Ventilated Support Device

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ventilated support device and method. In some embodiments, the device comprises a first layer having a first side and a second side, a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed on the second side of the first layer, a plurality of ventholes extending from the first side to the second side of the first layer, and a plurality of vias disposed among the plurality of support capsules; wherein the first layer is sufficiently flexible to deform under an externally-applied force; wherein the plurality of support capsules comprises a plurality of flexible materials such that they force air movement through the plurality of vias. Other embodiments comprise a shoe with an integrated ventilated support device, comprising an upper and a sole; wherein the ventilated support device is disposed between the upper and the sole; and the ventilated support device comprises: a first layer, a second layer, a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and a plurality of vias interposed among the plurality of support capsules. Other embodiments comprise a method for ventilation comprising applying a force to a first layer comprising a flexible material, wherein the force is transferred from the first layer to a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed between the first layer and a second layer and deforming at least one of the plurality of flexible support capsules, thereby displacing air through a plurality of vias interspersed among the plurality of support capsules.

Claims

1. A ventilated support device comprising: a first layer having a first side and a second side; a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed on the second side of the first layer; a plurality of ventholes extending from the first side to the second side of the first layer; and a plurality of vias disposed among the plurality of support capsules; wherein the first layer is sufficiently flexible to deform under an externally-applied force; wherein the plurality of support capsules comprises a plurality of flexible materials such that they force air movement through the plurality of vias.

2. The ventilated support device of claim 1 further comprising a second layer disposed along the plurality of support capsules and oriented opposite the first layer.

3. The ventilated support device of claim 2, wherein the second layer further comprises a plurality of vent holes disposed therethrough.

4. The ventilated support device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support capsules is spherically shaped.

5. The ventilated support device of claim 1, wherein the support capsules comprise an outer layer comprising a first flexible material encapsulating an inner layer comprising a second flexible material.

6. The ventilated support device of claim 5, wherein the second flexible material is selected from the group consisting of: air, a liquid, and a gel.

7. The ventilated support device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of support capsules are interconnected and attached to either the first layer or the second layer.

8. A shoe with an integrated ventilated support device, comprising: an upper; and a sole; wherein the ventilated support device is disposed between the upper and the sole; and wherein the ventilated support device comprises: a first layer; a second layer; a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed between the first layer and the second layer; and a plurality of vias interposed among the plurality of support capsules.

9. The shoe with an integrated ventilated support device of claim 8, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of vent holes disposed therethrough.

10. The shoe with an integrated ventilated support device of claim 8, wherein a support wall traverses the perimeter of the ventilated support device.

11. A method for ventilation comprising: applying a force to a first layer comprising a flexible material, wherein the force is transferred from the first layer to a plurality of flexible support capsules disposed between the first layer and a second layer; and deforming at least one of the plurality of flexible support capsules, thereby displacing air through a plurality of vias interspersed among the plurality of support capsules.

12. The method for ventilation of claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of vent holes disposed therethrough.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the support capsules comprise an outer layer comprised of a first material disposed around an inner layer comprised of a second material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:

[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of the ventilated support device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates an elevated isometric view of the ventilated support device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric exploded view of the ventilated support device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the ventilated support device showing air flow, according to an exemplary embodiment of present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of the ventilated support device showing air flow, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a ventilated support device as applied to a shoe insert or sole, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric cut-away view of a ventilated support device as applied to a shoe, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of a ventilated support device having uniquely-shaped support capsules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of a ventilated support device having cylindrically-shaped support capsules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a ventilated support device applied to a backpack, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a ventilated support device applied to a chair, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a ventilated support device applied to a bed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Further features and advantages of the disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-7.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilated support device comprises a first layer and a plurality of support capsules. The first layer may be made from any flexible or semi-rigid material. The first layer may have a plurality of vent holes disposed therethrough. The vent holes allow are to move from one side of the first layer to the other while allowing the first layer to flex and/or deform. The plurality of support capsules may be made from any semi-rigid or flexible material.

[0042] The support capsules may be made of a single solid material. Alternatively, the support capsules may comprise a flexible outer layer encapsulating another material. For example, the capsule's outer layer may be made from a first flexible material surrounding a second flexible material. Alternatively, the capsules may comprise a fluid surrounded by an outer lay. The capsule's inner fluid may comprise air, or other gaseous fluids or liquids.

[0043] A plurality of vias may be disposed around the plurality of support capsules. The vias allow air to pass in and around the support capsules. The plurality of support capsules may be interconnected such that the individual support capsules of the plurality of support capsules are held in their respective position. For example, an individual support capsule may be connected to the surrounding capsules. Alternatively, the plurality of support capsules may be connected to the first layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ventilated support device comprises a first layer and a plurality of support capsules. In another embodiment, the ventilated support device comprises a plurality of support capsules disposed between a first layer and a second layer. The first layer or the second layer may have ventholes disposed therethrough. Additionally, the first layer may be made from the same material as the second layer. Alternatively, the first layer may be made from a material or combination of materials that are different from the material or combination of materials used to make the second layer.

[0045] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a ventilated support device consistent with the present invention. The ventilated support device 100 may comprise a middle layer 102 disposed between a first layer 101 and a second layer 103. The first layer 101 may comprise a semi-rigid material. The middle layer 103 comprises a plurality of support capsules 104. The plurality of capsules 104 may comprise an outer layer 105 disposed around the capsule's interior 106. The interior 106 may comprise a fluid, such as air, or other gaseous mixture. The interior 106 may also comprise a liquid fluid such as water. The interior 106 may also comprise a polymeric or elastomeric material that allows the interior to deform and readily return to its pre-deformed shape. The capsule's outer layer 105 may comprise a flexible and/or deformable material such that the capsule 104 may readily return to its pre-deformed shape. For example, the capsule's outer layer 105 may comprise an elastomeric, polymeric, or other polymer-based compound that is flexible enough to allow the capsule to deform under an external force or pressure, yet sufficiently flexible to return to its pre-deformed shape once the external force has been removed. The bottom layer 103 may comprise a semi-rigid material. Although the capsules 104 are shown as being substantially round, the capsules 104 may comprise any shape.

[0046] FIG. 1B illustrates an elevated isometric view of the ventilated support device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first layer 101 may comprise a plurality of vent holes. The second layer 103 may also comprise a plurality of vent holes (not shown). Although the vent holes disposed on the first layer 101 are shown as circular, the vent holes may have any shape.

[0047] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded isometric view of the ventilated support device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first layer 101 comprises a plurality of vent holes dispersed therethrough. The plurality of capsules 104 are disposed between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103.

[0048] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the ventilated support device showing air flow patterns, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. When an external pressure is applied to the first layer 101 of the ventilated support device, the first layer 101 transfers that pressure to a plurality of the capsules 104, causing them to compress and deform. When the capsules 104 deform, the air between the capsules 104 is forced laterally and vertically. The lateral air movement 102 causes air to move to other areas between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103 that are not as compressed. Additionally, the vertical air movement 201 causes the air to pass through the vent holes traversing the first layer 101. Through the application of the external force, ventilated support device accomplishes (1) providing support by distributing the applied force across a greater area, (2) compressing the capsules 104 which in turn provide resistive force to the applied pressure, in some proportionality to the applied external force, and (3) causing the deformed capsules 104 to passively force air around the capsules 104 and through the vent holes, thereby indirectly providing forced ventilation.

[0049] FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric exploded view of the top layer 101 and the plurality of the support capsules 104, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When the support capsules 104 are deformed due to an external force, the capsules 104 will force air in lateral and longitudinal directions along a plurality of vias (shown as arrows 202).

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 3A, the ventilated support device 300 is configured in the form of a shoe insert. The ventilated support device 300 may comprise a first layer 301 and a second layer 302. The first layer 301 may comprise a plurality of ventilation orifices 304, through which air may pass. A plurality of support capsules 303 are disposed between the first layer 301 and the second layer 302.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 3B, the ventilated support device 300 may be incorporated into a shoe 306. The shoe 306 comprises an upper 307 and a sole 308. The ventilated support device may be integrated into the sole 308. Alternatively, the ventilated support device may be disposed between the upper 307 and the sole 308. The ventilated support device 300 may have also comprise a wall 305 that traverses the edge of the support device 300. In such an embodiment, the wall 305 may have ventilation orifices that allow air to circulate from the exterior of the shoe 306 to the interior. In such a configuration, when the user steps on the shoe, the plurality of support capsules 303 will deform and compress under the user's weight. As the user repetitively applies and releases pressure, for example by walking or running, the plurality of support capsules 303 will deform and force air circulation, around the through the vent holes 304 and/or wall 305. The wall 305 may also provide structural support to the first layer 301 and/or the second layer 302.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 4A, the ventilated support device 400 comprises a first layer 401, a second layer 402, and a plurality of support capsules 403. Notably, the plurality support capsules 403 can be any shape. For example, the support capsules 403 can be dog bone shaped. Further, although the plurality of support capsules are shown as uniformly shaped and sized, the individual support capsules 403 making up the plurality of support capsules 403 may be of any size and shape.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 4B, the ventilated support device 400 comprises a first layer 401, a second layer 402, and a plurality of support capsules 403. As shown, the support capsules 403 may be of any shape or size, including being cylindrical. Notably, the plurality of support capsules 403 may be of varying shapes and sizes.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 5, the ventilated support device 501 may integrated into everyday items. For example, the ventilated support device 501 may be integrated into a backpack 500 such that the support device 501 provides comfort to the wearer of the backpack 500. Additionally, the ventilated support device can also be integrated into the backpack's 501 straps (not shown).

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 6, the ventilated support device 601 may be incorporated into the seat portion of a chair 600.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 7, the ventilated support device 701 can be integrated into a bed 700. Notably, the plurality support capsules 702 may be much larger than those integrated into a show, e.g., FIG. 3, a backpack, e.g., FIG. 5, or a seat, e.g., FIG. 4. Additionally, the ventilated support device 701 may be placed over an existing mattress 703. Alternatively, the ventilated support device 701 may be integrated into a bed's mattress 703.

[0057] The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.