RECLINER SUPPORT SYSTEM
A recliner support system (RSS) configured to provide support for individuals having poor posture control. The RSS may include a base assembly configured to move with reclinable furniture between upright and reclined positions. The RSS may include one or more straps configured to secure the base assembly to the reclinable furniture. The RSS may include one or more harnesses attached to the base assembly and configured to maintain a stable and well-aligned body position. The RSS may include one or more supports attached to the base assembly and configured to provide body support. The RSS may include a seat cushion including a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a flexible hinge portion connecting the bottom and rear portion and configured to move with and support a body in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.
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The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/866,404, filed on Jun. 25, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND Field of InventionThe present invention relates to a recliner support system (RSS) configured to provide support for individuals having poor posture control. The present invention also relates to a seat cushion configured to move with and support the body of an individual in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.
Discussion of the BackgroundReclinable furniture is furniture (e.g., an armchair or sofa) that is capable of moving between upright and reclined positions. Reclinable furniture may be referred to as a recliner, reclining chair, easy chair, or lounger. Reclinable furniture may include a footrest that extends forward and raises when the reclinable furniture moves into the reclined position. Reclinable furniture generally provide relaxing and comfortable resting experience. However, this experience can be unsafe or lack therapeutic benefit for individuals who have poor postural control. For example, individuals with abnormal muscle tone, significant strength deficits, and/or poorly balanced movement patterns may not be able to maintain a well aligned position of their body when sitting in reclinable furniture. Extra pillows and blanket rolls are sometimes employed, but they do not provide adequate support to maintain the alignment that promotes rest and relaxation.
SUMMARYAspects of the present invention address the insufficient support provided by reclinable furniture for individuals who have poor postural control. Aspects of the present invention relate to a recliner support system (RSS) that adds portable and customizable/adjustable postural support to reclinable furniture. In some embodiments, the RSS attaches easily and securely to most brands of reclining furniture without damaging the reclining furniture. In some embodiments, the RSS may be easy to clean and may be secured to the reclinable furniture with one or more straps, which may be padded to protect the furniture. In some embodiments, the RSS may offer a firm yet comfortable platform for positioning the hips and pelvis, which is the foundation of proper body alignment. In some embodiments, the RSS may include an adjustable chest harness and/or adjustable pelvic harness, and the harnesses may safely maintain a stable well aligned position of the trunk and pelvis. In some embodiments, the RSS may include an adjustable height headrest, and the headrest may promote a midline position of the head. In some embodiments, the RSS may include leg supports that discourage excessive adduction/abduction and rotation of the hips and hyperextension of the knees. In some embodiments, the RSS may be appropriate for individuals with moderate to significant physical involvement. In some non-limiting embodiments, the RSS may be adjustable such that it is appropriate for preschool age children through adults (e.g., for people 35 inches tall to 74 inches tall).
One aspect of the present invention relates to a recliner support system (RSS) including a base assembly, one or more straps, one or more harnesses, and one or more supports. The base assembly may be configured to move with reclinable furniture between upright and reclined positions. The one or more straps may be configured to secure the base assembly to the reclinable furniture. The one or more harnesses may be attached to the base assembly and configured to maintain a stable and well-aligned body position of a person on the RSS. The one or more supports may be attached to the base assembly and configured to provide support for the body of the person on the RSS.
In some embodiments, the base assembly may include a central panel. In some embodiments, the RSS may further include a liner pad configured to attach to the central panel of the base assembly. In some embodiments, the liner pad may include one or more slits, and the central panel of the base assembly may include one or more anchors. In some embodiments, the one or more harnesses may be attached removably and adjustably to the base assembly using one or more of the one or more slits and one or more of the one or more anchors.
In some embodiments, the one or more supports may include leg supports attached to the base assembly and configured to provide support for legs of the person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the height at which the leg supports are attached to the base assembly may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the lateral position of the leg supports may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the leg supports may be configured to discourage one or more of excessive adduction, abduction, and rotation of hips of a person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the leg supports may be configured to discourage hyperextension of knees of a person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the base assembly may further include: first and second lower side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly, a first plurality of openings between the first lower side panel and the central panel, and a second plurality of openings between the second lower side panel and the central panel. In some embodiments, the one or more straps may include one or more leg support straps connected to the leg supports and configured to attach the leg supports to the central panel at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first lower side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second lower side panel and the central panel.
In some embodiments, the one or more supports may include a headrest attached to the base assembly and configured to promote a midline position of a head of the person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the height at which the headrest is attached to the base assembly may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the base assembly may further include: first and second upper side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly, a first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel, and a second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel. In some embodiments, the RSS may further include one or more headrest straps connected to the headrest and configured to attach the headrest to the base assembly at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel. In some embodiments, the one or more straps may include one or more straps configured to wrap around a back of the reclinable furniture and connect the first and second upper side panels.
In some embodiments, the one or more harnesses may include a chest harness configured to maintain proper position of a trunk of the person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the one or more harnesses may include a pelvic harness configured to maintain a proper position of a pelvis of the person on the RSS. In some embodiments, the one or more harnesses may include a chest harness and a pelvic harness, and the chest and pelvic harnesses may be configured to maintain a stable position in which a trunk and a pelvis of the person on the RSS are aligned. In some embodiments, the one or more straps may be padded straps configured to protect the reclinable furniture.
In some embodiments, the RSS may further include one or more cushions configured to promote good posture while sitting or reclining. In some embodiments, the one or more cushions may include a back cushion. In some embodiments, the RSS may further include one or more back cushion straps configured to attach the back cushion to the base assembly. In some embodiments, the RSS may further include: first and second upper side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly, a first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel, and a second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel. In some embodiments, the one or more back cushion straps are configured to attach the back cushion to the base assembly at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel
In some embodiments, the one or more cushions may include a seat cushion. In some embodiments, the seat cushion may include: a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a flexible hinge portion connecting the bottom and rear portion and configured to move with and support a body in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position. In some embodiments, the seat cushion may include one or more holes, and the one or more harnesses may include a pelvic harness configured to (i) maintain a proper position of a pelvis of the person on the RSS and (ii) attach to the base assembly through the one or more holes.
In some embodiments, the one or more cushions may be made of a seamless, latex-free, anti-microbial material. In some embodiments, the one or more cushions may include foam and a fabric upholstery over the foam. In some embodiments, the RSS may further include a drape connected to the base assembly.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a seat cushion including a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a flexible hinge portion connecting the bottom and rear portion and configured to move with and support a body in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.
In some embodiments, the seat cushion may be made of a seamless, latex-free, anti-microbial material. In some embodiments, the seat cushion may be made of foam and a fabric upholstery over the foam. In some embodiments, the seat cushion may further include one or more holes. In some embodiments, the one or more holes may include a front hole and first and second rear holes configured for use with a three-point pelvic harness.
Further variations encompassed within the systems and methods are described in the detailed description of the invention below.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
In some embodiments, the base assembly 101 may be configured to be supported by the reclinable furniture 300 and move with the reclinable furniture 300 as it moves between upright and reclined positions. In some embodiments, the RSS 100 may include one or more straps (e.g., straps 104, 106, and/or 132) configured to secure the base assembly 101 to the reclinable furniture 300. In some embodiments, one or more of the straps may be padded straps configured to protect the reclinable furniture 300.
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In some embodiments, the base assembly 101 may include a first upper side panel 112 attached to the central panel 102 on a side of the central panel 102 and a second upper side panel 114 attached to the central panel 102 on an opposite side of the central panel. In some non-limiting embodiments, the base assembly 101 may include a first plurality of openings 116 between the first upper side panel 112 and the central panel 102 and a second plurality of openings 118 between the second upper side panel 114 and the central panel 102.
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In some embodiments, the central panel 102 of the base assembly 101 may include one or more liner pad attachment areas configured for attaching removably the liner pad 135 to the base assembly 101. In some embodiments, as shown in
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In some embodiments, the RSS 100 may include one or more supports attached adjustably and removably to the base assembly 101 and configured to provide support for the body of a person on the RSS 100. In some embodiments, as shown in
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In some embodiments, the RSS 100 may include one or more harnesses attached removably and adjustably to the base assembly 101 and configured to maintain a stable and well-aligned body position of a person on the RSS 100. In some embodiments, as shown in
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In some embodiments, the RSS 100 may include multiple (e.g., three or more) footrest anchors 143. In some embodiments, the multiple footrest anchors 143 may enable the RSS 100 to be compatible with different types of reclinable furniture, which may have reclining mechanisms in different locations. In some embodiments, the multiple footrest anchors 143 may enable the end-user to select the best placement of footrest strap 132 to avoid interference with the reclining mechanism of the reclinable furniture, which could cause the footrest strap 132 to shear after repeated use.
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In some embodiments, the RSS 100 may include one or more cushions configured to promote good posture while sitting or reclining. In some embodiments, the one or more cushions may enhance lateral support and improve comfort. In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more cushions may be made of a material that is one or more of seamless, latex-free, and anti-microbial. In some non-limiting alternative embodiments, the one or more cushions may include foam (e.g., fabricated and cut foam or molded foam) and fabric upholstery over the foam.
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In some embodiments, the components of the RSS 100 may easy to clean (e.g., easy wipe clean and/or machine washable).
Embodiments of the present invention have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions could be made to the described embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A recliner support system (RSS) comprising:
- a base assembly configured to move with reclinable furniture between upright and reclined positions;
- one or more straps configured to secure the base assembly to the reclinable furniture;
- one or more harnesses attached to the base assembly and configured to maintain a stable and well-aligned body position of a person on the RSS; and
- one or more supports attached to the base assembly and configured to provide support for the body of the person on the RSS.
2. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the base assembly comprises a central panel.
3. The RSS of claim 2, further comprising a liner pad configured to attach to the central panel of the base assembly.
4. The RSS of claim 3, wherein the liner pad includes one or more slits, and the central panel of the base assembly includes one or more anchors.
5. The RSS of claim 4, wherein the one or more harnesses are attached removably and adjustably to the base assembly using one or more of the one or more slits and one or more of the one or more anchors.
6. The RSS of any claim 1, wherein the one or more supports include leg supports attached to the base assembly and configured to provide support for legs of the person on the RSS.
7. The RSS of claim 6, wherein the height at which the leg supports are attached to the base assembly is adjustable.
8. The RSS of claim 6, wherein the lateral position of the leg supports is adjustable.
9. The RSS of claim 6, wherein the leg supports are configured to discourage one or more of excessive adduction, abduction, and rotation of hips of a person on the RSS.
10. The RSS of claim 6, wherein the leg supports are configured to discourage hyperextension of knees of a person on the RSS.
11. The RSS of claim 6, wherein the base assembly further comprises:
- first and second lower side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly;
- a first plurality of openings between the first lower side panel and the central panel; and
- a second plurality of openings between the second lower side panel and the central panel;
- wherein the one or more straps include one or more leg support straps connected to the leg supports and configured to attach the leg supports to the central panel at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first lower side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second lower side panel and the central panel.
12. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the one or more supports include a headrest attached to the base assembly and configured to promote a midline position of a head of the person on the RSS.
13. The RSS of claim 12, wherein the height at which the headrest is attached to the base assembly is adjustable.
14. The RSS of claim 12, wherein the base assembly further comprises:
- first and second upper side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly;
- a first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel; and
- a second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel; and
- wherein the RSS further comprises one or more headrest straps connected to the headrest and configured to attach the headrest to the base assembly at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel.
15. The RSS of claim 14, wherein the one or more straps include one or more straps configured to wrap around a back of the reclinable furniture and connect the first and second upper side panels.
16. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the one or more harnesses include a chest harness configured to maintain proper position of a trunk of the person on the RSS.
17. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the one or more harnesses include a pelvic harness configured to maintain a proper position of a pelvis of the person on the RSS.
18. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the one or more harnesses include a chest harness and a pelvic harness, and the chest and pelvic harnesses are configured to maintain a stable position in which a trunk and a pelvis of the person on the RSS are aligned.
19. The RSS of claim 1, wherein the one or more straps are padded straps configured to protect the reclinable furniture.
20. The RSS of claim 1, further comprising one or more cushions configured to promote good posture while sitting or reclining.
21. The RSS of claim 20, wherein the one or more cushions include a back cushion.
22. The RSS of claim 21, further comprising one or more back cushion straps configured to attach the back cushion to the base assembly.
23. The RSS of claim 22, further comprising:
- first and second upper side panels attached to the central panel of the base assembly;
- a first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel; and
- a second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel;
- wherein the one or more back cushion straps are configured to attach the back cushion to the base assembly at one of a plurality of heights by passing through one of the first plurality of openings between the first upper side panel and the central panel and one of the second plurality of openings between the second upper side panel and the central panel.
24. The RSS of claim 20, wherein the one or more cushions include a seat cushion.
25. The RSS of claim 24, wherein the seat cushion includes:
- a bottom portion;
- a rear portion; and
- a flexible hinge portion connecting the bottom and rear portion and configured to move with and support a body in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.
26. The RSS of claim 25, wherein the seat cushion comprises one or more holes, the one or more harnesses include a pelvic harness configured to (i) maintain a proper position of a pelvis of the person on the RSS and (ii) attach to the base assembly through the one or more holes.
27. The RSS of claim 20, wherein the one or more cushions are made of a seamless, latex-free, anti-microbial material.
28. The RSS of claim 20, wherein the one or more cushions comprise foam and a fabric upholstery over the foam.
29. The RSS of claim 1, further comprising a drape connected to the base assembly.
30. A seat cushion comprising:
- a bottom portion;
- a rear portion; and
- a flexible hinge portion connecting the bottom and rear portion and configured to move with and support a body in an upright sitting position, in a reclined position, and while moving between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.
31. The seat cushion of claim 30, wherein the seat cushion is made of a seamless, latex-free, anti-microbial material.
32. The seat cushion of claim 30, wherein the seat cushion is made of foam and a fabric upholstery over the foam.
33. The seat cushion of claim 30, further comprising one or more holes.
34. The seat cushion of claim 33, wherein the one or more holes include a front hole and first and second rear holes configured for use with a three-point pelvic harness.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 13, 2020
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2020
Applicant: Flocast, LLC (Dolgeville, NY)
Inventors: James T. Bergeron (Dolgeville, NY), Christopher Sadler (Dolgeville, NY), Alberto F. Gallelli (Dolgeville, NY)
Application Number: 16/741,284