US-20260123766-A1 - MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SIMULATING BUOYANCY USING WEIGHTED MODULES

US20260123766A1US 20260123766 A1US20260123766 A1US 20260123766A1US-20260123766-A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-functional support system employing weighted modules configured to simulate buoyancy on land, thereby providing enhanced comfort, pressure distribution, and floating sensations for applications such as sleep, therapy, recreation, and ergonomic work environments. The multi-functional support system comprises a supporting frame, a plurality of weighted modules, and a ventilation unit. The multi-functional support system avoids the drawbacks of water-based flotation devices, such as leakage, heavy weight, and high maintenance requirements, while still delivering the therapeutic benefits of buoyant support. The multi-functional support system is adaptable in size, density, and configuration to meet the needs of diverse users, including children, adults, and individuals with limited mobility, and that incorporates features for breathability, hygiene, safety, and long-term durability.

Inventors

Kaniwar Wasi Ali

Assignees

Kaniwar Wasi Ali

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20250923

Claims (20)

1 . A multi-functional support system for simulating buoyancy, comprising: a supporting frame defining a containment region; and a plurality of weighted modules disposed within the containment region, wherein each of the plurality of weighted modules comprises an outer shell enclosing an inner core having a density to approximate human body density, wherein the plurality of weighted modules is movable relative to the adjacent weighted modules within the containment region by a displacement under a static load, thereby redistributing beneath a user's body to provide buoyant support and reduce localized pressure points.
2 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of weighted modules is interconnected by at least one of elastic members, magnetic couplings, and flexible linkages.
3 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the inner core comprises at least one of a liquid, a metallic material, and a magnetic material.
4 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is formed of a material includes at least one of a transparent polymer and a semi-transparent composite material.
5 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the outer shell comprises a shape includes at least one of a spherical, an ellipsoidal, and a polyhedral.
6 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the inner core comprises a surface texturing and perforations to enhance weight distribution and friction within the outer shell.
7 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is coated with a material includes at least one of an antimicrobial material, a thermal-regulating material, and a noise-dampening material.
8 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the supporting frame comprises a base, sidewalls that are detachable from the base to facilitate cleaning and drainage, and a removable top barrier configured to enclose the containment region.
9 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the multi-functional support system further comprises at least one protective element selected from at least one of netting, guards, and mesh structures, wherein the protective element is configured to prevent the plurality of weighted modules from entering the user's nasal and auditory passages.
10 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the multi-functional support system further comprises a ventilation unit integrated into the supporting frame to enhance breathability within the containment region.
11 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the supporting frame further comprises rolling supports with locking mechanisms to enable repositioning.
12 . The multi-functional support system of claim 1 , wherein the multi-functional support system further comprises at least one inflatable airbag disposed within the supporting frame, wherein the at least one inflatable airbag is operable via a wearable remote control to selectively adjust buoyancy for the user.
13 . A multi-functional floating apparatus for simulating buoyancy, comprising: a supporting frame having sidewalls and a base defining a containment region; a plurality of weighted modules disposed within the containment region, wherein each of the plurality of weighted modules comprises an outer shell enclosing an inner core having a density to approximate human body density, wherein the plurality of weighted modules is movable relative to the adjacent weighted modules within the containment region by a displacement under a static load, thereby redistributing beneath a user's body to provide buoyant support and reduce localized pressure points; plurality of elastic members interconnecting the plurality of weighted modules to allow controlled redistribution; and a ventilation unit integrated into the supporting frame to enhance breathability within the containment region.
14 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the outer shell of each of the plurality of weighted modules is coated with an antimicrobial material to inhibit bacterial growth.
15 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the outer shell of each of the plurality of weighted modules is coated with a noise-dampening material to reduce sound and enhance comfort.
16 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the side walls of the supporting frame are detachable from the base to facilitate cleaning and drainage.
17 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the ventilation unit comprises integrated fans configured to regulate oxygen and temperature within the containment region.
18 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the multi-functional floating apparatus further comprises a removable top barrier enclosing the containment region, and at least one inflatable airbag disposed within the supporting frame, and wherein the at least one inflatable airbag is operable via a wearable remote control to selectively adjust buoyancy for the user.
19 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the multi-functional floating apparatus further comprises a protective element that is configured to prevent the plurality of weighted modules from contacting a user's head.
20 . The multi-functional floating apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the multi-functional floating apparatus further comprises a rotational drive mechanism to rotate the supporting frame at a controlled speed to provide therapeutic effects.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to ergonomic and therapeutic support systems, and more particularly to a multi-functional support system employing weighted modules configured to simulate buoyancy on land, thereby providing enhanced comfort, pressure distribution, and floating sensations for applications such as sleep, therapy, recreation, and ergonomic work environments. BACKGROUND Conventional sleeping and seating arrangements, including mattresses, cushions, and chairs, are commonly employed to provide support and rest for the human body. However, these traditional systems typically utilize firm or semi-firm surfaces that generate localized pressure points at areas of body contact. The formation of such pressure points can impede blood circulation, induce discomfort during prolonged use, and contribute to adverse conditions such as muscle stiffness, back pain, and disturbed sleep. To overcome these limitations, specialized products such as memory foam mattresses, spring-based beds, and ergonomic seating systems have been introduced. These designs aim to redistribute body weight and reduce discomfort by providing variable support across different regions of the body. Although such systems offer certain improvements, they still fall short of replicating the uniform weight distribution and pressure relief naturally achieved in buoyant water environments. Water-based systems, such as flotation tanks and waterbeds, represent another category of prior art developed to alleviate pressure points through the principle of buoyancy. In flotation tanks, the user is immersed in a highly concentrated saltwater solution, which creates near-weightless conditions that substantially reduce mechanical loading on muscles and joints, thereby promoting deep relaxation. Similarly, waterbeds utilize a fluid-filled bladder that dynamically conforms to the body's contours, distributing weight more evenly compared to conventional solid or semi-solid surfaces. However, such systems may suffer from drawbacks including high maintenance requirements, risk of leakage, thermal regulation challenges, and limited adaptability to different user needs. Further, the conventional water-based systems are associated with several inherent drawbacks that limit their widespread adoption. Flotation tanks, for instance, necessitate specialized infrastructure, occupy considerable space, and require large volumes of water along with continuous maintenance involving filtration, sanitation, and chemical treatment. These factors render them costly and impractical for routine household use. Waterbeds, although relatively more accessible, introduce additional challenges, such as excessive weight that complicates installation and relocation, susceptibility to leakage and puncture, and difficulties in achieving consistent thermal regulation of the fluid medium. Furthermore, both flotation tanks and waterbeds often lack portability, adaptability to different environments, and long-term durability. Consequently, their use remains largely confined to niche applications rather than becoming a practical solution for mainstream comfort and support needs. Certain prior art solutions have attempted to replicate the buoyant characteristics of water without employing liquid-based systems, including air-filled cushions, inflatable loungers, and ball-pit style recreational products. While these designs are generally lighter, more portable, and easier to maintain compared to water-based systems, they lack the density and uniform resistance necessary to simulate the authentic floating sensation of water. Conventional air-filled structures, in particular, tend to compress excessively under body weight, leading to uneven pressure distribution, localized strain, and discomfort during extended use. Furthermore, air-based or other lightweight designs frequently suffer from inadequate breathability, compromised hygiene, and limited long-term durability. Such systems are prone to trapping heat, fostering bacterial growth, and deteriorating under prolonged or repeated use. Recreational ball-pit configurations, while superficially similar in concept, are neither designed for ergonomic nor therapeutic applications and present safety concerns due to their instability and poor weight-distribution characteristics. Consequently, the prior art has yet to provide a solution that successfully integrates buoyant-like comfort with practical durability, hygiene, and versatility across diverse applications. To address these limitations, there is a need for a multi-functional support system employing weighted modules configured to simulate buoyancy on land, thereby providing enhanced comfort, pressure distribution, and floating sensations for applications such as sleep, therapy, recreation, and ergonomic work environments. There is also a need for a multi-functional support system that avoids the drawbacks of water-based flotation devices, such as leakage, heavy weight, and