Abstract: A support structure includes a first layer of foam material and a second layer of elastomeric gel material. In accordance with one example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of channels with the second layer of elastomeric gel material disposed within the plurality of channels. In accordance with another example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions and a network of channels surrounding at least one of the plurality of protrusions with the second layer of elastomeric gel material disposed within the network of channels. A third layer extends over the first support surface of the protrusions and the second support surface of the second layer of gel material. In accordance with yet another example, the first layer of foam material includes a first side with a plurality of protrusions extending through corresponding Shapertures of the second layer.

Abstract: A low tack viscoelastomeric gel material formed by combining, by percent weight: about 50% to about 80% of a Polyol; about 3% to about 15% of an isocyanate; about 15% to about 40% of an oil; about 0.1% to about 1% of a catalyst; and about 0% to about 1% of a release agent. Support structures are also provided with a layer of low tack viscoelastomeric gel material. Further aspects also include methods of making the low tack viscoelastomeric gel material and methods of making support structures with a layer of low tack viscoelastomeric gel material.

Abstract: A foot protector to be worn on the foot of a bedridden patient. The foot protector has a fabric body, a top opening for exposing an anterior portion of the patient's foot and lower leg, a strap for partially closing the top opening, a fastener for securing the strap, a bottom opening for exposing the heel, and a toe flap adjacent the top opening for alternately supporting and covering the toes. The foot protector also includes a generally wedge-shaped deformable block enclosed within the fabric body for supporting the calf of the patient. The block has a truncated peak forming a plateau for relieving an Achilles region of the patient's foot and a heel relief area. Further, two lower longitudinal edges of the block are chamfered to allow the foot to be rolled from side to side and to prevent the foot from completely flipping sideways.

Abstract: A gel pad assembly includes a flexible gel pad and an adjustable shape retainer integral with the gel pad. A flexible first outer wall cooperates with a flexible inner wall to form a first chamber. A gel is located within the first chamber. A flexible second outer wall cooperates with the inner wall to form a second chamber coextensive with the first chamber. The integral shape retainer is located within the second chamber and is selectively adjustable between a flexible condition wherein the flexible walls are conformable to a variety of desired shapes and a rigid condition wherein the flexible walls are retained in a selected one of the desired shapes. Preferred embodiments of the shape retainer include a vacuum activated bean bag, a plurality of pressurizable chambers, a thermally deformable plastic sheet, and an array of pivot elements which are mechanically clamped together.