Pressure relieving body support apparatus
AssigneeKemper Support Surfaces, Inc.
InventorChristopher E. Kemper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A body support apparatus, system, and method of reducing pressure on the pelvic structure of a non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory individual. According to the invention, a body support apparatus provides pressure relief and a level base of pelvic support for wheelchair users. The body support apparatus provides enhanced pressure relief via layers of tissue density-specific pressure relieving layers of foam. In addition, the apparatus provides further pressure relief via gender specific pressure relief zones. The body support apparatus can be used in combination with a wheelchair to provide pressure relief and a pelvic postural support.
Claims19
A multi-layer therapeutic body support apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a bottom foam layer having a first density and a first indentation force deflection;
- a second foam layer adjacent to and coextensive with the bottom foam layer, the second foam layer having a second density and a second indentation force deflection, the second foam layer having a cavity extending from a first major surface into the second foam layer;
- and
- a pressure relief insert positioned within the cavity of the second foam layer, wherein the insert has a different density than the second density and a different indentation force deflection than the second indentation force deflection of the second foam layer,
- wherein the first indentation force deflection is greater than the second indentation force deflection.
A method of making a multi-layer therapeutic body support apparatus, comprising:
- bonding a bottom foam layer having a first density and a first indentation force deflection to a second foam layer adjacent to and coextensive with the bottom foam layer, the second foam layer having a second density and a second indentation force deflection, the second foam layer;
- cutting a cavity extending from a first major surface into the second foam layer;
- inserting a pressure relief insert into the cavity of the second foam layer, wherein the insert has a different density than the second density and a different indentation force deflection than the second indentation force deflection of the second foam layer;
- and
- selecting the first indentation force deflection to be greater than the second indentation force deflection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.