ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

An orthopedic support device includes a body pillow that supports and biases the head, the neck, and the torso in a recumbent side position to help relieve pressure on the neck, hip, spine, and shoulders. The support device utilizes a bisected body portion that forms a channel. The channel runs along a longitudinal axis of the body portion, enabling at least partial entry of the torso in a sideways position. The channel terminates at a cavity at a body upper end. The cavity also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder, when the arm extends down the sides of the torso. Further up along the device, at the head portion, an elevated contour portion slopes gently downward to create an angle efficacious for reducing stress on the neck. A side pouch can hold a heating pad.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/745,975 filed Dec. 26, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a support device, and more particularly relates to an orthopedic body pillow that supports and biases the head and the torso to a recumbent side position, and at least partially restricts the torso to the side position to help relieve stress on the spine, neck, and hips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an orthopedic support device that biases the torso and the head to a recumbent side position and retains the torso in a channel to inhibit movement from the side position to help relieve stress on the spine, neck, hips, and shoulders.

[0004] Typically, a recumbent position is the body configuration assumed during or prior to sleeping or relaxing. The proper support of a head, neck, and upper body while sleeping is important. Some persons, by virtue of pre-existing conditions, are susceptible to head, neck and upper body injuries.

[0005] In many instances, the spine with its many vertebrae, separated from each other by resilient disks and having nerves branching out from openings between adjacent vertebras, is the source of pain caused by stress and fatigue. In order to prevent many back pains, it is important to maintain the spine in its natural curvature during periods of rest, principally while sleeping.

[0006] Typically, there are three main sleeping positions with variables of each: side, back, and stomach. It is known that sleeping on the side enables one to rest more comfortably and decrease the likelihood of interrupted sleep. While there are many variations of sleeping on the side, all of which are beneficial in helping to alleviate insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation, the most comfortable position involves bending the knees slightly upwards towards the chest area.

[0007] It is known that many traditional pillows and positioning devices do not provide lateral support of the torso or allow for variable positioning of the shoulder for the best possible relief of shoulder impingement and pain. Additionally, such prior art pillows and positioning devices do not reduce joint reactive forces while providing lateral support for the torso and maximum number of effective arm positions.

[0008] An orthopedic pillow is a pillow designed to correct body positioning in bed or while lying on any other surface. Its design conforms to orthopedic guidelines to ensure the right placement and support of one or more specific parts of the body to provide safe and healthy rest to the sleeper. An orthopedic pillow can be large enough to support, not only the head and neck, but also the torso.

[0009] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention obviates the above-mentioned problems, by providing an oversized therapeutic/pregnancy pillow designed to relieve stress on the spine, shoulder, and arm when one uses the pillow while lying on their side, resulting in optimal sleep. Contoured headrest for shoulder, offers a smooth transition leading from the shoulder, neck and head, four inner liner strips to soften doughnut center, with added incline designed to fully extend the arm while sleeping on a user's side, spreadable separate inclined body arms to support chest and back. The comforting system eliminates shoulder and arm discomfort, elevating the head, neck, and body at the right angle, thereby increasing air flow and aligning the spin in a natural position of comfort. The device relieves pressure on Lumbar and Coccyx, as the tailored support system allows the weight to be position at many levels of comfort while sleeping. Inserting angled support system between knees provides many levels of comfort for the hips and legs.

[0011] The present invention helps individuals with a wide range of issues, including: athletic injuries, work-related injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, slip and fall accident injuries, boating accident injuries, spine pain, including low back and neck pain, chronic pain arthritis, and post-operation rehabilitation.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide an orthopedic support device for supporting and biasing a body to a recumbent side position. The orthopedic support device provides a resiliently compressible body pillow shaped and dimensioned to support a head, a torso, and arms. By at least partially restricting the head and torso to a side position, stress on the spine, neck, hips, and shoulders may be minimized.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support device includes an orthopedically beneficial body pillow that supports the head and the torso in a recumbent side position to relieve pressure on the spine, neck, hip and shoulders. The support device utilizes a bisected body portion that forms a channel. The channel runs along a longitudinal axis of the body portion, enabling at least partial entry of the torso in a sideways orientation, such that the arms may be extended down along the torso. The channel terminates at a cavity arranged at a body upper end of the body portion. The cavity also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder, when the arm extends down the sides of the torso. Further up along the device, at the head portion, an elevated contour portion slopes gently downward to create an angle efficacious for reducing stress on the neck.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will recognize that sleeping or lying in a side position reduces stress on the spine, neck, hip and shoulders, since most of the weight rests on the stronger bone structures such as the arm, ribs, and hip bone. Conversely, the supine and prone positions press the full weight of the body directly onto the spine, and often leave the neck and shoulders in an stressful position. These positions also orient the neck awkwardly, which further increase undesirable pressure points on a sensitive area of the body. The present invention biases the torso and the head to the side position to inhibit moving to the prone or supine position.

[0015] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an orthopedic support device for supporting an upper body in a recumbent side position that includes a head portion configured to at least partially support a head, the head portion comprising an elevated upper contour portion that slopes gently downward toward a lower contour portion. The invention also includes a body portion configured to at least partially support a torso and an arm, the body portion including a body upper end arranged to join with the head portion, and a body lower end, the body portion bisected along a longitudinal axis to form a channel, the channel extending from the body lower end to a cavity in the body upper end, the cavity configured to enable at least partial entry of an upper arm, the channel configured to enable at least partial entry of the torso, the channel comprising a first sidewall configured to support a chest, and a second sidewall configured to support a back, wherein the channel and the cavity are configured to bias the head and the torso towards the recumbent side position, and help restrict movement away from the side position.

[0016] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a channel in the bisected body portion that serves to guide, and thereby bias the torso and the head towards a recumbent side position, while inhibiting movement towards a supine or prone position. The cavity also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder, when the arm extends down the sides of the torso. This extra space for the shoulder may further reduce stress on the back.

[0017] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the support device comprises a resiliently compressible material, such as foam, non-allergenic polyester fiber fill, or others. The compressible material may be adjusted to provide various amounts of firmness depending on the body type and size.

[0018] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first sidewall and the second sidewall move laterally to adjust a width of the channel. The lateral movement adjusts the width of the channel to enable entry of different torso and arm sizes. The lateral movement also enables the sidewalls to join and form a substantially planar support surface for supporting the torso and the head in a supine and prone position. In addition, the incline of the first and second sidewalls allows for a width adjustment that allows an increase or decrease in height for supporting the torso and head in a supine and prone position. The device also provides support when the sidewall is positioned between the legs, allowing the incline angle of the sidewall to relieve pressure off the lower back and helps create enhanced blood circulation in the legs, which also relieves stress.

[0019] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the firmness and contour of the support device may be adjusted for supporting different body sizes and shapes.

[0020] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an orthopedic support device, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0021] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0022] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of an object. The terms "program," "software application," and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A "program," "computer program," or "software application" may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective downward looking front view of an orthopedic support device, in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective downward looking top view of an orthopedic support device, in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an elevational side view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 6 is an elevational top plan view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective downward looking front view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective upward looking partial back view of the orthopedic support device of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0034] The present invention provides an orthopedically therapeutic support device 100, such as a body pillow that is sized and dimensioned to support a head, a neck, and a torso. The support device 100 is configured to support the head and the torso in a recumbent side position to relieve pressure on the spine, neck, hip and shoulders. In some embodiments, the support device 100 utilizes a bisected body portion 108 that forms a channel 114. The channel 114 runs along a longitudinal axis of the body portion 108, enabling at least partial entry of the torso in a sideways position.

[0035] The channel 114 terminates at a cavity 124 arranged at a body upper end 110 of the body portion 108. The cavity 124 also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder, when the arm extends down the sides of the torso. The channel 114 and the cavity 124 retain the torso in the side position. Further up along the device 100, at the head portion 102, an elevated contour portion slopes gently downward to create an angle efficacious for reducing stress on the neck. The support device 100 utilizes a resiliently compressible material, such as polyurethane foam, polyester fiber fill (non-allergenic), and more. The compressible material may be adjusted to provide various amounts of firmness and thickness depending on the body type and size. In one embodiment, the sidewalls from the channel 114 may be laterally adjusted to form a substantially planar surface for lying in a prone or supine position in addition to the side position.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the recumbent side position reduces stress on the spine, neck, hip, and shoulders, since most of the weight rests on the stronger bone structures of the arm, rib, and hip bone. Additionally, the side position may be efficacious for reducing the incidences of snoring, sleep apnea, and blocked breathing airways. The side position may also be a helpful position for pregnant women to reduce the pressure of their wombs. Conversely, the supine and prone positions press the full weight of the body directly on the spine. These positions also orient the neck awkwardly, which further increase undesirable pressure points on a sensitive area of the body. The present invention biases the torso and the head to the side position.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective front view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a support device 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a head portion 102 configured to at least partially support a head. The head portion 102 may include a resiliently compressible material having various amounts of firmness, which may be adjusted for different body types and sizes. Suitable material for the resiliently compressible material may include, without limitation, foam, polyurethane foam, air, water, springs, straw, cotton, wool, hair, and sawdust. In yet another embodiment, the resiliently compressible material may further comprise memory foam having a heat sensitive material that can acquire the shape of the body lying upon it.

[0038] The head portion 102 includes an elevated upper contour portion 104 that slopes downward toward a lower contour portion 106. The elevated upper contour portion 104 slopes gently downward to create an angle efficacious for reducing stress on the neck (FIG. 2). The firmness, slope gradient, and contour of the head portion 102 may be adjusted for supporting different head and neck sizes and shapes. For example, the head portion 102 may adapt to head, neck, and shoulder contour.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 3, the support device 100 further comprises a body portion 108 configured to at least partially support a torso and an arm. The body portion 108 includes a body upper end 110 arranged to join with the head portion 102, and a body lower end 112. In some embodiments, the length of the body portion 108 between the body upper end 110 and the body lower end 112 may be sufficiently long to extend from a neck to a buttock, with the legs hanging off the body lower end 112. In this manner, the legs may have space to bend and dangle freely. Those skilled in the art will recognize that bending the legs slightly upward towards the chest area while in the recumbent side position helps relieve stress on the spine. However, in other embodiments, the body portion 108 is sufficiently long to also support the legs.

[0040] As referenced in FIG. 2, the body portion 108 is bisected along a longitudinal axis to form a channel 114. The channel 114 bisects the body portion 108 symmetrically and at least partially receives the torso and the arm. The channel 114 is sufficiently deep as to restrict movement to the supine or prone position by pressing against the chest and the back, thereby blocking movements such as rolling over or twisting. In this manner, the torso is biased towards the side position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the channel 114 extends from the body lower end 112 to a cavity 124 in the body upper end 110. The cavity 124 may include a donut shaped hole configured to enable entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder. In this manner, the arm is free from a tight constraint with the torso in the side position. The separation between the torso and the arm helps create enhanced blood circulation in the arm, which also relieves stress. The cavity can have an inner lining that travels along the inner seam of the neck. This lining creates a soft transition, providing comfort on the upper and lower seam of the collar.

[0042] The channel 114 extends along the bisected body portion 108, working to guide, and thereby bias the torso and the head towards a recumbent side position, while inhibiting movement towards a supine or prone position. The cavity 124 also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder. When the arm extends down the sides of the torso, extra space is created between the torso and the arm, which reduces stress on the back.

[0043] In one embodiment referenced in FIG. 1, the channel 114 includes a first sidewall 120 configured to support a chest, and a second sidewall 122 configured to support a back. However, the sidewalls functions are interchangeable, since flipping over to switch sides engages the back with the first sidewall 120 and the chest with the second sidewall 122. In any case, the restrictions are substantially the same. The restriction provided by the channel 114 and the cavity 124 are efficacious for biasing the head and the torso towards the recumbent side position, and helping to restrict movement away from the side position. In this manner, the torso, arm, and neck are positioned for optimal stress relief.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first sidewall 120 and the second sidewall 122 move laterally to adjust a width of the channel 114. The lateral movement adjusts the width of the channel 114 to enable entry of different torso and arm sizes. The lateral movement also enables the sidewalls to join and form a substantially planar support surface for supporting the torso and the head in a supine and prone position.

[0045] The channel 114 comprises a channel lower distal end 118 having an optional fastener (not shown) for joining the first sidewall 120 and the second sidewall 122. The fastener may include, without limitation, a draw string, a button, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, and an adhesive. The channel 114 further comprises a proximal channel upper end 116 that at least partially enables entry of the arm. The channel upper end 116 positions beneath the cavity 124.

[0046] In one alternative embodiment, the support device 100 comprises a slip cover that forms a protective and decorative cover for the head portion 102 and the body portion 108. In yet another alternative embodiment, the support device 100 may include at least one pouch for containing at least one heating pad and/or vibrating mechanism. A fastener, such as a zipper may regulate access to an inner section of the at least one pouch. The at least one heating pad and vibrating mechanism help enhance the therapeutic effects on the spine, neck, and hip.

[0047] FIGS. 4-8 provide various views of the present invention and show a level of detail different from that of FIGS. 1-3. Namely, FIGS. 4-8 illustrate the curvature of the sidewalls 120, 122 on both sides of the device, as well as the chamfered neck area created by and around the cavity 124.

[0048] An orthopedic support device 100 has been disclosed that that supports and biases the torso and neck in the recumbent side position for relieving stress on the spine, neck, hip and shoulders.

Claims

1. An orthopedic support device for supporting a body in a recumbent side position, the orthopedic support device comprising: a head portion shaped and sized to at least partially support a head of an adult human; and a body portion shaped and sized to at least partially support a torso of an adult human and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the head portion and defining a cavity therein, the distal end being bisected along a longitudinal axis thereof and defining a channel that extends outwardly from the cavity, the cavity being wider than the channel.

2. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein: the head portion forming an elevated upper contour portion that slopes downward toward the body portion.

3. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein: the channel and the cavity are shaped and sized to bias a user's head and the torso towards a recumbent side position.

4. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein: the channel and the cavity are shaped and sized to restrict a user's movement away from a recumbent side position.

5. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a body pillow.

6. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a resiliently compressible pad.

7. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein: the cavity is a donut shaped hole and sized to receive a shoulder of an adult human.

8. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, wherein: the bisected distal end forms two distal portions that are operable to move laterally for adjusting a width of the channel.

9. The orthopedic support device according to claim 8, wherein the bisected distal end further comprises: a fastener for joining the two distal portions.

10. The orthopedic support device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a heating pad; and a vibrating mechanism.

11. A support device for supporting an upper body, the support device comprising: a head portion configured to at least partially support a head; and a body portion configured to at least partially support a torso and an arm, the body portion having a body upper end arranged to join with the head portion, and a body lower end, the body portion bisected along a longitudinal axis to form a channel, the channel extending from the body lower end to a cavity in the body upper end, the channel configured to enable at least partial entry of the torso, the cavity configured to enable at least partial entry of an upper arm.

12. An orthopedic support device for supporting an upper body in a recumbent side position, the orthopedic support device comprising: a head portion configured to at least partially support a head, the head portion comprising an elevated upper contour portion that slopes gently downward toward a lower contour portion, the head portion comprising a resiliently compressible pad; and a body portion configured to at least partially support a torso and an arm of a human, the body portion having a body upper end arranged to join with the head portion, and a body lower end, the body portion bisected along a longitudinal axis to form a channel, the channel extending from the body lower end to a cavity in the body upper end, the cavity comprising a donut shaped hole, the hole configured to enable entry of a shoulder and part of a neck, the channel configured to enable at least partial entry of the torso, the channel having a first sidewall configured to support a chest, and a second sidewall configured to support a back, the first sidewall and the second sidewall configured to move laterally for adjusting a width of the channel, wherein the channel and the cavity are configured to bias the head and the torso towards the recumbent side position, and help restrict movement away from the side position.

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