WO2002080734A1

WO2002080734A1 - Walker wedge

Info

Publication number: WO2002080734A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/011350
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brock M. Walker
Original assignee: Walker Brock M
Priority date: 2001-04-06
Filing date: 2001-04-06
Publication date: 2002-10-17

Abstract

A cushion (10) for use with a variety of types of seats, for example, automotive seats, to adjust the sacrum thereby pivoting the pelvis to assist in maintaining the spine in equilibrium. The cushion (10) is preferably separate from the seat and has central (12) and end support areas (14,16) that have a density or compressibility that is greater than that of the interconnecting portions. The central area is also provided with one of a plurality of inserts (20) that individually have varying compressibility so that the compressibility of the central area is variable by changing between the inserts.

Description

WALKER WEDGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a spine orienting device for use with a

variety of types of seats, for example, automotive seats or office type seating, in order to properly position the sacrum, which in turn will properly position the spine of the individual using the seat. The spine orienting device, preferably made from oam, can

include a plurality of interchangeable inserts, each having differing densities, or a

device that could, by itself, provide a variety of variable compression results. Through the use of such inserts or devices, a user can use the device by itself or select one insert, or perhaps more than one insert, most suited to the user and the seat to provide a compression result that will provide sufficient pressure concentrate on the

sacrum of the user to properly position the sacrum. The device will also fill an otherwise empty space between the bottom and rear seat sections, thereby further

improving posture while seated.

2. Background of the Present Invention

Many types of spine supporting devices have been suggested. Primarily these have ranged from those that extent across the whole lumbar region to

others that extend upwardly to fit against the upper back. Such devices have usually been in the form of a pillow or a shaped seat that will tend to fit the curvature of the

lumbar region of a person's spine when seated in that seat.

In this regard, attention is directed to a co-pending application, Serial No. 08/289,372, entitled SPINAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SEATING, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and suggested use of specific force directed against the sacrum. Other examples of prior art devices are set forth in this co-pending

application.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It was found that with many types of seating, for example, automotive seats, there is usually a relatively large gap between the posterior of the seat user and

the area where the bottom and back portions of such seats join or are connected together. When the sacral area of the seat user remains unsupported it was found that fatigue, back pain and other related problems that might otherwise develop could be avoided through use of a portable device that would work with a variety of seat types. Further, because individuals vary widely in terms of their total body weight, their frame size, and the amount of support necessary to achieve some measure of relief,

the support device would need to be adjustable to each individual and to each seating environment.

This invention achieves those requirements. The invention is a molded

foam spinal support device that is easy to use, provides the ability to produce the desired isolated force on the sacrum, yet permits easy adjustment of the level of

compressibility of the foam. Additionally, the present invention also achieves its effectiveness in being able to correctly position a user's sacrum in a variety of types of

seats. The molded device includes a main body, having a central portion and outwardly directed wing portions. The main body can be used by itself or with one of a number of inserts, each offering varying degrees of increasing density and thickness. As inserts having increasing density are used within the central portion of the main body, that central area of the main body where the selected inserts is placed will become less and less compressible. This progressively increases the force that can applied to the user's sacrum, thereby resulting in increasing levels of support for the

sacrum. The desired level for such an applied, and isolated, force should be enough to properly position the sacrum, yet not so much as might result in pain or discomfort to

the user. The proper level of compression or density will that which will make the support device virtually disappear as an additional seat component. Additionally, the

main body is designed to permit those portions of the body adjacent the sacrum to be relatively less supported. While the sacrum itself needs to be supported, the adjacent

body structure will desirably be able to move rearwardly, or fall back, by an amount needed to achieve the desired level of pelvic pivot to properly orient the spine.

Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following description in the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of the

specification, and wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in

the various figures .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Fig. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 1 ; FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an insert for use with the device shown in Fig.1 ;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the insert shown in Fig. 9; FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the device shown in Figs. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative flush mounted insert for use with the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the insert shown in Fig. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a spacer member that can be used with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is an overhead perspective view of the present invention

including the spacer member shown in FIGs. 14 and 15; and FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Turning to the drawings, principally Figs. 1 - 4, the main body of the support device, generally shown at 10, includes a central area 12, left and right end or wing areas 14 and 16, respectively, and a bottom 70. It is preferred that the support

device be a molded product that is formed from one of a number of conventional molding techniques. The front face 18 is formed to have a vertically and horizontally

extending curvature, and includes a raised or protruding area 20 provided as the main

part of the front surface in the central area 12. The front surface of each of the left and right areas 14 and 16, located on. either side of the raised area 20, include a plurality of dimples or recesses 22. These dimples are provided to not only aid in making the front surface non-slip, but to make the device comfortable in use and to control the level of compression of the foam material. Such a recess 22 is shown in Fig. 8 with a depth of about 0.15 inches and a diameter of about 0.2 to about 1.0 inches.

The dimples or recesses 22 could also be provided in the form of through holes. Where through holes are used, they could be the source of cooling airflow, from behind the device, and depending upon their size, they could also

provide a way to regulate the compression built into the device. For example, a stiffer material could be employed and with relatively large size holes, the compression and thus the force applied to the sacrum could be regulated. Further, hole spacing could

also assist in creating a desired compression with hole location being determine to achieve the desired stiffness at particular locations in view of the stiffness of the material used for molding the device.

It should be understood that the front face 18 could also be formed with other surface configurations, including a smooth surface, or with recesses having

a different shape than that shown, such as square or oval, or even a variety of differing shapes. In addition, it is also possible to use holes that either penetrate through the thickness of the material forming device 10, or extend a desired distance into that

material. This will provide another way to vary the density and compression offered by the material and a way to tune the compressive support provided by various areas of the support device. It is also possible to form portions of the support device from

different material densities so that varying levels of support can be incorporated directly into the molded device. The support device 10 could also be covered, fully or in part, with a covering material including textile materials, such as, for example, synthetic or natural

materials or combinations thereof, leather, rubber, a blended or formed surface material, or a painted on surface. Such material could be applied within the mold, during the molding process, or by a separate procedure following molding. It is also

contemplated that the surface of bottom 70, and possibly also the real' surface 30, can be treated and made slightly abrasive. This can be accomplished, for example, by

applying a coating of an abrasive coating material, by applying a stiff or skid resistant

fabric, or by roughening the bottom surface, either separately or in conjunction with one of the above treatments. This treatment of the bottom 70, and of the rear surface

30 where that is also done, helps to hold the support device in place on the seat so that it will not slip.

The support device 10 is approximately 11 Vi inches long although the

size could range from about eight inches to about twenty inches. The height of the support device will vary from about 4 inches to 6 inches, with the preferred height

being about 5 Vz inches.

With reference to Figs. 2 - 4 and 5, the rear view of the support device 10 shows that the rear surface 30 has a slightly tapered slope. The tapering of this surface 30 not only assists in mold release, but also provides a proper fit with many

varying types of seats, especially automotive seating. This provides the ability for this support device to develop the desired unification of the occupant's anatomy with the seat being used thereby producing the desired support in all aspects of positions.

Included on the back side of this support device 10 is a recess or hollowed area, generally indicated at 32, that preferably has, for example, an inverted egg shape, although other shapes can be used. This same shape is mirrored by the shape of the raised area 20 on the front surface.

Recess 32 preferably has a larger upper portion, positioned adjacent the top edge 34, and a smaller lower portion adjacent the bottom edge 35. The depth and

shape of recess 32 is defined by a collar 36 that projects outwardly from rear surface 30 and preferably extends completely around the periphery of recess 32. The bottom

portion of each side of collar 36 terminates in and forms a rearwardly and downwardly extending ramp 38 as is shown in Fig. 2. Recess 32 also includes an inner or rear wall 40.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3 so as to

extend through the central area 12. Fig. 5 shows in greater detail the collar 36 that extends about recess 32 and the transition of the bottom portion into ramp 38. The raised area 20 is also shown as providing additional thickness to the main body between wall 40 and front surface 18. The density and compressibility of central area 12 of the main body is established by a number of factors. Such factors include the

thickness and shape of area 20, the density of the material from which the device is molded, the size and shape of recess 32, the size and shape of collar 36 that extends around recess 32, and whether any fabric or covering is used in that central portion of

the device. The central area is designed to be in contact with the seat user's sacrum and to provide the greatest amount of compressibility, and thereby the ability to apply force, relative to the left and right areas, 14 and 16, respectively. In fact, the area directly adjacent the central area 12, that is the area running vertically along and outwardly from the raised area 20, and inboard from left and right areas 14 and 16, will be less compressive than the central area and the left and right areas.

Consequently, those adjacent areas and will yield readily as the user sits back against

the support device. This allows the skeletal structures adjacent the sacrum to fall back or move rearwardly, as the sacrum is itself supported. This yieldability aspect of the portion adjacent the central area 12 is aided by the stiffening provided by collar 36 that runs along the vertical sides of recess 32, and thus along the rear of raised area 20.

The bottom 70 includes a small sloped front portion 71 in the central area 12, that is positioned at a slight angle relative to the bottom 70, and formed at the

base of the raised area 20. The bottom of area 20 can also include an additional protrusion 21 positioned at the base of area 20. This front portion 71 fits against the seat and together with protrusion 21 also provides a compressive force to the sacrum

and thereby follows the line of pressure to better fit the sacrum of the person using the device.

Turning to Fig. 6, which is a cross-section taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3, the curvature of front wall 18.continues, while rear wall 30, now some what shorter than the rear wall closer to the central area 12, continues its generally vertical orientation. A sloped wall 52 extends downwardly from the bottom of rear wall 30 and extends into a ramp or flex-gate 50 that is preferably integrally joined with ramp

38 in the central area 12. The flex-gate 50, as shown in Fig. 3, extends laterally for some distance and interconnects with a ramp or angled member 60 positioned at each end of the support device 10. There ramps 60 assist in strengthening each end of the support device 10 and in conjunction with the flex-gates 50 help tune the support device for its desired flexibility. The shaded area in Figs. 1 and 2 is the area where

greater flexibility is built in to the support device. That area has been designed to permit the skeletal structure adjacent the sacrum to fall back toward the seat or be

released rearwardly relative to the force or pressure applied by the central area of the support device. Each ramp or flex-gate 50, provided on opposite sides of the central area 12, also provides seat support for the support device 10, it ties together the

bottom ends to the central area 12, and stiffens the compressibility of the support device.

With reference to Fig. 3, it might also be desirable to have the rear

ramps or flex gates 50 freely movable. This could be accomplished by having each end portion cut away, as for example is shown in dotted line on the left side of Fig. 3

at 51. This way each flex gate 50 would move without being directly connected to ramp 60 or 38, and this would alter the flexibility of the device relative to the seat and the user.

Since each end of the support device 10 is a mirror image of the other, only end 14 will be described in detail and is shown in Figure 7 in cross-section. Front wall 18 continues to be curved while the rear wall 30 remains relatively straight

even though it is very much shorter than the portion shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Figure 7, each end includes a relatively large, rearwardly extending ramp 60 with a much larger sloped transition area 62 that joins the bottom of rear surface 30 with ramp 60. The ramps 38 and 60, flex gates 50, and bottom surface 70 collectively form

a rearwardly extending support structure that interfits with bottom and rear seat sections. When required, a separate spacer member 130, as shown in Figs. 14 - 17 can be employed to fill any extra large gap that may be present in some seat configurations. As discussed below, the front face of spacer 130 is shaped to interfit with the rear face of the support device 10. Spacer 130 includes an insert portion 132, shown in Fig. 14, that fits within recess 32, and a series of shaped and sloped surfaces designed to collectively fit against arid support the rear surface 30 and each of the ramps 38 and 60, and the flex gates 50 discussed above. The rear surface 140 of

spacer 130, shown in Fig. 15 and 16, can be smooth or alternatively that surface, or other surfaces, can be covered, roughened, or both, as discussed above.

In addition, ramps or members 60 can also have a tether or streamer device 61, as shown in phantom in Fig. 3, connected to them either by glue, sewing or some other conventional method. Such a streamer would be useful to assist in

securing the support device 10 to the seat and prevent the support device from moving around during use. It should be understood that where any such streamer is used its length could preferably vary from about one inch to about twelve inches. It would

also be possible to employ a streamer that would permit its being wrapped about some structural seat member, or even about the seat or to a bracket positioned beneath the seat to hold the device in place. The streamer could also be provided in a serrated or breakable form so that it could be fastened and then broken or cut to the desired final length.

Figs. 9 - 11 and 12 - 13, respectively, show two exemplary inserts

designed to fit within the recess 32. Turning next to Figs. 9 - 11, the insert, generally shown at 80, includes a front surface 82, a rear surface 84, a rearwardly extending projection 86, defined by a circumferential flange 88, and a bottom 92. The front surface also includes a raised circular area 90, positioned in the upper portion, and a forwardly directed ramp 91 that extends outwardly and downwardly. The rearwardly extending projection 86 is shaped to interfit within recess 32, and in this example has a corresponding egg shape with the larger area located at the top. The thickness of projection 86 will be such that it fills the depth of recess 32 with flange 88 being in

contact with the outer surface of collar 36 when the insert is placed within recess 32. Flange 88 also has an angled bottom edge 89 that will lie against the upper surface of

ramp 38 when insert 80 is in place. The shape and design of insert 80 can be heavier than the example shown in Figs. 12 and 13, and will generally provide firmer support or be made denser than that example.

The height of rear surface 84 is approximately 4 V2 inches and the slope

of the flange 89 adjacent the bottom 92 is at an angle of approximately 27 degrees, while the slope of ramp 91 is at an angle of about 26 degrees.

The distance between the top of flange 88 and the top of the rear projection 86 is approximately .35 inches. Also, the diameter of the circular outer

portion of flange 88, as seen in Figure 10, is approximately 3 inches, whereas the outer diameter of the raised area 90 is about 2.5 inches.

The rearwardly extending projection 86, as noted above, is designed to fit within the collar 36 of recess 32 and preferably will fit snugly into that recess. The rear surface of flange 88 will contact the front surface of collar 36 and the angle of the flange 88 adjacent bottom 92 is designed to cooperate with the slope of ramp 38 and will be supported thereby. It should also be understood that a variety of techniques

could be used to assure that the inserts, for example 80, remain in place as originally inserted. One approach is to use an adhesive, applied to either the insert or on surface 40, that is initially protected with a peel off cover. When the correct insert is found the cover would be peeled off exposing the adhesive to hold the insert in place once inserted. Alternatively, use could be made of Nelcro, the rear portion of the insert could be formed to produce a slight compressive fit within recess 32, or a type of snap fit could be employed.

Turning now to Figs. 12 and 13, a modified inset, generally shown at 100, has a shape corresponding to recess 332 but omits the flange 88. In essence, this

insert is similar to the rear projection 84 of insert 80. The front surface 102 also includes a raised projection 104, a bottom 106, a rear surface 108, and an upper end

110. In addition, the lower portion of front surface 102 has a ramped area 112.

Each of the raised areas, 90 and 104, serve to provide more concentrated force or pressure on the upper portion of the sacrum, the location where it is believed such force should be concentrated. These raised areas could also be

formed using a denser material or they could be otherwise strengthened, as needed, to provide a desired force. Alternately, the areas 90, 104 and 134 could be formed as a separate insert and were that the case a series of such inserts could be formed with a

variety of compressions. By selecting among the various compression range for the primary insert, for example 100, and among the various compressions for an insert 104, a variety of combinations could be developed to thereby better correct a wide range of individual problems and produce the desired effects over a wide range of

forces on the user's sacrum.

The overall shape of insert 100 is also designed to fit within the recess

32 so as to be surrounded by collar 36 when inserted. Since this type insert is thinner than the type shown at 80, this type will generally apply less compressive force where

lighter pressure is needed.

The support device 10 is preferably molded in an integral fashion from a polyurethane, a polyurethane rubber, or other similar type foam material, including other flexible moldable resins, compression molded, crosslinked polyurethane foam, self skinning foams. The preferred foam is a TC-276 A B 5LB self-skinning flexible foam that produces an integral skin and exhibits a 15 lb. Medium density foam. For a firmer, semi-rigid foam 80 parts A to 100 parts B could be used, and for a softer,

cushion style foam, 50 parts A to 100 parts B could be used. Examples used a mix of ranges that varied from 40/100 to 80/130 and 70/140, with the latter proving to be the

softest and most durable. The inserts preferably have densities that vary from about half of the density of the main body to a density that is several times the density of the main body, for example, about five times.

As a further example, there are preferably four insert densities that preferably have the following lb./cu.ft. density ranges: I) 10 to l4; 2) 14 to l8; 3) 18

to 22; and 4) 22 to 25. However, the lower and/or higher densities could be used and their exact density selection will depend upon the density selected for the main support device 10. An additional guide in developing a suitable support device is that the

device should provide a pressure on the sacrum of about 2 psi to about 4 psi, with an upper end of the range for a person in vehicle seat being about 10 psi when the vehicle

operator is actively driving the vehicle and is using the brake and clutch.

The main body will preferably have a density ranging from about 10 to about 25 lbJcu.ft., measured in accordance with ASTM D1565 standard methods. Compression tests, using ASTM D395 - Method B for 70 hours at room temperature, showed compression ranging from about 15% to about 40%. Thus, a variety of densities and compressibilities can be achieved. In addition, inserts 80 and 100 can provide additional harder or stiffer compressibilities that are concentrated in the central area 12. This is accomplished by making the inserts according to a variety of

densities, for example, an insert weighing about 15 grams, with a preferred density range of about 11 lb./cu. ft. to 36 grams with a preferred density of about 15 lb./cu.ft.

The range could also vary from about 2 lb./cu.ft. to about 30 lb./cu.ft. By producing a

plurality of inserts each with a different density, or firmness, one can choose from among the plurality of different compression or force application effects. By using an insert having a lesser density, one type of coordinated or combined compressibility

will be achieved, but this can be increased to a fairly stiff and/or hard central area by using an insert, or several inserts, with a higher density within recess 32. Other inserts

will, of course, produce other results each of which will have applicability in a variety of circumstances. It should be understood that inserts 80 and 100 should be designed so that while they preferably fit relatively snugly within recess 32, they should also be

removable to permit a user to vary between one insert and another. Further, it should be understood that the main body of the support device 10 can be used by itself without any inserts .

It is preferred that the molded product be formed from self-skinning type foam. However, as discussed above, the support device can be coated with a polyester urethane, or similar material, with paint, with a fabric, leather or other covering material.

The spacer 130, as shown in Figs. 14 - 17, can be used when one wishes to use the present invention in an especially deep seat or where there is some space at the rear of the seat that will not be correctly filled by the device 10. In such a situation, spacer 130 can be used in conjunction with device 10. Spacer 130 will be formed in the same fashion as the main body and is molded with an integral insert 132, as shown in Fig. 14, and from the rear insert 132 can be seen as including a raised projection 134 that provides additional thickness and compression. The front area of spacer 130 includes end slope areas, 136 and 138, respectively, that mesh or

interfit with ramps 60. Inboard from these end slope areas are projections 142 and 144, respectively, that mesh with the flex-gates 50 located on each side of center.

Another sloped area is provided on each side of the insert 132, those sloped areas being shown at 146 and 148, respectively. There is a ledge or upper surface 150 and 152 provided at the top of projections 142 and 144. There can also be a narrow

recessed area 158 located below and extending both sloped areas 146 and 148. With continued reference to Figs. 14-17, it is also possible to employ the insert approach with the spacer 130. To accomplish this, the area 132 which

shows an insert could itself include a recess, similar to 32 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Such a recess is shown in phantom at 200 in Figs. 15 and 16. In such a case, another series of inserts like those shown at 80 and 100 could be used as well directly within recess 200 in spacer 130. This, it would be possible to use the device 10 with an insert within recess 32, the spacer 130 and another insert within recess 200, or any combination thereof. It would also be within the scope of this invention to

manufacture the spacer 130 from a series of varying densities and then to select the appropriate spacer to not only accomplish the spacing task but to also produce the

desires compression and thereby the needed force against the sacrum to orient the

spine.

It should also be understood that each of the insert members described above, for example 80 and 100, could be made to each receive a variety of shaped inserts such as is shown in phantom at 94 and 96 in Fig. 10. Such inserts could also be made with a series of densities or compressibilities so that a plurality of these inserts would permit a wide variety of compression effects to be achieved.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements as can be included within the spirt and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A portable sacral support comprising a main body having a bottom, a central portion and adjacent side portions, said main body further including a rear surface comprising a plurality of spaced apart ramp and recessed areas that

collectively provide compressive support at the central portion of the main body that is focused upon the sacrum and lesser compression in a release area located adjacent each side of that central portion that applies less force on muscles adjacent the

sacrum.

2. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein the main body is formed from a molded plastic.

3. The sacral support of claim 2 wherein said main body is an

integral one piece structure.

4. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein, the compressive support of said central portion is variable.

5. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein said central portion

includes a recess and said support further includes one or more inserts of varying levels of compressibility that can fit into said recess and which is additive to the compressibility of said central portion when positioned within said recess.

6. The sacral support of claim 1 further including a spacer member that interfits with said main body to provide an extension thereof so that

sacral support can be provided where more space must be accommodated.

7. The sacral support of claim 6 wherein the compressive support of said central portion is variable.

8. The sacral support of claim 6 wherein said central portion includes a rearwardly facing recess and said spacer includes an insert member that interfits within said recess.

9. The sacral support of claim 8 wherein said spacer further includes a second recess in alignment with said central portion, and said support further includes one or more additional inserts of varying levels of compressibility

that can fit into said second recess and which is additive to the compressibility of said central portion when such an additional insert is positioned within said second recess.

10. The sacral support as in claim 5 wherein said inserts have an

inverted tear drop shape.

11. The sacral support as in claim 5 wherein said inserts have a ramp member positioned adjacent a bottom portion.

12. The sacral support of claim 5 wherein said inserts have density values ranging from about 2 lb./cu.ft. to about 30 lb./cu.ft.

13. The sacral support of claim 5 wherein said inserts have density values ranging from about 10 lb./cu.ft. to about 25 lb./cu.ft.

14. The sacral support of claim 1 further including at least one tether extending away from at least a. portion of said bottom.

15. The sacral support of claim 1 further including end portions that include at least one thickened area.

16. The sacral support of claim 1 further including end portions that extend beyond said central portion and provide additional support and aid in forming said release area.

17. The sacral support of claim 16 wherein a flex gate is provided adjacent said bottom between said central portion and each of said end portions.

18. The sacral support of claim 17 wherein said flex gate is at least

in part unconnected to said main body.

19. The sacral support of claim 1 further including a plurality of

dimples spaced across at least a portion of a front surface of said main body.

20. The sacral support of claim 1 further including a plurality of through holes extending through at least portions of said main body.

21. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein said central portion further includes a shaped and raised area on a front surface of said main body.

22. The sacral support of claim 21 wherein said shaped and raised area includes a protruding lower portion.

23. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein said bottom has a rear

portion that is angled with respect to a front portion.

24. The sacral support of claim 1 wherein said main body includes a curved front surface.

25. The sacral support as in claim 2 wherein said plastic comprises polyurethane foam.

26. The sacral support of claim 25 wherein the polyurethane foam

is a self-skinning foam.

EET RULE 26

27. The sacral support of claim 5 wherein the central portion has a compressibility level that produces from about 2 psi to about 4 psi on the sacrum of the support user.

28. A portable sacrum support comprising a main body provided with at least a central portion including a recess therein and at least one insert

removably placed within said recess.

29. A portable sacrum support as in claim 28 wherein said support provides a force of about 2 psi to about 4 psi on the sacrum of the support user.

30. A portable sacrum support as in claim 28 further including a

plurality of insert members each having a different density value.

31. A portable sacrum support as in claim 30 wherein at least one of said plurality of insert members has a plurality of density values.

32. A portable sacral support comprising a main body having a

bottom, a central portion and end portions, said maid body having first, second and third compression areas, said first compression area being centrally positioned to provide controlled force against a support user's sacrum, said second compression area having less compression than said first compression area and being positioned on

each side of said first compression area and said third having a compression between that of said first and second compression areas.

33. A portable sacrum support as in claim 32 wherein said sacral support provides a force of about 2 psi to about 4 psi on the sacrum of the support user.