The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 05, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 30, 2004
James R. O'reagan, Greer, SC (US);
James R. O'Reagan, Greer, SC (US);
Span-America Medical Systems, Inc., Greenville, SC (US);
Abstract
A foam mattress system having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the mattress system. The mattress system may include a mattress to be used independent of other mattresses or springs, or a mattress pad to be used atop other mattresses or springs, and either may be used on both a flat bed and a bed with an inclined torso section. The mattress system includes transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the mattress. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a smaller inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are thereby directionally oriented, either toward the foot or toward the head of the mattress system. The mattress system may include support ribs that are directionally oriented toward the foot of the bed in regions adapted for the person's upper torso, buttocks, and lower legs, and directionally oriented toward the head of the bed in a region adapted for the person's thighs. The mattress system may also include longitudinal cuts in the support surface, perpendicular to the transverse support ribs, thereby defining independent support cells upon the support surface.