Customizable cushioning structure for addressing medical conditions and symptoms
A cushioning structure may be provided that utilizes multiple layers of differing materials, each providing a different aspect of comfort, cooling, and support. In one aspect of the invention a first layer comprises an elastomeric gel supported in a foam structure. In another aspect an additional layer comprises a liquid gel-infused viscoelastic foam. In a further aspect, an additional layer comprises a high-density polyurethane foam. In a further aspect, an additional layer comprises a foamed latex.
1 . A multiple layer cushioning structure, comprising:
an upper layer comprising
a foam structure including an upper surface and an impression area on the upper surface, wherein the impression area comprises a plurality of channels, a plurality of protrusions positioned within the plurality of channels, and an elastomeric gel disposed within the plurality of channels, wherein the elastomeric gel fills the impression area completely;
a gel-infused, reticulated, viscoelastic memory foam layer disposed below the upper layer;
a homogeneous foamed latex layer disposed below the viscoelastic memory foam layer;
a second gel-infused, reticulated, viscoelastic memory foam layer disposed below the homogeneous foamed latex layer; and
a high-density polyurethane foam layer disposed below the second viscoelastic memory foam layer.
2 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , further comprising a second high-density polyurethane layer disposed below the viscoelastic memory foam layer above the homogeneous foamed latex layer.
3 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the upper layer is between approximately ½ inch and 3 inches thick.
4 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has the gel infused as a liquid.
5 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer varies in recovery time and indentation load or force deflection by less than 25% over an ambient temperature range of approximately 55° to 94° Fahrenheit.
6 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has a recovery time of approximately 2 seconds or less.
7 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has density of approximately 3.7 pounds per cubic foot or greater.
8 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer is between approximately ½ inch and 3 inches thick.
9 . The cushioning structure of claim 2 , wherein the homogeneous foamed latex layer is vulcanized endogenously.
10 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the upper layer is between approximately ½ inch and 3 inches thick.
11 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has the gel infused as a liquid.
12 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer varies in recovery time and indentation load or force deflection by less than 25% over an ambient temperature range of approximately 55° to 94° Fahrenheit.
13 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has a recovery time of approximately 2 seconds or less.
14 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer has density of approximately 3.7 pounds per cubic foot or greater.
15 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam layer is between approximately ½ inch and 3 inches thick.
16 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the homogeneous foamed latex layer is vulcanized endogenously.
17 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of protrusions are surrounded on all sides by the plurality of channels.
18 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of protrusions are surrounded on all sides by the elastomeric gel.
19 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are interconnected to one another.
20 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions extend above the elastomeric gel.
21 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels do not extend to a bottom surface of the upper layer.
22 . The cushioning structure of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric gel does not extend to a bottom surface of the upper layer.