Support cushion

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001Priority is hereby claimed to <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US16659405" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. patent application serial number 11/166,594 filed on June 24, 2005</text></patcit>, and <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US26541005" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. patent application serial number 11/265,410 filed on November 2, 2005</text></patcit>.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002Conventional body supports can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are often adapted for supporting one or more body parts of a user. As used herein, the term "body support" includes without limitation any deformable element adapted to support one or more parts or all of a human or animal in any position. Examples of body supports include mattresses, pillows, and cushions of any type, including those for use in beds, seats, and in other applications.

0003Many body supports are constructed entirely or partially out of foam material. For example, polyurethane foam is commonly used in many mattresses, pillows, and cushions, and can be used alone or in combination with other types of cushion materials. In many body supports, visco-elastic material is used, providing the body support with an increased ability to conform to a user and to thereby distribute the weight or other load of the user. Some visco-elastic body support materials are also temperature sensitive, thereby also enabling the body support to change shape based in part upon the temperature of the supported body part.

0004Although the number and types of body supports constructed with one or more visco-elastic materials continue to increase, the capabilities of such materials are often underutilized. In many cases, this underutilization is due to poor body support design and/or the choice of material(s) used in the body support.

0005Based at least in part upon the limitations of existing body supports and the high consumer demand for improved body supports in a wide variety of applications, new body supports are welcome additions to the art.

0006<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US6541094B1"><text>US 6541094 B1</text></patcit> relates to a laminated support for pressure-relief.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0007The present invention provides a support cushion as claimed in claim 1. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

0008Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a sectioned perspective view of a body support according to a first embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1A</figref> is a detail view of the material in a layer of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1B</figref> is a detail view of the material in another layer of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectioned perspective view of a body support according to another embodiment of the present invention</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2A</figref> is a detail view of the material in a layer of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005">FIGS. 2B-6</figref> are sectioned perspective views of body supports according to additional embodiments of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008">FIG. 7-9</figref> are exploded perspective views of body supports according to additional embodiments of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIGS. 10-11</figref> are sectioned perspective views of body supports according to additional embodiments of the present invention;</li></ul>

0010Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like "front", "back", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections and couplings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0011A body support 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref>, <figref idref="f0002">1A, and 1B</figref>, and comprises two layers of material: a top layer 110 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam (sometimes referred to as "memory foam" or "low resilience foam") and a bottom layer 112 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. In some embodiments, the top layer 110 can rest upon the bottom layer 112 without being secured thereto. However, in other embodiments, the top and bottom layers 110, 112 are secured to one another by adhesive or cohesive bonding material, by being bonded together during formation of the top and bottom layers 110, 112, by tape, hook and loop fastener material, conventional fasteners, stitches extending at least partially through the top and bottom layers 110, 112, or in any other suitable manner.

0012Each of the top and bottom layers 110, 112 can be substantially flat bodies having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces 116, 118, 120, 122 as shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the top and bottom surfaces 116, 118, 120, 122 of either or both top and bottom layers 110, 112 can be non-planar, including without limitation surfaces having ribs, bumps, and other protrusions of any shape and size, surfaces having grooves, dimples, and other apertures that extend partially or fully through the respective layer 110, 112, and the like. Such alternative surface shapes are described in greater detail below in connection with other embodiments of the present invention. Also, depending at least in part upon the application of the body support 102 (i.e., the product defined by the body support 102 or in which the body support 102 is employed), either or both of the top and bottom layers 110, 112 can have shapes that are not flat. By way of example only, either or both layers 110, 112 can be generally wedge-shaped, can have a concave or convex cross-sectional shape, can have a combination of convex and concave shapes, can have a stepped, faceted, or other shape, can have a complex or irregular shape, and/or can have any other shape desired. Examples of such alternative shapes are presented in greater detail below in connection with other embodiments of the present invention.

0013In some embodiments, the top layer 110 provides a relatively soft and comfortable surface for a user's body or body portion (hereinafter referred to as "body"). Coupled with the slow recovery characteristic of the visco-elastic foam, the top layer 110 can also conform to a user's body, thereby distributing the force applied by the user's body upon the top layer 110. In some embodiments, the top layer 110 has a hardness of at least about 30 N and no greater than about 175 N for desirable softness and body-conforming qualities. In other embodiments, a top layer 110 having a hardness of at least about 40 N and no greater than about 110 N is utilized for this purpose. In still other embodiments, a top layer 110 having a hardness of at least about 40 N and no greater than about 75 N is utilized. Unless otherwise specified, the hardness of a material referred to herein is measured by exerting pressure from a plate against a sample of the material having length and width dimensions of 40 cm each (defining a surface area of the sample of material), and a thickness of 5 cm to a compression of 40% of an original thickness of the material at approximately room temperature (e.g., 21-23 Degrees Celsius), wherein the 40% compression is held for a set period of time, following the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 2439 hardness measuring standard.

0014The top layer 110 can also have a density providing a relatively high degree of material durability. The density of the foam in the top layer 110 can also impact other characteristics of the foam, such as the manner in which the top layer 110 responds to pressure, and the feel of the foam. In some embodiments, the top layer 110 has a density of no less than about 30 kg/m³ and no greater than about 150 kg/m³. In other embodiments, a top layer 110 having a density of at least about 40 kg/m³ and no greater than about 125 kg/m³ is utilized. In still other embodiments, a top layer 110 having a density of at least about 60 kg/m³ and no greater than about 115 kg/m³ is utilized.

0015The visco-elastic foam of the top layer 110 can be selected for responsiveness to any range of temperatures. However, in some embodiments, a temperature responsiveness in a range of a user's body temperatures (or in a range of temperatures to which the body support 102 is exposed by contact or proximity to a user's body resting thereon) can provide significant advantages. For example, a visco-elastic foam selected for the top layer 110 can be responsive to temperature changes above at least about 0 °C. In some embodiments, the visco-elastic foam selected for the top layer 110 can be responsive to temperature changes within a range of at least about 10 °C. In other embodiments, the visco-elastic foam selected for the top layer 110 can be responsive to temperature changes within a range of at least about 15 °C.

0016As used herein and in the appended claims, a material is considered "responsive" to temperature changes if the material exhibits a change in hardness of at least 10% measured by ISO Standard 3386 through the range of temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius.

0017With reference now to the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref>, <figref idref="f0002">1A, and 1B</figref>, the top layer 110 of the illustrated body support 102 comprises a cellular structure of flexible visco-elastic polyurethane foam in which the walls of the individual cells are substantially intact. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 112 comprising reticulated foam can reduce heat in the top layer 110, due at least in part to the cellular structure of the foam of the bottom layer 112. With reference to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 1B</figref>, for example, the cells of the foam of the bottom layer 112 are essentially skeletal structures in which many (if not substantially all) of the cell walls separating one cell from another do not exist. In other words, the cells are defined by a plurality of supports or "windows" and by no cell walls, substantially no cell walls, or by a substantially reduced number of cell walls. Such a cellular foam structure is sometimes referred to as "reticulated" foam. In some embodiments, a foam is considered "reticulated" if at least 50% of the walls defining the cells of the foam do not exist (i.e., have been removed or were never allowed to form during the manufacturing process of the foam).

0018Also, in some embodiments it is desirable that the bottom layer 112 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam be capable of providing some degree of support that is substantially independent of temperatures experienced by the top layer 110 when supporting a user's body (i.e., independent of a user's body heat). Therefore, the bottom layer 112 can comprise reticulated non-visco-elastic foam that is substantially insensitive to temperature changes within a range of between about 10°C and about 35°C. As used herein, a material is "substantially insensitive" to temperature changes if the material exhibits a change in hardness of less than 10% measured by ISO Standard 3386 through the range of temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 112 can comprise reticulated non-visco-elastic foam that is substantially insensitive to temperature changes within a range of between about 15°C and about 30°C. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 112 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam that is substantially insensitive to temperature changes within a range of between about 15°C and about 25°C can be used.

0019By virtue of the skeletal cellular structure of the bottom layer 112 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">1B</figref>, heat in the top layer 110 can be transferred away from the top layer 110, thereby helping to keep a relatively low temperature in the top layer 110. Also, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the bottom layer 112 can enable significantly higher airflow into, out of, and through the bottom layer 112 - a characteristic of the bottom layer 112 that can also help to keep a relatively low temperature in the top layer 110.

0020Like the top layer 110, the bottom layer 112 can have a density providing a relatively high degree of material durability. Also, the density of the foam in the bottom layer 112 can also impact other characteristics of the foam, such as the manner in which the bottom layer 112 responds to pressure, and the feel of the foam. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 112 has a density of no less than about 20 kg/m³ and no greater than about 80 kg/m³. In other embodiments, a bottom layer 112 having a density of at least about 25 kg/m³ and no greater than about 60 kg/m³ is utilized. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 112 having a density of at least about 30 kg/m³ and no greater than about 40 kg/m³ is utilized.

0021Also, in some embodiments, the bottom layer 112 has a hardness of at least about 50 N and no greater than about 300 N. In other embodiments, a bottom layer 112 having a hardness of at least about 80 N and no greater than about 250 N is utilized. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 112 having a hardness of at least about 90 N and no greater than about 180 N is utilized.

0022The body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> can have a bottom layer 112 that is at least as thick as the top layer 110, thereby providing a significant ventilation and/or heat dissipation layer that, in some embodiments, is relatively temperature insensitive. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 112 is at least half the thickness as the top layer 110. In other embodiments, the bottom layer 112 is at least about the same thickness as the top layer 110. In still other embodiments, the bottom layer 112 is at least about 2 times as thick as the top layer 110.

0023The body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref>, <figref idref="f0002">1A, and 1B</figref> is a mattress, mattress topper, overlay, or futon, and is illustrated in such form by way of example only. It will be appreciated that the features of the body support 102 described above are applicable to any other type of body support having any size and shape. By way of example only, these features are equally applicable to head pillows, seat cushions, seat backs, neck pillows, leg spacer pillows, eye masks, and any other element used to support or cushion any part or all of a human or animal body. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, the term "body support" is intended to refer to any and all of such elements (in addition to mattresses, mattress toppers, overlays, or futons). It should also be noted that each of the body supports described and illustrated herein is presented in a particular form, such as a mattress, mattress topper, overlay, futon, or pillow. However, absent description herein to the contrary, any or all of the features of each such body support can be applied to any other type of body support having any other shape and size, including the various types of body supports mentioned above.

0024<figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> illustrate another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 200 series of reference numbers.

0025Like the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>, the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> has a top layer 210 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam and an underlying layer 212 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. In some embodiments, the body support 202 can therefore provide the desirable softness, body-conforming, ventilation, and heat transfer properties described above. The body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> further comprises a bottom layer 214 beneath the layer of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam 212. Therefore, the layer 212 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam is a middle layer 212 located between the top and bottom layers 210, 214 of the body support 202.

0026The bottom layer 214 of the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> comprises a cellular structure of flexible polyurethane foam, as best shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2A</figref>. In some embodiments, the middle layer 212 can rest upon the bottom layer 214 without being secured thereto. However, in other embodiments, the middle and bottom layers 212, 214 are secured to one another in any of the manners described above with reference to the possible types of connection between the top and bottom layers 110, 112 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. In this regard, it should be noted that absent description herein to the contrary, any adjacent layers of material in any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein can be permanently or releasably secured to one another in any of the manners described above (with reference to the possible types of connection between the top and bottom layers 110, 112 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>), or can be unconnected.

0027Each of the top, middle, and bottom layers 210, 212, 214 can be substantially flat bodies having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. However, any or all of the top and bottom surfaces can have any of the non-planar shapes described above in connection with the surfaces 116, 118, 120, 122 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Also, depending at least in part upon the application of the body support 202 (i.e., the product defined by the body support 202 or in which the body support 202 is employed), either or both of the top, middle, and bottom layers 210, 212, 214 can have a shape that is not flat, including any of the shapes described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>.

0028Absent description herein to the contrary, any or all of the layers of material in any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein can be substantially flat, or can have any shape that is not flat, including any of the shapes described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Also absent description herein to the contrary, the surfaces of either or both opposite faces of any or all of the layers of material in any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein can be substantially planar, or can instead have any of the non-planar shapes described above in connection with the surfaces 116, 118, 120, 122 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>.

0029In some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 is a supportive layer providing a relatively stiff substrate upon which the top and middle layers 210, 212 lie, while still having a degree of deformability to provide user comfort (to the extent that the user's weight affects the shape of the bottom layer 214). Therefore, the bottom layer 214 can comprise a foam having a relatively high resilience capable of providing significant support to the top and middle layers 210, 212. The bottom layer 214 can have a resilience greater than that of the other layers 210, 212 in the body support 202. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 has a hardness of at least about 50 N and no greater than about 300 N for a desirable degree of support and comfort. In other embodiments, a bottom layer 214 having a hardness of at least about 80 N and no greater than about 250 N is utilized for this purpose. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 214 having a hardness of at least about 90 N and no greater than about 180 N is utilized.

0030Depending at least in part upon the thickness and material properties of the top and middle layers 210, 212, in some embodiments the bottom layer 214 can be exposed to substantial body heat from a user resting upon the body support 202. In such embodiments, the foam of the bottom layer 214 can be selected to be substantially insensitive to temperature changes (as defined above) within a range of between about 10°C and about 35°C, thereby retaining the supportive properties desired for the bottom layer 214 throughout a range of body temperatures to which the bottom layer 214 may be exposed. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 can comprise foam that is substantially insensitive to temperature changes within a range of between about 15°C and about 30°C. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 214 of foam that is substantially insensitive to temperature changes within a range of between about 15°C and about 25°C can be used.

0031Like the top and middle layers 210, 212, the bottom layer 214 can have a density providing a relatively high degree of material durability. Also, the density of the foam in the bottom layer 214 can also impact other characteristics of the foam, such as the manner in which the bottom layer 214 responds to pressure, and the feel of the foam. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 has a density of no less than about 20 kg/m³ and no greater than about 80 kg/m³. In other embodiments, a bottom layer 214 having a density of at least about 25 kg/m³ and no greater than about 60 kg/m³ is utilized. In still other embodiments, a bottom layer 214 having a density of at least about 30 kg/m³ and no greater than about 40 kg/m³ is utilized.

0032The body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref> can have a bottom layer 214 that is at least as thick as the combination of the top and middle layers 210, 212, thereby providing substantial support for the top and middle layers 210, 212. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 is at least about 2/3 of the combined thickness of the top and middle layers 210, 212. Also, in some embodiments, the bottom layer 214 is at least about half the combined thickness of the top and middle layers 210, 212.

0033<figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-2A</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-2A</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-2A</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2B</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-2A</figref> are designated hereinafter with primed numbers in the 200 series of reference numbers.

0034Like the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>, the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> has a top layer 210' comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, an underlying layer 212' comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, and a bottom layer 214' comprising a cellular structure of flexible polyurethane foam (which, in some embodiments, comprises a foam having a relatively high resilience, a temperature insensitivity, a density, and/or a thickness as described in greater detail above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>). Accordingly, the body support 202' can provide the desirable softness, body-conforming, ventilation, and heat transfer properties described above, while also providing support for the top and middle layers 210', 212'.

0035As described above, some embodiments of the present invention employ one or more layers of material having one or more surfaces that are non-planar, such as surfaces that have ribs, bumps, and other protrusions of any shape and size, surfaces having grooves, dimples, and other apertures that extend partially or fully through the respective layer, and the like. The body support 202' illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> is an example of such a body support. Also, the body support 202' illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> is an example of the manner in which a non-planar top surface 216' of the top layer 210' can be employed to provide additional features for the body support 202'. In particular, the non-planar top surface 216' of the illustrated body support 202' is convoluted. The features of the convoluted surface are described in greater detail below in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> . Alternatively, the non-planar top surface 216' can take any of the other forms also described below in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> and/or described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>.

0036In some embodiments, the non-planar top surface 216' of the top layer 210' of visco-elastic foam can provide an enhanced degree of heat dissipation. Also or alternatively, the non-planar top surface 216' can provide desirable pressure distribution in a manner that is different from that of a planar top surface 216'.

0037As described in greater detail below, any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein can be provided with one or more covers covering any part or all of such body supports. By way of example, the body support 202' illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> has a cover 272' enclosing all three layers 210', 212', 214' of the body support 202'.

0038Used in conjunction with a body support 202' having a top layer 210' of visco-elastic foam having a convoluted top surface 216', the cover 272' can provide a desirable appearance for the body support 202'. The cover 272' can comprise a material that enables a user to see the shape of some or all of the non-planar top surface 216' of the body support 202'. For example, although not illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> , the top surface of the cover 272' can show at least part of the convolutions of the underlying top layer 210'. The degree to which the shape of the non-planar top surface 216' is visible beneath the cover 272' is dependent at least in part upon the thickness of the cover 272', the cover material, and the fit of the cover 272' on the body support 202' (e.g., taut or loose fit). It will be appreciated that the cover 272' as described herein can cover any part or all of other non-planar top surfaces 216' of the top visco-elastic layer 210', and can provide any degree of visibility of the underlying top layer shape.

0039Although the body support 202' illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2B</figref> has a top layer 210' of visco-elastic foam (having a convoluted top surface 216') atop a layer 212' of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam and a layer 214' of relatively high-resilience foam, it should be noted that any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein having a top layer comprising visco-elastic foam (whether non-reticulated or reticulated as described in greater detail below) can have a non-planar top surface as just described.

0040<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 300 series of reference numbers.

0041Like the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>, the body support 302 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> comprises a top layer 310 of open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, beneath which lie middle and bottom layers 312, 314 of the body support 302. However, the materials of the middle and bottom layers 312, 314 are switched compared to the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Accordingly, the middle layer 312 of the body support 302 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> comprises a relatively resilient flexible polyurethane foam, and the bottom layer 314 of the body support 302 comprises reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. The relatively highly resilient foam of the middle layer 312 is described in greater detail above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>, while the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the bottom layer 314 is described in greater detail above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>.

0042In the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>, the non-reticulated visco-elastic foam can be provided with a desired degree of support by the adjacent underlying layer of relatively highly resilient foam, rather than by a layer of such material underlying another intermediate layer as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. In the structure illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>, the middle layer 312 can provide enhanced user support, depending at least in part upon the thicknesses of the top and middle layers 310, 312. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 314 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can reduce heat in the middle layer 312 (and in some embodiments, the top layer 310 as well), due at least in part to the reticulated cellular structure of the foam of the bottom layer 314.

0043The body support 302 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> can have a middle layer 312 that is at least about as thick as the top layer 310 to provide a desirable degree of support for the top layer 310. In some embodiments, the middle layer 312 can be at least about twice as thick as the top layer 310 for this purpose. In other embodiments, a middle layer 312 that is at least about three times as thick as the top layer 310 is used for this purpose.

0044With further reference to <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>, the body support 302 can have a bottom layer 314 that is at least about 0.07 times as thick as the combined thickness of the top and middle layers 310, 312 to carry heat away from the middle layer 312 (and in some embodiments, the top layer 310 as well). In some embodiments, the bottom layer 314 can be at least about 0.15 times as thick as the combined thickness of the top and middle layers 310, 312 for this purpose. In other embodiments, a bottom layer 314 that is at least about 0.25 times as thick as the combined thickness of the top and middle layers 310, 312 is used for this purpose.

0045<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 400 series of reference numbers.

0046Like the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>, the body support 402 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> comprises a top layer 410 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, beneath which lies a bottom layer 412 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. However, the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 has a non-planar shape beneath the substantially planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410. In the embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 has a plurality of protrusions 428 extending toward the top layer 410. The protrusions 428 can be generally conical in shape, can be frusto-conical, or can have rounded tips as shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0047The protrusions 428 of the bottom layer 412 and the bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 define a plurality of passages 430 between the top and bottom layers 410, 412. The passages 430 permit movement of air between the top and bottom layers 410, 412, thereby improving heat transfer within the body support 402. Also or alternatively, heat in one or more locations of the body support 402 can be dissipated into and through the passages 430 between the top and bottom layers 410, 412. The improved heat transfer enabled by the passages 430 can be used to cool both layers 410, 412, and can be particularly useful in reducing heat in the top layer 410 closest to the user.

0048In some embodiments, the passages 430 between the top and bottom layers 410, 412 have an average height of no less than about 0.5 cm and no greater than about 10 cm. In other embodiments, the passages 430 have an average height of no less than about 1 cm and no greater than about 5 cm. In still other embodiments, passages 430 having an average height of no less than about 1 cm and no greater than about 3 cm are utilized. It will be appreciated that the average height of the passages 430 can depend at least in part upon the height of the protrusions 428 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>. In other embodiments, the same average passage heights described above can still be employed using other types of protrusions alone or in combination with apertures as described in greater detail below.

0049As an alternative or in addition to the generally cone-shaped protrusions 428 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 can have any other type of protrusion or combinations of types of protrusions desired, including without limitation pads, bumps, pillars, and other localized protrusions, ribs, waves (e.g., having a smooth, sawtooth, or other profile), and other elongated protrusions, and the like. Also or alternatively, the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 can have any number and type of apertures, including without limitation recesses, dimples, blind holes, through holes, grooves, and the like, any or all of which can be defined in whole or in part by any of the types of protrusions just described.

0050The passages 430 between the top and bottom layers 410, 412 of the body support 402 can be defined by protrusions 428, apertures, or any combination of protrusions 428 and apertures. Although the protrusions 428 and/or apertures need not necessarily be in any arrangement (e.g., a repeating or non-repeating pattern) on the bottom layer 412, in some embodiments the protrusions 428 are located on the bottom layer 412 in such a manner. For example, the generally cone-shaped protrusions 428 of the bottom layer 412 in the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> are regularly spaced across the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. In some embodiments, the areas of the top surface 420 located between the generally cone-shaped protrusions 428 can be recessed, and in some embodiments can cooperate with the protrusions 428 to resemble an egg-crate-shaped surface or any other surface shape desired.

0051Also, the protrusions 428 and/or apertures in the bottom layer 412 can define passages 430 that have a constant or substantially constant height. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 428 and/or apertures in the bottom layer 412 can define passages 430 having a height that varies at different locations between the top and bottom layers 410, 412. Therefore, the passage height between the top and bottom layers 410, 412 can be expressed as an average height as described above.

0052In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, the protrusions 428 are located on substantially the entire top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 428 can be located on less than all of the entire top surface 420, such as in one or more regions of the body support 402. Similarly, apertures at least partially defining the passages 430 can be defined in one or more regions or in substantially the entire top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412.

0053As described above, passages 430 between the top and bottom layers 410, 412 of the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> can be defined between a substantially planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 and a plurality of protrusions 428 and/or apertures on the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. In this regard, passages 430 capable of performing ventilation and/or heat dissipating functions can be defined between the substantially planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 and any non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. In other embodiments, passages 430 can be defined between a non-planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 and a substantially planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. The non-planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 can have any of the protrusion and/or recess features described above in connection with the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>. Therefore, the description above regarding the non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 applies equally to the bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410. In still other embodiments, passages 430 can be defined between a non-planar bottom surface 418 of the top layer 410 and a non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412. The non-planar surfaces 418, 420 can have any of the protrusion and/or recess features described above in connection with the top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0054<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 500 series of reference numbers.

0055As described in greater detail above with regard to the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>, the body support 502 illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> comprises a top layer 510 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, a middle layer 512 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, and a bottom layer 514 comprising flexible cellular polyurethane foam having a relatively high resilience. However, the top surface 524 of the bottom layer 514 has a non-planar shape beneath the substantially planar bottom surface 522 of the middle layer 512. The non-planar shape of the top surface 524 can take any of the forms described above in connection with the non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, and can be defined by a plurality of protrusions 528 (as shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>) and/or a plurality of apertures as also described above. Passages 530 can be defined between the substantially planar bottom surface 522 of the middle layer 512 and the non-planar top surface 524 of the bottom layer 514. In other embodiments, such passages 530 can be defined between a non-planar bottom surface 522 of the middle layer 512 and a substantially planar top surface 524 of the bottom layer 514, or between a non-planar bottom surface 522 of the middle layer 512 and a non-planar top surface 524 of the bottom layer 514, wherein the non-planar surface(s) can be defined in any of the manners described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0056Passages 530 running between the middle and bottom layers 512, 514 illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> can provide the body support 502 with a capacity for ventilation and/or with an increased ability to dissipate heat from the middle layer 512 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, which can receive a user's body heat from the top layer 510 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam. The skeletal structure of the cells in the middle layer 512 can enable heat to be transferred from the top layer 512 to and through the passages 530. Although heat transfer in lateral directions (i.e., toward the edges of the body support 502) can still occur in the middle layer 512 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam based at least in part upon the cell structure of such foam, the passages 530 can enhance this heat transfer.

0057<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 600 series of reference numbers.

0058As described in greater detail above with regard to the body support 302 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>, the body support 602 illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref> comprises a top layer 610 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, a middle layer 612 comprising flexible cellular polyurethane foam having a relatively high resilience, and a bottom layer 614 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. However, the top surface 620 of the middle layer 612 has a non-planar shape beneath the substantially planar bottom surface 618 of the top layer 610. The non-planar shape of the top surface 620 can take any of the forms described above in connection with the non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, and can be defined by a plurality of protrusions 628 (as shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref>) and/or a plurality of apertures as also described above. Passages 630 can be defined between the substantially planar bottom surface 618 of the top layer 610 and the non-planar top surface 620 of the middle layer 612. In other embodiments, the passages 630 can be defined between a non-planar bottom surface 618 of the top layer 610 and a substantially planar top surface 620 of the middle layer 612, or between a non-planar bottom surface 618 of the top layer 610 and a non-planar top surface 620 of the middle layer 612, wherein the non-planar surface(s) can be defined in any of the manners described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0059Passages 630 running between the top and middle layers 610, 612 illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 6</figref> can provide the body support 602 with a capacity for ventilation and/or with an increased ability to dissipate heat from the top layer 612 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam (which can be immediately adjacent a user's body upon the body support 602). Also, the passages 630 can be particularly useful in providing ventilation and/or heat dissipation for the bottom layer 614 of the body support 602.

0060<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 700 series of reference numbers.

0061Like the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>, the body support 702 illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> comprises a top layer 710 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, beneath which lies a bottom layer 712 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. However, the bottom layer 712 further comprises portions of flexible cellular polyurethane foam having a relatively high resilience. In particular, the bottom layer 712 has a first portion 732 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam having the same properties as described above with reference to the bottom layer 112 of the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, and second and third portions 734, 736 comprising flexible cellular polyurethane foam having the same properties as described above with reference to the bottom layer 214 of the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. Therefore, the second and third portions 734, 736 of the bottom layer 712 illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> define side borders of foam that is relatively stiff and supportive compared to the conventional reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the first portion 732. Either or both of the second and third portions 734, 736 can have a width W that is at least about 1 cm and is no greater than about 20 cm. In other embodiments, either or both of the second and third portions 734, 736 can have a width W that is at least about 3 cm and is no greater than about 15 cm. In still other embodiments, either or both of the second and third portions 734, 736 can have a width W that is at least about 5 cm and is no greater than about 10 cm.

0062The second and third portions 734, 736 of the bottom layer 712 can have any width desired, and therefore can be wider or narrower than those illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Also, the second and third portions 734, 736 can have substantially constant widths as illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, or can have widths that vary along the sides 738, 740 of the bottom layer 712. In addition, the second and third portions 734, 736 need not necessarily run along the entire length of the sides 738, 740 of the bottom layer 712 as shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, and can instead run along any portion of the sides 738, 740 of the bottom layer 712 (e.g., only at the corners of the bottom layer 712, in two or more areas along either or both sides 738, 740 of the bottom layer 712, and the like). In this regard, the second and third portions 734, 736 need not necessarily be identical in width, length, or shape. Also, in other embodiments, the bottom layer 712 has only one of the second and third portions 734, 736.

0063As described above, the bottom layer 712 illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> has second and third portions 734, 736 of flexible cellular foam having a relatively high resilience defining borders flanking a first portion 732 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. In other embodiments, the second and third portions 734, 736 of foam can instead be located at the ends 742, 744 of the bottom layer 712 (e.g., at the head and foot of the body support 702 at least partially defining a mattress, mattress topper, overlay, or futon), respectively, and in such locations can take any of the forms and shapes described above. In some embodiments, side and end borders of the relatively high resilience flexible cellular foam can be employed, thereby surrounding or at least partially surrounding the first portion 732 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. Any combination of borders and border locations of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam can be utilized as desired.

0064By employing an underlying layer of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam having the properties described above, the first portion 732 of the bottom layer 712 can enhance ventilation of the body support 702 and/or heat dissipation from the top layer 710. In some embodiments, some types of reticulated foam do not provide a relatively high degree of support and resilience. Although such a foam can be acceptable in many applications, in some products, more supportive and resilient sides 738, 740 and/or ends 742, 744 of the bottom layer 712 are desirable. For example, a mattress having such sides 738, 740 and/or ends 742, 744 can better support a user entering or exiting a resting location on the mattress, and can better support a user sitting or leaning on an edge of the mattress.

0065Also, the location of a border of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam as described above can be selected based upon the desired heat dissipating qualities of the body support 702. For example, the borderless ends 742, 744 of the body support 702 illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> can enable increased ventilation and/or heat dissipation from the first portion 732 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam in the bottom layer 712. Similarly, body supports 702 having bordered ends 742, 744 of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam and borderless sides 738, 740 can provide similar results. In those embodiments in which ventilation and heat dissipation through the ends and/or sides of the first portion 732 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam is less important than additional resilience and support in such locations, a border of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam can be provided in such locations.

0066In still other embodiments of the present invention, the bottom layer 712 of the body support 702 comprises two or more regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, each at least partially surrounded by one or more borders of relatively highly resilient and flexible cellular polyurethane foam. The reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can have the properties described above with reference to the bottom layer 112 of the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, while the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam of the border(s) can have the same properties as described above with reference to the bottom layer 214 of the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 712 can have two or more regions defining "islands" of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam surrounded by one or more borders of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam. In these and other embodiments, one or more of the regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can be open to one or more sides or ends 738, 740, 742, 744 of the bottom layer 712 and/or can be connected to another of the regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam.

0067In those embodiments in which the body support 702 has a bottom layer 712 comprising one or more regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, the regions can be in any location or locations across the bottom layer 712. For example, the regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can be located in areas of greatest contact and/or pressure from a user lying upon the body support 702, such as near the shoulders, back, and buttocks of a user. Also, such regions of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can have any shape (such as rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, or other polygonal shapes, round, oval, or other rotund shapes, irregular shapes, and the like), and can have any size desired.

0068<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 800 series of reference numbers.

0069Like the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, the body support 802 illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> comprises a top layer 810 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, beneath which lies a bottom layer 812 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam and relatively highly resilient and flexible cellular polyurethane foam. However, the first portion 832 of the bottom layer 812 comprises flexible cellular polyurethane foam having the same properties described above with reference to the bottom layer 214 of the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>, and the border 846 of the bottom layer 812 comprises reticulated non-visco-elastic foam having the same properties described above with reference to the bottom layer 112 of the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The border 846 can extend fully around the first portion 832 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam as shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>, or can extend partially around the first portion 832 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam (e.g., having portions flanking the first portion 832 as described above with reference to the embodiment of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, or having one or more portions shaped and located in any of the manners described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>).

0070In short, the first portion 832 and border 846 illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> can have any of the shapes, positions, and arrangements described above in connection with the embodiment of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Also, the materials of the bottom layer region(s) and border(s) described above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> (i.e., two or more regions or islands of material at least partially surrounded by one or more borders) can be reversed, in which case the two or more regions or islands of the relatively highly-resilient flexible cellular foam can be at least partially surrounded by one or more borders of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam.

0071By utilizing a border 846 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam partially or fully surrounding the first portion 832 comprising relatively highly-resilient flexible cellular foam in the bottom layer 812, the body support 802 can have an enhanced ability to provide ventilation of the body support 802 and/or to dissipate heat from the first portion 832 and/or from the top layer 810. The peripheral location of the border 846 illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> is desirable for performing this function, enabling heat to be drawn from a central area of the top and bottom layers 810, 812 toward the edges of the body support 802, where heat can be more readily dissipated from the body support 802.

0072<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 900 series of reference numbers.

0073Like the body support 702 illustrated in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, the body support 902 illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> comprises a top layer 910 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, beneath which lies a bottom layer 912 comprising a first portion 932 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam flanked by second and third portions 934, 936 comprising relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam. The first portion 932 can comprise reticulated non-visco-elastic foam having the same properties described above with reference to the bottom layer 112 of the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The second and third portions 934, 936 can comprise relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam having the same properties described above with reference to the bottom layer 214 of the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2</figref>. Also, the portions 932, 934, 936 can have any of the shapes and arrangements described above with reference to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 7</figref>, such as a border 946 of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam partially or entirely surrounding the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam portion 932, borders of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam on any of the sides and ends of the bottom layer 912, islands or other regions of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam at least partially surrounded by the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam, and the like.

0074If desired, the bottom surface 918 of the top layer 910 and/or the top surface 920 of the bottom layer 912 can have a non-planar shape defining a plurality of passages 930 between the top and bottom layers 910, 912. In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>, for example, passages 930 are defined between a substantially planar bottom surface 918 of the top layer 910 and a non-planar top surface 920 of the bottom layer 912. The non-planar shape of the top surface 920 of the bottom layer 912 can take any of the forms described above in connection with the non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, and can be defined by a plurality of protrusions 928 and/or a plurality of apertures as also described above.

0075The passages 930 between the bottom surface 918 of the top layer 910 and the top surface 920 of the bottom layer 912 can provide enhanced ventilation and/or heat dissipation of the body support 902. The passages 930 can be particularly useful in reducing heat in regions of the body support 902. The passages 930 can supplement the ability of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the first portion 932 to dissipate heat between the second and third portions 934, 936 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam and the top layer 910 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam.

0076Although the first portion 932 of the bottom layer 912 illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> comprises reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, and the second and third portions 934, 936 of the bottom layer 912 comprise a relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam, the material of the first portion 932 and the material of the second and third portions 934, 936 can be reversed in other embodiments, thereby providing a structure similar to those described above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>. Accordingly, the description above regarding the body support 802 illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> applies equally to such alternative embodiments of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>.

0077With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>, the first and second layers 910, 912 of the body support 902 can have a cover 948 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. The reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the cover 948 can have the same properties as described above with reference to the bottom layer 112 of the body support 102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. Also, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the cover 948 can cover any portion of the first and second layers 910, 912. For example, the cover 948 illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> covers substantially the entire top surface 916 of the top layer 910. In other embodiments, the cover 948 can also or instead cover any portion or all of the sides and ends of the first and second layers 910, 912, and/or can underlie any portion or all of the bottom surface 924 of the bottom layer 912. In some embodiments, the cover 948 substantially entirely surrounds the first and second layers 910, 912.

0078The reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 can be selected to provide a heightened degree of fire resistance to the body support 902, and in some countries and/or localities can be utilized to meet fire codes calling for such fire resistance. Although other materials capable of meeting such fire code requirements can be employed, the use of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can provide improved ventilation for the surface(s) of the first and/or second layers 910, 912 covered by the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948. As described above, reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can reduce the amount of heat in adjacent areas of a body support, based at least in part upon the skeletal cellular structure of the reticulated foam. Therefore, in some embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 can provide a degree of fire resistance while also dissipating heat from the adjacent first and/or second layers 910, 912 covered by the reticulated foam cover 948 in use of the body support 902.

0079With continued reference to the embodiment of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>, the visco-elastic nature of the top layer 910 can provide a relatively comfortable substrate for a user's body, can at least partially conform to the user's body to distribute force applied thereby, and can be selected for responsiveness to a range of temperatures generated by the body heat of a user. In some embodiments, the reticulated foam cover 948 (if employed) has a maximum thickness through which these properties can still be exhibited. Although the desirable tactile feel of the visco-elastic first layer 910 can be blocked in some embodiments by the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948, the other desirable properties of the visco-elastic material of the first layer 910 are still experienced through a sufficiently thin reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948. In some embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 has a maximum thickness of about 1 cm. In other embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 has a maximum thickness of about 2 cm. In still other embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 has a maximum thickness of about 5 cm.

0080As also shown in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>, the top surface 916 of the top layer 910 can have a non-planar shape defining a plurality of passages 930 between the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 and the top layer 910. In other embodiments, the passages 930 can be defined between a non-planar bottom surface 952 of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 and a substantially planar top surface 916 of the top layer 910 and/or between a non-planar bottom surface 952 of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 and a non-planar top surface 916 of the top layer 910. Enhanced user comfort, ventilation, and/or heat dissipation can be achieved in some embodiments by such passages 930.

0081The non-planar shape of the top surface 916 illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> (and/or of the bottom surface 952 of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948) can take any of the forms described above in connection with the non-planar top surface 420 of the bottom layer 412 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, and can be defined by a plurality of protrusions 928 and/or a plurality of apertures as also described above.

0082The passages 930 between the bottom surface 952 of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 and the top surface 916 of the top layer 910 can provide a degree of ventilation and/or enhanced heat dissipation for the body support 902. These passages 930 can be particularly useful in reducing heat in regions of the body support 902. These passages 930 can also supplement the ability of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the cover 948 to dissipate heat between the cover 948 and the top layer 910.

0083The reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> is utilized in conjunction with a top layer 910 comprising non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, and a bottom layer 912 comprising a first portion 932 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam flanked by second and third portions 934, 936 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam as described above. However, it should be noted that the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 (and the alternative embodiments of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover 948 described above) can be utilized to cover any or all surfaces of any of the body supports described and/or illustrated herein.

0084<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 1000 series of reference numbers.

0085Like the body support 302 illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 3</figref>, the body support 1002 illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> comprises a first layer 1010 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, a second layer 1012 comprising a relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam beneath the first layer 1010, and a third layer 1014 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam beneath the second layer 1012 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam. The properties of the non-reticulated visco-elastic foam in the first layer 1010 and the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam in the third layer 1014 are described above in connection with the top and bottom layers 110, 112, respectively, in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. The properties of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam in the second layer 1012 are described above in connection with the bottom layer 214 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>.

0086In the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref>, the non-reticulated visco-elastic foam of the first layer 1010 can be provided with a desired degree of support by the adjacent underlying layer 1012 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam. As described above, the skeletal cellular structure of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the third layer 1014 can function to reduce heat in the second layer 1012 (and in some embodiments, the first layer 1010 as well).

0087In some embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the third layer 1014 is less resilient and/or less supportive than the foams that can be employed for the second layer 1012 (e.g., the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>). Although the second layer 1012 can be increased in thickness to accommodate for the less resilient and/or less supportive reticulated non-visco-elastic foam layer 1014, the ability to dissipate heat (via the resulting relatively thinner reticulated foam material) can be reduced. In some embodiments, a fourth layer 1054 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam is located beneath the third layer 1014 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, thereby providing additional support to the first, second, and third layers 1010, 1012, 1014, and supplementing the resilience and support provided by the second layer 1012. In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref>, the fourth layer 1054 comprises substantially the same relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam as the second layer 1012. However, in other embodiments, the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam of the fourth layer 1054 is different than that of the second layer 1012.

0088If desired, a fifth layer 1056 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can lie beneath the fourth layer 1054, thereby providing an increased capability to dissipate heat from the body support 1002. In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref>, the fifth layer 1056 comprises substantially the same reticulated non-visco-elastic foam as the third layer 1014. However, in other embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the fifth layer 1056 is different than that of the third layer 1014. In this regard, any number of alternating layers of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam and reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can lie beneath the first layer 1010 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam. Such body supports 1002 can therefore have a desirable degree of resilience and support (from two or more layers of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam) while still retaining the desirable heat dissipative capabilities described above (from two or more layers of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam). In some embodiments, heat in one or more areas of the body support 1002 can be transmitted through one or more layers of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam for dissipation through the alternating layers of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam.

0089<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a body support according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the body support described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the body support illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref> and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref> that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref> are designated hereinafter in the 1100 series of reference numbers.

0090Like the body support 202 illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>, the body support 1102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref> comprises a first layer 1110 comprising open-celled non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, a second layer 1112 comprising reticulated non-visco-elastic foam beneath the first layer 1110, and a third layer 1114 comprising relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam beneath the second layer 1112. The properties of the non-reticulated visco-elastic foam in the first layer 1010 and the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam in the second layer 1012 are described above in connection with the top and bottom layers 110, 112, respectively, in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-1B</figref>. The properties of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam in the third layer 1014 are described above in connection with the bottom layer 214 in the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>.

0091In the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref>, the skeletal cellular structure of the reticulated foam of the second layer 1112 can function to dissipate heat in the first layer 1110 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam, while the first and second layers 1110, 1112 can be provided with a desirable degree of support by the underlying layer 1114 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam. Compared to the second layer 1012 of body support 1002 illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref>, the second layer 1112 of reticulated foam in the body support 1102 of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref> can provide an increased amount of heat dissipation and/or ventilation, but with a less resilient upper portion of the body support 1102 (in some embodiments, and depending at least in part upon the thickness of the first and second layers 1110, 1112). Therefore, the first three layers 1010, 1012, 1014, 1110, 1112, 1114 of the body supports 1002, 1102 illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> can have different qualities adapted for the comfort and taste of different users.

0092With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref>, in some embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the second layer 1112 is less resilient and/or less supportive than the foams that can be employed for the third layer 1114 (e.g., the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam described above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2A</figref>). Although the third layer 1114 can be increased in thickness to accommodate for the less resilient and/or less supportive reticulated non-visco-elastic foam layer 1112, the advantages relating to heat dissipation from the relatively thinner reticulated foam material can be reduced. In some embodiments, a fourth layer 1154 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam is located beneath the third layer 1114 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam, thereby providing an increased capability to dissipate heat from the body support 1102. In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref>, the fourth layer 1154 comprises substantially the same reticulated non-visco-elastic foam as the second layer 1112. However, in other embodiments, the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam of the fourth layer 1154 is different than that of the second layer 1112.

0093In some embodiments, a fifth layer 1156 of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam is located beneath the fourth layer 1154 of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, thereby providing additional support to the first, second, third, and fourth layers 1110, 1112, 1114, and 1154, and supplementing the resilience and support provided by the third layer 1014. In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 11</figref>, the fifth layer 1154 comprises substantially the same relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam as the third layer 1114. However, in other embodiments, the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam of the fifth layer 1154 is different than that of the third layer 1112. As described above, any number of alternating layers of relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam and reticulated non-visco-elastic foam can lie beneath the first layer 1010 of non-reticulated visco-elastic foam to provide a desired degree of resilience and support while still retaining the ventilation and/or heat dissipative capabilities also described above. In some embodiments, heat in one or more areas of the body support 1102 can be transmitted through one or more layers of the relatively highly resilient flexible cellular foam for dissipation through the alternating layers of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam.

0094The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

0095For example, the reticulated and non-reticulated visco-elastic foam utilized in the various embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein can be made from a polyurethane foam. However, it should be noted that any other visco-elastic polymer material exhibiting similar properties (e.g., thermally-responsive properties) can instead be used as desired.

0096Also, several of the body support embodiments disclosed herein utilize one or more non-planar surface shapes in order to define passages through which air can move and/or to increase the ability of heat to dissipate within the body support. Although the locations of such non-planar surfaces as described above in the various embodiments can provide significant performance advantages for the body supports, such non-planar surface shapes can be utilized between any two adjacent layers in any of the body support embodiments disclosed herein. Further details of such non-planar surface shapes are provided above in connection with the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>.

0097It should be noted that the various body supports described and illustrated herein can be utilized alone or in combination with one or more other layers of material. Such additional layers of material can comprise any of the foam materials described herein (or other materials, as desired), can be located beneath and support the disclosed body support, and can be permanently or releasably coupled to the disclosed body support.

0098As described in greater detail above, some embodiments of the present invention have a relatively thin cover of reticulated non-visco-elastic foam covering one or more surfaces of one or more layers of the body support (e.g., see <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>). The reticulated non-visco-elastic foam cover can be selected to provide a heightened degree of fire resistance to the body support, can be utilized in some countries and/or localities to meet fire codes calling for such fire resistance, and can provide improved ventilation and/or heat dissipation for surfaces of one or more adjacent body support layers based at least in part upon the skeletal cellular structure of the reticulated non-visco-elastic foam. Although the reticulated foam covers described above comprise non-visco-elastic foam, it will be appreciated that such reticulated foam covers can instead comprise visco-elastic foam. Also, the reticulated foam covers of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> are disclosed by way of example, it being understood that reticulated visco-elastic or reticulated non-visco-elastic foam covers can cover any exterior surface of any of the layers in any of the other body support embodiments disclosed herein.

0099A number of the body support embodiments disclosed herein employ one or more layers of material having different types of material in different areas of the same layer (e.g., see <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008">FIGS. 7-9</figref>). It should be noted that such layers can be utilized in other body supports having different underlying and/or overlying layers while still performing some or all of their functions described above. Such alternate body supports and fall within the scope of the present invention.