Inventors:
Patrick R. D. Paul - Johns Island SC
James H. Price - Mt. Pleasant SC
Kenneth Olshansky - Richmond VA
Assignee:
SSI Medical Services, Inc. - Charleston SC
International Classification:
A47C 714, A47C 2708
Abstract:
An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval.