Dynamic support apparatus

Abstract

A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dynamic support apparatus for use with a prosthetic device comprising:
 a frame having a top surface;   a dynamic interface, capable of changing its geometry, disposed on the top surface of the frame and having at least one actuator;   a control system operably connected to the dynamic interface by at least one connector; and   a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control mechanism has at least one aperture formed within the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control mechanism has at least one duct included in the dynamic interface. 
     
     
         4 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control mechanism has at least one orifice formed within the dynamic interface. 
     
     
         5 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control mechanism has at least one temperature sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is a bladder capable of changing geometry when filled with a gas or a liquid. 
     
     
         7 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the bladder changes geometry in a specific direction, while the remainder of the bladder remains unchanged. 
     
     
         8 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the dynamic interface is operably connected to the control system through a manifold that controls the distribution of air to the at least one bladder through pressure selectors. 
     
     
         9 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the control system is a pneumatic system having at least one pressure bulb. 
     
     
         10 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the control system is a pneumatic system having at least one electric pump. 
     
     
         11 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the control system is an active control system having at least one sensor for providing information of the stability and fit of the support apparatus to the control system. 
     
     
         12 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure transducer. 
     
     
         13 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the control system maintains a constant pressure measured by the pressure transducer. 
     
     
         14 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the control system actuates a change in the geometry of the dynamic interface based on the information provided by the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator and the connector are molded inside the dynamic interface. 
     
     
         16 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator and the connector are integrally molded as a part of the dynamic interface. 
     
     
         17 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame has an opening to allow expansion of the dynamic support apparatus to facilitate donning and doffing of the dynamic support apparatus. 
     
     
         18 . The dynamic support apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the dynamic support apparatus has a securing mechanism to preclude expansion thereof. 
     
     
         19 . A dynamic support apparatus for use with a prosthetic device, the dynamic support apparatus comprising:
 a frame having a top surface;   a dynamic interface, capable of changing its geometry, disposed on the top surface of the frame and having a plurality of actuators that are bladders capable of changing geometry when filled with a gas or a liquid;   an active control system operably connected to the dynamic interface by at least one connector through a manifold that controls the distribution of the gas or the liquid to the bladders; and   a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame.   
     
     
         20 . A method of fabricating a dynamic interface of a dynamic support apparatus comprising the steps of:
 scanning a contour of a residuum to define an outline of an interface between the frame and the residuum;   flattening the outline to form a template;   machining the template into a mold;   pouring a material for the dynamic interface to half a desired final thickness of the dynamic interface to create a first interface layer;   placing actuators and connectors on the first interface layer;   pouring the material for the dynamic interface to the desired final thickness of the dynamic interface to create a second interface layer; and   removing the resulting dynamic interface from the mold.