Support device for positioning a patient in a prone position

Abstract

A support structure that allows an individual, generally an infant, to be supported in a desired position and gently constrained from rolling over is disclosed. A well-defined, soft, elastic center panel or pillow is disposed and secured to two firm, slightly elastic side arms each having a height that is greater than that of the center panel. Thus, a channel is formed defined by an upper surface of the center panel and inner surfaces of the side arms. The individual can be disposed within the channel in a position, e.g., prone, and is gently constrained therein. The side arms can be cantilevers or other elongated structures providing additional support for the individual.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/601,240 filed Aug. 13, 2004 by John Moore, entitled, “Apparatus For Positioning and Maintaining An Individual In A Prone Position,” which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of home and medical apparatus, and more particularly to support apparatus for positioning an individual in a prone position for a period of time.

There are several, if not many, reasons to position an individual in a prone position for a period of time. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Infant Positioning and Sudden Death Syndrome opines that a prone position may still be the one of choice for premature infants with respiratory distress, those with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, and infants with certain upper airway abnormalities. It has also been determined by the Department of Intensive Care, Medical Centre Leeuwarden-Zuid, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, that a prone position is effective in mechanically ventilated patients to improve oxygenation. Of course, those are but several examples, and others are known in the field of medicine, especially in the field of infant and neo/para-neo natal care including patients of older age and size.

A prone position is also advantageous to ensure proper infant development. Children with disorders including those noted above often need to weight-bear on and through their upper extremities for a variety of reasons. Pushing up onto their elbows and/or pushing up onto extended elbows and reaching through with arms are generally considered necessary for proper development. Visual mapping, for example, in infants occurs in a quadruped position that generally begins from a prone one.

But unfortunately, and especially with infants, known support apparatus is not capable of providing sustained prone positioning. Frequently an infant, for example, will attempt to resume a supine position after being in a prone position. This can be especially true when external—or even internal—medical devices are installed such as gastro-feeding, e.g., gastrostomy tubes. Children may also be uncomfortable in a prone position when suffering from certain nervous system dysfunction(s), immature development and the like including prematurity, sensory integration disorder and stroke. Those children will attempt forcefully to return from a prone position to a supine position. Commonly parents will attempt to place the child in a supine position to aid that child's comfort, even when medically advised that such position is not recommended.

One example of an attempt to design a support apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,134 by Susan Mathews. Although the disclosed support apparatus is quite useful for supporting an infant in a supine position, it does not prevent that infant from rolling over to a side or supine position from a prone position. Indeed, it has been observed that infants with gastrostomy tubes or nervous system disorders generally do forcefully roll over in supports such as those disclosed. Thus, although very useful for a variety of purposes, the support structure of Mathews is not capable of providing a comfortable and sustained support for placing an infant in a prone position.

Thus, there is a need for easy to use, inexpensive support apparatus that can position and gently constrain an individual in a prone position. There is a need for a support apparatus that can provide comfort to a patient in a prone position. And there is a need for support apparatus that prevents children from forcefully rolling over from a prone position to a supine position. Of course, those needs are but a few, and there are others known

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To satisfy those and other needs, the invention provides support structures that are suitable for positioning and maintaining an individual in a prone position for a period of time. Although infants and/or neo-natal babies use the structures, the structures can also be used by older individuals and adults, and for placing and maintaining those individuals in other positions as well.

The invention thus provides, in one aspect, a support structure to position and gently constrain an individual in a position, and particularly, a prone position. The support structure has a well-defined, soft center panel disposed and secured between two firm, slightly elastic side arms each having a height greater than that of the center panel. Thus, a channel is formed as defined by an upper surface of the center panel and a portion of inner surfaces of the side arms having a height beyond that of the center panel. The individual can be disposed in a prone position resting on the center panel, and gently constrained by the inner surfaces of the side arms. The center panel, therefore, has a width equal to or slightly smaller that a width of the chest and/or belly area of the individual to be disposed thereon. The inner surfaces of the side arms provide a gentle constraint to maintain the individual in the desired position.

In a related aspect, the side arms can be elongated structures extending from the center panel such that an inner well is formed defined by extended inner surfaces of the side arms and an inner edge of the center panel. Lower extremities of the individual can extend from the center panel into the inner well area where they can be supported by the extended inner surfaces of the side arms.

In a further related aspect, one or more center attachments can increase the height of the center panel and/or reshape its upper surface. The center attachment can be secured to the upper surface of the center panel using a variety of means either permanently or releasably. Alternatively, or in addition to, multiple center attachments of the same or varying heights can be used in a stackable configuration. A center attachment can also have an inclined, declined or peaked formation to provide a non-horizontal surface on which the individual rests while disposed in the channel. A center attachment can be concave or convex in shape to provide additional comfort and/or support for the individual resting thereon.

Width attachments are also provided which, like the center attachments, can be used singularly or in plurality. They are can be secured along an inner surface of a side arm and positioned so as to reduce the width of the channel.

In another aspect, the invention provides a support structure for positioning an infant for a period of time. The support structure has a well-defined, soft elastic center panel disposed between and secured to two flexible cantilevers. The cantilevers extend from the center panel in opposing directions and curve back around until remote ends of each are in proximity or touching, defining an inner well between inner surfaces of the cantilevers and an inner edge of the center panel. The center panel has a height that is less that that of at least a length of the cantilevers in proximity to the center panel, and thus, a channel is formed as defined by an upper surface of the center panel and inner surfaces of the cantilevers. An individual can be disposed within the channel resting on the center panel and gently constrained by the inner surfaces of the cantilevers. Lower extremities of the individual extend beyond the center panel into the inner well, and flex the remote ends of the cantilevers that can provide support of the waist and/or legs of the individual.

In another aspect, the invention provides a support structure to position an individual in a prone position and to maintain that position for a length of time. It has a center panel and sides arms as generally described above, albeit, the side arms can be elongated, substantially straight structures, and thus, the support structure has a general U-shape configuration. An individual disposed within the structure is gently constrained from rolling over, yet his or her lower extremities are free to move about. Alternatively, the width of the channel can be decreased to be less than the width of her chest, and provide increased constraint.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a support structure to position an individual in a prone position for a length of time without substantially impacting normal development cycles such as vision-depth and/or vision-motor development. The support structure is, as already generally described, but has a center panel that can be inclined, declined, or peaked providing a comfortable support from which an infant can extend and use his or her upper extremities. Alternatively, the center panel can be concave or otherwise shaped to provide a comfortable platform for the individual disposed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below, in which reference is made to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a support apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention having a well-defined center panel and cantilevered side arms;

FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the support apparatus of FIG. 1, showing height variances between the center panel and side arms;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a center attachment for use with a support apparatus such as the one shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a width attachment for use with a support apparatus such as the one shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a support apparatus having a center panel with substantially straight side arms; and

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a support apparatus having a center panel that is inclined.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a support structure that is an effective and affordable solution to supporting and maintaining an individual a position, such as an infant in a prone position, although it can be used to support and maintain larger or smaller individuals in differing positions. The support structure has a well-defined center panel providing a support for the individual's chest and/or belly area. Two side arms or side-structures having a height greater than that of the center panel are each secured to an opposing edge of the center panel forming a channel defined by an upper surface of the center panel and at least a portion of inner surfaces of the side arms. The individual can be disposed in the channel resting on the center panel, and gently constrained by the side arms in proximity to the center panel. Thus, the center panel has a width measured between the two side arms that is sized large enough to accommodate the individual's chest and/or belly area, but sufficiently small to ensure that the side arms gently constrain that individual from rolling over.

Advantageously, the support structures provide a comfortable platform on which an individual can rest, while also gently constraining that individual in a prone or other position. Further, by altering the configuration of the center panel and/or side arms, the structures can accommodate individuals with internal and/or external medical devices, and can allow for certain upper body movements aiding development of muscular or nervous systems, while still maintaining that individual in a desired prone position.

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a support structure 100, and is shown as a generally tororidal shaped structure having a well-defined center panel 102 and two side arms 104 106 attached or otherwise secured thereto. A generally round inner well area 136 is formed by center panel 102 and side arms 104 106. An individual can be placed in support structure 100 with his or her chest and/or belly area resting on center panel 102, his or her waist and lower extremities disposed within inner well area 136, and his or her shoulders and arms extending beyond center panel 102 in an outward direction. The individual is gently constrained by side arms 104 106 and thereby prevented from rolling over into a supine or side position. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the support structure 100 can have various shapes and sizes, and can support individuals of various ages and sizes, too. Support structure 100 can provide support for individuals in prone, supine or side positions, as well by adjusting the width/height of center panel 102 and height of side arms 104 106.

Center panel 102 is shown generally rectangular in shape having a width W1 and a length L1, although it can be oval, convex, concave, or triangular; or a shape that is attractive for infants and/or children, e.g., animal or plane. Indeed, it can be a combination of shapes. But regardless of its shape, it has opposing edges 108 110, an outer edge 114 and an inner edge 112. Preferably, W1 is measured from opposing edge 108 to opposing edge 110 in a perpendicular direction to at least one of the opposing edges 108 110, and is sized equal to or slightly less that the width of the individual's chest and/or belly area. Length L1 is preferably measured from inner edge 112 to outer edge 114, also in a perpendicular direction therebetween, and is sized to provide comfort to the individual placed within support structure 100, e.g., to ensure sufficient support on the individual's chest and/or belly areas depending on the size and weight of that individual.

As already noted, center panel 102 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. Outer edge 114, for example, can be rounded to provide a continuous external shape, or can be straight, scalloped, convex, concave or other shape or combination thereof. Interior edge 112 is illustrated as concave, but it too, can be alternatively shaped as long as that shape does not produce an uncomfortable edge for a resting individual. Thus, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that center panel 102 can have various shapes and sizes depending on the size of the individual to be placed within the support structure 100, and it can have an aesthetic shape that will not detract from the intended purpose of the support structure, namely, to comfortably and gently constrain in individual in a prone position. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that inner edge 112 can also be shaped to accommodate specific characteristics of an individual, as well as medical equipment and/or apparatus that may be extruding or external to that individual. For example, grooves or other indications can be configured along the center panel to accommodate such equipment and/or apparatus.

In general, center panel 102 can be a pillow construction, providing a soft, elastic and comfortable resting area for the individual's chest and/or belly areas. In the illustrated embodiment, it has a uniform density core comprising a polyurethane foam material, but other materials for pillow construction are suitable as long as they provide a comfortable area on which to rest. Indeed, multi-density cores and poly-cores can be used, as can other construction materials and techniques including either air and/or incompressible/compressible fluid baffles, adjustable or otherwise. Consideration should be given, however, to ensure that construction materials are suitable for the intended individual to be supported by the support structure 100, as well as where it is to be used, e.g., home, hospital or neo-natal facility. Preferably, then, construction materials should be hypoallergenic and easily cleanable, somewhat resilient to constant pressure, and elastic to form a comfortable resting platform.

Center panel 102 can have a fixed or removable cover, but the support structure 100 can utilize a one-piece cover instead that covers both the center panel 102 and side arms 104 106. Regardless, when a cover is used, it should also be hypoallergenic and easily cleanable. Additional considerations should be given to construction materials when the support structure 100 is intended for use within a clean room such as a neo-natal unit within a hospital, for example, where the materials are subject to repeated sterilization. A cover can have a moisture barrier incorporated therein to prevent spills, feedings and other fluids from penetrating therethrough. In general, however, a cover comprising cotton or a cotton blend is preferred for its comfort, durability and washability, as well as ease of creating aesthetic designs and construction.

Side arms 104 106 are illustrated as elongated cantilever structures coupled or secured at an adjacent end 116 118 and extending away from center panel 102 in opposing directions, and curving back over a distance to form cantilevers with remote ends 124 126 touching each other or in proximity thereto, all respectively. Therefore, as illustrated, each side arm 104 106 has a curved outer surface 132 134, as well as a curved inner surface 128 130 along a same axis as the exterior curve, at least over a portion thereof and generally toward the remote end 124 126, also respectively. Side arms 104 106 illustrated have blunt or rounded remote ends 124 126 that have a relaxed position (illustrated) and an extended position (not shown). When no individual is positioned within the support structure 100, remote ends 124 126 can touch or be in proximity to each other as noted above. But when an individual is positioned within the support structure 100, the remote ends 124 126 flex apart and can thus provide gentle support around the individual's waist and/or leg region.

Generally, side arms 104 106 can be constructed of a relatively firm, slightly elastic material that will resist compression under normal weight conditions of the individual thereon. They can have a uniform density fill, such as a polyurethane or polyester fill, or can have a multi-density fill comprising two or more layers, or of air and/or fluid design. As noted above with regard to center panel 102, consideration of construction material of side arms 104 106 should include at least attention to the individual that will be placed within the support structure 100, and the location of where the support structure 100 will be used. For example, when the individual is an infant, consideration should be given to the allergenic characteristics of the fill and surface materials, bacteriologic characteristics, and other characteristics generally considered when using the support structure 100 in a hospital or other therapeutic setting.

Although side arms 104 106 are illustrated as cantilevers, they can have a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, side arms 104 106 can be straight and/or can have cross-sections that are square, triangular, round, oval or can have shapes that are selected to be pleasing to the individual placed within the support structure. That said, however, side arms 104 106 should provide support for an individual disposed within the structure 100.

Side arms 104 106 can each be coupled or otherwise secured to the center panel 102 of the support structure 100 via stitching, permanent or removable attachment, or other means that will secure the side arms 104 106 to the center panel 102. Preferably, such securing or attachment prevents side arms 104 106 from shifting in position relative to center panel 102 when an individual is placed within support structure 102 and/or applying force to the side arm(s). Illustrated, side arms 104 106 are sewn to opposing side edges 108 110 of center panel 102, but the support structure 100 can be manufactured as a single unit as long as there is a well defined center panel 102 having a height less than that of two side arms, and that suitable materials can be constructed for each of the center panel 102 and side arms 104 106.

Side arms 104 106, similar to the center portion 102, can have a covering for added comfort and/or attractiveness of the support structure 100. For example, a cotton or poly-blend can be used, and can be configured to be removable for ease of cleaning and other sanitary considerations. A covering for the side arms 104 106 can be separate from one for the center portion 102, or an integral covering can be used instead.

Opposing edges 108 110 of the center panel 102 are adapted to be secured to side arms 104 106 along a portion of adjacent inner surfaces 120 122 and generally toward adjacent ends 116 118. Opposing edges 108 110 illustrated are adapted to be sewn along a portion of adjacent inner surfaces 120 122, but other techniques can be used such as Velcro®, snaps, zippers, buttons, glues, adhesives and the like as long as center panel 102 is secured to side arms 104 106 to prevent movement of side arms 104 106 relative to center panel 102. In one embodiment, support structure 100 can be manufactured as a single piece unibody negating the need to secure the side arms 104 106 to the center panel 102 because they would be integrally molded.

Inner well area 136 is defined by inner edge 112 of center panel 102 and remote inner surfaces 128 130 of side arms 104 106. Illustrated, inner well area 136 is generally rounded in shape, but it can be other shapes when any of inner edge 112 and/or remote inner surfaces 128 130 are shaped differently than those illustrated. Preferably, inner well area 136 is sufficiently large to provide room for the individual's waist area and lower extremities, however those lower extremities can extend beyond the remote ends 124 126 of side arms 104 106.

Inner well area 136 can be open to the floor, mattress or other surface on which the support structure 100 is placed. Of course, a mat, cloth or other feature can be placed within, beneath or be integral with the support structure to increase comfort or provide a barrier between the floor or surface and the individual within the support structure 100, e.g., a thin matters, moisture barrier, or bacteriological barrier.

FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the support structure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, and shows a channel 140 defined by an upper surface 138 of center panel 102 and inner surfaces 120 122 of adjacent ends 116 118 of side arms 104 106. Channel 140 has an approximate width W1 and an approximate height H3. Thus, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that an individual can placed in a prone position within channel 140, resting on center panel 102 and gently constrained therein by side arms 104 106, disposed within support structure 100 as described above.

Upper surface 138 provides a comfortable surface on which the individual's chest and/or belly area to rest, and is preferably a distance above a floor, mattress or other surface. Thus, center panel 102 has a height H1 sized depending on the size of the individual to be placed within the support structure 100 and preferably, H1 is also sized less that an height H2 of side arms 104 106, although when side arms have differing heights, H1 is preferably sized less than the smaller of H2 corresponding to the smaller of the side arms 104 and 106. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the difference between the height H2 of side arms 104 106 and height H1 of center panel 102 is a height H3, and thus, channel 140 has a width approximately equal to W1 and a height approximately equal to H3. It will also be appreciated that dimensions H1, H2 and W1 can be sized according to a size of the individual that will be positioned in the support. In one embodiment, side arms 104 106 do not have a constant height H2, but rather slope upward, downward, or a combination of both along their length(s), and that is encompassed herein.

Thus, for neo-natal and infant individuals weighing between approximately 3 to 10 pounds, center panel 102 width W1 is generally between approximately 4 and 10 inches, preferably between approximately 6 and 8 inches, and more preferably approximately 7 inches. Center panel 102 length L1 is generally between approximately 4 and 10 inches, preferably between approximately 6 and 8 inches and more preferably approximately 7 inches. Center panel height H1 is generally between approximately 0.5 and 5 inches, preferably between approximately 1 and 3 inches, and more preferably approximately 2 inches. Side arm 104 106 heights H2 are generally between approximately 4 and 12 inches, preferably between approximately 5 and 10 inches, and more preferably approximately 8 inches. In cases where side arms 104 106 are of varying heights, H2 should be measured close to center panel 102 since that is where channel 140 is formed. Of course, size considerations should include not only the size of the individual, but also muscular strength, general health, external/internal medical devices and/or apparatus, and tendency of the individual to forcefully attempt to roll over. Thus, an increase (decrease) in any one or more of those characteristics might result in an increased (decreased) preferred dimension for any one or more dimensions of W1, H1 and/or H2 (resulting in an increase (decrease) in dimension H3.

Continuing, for individuals weighing between approximately 10-20 pounds, center panel 102 width W1 is generally between approximately 6 and 12 inches, preferably between approximately 7 and 10 inches, and more preferably approximately 9 inches. Center panel 102 length L1 is generally between approximately 6 and 12 inches, preferably between approximately 8 and 10 inches and more preferably approximately 9 inches. Center panel height H1 is generally between approximately 2 and 8 inches, preferably between approximately 3 and 6 inches, and more preferably approximately 5 inches. Side arm 104 106 heights H2 are generally between approximately 8 and 15 inches, preferably between approximately 10 and 14 inches, and more preferably approximately 12 inches.

Continuing further, for individuals weighing in excess of 20 pounds, sizing consideration should include differences between body formations and potential for rolling over. It will be appreciated that as an individual continues in age, they may be less likely to forcefully roll over, and thus, sizing considerations may be less stringent. Further, and especially for older individuals, those in adolescence and those in early teen years, the support structure can be sized to provide recreational support while watching television, playing video games or reading, for example. Thus, considerations to prevent forceful rollover can be overcome by those related to comfort.

In one embodiment, center panel 102 has an outer edge 114 that has a length that is greater than that of the inner edge 112. Thus, channel 140 is angled in shape providing a wider area for an individual's arms and head area, while still providing a gently constraining that individual's chest and/or belly area. Such configuration is advantageous for allowing an individual more freedom of movement for grasping toys, or allowing increased extension of the upper extremities while positioned within the channel.

FIG. 3 shows a center attachment 300 that can provide variable height, H1 (FIG. 2) and or topology to center panel 102 (FIGS. 1, 2), and thus, enable a single support structure 100 to be used for individuals of different sizes, or indeed, for a single individual over a number of months or years. Center attachment 300 has an upper surface 310, opposing side edges 302 304, and an inner edge 306 and outer edge 308. It can be attached via a lower surface (not shown) to center panel 102. One skilled in the art will appreciate that center attachment 300 can alter the size and shape of center panel 102 when attached thereon. And thus, center attachment 300 is advantageous for adapting support structure 100 for various individuals to accommodate differing sizes and weight characteristics of multiple individuals that will be utilizing a single support structure, those individuals having certain external and/or internal medical devices installed, or to utilize a single support structure over a period of time where the individual increases (or decreases) in size and/or weight.

Center attachment 300 is illustrated as having a similar topology to center panel 102, although in one embodiment, it can have a different topology or differently shaped inner edge 306 and/or outer edge 308. Center attachment 300 can be inclined or declined, or even peaked in topology. It can be shaped to provide additional comfort to an individual within support structure 100 that center panel 102 cannot alone provide. For example, it might increase the height of center panel 102 motivating an individual to extend his or her arms and upper extremities, or to assume a crawling position.

Attachment of center attachment 300 to center panel 102 can be accomplished using variety of means such as Velcro®, snaps, or buttons. Center attachment 300 need not be releasable attached, but can be permanently sewn or otherwise secured using opposing edges 302 304 to either center panel 102 or adjacent inner surfaces 120 122 of side arms 104 106, respectively. Center attachment 300 can be relatively thin but can have a differently shaped inner edge to accommodate, for example, medical conditions that require additional support. Multiple center attachments can be applied to a single support structure to provide variably configurations, e.g., in a stacked configuration, for a variety of individuals and needs. Thus, it will be appreciated that center attachment 300 increases height H1 of center panel 102, enabling multiple configurations of a single support structure 100.

Center attachment 300 can be constructed of the same or differing materials as that of center panel 102, and indeed, it may be preferable to construct center attachment 300 of firmer or softer materials depending on the needs of the individual(s) that will be utilizing the support structure 100. Further, center attachment 300 can have a separate cover, or can utilize a wrap that encompasses both the center attachment 300 and center panel 102. Of course, similar considerations as to both the construction material and cover material should be given as those given above, e.g., center panel 102 and side arms 104 106.

FIG. 4 shows a side attachment 400 that is analogous to center attachment 300, although side attachment 400 decreases width W1 rather than increases height H1. Side attachment is shown generally cylindrical in shape and it has an edge 402 that can secure it to side attachment 400 along an inner surface 120 122 (FIGS. 1, 2) or alternatively, to center panel 102 preferably toward one of the opposing edges 108 110. Although side attachment 400 is shown generally cylindrical in shape, it can be square, triangular, oval, convex, or concave, or even other shapes. Side edge 402 can be Velcro®, or utilize snaps to secure width attachment 400 as described above, or other means can be utilized. Generally, side attachment 400 is disposed and/or attached to or near inner surfaces 120 122 of side arms 104 106, and can be used singularly or can be adapted to be used in multiples. In one embodiment, side edge 402 is replaced with tabs or other means to secure it, and one skilled in the art will appreciate such means. Because side attachment reduces width W1, it should be constructed of materials suitable for those utilized in side arms 104 106, although differing materials can be used that are generally firm, resilient and slightly elastic.

FIG. 5 illustrated another embodiment according to the invention of a support structure 500, and is shown as a generally U-shaped structure having a well-defined center panel 502 and two side arms 504 506 attached or otherwise secured to center panel 502. Side arms are elongated structure having oval shaped cross section, although they can have cross-sections that are square, circular, triangular, concave, convex, rectangular or other shape. Inner well area 536 has a generally rectangular shape defined by center panel 502 and side arms 504 506. Thus, and as described above, an individual can be placed in support structure 500 with her or his chest and/or belly area resting on center panel 502, her waist and lower extremities disposed within inner well area 536, and his or her shoulders and arms extending beyond center panel 502 in an outward direction.

Support structure 500 is generally analogous to support structure 100 (FIG. 1) in as much as it has a channel defined by side arms 504 506 and center panel 502 wherein the individual can be disposed on a prone (or other) position, and gently constrained therein by side arms 504 506. Construction of support structure 500 is also as generally described above, and it can utilize a center attachment and/or side attachments as can support structure 100. It can be manufacture in a unibody fashion or as multiple sub-structures secured together as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment according to the invention of a support structure 600, and shows a generally U-shaped structure having a well-defined inclining center panel 602 and two side arms 604 606 attached or otherwise secured to center panel 602. An inclining center panel 602 is advantageous where an individual should be, or might find it more comfortable, to be in an inclined position. A slope of inclination can be determined using considerations such as size, comfort level and/or other criteria depending on medical condition(s), age, and/or weight of that individual. It will be appreciated that an analogous support structure can utilize a center panel with a decline, as well as a peak topology.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention being thus described, variations, modifications and adaptations to various supporting devices, pillows and apparatus will occur to those skilled in the art, and these are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, but is understood to encompass such variations, modifications and adaptations as will occur to those skilled in the art, as defined by the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A support structure for supporting and maintaining an individual in a position, the support structure comprising:

a center panel having a height, two opposing edges, and an upper surface;

two elongated side arms each having an adjacent end and a remote end with an inner surface extending therebetween, and each having a height along its adjacent end greater than the height of the center panel, each sidearm attached to a respective opposing edge of the center panel along a portion of the inner surface disposed at adjacent end;

a channel defined by the upper surface of the center panel and the inner surfaces along the adjacent ends of the side arms;

whereby an individual can be disposed within the channel in a position and is gently constrained therein.

2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise cantilevers having an exterior curve extending from the adjacent end to the remote end, and the remote inner surface also having a curve around a same axis as the exterior curve, the side arms extending in opposite directions from the center panel and curving back until the remote ends are in proximity or touching forming a generally tororidal-shaped support structure.

3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the side arms comprise flexible material whereby an individual disposed within the channel having lower extremities flex the cantilevers.

4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise elongated, straight structures, each attached to a respective opposing edge of the center panel and extending therefrom forming a generally U-shaped support structure.

5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise a cross-section that is any of the group consisting of square, rectangular, circular, concave, convex and triangular

6. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising a mat disposed beneath the interior well area.

7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein the mat is any from the group consisting of moisture barrier, mattress and cloth.

8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms are constructed of a material that is firm and slightly elastic.

9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein the side arms are constructed of hypoallergenic material.

10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the center panel is constructed of a material that is soft and substantially elastic.

11. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the center panel is constructed of hypoallergenic material.

12. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the center panel has a width extending between the opposing edges sized to receive an infant within the channel defined by the width.

13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the center panel has a width of between approximately 4 and approximately 10 inches.

14. The support structure of claim 13, wherein the center panel has a width of between approximately 6 inches and approximately 8 inches.

15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the center panel has a width of approximately 7 inches.

16. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the height of the center panel is between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 5 inches.

17. The support structure of claim 16, wherein the center panel has a height of between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3 inches.

18. The support structure of claim 17, wherein the center panel has a height of approximately 2 inches.

19. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the side arms have a height of between approximately 4 inches and approximately 12 inches.

20. The support structure of claim 19, wherein the side arms have a height of between approximately 5 inches and approximately 10 inches.

21. The support structure of claim 20, wherein the side arms have a height of approximately 8 inches.

22. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more center attachments, each having a height and a topology, a first center attachment secured to the top surface of the center panel.

23. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more width attachments each having a width and secured along an inner surface of a side arm.

24. A support structure for supporting and maintaining an individual in a prone position, the support structure comprising:

a center panel having a height, two opposing edges separated by a width, an inner edge and a outer edge separated by a length, and an upper surface;

two side arms each having a length and a height, each side arm having an interior surface extending between an adjacent end and a remote end, the side arms arranged substantially parallel to each other;

the center panel disposed between the side arms and substantially toward the adjacent ends, each opposing edge of the center panel attached to a portion of the interior surface of a respective side arm defining a channel defined by the upper surface of the center panel and the interior surfaces of the side arms, the channel having a width equal to or slightly greater than the width of the center panel;

whereby an individual is disposed within the channel in a prone position, with his or her chest and/or belly area resting on the top surface of the center panel, her upper extremities extending in a direction beyond the outer edge of the center panel, and her lower extremities extending in a direction toward the remote end of the side arms such that she is constrained by the interior surfaces of the side arms.

25. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms are cantilevers.

26. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms are elongated, substantially straight structures.

27. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms have a cross section that is substantially any of the group consisting of circular, square, rectangular, concave, convex and oval.