-containing chamber adaptable to the seat area of the seat unit so as to be adapted to receive, at least in part, the user's weight; one or more inflatable chamber adaptable to the seat unit backrest; and lines communicating between the first chamber and each said backrest chamber. Each line has inserted therein a normally closed valve means provided with an opening means with opening controls positioned in the seat unit such as to be accessible to the user. The invention also relates to an embodiment of said valve.

Inflatable or inflated seat cushion intended as a training or helping device mainly for sitting upright without a back rest providing as in walking for extensive free play of movement especially in the region of the pelvis and the lumbar, which activates the erecting muscular system and avoids permanent stress. The seat cushion is made of flexible material of several adjacently-arranged communicating chambers which are divided by a groove, whereby the height of the chambers decreases from the back towards the front.

An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval. Cyclic pressure changes permit all affected body areas to enjoy good blood perfusion periodically, enhancing comfort and lessening the likelihood of development of ulcers for a person sitting on the support system. The system may be incorporated into a wheelchair.

A lumbar supporting air bag assembly built into a seat back includes a main body consisting of a resilient sheet of synthetic resin sealed together at the side edges thereof, a port provided on the main body for introducing air into and discharging air from the main body, a plurality of partitions formed in the sheet, and longitudinally extending elongate holes or slits formed at the center of the partitions, the latter being separated from one another to define mutually communicating chambers in the air bag assembly. The opposing edges of the slits or holes separate from each other when air under pressure is introduced into the air bag, in such a manner that the holes or slits cause the chambers to be expanded in the direction of a pad.

A powered tilting lounger comprising a pedestal upstanding from a base that rests on a supporting surface and a lounger pivotally mounted on the upper end of the pedestal at the upper forward region of the lounger. The lounger consists of a chair including a seat and a back which are immovable relative to each other and which blend in together with a curved portion whereby it may be occupied by a person in a lounging position. An electric motor is mounted on the pedestal and operates a screw stem to pull the lounging chair structure into an upright position in which an occupant may readily remove himself from the lounger, or pushes it into reclining position. A leg rest is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis at the forward edge of the seat portion and is moved into and out of a horizontal leg supporting position by an electric motor. An arm rest is pivotally mounted at its forward end on each side of the lounger and means for securing the arm rests in angularly adjusted positions are provided whereby each arm rest may assume a position for supporting the arms of an occupant, or swung into a horizontal position above the leg rest where it is adapted to support the foot of an occupant. The seat and back of the lounger are covered by a resiliant foam material and mechanism is provided at the lower portion of the back for altering the contour thereof so as to adjust this portion of the back to a particular occupant.