BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention supporting a human body.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention supporting a human body.
FIG. 4 is side view of a mattress according to the prior art supporting a human body.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of human spine depicting normal disc spacing and joint proximity alignment.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a human spine depicting disc compression, foramen narrowing, and facet joint overlap imbrications.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lumbar disc, sacrum, and vertebra in a state of normal tension and pressure.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lumbar disc, sacrum, and vertebra in a state of abnormal tension and pressure.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus in a hospital environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus used with a wheelchair seat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus used with a wheelchair seat according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is perspective view of an insert of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a side view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a body support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A body support apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at FIG. 1. Body support apparatus 100 generally has multiple foam layers 120. Foam layers 120 may include core layer 122, intermediate layers 124, and outer layers 126. Body support apparatus 100 presents top surface 128. Top surface 128 of body support apparatus 100 generally evenly redistributes the weight of a user through foam layers 120 to minimize pressure points between the user and body support apparatus 100.
In direct contrast to the low-memory, conforming, or viscoelastic foams previously described, suitable foams according to the present disclosure exhibit generally higher memory, higher rate of recovery, and higher resistance to compression than the low-memory, conforming foams. Suitable foams according to the present disclosure can include: (1) a high-density latex, such as a natural latex, that is non-conforming, non-heat sensitive, and non-viscoelastic and has a higher rate of recovery and memory than the low-memory, non-conforming foams; (2) high density, high-memory polyurethane foam which is non-conforming, non-heat sensitive, and non-viscoelastic; and (3) high-density, medium-memory polyurethane foam which is non-conforming, non-heat sensitive, and non-viscoelastic.
Although body support apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. I has five foam layers 120, body support apparatus 100 can have three or more foam layers 120 without departing from the spirit of scope of the present invention. Referring to foam layers 120 making up body support apparatus 100, core layer 122 generally has a relatively high density, high-memory, intermediate layers 124 generally have a relatively high density, medium-memory, and outer layers 126 generally have a relatively high density, and a higher memory and rate of recovery than low-memory, non-conforming foams described above.
Each intermediate layer 124 is generally coextensively positioned between core layer 122 and outer layer 126. In an example embodiment, the density of each foam layer 120 approximates the density of a corresponding body tissue such that layer 126 approximates very nearly the density of skin and fat, layer 124 approximates the density of muscle, and layer 122 approximates the density of spinal ligaments and discs.
Foam layers 120 of body support apparatus 100 generally have different indentation force deflections (IFDs), discussed above. The IFD value stated within this application are examples and a range of IFD values on either side of these stated values may be utilized in the present invention.
In an example embodiment of the present invention, core layer 122 generally has an IFD in a range between about 75 and about 90. The IFDs of intermediate layers 124 generally can be in a range between about 29 and about 39. In an example embodiment, top intermediate layer 124A has an IFD of about 19 and bottom intermediate layer 124B has an IFD of about 24. By constructing body support apparatus 100 to have intermediate layers 124 with different IFDs, body support apparatus 100 can be turned over to selectively provide more or less muscle support. In an example embodiment, outer layers 126 have an IFD in a range between about 19 and about 24. The upper and lower superficial layers can be formed of a latex foam material with a significantly higher rate of recovery than low-memory conforming foams. One suitable latex foam is a breathable, natural latex foam material.
In different applications, body support apparatus 100 can simultaneously provide relief and support to a user assuming a supine position, a recumbent position, or a sideways-lying position. Body support apparatus 100 can also promote circulation of the blood and prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Specifically, body support apparatus 100 is made from high-memory foam such that outer layer 126 is soft, yet non-collapsible, intermediate layer 124 can provide support to the musculature, and core layer 126 is resiliently hard. Foam layers 120 can have the same thickness or different thicknesses. Referring to foam layers 120 making up body support apparatus 100, core layer 122 is generally the thickest foam layer 120, while outer layers 126 are generally the thinnest foam layers 120.
Body support apparatus 100 distributes the weight of a user over top surface 128 while still providing support to spinal region 130 of the user. Specifically, body support apparatus 100 maintains proper curvature of spine 132 and orientation of sacrum 134 of a user, such as, for example, a user in the supine position, as depicted in FIGS. 2-3. Body support apparatus 100 contiguously and uniformly supports spinal region 130 of a user with multiple cushioning components, or foam layers 120. By distributing the weight of the user, body support apparatus 100 minimizes the existence of pressure points that can lead to compromised circulation, sacral hyperextension, and general discomfort. In contrast, conventional mattresses 200 can promote exaggerated curving of spine 132 of a user in the supine position, as depicted in FIG. 4.
Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the spinal region of a user positioned on body support apparatus 100 in a supine position is shown. In an example embodiment, body support apparatus 100 has five foam layers 120, including single core layer 122, two intermediate layers 124, and two outer layers 126, as depicted in FIG. 2. By having multiple intermediate and outer layers 124, 126, body support apparatus 100 can be reversible. In another embodiment, support pad has three foam layers, including single core layer 122, single intermediate layer 124, and single outer layer 126, as depicted in FIG. 3. Other embodiments of the present invention can have more or fewer foam layers 120 without departing from the spirit of scope of the present invention. In general, the existence of multiple foam layers 120 in body support apparatus 100 reduce the incidence of pressure points between top surface 128 of body support apparatus 100 and a user.
Foam layers 120 may be attached to each other in any number of ways. Generally, foam layers 120 are joined to one another by a continuous adhesive bonding between layers 120. In an example embodiment, foam layers 120 are attached to other foam layers 120 with a chemical adhesive. In one embodiment, foam layers 120 are attached using a water-based, permanent flexible, non-toxic adhesive covering at least a portion of the interface of each foam layer 120. In another embodiment, foam layers 120 are frictionally held together by the surfaces of each foam layer 120.
Referring to FIG. 2, outer layer 126 presents top surface 128 of body support apparatus 100 on which a user can position him or herself in a supine, recumbent, or sideways-lying position. Outer layers 126 present a tactile-comfort layer to the user and are generally self-ventilating, soft, non-collapsible, insensitive to heat, and able to provide continuous support. Specifically, outer layers 126 of body support apparatus 100 provide tactile comfort and dermal support to a user by having a density that is substantially similar to the density of human skin and subcutaneous tissue. In an example embodiment, outer layers 126 are made from latex foam. Outer layers 126 can have a thickness in a range of about one inch to about two inches. In an example embodiment, outer layers 126 have a thickness of approximately one inch. The density of outer layers 126 can be varied so as to provide more or less support to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Referring to FIG. 2, intermediate layers 124 are situated between core layer 122 and outer layers 126. Generally, intermediate layers 124 provide a muscle-support and muscle-comfort layer to a user by having a medium-memory rebound while maintaining continuous firmer high-density support. Specifically, intermediate layers 124 can provide such musculature comfort and support by having a medium-memory rebound while maintaining continuous firmer medium-memory support. In an example embodiment, intermediate layers 124 are made of polyurethane. Intermediate layers 124 can have a thickness of between about two inches and about four inches. In an example embodiment, intermediate layers 124 have a thickness of approximately 2.5 inches and have a density of approximately 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot. Intermediate layers 124 can thereby support the denser and heavier muscle tissue located below the skin.
Referring to FIGS. 2-3, core layer 122 is situated between intermediate layers 124 or beneath one intermediate layer 124. Core layer 122 enables support pad 110 to properly support spine 132 of a user, as depicted in FIGS. 2-3. To support the spine 132, core layer 122 impedes the pelvis (not shown) and sacrum 134 from sagging into hyperextension, as depicted in FIG. 5. In contrast, as depicted in FIG. 6, conventional mattress 200 tends to facilitate sagging of the pelvis (not shown) and sacrum 164 into hyperextension.
Referring to FIG. 7, sacrum 134 and vertebra 136 form overlap region 138 and gap 139. Similar overlap regions 138 and gaps 139 are formed between vertebrae 136. Within overlap regions 138 are nerve foramina. As the curvature of spine 132 becomes more pronounced, overlap regions 138 become more pronounced and clearance for nerve and blood supply is reduced by the increase in overlap and decrease in gap desired for circulation, as depicted in FIG. 8. By impeding hyperextension, core layer 122 thereby minimizes narrowing of nerve foramina due to excessive spinal joint overlap, such as can occur when a user positions him or herself in a supine position. When the user positions himself or herself in a sideways position, core layer 122 similarly reduces tension and pressure on the spinal nerves by minimizing spinal sag that can cause the nerve foramina in overlap regions 138 to become offset.
Core layer 122 generally impedes hyperextension and reduces tension and pressure on the spinal nerves by having a density that can support the spine of a user weighing up to approximately four-hundred pounds. In an example embodiment, core layer 122 is made from high-density polyurethane. Core layer 122 may have a thickness in the range of about two inches to about five inches and has a density of approximately 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot. In an example embodiment, core layer 122 has a thickness of approximately two inches and has a density of approximately 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot. Core layer 122 thereby supports the denser and heavier spinal joint tissues where the nerves exit the spine by maintaining continuous support necessary for spinal relaxation and decompression.
Referring to FIG. 9, body support apparatus 100 can include removable cover 140. Removable cover 140 can be made from any number of materials that do not materially affect the IFD of foam layers 120 or the overall compressive and supportive characteristics of body support apparatus 100, such as, for example, velour, natural wool blends, and other suitable materials. In an example embodiment, removable cover 140 is washable and substantially encloses foam layers 120. Specifically, removable cover 140 can be made from a material or contain an additive or treatment, or both, having anti-microbial characteristics or providing a self-ventilating liquid-barrier inner lining. In one example embodiment, removable cover 140 comprises a fire-retardant natural wool blend.
Referring to FIG. 10, body support apparatus 100 can include a safety cover 150 in another embodiment. Specifically, safety cover 150 can be made from a material or contain an additive or treatment, or both, having fire-retardant or fire-resistant qualities. In an example embodiment, safety cover 150 meets or exceeds relevant life safety code requirements for health care institutions, such as, for example, applicable state and federal governmental laws, rules, and administrative regulations.
Removable cover 140 and safety cover 150 can be secured around foam layers 120 in any number of ways. In an example embodiment, removable cover 140 or safety cover 150 is secured around foam layers 120 by a zipper mechanism. In other embodiments, removable cover 140 or safety cover 150 is secured around foam layers by buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other suitable fastening members.
In another embodiment of the present invention, body support apparatus 100 rests upon foundation 160, as depicted in FIG. 11. Foundation 160 generally includes top surface 162 and bottom surface (not shown). Foundation 160 may be made from any substantially rigid structure. When body support apparatus 100 is rested upon foundation 160, bottom surface (not shown) of body support apparatus 100 is substantially coextensive with top surface 162 of foundation 160. In an example embodiment, foundation 160 is formed from box spring 164 and foundation cover 166, as depicted in FIG. 11. In another embodiment, foundation 160 is formed from box spring 164 or foundation cover 166. Body support apparatus 100 and foundation 160 may conformingly fit on frame 169, as depicted in FIG. 11.
Referring to FIG. 11, foundation cover 166 can be placed on top of box spring 164, while body support apparatus 100 can be placed on top of foundation cover 166. Foundation cover 166 may be made of any substantially rigid material that conforms to the bottom surface of body support apparatus 100 and may be selected to have any number of thicknesses. In an example embodiment, foundation cover 166 is made from plywood having a thickness of approximately five-eighths of one inch. Although box spring 164 and foundation cover 166 may have any number of sizes and shapes, box spring 164 and foundation cover 166 generally have the same size and shape as body support apparatus 100.
In another embodiment, body support apparatus 100 may be constructed so as to fit onto gurney 170 or other apparatus design to accommodate an individual in a supine position, as depicted in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, body support apparatus 100 may be constructed so as to fit the seat of wheelchair 180, as depicted in FIG. 13-14. In another embodiment, body support apparatus 100 can be constructed to fit specialty institutional chairs for medically compromised individuals.
Referring to FIG. 15, in another embodiment, foam layers 120 may be contoured so as to integrate head-support region 182 and neck-support region 184 into body support apparatus 100. Head-support region 182 and neck-support region 184 may be integrated into a mattress. Alternatively, head-support region 182 region 182 and neck-support region 184 may be integrated into pillow 190, as depicted in FIG. 15.
Referring to FIGS. 16-19, in another embodiment of the present invention, body support apparatus 100 includes pressure-relief mattress 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, pressure-relief mattress 200 has a similar gradient created by tiered layers of tissue density-specific pressure relieving layers of foam and a relief zone with the tiered layers. Referring to FIG. 16, pressure-relief mattress 200 has bottom layer 202, top layer 204, at least two intermediate inserts 206, and relief zone 208. Bottom layer 202 is substantially planar to accommodate a box spring, platform, or other support of a bed. Intermediate inserts 206 are substantially wedge-shaped, as depicted in FIG. 17, to facilitate a bumper-like edge or ridge 210. Top layer 204 is substantially non-planar to accommodate for intermediate inserts 206. Relief zone 208 is coplanar with the at least two intermediate inserts 206 and situated between top layer 204 and bottom layer 202.
Referring to FIGS. 18-19, pressure-relief mattress 200 can further include cut-away section 212 in ridge 210 to accommodate a user's limbs, such as, for example, an arm. Cut-away section 212 provides an area for resting an arm and/or extending the arm beyond the edge of pressure-relief mattress 200. The structure of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16-19 may reduce the risk that a patient will roll out of bed and suffer an injurious fall.
Further example embodiments of pressure-relief mattress 200 are shown in FIGS. 20-21. Referring to FIG. 20, pressure-relief mattress 200 includes bottom layer 222, intermediate layer 224, and top layer 226. Bottom layer 222 has first major surface 228 and second major surface 230. Bottom layer 222 comprises notch 232 at any point along the longitudinal axis of second major surface 230. Notch 232 extends substantially through bottom layer 222 to act as a hinge for bed inclination adjustment. The annotated dimensions in FIG. 20 are examples and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.
Pressure-relief mattress 200 is depicted in FIG. 21, as set forth in U.S. Provisional Application 60/830,363. The dimensions in FIG. 21 are examples and are not to be considered to be limiting in any manner. Pressure-relief mattress 200 provides continuous pressure relief at all points since the support is an integral part of the unique body support system. Each point of support is created by multiple cushioning components. Each foam layer 120 approximates the density of the tissue it supports.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited, to variation in size, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly, or use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.
Patent Application
20080010751
