Abstract: A body support for providing a beneficial effect has a frame and a first and a second plurality of flexible parallel bands, which are interdigitated. A primary shaft rotatably mounted in a frame can tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. This can be done by having the shaft wind and unwind the first plurality of bands or by appropriately positioning a camshaft or the like at one edge of the body support surface to adjustably hold each of the first plurality of bands there. In the latter case the shaft provides a plurality of support locations at the first edge of the support surface that are moved, in order to alternately tighten and slacken the first plurality of bands. Other disclosed apparatus and methods can tighten and slacken the second plurality of bands as well.

Abstract: A body support that can prevent bed sores (decubiti) has a first frame with a first plurality of parallel bands, and a second frame with a second plurality of parallel bands. The first plurality of bands is interdigitated with the second plurality of parallel bands. A driver can reciprocate the first plurality of parallel bands, and the second plurality of parallel bands. The driver produces relative motion between the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. A replacement band can be attached end to end with a selected one of the bands of the first and the second plurality of parallel bands. Then the selected one of the bands can be pulled in a direction to insert the replacement band into a position originally occupied by the selected one of the bands.