Apparatus and methods for conforming a support to a body

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for conforming a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken 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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support assembly, comprising:
 a first support portion and a second support portion which is apposed to the first support portion, each support portion being adjustably positioned into contact against a side of a patient body;   one or more pods positioned adjacent to one another along each support portion, wherein a wall of one pod directly contacts a wall of an adjacent pod such that pressure is transferable between the one pod and the adjacent pod;   a first inner layer enclosing the one or more pods along the first support portion such that displacement of the one or more pods is constrained by the first inner layer;   a second inner layer enclosing the one or more pods along the second support portion such that displacement of the one or more pods is constrained by the second inner layer; and   an outer layer positioned upon the inner layers and the support portions,   wherein the support portions are relatively stiffer than the one or more pods, the inner layers, or the outer layer.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the one or more pods are fluid filled. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the one of more pods range from 1 to 30 pods enclosed within the inner layer. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one inner layer and/or outer layer are fluid filled. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the support assembly is configured to be positioned in proximity to a sacrum. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one inner layer is vented. 
     
     
         7 . A support assembly, comprising:
 at least two apposed support portions, wherein the support portions are adjustable relative to one another so as to be placed into contact against a subjects body;   one or more pods positioned adjacent to one another along the apposed support portions, wherein a wall of one pod directly contacts a wall of an adjacent pod such that pressure is transferable between the one pod and the adjacent pod;   at least one inner layer enclosing the one or more pods such that displacement of the one or more pods is constrained by the at least one inner layer; and   an outer layer positioned upon the at least one inner layer,   wherein the support portions are relatively stiffer than the one or more pods, the at least one inner layer, or the outer layer.   
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the one or more pods are fluid filled. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the one or more pods range from 1 to 30 pods enclosed within the at least one inner layer. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the at least one inner layer and/or outer layer are fluid filled. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the support assembly is configured to be positioned in proximity to a sacrum. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the at least one inner layer is vented.