GB2343103A

GB2343103A - Cushion attachable to leg to improve sleeping position of user

Info

Publication number: GB2343103A
Application number: GB9914663A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Guy Beechey Lloyd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-06-15
Filing date: 1999-06-24
Publication date: 2000-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-24
Also published as: GB9914663D0; GB9913719D0; GB2343103B

Abstract

The sleeping posture of a user is improved by the use of a cotton or polyester and cotton cushion (10) which is attached to one of the legs of the user by means of an elasticated tubular bandage (11) and fits between the two legs of the user when located one on top of the other. The cushion (10) has a washable filling of, for example, lambswool.

Description

A METHOD AND MEANS FOR IMPROVING THE SLEEPING POSTURE OF A USER Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method and means for improving the sleeping posture of a user.

Background to the Invention Poor sleeping posture creates restlessness, which results in undue stress and creates back pain.

Back pain is the single most common reason given by people taking days off work and is generally blamed on poor quality beds and incorrect sleeping posture.

Back pain is particularly prevalent among geriatric patients in nursing homes where, in order to avoid the problems associated with sleeplessness, it is not uncommon for a patient to be given a "sleeping"pill every evening and a"wake-up"pill every moming.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a method for improving the sleeping posture of, for example, the elderly and infirm, the chronically sick, coma patients, pregnant women, those who suffer arthritis from their hips down, and those who suffer pain or discomfort as a result of old or recent sports injuries to their legs.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide means for improving the sleeping posture of a user.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of improving the sleeping posture of a user, said method comprising the provision of a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached washable fixing means for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of the user, and the attachment of the cushion to the leg of the user so that the cushion fits between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

The cushion is preferably attached to that leg of the user which, in the sleeping position, will be the lower leg.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided means for improving the sleeping posture of a user, said means comprising a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached washable fixing means for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of the user, such that the cushion can be fitted between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

The washable fixing means preferably comprises a tubular elasticated bandage.

The cushion preferably has a cotton or polyester and cotton cover and a lambswool or cotton quilt filling, with stitching in cotton or polyester and cotton. The cover is preferably of white polyester and cotton but may be of pure white"sateen"quality cotton or of brushed white cotton.

Brief Description of the Drawinq Figure 1 is a plan view of a device for improving sleeping posture, Figure 2 is a side view, and Figure 3 is an underneath plan view.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The device shown in the drawings is for fitment to a leg of a user in the vicinity of the knee of the user and will normally be attached to that leg of the user which is the lower leg when the user is sleeping on his or her"normal"side, i. e. the side on which he or she normally sleeps.

The device includes a cushion 10 and a tubular, elasticated bandage 11, such as a support bandage, which is stitched firmly to the cushion 10. The cushion 10 can be of circular form in plan view as shown in the drawings, but may be of other configurations such as to enable it to provide a cushioning action between the knees of the user.

The size of the cushion 10 will depend on the size of the legs of the user and, for a circular cushion, the diameter may be from 150 to 300 mm. and the thickness from 75 to 150 mm. The tubular, elasticated bandage 11 will have a diameter dependant on the size of the limbs of the user and will typically have a length within the range of from 100 to 250 mm.

The cushion 10 has a cover of pure white polyester and cotton, or of brushed white cotton, and a lambswool or pure cotton quilt filling. The stitching together of the parts of the cover of the cushion 10 is carried out using pure white cotton or polyester and cotton and the stitching of the elasticated bandage 11 to the cushion 10 is also carried out using pure white cotton or polyester and cotton.

The choice of materials is based on the need for softness, lack of chafing and durability of the device. Making the cushion cover entirely of white cotton or polyester and cotton and the filling of lambswool or cotton makes the cushion air-pervious and washable, i. e. it enables the cushion to withstand at least thirty machine washes and enables it to be bleached regularly. This means that the device can be used in care homes and for geriatric patients, including those who are incontinent. The bandage 11 is so chosen as to have the same degree of durability as the cushion 10.

Use of the device enables the user to sleep in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs one on top of the other. The spine of the user will thus not be subjected to the strains which would result from the user placing one leg in front of the other. The incidence of back pain will be significantly reduced not only for the elderly but also for pregnant women and for those who have leg injuries or who suffer from arthritis from their hips down. The device may also be used as a preventative measure by those who wish to ensure that they do not suffer from back pains caused by an incorrect sleeping posture.

The cost of providing the device, and replacing it at regular intervals, for the elderly or infirm will be significantly less than the costs currently incurred in providing"sleeping"pills and"wake-up" pills. The device can be maintained in a hygienic condition and is environmentally friendly.

Claims

Claims :

1. A method of improving the sleeping posture of a user, said method comprising the provision of a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached washable fixing means for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of the user, and the attachment of the cushion to the leg of the user so that the cushion fits between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, in which the cushion is attached to that leg of the user which, in the sleeping position, will be the lower leg.

3. A method of improving the sleeping posture of a user substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4. Means for improving the sleeping posture of a user, said means comprising a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached washable fixing means for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of a user, such that the cushion can be fitted between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

5. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 4, in which the washable fixing means comprises a tubular elasticated bandage.

6. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, in which the cushion has a cotton cover.

7. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, in which the cushion has a polyester and cotton cover.

8. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the cushion has a cotton quilt filling.

9. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the cushion has a lambswool filling.

10. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 9, in which the washable fixing means is sewn to the cushion with cotton or polyester and cotton.

11. Means for improving the sleeping posture of a user substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

11. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 6, in which the cover is of white"sateen"quality cotton.

12. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 6, in which the cover is of brushed white cotton.

13. Means for improving the sleeping posture of a user substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

, Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims :

1. A method of improving the sleeping posture of a user, said method comprising the provision of a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached a tubular elasticated bandage for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of the user, and the attachment of the cushion to the leg of the user by means of the tubular elasticated bandage so that the cushion fits between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

4. Means for improving the sleeping posture of a user, said means comprising a washable, air-pervious cushion to which is attached a tubular elasticated bandage for enabling the cushion to be attached releasably to a leg of a user, such that the cushion can be fitted between the two legs of the user, thereby facilitating the user sleeping in the semi-foetal position with his or her legs located one on top of the other.

5. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 4, in which the cushion has a cotton cover.

6. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 4, in which the cushion has a polyester and cotton cover.

7. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6, in which the cushion has a cotton filling.

8. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6, in which the cushion has a lambswool filling.

9. Posture improving means as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 8, in which the washable fixing means is sewn to the cushion with cotton or polyester and cotton.

10. Posture improving means as claimed in Claim 5, in which the cover is of brushed white cotton.