Contouring device

• US 10,314,408 B2
• Filed: 07/04/2014
• Issued: 06/11/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trustees of the RT and EJ Mascull Family Trust
• Original Assignee: Trustees of the RT and EJ Mascull Family Trust
• Inventors: Mascull, Roger Thomas, Mascull, Bruce Gordon
• Primary Examiner(s): Polito, Nicholas F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bailey, Amanda L
• Application Number:
  US14/902,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20160166080A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,803 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/12 Means, e.g. measuring means for adapting chairs, beds or mattresses to the shape or weight of persons body measuring means for clothing manufacture A41H1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/123 for beds or mattresses
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/126 for chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/021 Detachable or loose seat cushions
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/0213 detachably secured to seats, e.g. by ties or hook and loop straps
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/029 of non-adjustable shape adapted to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/14 of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions movably-coupled seat and backrests with elastic adjustment means A47C1/03261; elastically-mounted back-rests or backrest-seat units in the base frame A47C7/44
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/18 having foamed material included in cushioning part foamed material mattresses A47C27/14
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/40 for the back
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1043 Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1045 for the seat portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1048 for the back-rest
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/065 Rests specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/07 for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests pillows in general A47G9/10

Abstract

The invention relates to a contouring device for a seat base, backrest, or mattress. The device comprises a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first and second surfaces each comprising a plurality of pockets adapted to receive one or more inserts therein. Inserts of various sizes and shapes can be placed within selected pockets of the device to provide a contoured surface that suits the needs of the user of the device. For example, the device can be adapted to provide contours that encourage a user to adopt a preferred posture when seated or lying down.

Claims

1. A customizable backrest support comprising:

a substrate comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface facing away from the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of first surface pockets, wherein the second surface comprises a plurality of second surface pockets, and wherein each of the first surface pockets defines an opening that faces away from an opening of each of the second surface pockets,

one or more removable inserts held within one or more of the pockets, wherein the one or more inserts are formed from a cushioning material; and

a cover that encompasses the substrate and that comprises a recloseable opening providing access to the one or more contouring inserts;

wherein contours of the backrest support are determined at least in part by the number, thickness, shape, and location of the removable inserts in the first surface and second surface pockets of the substrate and wherein the number, thickness, shape, and location of the removable inserts in the first surface and second surface pockets of the substrate affect the postural support that the backrest support provides to a user with significant physical disabilities, wherein the one or more removable inserts help the user to sit comfortably and safely in a wheelchair whereby properly supporting the user'"'"'s posture and positioning.

2. The customizable backrest support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of first surface pockets are formed from an elasticated material.

3. The customizable backrest support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of first surface pockets comprises substantially enclosed opposing ends and a pocket opening formed between the opposed ends of at least one of the plurality of first surface pockets.

4. The customizable backrest support according to claim 1, further comprising a cushioning layer located on the first surface of the substrate.

5. The customizable backrest support according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning layer comprises one or more fasteners for removably attaching the cushioning layer to the substrate.

6. The customizable backrest support according to claim 5, wherein the cushioning layer comprises one or more fasteners for removably attaching the cushioning layer to a rear panel of a backrest, seat base, or bed.

7. A backrest comprising the customizable backrest support according to claim 1.

8. A wheelchair having the customizable backrest support according to claim 1 attached to the backrest of the wheelchair.

9. The customizable backrest support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first surface pockets is opposed to at least one of the second surface pockets.