Independently adjustable support system

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A conformable support assembly, comprising:
 a fluid-filled support having a first configuration where a central portion of the support is sized for placement beneath a patient body such that a first portion and second portion extend from the central portion beyond the patient body,   whereupon a pressure placed upon the central portion urges the support into a second configuration where the first and second portions extend at an angle relative to the central portion and into conformance against the patient body such that the portion of the patient body is supported via the support.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein contact surfaces of the first and second portions are elevated above a contact surface of the central portion in the second configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the support is configured to support a sacrum of the patient body positioned upon the central portion. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a first support positioned beneath the first portion and a second support positioned beneath the second portion. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the first support and second support are adjustably movable relative to the patient body. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the first support and second support are comprised of a foam material. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the fluid-filled support is securable to the first support and second support. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising one or more pods which are positioned beneath the first and second portions. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising one or more pressure sensors positioned within or upon the assembly to sense the pressure. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a controller; and 
 an actuator, wherein the controller calculates a difference between the first pressure and a second pressure and controls an actuator to adjust a force applied to the assembly in response to the pressure difference. 
 
     
     
         11 . A conformable support assembly, comprising:
 a fluid-filled support having a first configuration where a central portion of the support is sized for placement beneath a patient body such that a first portion and second portion extend from the central portion beyond the patient body,   one or more fluid-filled pods beneath the first portion and second portion;   whereupon a pressure placed upon the central portion urges the support into a second configuration where the first and second portions extend at an angle relative to the central portion and into conformance against the patient body such that the portion of the patient body is supported via the support.   
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11  wherein contact surfaces of the first and second portions are elevated above a contact surface of the central portion in the second configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the support is configured to support a sacrum of the patient body positioned upon the central portion. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a first support positioned beneath the first portion and a second support positioned beneath the second portion. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the first support and second support are adjustably movable relative to the patient body. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the first support and second support are comprised of a foam material. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the fluid-filled support is securable to the first support and second support. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the one or more fluid-filled pods are positioned in contact with one another such that the pressure is transferable between the one or more fluid-filled pods. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 11  further comprising one or more pressure sensors positioned within or upon the assembly to sense the pressure. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19  further comprising:
 a controller; and 
 an actuator, wherein the controller calculates a difference between the first pressure and a second pressure and controls an actuator to adjust a force applied to the assembly in response to the pressure difference.