WO2006099712A1

WO2006099712A1 - Teardrop shaped orthopaedic support cushion

Info

Publication number: WO2006099712A1
Application number: PCT/CA2005/000475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terry Zachary
Original assignee: Terry Zachary
Priority date: 2005-03-24
Filing date: 2005-03-24
Publication date: 2006-09-28

Abstract

The current device is defined as a generally teardrop shaped support, where singles, multiples or portions of a generally teardrop shape are used to produce a desired function for each given support entity. The triangular wedge support is a commonly accepted orthopedic support solution in our society today. Yet, the inherent triangular structure does not properly accept the weight of body parts and their soft and often arched contours. The naturally occurring 'teardrop' shape is maximally suited as a solution for. these demands. The teardrop shaped support is especially useful as a stomach sleeping solution, a side sleeping support, a leg spacer, a knee support, a saddle pad, a 'reading in bed' support and a 'watching television' support, among other uses.

Description

Teardrop Shaped Orthopaedic Support Cushion

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Triangular shaped support pillows of many sizes and uses are on the market and used in society today. They are used either to support the body or to distribute weight. Most are designed as knee supports while supine and/or torso and lower back supports while seated and sleeping. None are specifically designed for consideration of support of the rest of the body or for distribution of weight in specific circumstances.

The main benefit of triangular supports is its specific characteristic of angular support, > which is indeed useful in many situations. Unfortunately, the problem with triangular supports is that their rigid points do not serve any useful purpose. Engineers use arches (or rounds), and never points, to distribute weight efficiently. Triangles, obviously, do not offer arches (or rounds). The current teardrop shaped support device offers the best of these two situations: 1) the specific angular support characteristic of the triangle, and 2) the mechanical benefit of an arch or round to maximally distribute weight.

The applications of teardrop shaped supports are many. The most obvious are as a support for the human body or for the distribution of weight of the human body. The applications include, but are not limited to, a torso wedge, a full body wedge, a neck support pillow, a seat cushion, a travel neck pillow, a travel back pillow, a leg spacer, a knee support, a seat, a bed and a saddle pad. One of the most accepted, yet unknowingly dangerous daily habits affecting the health of our society today, is stomach sleeping. Occasionally, triangular pillows are suggested for stomach sleepers to wedge them off their stomachs. Yet, they are not designed specifically for this purpose. In fact, there is no support specifically built as a proper solution for stomach sleeping. Almost 1 in 7 of us are stomach sleepers.

Relative to spinal alignment, stomach sleeping makes no sense. The individual must awkwardly rotate and extend their head and neck maximally to one side in order to breath. Some professionals theorize that the brainstem and/or cervical spinal cord and its nerve roots may be placed under pressure during this position. Others argue that the compression of the lungs and other organs during stomach sleeping causes less oxygen to be delivered to the body's organs, and is therefore dangerous to optimum function. Still others argue that blood flow directly to the brain is reduced. Regardless of the authority, it is commonly recognized that stomach sleeping is not desirable. It results in spinal instability, misalignment and health challenges.

If we desire balance in our spine and optimal overall health, we must choose healthy balanced lifestyle habits. Our sleeping position is one of our controllable health choices. One third of our life is spent sleeping. Health professionals recommend sleeping on our side or back, which is what more than 6 out of 7 of us do.

For those of us who are stomach sleepers, there have been suggested few solutions. Some health care professionals expect their patients to quit "cold turkey", others suggest triangular wedges to angle patients off their stomach, while some recommend sewing a ping-pong or tennis ball on the front of the pajama top. What the stomach sleeper desires is warmth, comfort and the grounded feeling normally associated with the mattress against the front of the body. This is why people who stomach sleep have a very difficult time changing. The available options don't satisfy their needs.

Health care professionals that recommend "quitting cold turkey" do not understand and are not properly addressing the problem. Stomach sleeping is a very ingrained habit. It is a habit that must be replaced with an educated solution. Stomach sleepers desire the feeling of warmth, comfort and stability that comes with being grounded and unmovable against the bed. Quitting "cold turkey" does not offer a replacement for this ingrained habit and is thus very unlikely to work, even with the most motivated individual. The key is to replace this grounded feeling while at the same time improving the sleeper's body position. The current inventive device does just that.

Sewing articles into bedroom clothing is cumbersome and annoying and rarely (I have never seen it work in practice), if ever, works. Firstly, many adults do not wear upper body clothing to bed. For those that do, it is rare that a patient will take the time to try this, let alone have success with it. The patient that does have success in the short term will likely go back to stomach sleeping once the article of clothing containing the ball is removed from the situation. The process also carries with it a degree of embarrassment and is not romantic for couples, further reducing the likelihood of its use. The current inventive device offers a permanent solution, without a stigma attached. Triangular wedges offer a reasonable solution, yet are awkward in that the points of the triangle are an unnatural fit to the body. Eventually, these points can cause interruption of nerve transmission and blood flow to the distal arm. Additionally, triangular wedges are specifically intended for a number of other uses (under bent knees, esophageal reflux, etc.), arid therefore are not manufactured in size and shape to optimally cater as a stomach and/or side sleeping solution. The triangular shape, because of its points, does not fit with the natural shapes and functions of the body. The current support device is teardrop shaped, which supports the body agreeably.

Another reasonable solution is a body pillow, which is a U-shaped pillow that surrounds the sleeper at the front and back and also provides neck support. These units are very large and awkward and almost impossible to fit specifically to the individual sizes of the neck, shoulders, torso, pelvis and femur areas. They also do not clearly influence the degree and the direction of support of the body. Because of their size, they are unromantic for sleeping partners and require much upkeep.

Sleeping unsupported on our sides also brings long-term potential health and balance into question. The choice of side sleeping is certainly a much better choice than stomach sleeping. Yet, when performed unsupported, side sleeping regularly leads to thoracic, lumbar and pelvic rotations and lateral flexion malpositions. For example, the unsupported torso and shoulder of the side sleeper is very likely to rotate forward and collapse toward the bed, resulting in thoracic and lumbar spine rotation. Additionally, the unsupported knee of the side sleeper will naturally settle against the bed-supported knee, causing malposition and stress at the hip, sacroiliac and lumbar regions. The body must be supported properly, even in the side lying position, to achieve maximum rest and 95 health benefits. The current invention not only supports, but also stabilizes the user in a proper side sleeping position, ensuring non-collapse of the previously unsupported shoulder, torso and legs.

Similar prior art exists similar to the current inventive device.

100

US Patent 6,484,336 (Berke et al) describes a pillow for side sleepers. The support device supports the head and leaves a lower area for an arm recess. There is no support of the thorax, lumbar spine, pelvis or leg. The user can be side sleeping with this device and still allow their shoulder, thorax, pelvis and leg to collapse toward the bed, causing

105 misalignment of the spine.

US Patent 6,052,848 (Kelly) describes an inverted U-shaped support. As described previously, this support is awkward, due to its generic size, for attention to individual body parts, is unromantic and is very difficult to maintain. Additionally, it takes up a lot 110 of room in the sleeping area.

US Patent 5,097,551 (Smith) describes an inverted L-shaped support. This invention, as in the previous invention is awkward, due to its generic size, for attention to individual body parts, is unromantic and is very difficult to maintain. Additionally, it is almost 115 impossible to roll over when using this support in an effort to switch sides during sleep.

US Patent 5,497,519 (Mintz) describes a side sleeping support. The support is generally rectangular with specific areas that can be altered for specific leg and body support options. As a stomach sleeping solution, most stomach sleepers would rebel against this 120 item, as it only partially replaces the feeling of grounded warmth and comfort of the bed below. Additionally, the rectangular shape does not allow the stomach sleeper the option of the staggered position as a stepping-stone to full side sleeping.

US Patent 5,878,453 (Stokes) describes a leg spacer of which there are many. Most leg 125 spacers are derived from very specific shapes and are therefore limited in their adaptive abilities to different body sizes, shapes and weights. Stokes is guilty of this also. The preferred embodiment of the current inventive device is a teardrop shaped support made of adaptive, modern viscoelastic foam, allowing the users size, weight and support placement to determine the final shape of the pillow during use between the individual's 130 legs (through individual heat and compression characteristics). The current support device is customizable by having the pointed tip of the teardrop facing out or in, changing the device's weight bearing characteristics immensely. Additionally, the user can place the teardrop support more towards the groin or knees to further individualize the device's weight bearing characteristics. The individual has many options to determine the best 135 recipe that will suit their body. Other prior art shows the use of teardrop related support shapes within the art, but not in any instance is the entire device wholly defined by the teardrop shape. Examples include US Patent 4,824,169 (Jarrell), US Patent 5,474,362 (Albecker III), US Patent 5,014,373

140 (Dobine), and US Patent 6,460,928 (Knoblock et al). The current inventive device is unique from all of these in that it is defined solely by its relation to the teardrop shape in whole, and can only stray from this shape in providing a connection (or bridging) between multiple teardrop shapes, or whereby there is a specific need to include a recess for a supported body part, such as, but not limited to, an arm or leg in the cases of side or

145 stomach sleeping, or ischial tuberosities in the case of a seat cushion, for example.

US Patent 4,824,169 (Jarrell) describes a fold up orthopedic chair. Within the inventive device is reference to a half teardrop shaped cushion member. The shape of a teardrop is not defined in the art and the teardrop shape does not wholly define the inventive support, 150 unlike the current inventive support device.

US Patent 5,474,362 (Albecker III) refers to a support cushion where the outside of the device is generally square or rectangular. Housed inside is a firmer internal support member which may be many shapes depending on the body part supported. Possible 155 shapes are stated to be "round, oval, teardrop shaped, elliptical or other shaped cylinder". Albecker never defines the teardrop shape. Additionally, the outside shape of the current device is what the inventive idea is based wholly. The outside shape of Albecker Ill's device is not teardrop shaped and, again, the teardrop shape does not wholly define the device. The device does not recognize the natural adaptive teardrop support weight 160 distribution ability of being able to place a teardrop shaped support in varying positions depending on the weight bearing or weight distribution characteristic called upon. The device also does not recognize the angular weight distributing and stabilizing characteristic inherent in a teardrop shaped support, as in a support for stomach sleepers (in staggered sleep position) or as in use as a saddle pad on animals.

165

US Patent 5,014,373 (Dobine) refers to a bath pillow and makes reference to a teardrop member that supports upper back in back lying, as a part of a two-piece structure with suction cups that attaches onto the bathtub. Again in this example, the teardrop shape is never defined and the teardrop shape itself does not wholly define the inventive device.

170 This results in improper celebration and utilization of the customizable weight supporting and distributing abilities of a teardrop support device that is most wholly defined by its own shape.

US Patent 6,460,928 (Knoblock et al) refers to a seating unit, including novel back 175 construction. Within the description of the device, there is made mention of the potential for a teardrop shaped ends of slots that are to be used to support straps. Again, the teardrop term is used loosely, without definition, and its functional capabilities are minimized in its role as merely a member of a larger whole. The current inventive support device is defined wholly by its reflection and celebration of the weight bearing, 180 weight distributing, and body stabilizing ability of the defined teardrop shape and also by its naturally customizable nature of positioning the teardrop support from a variety of choices to accomplish a given function. In other words, many examples will be given where the tip end of the teardrop can be switched when a user desires more support (round end) or less support (tip end) in the given function. 185

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current device is defined as a generally teardrop shaped support, where singles, multiples or portions of a generally teardrop shape are used to produce a desired function

190 for each given support entity. Each functional entity makes use of the specific ability of a teardrop shaped support to support and stabilize weight, distribute weight, accept a body part comfortably and/or to be adaptable by means of teardrop support positioning relative to function and/or user size, weight and/or shape. The teardrop shape solely defines the whole device and can only be strayed from in need of providing a connection (or

195 bridging) between multiple teardrop shapes, or in a specific need to include a recess for acceptance and/or support of a body part, such as, but not limited to, an arm or leg in the case of a stomach or side sleeping device, or the ischial tuberosities in the case of a seat cushion device.

200 The teardrop shape, as opposed to other shapes, such as flat, rectangular or true triangular, allows for better comfort, mechanical support, weight distribution, adaptability, and in some cases, better blood-flow and nerve transmission, in its stated uses. 205 The teardrop shape, or the shape of a tear, is currently not defined in prior art. Thus, the teardrop shape is herein defined as a shape that, when viewed in its cross section, is generally triangular, where two of the three points of the triangle take on any or more degree of round when compared to the third point. It is understood that a teardrop definition refers to 2-dimensional shape as well as 3-dimensional shapes. The teardrop

210 shape of the current inventive device is determined by studying the cross-sectional view of each said support.

It is understood that the tip end of the teardrop may be somewhat rounded and still agree with the spirit of the definition of the teardrop, or may indeed be truly pointed. The need

215 for a slight round may be in decreasing tearing and ripping of the item. In any case, the degree of round of the tip end of the teardrop must be less than that of the round of the other two points. That is to say that the diameter of the circle formed by extrapolating any round of the point of the generally pointed end of the teardrop will be smaller than that formed by the extrapolation of the round of each of the other two points.

220

It is understood that the two sides that meet to form the pointed end of the teardrop may have some degree of convexity, may have some degree of concavity, may be straight, or may be a combination of any two of these presentations and still equally be within the acceptable limits of the definition of the teardrop shape.

! 225

The naturally occurring "teardrop" shape is maximally suited as a solution to many mechanical problems. A teardrop shaped support is especially useful as a stomach sleeping solution and a side sleeping support. The current inventive device is easy to use, easy to fit and is non-cumbersome.

230

The current inventive device is designed by a health care professional and former stomach sleeper. It fulfills the desires of grounded warmth and comfort of the stomach and/or side sleeper, satisfies the involved spinal balance challenges and acts as a convenient patient educator for the practitioner.

235

The current device eases the stomach sleeper into a "staggered" sleeping posture, more resembling that of a side sleeping position, and yet maintains the stomach sleeper's desired feeling of grounded comfort and warmth on the ventral side of the body. The current device also encourages the user to immediately or eventually attain the more

240 desirable side-lying position, while also comfortably maintaining the presence of grounded stomach warmth and comfort.

This staggered position influences the stomach sleeper to comfortably improve their spinal alignment by taking on a position resembling that of staggered between true side

245 lying and true stomach lying. In the preferred use by the stomach sleeper, the tip (or more pointed) end of the teardrop shaped wedge is placed under the user's stomach (when lying face down) and the wedge angles the users torso off of a true stomach lying position, more in agreement with the direction of the user's head and neck. The body is therefore placed in more acceptable alignment. In essence, the teardrop support angles the

250 user's shoulders and torso to satisfy the position of the stomach sleeper's head and cervical spine. In other words, the stomach sleeper has to rotate and extend their head and cervical spine in order to breath. Rather than changing their head position to meet the "stomach against bed" body position (which would mean putting the head into the pillow or bed, making it impossible to breath), the current invention changes the body position 255 to meet the stomach sleeper's existing position of the head and neck.

People who are side-sleepers, or wish to become side sleepers, may also use the device to optimize comfort and stabilize proper spinal alignment in side sleeping. In this case, it is most preferable that the user has the large end (round end) of the teardrop support placed

260 into their stomach and chest, in order to support them in a true side sleeping position, so as to "spoon" the device. The natural round comfortably fits into the ventral thorax to maintain spinal alignment, allowing the free arm of the user to lay down the incline of the wedge. The stomach sleeper may move to this position immediately upon using the teardrop support, as it will satisfy the need for grounded comfort and warmth, as the large

265 round rests against the ventral thorax replacing the support and warmth previously satisfied by the mattress.

Another teardrop support position is mechanically acceptable and may be to the liking of the side sleeper. It involves the tip end of the teardrop being pointed to the ceiling, with 270 the round end of the teardrop being against the mattress. In this use, the face of the pillow supports the users thorax in a properly aligned position. Both side lying positions are equally acceptable as support to the side sleeper. The preference is determined by the comfort of the individual. 275 The stomach sleeping patient may thus attempt the transition to these desired side lying positions immediately or as a two-step process, moving from stomach lying to staggered to complete side lying. The two-step approach may be easier and more realistic for users who have been stomach sleepers for long periods of time. Regardless of approach, the user improves spinal alignment and health potential immediately upon using the device,

280 without having to adapt to great changes in comfort and warmth. The chance of changing engrained stomach lying habits improves dramatically as the complete change is approached in smaller steps.

It is understood that one of the strengths of a wholly teardrop shaped support is its 285 inherent customizability. A user has the choice in a given function to use the round end for more support or the tip end for less support, depending on the function desired and on the individual body size, shape and weight. All functional examples given herein are from the viewpoint of the most likely application in each given use, yet any support device position is acceptable, as long as it properly serves the function desired. 290 Customizable adaptability of the teardrop support is especially prevalent when the manufacturing material of choice is viscoelastic (VE) polyurethane memory foam, which adapts to weight and temperature.

General recesses, crevices or concavities may exist, which would act as arm or leg 295 supports, designed for further comfort of the stomach or side sleeper. This exception allows for any general recess, crevice or concavity on any or all sides of the devise suitable to rest the user's arm or leg during a resting posture. It may be made to be generally concave in shape, though it is understood that many shapes, including triangular, circular and/or square, may be in the spirit of accepting the arm or leg and 300 therefore are included to be recognized herein. There is no limit to the direction or position of the recess.

There also exists the option to include any degree of general crevice or concavity on the ends of the device, designed to welcome the user's thigh in a staggered positions, where

305 the thigh may be flexed towards generally 9OD in an attempt to angle the pelvis consistently now with the head, neck, thoracic and lumbar spine. The femur, flexed to any degree towards ninety degrees (genu flexion), acts as a "kickstand" and allows the pelvis to angle into agreement with the plane of the rest of the body, as determined originally by the head and cervical spine. Thus, spinal alignment is maintained

310 throughout the body in the staggered position.

Other uses of the single teardrop support are for support while stomach reading and/or stomach television viewing, as well as in a leg spacer for side sleeping. The curves and the weight of the body are much more efficiently supported and distributed by the 315 teardrop shape, as opposed to a triangular wedge, for example. For the same reasons, back laying while reading and/or television viewing are also more desirable using a teardrop shaped support as opposed to a triangular wedge or flat pillow. The teardrop support may be altered for its function by being made in full body length. In

320 this case, the side sleeping position will be supported as previously mentioned at the thorax, yet additionally be supported concurrently by a leg spacing action as the lower end of the support is place between the knees. In the staggered position, the full-length wedge automatically angles the whole spine and lower body. The support may be used with the tip end pointing in or out for each of these full body support functions.

325

Another variation of the single teardrop support is to make it shorter rather than longer. In this role, it can act singly as a leg spacer for side sleepers. The pillow has diversity in function, as it will again support weight differently when the point of the teardrop is facing in as opposed to out. Additionally, the more the leg spacer is placed towards the

330 groin, the less it will space the legs, due to the heavier weight of the femur proximally. The more that the leg spacer is moved towards the knees, the wider is the leg spacing effect, as the support will be less compressed. It is easy to see how this design will allow flexibility of application to a wide variety of body shapes and weights. Because the teardrop support is so customizable, the device is very convenient for individuals and

335 practitioners.

A larger teardrop support is used to support the seated position, such as in reading, television watching, and/or for support esophageal reflux patients, for example. Again, the use of smooth rounds as opposed to pointed tips, as in triangular wedge support 340 devices, make the teardrop shape more appropriate for the function. Multiple teardrop segments, attached by bridges, may be used to construct support devices such as cervical support pillows, seat cushions, travel pillows, and for saddle pads on animals, for example. Bridging must only be present to serve the function of 345 smoothly and pleasantly connecting two or more teardrop bodies. This point will be more clearly illustrated in the diagram section to follow.

It is understood that the outer texturing and nature of the covering of each teardrop support item cannot be considered an improvement on the current device. Some examples

350 of texturing include serrations, waves and finger projections, among many others. The device must be judged on the general shape of the support and these variations are understood to be within the scope of the inventive device. Any covering is also acceptable (i.e. terry cloth, cotton, polyester, etc.), so long as it satisfies the needs of the specific teardrop support device.

355

Within the scope of the current invention, the teardrop shape refers to the outside shape of the support item. It is within the spirit of the invention to use any combination of shapes and materials to potentially define an inner core or multiple inner cores of a said support item, so long as the outer shape of the said support agrees with the definition of

360 the teardrop shape.

The basic teardrop shape must generally follow one the basic shapes of a triangle, such as a right angle triangle, an isosceles triangle, or any other of the basic triangular shapes to remain within the spirit of the teardrop shape definition. 365

It is understood that the teardrop support may be made from any appropriate material or combinations of material, including injected or cut polyurethane foam, any form of viscoelastic memory foam, extracted polyurethane foam, down, feather, synthetic fiber or material, natural grains, sponge, water, air, sand, plastic, wood, or any combination of the

370 above or any other material suitable and may be made by any desired and appropriate manufacturing process including, but not limited to cutting, gluing or injection molding.

Almost all sizes of teardrop shaped supports are clearly protected by this document. For example, a 0.5" x 0.25" x 0.5" (depth x height x wide) teardrop support pillow may be 375 used as a promotional toy or key chain and a 7' x 6' x 8' teardrop support may serve as a large seat for reading or viewing television as a group.

All density ranges are included within the spirit of the inventive idea. The preferred body support density range would be a softer polyurethane memory foam support that may, for 380 example, be a density of 1 PCF (pound per cubic foot) and the density of a more firm polyurethane memory foam support may be 10 PCF.

All varying firmnesses of the inventive support are acceptable. The preferred range of body support firmness would be in a softer polyurethane memory foam support that may 385 have a firmness of 5 lbs. @ 25% IFD and a more firm preferred polyurethane memory foam support that may have a firmness of 140 lbs. @ 25% IFD. It should be understood that the just described embodiments merely illustrate principles of the invention in the preferred forms. Many modifications, additions and deletions may 390 therefore be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

395 FIG. 1 is a superolateral and slightly posterior view of the preferred embodiment of the support device.

FIG.2 is a superoanterior and slightly lateral view of an alternate embodiment of the support device.

FIG. 3 is an descriptive cross sectional illustration aiding the defining of the accepted 400 shape of the support device.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG.7 and FIG 8 are cross sectional views of shapes that are understood to be within the accepted definition of the support device shape.

FIG. 9 is a superoanterior view of the use of the support device as a torso stabilizing solution to true stomach sleeping, whereby the user torso is supported in a staggered 405 position between true stomach and true side sleeping.

FIG. 10 is a superoanterior view of the use of the support device as a torso stabilizing side sleeping solution.

FIG. 11 is a superoanterior view of the use of the support device as a torso stabilizing side sleeping solution, using an equally acceptable second support position option. 410 FIG. 12 is a superoanterior view of the use of the support device as a leg spacer. FIG. 13 is a superoanterior view of the use of the support device as a full length body support.

FIG. 14 is a superolateral view of the use of the support device as a supine cervical support solution. 415 FIG. 15 is a superolateral view of the use of the support device as prone support solution.

FIG. 16 and 17 are posterior views of a horse illustrating an example of an application of a multiple teardrop support.

FIG. 16 illustrates a multiple teardrop shaped saddle pad support in the non- weight bearing state. 420 FIG. 17 illustrates a multiple teardrop shaped saddle pad support in the weight bearing state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS

425 FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the inventive support device (1). By observing the lateral side (2) of the device, it is clearly illustrated that its teardrop shape, in cross section, wholly defines the device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment to the teardrop support, whereby it is 430 understood that a recess (3) of any shape may be added to the device in order to functionally allow for acceptance of a body part or parts (arm leg, ischial tuberosity, etc.) for further support. There may be multiple recesses depending on the required function. The preferred material to be used in the manufacture of the current support is viscoelastic (VE) foam, which adapts quickly to body weight. In the use of VE foam, the recess or 435 recesses are generally less required, as the weight of the body part and the VE material will adapt to make their own specific recess. The recesses are more applicable to support devices made of less flexible materials. Nonetheless, recesses are considered as understood to be within the scope of the current inventive device.

440 FIG. 3 is an aid to illustrate the definition of the teardrop shape. The teardrop shape is defined as any generally triangular shape (26) where two (12, 13) of the three points of the triangle take on any or more degree of round (12a, 13 a) when compared to the third point (11) and its round (1 Ia), when viewed in cross section. The sides of the triangle that meet to form the point (11 or Ha) of the teardrop shape maybe somewhat convex (9),

445 may be somewhat concave (10) or may remain straight, or may be any combination of two of these presentations. It is understood that the tip (11 or 1 Ia) of the teardrop may be pointed (11) or rounded (1 Ia), so long as the degree of round of the tip end (1 Ia) of the teardrop, if present, is less than that of the other two rounds (12a, 13a). That is to say that the diameter of the circle formed by any round (1 Ia) of the generally pointed end (11 or

450 1 Ia) of the teardrop will be smaller than that of each of the other two rounds (12a, 13a). Any support device that is defined wholly by its resemblance to the teardrop shape, shapes, or to a fraction of the teardrop shape, is considered to be acceptable within the current inventive idea. Any supportive device having merely a part of its whole resembling that of a teardrop shape cannot claim to be included as being a teardrop

455 shaped support (a.k.a. the current inventive device). FIG. 4-8 illustrate some examples of supports having exceptions to the previously defined teardrop shape, that are still understood to be defined by their basis of being wholly identifiable as teardrop shape related.

460

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a multiple teardrop shape design, where two teardrop shapes (1 and Ia) are connected via a bridge (24) that serves only to connect the separate teardrops (1 and Ia). The bridge (24) may be continuous with the material of the teardrops or may be separate, as is illustrated in FIG. 4. Here, the cover material (20)

465 forms the bridge (24). Bridging must only be present to serve the function of smoothly and pleasantly connecting two or more functional teardrop bodies. It is not permitted to stretch the definition of the teardrop support to take advantage of adding functional uses of bridges in the addition of any bridge or bridges.

470 FIG. 5 illustrates a half teardrop shape (5). It is within the flavor of the inventive idea to accept any support item, whose cross sectional shape, even if fractional, wholly defines it as resembling that of the teardrop shape. It cannot be a part of an item to be considered within the current inventive description, but must be the whole item.

475 FIG. 6 illustrates a modified teardrop shape (4) where a series of straight lines (6) defines the rounded end of the teardrop cross section. Again, this shape is wholly identified as having a resemblance to the defined teardrop shape and is therefore within the scope of the current inventive idea. The same is true for the serrated appearing exterior (7) of the teardrop shape support device (25) illustrated in FIG. 7. The shape of the support device 480 (25) is wholly identified as having a resemblance to the defined teardrop shape and is therefore within the scope of the current inventive idea.

FIG. 8 illustrates a lopsided teardrop support design (28) more resembling the general shape of a right triangle, yet still satisfying the teardrop shape definition of any generally

485 triangular shape where two its rounds (12a, 13a) are greater than the third (l la), and is thus included within the current inventive scope. Note the inclusion of a concave side (10), as described previously in FIG. 3. This lopsided teardrop support (28) with a concave side (10) would be appropriate for use as a seated or an inclined support for bed reading and/or esophageal reflux patients, for example.

490

FIG. 9 illustrates the use of a teardrop torso support (1) that angles stomach sleepers off of their stomach. Note that the user's torso is supported away from the sleeping surface such that the direction of the spine (15) and the direction of the forehead (14) are generally in agreement and alignment. This is not the case when a person sleeps directly

495 on the stomach and turns the head in order to breath, hi this unhealthy position, the spine faces the bed and the forehead faces up to 90 degrees to one side. In the staggered position shown in FIG. 9 the torso support provides the grounded warmth and comfort that the stomach sleeper desires, thus making it easier to break this dangerous stomach sleeping habit. Note that in most cases, the teardrop support provides accessory support.

500 The user will use their regular pillow (8) in these cases. There may be a specific desire to customize the supportive effort due to body size, shape and/or weight where the user turns the teardrop support such that the teardrop point faces away from the user's stomach. This again echoes the customizability of the current inventive device to individual user needs.

505

FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a teardrop torso support (1) that stabilizes the shoulders (17) and torso (16) in a proper side sleeping position. The round of the teardrop is against the user's chest. Note that the direction of the forehead (14), the torso (16) and the shoulders (17) are in agreement and, thus, alignment in this posture. Without the support, the side

510 sleeper's unsupported shoulder has a tendency to collapse and fold forward, thus destroying a balance of the resting body posture. The user's regular pillow (8) is again represented, clearly categorizing the current teardrop shaped support as an orthopedic accessory support.

515 FIG. 11 illustrates another position of the teardrop torso support (1) that is useful during side sleeping. In this case, the teardrop point faces superiorly. Notice, again, that the direction of the forehead (14), the torso (16) and the shoulders (17) are in agreement and, thus, alignment in this posture. Each position is equally acceptable, as is the option of having the point of the teardrop facing in to the user's stomach, if individual body shape,

520 size and weight requires. The user's regular pillow (8) is again represented, clearly categorizing the current teardrop shaped support as an orthopedic accessory support.

FIG. 12 illustrates the use of a teardrop support (1) as a leg spacer. Leg spacers are very commonly accepted in the health sector as they support the leg away from the sleeping 525 surface from dropping down onto the supported leg and causing rotation of the person's sacroiliac joints, pelvis and lumbar spine. Note that the leg spacer function of the teardrop support keeps the legs (18, 19) parallel, and therefore keeps the pelvis neutral. Note that the pointed end of the teardrop support is facing the groin. The support function can be altered mechanically by moving the support more out towards the knees and also by 530 reversing the teardrop such that the round end faces towards the groin. This is very important in customizing the leg spacer (1) to suit each individual user. The user's regular pillow (8) is again represented, clearly categorizing the current teardrop shaped support as an orthopedic accessory support.

535 FIG. 13 illustrates the use of a teardrop support (1) as a full body support. Not only are the forehead (14), torso (16) and shoulders (17) kept in agreement and therefore alignment, but the legs (18,19) are kept parallel by the leg spacing effect of the support (1), thus keeping the pelvis in alignment. The user's regular pillow (8) is again represented, clearly categorizing the current teardrop shaped support as an orthopedic

540 accessory support.

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of a teardrop support (1) as a cervical support when supine. It is useful when resting, reading and watching television in that it will support the natural cervical lordotic curve. 545

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a teardrop support (1) as a support for stomach lying activities such as reading and watching television. FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate a potential use for a multiple teardrop support (1, Ia) naturally 550 functioning to displace weight. This example is ideal for use as a saddle pad for equestrians. FIG. 16 shows the multiple teardrop support (1,1a), bridged (24) by cover material (20), in a non- weight bearing situation. The butt (21) and tail (27) of the horse are shown to give perspective. Also note the illustration of the location of the bone (22) of the horse's spine and the point of potential stress (30) that exists above the horse's 555 spine (22) in riding. Stress occurs here (30) upon the addition of the weight bearing saddle and rider. The natural shape of the multiple teardrop support will aid to distribute the weight of the saddle and rider more laterally (31) and thus, evenly.

FIG. 17 illustrates the addition of a weight bearing saddle (23). Due to space limitations 560 the rider is not shown, but should be understood to be on the saddle (23). Notice that when the multiple teardrop support (1,1a) is compressed by the weight bearing saddle (23), the point of potential stress (30) is largely relieved from pressure, as the round ends of the teardrops (1, Ia) come together to form a protective, low-load area (30a). Additionally, recall how the multiple teardrop support makes full use of the angular 565 weight distributing characteristic of the teardrop shape by dispersing the potential load laterally (represented as 31 in FIG. 16) and away from the point of potential stress (30).

Claims

CLAIMS"I claim...

1. A support device with a general teardrop shape appearance, a shape that, when viewed in its cross section, is generally triangular, where two of the three points of the triangle take on any or more degree of round when compared to the third point of the triangle, and where the two sides that meet to form the more pointed end of the triangle may have some degree of convexity, may have some degree of concavity, maybe straight, or maybe a combination of any two of these presentations,

2. A support device, as stated in Claim 1 , that is wholly defined by its form being derived from any varying shape or combinations of shapes of the teardrop shape definition, including portions of the teardrop shape (i.e. one quarter, one r three quarter teardrop), a singular teardrop shape, or multiple teardrop she bridged together, as described herein,

3. A support device, as stated in Claim 1 , that is wholly defined by its outside shape, acknowledging that the inclusion of an inner core or multiple inner cores, of any size, shape and material, are within the scope of the inventive device,

4. A support device, as stated in Claim 1 , where texturing of its outer surface may be smooth, serrated, waved or include finger-like projections, or contain any other texturing which serves to improve the function of the support while maintaining the general basic shape herein described,

5. A device, as stated in Claim 1, containing any recess, crevice or hollow, for the purpose of accepting or supporting a specific body part or parts to improve the support's efficacy for a given function,

6. A device, as stated in Claims 1 -5, which may be used in a variety of applications, not limited to, but for example as a full body side and staggered sleeping support, a torso side and staggered sleeping support, a leg spacer, a knee support, a seat cushion, a neck support, a back support, a travel neck support, a travel back support, a seated support, a reading and television viewing support, a bed, and a saddle pad for use on animals,

7. A support device, as stated in Claim 1-5, made using injected or cut polyurethane foam or any form of viscoelastic memory foam, extracted polyurethane foam, down, feather, synthetic fiber or material, natural grains, sponge, water, air, sand, plastic, wood, or any combination of materials, whether natural or man m that is or may be developed in the future,

8. A support device, as stated in Claims 1-5, of any varying size, as a 0.5" x U.^J Λ 0.5" (depth x height x width) support may, for example, be used as a promotional toy or key chain and a 7' x 6' x 8' support may, for example, serve as a large seat for reading or viewing television as a group,

9. A support device, as stated in Claims 1-5, of any varying density, as a softer preferred polyurethane memory foam support may, for example, be a density of 1 PCF (pound per cubic foot) and the density of a more firm preferred polyurethane memory foam support may be 10 PCF,

10. A support device, as stated in Claims 1-5, of any varying firmness, as a softer preferred polyurethane memory foam support may have a firmness of 5 lbs. @ 25% IFD and a more firm preferred polyurethane memory foam support may have a firmness of 140 lbs. @ 25% IFD."