Body supports and covers

Abstract

A support device includes a support structure having a wedge configuration, and a cover comprising a case, the case having a lumen sized to accommodate the support structure. A cover of a support structure includes a case having a lumen sized for accommodating a support structure, the case having a first end, a second end, a top side extending between the first and the second ends, and a bottom side, wherein a first distance between the top side and the bottom side at the first end is shorter than a second distance between the top side and the bottom side at the second end.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/562,962, filed on Apr. 16, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to orthopedic devices, and more specifically, to support devices for supporting a body part, and covers for such support devices.

2. Background of the Invention

Orthopedic support devices are designed to provide users with support and alignment of certain body parts, such as a head, a neck, or a back.

A multitude of different orthopedic back support device designs exist, and many of these devices use resilient foam materials to provide the necessary support. Flexible polyurethane foams are commonly used in the manufacture of these support devices, as are viscoelastic memory foams. However, due to natural oxidation, the foam making up the support device may result in discoloration of the support device. Also, due to repeated use of the support device, the support device may deteriorate (e.g., may be stained or damaged due to normal wear and tear). Sometimes a user using the support device may be a patient who suffers from an illness or chronic condition. If the support device deteriorates (e.g., from stains, discoloration, or normal tear and wear), its appearance may not be conducive to raising the patient's spirits.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments, a support device includes a support structure having a wedge configuration, and a cover comprising a case, the case having a lumen sized to accommodate the support structure.

In accordance with other embodiments, a cover of a support structure includes a case having a lumen sized for accommodating a support structure, the case having a first end, a second end, a top side extending between the first and the second ends, and a bottom side, wherein a first distance between the top side and the bottom side at the first end is shorter than a second distance between the top side and the bottom side at the second end.

In accordance with other embodiments, a cover of a support structure includes a case having a lumen sized for accommodating the support structure, and an opening in communication with the lumen, a first flap located next to the opening, a second flap located next to the opening, and a connection device for allowing the second flap to be secured to a first location on the first flap, and for allowing the second flap to be secured to a second location on the first flap.

Other aspects and features of the invention will be evident from reading the following description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. In order to better appreciate how advantages and objects of the embodiments are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a support structure in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a support structure in accordance with other embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cover for use with either of the support structures of FIGS. 1A and 1B; and

FIG. 3A-3G illustrate a method of using the cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cover in accordance with other embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a cover in accordance with other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of specific embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates a body support structure 10 in accordance with some embodiments. The body support structure 10 has a top surface 12 for supporting a body part (such as a head, a neck, or a back), a bottom surface 14 opposite from the top surface 12, a first side 16, and a second side 18. In the illustrated embodiments, the top surface 12 forms an angle 19 with the bottom surface 14, thereby forming a wedge configuration for the support structure 10. The body support structure 10 can be made from a variety of materials, such as a polyurethane foam, a viscoelastic memory foam, and the like. In other embodiments, the top surface 12 of the support structure 10 can have one or more protrusions (e.g., for lumbar support, or support of head/neck). For example, in some embodiments, the support structure 10 can have one or more mounds/rows built within it, so that the top surface 12 will have one or more protrusions.

In other embodiments, instead of a one-piece wedge configuration, the body support structure 10 can have a plurality of wedges (FIG. 1B), such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,993, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The body support structure 10 of FIG. 1B has a support piece 22 having a support surface 28, a first wedge (insert) 24, and a second wedge (insert) 26. The first and/or the second wedges 24, 26 can be selectively decoupled from the support piece 22 to change a position (e.g., an inclination angle) of the body support structure 10. In other embodiments, the body support structure 10 can have other numbers of wedges. The support piece 22 and the wedges 24, 26 can be made from a variety of materials, such as a polyurethane foam, a viscoelastic memory foam, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiments, the support piece 22 has three layers 23a-23c made from different materials. For examples, the layers 23a-23c can be made from foams having different densities or elasticity. In some embodiments, any of the layers 23a-23c can be made from a memory foam. Other materials known in the art of body support can be used to construct any of the layers 23a-23c. In other embodiments, instead of having three layers 23a-23c, the support piece 22 can include less than three layers 23 or more than three layers 23. In the illustrated embodiments, the support piece 22 has a width 29a at a first end that is approximately the same as a width 29b at a second end. In other embodiments, the width 29a is less than the width 29b, thereby creating a tapered profile (e.g., resembling a shape of a trapezoid) for the support surface 28. The support piece 22 can have other shapes and configurations in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the support structure 10 can have one or more mounds/rows built within it, so that the top surface 12 will have one or more protrusions (e.g., for lumbar support, or support of head/neck).

FIG. 2 shows a cover 30 for a support structure in accordance with some embodiments. The cover 30 is a case having a lumen 63 for accommodating a support structure, and can be made from a variety of materials, such as cotton, nylon, sheepskin, wool, velour, leather, etc. In the illustrated embodiments, the cover 30 is sized for use with the body support structure 10 of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B. Alternatively, the cover 30 can be sized to accommodate other support structures. The cover 30 includes a first end 32, a second end 34, and a plurality of flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 coupled to the-second end 34. As shown in the figure, a first distance 66 between a top side (surface) 68 and a bottom side (surface) 70 at the first end 32 is shorter than a second distance 72 between the top side 68 and the bottom side 70 at the second end 34, thereby creating a smaller profile for the first end 32 than that of the second end 34. Such configuration allows the cover 30 to house a support structure having a wedge configuration. The flaps 36, 38 (side flaps) include loop Velcros 56, 58, respectively. The flap 40 (top flap) includes three strips of loop Velcros 50, 52, 54 on one surface, and two side hook Velcros 62, 64 on a second surface. The flap 42 (bottom flap) includes a strip of hook Velcro 42 for selectively attaching one of the loop Velcros 50, 52, 54 on the top flap 40. As is understood by those skilled in the art, a loop Velcro refers to a female portion of a Velcro®, and a hook Velcro refers to a male portion of a Velcro®. In other embodiments, instead of using Velcros, other types of hook and loop fasteners can be used.

In other embodiments, instead of having four flaps 36, 38, 40, 42, the cover 30 can have other numbers of flaps. For example, in other embodiments, the cover 30 does not have flaps 36, 38. In alternative embodiments, the cover 30 has only one flap that covers the entire opening at the second end 34 of the cover 30. Also, in other embodiments, the flaps of the cover 30 can have folding configurations that are different from that shown.

It should be noted that the manner in which the flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 are secured to each other should not be limited by the example discussed previously, and that the flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 can be secured by connection(s) having other configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the use of the loop Velcros and the hook Velcros can be reversed. Also, instead of having the number of Velcro strips shown, in other embodiments, any of the flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 can have other numbers of Velcros (male or female portions) on either or both sides of the respective flaps. For example, in other embodiments, instead of having three Velcros 50, 52, 54 on the flap 40, the flap 40 can include other numbers of Velcros. In some embodiments, the flap 40 includes a single Velcro having a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the Velcro 60. Such configuration allows the Velcro 60 to be secured at different locations on the single Velcro, to thereby accommodate different sizes of the body support structure 10. In further embodiments, instead of having elongated shapes, the Velcro(s) on the flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 can have other shapes. Furthermore, instead of using Velcros, in other embodiments, the cover 30 can have other types of securing mechanisms, such as one or more safety pins, one or more snaps, one or more zippers, or one or more ties/strings.

During use, the wedged-shape body support structure 10 is inserted into the lumen 63 of the cover 30 (FIG. 3A). In particular, the narrower portion 80 of the support structure 10 is inserted into the lumen 63 first such that the narrower portion 80 of the support structure 10 is inserted first so that it can be fitted within the first end 32 of the cover 30. Next, the side flaps 36, 38 are folded to at least partially close an opening of the cover 30 (FIG. 3B). Next, the top flap 40 is folded to further close the opening of the cover 30 (FIG. 3C). After the top flap 40 is folded, the side hook Velcros 62, 64 are secured to the loop Velcros 56, 58, respectively. Next, the bottom flap 42 is folded such that the hook Velcro 60 is secured to the loop Velcro 54 (FIG. 3D). As a result, the support structure 10 is completely covered by the cover 30 (FIG. 3E). The covered support structure 10 is then oriented in the position shown in FIG. 3F for supporting a back of a user 100. In other embodiments, the covered support structure 10 can also be used to support a user's back and/or head in other orientation. For example, in some embodiments, the covered support structure 10 can be oriented in the position shown in FIG. 3G for supporting a back and/or head of the user 100. In some embodiments, if one or more of the flaps 36, 38, 40, 42 are not secured, the unsecured flap(s) can be tucked underneath the support structure 10. Also, in further embodiments, any of the flaps can be tucked between a surface of the cover 30 and the support structure 10.

In some embodiments, if the support structure 10 of FIG. 1B is used with the cover 30, one or both of the wedges 24, 26 can be removed and are not inserted into the cover 30. In such cases, the Velcro 60 can be secured to either the Velcro 50, or the Velcro 52, with portion of the sides 90, 92 of the cover 30 folded inwardly. In other embodiments, at least a portion of each of the sides 90, 92 of the cover 30 can be made from a highly elastic material, such as spandex, for allowing the sides 90, 92 to stretch. Such allows the cover 30 to accommodate support structures having different sizes and shapes without having to fold the sides 90, 92. For example, if the number of wedges (e.g., wedge 24, 26) changes, the cover 30 can adjust itself to fit the support structure 10. Also, in the illustrated embodiments, the distance between the Velcro strips 50, 52, and the distance between the Velcro strips 52, 54 correspond to the respective thicknesses of the wedges 24, 26. For example, if the wedges 24, 26 have equal thicknesses, the distance between the Velcro strips 50, 52 and the distance between the Velcro strips 52, 54 would be equal. Alternatively, if the wedges 24, 26 have different thicknesses, the distance between the Velcro strips 50, 52 and the distance between the Velcro strips 52, 54 would be different.

Providing the cover 30 for the body support structure 10 has many benefits. First, it provides a decorative appearance for the support structure 10. For example, different covers 30 can be made from fabrics with different textures and having different colors (black, blue, red, tan, white, etc.), thereby allowing the covers 30 to fit well with different decors of rooms (e.g., for aesthetic purpose). A user can also change the cover 30 readily for variety. Secondly, the cover 30 may provide therapeutic effect for a user. A user may use the support structure 10 because he/she has an illness or chronic condition. If the support structure 10 deteriorates (e.g., from stains, or discoloration of foam due to natural oxidation) its appearance may not be conducive to raising one's spirits. In such cases, the cover 30 provides a colorful or otherwise attractive appearance for the support structure 10, thereby raising a user's spirit. The cover 30 also protects the support structure 10 from normal wear and tear, and provides at least some protection against stains. In addition, the cover 30 keeps the support structure 10 clean, and can be removed for washing or dry cleaning. Further, the cover 30 can be used to carry the support structure 10. For example, if the body support structure 10 of FIG. 1B is used, the cover 30 keeps all the components (the support piece 22, and the wedges 24, 26) of the support structure 10 together while they are being carried or transported.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variation of the cover 30 in accordance with other embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 30 further includes two loop Velcros 200, 202 secured to the top surface 68 of the cover 30. The Velcros 200, 202 allows a pillow 204 to be detachably secured to the cover 30. In the illustrated embodiments, the pillow 204 includes two hook Velcros 206, 208, which can be secured against the VeIcros 200, 202, respectively, thereby securing the pillow 204 against the cover 30. In other embodiments, instead of Velcros, the securing mechanism for securing the pillow 204 against the cover 30 can be one or more buttons, one or more strings/ties, one or more pins, one or more snaps, and one or more zippers. Also, in other embodiments, instead of the rectangular shape shown, the pillow 204 can have different shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a rounded shape, an elliptical shape, or a customized shape. In further embodiments, instead of the pillow 204, the securing mechanism on the surface 68 of the cover 30 can be used to secure other accessories, such as a back support, to the cover 30. In yet further embodiments, instead of placing the securing mechanism (e.g., Velcros 200, 202) on the surface 68 of the cover, the securing mechanism can be secured to the underside of the surface 68. In such cases, the pillow 204 or another accessory can be placed inside the cover 30, and be secured to the interior surface of the cover 30

FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of the cover 30 in accordance with other embodiments. The cover 30 includes a flexible portion 300 at the surface 68. The flexible portion 300 can be made from a flexible material, such as spandex, which allows the portion 300 to flex. Such configuration allows the cover 30 to be used to cover a support structure having an expandable bladder. For example, the support structure 10 discussed previously can include an expandable bladder, which allows the support structure 10 to have different degrees of firmness (depending on the pressure within the bladder). The bladder will also change the shape and profile of the support structure 10. In such cases, the portion 300 will accommodate the shape of the support structure 10 as the bladder is inflated to different degrees. In other embodiments, the portion 300 can have different sizes and shapes, and can be located at other positions at the cover 30.

Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the present inventions to the preferred embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The present inventions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present inventions as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A support device, comprising:

a support structure having a wedge configuration; and

a cover for covering the support structure, the cover comprising a case, the case having a lumen sized to accommodate the support structure.

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein the support structure has a support piece, and one or more wedges for changing a position of the support piece.

3. The support device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a tapered configuration when the support structure is placed inside the lumen.

4. The support device of claim 1, wherein the cover has an opening in communication with the lumen.

5. The support device of claim 4, wherein the cover further comprises a first flap located next to the opening.

6. The support device of claim 5, wherein the cover further comprises a second flap located next to the opening.

7. The support device of claim 6, wherein the cover further comprises a connection device located on the first flap or the second flap.

8. The support device of claim 1, further comprising an accessory, wherein the cover has a securing mechanism for detachably securing the accessory to the cover.

9. A cover of a support structure, comprising:

a case having a lumen sized for accommodating a support structure, the case having a first end, a second end, a top side extending between the first and the second ends, and a bottom side;

wherein a first distance between the top side and the bottom side at the first end is shorter than a second distance between the top side and the bottom side at the second end.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the case is made from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, and leather.

11. The cover of claim 9, further comprising an opening in communication with the lumen, and a first flap located next to the opening.

12. The cover of claim 11, further comprising a second flap located next to the opening.

13. The cover of claim 12, further comprising a connection device secured to one or both of the first and the second flaps.

14. The cover of claim 13, wherein the connection device is selected from the group consisting of a Velcro, a button, a string, a pin, a snap, and a zipper.

15. The cover of claim 12, further comprising a connection device for allowing the second flap to be secured to a first location on the first flap, and for allowing the second flap to be secured to a second location on the first flap.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the connection device comprises a plurality of Velcros secured to one or both of the first and the second flaps.

17. The cover of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the case has a color selected from the group consisting of black, blue, red, tan, and white.

18. The cover of claim 9, further comprising a securing mechanism located on the top side.

19. A cover of a support structure, comprising:

a case having a lumen sized for accommodating the support structure, and an opening in communication with the lumen;

a first flap located next to the opening;

a second flap located next to the opening; and

a connection device for allowing the second flap to be secured to a first location on the first flap, and for allowing the second flap to be secured to a second location on the first flap.

20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the connection device comprises a first Velcro strip secured to the first flap.

21. The cover of claim 20, wherein the connection device further comprises a plurality of Velcro strips secured to the second flap, the first Velcro strip capable of being selectively secured to one of the plurality of Velcro strips on the second flap.

22. The cover of claim 20, wherein the connection device further comprises a second Velcro strip secured to the second flap, the second Velcro strip having a surface area that is larger than a surface area of the first Velcro strip.

23. The cover of claim 19, wherein the case has a surface for supporting a body part, and the cover further comprises a securing mechanism located on the surface.

24. The cover of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the case is made from spandex.