Abstract:
A support surface that utilizes repulsive forces of opposing magnetic fields is described. In preferred embodiments, the support apparatus includes first and second frame members having first and second pluralities of magnets disposed thereon. The pluralities of magnets are oriented such that the first plurality of magnets produces a magnetic field having an orientation that opposes the magnetic fields of the magnets of the second plurality. The first and second frame members interact such that they maintain a substantially static lateral position relative to each other despite the repulsive forces of the opposing magnetic fields. A support member, such as a cushion member, is disposed adjacent one of the frame members, and can be connected thereto. A covering can surround the entire assembly. In particularly preferred embodiments, the frame members have dimensions similar to those of conventional mattresses, and the cover confers the appearance of a conventional mattress onto the support apparatus.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to apparatuses for supporting portions or entire bodies of individuals. The support apparatuses of the present invention utilize opposing magnetic fields to provide at least some of the support to the body or a portion thereof. In a specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a support apparatus for supporting a human being while sleeping. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Human beings, like many animals, prefer to lie down while sleeping. Lying down allows the body to relax, and therefore provides better rest to the body. Throughout history, people have experimented with different types of support surfaces in attempts to provide increased comfort and better rest during sleep. As a result, many different forms of sleeping support services are readily available from commercial sources in modern times. Examples of currently available support surfaces includes conventional mattresses that have support frames and a plurality of spring beneath a cushion member, water mattresses that comprise a bladder filled with fluid, and air mattresses that comprise a chamber filled with air. 
     Despite these availability of these and other various types of support surfaces, drawbacks remain in the field. For example, currently available types of support surfaces can be simply uncomfortable for some people. Furthermore, some of the support surfaces, such as conventional mattresses having numerous metal springs in addition to padding, can be heavy and cumbersome. Also, other types requires significant maintenance, such as waterbeds, or require the user to expend significant time in setting up the surface prior to use, such as inflatable air mattresses. 
     Thus, a need exists for a comfortable support surface that overcomes these and other problems present in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a support apparatus for supporting at least a portion of an individual. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a human being during sleep. The apparatuses of the present invention utilize repulsive forces of opposing magnetic fields to support at least a portion of the body weight of an individual. 
     The support apparatuses of the present invention can offer several advantages over those apparatuses found in prior art. For example, for some individuals, the apparatuses of the present may provide increased comfort during sleep. The comfort can be increased over that as typically associated with conventional spring-based mattresses, but is not associated with the drawbacks of water and air mattresses, such as the maintenance and setup and taken down problems mentioned above. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the support apparatus according to the present invention comprises first and second frame members connected to each other in such a manner that at least a portion of the second frame member is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the first frame member. A first plurality of magnets is disposed on the first frame member, and a second plurality of magnets is disposed on the second frame member. Each of the first plurality of magnets has a magnetic field in a first orientation, and each of the second plurality of magnets has a second magnetic field in a second orientation that opposes the orientation of the first magnetic field. A body support surface is disposed on the second frame member. The body support surface is supported at least in part due to the opposing, i.e. repulsive, forces of the first and second plurality of magnets. 
     In another preferred embodiment, a support apparatus according to the present invention comprises a frame having first and second frame members and a plurality of connectors that secure the first frame member to the second frame member. Each of the first and second frame members comprise a plurality of outer members and at least one inner member that spans from a first outer member to a second outer member. The first plurality of magnets is disposed on at least one inner member of the first frame member, and a second plurality of magnets is disposed on at least one inner member of the second frame member. The magnetic fields of the second plurality of magnets have an orientation that is substantially opposite the magnetic fields of the first plurality of magnets. Also, at least one spacing member, such as a foam member, is disposed between the inner members of the first and second frame members. A body support surface is disposed on the second frame member, and a covering surrounds the frame and the body support surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a support apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the support apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of area I illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a support apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the support apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 4  of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a support apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the support apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6  of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of the support apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 7  of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto, a more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by referencing the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention provides examples of the present invention. The embodiments discussed herein are merely exemplary in nature, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Rather, the description of these preferred embodiments serves to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  illustrate a support apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The support apparatus, generally illustrated in the Figures as reference  10 , comprises a first frame member  12 , a second frame member  14 , and a body support surface  16 . A first plurality of magnets  18  is disposed on the first frame member, and a second plurality of magnets  20  is disposed on the second frame member  14 . One or more spacing members  22  can be disposed on one or both of the frame members  12 ,  14 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first  12  and second  14  frame members are preferably complementary to each other, having similar configurations. The frame members  12 ,  14  can be formed from any suitable material, and preferred materials include wood and plastic. Metal frame members can also be used so long as the magnets  18 ,  20  are adequately secured to the appropriate frame member  12 ,  14  to prevent migration of the magnets  18 ,  20  due to attraction to the opposite frame member  12 ,  14 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first frame member  12  is arranged relative to the second frame member  14  such that at least a portion of the second frame member  14  is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the first frame member  12 . Particularly preferably, the entire second frame member  14  is substantially parallel to the entire first frame member  12 . Also, connection between the frame members  12 ,  14  is necessary to counteract any lateral movement of the frame members  12 ,  14  that might occur due to the repulsive forces of the opposing pluralities of magnets  18 ,  20 . Accordingly, any suitable connection between the frame members  12 ,  14  can be utilized. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a particularly preferred connection between the frame members  12 ,  14 . In this embodiment, the first frame member  12  defines a projection  24  and the second frame member  14  defines a receptacle  26  adapted to receive the projection  24 . The projection  24  can define a mechanical stop, such as pin  28  that is slidably received by slot  30  of the receptacle  26 . This arrangement allows vertical movement of the second frame member  14  relative to the first frame member  12 , while providing the necessary limit on lateral movement of the frame members  12 ,  14  due to the repulsive forces of the magnets  18 ,  20 . 
     Also as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , one or more spacing members  22  can be disposed between the frames  12 ,  14  to provide support in addition to that provided by the repulsive forces of the magnets  18 ,  20 . Any suitable spacing member can be utilized, but the spacing member  22  preferably provides support while allowing vertical movement of the second frame member  14  relative to the first frame member  12 . Accordingly, preferred spacing members include foam members, such as blocks of open cell foam that can be compressed, and springs. As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of foam members  22   a  are preferably used in conjunction with a plurality of springs  22   b . However, it is to be understood that a single type of spacing member can be utilized. 
     The body support surface  16  provides a surface suitable for supporting at least a portion of a body of an individual, and preferably comprises a surface support suitable for supporting an entire human being. Also, the body support surface  16  provides a comfortable surface for providing such support. Accordingly, the body support surface  16  preferably comprises a cushion member, such as a block of foam or section of fabric. Furthermore, any other suitable mattress-type surface can be used as the body support surface  16 . Examples of suitable surfaces include sealed air chambers, fluid filled bladders, and conventional enclosed mattresses. 
     The first  18  and second  20  pluralities of magnets are preferably identical to each other except in the orientation of their respective magnetic fields. To provide the desired support, the first plurality of magnets  18  each has a magnetic field that substantially opposes the individual magnetic fields of each of the second plurality of magnets  20 . This is best illustrated in  FIG. 3  where the first magnetic field  32  of a magnet of the first plurality  18  substantially opposes a second magnetic field  34  of a magnet of the second plurality  20 . This opposition of magnetic fields provides the force that the support apparatus  10  of the present invention utilizes to support at least a portion of a body of an individual. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the magnets  18 ,  20  are preferably arranged about the appropriate frame members  12 ,  14  in a regular pattern. To protect against unintended movement of the magnets due to the repulsive forces of the opposing fields, the magnets  18 ,  20  are preferably secured to the appropriate frame member  12 ,  14  by any suitable means, such as adhesive or mechanical connection. Also as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the magnets  18 ,  20  are preferably arranged such that a magnet from the first plurality  18  directly opposes a magnet from the second plurality  20 . That is, a magnet from the first plurality  18  is placed directly below a magnet from the second plurality  20 , producing maximum repulsion due to opposing magnetic fields. While this arrangement is preferred, it is not necessary. Indeed, based on the type of magnet utilized, the number of magnets utilized, and the expected mass of the body portion to be supported, suitable and optimal arrangements of magnets  18 , 20  can be determined and utilized. 
     Any suitable magnet can be utilized in the present invention, and need only be able to provide a magnetic field that, when opposed to another magnetic field, provides a sufficient repulsive force to provide the desired support. Preferably, the magnets  18 ,  20  are selected in size, shape, and number such that the repulsive forces between the first plurality  18  and second plurality  20  are sufficient to provide at least some support to the body portion of interest. The amount of supportive force needed to be provided by the magnets will depend upon several factors, including the size, shape, type and number used, the typical mass of the body portion to be supported, and the presence or absence and number of spacing members  22  in the apparatus  10 . The number of magnets can then be determined based on the desired support and strength of magnetic field for the magnet(s) chosen. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the support apparatus  10  according to the present invention comprises a mattress for supporting the entire body of an individual while at rest. In this embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pluralities of magnets  18 ,  20  preferably comprise numerous magnets spaced at regular intervals over the entirety of the appropriate frame member  12 ,  14 . The size of the magnet will depend on the strength of the magnetic field possessed by the magnet. At least one member of the first plurality of magnets  18  comprises a rare earth magnet. These magnets are well known in the art, and are described in various United States patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,334 to Ohashi, et al. for RARE EARTH/IRON/BORON-BASED PERMANENT MAGNET AND METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF; U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,939 to Rabin, et al. for a RARE EARTH PERMANENT MAGNET AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,515 to Ren, et al. for METHOD FOR PRODUCING RARE EARTH MAGNET HAVING HIGH MAGNETIC PROPERTIES. All of these references are hereby incorporated into this disclosure in their entirety. 
     Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) and Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnets represent two distinct types of rare earth magnets. In the present invention, NdFeB magnets are preferred as they are the strongest of the two and, indeed, are the strongest of all permanent magnets. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the support apparatus  10  according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the body support surface  16  is secured to the second frame member  14 . Any suitable means can be utilized for making this securement between the support surface  16  and the frame member  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a stitching  36  between the support surface  16  and the second frame member  14  is preferred. Other suitable securement means include staples and other mechanical securements known in the art. 
     Also in this embodiment, a covering  38  surrounds the first frame member  12 , the second frame member  14 , and the body support surface  16 . In  FIG. 3 , the covering  38  is shown partially broken away to illustrate the other components of the support apparatus  10 . In final form, however, the covering  38  extends completely around the support apparatus  10 . In this embodiment, the covering  38  provides a uniform look to the support apparatus, and also provides a top surface onto which a user can place his or her body for support. 
     Considering the close proximity in which the covering  38  will be utilized with the body or body portion of a user, the covering is preferably formed from a comfortable material that provides a suitable support surface. Accordingly, the covering  38  is preferably comprised of a fabric, such as cotton, that provides a comfortable feeling to a user. The covering  38  can incorporate additional support materials, such as foam inserts or other materials known in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , stitching  36  or other suitable securement means secure the support surface  16  to the second frame member  14 , as in the first preferred embodiment. 
       FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  illustrate a third preferred embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the first preferred embodiment, and thus similar reference numbers in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  refer to similar features and/or components illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . Accordingly, the support apparatus in this embodiment is generally referred to as reference numeral  110 . 
     The support apparatus  110  according to this embodiment includes a first frame member  112 , a second frame  114 , a body support surface  116 , a first plurality of magnets  118 , a second plurality of magnets  120 , and can also include one or more spacing members  122 . 
     The first  112  and second  114  frame members preferably comprise a plurality of outer members  150  and at least one inner member  152  spanning from a first outer member  150  to a second outer member  150 . The first plurality of magnets  118  is preferably disposed on at least one inner member  152  of the first frame member  112 , while the second plurality of magnets  120  is preferably disposed on at least one inner member  152  of the second frame member  114 . 
     Also, a plurality of connectors  154  secure the first frame member  112  to the second frame member  114 . In this embodiment, the connectors  154  preferably comprise members that define a plurality of openings for receiving outer members  150  of the appropriate frame member  112 ,  114 . 
     Also in this embodiment, the support apparatus  110  also preferably includes a second body support surface  156 . The second body support surface  156  provides a reversible configuration to the support apparatus  110 , allowing an individual to utilize either the first  116  or second  156  body support surfaces. Accordingly, the second body support surface  156  is preferably identical to the first body support surface  116 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , both body support surfaces  116 ,  156  are preferably secured to the appropriate frame member  112 ,  114  in any suitable manner, such as by stitching  136 . Also, as best illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a covering  138  preferably surrounds the entire support apparatus  110 , including the first  112  and second  114  frame members, and the first  116  and second  156  body support surfaces. In this embodiment, the support apparatus  110  is completely reversible in both form and appearance. 
     The foregoing disclosure includes the best mode devised by the inventor for practicing the invention. It is apparent, however, that several variations in the apparatuses of the present invention may be conceivable by one skilled in the art. Inasmuch as the foregoing disclosure is intended to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to practice the instant invention, it should not be construed to be limited thereby, but should be construed to include such aforementioned variations.