Patent · US Active

Potentiating support with expandable framework

US7618389B2 · kind B2 · utility

99Cited by
187References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 21, 2005
Grant dateNov 17, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 11, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F5/0106
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.