GB2529626A - Integrated multi-component body support system - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi component body support system comprising a central ring 1 for supporting the head/neck of the user, and shoulder supports 2 in the form of bars that are offset in relation to the ring and held in position within a cover 0. The cover may have optional supports such as lateral body supports 3a,b, lumbar supports 4 and or hamstring bolster bar 5 to support the body of the user. The supports are preferably positioned within pouches or pockets, and the supports may have different densities to allow the user to alter the support. The cover may be may made from different material and hence alter the flexibility of the cover, thereby allowing the supports to be maneuvered to provide support where it is required. Alternatively the system may have detachable sub sections that allow the sections to be used in isolation or attached together and used together. The system may have an aromatherapy insert, heating element, reading light or audio speaker.

Description

Description

Integrated Multi-component Body Support System [0001] An Integrated Multi-component Body Support System is provided for use by a person (or patient) resting in a prone, supine or side position on a resting surface. The system includes a central head/neck support ring) offset head/neck support shoulder bars, contained in a hygienic) stretchy cover; optionally augmented with lateral body bolster bars, lumbar support bar and hamstring bolster bar, for additional support and comfort. The components are constructed from a combination of memory foam) traditional foam and hollow-fibre filler) encased in stretchy viscose pouches. The washable cover; which integrates and positions the pillow components; is constructed of stretchable viscose sections to conform to the user's body shape) and hair / allergen resistant fabrics like cotton and polyester fleece on areas in contact with the body.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to an integrated multi-component body support system) to be used by a person while resting in multiple body positions, providing them with contoured postural support to multiple areas of the body, improving comfort in a range of circumstances and environments.

[0003] In particular) the system will offer benefits in three fields: 1. In a medical or nursing environment) aiding a patient in recovery from musculo-skeletal injury) or managing chronic postural complaints.

2. Within the home, aiding a user in prevention of musculo-skeletal injury, reducing physical degeneration due to poor posture, and improving comfort to facilitate deep sleep.

3. Outside the home, in particular, where access to a traditional mattress is limited (e.g. camping), to improve comfort without a significant weight or space burden.

BACKGROUND

[0004] sleep deprivation is now recognised to impair, sometimes severely, both physical and mental health and the importance of a good sleeping position is acknowledged as key in achieving those levels of regular) sound sleep that optimise well being.

[0005] For example, both chronic and acute musculo-skeletal disorders can be addressed through sleeping posture improvements (i.e. injuries or pain in the body's joints) ligaments, muscles) nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs) neck and back).

[0006] Other problems, such as sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing), snoring, headaches and heartburn, are complaints that can be aggravated by particular sleeping positions.

[0007] Recovering from surgery, being heavily pregnant and having to sleep in non-conventional settings) each present other challenges to maintaining a comfortable sleeping position.

[0008] In essence, there are three basic sleep positions: * prone lying, on the stomach; * supine lying, on the back; and) * side lying, either to left or right.

[0009] All can have negative consequences for quality of sleep through increasing stresses and strains on sometimes already painful areas of the spine and joints, by failing to keep the airways open, by hampering blood circulation, or by encouraging acid reflux from the stomach.

[0010] Attempts to address these difficulties often involve placing traditional pillows under the abdomen and hips, in the arch of the back and behind the knees and between the legs. Experience shows that these traditional pillow solutions usually prove unsustainable and can ultimately increase levels of discomfort and poor posture through unintentional repositioning of pillows during sleep movements. This claim proposes an integrated multi-component support system to address this problem.

SOLUTION SUMMARY

[0011] A pillow is used to support and maintain a comfortable body position. It does this by flexing and cushioning the body, regularising the difference between the flat resting surface (usually a bed) and the irregular polygon of the human body.

[0012] Traditional pillows have two main problems. Firstly, they are (foremost) designed to support the head/neck in one position -be that prone, supine, or side sleep; yet, people tend to switch between these positions throughout the night. Since the distance between the shoulder and ear is very different from the distance between the back of the head and the back, simply altering the materials but not the shape of the traditional pillow fails to give comfort in all positions. Secondly, good posture is about more than just supporting the head and neck. Traditional pillows ignore: the lateral regions (resulting in blood-flow restriction I numb arms and twisted shoulders), the lumbar region (resulting in a slouching posture) and the hamstring region (resulting in an arched back posture).

[0013] This system uses a series of pillow components, targeting each of the above mentioned body areas and is possible to make in a range of sizes to fit a specific individuals body dimensions. These components are integrated within a flexible, hygienic cover which uses the components in combination to flexibly support a user in each of the three main sleeping positions.

[0014] short-term use of this system as a nursing or medical aid appears likely to speed the patient's recovery from injury and help manage pain in worse periods of chronic posture complaints. Longer-term use of this system, either in a nursing or home environment, appears likely to improve posture over time and aid in achieving deep sleep. Also, in occasional use outside the home as a camping tool, this system offers a lightweight, compact solution to uncomfortable camp beds.

[0015] It is possible to manufacture the system with existing equipment and it uses a similar quantity of materials to a traditional pillow. There are a range of contexts, not mentioned explicitly here, in which this system might prove useful. It is also easily adaptable and extensible and could be altered to work as a pregnancy support device or child's camp bed, among many other possibilities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS

[0016] The accompanying diagrams, together with the summary and detailed description of the body support system disclosed herein, serve to explain the principles of the system. It should be understood, however, that the body support system disclosed is not limited to the precise dimensions and materials described.

[0017] Figure 1 is a Top view of the body support system -showing the location of each component within the cover. Figure 2 is a Side view -showing the contour of the system as it would sit on a resting surface.

[0018] Figure 3 is a B&W 3D Image of Prototype -showing a physical embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] This disclosure contemplates an integrated multi-component body support system, for use in a prone, supine or side sleeping position, in a range of different physical environments, and a range of different circumstances. The diagrams, and this accompanying description of the diagrams, serve to explain the essential characteristics of this invention (in broad terms), and to elucidate one practical embodiment in greater detail. As is explained in the Claims section, this is not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which, through various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated, might be improved for better use in the purposes considered, or might extend the potential range of uses, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0020] The diagram, Figure 1, shows a Top View' of the device, illustrating where each component would sit inside the integrating stretch cover 0.

[0021] The device is designed to regularise' the human body polygon, allowing it greater comfort on a resting surface in each of the three main sleeping positions. These are described below: [0022] In a supine (back) sleeping position, the head rests in the head ring' 1; the shoulder bars' 2, lay above each shoulder, lightly supporting the sides of the neck, which rests on the unfilled connection piece between the bars. The body lies on the cover 0 and can be bolstered into a straight position by the lateral bars' 3a & Sb. To raise the thighs slightly and maintain neutral posture, the lumbar support' 4 can be positioned in the small of the back with the buttocks sitting above the hamstring support' 5.

[0023] In a side sleeping position, the head rests on either the left or right shoulder bar' 2. A lateral bar', 3a or 3b, can cushion the gap between underarm and hip, keeping the spine straight and preventing shoulder twist or artery restriction (which causes pins and needles). The hamstring support' S can be used to move the legs into a natural raised position, keeping the posture neutral and minimising spine twist.

[0024] In a prone (front) sleeping position, the cheekbone is rested on the head ring' 1, and the shoulder bars' 2, are pushed into a diagonal formation, one sitting above a raised arm, supporting the neck and head, the other hugged under the arm that is out to the side, supporting the chest. The lateral bars' 3a & 3b, can be squeezed together above the lumbar support' 4, together forming a stomach support, raising the stomach off the resting surface and avoiding back bending; the hamstring support' 5, can also function as an additional hip-raising support in this position, helping to keep the posture neutral.

[0025] The Integrating Stretch Cover' 0, is a large pouch with pockets for each pillow component. It is made using a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey) stitched with elasticated thread. It can be tailored to the exact size of the user or (because it is stretchy) be manufactured in a range of standard sizes to fit a variety of body types. It can be adapted to add cotton or fleece pads to increase comfort and repel shed body hair, or coated in wipe clean fabrics for use in hospitals. The pillow components are all removable (through the dotted line openings into the pouch / pockets) and the cover is washable for hygiene reasons. The pouch can be sealed with a fixing (for example Velcro'TM or buttons) to secure the components and improve portability.

[0026] The Head Ring' 1, is a toroid cushion, designed for firm support and typically around 17cm wide and 6cm deep. It can be constructed from memory foam chips, cut memory foam, or a cut high density foam wrapped in hollow-fibre filler, and covered in a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey).

[0027] The Shoulder Bars' 2, are matching oval shaped cushions around 31cm long, designed for medium to firm support and typically around 12cm deep. They can be constructed from memory foam chips, cut memory foam, or a cut medium-high density foam wrapped in hollow-fibre filler, and covered in a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey). The cover has an unfilled gap section (where the neck will rest) typically around 10cm wide, which joins the bars together.

[0028] The Lateral Bars' 3a & 3b, are matching rectangular cushions around 23cm long, 7cm wide, designed for medium to soft support and typically around 4cm deep. They can be constructed from memory foam chips, cut memory foam, or a cut medium-low density foam wrapped in hollow-fibre filler, and covered in a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey).

[0029] The Lumbar Support' 4, is a rectangular cushion, around 22cm long, 7cm wide, designed for soft support and typically around 4cm deep. It can be constructed from memory foam chips, cut memory foam, or a cut low density foam wrapped in hollow-fibre filler, and covered in a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey).

[0030] The Hamstrings, is a rectangular cushion, around 36cm long, 7cm wide, designed for medium to soft support and typically around 4cm deep. It can be constructed from memory foam chips, cut memory foam, or a cut medium-low density foam wrapped in hollow-fibre filler, and covered in a stretchy, soft fabric (such as microfiber polyester jersey).

[0031] The diagram, Figure 2, shows a Side View' of the device, illustrating the height of each component off a resting surface.

[0032] There are a number of possible modifications to this system under consideration that will render it practical for other users and other uses. The list below is not exhaustive: * Alternate covers, for; medical environments (e.g. wipe clean, harder wearing, easily changeable), interior design combinations (e.g. different colours, patterns), etc. * Fixings to allow the fold-away, storage and easy transport of the device -e.g. for camping.

* Additional, detachable bolster cushions for bedtime reading; either raising the head ring 1 off the resting surface, or fitting over the device, to support the user sat up.

* An additional, detachable bolster cushion for sleeping with raised legs (Crook Position).

* Additional lateral bar' extensions for pregnancy bump support' in varying stages of growth.

* An ancillary cushioning device for the knees and ankles (possibly wearable by the user).

* A detachable version of the system, e.g. with the head ring and shoulder bar separated for occasional use as a compact travel cushion.

* An extended version of the system, e.g. with an aromatherapy insert, heating element, reading light, and/or audio speaker for holistic therapy treatments.

[0033] Experts in different fields will likely notice other opportunities, whereby current knowledge can be applied to extend the range of uses for this system, without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, constitute the essential characteristics of this invention.

Claims (12)

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A linked multi-component body support system; comprising a central head/neck support ring and offset head/neck support shoulder bars; held in position inside a cover.
2. 2. The system of Claim 1, with optional lateral body-bolster bars, lumbar support bar and/or hamstring bolster bar, included within the cover.
3. 3. The system of Claims land/or 2, with different filling types and foam densities to alter the resistance and cushioning offered by the system.
4. 4. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with differing type and elasticity of covering materials, to change the flexibility of component positioning, the surface feel offered by the system and to allow it to be washable and/or wipe-able for extended hygienic use.
5. 5. The system of Claims land/or 2, altered in component size/component layout to fit more unusual sized adults, children, disabled people & amputees, etc.
6. 6. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with a head/upper-body support attachment for reading.
7. 7. The system of Claims land/or 2, with a larger leg support for sleeping in the Crook Position.
8. 8. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with different sized bump-bolsters for pregnancy support.
9. 9. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with knee and ankle cushioning for full body support.
10. 10. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with suitable fixings to allow easy transport and storage of the system.
11. 11. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with detachable sub-sections; i.e. multiple cover sections which can be used in isolation or attached together with appropriate fixings.
12. 12. The system of Claims 1 and/or 2, with other inserts/augmentations; e.g. a reading light, heating element, aromatherapy pad, audio speaker, etc. for holistic therapy treatments Amendments to the claims have been made as follows Claims 1. An integrated multi-component body support system comprising a hygienic, washable stretchy cover comprising a first pocket located at a top end of the cover containing a central head/neck support ring cushion, a second pocket located below the first pocket containing shoulder bar cushions that are offset relative to the central head/neck support ring cushion, third and fourth pockets located at outside edges of the cover containing lateral body bolster bar cushions, a fifth pocket containing a lumbar support bar cushion and a sixth pocket located at a bottom edge of the cover containing a hamstring bolster bar cushion, wherein the body support system allows a user to adopt either a prone, a supine or a left or right side lying sleeping position.2. The system of Claim 1, with a head/upper-body attachment for reading.3. The system of Claim 1, with a leg support for sleeping in the Crook Position.4. The system of Claim 1, with bump-bolsters' for pregnancy support.5. The system of Claim 1, with knee and ankle cushioning for lower leg support.6. The system of Claim 1, with fixings for efficient transport and storage.7. The system of Claim 1, with inserts/augmentations for improved user experience. (0 r