ORTHOPEDIC THIGH SUPPORT

Abstract

An orthopedic thigh support for relieving stress in the legs and back. The orthopedic thigh support includes a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end, an outer surface, and a deformable core. The outer surface of the cylindrical shaft contains a plurality of concentric circular grooves positioned along a longitudinal axis thereof. The deformable core allows the cylindrical shaft to bend. The cylindrical shaft further comprises a removably securable cover. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft is made of nylon and the cover is made of a washable material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/376,567 filed on Aug. 18, 2016. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to orthopedic pillows. More specifically, the present invention provides an orthopedic thigh support that is placed under the thighs of a user to relieve stress within the legs and back.

Scientific studies have demonstrated negative effects that result from sitting for prolonged periods of time. One such effect is the introduction of pain to the lower back and leg regions of the body. By elevating the thighs, pressure is relieved from the gluteus maximus, the groin area, and the spine. This reduced stress enables a user to sit for prolonged periods of time without discomfort. This is particularly important for those who have undergone gluteal augmentation or back surgery and are directed to avoid the conventional position of sitting. Further, with the thighs elevated, this position can minimize sweat and heat accumulation in the groin and thigh area. Accordingly, a device configured to easily lift the thighs of a user while in a seated position is desired.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to orthopedic pillows. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to orthopedic pillows, such as bolster pillows, posture pillows, and body pillows.

These known art devices have several known drawbacks. Many of these devices are configured to be placed under the back, neck, or shoulders and not configured for use under the legs because the shape of these devices are bulky and non-linear. These devices also lack grooves shaped to allow air to circulate between the device and the portion of the body wherein the device is positioned. Lastly, many of these devices lack an elastic washable cover that is removably secured to the device.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing orthopedic pillow devices. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of orthopedic pillows now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new orthopedic thigh support wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when relieving stress in the legs and back.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved orthopedic thigh support device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an orthopedic thigh support, comprising a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end, an outer surface, and a deformable core. The cylindrical shaft further comprises a plurality of concentric circular grooves positioned along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the concentric circular grooves are configured to receive a thigh and allow air to circulate through the grooves when placed under the thigh of a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic thigh support wherein each concentric circular groove of the plurality of concentric circular grooves is positioned an equal distance from an adjacent concentric circular groove.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic thigh support wherein a cover is removably secure to the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic thigh support wherein the cylindrical shaft is made of a resilient material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic thigh support that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the orthopedic thigh support.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the orthopedic thigh support.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the orthopedic thigh support while in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the orthopedic thigh support. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting the thighs of a user in an elevated position to relieve stress in the legs and back. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the orthopedic thigh support. The orthopedic thigh support 11 comprises a cylindrical shaft 12 having a first end 13 and a second end 14, an outer surface 15, and a deformable core 19. The deformable core 19 of the cylindrical shaft 12 is configured to be pliable such that orthopedic thigh support 11 can bend when placed under a thigh of a user. The pliability allows the device 11 to fit comfortably under the thighs when in use. The orthopedic thigh support 11 is constructed of a resilient material, such as nylon or rubber, to withstand repeated use under the thighs of a user, while still maintaining pliability. However, this does not limit the device to a specific resilient material.

The orthopedic thigh support 11 includes a plurality of concentric circular grooves 16 on the outer surface 15 of the shaft 12 positioned along a longitudinal axis thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the concentric circular grooves 16 extend entirely around the cylindrical shaft 12. The concentric circular grooves 16 are configured to receive a thigh and further allow air to circulate through the grooves 16 when placed under the thigh of the user, thereby limiting the buildup of heat and perspiration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the orthopedic thigh support 11 includes a cover 17 that removably secures to the outer surface 15 of the device 11. The cover 17 is made of an elastic material, such as nylon, wherein the elasticity of the material is configured to fit flush against the outer surface 15 of the orthopedic thigh support 11 such that the concentric circular grooves 16 are visible when the cover is in an attached position. The cover 17 further utilizes a fastener 18 that removably secures the cover 17 to either the first end 13 or second end 14 of the cylindrical shaft 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is an elastic ring. In alternative embodiments, the cover 17 can be removably secured by any type of fastener 18, such as, zippers, buttons, or snaps, and is not limited to the elastic ring. In another embodiment, the cover 17 is made of a washable material, such that if the cover 17 is saturated with sweat or dirt, it can be removed and cleaned.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the orthopedic thigh support. In the illustrated embodiment, each concentric circular groove 16 of the plurality of concentric circular grooves 16 is positioned an equal distance D from an adjacent concentric circular groove 16 on the outer surface 15 of the device 11. When in operation, the device 11 is placed under the thighs of the user. Multiple grooves 16 are configured to fall under each thigh in order to provide increased air flow underneath the thigh. This prevents sweat and heat buildup and allow the device 11 to remain in place longer without making the user uncomfortable. In one embodiment, the length of the shaft is 12 inches and the diameter is 7 inches. In alternate embodiments, the shaft can be any length and have a diameter sized specific to the individual user based on their comfort level when using the device 11, wherein a larger diameter and longer shaft is suited for a larger user and a smaller diameter and shorter shaft would be suitable for a smaller user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the orthopedic thigh support in operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the orthopedic thigh support 11 is placed under the thighs 20 of the user 21 while in a seated position. The positioning of the device 11 is configured to elevate the thighs 20 thereby allowing the user 21 to stretch the muscles of the legs and back while seated. The concentric circular grooves 16 allow the thighs 20 to remain in a comfortable position when the orthopedic thigh support 11 is in operation. The device 11 further provides support to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the user 21 to allow prolonged seating. In the illustrated embodiment, the orthopedic thigh support is configured to fit comfortably under the thighs 20 in various seating environments, such as while sitting on a chair 22, however, the device can be used while sitting in a car, an airplane, or on a floor.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) An orthopedic thigh support, comprising:

a cylindrical shaft having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a deformable core;

a plurality of concentric circular grooves on the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft positioned along a longitudinal axis thereof; and

a cover comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener removably secures the cover to the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft.

2) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 1, wherein each concentric circular groove of the plurality of concentric circular grooves is positioned an equal distance from an adjacent concentric circular groove.

3) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical shaft is made of a resilient material.

4) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 3, wherein the resilient material is nylon.

5) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 1, wherein the cover is constructed of an elastic material.

6) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 5, wherein the cover rests flush against the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft, such that the concentric circular grooves are visible when in an attached position.

7) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 1, wherein the fastener on the cover is an elastic ring.

8) The orthopedic thigh support of claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a washable material.