US20060096034A1

US20060096034A1 - Mattress with breast support panels

Info

Publication number: US20060096034A1
Application number: US10/981,716
Authority: US
Inventors: Marsia Tucci
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-05
Filing date: 2004-11-05
Publication date: 2006-05-11

Abstract

The mattress or mattress topper is a new and improved breast support device that supports breasts with two breast support panels with multifunctional uses. The mattress or mattress topper is horizontally oriented, made in standard mattress sizes and may be modified to include in various sizes and shapes. This device will assist in the support of breasts while simultaneously providing a premium sleeping surface for the spouse or partner who sleeps next to the primary user. The design embodies two rectangular insert panels. Each panel has a soft supple material on the top surface and a firm sturdy material on the bottom surface. The panels will penetrate downwardly and fill the transverse breast cavity that stretches across the respective common breast area. The reversible panels provide options for the user or users based on their support needs; to sleep on designated sides of the bed; and also give an option to transform the entire bed back to full support for guests. The soft breast support area accommodates breast implants, large breasts, or sore breasts during nursing or a post surgery condition, thus allowing primary user to lie comfortably in prone position without undo pressure to the breasts. The embodiment also allows primary user to roll over and still have back support or support while sleeping on side. The device allows the primary user's spouse or partner to concurrently rest on the same surface without any obstruction between them in the flat mattress plane as typically seen from raised pillow apparatuses or breast cushions in the prior arts.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a mattress or mattress topper, more specifically, one that is designed to gently support the breasts when lying in prone position with the soft supple side of a reversible panel within the preferred embodiment.
After a breast augmentation, sleeping in prone position has been painful, uncomfortable, and impossible to get a proper night's rest. Finding a comfortable position to rest in face down position has been ineffectual, notwithstanding tucking arms at sides and fisting hands on the chest area above the implants to counter the pressure from the breasts to the sternum. Years of this position engendered carpal tunnel so severe, surgery on one hand was required. In a decade of seeking for a device to alleviate the pain of breasts, hands and lower back, the fruitless search led to the design of the present invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Female support cushions of the prior art have empty cavities that breasts may drop into when primary user is in prone position which yields no real support and most importantly without comfort. These cavities may also cause a health risk if a woman naturally shifts to lie on the side or in supine position while sleeping. The vacant space may cause the back to sink into the empty area that may result in back problems. These devices give the primary user no other option except to sleep only in face down position which is an unnatural act. In addition, the incline cushions cause the lower back to sway producing additional lower back problems. The prior art consists of mattress pads or cushions with inclines or raised surfaces that are placed on existing horizontal surfaces. These devices are not conducive for personal relations between couples because they prevent the spouse or partner from lying on the same horizontal plane because the primary user is raised above the surface on which the spouse or partner is resting. Lastly, the prior art can only be used exclusively by the primary user solely in prone position has no other function for no other user.
Stevens U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,804 Body Supports and Protectors July 2001 discloses a pillow-like protector for numerous body parts including the breasts. This device can only be used in prone position which is unnatural during the entire sleeping duration.
U.S. Pat. No. 61,857,868 Female Cushion Support B1 February 2001 to Schlechter discloses and claims a cushion that inclines to 45 degrees from the waist to between the breasts. A small sections fits between the breasts and attaches to the contoured recess that fit under the breasts. A pillow is supposed to be added for the remainder of the support revealing that the device cannot be used alone. This design sways back, prevents rolling over and lastly cannot be used by anyone else.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,847 Mattress with a Concavity for the Breasts April 2000 to Allyn discloses a wedge shaped incline cushion. This cushion arches the back, prevents rolling over and is unusable in flat position to anyone except the primary user. Cushion also prevents a couple to lie on the same surface plane.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,945 Breast Orthotics Pillow July 2000 to Copeland discloses a cushion with head and arm rests and a cavity to receive breasts. Primary users are limited to one position while sleeping which is an unnatural act.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,061 Female Anatomical Mattress February 1998 to Giori discloses a cavity for breasts to fall into without support or comfort. The breast depression eliminates the option to roll over since shoulders would fall, unsupported into the vacant space. It is not practical if sharing a bed with a spouse because the user is raised above the surface of the mattress.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,862 Therapeutic Support Device October 1996 to Yavitz discloses a contour pillow to support the sternum which alleviates pressure on the breasts; however leaves no support for the neck and head, in addition to these disadvantages the lower back may arches which harvests back tribulations.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,449 Prone Pregnancy Cushion March 1995 to Satto discloses a foam cushion with cavities for the breasts and abdomen. Apparatus is raised above the mattress surface with no head support. Device relies on additional pillows to support head and neck which are high above the preexistent flat surface on which it lies. The primary user cannot roll over and this cushion has no use to anyone else except the primary user.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,335 Sunbathing Aid July 1976 to Rhoades discloses an inclined cushion on which primary user is to lie from the waste up. Two round depressions are carved into the surface to accommodate breasts. Laying on this half inclined surface sways and arches lower back which may cause lower back ailments.
None of these devices accomplish the objectives of the novel device of the present invention. The aforementioned patents do not allow a primary user to sleep in prone position on a functional mattress; lie on their back; sleep next to their spouse or partner concurrently on the same surface plane; or enable guests to use their bed. The present invention eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art by being multifunctional; anatomically supportive in prone and supine positions; allowing a couple to lie next to each other; and permitting the use of the device by those not in need of special breast support. The present invention substantially fulfills many needs which are most practical when making such a specialized purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the first objective of the present invention to provide a new and improved mattress or mattress topper to support breasts without the disadvantages of the prior mattress and cushion devices.
It is another objective of the current invention to provide a mattress design having a panel or panels of breast support without the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is the objective to have the primary user to sleep comfortably with proper breast support in prone position without undo pressure to breasts.
It is another objective have the realistic option to roll over on side or to supine position and still have upper back supported.
It is the objective of the present invention to realistically meet the needs of a primary user to sleep comfortably next to their spouse or partner without physical obstacles between them.
In addition, the device has an objective to allow primary user and spouse or partner to sleep on their predetermine sides of the bed as in the past by adjusting panels accordingly.
It is still a further objective of the present invention to be used by guests in a given situation who may also utilize the mattress or mattress topper's benefits.
It is the objective of the invention to provide comfortable support for breasts when in face-down position during pregnancy or nursing; or post surgery: breast implantation, breast reduction, a biopsy, mastectomy, breast lifts, or any unmentioned procedures.
It is another object of the invention to prevent painful pressure on breast implants by providing soft material in the breast area instead of open empty space as seen in prior arts.
Another object of the invention is to not disturb the personal relations in the bed, being that primary user and spouse or partner share the same surface, this invention eliminates a ledge between them as does cushions in the prior art.
It is an object to have an alternate surface when continuous support is needed over the entire mattress. Total support is accomplished by reversing both breast support panels to the firmer sides.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of its construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and being carried out in various ways. It is not desired to limit the invention to the exact operation as shown in drawings and described in the description since modifications falling within the scope of the principals will occur to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings the present invention FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress or mattress topper with a rectangular transverse concavity stretching across the respective common breast area.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the concavity containing the two breast support panels.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention prior to insertion of the two breast support panels.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention with one panel inserted into half of the concavity and one panel prior to insertion.
FIG. 5 is perspective view of the present invention illustrating both panels inserted into and filling the concavity with the supple breast support surfaces of both panels facing upward.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the present invention showing both panels inserted into the concavity with the two panels facing opposite directions, thus illustrating primary user's option to have supple area on the left or on the right.
FIG. 8 is perspective view of the present invention illustrating both panels inserted into and filling the concavity with the firm sturdy support surfaces of both panels facing upward, thus finalizing the multi-functionality of the preferred embodiment where the mattress or mattress topper can be utilized by others.
The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specifications are used as terms for description and not of limitation. The invention is capable of other embodiments and is capable of taking a number of specific forms and in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. The description of the present invention and equivalent expressions excluded of the features illustrated and described or portions thereof, let it be known that the vision of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims to follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings in particular FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the same mattress or mattress topper 1 of the present invention. The mattress or mattress topper 1 is a horizontal sleeping device, rectangular and three-dimensional in essence. The preferred embodiment 1 is an apparatus that has an upper surface 4 and bottom surface 18; both parallel to the floor plane. The present invention may rest alone or on an already preexisting surface. The embodiment has four vertical sides. Two vertical sides are elongated 8 and 10, and define the respective common sides of a mattress and the two vertical shorter sides 6 and 16, define the common top and bottom sides of a mattress also know as the head and foot. The mattress or mattress topper 1 is comprised of suitable materials determined by those skilled in the art to provide premium body support using comparable materials used in typical mattresses of superior quality. The mattress or mattress topper 1 regardless of materials that will be used in construction will offer many benefits offered through the fundamental nature of the design of the preferred embodiment.
The mattress or mattress topper 1 of the present invention has several significant advantages over the prior arts. FIG. 1 illustrates a mattress or mattress topper 1 with a rectangular transverse concavity 2 penetrating downwardly and across the respective common breast area. FIG. 2 shows the cavity filled containing two reversible support panels 12 and 14 in the respective common breast area. As in FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrates the simple insertion of these panels.
FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment 1 using an option with both breast support panels 12 and 14 with the soft supple sides turned upward. The primary user can utilize the entire mattress or mattress topper 1 in the aforementioned option. If the spouse or partner of the primary user is absent, the primary user may temporarily convert the entire mattress or mattress topper 1 by turning the spouse or partner's panel to the soft supple side so both are facing upward as illustrated then easily returned to normal sleeping arrangements upon their return.
Still further, FIGS. 6 and 7, of the present invention 1 show the versatility of this device by having the breast support panel on either the left or right side of the bed giving the couple the option to sleep on their predetermined sides of the bed. This advantage has not appeared in any prior art.
Lastly, FIG. 8 shows another major benefit of the present invention 1 which gives the primary user the opportunity to offer the bed to a guest by turning both panels 12 and 14 with the firm support surface facing upward. The guest may also utilize the many advantages of the preferred embodiment if there is a need for the guest to use the soft supple sides of the panels 12 and 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION OF THE INVENTION

The mattress or mattress topper is a horizontal sleeping device, rectangular and three-dimensional in its primary design that may rest alone or on an already preexisting surface. The preferred embodiment is an apparatus that has an upper surface and bottom surface; both parallel to the floor. The embodiment has four vertical sides. The two vertical short sides define the respective common head and foot sides of a mattress The other two vertical sides are elongated and define the respective common mattress sides. The mattress or mattress topper is comprised of suitable materials determined by those skilled in the art to provide premium body support using comparable materials used in typical mattresses. The present invention regardless of materials that will be used in construction will offer many advantages offered through the fundamental nature of the design of the preferred embodiment.
The invention relates to a mattress or mattress topper, made in standard mattress sizes, that is designed to gently support the breasts when lying in prone position yet sturdy enough to hold the upper back in supine position or on primary user's side. The design embodies a rectangular transverse concavity across the respective common breast area. There are two panels that will penetrate downwardly and fill the concavity. Each panel is reversible and has a soft supple side on the top and a firm sturdy side on the bottom. The reversible panels provide options for the user or users based on their support needs to sleep on designated sides of the bed and also gives an option to transform the entire bed back to full support for guests.
Never seen in the prior arts was there ever a breast support device with the versatility, practicality, and adaptability as the preferred embodiment. Primary users can lie in prone position on their own mattress, with an option to sleep on the left, right, or both; can sleep with their spouse or partner on the same surface plane without cumbersome support cushions creating an obstacle between them as seen in prior art; can choose collaboratively with spouse or partner the panel arrangement; can roll over into supine position or on side without their body parts falling into empty spaces as seen in earlier designs; and to finish, the present invention can offer a premium support mattress to a guest who may also want to utilize the options that the preferred embodiment provides. The benefits and advantages of the present invention surpass any previous invention associated with support for the breasts and will be a practical, useful, and resourceful purchase.

Claims

1. A new and improved mattress or mattress topper for supporting breasts comprising:

a) said a generally rectangular and horizontal structure in standard mattress sizes and also in shapes and sizes modified as needed.

b) said a structure having: four side walls defining the head and foot of the mattress, including the two respective common sides, as well as an upper and a lower surface.

c) said having a width defined by the distance between the two long side walls and a length defined by the distance between the two short side walls.

d) said has a height sufficient enough to house two reversible support panels.

e) said a lower planar surface horizontal to a floor's plane.

f) said lower surface of structure may be used in conjunction with preexistent surface in mattress topper form or lie alone in mattress form.

g) said upper surface is a horizontal plane parallel to the ceiling containing a rectangular transverse concavity in the respective common breast area that vertically penetrates downwardly, leaving enough space for two support panels.

2. The mattress topper of claim 1 wherein said the two rectangular, reversible, support panels:

a) said equal in size, fit side by side within the transverse concavity; filling the fissure; creating a flush plane continuous with the upper surface.

b) said having two different degrees of firmness: one side of panel soft and the other side of panel firm.

c) said utilized by flipping to the desired sides of firmness.

d) said soft supple side of panels provides support for breasts.

e) said soft supple side of panels capable of supporting side and back of the body when primary user rolls over.

f) said firm side of panels provides premium firm support for the back or for the body on its side consistent with the degree of firmness on the overall upper surface of the mattress or mattress topper.

g) said panels are interchangeable for right or left side.

h) said panels with soft both sides up for continuous breast support across the width of the top surface.

i) said panels with both firm sides up for continuous back or body support with the degree of firmness on the overall upper surface of the mattress or mattress topper.

3. The mattress or mattress topper of claim 1, wherein said primary user can:

a) said sleep in prone position without undo pressure to breasts by using the soft supple surface of panels facing upward to receive breasts.

b) said using supple surface of panel roll over to supine position and sustain upper back or support the body on its side.

c) said sleep next to spouse or partner on a continuous flat plane without physical obstacles between them such as formerly seen breast cushions.

d) said allows primary user and their spouse or partner to sleep on their predetermined sides of the bed as in the past by adjusting the panels accordingly.

e) said offer present invention to guests by using the panels of said both on the firm side facing upward, or guests have the option to choose the soft supple sides of panels if needed.

4. The mattress or mattress topper of claim 1, wherein said will provide support for breasts after surgery of any nature for a man woman or child; support for pregnant women's breasts or for nursing or sensitive breasts; and reduces the pressure on chest caused by breast implants or large breast when in face-down position.