CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.

No. 62/835,276 entitled“Support Apparatus,” filed on April 17, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to support devices and, more specifically, a support apparatus that is structured to support a user’s pelvis, and bring forth a proper alignment of the user’s pelvis and spine, and/or the user’s shoulders and neck by extension, without requiring lumbar cushions and seat backs. Specifically, the support apparatus of the present invention is structured to support the user’s ischial tuberosities, ischial rami, and/or the like such that the user’s pelvis is positioned in a proper angular and rotational alignment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A support is generally useful for the purpose of rendering comfort or support to a user. Conventional supports such as pillows are manufactured using“support-filler material” such as high resilient (“HR”) urethane foam and are typically structured to support the head of a user. However, these supports are unable to provide optimal support and correct alignment to the mid-region of the user’s body, and more specifically, the region where the trunk/torso meets the pelvis/lower limbs, such as the user’s ischial tuberosities and ischial rami, especially when the user is in a seated position. Conventional supports may not only fail to support the mid-region of the user’s body when seated, but they may exacerbate injured or sensitive areas in this region by causing undue pressure, strain and discomfort along the mid-region and lower limbs of the user’s body when employed to support the mid region when the user is seated. Thus, there is a need for a support apparatus that is structured to support a user’s pelvis/mid-region so as to provide proper angular and rotational alignment of the user’s pelvis, spine and neck/shoulders, especially when the user is in a seated position, without requiring lumbar cushions and seat backs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a support apparatus is provided for alignment of a user’s spine while the user is in a seated position. In one embodiment, the support apparatus comprises a support body structured to support at least a portion of ischial tuberosities of the user, wherein the support body comprises at least one recess, and wherein the support body has a first durometer. The support apparatus further comprises an insert structured to be at least partially received within the at least one recess, wherein the insert has a second durometer and wherein the insert is structured to support at least a portion of ischial rami of the user. According to the invention, the first durometer and second durometers are different.

In one embodiment, the support body comprises a wedge shape. In another embodiment, the support body is configured so that the pelvis of the user tilts forward when the user is in a seated position on the support apparatus. In another embodiment, the support body comprises a second support portion comprising a depression structured to relieve pressure of and to support a region proximate a coccyx of the user. In another embodiment, the first durometer is greater than the second durometer. In another embodiment, the first durometer is less than the second durometer. In another embodiment, the insert is removable from the at least one recess of the support body. In another embodiment, the at least one recess comprises an aperture. In another embodiment, the support body further comprises at least one aperture that is configured to allowing air circulation through at least a portion of the support body. In another embodiment, the insert comprises a protuberance and the at least one recess defines an opening configured to receive the protuberance of the insert. In another embodiment, the at least one recess comprises a protuberance and the insert defines an opening configured to receive the protuberance of the at least one recess. In yet another embodiment, the insert comprises a plurality of sub-components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The support apparatus of the present invention alleviates the forgoing deficiencies of conventional supports and also provides additional advantages. The advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are

accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detail description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: [0005] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view 100A of a support apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

[0006] Figure IB illustrates a top view 100B of the support apparatus 100, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1A;

[0007] Figure 1C illustrates a detail sectional view lOOC of insert 210 of the support apparatus 100 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure IB;

[0008] Figure ID illustrates a side perspective view 100D of the support apparatus

100, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 A;

[0009] Figure IE illustrates a bottom view 100E of the support apparatus 100, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 A;

[0010] Figure 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view 200A of a pelvis region 20 of a user 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

[0011] Figure 2B illustrates a schematic side view 200B of the pelvis region 20 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A;

[0012] Figure 3A illustrates a schematic side perspective view 300A of one instance of a user 10 in a seated position on a support apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

[0013] Figure 3B illustrates a schematic top perspective view 300B of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3A;

[0014] Figure 3C illustrates a schematic top view 300B of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 A; and

[0015] Figures 4A-4E illustrate cut-away sectional views 400A-400E of assembly of support body 110 with corresponding insert 210, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [0017] A“seated” or“sitting” position as used herein refers to a resting position of the user. In some instances, in the seated/sitting position, the user’s body weight is primarily/substantially supported by the mid-region of the user’s body, and particularly, by the user’s ischial tuberosity, ischial rami and/or gluteal muscles/buttocks in contact with a surface of the seating apparatus, while the user’s torso and the user’s thighs are positioned at an angle with respect to each other (e.g., about 90°, 85°, 100°, 110°, 70°, 65°, etc.). In some instances, in the seated/sitting position, the user’s gluteal muscles/buttocks in contact with a horizontal/substantially horizontal surface of the seating apparatus (and/or from the rearmost part of the buttocks to the back of the lower leg), while the user’s torso is upright and maybe in contact with a vertical/substantially vertical surface of the seating apparatus (if present).

[0018] A“seating apparatus” as used herein may refer to a chair, an

automobile/airline seat, an armchair, a bench, a stool, a wheelchair, a floor/ground surface, a chaise lounge, a couch, and/or the like, that are configured for accommodating a user, particularly in a seated/sitting position. Typically, the seating apparatus comprises a seating portion (e.g., a substantially horizontal surface) for supporting the user’s weight via contact with the user’s buttocks (and/or from the rearmost part of the buttocks to the back of the lower leg). Moreover, is some instances the seating apparatus may also comprise a back support (e.g., an upright or a substantially vertical surface) for supporting the back of the user (i.e., posterior of the lumbar region, the torso and/or the head and neck of the user), such as a backrest. Alternatively, the seating apparatus may be configured such that the seating portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to/against an external back support (e.g., an upright or a substantially vertical surface) to form an angle therebetween for supporting the back of the user (e.g., a seating portion/substantially horizontal surface of the seating apparatus placed against a wall forming a non-zero angle therebetween, or a floor and a wall forming a comer therebetween).

[0019] Conventional seating apparatuses and conventional cushions are unable to provide optimal support to the mid-region or pelvis region of the user’s body, and more specifically, the region where the trunk/torso meets the pelvis/lower limbs, such as the user’s ischial tuberosities and ischial rami, especially when the user is in a seated position.

Moreover, conventional seating apparatuses and conventional cushions are unable to provide optimal alignment to the user’s mid-region or pelvis region, much less to the user’s spine, neck, shoulders and the rest of the user’s upper body. Even the cumbersome and unwieldy assembly of additional components such as a lumbar cushion or a seat back is typically not sufficient to overcome the foregoing deficiencies of conventional seating apparatuses and conventional cushions with respect to lack of support and improper alignment of a user. The resulting lack of support and improper alignment can result in degradation of user’s posture, slippage of the gluteus into the void/gap and migration of the user out of the intended position for intended support of the design of the seating surfaces.

[0020] Moreover, for providing adequate support for the user’s ischial tuberosities and ischial rami and thereby providing adequate angular and rotational alignment of the user’s spine typically requires providing support of different durometers, stiffness and/or compressibility at the ischial tuberosities and ischial rami, while still providing adequate support and comfort to the rest of the user’s mid-region/pelvis region (e.g., the user’s gluteal muscles, coccyx, thighs, etc.). However, conventional cushions are typically cuboidal and planate in shape and have substantially unitary material with substantially identical durometers, stiffness and/or compressibility which not only (i) have no means for optimally supporting the mid-region of the user’s body and particularly, variable and customizable support for the ischial tuberosities and ischial rami, but also (ii) is unable to properly align the user’s pelvis itself, much less the user’s spine and upper body. Also, the shape and thickness of conventional cushions undesirably materially displace the user from the existing seating surface, e.g., when positioned over the seating surface, or undesirably materially displace the user from the existing back support, e.g., when positioned over the back support of the seating apparatus, thereby blocking the contact of the user’s body with one or both of the seating surface and the back support. This material displacement of the user with respect to the seating apparatus, may cause pressure points and discomfort in back, spine, the mid region and upper thighs of the user, in particular.

[0021] The support apparatus of the present invention alleviates the foregoing deficiencies of conventional seats and cushions, and also provides other advantages. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide a support apparatus that can be assembled with a seating apparatus (e.g., removably assembled) and that is configured to (i) provide optimal, variable and customizable support to the ischial tuberosities and ischial rami of the user’s pelvis, and as a result, thereby (ii) providing correct angular and rotational alignment to the user’s pelvis, spine and upper body when the user is in a seated positon, without requiring unwieldy assemblies of lumbar cushions or seat backs that materially displace the user, while still (iii) providing adequate support for and comfortable

accommodation of the user’s gluteal region and coccyx and without impeding user movements, as will be described in detail with respect to Figures 1 A-3B. In some embodiments, the support apparatus of the present invention comprises a support body that provides a cushioning member (e.g., a pillow member or another flexible member), as a whole or in part. In some embodiments, the support apparatus of the present invention comprises a support body that is rigid, at least in part. In some embodiments, the support apparatus of the present invention comprises a support body that is both rigid and at least partially flexible.

[0022] Optimal or correct alignment (e.g., optimal/correct alignment of the user’s pelvis, spine, neck, upper body, etc.) as used herein may refer to an alignment of the user’s body (or body portion) that provides the ideal posture, and that precludes short-term and long-term undue pressure, strain and discomfort etc., and in general, provides a

better/suitable/comfortable alignment in comparison with the alignment of the user’s spine in the absence of the present invention). The functions and features of various embodiments of the support apparatus are described below. It should be appreciated that these features can be provided separately in support apparatus or the support apparatus may have combinations of individual features or may have all of the features.

[0023] Figures 1 A-1E illustrate a support apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The support apparatus 100 includes a support body 110 and an insert 210, as illustrated by Figures 1A-1E. In some embodiments, the support apparatus 100 may comprise an outer cover constructed configured to at least partially enclose the support apparatus 100. The outer cover is preferably made of a material that is soft to the skin of the user, e.g., silk, satin or cotton or other natural or synthetic fabric or cloth, and is preferably removable so that the outer cover may be washed and then refitted on the support apparatus. In some embodiments, the support body 110 and/or the insert 210 comprise, foam-material, one or more types of filler material that are enclosed by a barrier or sheath, and/or the like, typically with differing material properties such as durometer,

compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, etc., as will be described later on. In some embodiments, the support body 110 comprises one or more apertures 140 that function as vents for allowing air circulation and cooling of the support apparatus 100 by allowing air circulation through at least a portion of the support body, along with enhancing flexibility and comfort. The configuration of these components is described below in detail. The support apparatus 100 can comprise more or fewer components as required for various embodiments. [0024] Figure 3 A illustrates a front a perspective view 100A of a support apparatus

100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Figure IB illustrates a top view 100B of the support apparatus 100, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1A.

Although, termed as“top” it is understood that“top” herein means the support apparatus 100 being viewed from the side 111 and not any particular orientation of the support apparatus 100 during use or otherwise. It is noted that, typically, during use, the side 111 is structured to contact the gluteal region of the user. Figure 1C illustrates a detail top-sectional view lOOC of insert 210 of the support apparatus 100 of Figure IB. Figure ID illustrates a side perspective view 100D of the support apparatus 100, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1A. Figure IE illustrates a bottom view 100E of the support apparatus 100, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1A. Again, it is understood that“bottom” herein means the support apparatus 100 being viewed from the side 112, i.e., the side opposite to side 111, and not any particular orientation of the support apparatus 100 during use or otherwise.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 A- IE, the support body 110 of the support apparatus

100 comprises a support member 120 (also referred to as a“first body portion 120”) typically configured for receiving, supporting and/or accommodating the user’s gluteal muscles, panniculus adiposus or buttocks of the user and/or at least a portion of the thighs of the user. The support member 120 may comprise a first support portion 120a configured to support the corresponding/adjacent portion of the user’s gluteal muscles and thigh portion when the user is seated against/on the support apparatus 100, i.e., the first support portion 120a configured to support at least a portion of the left gluteus maximus muscle, left gluteus medius muscle, left gluteus minimus muscle, and./or left thigh when the user is seated against the support apparatus 100 with the user’s posterior facing and adjacent to the side 111 of the support apparatus 100. The support member 120 may further comprise a second support portion 120b configured to support the corresponding/adjacent portion of the user’s gluteal muscles and thigh portion when the user is seated against the support apparatus 100, i.e., the second support portion 120b configured to support at least a portion of the right gluteus maximus muscle, right gluteus medius muscle, right gluteus minimus muscle and/or right thigh when the user is seated against the support apparatus 100 with the user’s posterior facing and adjacent of the side 111 of the support apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b may each comprise (or form when the user is seated, i.e., deform into) a concave depression that is shaped, dimensioned and otherwise structured to support and cushion the corresponding adjacent gluteal muscles, buttock and thigh portions of the user, when the user is seated against/on the support apparatus 100.

Here, the thickness function T1 may comprise a higher thickness towards ends portions in comparison with the thickness at central portions of each of the first support potions (120a, 120b). In some embodiments, the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b may each comprise a planar surface that is shaped, dimensioned and otherwise structured to support and cushion the corresponding adjacent gluteal muscles, buttock portions and thigh portions of the user, when the user is seated against/on the support apparatus 100. However, in other embodiments, the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b may each comprise (or form when the user is seated) a convex projection that is shaped, dimensioned and otherwise structured to support and cushion the corresponding adjacent gluteal muscles, buttock and thigh portions of the user, when the user is seated against/on the support apparatus 100.

[0026] It is further noted that in some embodiments, the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b may comprise the concave depression even when not in use, or the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b (e.g., comprising a planar surface or a convex protrusion) may be elastic/flexible and may form the concave depression when the user is seated thereon. That said, in some embodiments, the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b may comprise a substantially flat or convex protruding surface.

[0027] Moreover, in some embodiments, the support body 110 of the support apparatus 100 comprises a second body portion 122 structured to relieve pressure of and to support a region proximate a coccyx of the user and/or otherwise receive, accommodate and/or support the user’s coccyx. As illustrated, the second body portion 122 may comprise a concave, elongate depression positioned between the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b of the support member 120. In some embodiments, the depth of depression of the second body portion 122 is greater than that of the first support portion 120a and/or second support portion 120b (if any). In other words, the value of the thickness function T1 at the second body portion 122 is typically less than the thickness at the support potions (120a, 120b). That said, in some embodiments, the second body portion 122 may comprise a substantially flat or convex protruding surface.

[0028] Moreover, the support body 110 comprises a first surface 111 and an opposite second surface 112. The first surface 111 and the opposite second surface 112 are terminated and separated by a first pair of opposing lateral surfaces (113, 115) (e.g., extending substantially perpendicularly/transverse to the second body portion 122), and a second pair of opposing later surfaces (114, 116) (e.g., extending substantially parallel to the second body portion 122), as best illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and 1D-1E. In some embodiments, the first surface 111 is a three-dimensional contoured surface, e.g., a curved or curvilinear surface.

As such, the first surface 111 may comprise one or more of a complex curvilinear surface, at least a section of a paraboloid surface, at least a section of an ellipsoid surface, at least a section of a quadratic surface, a three-dimensional curved surface, a linear or planar surface, and/or a suitable combination of the foregoing, the combination of which forming the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b of the support member 120, and the second body portion 122 therebetween. In other embodiments, the first surface 111 is a planar surface that is substantially flat while in other embodiments the first surface 111 may be non-planar complex surface. The first surface 111 typically comprises the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b of the support member 120 which are shaped, dimensioned and otherwise structured to receive and at least partially surround the user’s gluteal muscles, panniculus adiposus or buttocks of the user and/or corresponding thigh portions. The first surface 111 typically also comprises the second body portion 122 in between and extending from the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b, which is shaped, dimensioned and otherwise structured to receive and at least partially surround the user’s coccyx. The perimeter of the first surface 111 may be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon, an oval, an ellipse, a combination thereof, or any suitable curvilinear shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the first surface 111 comprises a combination of straight and curved surfaces (best illustrated by Figures 1A and IB). In some

embodiments, the second surface 112 is structured to be accommodated/positioned at a seating surface of a seating apparatus.

[0029] As such, the first surface 111 may be dimensioned by the thickness function

Tl, a width function W1 and a length function LI. In some embodiments, the value of the thickness function Tl of the support body 110 is defined as the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, measured on a plane perpendicular to both the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. In some embodiments, the value of the width function W1 of the support body 110 is defined as the distance between a first pair of opposing ends of the first surface 111 (e.g., perpendicular distance between opposing lateral surfaces 113 and 115 which terminate the first surface, as will be described below, measured on a plane perpendicular to both the lateral surfaces 113 and 115). In some embodiments, the value of the length function LI of the support body 110 is defined as the distance between a second pair of opposing ends of the first surface 111 (e.g., perpendicular distance between opposing lateral surfaces 114 and 116 which terminate the first surface, as will be described below, measured on a plane perpendicular to both the lateral surfaces 114 and 116). In some embodiments, the width function W1 typically varies as a function of the length LI. Here, the thickness function T1 may comprise a higher thickness at lateral side 113 in comparison with the thickness at lateral side 115, thereby forming a slant and/or wedge shape. Moreover, in some embodiments, the length function LI may vary as a function of the width Wl. In some embodiments, the first surface 111 is symmetric about the second body portion 122. That said, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that first surface 111 may not be symmetric about the second body portion 122.

[0030] Moreover, the support body 110 of the support apparatus 100 comprises a first lateral side 113, a second lateral side 114, a third lateral side 115 and a fourth lateral side 116, each of which extends between and separates the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, by a thickness function T (best illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and 1D-1E). Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at the first surface 111 and an opposing edge at the second surface 112 each of which may be defined by a sharp comer, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable contour between the surface (111, 112) and the respective first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116.

[0031] The support body 110 comprises at least one recess 150 structured for at least partially (or entirely) receiving and/or securing an insert 210. Figures 1A-1B, and ID best illustrate the insert 210 being assembled at the recess 150 of the support body 110. The structure of the recess 150 will be discussed in detail later on with respect to Figures 4A-4B. The recess 150 is configured, i.e., shaped and dimensioned, and otherwise structured to receive, accommodate and/or secure therein, the corresponding insert 210. Although illustrated as being a single recess 150, it is understood that the support body 110 may comprise a plurality of recesses that may be substantially contiguous or that may be intermihent, so as to receive corresponding inserts (or sub-components described below).

[0032] Now referring to Figure 1C, the insert 210 may comprise a first surface 211 and an opposite second surface 212 (illustrated in Figure IE). Moreover, the insert 210 of the support apparatus 100 comprises a first lateral side 213, a second lateral side 214, a third lateral side 215 and a fourth lateral side 216, each of which extends between and separates the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. The first lateral side 213, second lateral side 214, third lateral side 215 and/or fourth lateral side 216 may comprise an edge at the first surface 211 and an opposing edge at the second surface 212 each of which may be defined by a sharp comer, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable contour between the surface (211, 212) and the respective first lateral side 213, second lateral side 214, third lateral side 215 and fourth lateral side 216.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first surface 211 of the insert 210 is structured to be substantially contiguous with the first surface 111 of the support body 110 when the insert 210 is assembled with the support body 110 (e.g., as illustrated by Figures 2D and 3A-4E).

In some embodiments, similar to the first surface 111 of the support body 110, the first surface 211 of the insert 210 may be a three-dimensional contoured surface, e.g., a curved or curvilinear surface, a planar surface, a non-planar surface, a curvilinear surface, a curved surface, and/or a suitable combination of the foregoing. As such, the first surface 211 may comprise one or more of a complex curvilinear surface, at least a section of a paraboloid surface, at least a section of an ellipsoid surface, at least a section of a quadratic surface, a three-dimensional curved surface, a linear or planar surface, and/or a suitable combination of the foregoing, the combination of which forming (i) a first support portion 220a of the insert 210 (typically structured to be substantially contiguous with the first support portion 120a of the support body 110), (ii) a second support portion 220b of the insert 210 (typically structured to be substantially contiguous with the second support portion 120b of the support body 110), and (ii) a body portion 222 therebetween (typically structured to be substantially contiguous with the second body portion support 122 of the support body 110). The perimeter of the first surface 211 may be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon, an oval, an ellipse, a combination thereof, or any suitable curvilinear shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the first surface 211 comprises a combination of straight and curved surfaces.

[0034] As such, the first surface 211 may be dimensioned by a width function W2 and a length function L2. Typically, the values of the width function W2 and a length function L2 of the insert 210 are lesser than that of the corresponding width function W1 and length function LI of the support body 110. In some embodiments, the value of the thickness function (not illustrated) of the insert 210 is lesser than or equal to the value of the corresponding thickness function T1 of the support body 110. [0035] Figure 1C illustrates the comprising a generally“V” shape. In this regard, the

“V” shape may generally define an angle G at the vertex. This angle Q may be dimensioned in the range of 70-80 degrees, 70-85 degrees, 75-90 degrees, 50-90 degrees, 20-90 degrees, 45-90 degrees, 30-110 degrees, 45-150 degrees, and/or the like. That said, in other embodiments, the insert 210 may comprise a delta shape, a rectangle, a polygon, an oval, an ellipse, a combination thereof, or any suitable curvilinear shape, and/or a combination thereof.

[0036] The structure of the assembly of the support body 110 and insert 210 will now be described with respect to Figure 4A-4E. Figures 4A-4E illustrate cut-away sectional views 400A-400E of assembly of support body 110 with corresponding insert 210, e.g., along section B-B illustrated in Figure ID. Figure 4A illustrates a sectional view 400A in accordance with one embodiment of the invention where the recess 150 of the support body 110 comprises a planar surface structured to abut the corresponding surface of the insert 210 when the support body 110 and insert 210 are assembled. The planar surface of the recess 150 may be perpendicular to or oriented at a non-right angle with the surface 112. The support body 110 and insert 210 may form a clearance fit, an interference fit or a transition fit. Figure 4B illustrates a sectional view 400B in accordance with one embodiment of the invention where the recess 150 of the support body 110 comprises an opening 132, e.g., a depression, gap, hole, notch, cavity, fissure or recess, configured and structured to accommodate/receive a protuberance 232 of the insert 210 when the support body 110 and insert 210 are assembled. Figure 4C illustrates a sectional view 400C in accordance with one embodiment of the invention where the recess 150 of the support body 110 comprises a protuberance 134 structured to be received within a depression 234 of the insert 210 when the support body 110 and insert 210 are assembled.

[0037] It is noted that Figures 4A-4C illustrate the recess 150 being a through-recess or aperture extending from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112. However, the recess 150 may be in the form of a cavity extending only to a partial depth, as illustrated by sectional views 400D and 400E of Figures 4D and 4E, respectively. Moreover, Figure 4E illustrates the sectional view 400C in accordance with one embodiment of the invention where the recess 150 of the support body 110 comprises a depression 136 structured to accommodate/receive a protuberance 236 of the insert 210, and a protuberance 138 structured to be received within a depression 238 of the insert 210 when the support body 110 and insert 210 are assembled, such that the depression 136 and the protuberance 138 are positioned on the bottom surface of the recess 150. It is understood that a suitable combination of the structures illustrated in Figures 4A-4E may be employed in the embodiments illustrated in FigureslA-lE.

[0038] Although illustrated as an integral one-piece component, it is understood that insert 210 may comprise a plurality of sub-components that may be assembled together (e.g., within the recess 150 of the support body 110) to form the insert 210. In this regard, the sub components may be assembled together to form a contiguous insert 210 (e.g., as illustrated by Figures 1 A-1E), or the sub-components may be assembled together intermittently to form a non-contiguous or intermittent insert (not illustrated herein). Moreover, the insert 210 is structured to be removably assembled with the support body 110. However, it is understood that the insert 210 may be formed by performing a“double-pour” operation and/or the like, to be fixedly assembled with the support body 110.

[0039] Typically, the insert 210 structured to comprise greater softness and lesser durometer or hardness at the first surface 21 than the support body 110 at the first surface 111 (e.g., on the Shore A scale). In other words, for example, the insert 210 is made from a material exhibiting greater softness (e.g., greater compressibility, greater flexibility, etc.) and lesser durometer or hardness than the material of the support body 110 (e.g., on the Shore A scale). The durometer or hardness used herein may refer to the hardness described by procedure ASTM 2240 (American Society of Testing and Materials) using the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, wherein the hardness of the support body 110 exceeds the hardness of the insert 210, e.g., such that the support body 110 has 1.1 times, 1.2 times, 1.3 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, 1-2 times, 1-2.5 times, 1.5-3 times, 1-4 times, greater hardness that that of the insert 210.

[0040] In other words, the insert 210 and the support body 110 may have different durometers, such that the durometer/hardness of the support body 110 is greater than that of the insert 210 (e.g., on the Shore A scale). The durometer or durometers may vary from resilient to compressible. In some embodiments, the insert 210 and the support body 110 may be made from foams having different durometers, plastics having different durometers, etc. In some embodiments the insert 210 may have a lower durometer/hardness than the durometer/hardness of the support body 110. For example, in some embodiments the insert 210 may be made from a material, such as foam or plastic, having a lower

durometer/hardness, while the support body 110 may be made from a material, such as foam or plastic, having a higher durometer/hardness. As another advance of the present invention, the insert 210 is infinitely customizable such that the user may interchange inter components of various softness for assembly within the support body, without having to replace the entire support body.

[0041] The support apparatus 100 and/or portions of the support apparatus, i.e., the support body 110 and the insert 210 can be constructed using a variety of materials, including but not limited to, metals, alloys, composites, plastics, natural materials (e.g., wood), other synthetic materials, synthetic and natural fabrics, foams and other materials and/or natural/synthetic blends. The entirety of the support apparatus 100 may be manufactured from any of the materials listed herein (e.g., from a particular plastic material, from a particular composite alloy, from a particular foam material, etc.), or the support body may be constructed from a suitable combination of materials (e.g., a frame/flange(s) made from a particular metal or plastic or another substantially rigid material in combination with a support portion made out of a foam or a plastic or a flexible/elastic material).

[0042] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support apparatus 100 and/or the support body 110 can be constructed using a variety of materials, including but not limited to, synthetic and natural fabrics, foams and other materials and natural/synthetic blends. At least a portion of the support apparatus may be made from allergy barrier materials comprising, but not limited to, tightly woven barriers, coated barriers to prevent mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and other contaminants from entering through the support body 110. The gauge measurement of the support body 110 (i.e., the number of needles per inch or per 1-1/2 inches in a knitting machine) may be large enough to ensure a finer knit.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support apparatus comprises a filler material of the support body 110 which provides resiliency and support to the support apparatus 100. In other words, the filler material allows the support apparatus 100 to conform to the user’s shape and is resilient enough to regain its original shape. The filler material can have a shape similar to or different from that of the support body 110 and can have similar or different dimensions. The filler material can be fabricated as a single part or multiple parts. In some embodiments the filter material comprises two or more parts. The filler material can be made from one or more materials, including in some embodiments a loose material such as fiber or poly beads, in one piece using plastic materials, in one or more pieces using plastics, metals, allows, composites, and/or other suitable materials. In some instances, the filler material can comprise polyfiber, reticulated foam, memory foam, hollow petrochemical beads, expanded polystyrene beads or any other natural or synthetic materials that collectively allow the filler material to have the resilient, conforming and supporting properties even after repeated/extended use.

[0044] In some embodiments the filler material and the filter barrier (optionally enclosing the filler material) are made of materials that have a high permeability and high wickability. As used herein, wickability means the ability of a fiber or a fabric to disperse moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation can take place. In some embodiments the filler material and the filter barrier comprise performance fabrics to provide functional qualities like moisture management, UV protection, anti microbial, thermoregulation and wind and water resistance. In some embodiments the filter barrier comprises a mesh. As used herein, a mesh is a type of fabric characterized by its net- like open appearance, and the spaces between the yams. In some embodiments the filler material and the filter barrier comprise a bacteriostat, fungal stat or antimicrobial material.

As used herein, a bacteriostat means a material that kills the bacteria, slows growth or holding the death to growth rates of bacteria more or less in equilibrium, and/or inhibits bacteria growth. As used herein, a fungal stat means a material that kills the fungus, slows growth or holding the death to growth rates of fungus more or less in equilibrium, and/or inhibits fungus growth.

[0045] Moreover, in some embodiments the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b of the support member 120, the second body portion 122, and support element 130 may each have different material properties (e.g., stiffness, compressibility, elasticity, resilience and the like) in comparison with each other, while in other embodiments two or more of the first support portion 120a and second support portion 120b, the second body portion 122, and support element 130 may comprise the same material properties.

[0046] The assembly and use of the support apparatus 100, along with its functionality and advantages will now be described in detail. Figure 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view 200A of a pelvis region 20 of a user 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Figure 2B illustrates a schematic side view 200B of the pelvis region 20 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A. Figure 3A illustrates a schematic side perspective view 300A of one instance of a user 10 in a seated position on a support apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Figure 3B illustrates a schematic top perspective view 300B of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3A. Figure 3C illustrates a schematic top view 300B of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3A. [0047] Typically, the user’s body comprises a spine 22, ilia 24 (e.g., right and left ilium), ischial tuberosities 26 (right and left ischial tuberosity) and ischial rami 28 (right and left ischial ramus). The support apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured to support the ischial tuberosities 26 at the support body 110 at the region in between the lateral side 113 of the support body and the insert 210, typically proximate the insert 210 (best illustrated by Figures 3 A and 3C). The support apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured to support the ischial rami 28 at the insert 210 at the region of the insert 210, (best illustrated by Figures 3B-3C). In other words, in the seated positon, the ischial tuberosities 26 of the user rest against the support body 110 just behind the insert 210, while the ischial rami 28 rest on the insert 210. Due to (i) the insert 210 having a greater softness or lesser durometer/hardness as described previously and (ii) the slant and/or wedge shape of the support apparatus 110 (i.e., the thickness tapering in the direction from lateral side 113 to at lateral side 115), the pelvis 20 of the user 10 is induced to tilt and/or rotate forward as indicated by arrows D1 and D2 in Figure 2B, thereby providing correct angular and rotational alignment to the user’s pelvis, spine and upper body when the user is in a seated positon, without requiring unwieldy assemblies of lumbar cushions or seat backs.

[0048] In order to achieve specific durometer or hardness ranges a variety of materials may be used. For purposes of example only and not limitation, a mixture of materials consisting primarily or mostly of the following polymeric materials may be used: Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), an elastomeric polymer emulsion (EPE), such as HYSTRETCH.RTM. V60, manufactured and sold by Noveon, Inc., foam, etc. In general, the combination may be approximately 51 to 66.6% of DOP, approximately 11- 22.4% of PVC, approximately 5-28% of EPE and approximately 2-6% of other materials. In order to increase durometer hardness, the PVC component may be increased. Conversely, to decrease durometer hardness the PVC component may be decreased. For purposes of example only and not limitation, a combination of approximately 66.6% DOP, approximately 22.4% PVC, approximately 5% EPE, and approximately 6% of other material has a durometer hardness of approximately 14 to 15 on the Shore A scale. A combination of approximately 59% DOP, approximately 20.5% PVC, approximately 16% EPE, and approximately 4.5% of all other materials has a durometer hardness of approximately 10 to 12 on the Shore A scale. For purposes of example only and not limitation, a combination of approximately 57% DOP, approximately 19% PVC, approximately 19% EPE, and approximately 5% of other material has a durometer hardness of approximately 7 to 8 on the Shore A scale. A combination of approximately 51% DOP, approximately 17% PVC, approximately 27% EPE, and approximately 5% of other materials has a durometer hardness of approximately 5 to 6 on the Shore A scale. A combination of approximately 55% DOP, approximately 14% PVC, approximately 28% EPE, and approximately 3% of other materials has a durometer hardness of approximately 3 to 4 on the Shore A scale. A combination approximately of 59% DOP, approximately 11% PVC, approximately 28% EPE, and approximately 2% all other materials has a durometer hardness of approximately 1 to 2 of the Shore A scale. The“other materials” generally have a minimal impact on hardness; however, the use of other materials may be used to influence, among other things, the color, texture, smell, etc.

[0049] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein,“at least one” shall mean“one or more” and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms“a” and/or“an” shall mean“at least one” or“one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” or“at least one” is also used herein.