Support apparatus with gel layer

Abstract

The invention provides a support apparatus comprising a gel layer. In one embodiment, the gel layer is overlying one or more additional support layers. The gel layer comprises a gel, such as a polyurethane gel, and optionally comprises one or more fillers, which can be a natural or synthetic material. The support apparatus includes apparatuses, such as mattresses, chairs and other furniture, and cushions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 663,826, filed Mar. 21, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses designed for bodily support. In particular, the invention is directed to apparatuses that provide an improved level of comfort, particularly pressure relief, as well as improved control of heat transfer. BACKGROUND [0003] Multiple apparatuses are known in the art for providing support to the body of a user. Such apparatuses generally comprise one or more layers of padding or cushioning to provide functional support of the user's body and to provide such support while also providing a level of comfort. Similarly, such apparatuses may also comprise mechanical supports, such as coil springs. [0004] Advances in the art are generally directed to apparatuses that provide the functional support ne...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting at least a portion of the body thereon. Beneficially, the apparatus comprises a gel layer comprising a gel having a measurable hardness in a specified range. In further embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of layers, and preferentially, the layers comprise at least two different types of materials, one layer of the apparatus comprising a gel. The apparatus of the invention is beneficial for improving pressure mapping and providing pressure relief, and it also provides the ability to absorb and transport heat according to various parameters, such heat capacity being adjustable depending upon the composition of the apparatus, particular the composition of the gel layer of the apparatus.

[0009] The gel used in the gel layer of the apparatus is particularly formulated to exhibit physical properties, such as hardness and elasticity, that are within a range that not only provide a good “feel”, or increased comfort, to a user but also provide increased support and pressure relief beneficial to the user. In one particular embodiment, the gel used in the gel layer has a measurable hardness in the range of about 0.5 kPa to about 50 kPa. In another embodiment, the elasticity of the gel is measurable in terms of hysteresis, the hysteresis percentage of the gel being in the range of about 15% to about 80%.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the gel layer, in addition to the gel, may further comprise a content of one or more fillers. Such fillers are particularly useful in modifying the thermal conductivity of the gel used in the gel layer. As previously noted, gels are typically by a “cool” feel, in part arising from the thermal conductivity of the gel in that it transports heat away from a warmer object in contact with the gel, such as the body of a user. The fillers used in the gel layer are preferentially capable of reducing the thermal conductivity of the gel, thereby allowing the gel to exhibit a feel to a user that is less “cool”.

Problems solved by technology

While the apparatuses commonly used for bodily support may provide functional support, they yet fail to provide a level of comfort useful for facilitating restfulness or sleep, or for providing a greatest relief of pressure for the body parts in contact with the support surface.

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