Body support that promotes upright posture

Abstract

A body support (10) for supporting a user above a support surface (12) includes a support member (16) that is formed from a resilient material. The support member (16) includes a substantially flat first surface (18) and a substantially flat second surface (20) that is angled relative to the first surface (18). One of the first surface (18) and the second surface (20) can have a continuously curved perimeter. The first surface (18) has a first surface area and the second surface (20) has a second surface area that can be similar to the first surface area. The support member (16) includes a third surface (22) having a first region (23) that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface (18) and the second surface (20), and a second region (25) that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface (18) and the second surface (20). The support member (16) can be substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane (28) that is positioned between the first surface (18) and the second surface (20). One of the first surface (18) and the second surface (20) is substantially circular or elliptical in shape.

Description

BACKGROUND

Various forms of yoga and meditation have recently gained acceptance within today's society. In particular, the pursuit of good body posture has become increasingly important. Maintaining an upright posture while seated or in other positions can alleviate or avoid pain in a person's back, neck, legs, and other parts of the body. Unfortunately, during floor exercises such as Pilates, meditation, yoga, stretching and other exercises, it is very common to slump while seated, resulting in an increase in the incidence and the extent of acute body aches and pains. Additionally, a hunching position while seated can promote poor posture while in other positions, and can bring about undesirable overall posture habits. Habitual slouching can also cause chronic pain and discomfort, which can result in emotional issues such as increased irritability and moodiness.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a body support for supporting a user above a support surface. In certain embodiments, the body support includes a support member that is formed from a resilient material. The support member can include a substantially flat first surface and a substantially flat second surface. The first surface is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the support surface. The second surface is spaced-apart from and angled relative to the first surface. In some embodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface has a continuously curved perimeter.

In another embodiment, the first surface has a first surface area and the second surface has a second surface area that is substantially similar to the first surface area. In still other embodiments, the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface. In one embodiment, the third surface includes a first region that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface. The third surface also includes a second region that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface and the second surface.

In various embodiments, the support member is formed substantially from a memory foam material. The support member can be substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned between the first surface and the second surface. Additionally, or alternatively, the support member has a maximum height and a minimum height, with each height being measured in a direction directly between the second surface and the support surface when the first surface is lying flat on the support surface. In some embodiments, the minimum height is at least 50 percent of the maximum height. In one embodiment, the third surface can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface is substantially elliptical in shape. In other embodiments, the first surface and the second surface are each circular in shape. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the support member has an isosceles trapezoidal configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a partial cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a body support having features of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a top view of a portion of the body support illustrated in FIG. 1A, including a support member;

FIG. 1C is a side view of a portion of the body support illustrated in FIG. 1A, including a support member;

FIG. 1D is a side view of a user and the body support illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 1F-1F in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of the body support including the support member having features of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a portion of the body support including the support member having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the body support taken on line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a body support 10 and a support surface 12. The body support 10 at least partially, if not fully, supports a user during various activities. These activities can include physical or mental exercises such as yoga, Pilates, stretching, meditation, or any other suitable exercise. The support surface 12 can be any surface that can support the body support, including without limitation, a floor, the ground, a chair, a bench, or any other sufficiently sturdy surface.

The design of the body support 10 can vary. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the body support 10 includes a partially cutaway support cover 14 and a support member 16. The support cover 14 partially or completely encircles the support member 16. The support cover 14 can be fixedly attached to the support member 16. For example, the support cover 14 can be secured to the support member 16 with an adhesive material, with thread or other stitching, or by any other suitable material. Alternatively, the support cover 14 can be removable from the support member 16. In certain embodiments, the support cover 14 can include one or more securers 17 such as a zipper (not shown) or a hook and loop-type fastener (not shown) that allows the support cover 14 to be removed for cleaning and/or to change the appearance or texture of the body support 10. Each securer 17 can be hidden, such as by including a flap that covers the securer 17, or the securer 17 can be exposed as required to suit the design requirements of the body support 10.

The support cover 14 can be formed from a variety of different textiles or other materials. As non-exclusive examples, the support cover 14 can be formed from fabrics or other textiles such as microfiber, cotton, polyester materials, wool, leather, suede, or any other suitable material. Further, the material used to form the support cover 14 can have any solid color(s) or pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the body support 10 does not include a support cover 14.

The support member 16 supports the weight of a user above the support surface 12. The support member 16 can be formed from any suitably supportive material(s), including various types of foam materials, e.g., memory foam or other plastics. Alternatively, the support member 16 can be formed from certain rubber materials or any other suitably resilient material. Still alternatively, the support member 16 can be formed from a non-resilient material.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the support member 16 has a first surface 18 (illustrated partially in phantom), a second surface 20 and a third surface 22 that is positioned between and intersects the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. In this embodiment, the first surface 18 is substantially flat and is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the support surface 12. The second surface 20 is also substantially flat and is positioned on an opposing side of the support member 16 from the first surface 18 so that the second surface 20 is not adjacent to nor in contact with the support surface 12. In various embodiments, the second surface 20 is angled relative to the first surface 18, as described in greater detail below. Stated another way, the second surface 20 is non-parallel with the first surface 18, and thus, is also non-parallel with the support surface 12 when the first surface 18 is lying substantially flat relative to the support surface 12.

The cross-sectional shape of the third surface 22 can vary. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the third surface can have substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the third surface 22 can have any suitable non-circular cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the third surface 22 can be elliptical.

It is recognized that in the embodiments of the body support 10 that include the support cover 14, that the portion of the support cover 14 in contact with the first surface 18 will contact the support surface 12 rather than the first surface 18 itself. However, it should also be recognized that for ease of discussion, when the first surface 18 is said to contact the support surface 12, it is understood that this can be interpreted that the contact can be between the support surface 12 and the first surface 18, or between the support surface 12 and the portion of the support cover 14 that is in contact with the first surface 18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, during use the user can sit, stand or kneel on the second surface 20 while the first surface 18 is in contact with the support surface 12. Because the second surface 20 is non-parallel with the first surface 18 and the support surface 12, the user is tilted relative to the support surface 12. As provided herein, depending upon the orientation of the user relative to the body support 10, a particular body posture can be imposed upon the user which is beneficial for relieving stress on the back, neck and/or other body parts of the user.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a portion of the support member 16 of the body support 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the support cover 14 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) of the body support 10 has been omitted for illustrative purposes. In certain embodiments, the first surface 18 (shown partially in phantom in FIG. 1B) and the second surface 20 are substantially similar in shape and size. For example, in one embodiment, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 have perimeters that are substantially circular in shape. Alternatively, the first surface 18 and/or the second surface 20 can have perimeters that are elliptical in shape. Still alternatively, the first surface 18 and/or the second surface 20 can have any other suitable continuously curved configurations.

In other embodiments, the first surface 18 and/or the second surface 20 can have any other suitable configuration that combines both linear and curved portions. In one embodiment, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 are substantially similar or identical in shape and size. Thus, in this embodiment, the first surface 18 has a first surface area and the second surface 20 has a second surface area that is substantially similar or identical to the first surface area. As used herein, the term “substantially similar” is construed as within the degree of error that can exist within normal manufacturing tolerances for two surfaces that are intended to have the same shape and size.

Further, as illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1B, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 are not directly aligned with one another, as explained in greater detail below. In other words, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 are offset from one another. As a result of this offset, the body support 10 tends to lean slightly under the weight of a user, which requires the user to compensate by leaning slightly in an opposing direction, thereby promoting improved posture by the user, as explained below.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the third surface 22 includes at least one first region 23 (two first regions 23 are illustrated in FIG. 1B) and at least one second region 25 (two second regions 25 are illustrated in FIG. 1B). The first region 23 of the third surface 22 is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 18 and/or the second surface 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The second region 25 of the third surface 22 is not perpendicular to the first surface 18 and the second surface 20.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the support member 16 of the body support 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C, the support member 16 is illustrated in a different orientation from that shown in FIG. 1A, with the third surface 22 in contact with the support surface 12 for purpose of discussion. In certain embodiments, the third surface 22 varies in width so that the third surface 22 has a maximum width 24 and a minimum width 26 is different from the maximum width 24. In FIG. 1C, the third surface 22 is contacting the support surface 12 at or near the maximum width 24 of the third surface. The minimum width 26 is opposite the maximum width 24, e.g., at the top of FIG. 1C.

In one embodiment, the minimum width 26 of the third surface 22 is approximately one-half of the maximum width 24 of the third surface 22. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the minimum width 26 is at least approximately 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the maximum width 24 depending upon the desired slope of the second surface 20 of the body support 10 relative to the support surface 12 when used in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the support member 16 has a latitudinal plane 28 (shown as dashed line which extends into the page) positioned between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. In certain embodiments, the support member 16 is substantially symmetrical relative to the latitudinal plane 28. Stated another way, the latitudinal plane 28 effectively bisects the support member 16 into two substantially equal halves, (i) one half including the first surface 18 and one-half of the third surface 22, and (ii) another half including the second surface 20 and the other half of the third surface 22. With this design, the body support 10 is substantially identical relative to the user regardless of whether the first surface 18 or the second surface 20 is in contact with the support surface 12. As used herein, the term “substantially symmetrical” is construed as within the degree of error that can exist within normal manufacturing tolerances.

In certain embodiments, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 are each angled relative to the latitudinal plane 28. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 are each angled relative to the latitudinal plane 28 to a substantially similar degree. For example, assuming the latitudinal plane is perpendicular to the support surface 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the first surface 18 forms an interior angle 30F with the support surface 12 that is at least approximately 60 degrees but less than 90 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the interior angle 30F is at least approximately 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 88 degrees. Stated another way, the first surface 18 forms an exterior angle 32F with the support surface 12 that is greater than 90 degrees, but not greater than approximately 120 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the exterior angle 32F is not greater than approximately 115, 110, 105, 100, 95 or 92 degrees.

Somewhat similarly, in one embodiment, the second surface 20 forms an interior angle 30S with the support surface 12 that is at least approximately 60 degrees but less than 90 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the interior angle 30S is at least approximately 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 88 degrees. Stated another way, the second surface 20 forms an exterior angle 32S with the support surface 12 that is greater than 90 degrees but not greater than approximately 120 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the exterior angle 32S is not greater than approximately 115, 110, 105, 100, 95 or 92 degrees. In certain embodiments, the interior angle 30F of the first surface 18 is substantially similar or identical to the interior angle 30S of the second surface 20. Alternatively, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 can be angled relative to the latitudinal plane to differing degrees.

Further, as illustrated in the embodiment in FIGS. 1A-1C, the third surface 22 is continuously curved around a perimeter of the support member 16. In this embodiment, the body support 10 can be positioned with the third surface 22 against the support surface 10 so that the user can use the body support 10 as a curved support for the user's head and neck during exercises. Additionally, the user can grip the body support 10 when in the body support 10 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 1C, and can use the body support 10 for stability and balancing exercises which force the user to remain stable to resist losing of the user's balance due to rolling of the body support 10 under the weight of the user.

FIG. 1D is a side view of a user 50 and the support member 16 of the body support 10 illustrated in FIG. 1C, shown in a similar orientation as that illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the second surface 20 is angled relative to the support surface 12 and the first surface 18. In one embodiment, the second surface 20 forms a surface angle 34 with the first surface 18 that is at least approximately 5 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the second surface 20 forms a surface angle 34 with the first surface 18 that is at least approximately 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 or 60 degrees depending upon the design requirements of the body support 10.

In this embodiment, the support member 16 has a core height 27 that varies. As used herein, the core height 27 is defined as the minimum distance between a point on the second surface 20 and the support surface 12 when the first surface 18 is lying substantially flat on the support surface 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D, the support member 16 has a minimum core height 27_MIN and a maximum core height 27_MAX. In this embodiment, the minimum core height 27_MIN roughly correlates with a point where the minimum width 26 of the third surface 22 intersects the second surface 20. The maximum core height 27_MAX roughly correlates with a point where the maximum width 24 of the third surface 22 intersects the second surface 20.

Further, in this embodiment, the minimum core height 27_MIN of the support member 16 is approximately one-half of the maximum core height 27_MAX of the support member. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the minimum core height 27_MIN is at least approximately 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the maximum core height 27_MAX depending upon the desired slope of the second surface 20 of the body support 10 relative to the support surface 12 when used in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In operation, the user can sit, stand or kneel, for example, on the body support 10 so that the user is roughly facing a direction toward the minimum core height 27_MIN of the support member 16. For example, when the user is sitting in a standard lotus position, the support member 16 is downwardly sloped in the direction that the user is facing, as illustrated in FIG. 1D. In this position, the user is encouraged to sit in a more erect manner, promoting improved spinal curvature and better posture. However, other orientations of the body support 10 can be used, and the foregoing example is provided as just one representative position of many possible positions that can be utilized by the user.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the support member 16 of the body support 10 taken on line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction between the maximum core height 27_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 1D) and the minimum core height 27_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 1D) is substantially rectangular in shape.

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the support member 16 of the body support 10 taken on line 1F-1F in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 27_MAX and the minimum core height 27_MIN is substantially trapezoidal in shape. In one embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 27_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 1D) and the minimum core height 27_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 1D) has an isosceles trapezoidal shape.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of the body support 210, including a support member 216. In this embodiment, the first surface 218 is substantially circular in shape. The second surface 220 is also substantially circular in shape. However, in this embodiment, although the surfaces 218, 220 are mathematically similar to one another, the circle defined by the second surface 220 is smaller than the circle defined by the first surface 218. Stated another way, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first surface 218 has a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second surface 220. However, in this embodiment, the second surface 220 is still angled relative to the first surface 218 so that the surfaces 218, 220 are non-parallel relative to one another.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the support member 216 of the body support 210 taken on line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction between the maximum core height 227_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 2A) and the minimum core height 227_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 2A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape. In one embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction between the maximum core height 227_MAX and the minimum core height 227_MIN has an isosceles trapezoidal shape.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the support member 216 of the body support 210 taken on line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 227_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 2A) and the minimum core height 227_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 2A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of the body support 310, including a support member 316. In this embodiment, the first surface 318 is substantially elliptical in shape. The second surface 320 is substantially circular in shape. Further, in this embodiment, the second surface 320 has a diameter 336 that is substantially similar in length to a minor axis 338 of the first surface 318. The diameter 336 of the second surface 320 is shorter in length than a major axis 340 of the first surface 318. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first surface 318 has a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second surface 320. In this embodiment, the second surface 320 is still angled relative to the first surface 318 so that the surfaces 318, 320 are non-parallel relative to one another.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the support member 316 of the body support 310 taken on line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction between the maximum core height 327_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 3A) and the minimum core height 327_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 3A) is substantially rectangular in shape.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the support member 316 of the body support 310 taken on line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the cross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 327_MAX (illustrated in FIG. 3A) and the minimum core height 327_MIN (illustrated in FIG. 3A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

It is recognized that the embodiments illustrated and described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Further it is understood that the specific shapes of the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 can be varied from those shown herein. By way of non-exclusive examples of such a variance, both the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 can be elliptical in shape, or the first surface 18 can be square, rectangular, triangular or some other polygonal shape, while the second surface 20 can be circular, elliptical, or can have another continuously curved configuration, for example.

It is further recognized that certain features from one particular embodiment described herein can be included on any other embodiment of the present invention, although not specifically described or illustrated herein.

While the particular body supports 10 as herein shown and disclosed in detail are fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A body support for supporting a user above a support surface, the body support comprising:

a support member that is formed from a resilient material, the support member including (i) a substantially flat first surface that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the support surface, (ii) a substantially flat second surface that is angled relative to the first surface, the second surface being spaced-apart from the first surface, wherein one of the first surface and the second surface has a continuously curved perimeter.

2. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member is formed substantially from a memory foam material.

3. The body support of claim 1 wherein the first surface has a first surface area and the second surface has a second surface area that is substantially similar to the first surface area.

4. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member is substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.

5. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member has a maximum height and a minimum height, each height being measured in a direction directly between the second surface and the support surface when the first surface is lying flat on the support surface, the minimum height being at least 50 percent of the maximum height.

6. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

7. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface having a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

8. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface having a maximum width and a minimum width, each width being measured in a direction directly between the first surface and the second surface, the minimum width being at least approximately 50 percent of the maximum width.

9. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface having a perimeter having a first region that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface and the second surface.

10. The body support of claim 1 wherein one of the first surface and the second surface is substantially elliptical in shape.

11. The body support of claim 1 wherein the first surface and the second surface are each circular in shape.

12. The body support of claim 1 wherein a cross-section of the support member has an isosceles trapezoidal configuration.

13. The body support of claim 1 wherein the first surface is angled by at least approximately 10 percent relative to the second surface.

14. A body support for supporting a body relative to a support surface, the body support comprising:

a support member including (i) a substantially flat first surface having a first surface area, (ii) a spaced-apart, substantially flat second surface that is angled relative to the first surface, the second surface having a second surface area that is substantially similar to the first surface area.

15. The body support of claim 14 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface having a continuously curved perimeter that includes a first region that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface and the second surface.

16. The body support of claim 14 wherein the support member is substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.

17. The body support of claim 14 wherein the support member has a maximum height and a minimum height, each height being measured in a direction directly between the second surface and the support surface when the first surface is lying flat on the support surface, the minimum height being at least 50 percent of the maximum height.

18. The body support of claim 14 wherein one of the first surface and the second surface is substantially elliptical in shape.

19. The body support of claim 14 wherein the first surface and the second surface are each circular in shape.

20. The body support of claim 14 wherein a cross-section of the support member has an isosceles trapezoidal configuration.

21. A body support for supporting a body relative to a support surface, the body support comprising:

a support member including (i) a substantially flat first surface, (ii) a spaced-apart, substantially flat second surface that is angled relative to the first surface, and (iii) a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface including a first region that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface and the second surface.

22. The body support of claim 21 wherein the third surface has a continuously curved perimeter.

23. The body support of claim 21 wherein one of the first surface and the second surface is substantially elliptical in shape.

24. The body support of claim 21 wherein the first surface and the second surface are each circular in shape.

25. The body support of claim 21 wherein a cross-section of the support member has an isosceles trapezoidal configuration.

26. The body support of claim 21 wherein the first surface has a first surface area and the second surface has a second surface area that is substantially similar to the first surface area.

27. The body support of claim 21 wherein the support member is substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.