Adjustable body support system
A system for adjustably positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two adjustable sections, each adjustable section having a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section. In one embodiment, each of the at least two adjustable sections comprises an inflatable/deflatable bladder positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an outer surface of the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
This invention relates to body support systems. More particularly, it relates to systems adapted to adjustably elevate portions of the body to alleviate stress on the body when a person is at rest.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPeople generally sleep in three basic positions: on the back, on the stomach, and on the side. Sleeping on one's side comfortably may be difficult for any of the following reasons: (1) poor neck and head alignment; (2) upper arm tension or pulling on the shoulder; (3) sciatic pressure due to poor lower back alignment; (4) leg tension or pulling on the hip; (5) top leg pressure on the bottom leg. Discomfort from these sources may cause difficultly falling asleep. The root cause of these problems comes from gravity and the interaction between the mattress and the sleeper.
Although mattresses that conform to the contour of the body, adjustable beds, and special pillows have been developed to assist in helping people get comfortable when sleeping, none of these solutions provides an optimal arrangement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,551, incorporated herein by reference, describes a skeletal support pillow for conforming to the bodily skeletal dimensions of a user. Although this reference describes a single pillow having dimensions relative to the user's body that allow the user to rest in a “physiologically neutral position,” each pillow is “custom fitted to the skeletal dimensions of the user” and it therefore not readily adapted for mass production or for adapting to the changing dimensions of the user or changing needs of the user, once made.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,367 to Heimreid et al., also incorporated herein by reference, discloses a system of separately adjustable pillows characterized by a plurality of separately inflatable and deflatable pillows which may be emptied or filled with fluid, such as air, from a connected source via a manifold having valves for each pillows. The manifold with valves for each container, while having certain advantages in healthcare applications where a nurse may readily adjust a plurality of pillows from a single bedside location, also has some drawbacks. Specifically, the single manifold with a plurality of remotely-mounted valves requires connecting tubes to be run to each of the pillows, which may cause the user to become tangled in the tubing, or may limit the user to a particular orientation or distance of the pillows relative to the manifold.
While other references discuss single- or multi-part body pillows or inflatable pillows generally, none discuss a sleep system that provides optimal adjustability and functionality. It is therefore desirable to provide a system that is adjustable to each individual's desires to ease pressure points, relieve tension, and achieve proper spinal alignment in the head, neck and lower back areas, and that avoids the disadvantages of previously disclosed support systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the invention comprises a system for adjustably positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two adjustable sections, each adjustable section having a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section. Each adjustable section may be adjustable mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically.
In one embodiment, each of the at least two adjustable sections comprises an adjustable member, such as an inflatable/deflatable bladder, positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element. In an embodiment with an inflatable/deflatable bladder, the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an outer surface of the bladder.
The system may be adapted to support the at least two body zones of the person while the person is resting on his or her side or while the person is resting on his or her back. In one embodiment, one of the at least two body zones comprises an arm body zone and another of the at least two body zones is selected from the group consisting of: a head/neck body zone and a leg body zone. Each of the at least two sections may comprises an adjustable pillow or a section thereof. Thus, for example, each of the at least two sections may comprise an individual module, such as a system comprising a plurality of pillows having one pillow for each body zone. At least two of the individual modules may be attachable to one another. In another embodiment, the system may comprise at least one pillow having two or more independently adjustable sections.
The system desirably provides customized spinal alignment for the person and/or is adjustable to provide an elevation relative to the base surface sufficient to position the respective body zone in a physiologically neutral position, such as a position that optimally minimizes pressure points and musculoskeletal stress.
The system may further comprise a hand pump for inflating the inflatable bladder. The system may also further comprise at least one outer casing, such as a pillowcase, for covering the system or a portion thereof and providing a contact surface for contact with the person, the casing comprising a fabric that provides heat reduction, such as via moisture-wicking, heat-normalizing, or a combination thereof.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a system for adjustably positioning, particularly raising or lowering, a head/neck body zone, an upper arm/shoulder body zone, and a thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone of a person relative to a base surface in respective positions chosen to minimize pressure points and musculoskeletal stress during rest on the person's side. The system comprises a first inflatable/deflatable pillow for supporting the head/neck body zone, a second inflatable/deflatable pillow for supporting a top arm in an upper arm body zone, and a third inflatable/deflatable pillow for insertion between a bottom leg and an top leg for supporting the top leg. Each pillow comprising an inflatable/deflatable bladder positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element.
Still another aspect of the invention comprises a method of promoting sound rest in a person resting on a base surface. The method comprises the steps of providing a first support for adjustably positioning a head/neck body zone of the person in an elevated first position relative to the base surface; providing an second support for adjustably positioning an arm body zone of the person in an elevated second position relative to the base surface; and providing a third support adapted for adjustably positioning a leg body zone of the person in an elevated third position relative to the base surface. A non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism is provided for adjusting the elevation of the support. The method further comprises adjusting the first support, the second support, and the third support to customize the first position, the second position, and the third position, respectively, to personal attributes of the person to minimize pressure points and musculoskeletal stress during rest. Where the first, second, and third supports each comprise inflatable/deflatable pillows, and the method comprises inflating and/or deflating the supports to attain the customized positions. The method may further comprise adjusting the first, second, and third supports to accommodate the person resting on his or her side or resting on his or her back.
Still another aspect of the invention comprises a pillowcase comprising a fabric that is moisture-wicking, heat-normalizing, or a combination thereof.
Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a system for positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two discrete supports, each support having a different thickness. One embodiment comprises a first discrete support for supporting the upper arm/shoulder body zone, a second discrete support for supporting the head/neck body zone, and a third discrete support for supporting the thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring now to
In a preferred embodiment, each of the adjustable supports 16, 18, and 20 comprises an inflatable pillow 38, each comprising an inflatable bladder 40 surrounded by a cushioned outer portion 42, as shown in
Although air is a preferred fluid for inflating the bladder, any fluid, including liquids, such as water, or gels, may be used. Similarly, although an inflatable pillow is preferable, the adjustment mechanism may comprise any type of adjustment mechanism known in the art adapted for reversibly changing the distance D between two opposing surfaces 39 and 41 inside the support. Thus, the supports may be mechanically adjustable, such as, for example, via a scissors-jack-type mechanism well known in the art or via a set of stackable members, as disclosed herein later; pneumatically adjustable, such as via inflation with air or another gas; or hydraulically adjustable, such as via inflation with a liquid such as water, a saline solution, or the like.
Pillow 38 may comprise an outer casing 45 having, for example, a zipper 46 for creating an enclosure that keeps the cushioned outer portion 42 and bladder 40 sandwiched together. Although shown with a zipper in
Bladder 40 may comprise rubber, plastic, vinyl, or any non-porous material known in the art adaptable to contain a liquid or gaseous fluid, such as air. Bladder 40 typically has an inflation/deflation valve, which may be any such valve known in the art, but for example may comprise a valve such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,859,932 to H. H. Mackal, incorporated herein by reference. An inflation tube 47 may be attached to valve 44 to provide an extension that reaches closer to the zipper 46, so that the pillow can be conveniently inflated. Inflation tube 47 may comprise surgical tubing, or any other type of rubber of plastic tubing known in the art that has a soft feel and thus will not interfere with the comfort of the user.
The system may further comprise a hand pump, such as a DOUBLE QUICK Mini Air Pump by INTEX® or a bulb-type hand pump such commonly used on blood-pressure-testing cuffs, or may comprise any type of pump or other inflation mechanism known in the art. The pump is preferably attachable and detachable to valve 44 or inflation tube 47 to allow use on each of the several pillows in the system (or on each of a plurality of inflatable chambers in a single pillow with multiple chambers) and to facilitate stowing away when not in use. In another embodiment, an integral hand pump may be provided with each pillow to facilitate adjustments in the middle of the night, such as, for example, systems described generally in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,725 to Veilleux et al. or U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,249 to Meade, II, incorporated herein by reference. Typically, however, a user inflates the pillow to a customized degree of inflation comfortable for that user and does not need to repeatedly adjust the pillow. Other inflation mechanisms may also be used, such as inflation via blowing up the pillow using the mouth and lungs of the user or using a pressurized source of air, such as a pipeline in a hospital setting or canned air.
Atlhough shown in
The system may comprise three or more individual pillows, as shown in
In an embodiment with two individual pillows, such as shown in
In an embodiment with a single integral pillow 30, such as shown in
Although shown in
One aspect of the invention comprises a kit comprising two or three inflatable pillows and instructions for how to arrange the pillows as shown in
The system of the present invention is adapted to minimize stress from tension and pressure points in the head/neck zone, the shoulder/upper back/arm zone, and the lower back/hip/leg/thigh zone. Preferably, the pillows are adjustable to a position that is sufficient to provide optimal spinal alignment for a side sleeper and to relieve pressure points. Thus, as shown in
It should be understood that the system is intended to be customized to be comfortable to any user. The system of the present invention promotes a sounder sleep because it allows the user to customize the system to provide optimal spinal alignment and to eliminate pressure points, thereby eliminating causes of discomfort that may be disruptive to sleep.
Another cause of discomfort during sleep may be the development of “hot spots” on the pillowcases. Thus, another aspect of the invention is to use a pillowcase comprising wick-away fabric that conducts heat and/or moisture away from the body. Such fabrics include but are not limited to COOLMAX® fabric made by E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. or fabrics used in the DOUBLE DRY™ line of clothing marketed under the CHAMPION® brand. The pillowcases are not limited to any particular type of moisture-wicking fabric or heat reducing fabric, however, and any such fabric may be used. “Heat reducing” fabric comprises any fabric that conducts heat away from an individual hot spot and reduces the temperature at that spot, including fabrics that spread or “normalize” the temperature throughout a larger area of the fabric, or fabric that actually provides overall heat reduction, such as via moisture-wicking and evaporation, or by any other mechanism.
The sleep system of the present invention is also adapted for sleepers who prefer to sleep on their backs. For example, as shown in
While the present system is particularly well adapted for home use to promote a comfortable sleep, the system may also be used in healthcare environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and the like, and may be used to promote comfort while engaging in non-sleep activities such as reading, watching TV, sunbathing, and the like. In particular, a user resting on one's back may find that the inflatable head/neck pillow is well adapted to be adjusted to increase elevation for TV watching, and the arm body zone support pillow is well-adapted to be adjusted to a sufficient elevation to position a book 50 at an optimal height for reading.
Also, although disclosed primarily herein in an embodiment where each of the pillows is adapted to be adjusted with a hand pump as needed, embodiments may also be provided with automatic pumps. Also, although there are drawbacks to having each individual inflatable pillow connected via tubing to a single air source as discussed in the background section of the invention, such an arrangement may still be provided, with an improvement over prior systems comprising the positioning of a valve on the surface of each air bladder, thereby providing the user with the adjustment valve on the pillow itself instead of on a single manifold remotely from the pillow. Thus, for example, an automatic pressure source (such as an electrically operated pump) may be manifolded to the pillows and provided with an automatic start capability when the valve is opened (causing a pressure drop in the manifold below a predetermined level). The pump with-all of the valves closed, therefore shuts off. When an individual valve is opened, the pump operates until the valve is again closed. A separate bleed valve (not shown, but similar to valve 44, for example) may be provided to deflate the pillow without activating the pump. Thus, each pillow or inflatable chamber may have multiple valves, if desired, including an inflation valve and a deflation valve, although in most embodiments, it is preferred to have a single valve for both inflation and deflation.
In another embodiment, the adjustability of the various support zones may be effected via stacking of discrete members or insertion of discrete members inside a casing or cushioned pocket. For example, as shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
In either embodiment shown in
Although the inserts and stacked members are shown in
Although shown in a number of specific exemplary embodiments, many embodiments of the invention can be generally described as comprising a support system for providing changeable thickness in a plurality of supports for a plurality of body zones, each section with changeable thickness having a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the thickness of the section. In other words, the means for effecting the changeable thickness is adapted to be manipulated at the pillow or other support device itself, rather than remotely from the pillow or support device. This non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises the inflation/deflation valve 44 in the inflatable bladder embodiments shown in
Yet another embodiment may comprise a set of two or more, preferably three, non-adjustable pillows of different sizes to accommodate different body zones. For example, the pillows shown in
Although depicted herein as having a standard ovular or rectangular shape, the adjustable and/or non-adjustable supports of this invention may be of any size and shape. Thus, for example, the leg pillow may have a contoured design such as is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,905 to Frydman, incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, the head pillow may have a contoured design such as is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,917 to De Laittre or U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,401 to Frydman, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, any or all of the pillows (not just the head/neck pillow) in the set of pillows may have a thickness that is adjustable in the manner disclosed in the '401 Frydman patent, wherein each of the stackable inserts or pillow sections interlocks with one another, such as in a tongue and groove engagement.
Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is capable of numerous modifications of parts, elements and materials without departing from the invention.
Claims
1. A system for adjustably positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two adjustable sections, each adjustable section having a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the each adjustable section is adjustable mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two adjustable sections comprises an adjustable member positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the adjustable member comprises an inflatable/deflatable bladder.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an outer surface of the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a length of extension tubing attached to the valve, the extension tubing adapted to interface with a pump or other inflation mechanism for inflating the inflatable section.
7. The system of claim 4, further comprising an outer enclosure comprising a pocket having an opening, the outer enclosure adapted to surround the upper non-adjustable cushioned element, the lower non-adjustable cushioned element, and the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the outer enclosure, the upper non-adjustable cushioned element, and the lower non-adjustable cushioned element comprise an integral unit.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the integral unit comprises a fabric comprising non-adjustable cushioned material bonded between the outer enclosure and an inner lining, the fabric formed into a pocket to receive the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
10. The system of claim 7, further comprising a fastener for closing the opening.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein fastener for closing the opening is selected from a group consisting of: zippers, microhook/microloop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and a combination thereof.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the at least two body zones comprises an upper arm/shoulder body zone and another of the at least two body zones is selected from the group consisting of: a head/neck body zone and a thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two sections comprises an individual module.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two sections comprises an adjustable pillow or a section thereof.
15. The system of claim 1, comprising at least one pillow having two or more independently adjustable sections.
16. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of pillows, one pillow for each body zone.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides customized spinal alignment for the person.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein each section is adjustable to provide an elevation relative to the base surface sufficient to position the respective body zone in a physiologically neutral position.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the physiologically neutral position is a position that optimally minimizes pressure points and musculoskeletal stress.
20. The system of claim 4, further comprising a hand pump for inflating the inflatable bladder.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two sections are attachable to one another.
22. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one outer casing for covering the system or a portion thereof and providing a contact surface for contact with the person, the casing comprising a fabric that is moisture-wicking, heat-normalizing, or a combination thereof.
23. The system of claim 13, further comprising a pillowcase for each pillow, each pillowcase comprising a fabric that is moisture-wicking, heat-normalizing, or a combination thereof.
24. The system of claim 13, wherein each pillow is adapted to be attachable to and detachable from at least one other pillow in the system.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to support the at least two body zones of the person while the person is resting on his or her side.
26. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to support the at least two body zones of the person while the person is resting on his or her back.
27. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises one or more stackable members or inserts.
28. The system of claim 27, comprising a plurality of inserts or stackable members having an equal thickness.
29. The system of claim 27, comprising at least two inserts or stackable members having different thicknesses.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein the inserts or stackable members comprise a material of construction selected from a group consisting of: foam, batting, air-inflated members, liquid-filled members, gel-filled members, and solids-filled members.
31. The system of claim 27, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism further comprises an opening in a non-cushioned casing into which the inserts are adapted to be inserted.
32. The system of claim 27, the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism further comprises an opening in a cushioned casing into which the inserts are adapted to be inserted.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the inserts or stackable members comprise members having a relatively hard outer surface.
34. The system of claim 4, wherein the non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an extension in communication with an interior of the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
35. The system of claim 34, further comprising an outer enclosure comprising a pocket having an opening, the outer enclosure adapted to surround the upper non-adjustable cushioned element, the lower non-adjustable cushioned element, and the inflatable/deflatable bladder, wherein the valve is accessible from an outer surface of the outer enclosure and the outer enclosure is not adapted to allow access to the inflatable/deflatable bladder.
36. A system for adjustably positioning a head/neck body zone, an upper arm/shoulder body zone, and a thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone of a person relative to a base surface in respective positions chosen to minimize pressure points and musculoskeletal stress during rest on the person's side, the system comprising:
- a first inflatable/deflatable pillow for supporting the head/neck body zone;
- a second inflatable/deflatable pillow for supporting a top arm in the upper arm body zone; and
- a third inflatable/deflatable pillow for insertion between a bottom leg and a top leg for supporting the top leg in the thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone;
- each pillow comprising an inflatable/deflatable bladder positioned between an upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable cushioned element.
37. A method of promoting sound rest in a person resting on his or her side on a base surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a first support for adjustably positioning a head/neck body zone of the person in an elevated first position relative to the base surface;
- (b) providing an second support for adjustably positioning an arm body zone of the person in an elevated second position relative to the base surface;
- (c) providing a third support adapted for adjustably positioning a leg body zone of the person in an elevated third position relative to the base surface;
- (d) providing a non-remote, individually adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section; and
- (e) adjusting the first support, the second support, and the third support to customize the first position, the second position, and the third position, respectively, to personal attributes of the person to minimize pressure points and musculoskeletal stress during rest.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the first support, the second support, and the third support each comprise inflatable/deflatable pillows, and step (e) comprises inflating and/or deflating the pillows to attain the customized positions.
39. The method of claim 37, comprising adjusting the first support, the second support, and the third support to accommodate the person resting on his or her side, placing the first support underneath a head/neck of the person, placing the second support alongside torso of the person to elevate a top arm of the person, and placing third support between an top leg and a bottom leg of the person.
40. The method of claim 37, comprising adjusting the first support, the second support, and the third support to accommodate the person resting on his or her back, placing the first support beneath a head/neck of the person, placing the second support alongside a torso or atop a chest or belly of the person to elevate one or both arms of the person, and placing the third support underneath one or both knees of the person.
41. The method of claim 37, wherein the first support, the second support, and the third support each comprise inserts or stackable members, and step (e) comprises adding or subtracting inserts or stackable members to attain the customized positions.
42. A pillowcase, the pillowcase comprising a fabric that is moisture-wicking, heat-normalizing, or a combination thereof.
43. A system for positioning at least two body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the person is resting, the system comprising at least two discrete non-adjustable supports, each support having a different thickness.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein one of the at least two body zones comprises an upper arm/shoulder body zone and another of the at least two body zones is selected from the group consisting of: a head/neck body zone and a thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the system comprises a first discrete support for supporting the upper arm/shoulder body zone, a second discrete support for supporting the head/neck body zone, and a third discrete support for supporting the thigh/upper leg/hip/lower back body zone.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 18, 2003
Publication Date: Mar 24, 2005
Inventor: William Wilkinson (Salem, NJ)
Application Number: 10/665,748