US 4,901,387 AGranted

Mattress overlay with individual foam springs

OwnerJohn K. Lukeinventor

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Abstract

A foam overlay (A,A') is disclosed which includes a rectangular base (C) and a plurality of individual and independently acting foam springs (B,B'). Each foam spring includes a base block (10,10') and a polyhedron body (14,14') atop each base block terminating in a planar support surface (12,12'). The foam springs are close enough to each other, yet separated sufficiently that they each act individually and independently. The foam springs may act together to support heavier portions of the body, but act independently in support of lighter body portions. Medical overlay pad (A') includes a main support section (32) and a secondary support section (30) of shorter foam springs D. Foam springs (B') of main section (32) support at a higher level than foam springs (D) of secondary support section (30). This allows pressure to be reduced on the lower extremities, such as the heel, during prolonged bed rest as well as on upper torso.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A foam overlay for a mattress and the like constructed from a polyurethane foam material, said overlay having a support surface for evenly dispensing supporting pressure generally over a person's entire body while supported in a supine position, and said overlay comprising:

(a) a rectangular base;
(b) a plurality of foam springs one-piece with said base for supporting and cushioning the body of a person, and said foam springs covering substantially all of said supporting surface of said overlay;
(c) said foam springs including a rectangular block formed as one-piece with said rectangular base defined by generally vertical side walls extending upwardly from said rectangular base;
and a convergent solid body extending from said side walls of said rectangular block converging upwardly to a horizontal planar support surface having a cross-section reduced in area relative to that of said rectangular block;
(d) a plurality of longitudinal and lateral channels formed between opposing side walls of adjacent rectangular blocks of adjacent foam springs separating said foam springs into individual foam springs;
and
(e) said channels being dimensioned in depth and width to space said foam springs apart laterally and longitudinally and effectively isolate said foam springs from one another to allow said foam springs to compress and deform independently for conforming to and supporting said person's body in said supine position without interference from and affecting adjacent foam springs in the vertical and horizontal planes while allowing said foam springs to act together in a group to support heavier portions of said person's body.

4 more elements

A foam mattress overlay having a support surface for evenly dispensing supporting pressure generally over a person's entire body while supported in a supine position, said overlay comprising:

(a) a rectangular foam base for overlaying a mattress and the like;
(b) a main support section formed on said base including a plurality of foam springs one piece with said base for supporting and cushioning the body of a person, and said foam springs covering substantially all of said supporting surface of said main support section;
(c) said foam springs including a rectangular block formed as one-piece with said rectangular base defined by generally vertical side walls extending upwardly from said rectangular base;
a convergent solid body extending from said side walls of said rectangular block converging upwardly to a horizontal planar support surface having a cross-section reduced in area relative to that of said rectangular block and providing a first level of support for said patient's body;
(d) a secondary support section formed on said base including a second plurality of foam springs having a generally planar support surface at a second level lower than said first level for supporting the lower extremities of the body of a person supported on said overlay;
and
(e) a plurality of lateral and longitudinal channels separating said base blocks of at least said first plurality of foam springs to isolate said foam springs so that they act individually without interference from each other, yet act together in a group to support heavier portions of the body.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.