Adjustable body support system

Abstract

A system for adjustably positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two adjustable sections, each adjustable section having a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section. In one embodiment, each of the at least two adjustable sections comprises an inflatable / deflatable bladder positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an outer surface of the inflatable / deflatable bladder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to body support systems. More particularly, it relates to systems adapted to adjustably elevate portions of the body to alleviate stress on the body when a person is at rest. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] People generally sleep in three basic positions: on the back, on the stomach, and on the side. Sleeping on one's side comfortably may be difficult for any of the following reasons: (1) poor neck and head alignment; (2) upper arm tension or pulling on the shoulder; (3) sciatic pressure due to poor lower back alignment; (4) leg tension or pulling on the hip; (5) top leg pressure on the bottom leg. Discomfort from these sources may cause difficultly falling asleep. The root cause of these problems comes from gravity and the interaction between the mattress and the sleeper. [0003] Although mattresses that conform to the contour of the body, adjustable beds, and special pillows have been developed to assist in helping people get ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The system desirably provides customized spinal alignment for the person and / or is adjustable to provide an elevation relative to the base surface sufficient to position the respective body zone in a physiologically neutral position, such as a position that optimally minimizes pressure points and musculoskeletal stress.

Problems solved by technology

Sleeping on one's side comfortably may be difficult for any of the following reasons: (1) poor neck and head alignment; (2) upper arm tension or pulling on the shoulder; (3) sciatic pressure due to poor lower back alignment; (4) leg tension or pulling on the hip; (5) top leg pressure on the bottom leg.

Discomfort from these sources may cause difficultly falling asleep.

The root cause of these problems comes from gravity and the interaction between the mattress and the sleeper.

Although mattresses that conform to the contour of the body, adjustable beds, and special pillows have been developed to assist in helping people get comfortable when sleeping, none of these solutions provides an optimal arrangement.

Although this reference describes a single pillow having dimensions relative to the user's body that allow the user to rest in a “physiologically neutral position,” each pillow is “custom fitted to the skeletal dimensions of the user” and it therefore not readily adapted for mass production or for adapting to the changing dimensions of the user or changing needs of the user, once made.

Specifically, the single manifold with a plurality of remotely-mounted valves requires connecting tubes to be run to each of the pillows, which may cause the user to become tangled in the tubing, or may limit the user to a particular orientation or distance of the pillows relative to the manifold.

Images