Folded cushion for back support

Abstract

A folding cushion that supports the user's back while seated. The cushion comprises an internal frame made of two halves that can be folded one on top of the other; a lining; and an external cover made of fabric or any other material used to cover cushions. The cushion is designed to support the user's back while sitting, and can be folded into a small size, thus enabling the user to carry it everywhere.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to a folding cushion for back support.

BACKGROUND ART

The majority of the world population suffers from back aches. Medical publications have shown that over 80 percent of the public suffer from back ache at one point of their lives or another, and that at each given moment about 10 percent of the adult population of the Western world are having back aches. Many publications show that one of the main reasons for back aches is incorrect sitting posture. The present invention is a cushion designed to support the user's back while seated, so that the user must adopt a steady, upright, correct posture and use different sitting angles.

THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a folding cushion (1) that supports the user's back while seated.

The main objective of the present invention is to provide the user with a cushion (1) that is designed to support his or her back while seated, so that the user must adopt a steady, upright and correct posture. Another objective is to enable the user to fold the cushion (1) into a relatively small size, so that it may be carried to many places outside of the home, such as flights, the library, school, theater and cinema halls, when traveling, and so on. The cushion can also be fastened to a car seat.

The embodiment of the present invention refers to a cushion (1) that comprises a folding frame (2), a lining (3) and a cushion cover (4).

As mentioned, the cushion (1) also has a frame (2). The cushion (1) is designed to support the user's back, and especially the lower back, while seated. The objective of the invention is to provide the user with a cushion that is based on a flat and rigid plate that supports the back in a unique way, which prevents stress along the entire length of the spine. Hence, the general form of the frame (2) of the cushion is flat, straight and rigid.

The general shape of the frame (2) is that of a thin, rectangular, flat plate. The preferred dimensions of the frame are as following: thickness—up to 1 cm, height—30 cm, and width—22 cm, although the present invention and application cover and refer to other dimensions as well. The frame (2) can be made from various materials, such as a wooden plate, a metallic plate, a plastic plate and so on. The frame (2) does not have to be a solid piece; rather, it is possible and even preferable that it have the general shape of a lattice (i.e., a frame with of horizontal and/or vertical strips), so as to obtain a frame that is as light as possible, and on the other hand, is flat and rigid.

The frame (2) consists of two identical or similar halves (21) (22) that stand vertically side by side when the cushion (1) is open and in use. In other words, when the cushion (1) is in use, one side (21) of the frame supports the left side of the lower back, while the other side (22) supports the right side of the back.

The frame (2) is made of two parts so that the user may fold the cushion in two, into a relatively small size, and so that it can be carried in folded and convenient condition for stowing away in a bag or in any other place. As mentioned, each of the two parts of the frame (21) (22) has the general shape of a rectangle. Drawing No. 1 depicts the frame and its two parts in a general manner.

As mentioned, the cushion (1) also has a lining (3). The cushion (1) is designed to support the user's back while seated. In other words, the user leans on the cushion in open position. For reasons of comfort, the cushion (1) has a soft and flexible lining (3), such as sponge, silicone or a similar materials designated to prevent direct contact between the frame and the user's body, as to prevent the frame from applying direct pressure on the user's body. The part of the frame that faces the user's back when in use is covered by a lining (3), although this lining may also cover the other side of the frame. The lining (3) should be relatively thin (1-2 cm, although the invention and application cover and refer also to other dimension).

It covers the surface area of the frame, and it should also cover the space between the two sides of the frame. The lining (3) also functions as a kind of medium in which both sides of the frame (21) (22) are fixed, in other words, the lining (3) is also meant to prevent the two sides of the frame from moving toward one another.

As mentioned, the cushion (1) also has an external cover (4). This cover (4) can be made of fabric, rubber or any other material similar to those used for duvet covers and cushion covers in general. The cover (4) is designated to cover the frame (2) and the lining (3) and serve as a kind of wrapping for them. The cover (4) should fit snuggly over the outlines of the frame and the lining when they are joined. The cover (4) also has a decorative function, in that its colors, texture and type lend themselves to an aesthetic design.

The cushion also has an anti-slip accessory (5) that is attached to the bottom of the cushion (1) in order to prevent the cushion (1) from sliding during use. During use, the bottom of the cushion (1) is fastened to the chair seat and can the user can change its angle as required.

The anti-slip accessory (5) prevents the cushion (1) from sliding despite the pressure applied to it by the user's weight. The anti-slip accessory (5) can be made of rubber, silicone or any other anti-slip material. The texture of the fabric (the cover) itself can also serve as an anti-slip accessory.

The cushion (1) also has a locking device (6). When not in use, the cushion can be folded; in order to fix this folding mode firmly, a locking device can be used, such as a strap (61) with a Velcro® strip (62) or snap buttons and so on, as depicted, for example, in Drawing No. 4c.

Mode of use of the cushion (1): When not in use, the cushion may be folded, as depicted in Drawing No. 4c. When the user wishes to use the cushion (1), the locking device (6) is unlocked and the cushion (1) may be opened. The user then places the cushion (1) on a seat (any kind of a chair, including a car seat, a work chair, an office chair, a living room armchair, a theater or cinema seat, a train seat, an airplane seat and practically every kind of chair) so that its two parts face sideways and the anti-slip accessory (5) faces down, is fastened to the user's spine and is supported by the seat of the chair, while the upper part is supported by the back of the chair in a way that enables the user to change the angle of the cushion (1) together with the user's back and the chair, as depicted, for example, in Drawing No. 5B. At the end of use, the user may fold the cushion, close it using the locking device (6) and easily stow it away in a bag. The cushion (1) may be designed so as to resemble a fashionable handbag, so it can be openly carried on the way to one's destination.

The cushion (1), subject of this invention, embodies many benefits, among which is the unique, appropriate support for the user's back as well as the fact that it can be folded, carried and transported easily and conveniently from one place to another.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawing No. 1 depicts the two parts of the frame (2).

Drawing No. 2 depicts the cushion (1), with its upper right part shown in cross-section, displaying the internal frame (2) and lining (3).

Drawing No. 3 depicts the cushion (1) from an external point of view as well as the anti-slip accessory (5) and locking device (6).

Drawing No. 4A depicts the cushion open and ready for use.

Drawing No. 4B depicts the cushion in partly folded position.

Drawing No. 4C depicts the cushion in folded position.

Drawing No. 5A depicts a person sitting on a chair, without the cushion.

Drawing No. 5B depicts a person sitting on a chair, supported by the cushion (1).

Claims

1. A cushion that consists of an internal frame, which has two or more parts, and which can be folded, a lining and a cover.

2. The cushion mentioned in claim No. 1 whereby it also has an anti-slip accessory.

3. A cushion designed to support the user's back and spine while seated. The cushion consists of an internal frame, which has two or more parts and which can be folded, a soft material lining, an external cover, and an anti-slip accessory. The said folding frame has the general shape of a thin, flat, rectangular plate, and is either a single solid piece or has the form of a lattice. The frame is made up of two or more identical or similar parts that can be folded one on top of the other so that the said lining constitutes a soft and flexible padding that covers the interior surface of the said frame, or part of it, or at least one side of the said frame.

The said external cover covers the said frame and the said lining and functions as a kind of frame for them. The cover is made of fabric or rubber or any other material that is generally used for cushion covers. The bottom part of the said external cover, or part of it, is made of an anti-slip material. Alternatively, the said anti-slip accessory is formed by an addition of an anti-slip material, which is attached to the bottom of the said cushion, or to a part of it.