Device for supporting a user's body
US8572783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G5/1043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a variety of devices for supporting at least a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the invention provides a support device which includes a bladder capable of containing a fluid and a post adjacent the bladder. The bladder may form a rolling diaphragm portion with the post such that when a force is applied to the bladder, the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder rolls along the post decreasing the volume of the bladder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a post which includes a reduced cross-sectional area in comparison to an adjacent region of the post such that the resistance of the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder to rolling movement along the post due to the applies force decreases as the bladder rolls along the reduced cross-sectional area region. In some embodiments, the support device includes a plurality of bladders and/or a plurality of posts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.