U.S. patent application number 11/202521 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for support device for positioning a patient in a prone position.
Invention is credited to John Moore.
Application Number | 20060031992 11/202521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35798530 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060031992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; John |
February 16, 2006 |
Support device for positioning a patient in a prone position
Abstract
A support structure that allows an individual, generally an
infant, to be supported in a desired position and gently
constrained from rolling over is disclosed. A well-defined, soft,
elastic center panel or pillow is disposed and secured to two firm,
slightly elastic side arms each having a height that is greater
than that of the center panel. Thus, a channel is formed defined by
an upper surface of the center panel and inner surfaces of the side
arms. The individual can be disposed within the channel in a
position, e.g., prone, and is gently constrained therein. The side
arms can be cantilevers or other elongated structures providing
additional support for the individual.
Inventors: |
Moore; John; (Old Bridge,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DAVID D. NIELSON
15 COTTAGE AVENUE, SUITE 301
QUINCY
MA
02169
US
|
Family ID: |
35798530 |
Appl. No.: |
11/202521 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60601240 |
Aug 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/630 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/021 20130101;
A47C 20/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/630 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/00 20060101
A47C020/00 |
Claims
1. A support structure for supporting and maintaining an individual
in a position, the support structure comprising: a center panel
having a height, two opposing edges, and an upper surface; two
elongated side arms each having an adjacent end and a remote end
with an inner surface extending therebetween, and each having a
height along its adjacent end greater than the height of the center
panel, each sidearm attached to a respective opposing edge of the
center panel along a portion of the inner surface disposed at
adjacent end; a channel defined by the upper surface of the center
panel and the inner surfaces along the adjacent ends of the side
arms; whereby an individual can be disposed within the channel in a
position and is gently constrained therein.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise
cantilevers having an exterior curve extending from the adjacent
end to the remote end, and the remote inner surface also having a
curve around a same axis as the exterior curve, the side arms
extending in opposite directions from the center panel and curving
back until the remote ends are in proximity or touching forming a
generally tororidal-shaped support structure.
3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the side arms comprise
flexible material whereby an individual disposed within the channel
having lower extremities flex the cantilevers.
4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise
elongated, straight structures, each attached to a respective
opposing edge of the center panel and extending therefrom forming a
generally U-shaped support structure.
5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms comprise
a cross-section that is any of the group consisting of square,
rectangular, circular, concave, convex and triangular
6. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising a mat
disposed beneath the interior well area.
7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein the mat is any from
the group consisting of moisture barrier, mattress and cloth.
8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the side arms are
constructed of a material that is firm and slightly elastic.
9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein the side arms are
constructed of hypoallergenic material.
10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the center panel is
constructed of a material that is soft and substantially
elastic.
11. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the center panel is
constructed of hypoallergenic material.
12. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the center panel has
a width extending between the opposing edges sized to receive an
infant within the channel defined by the width.
13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the center panel has
a width of between approximately 4 and approximately 10 inches.
14. The support structure of claim 13, wherein the center panel has
a width of between approximately 6 inches and approximately 8
inches.
15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the center panel has
a width of approximately 7 inches.
16. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the height of the
center panel is between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately
5 inches.
17. The support structure of claim 16, wherein the center panel has
a height of between approximately 1 inch and approximately 3
inches.
18. The support structure of claim 17, wherein the center panel has
a height of approximately 2 inches.
19. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the side arms have a
height of between approximately 4 inches and approximately 12
inches.
20. The support structure of claim 19, wherein the side arms have a
height of between approximately 5 inches and approximately 10
inches.
21. The support structure of claim 20, wherein the side arms have a
height of approximately 8 inches.
22. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising one or
more center attachments, each having a height and a topology, a
first center attachment secured to the top surface of the center
panel.
23. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising one or
more width attachments each having a width and secured along an
inner surface of a side arm.
24. A support structure for supporting and maintaining an
individual in a prone position, the support structure comprising: a
center panel having a height, two opposing edges separated by a
width, an inner edge and a outer edge separated by a length, and an
upper surface; two side arms each having a length and a height,
each side arm having an interior surface extending between an
adjacent end and a remote end, the side arms arranged substantially
parallel to each other; the center panel disposed between the side
arms and substantially toward the adjacent ends, each opposing edge
of the center panel attached to a portion of the interior surface
of a respective side arm defining a channel defined by the upper
surface of the center panel and the interior surfaces of the side
arms, the channel having a width equal to or slightly greater than
the width of the center panel; whereby an individual is disposed
within the channel in a prone position, with his or her chest
and/or belly area resting on the top surface of the center panel,
her upper extremities extending in a direction beyond the outer
edge of the center panel, and her lower extremities extending in a
direction toward the remote end of the side arms such that she is
constrained by the interior surfaces of the side arms.
25. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms are
cantilevers.
26. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms are
elongated, substantially straight structures.
27. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the side arms have a
cross section that is substantially any of the group consisting of
circular, square, rectangular, concave, convex and oval.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/601,240 filed Aug. 13, 2004 by John Moore,
entitled, "Apparatus For Positioning and Maintaining An Individual
In A Prone Position," which is incorporated in its entirety herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of home and
medical apparatus, and more particularly to support apparatus for
positioning an individual in a prone position for a period of
time.
[0003] There are several, if not many, reasons to position an
individual in a prone position for a period of time. For example,
the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Infant Positioning
and Sudden Death Syndrome opines that a prone position may still be
the one of choice for premature infants with respiratory distress,
those with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, and infants with
certain upper airway abnormalities. It has also been determined by
the Department of Intensive Care, Medical Centre Leeuwarden-Zuid,
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, that a prone position is effective in
mechanically ventilated patients to improve oxygenation. Of course,
those are but several examples, and others are known in the field
of medicine, especially in the field of infant and neo/para-neo
natal care including patients of older age and size.
[0004] A prone position is also advantageous to ensure proper
infant development. Children with disorders including those noted
above often need to weight-bear on and through their upper
extremities for a variety of reasons. Pushing up onto their elbows
and/or pushing up onto extended elbows and reaching through with
arms are generally considered necessary for proper development.
Visual mapping, for example, in infants occurs in a quadruped
position that generally begins from a prone one.
[0005] But unfortunately, and especially with infants, known
support apparatus is not capable of providing sustained prone
positioning. Frequently an infant, for example, will attempt to
resume a supine position after being in a prone position. This can
be especially true when external--or even internal--medical devices
are installed such as gastro-feeding, e.g., gastrostomy tubes.
Children may also be uncomfortable in a prone position when
suffering from certain nervous system dysfunction(s), immature
development and the like including prematurity, sensory integration
disorder and stroke. Those children will attempt forcefully to
return from a prone position to a supine position. Commonly parents
will attempt to place the child in a supine position to aid that
child's comfort, even when medically advised that such position is
not recommended.
[0006] One example of an attempt to design a support apparatus is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,134 by Susan Mathews. Although the
disclosed support apparatus is quite useful for supporting an
infant in a supine position, it does not prevent that infant from
rolling over to a side or supine position from a prone position.
Indeed, it has been observed that infants with gastrostomy tubes or
nervous system disorders generally do forcefully roll over in
supports such as those disclosed. Thus, although very useful for a
variety of purposes, the support structure of Mathews is not
capable of providing a comfortable and sustained support for
placing an infant in a prone position.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for easy to use, inexpensive support
apparatus that can position and gently constrain an individual in a
prone position. There is a need for a support apparatus that can
provide comfort to a patient in a prone position. And there is a
need for support apparatus that prevents children from forcefully
rolling over from a prone position to a supine position. Of course,
those needs are but a few, and there are others known
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To satisfy those and other needs, the invention provides
support structures that are suitable for positioning and
maintaining an individual in a prone position for a period of time.
Although infants and/or neo-natal babies use the structures, the
structures can also be used by older individuals and adults, and
for placing and maintaining those individuals in other positions as
well.
[0009] The invention thus provides, in one aspect, a support
structure to position and gently constrain an individual in a
position, and particularly, a prone position. The support structure
has a well-defined, soft center panel disposed and secured between
two firm, slightly elastic side arms each having a height greater
than that of the center panel. Thus, a channel is formed as defined
by an upper surface of the center panel and a portion of inner
surfaces of the side arms having a height beyond that of the center
panel. The individual can be disposed in a prone position resting
on the center panel, and gently constrained by the inner surfaces
of the side arms. The center panel, therefore, has a width equal to
or slightly smaller that a width of the chest and/or belly area of
the individual to be disposed thereon. The inner surfaces of the
side arms provide a gentle constraint to maintain the individual in
the desired position.
[0010] In a related aspect, the side arms can be elongated
structures extending from the center panel such that an inner well
is formed defined by extended inner surfaces of the side arms and
an inner edge of the center panel. Lower extremities of the
individual can extend from the center panel into the inner well
area where they can be supported by the extended inner surfaces of
the side arms.
[0011] In a further related aspect, one or more center attachments
can increase the height of the center panel and/or reshape its
upper surface. The center attachment can be secured to the upper
surface of the center panel using a variety of means either
permanently or releasably. Alternatively, or in addition to,
multiple center attachments of the same or varying heights can be
used in a stackable configuration. A center attachment can also
have an inclined, declined or peaked formation to provide a
non-horizontal surface on which the individual rests while disposed
in the channel. A center attachment can be concave or convex in
shape to provide additional comfort and/or support for the
individual resting thereon.
[0012] Width attachments are also provided which, like the center
attachments, can be used singularly or in plurality. They are can
be secured along an inner surface of a side arm and positioned so
as to reduce the width of the channel.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention provides a support
structure for positioning an infant for a period of time. The
support structure has a well-defined, soft elastic center panel
disposed between and secured to two flexible cantilevers. The
cantilevers extend from the center panel in opposing directions and
curve back around until remote ends of each are in proximity or
touching, defining an inner well between inner surfaces of the
cantilevers and an inner edge of the center panel. The center panel
has a height that is less that that of at least a length of the
cantilevers in proximity to the center panel, and thus, a channel
is formed as defined by an upper surface of the center panel and
inner surfaces of the cantilevers. An individual can be disposed
within the channel resting on the center panel and gently
constrained by the inner surfaces of the cantilevers. Lower
extremities of the individual extend beyond the center panel into
the inner well, and flex the remote ends of the cantilevers that
can provide support of the waist and/or legs of the individual.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention provides a support
structure to position an individual in a prone position and to
maintain that position for a length of time. It has a center panel
and sides arms as generally described above, albeit, the side arms
can be elongated, substantially straight structures, and thus, the
support structure has a general U-shape configuration. An
individual disposed within the structure is gently constrained from
rolling over, yet his or her lower extremities are free to move
about. Alternatively, the width of the channel can be decreased to
be less than the width of her chest, and provide increased
constraint.
[0015] In still another aspect, the invention provides a support
structure to position an individual in a prone position for a
length of time without substantially impacting normal development
cycles such as vision-depth and/or vision-motor development. The
support structure is, as already generally described, but has a
center panel that can be inclined, declined, or peaked providing a
comfortable support from which an infant can extend and use his or
her upper extremities. Alternatively, the center panel can be
concave or otherwise shaped to provide a comfortable platform for
the individual disposed thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the detailed description below, in which reference is
made to the following drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a support apparatus
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention
having a well-defined center panel and cantilevered side arms;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the support apparatus of FIG.
1, showing height variances between the center panel and side
arms;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a center attachment for use
with a support apparatus such as the one shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a width
attachment for use with a support apparatus such as the one shown
in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a support apparatus having a
center panel with substantially straight side arms; and
[0022] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a support apparatus having a
center panel that is inclined.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention provides a support structure that is
an effective and affordable solution to supporting and maintaining
an individual a position, such as an infant in a prone position,
although it can be used to support and maintain larger or smaller
individuals in differing positions. The support structure has a
well-defined center panel providing a support for the individual's
chest and/or belly area. Two side arms or side-structures having a
height greater than that of the center panel are each secured to an
opposing edge of the center panel forming a channel defined by an
upper surface of the center panel and at least a portion of inner
surfaces of the side arms. The individual can be disposed in the
channel resting on the center panel, and gently constrained by the
side arms in proximity to the center panel. Thus, the center panel
has a width measured between the two side arms that is sized large
enough to accommodate the individual's chest and/or belly area, but
sufficiently small to ensure that the side arms gently constrain
that individual from rolling over.
[0024] Advantageously, the support structures provide a comfortable
platform on which an individual can rest, while also gently
constraining that individual in a prone or other position. Further,
by altering the configuration of the center panel and/or side arms,
the structures can accommodate individuals with internal and/or
external medical devices, and can allow for certain upper body
movements aiding development of muscular or nervous systems, while
still maintaining that individual in a desired prone position.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a support
structure 100, and is shown as a generally tororidal shaped
structure having a well-defined center panel 102 and two side arms
104 106 attached or otherwise secured thereto. A generally round
inner well area 136 is formed by center panel 102 and side arms 104
106. An individual can be placed in support structure 100 with his
or her chest and/or belly area resting on center panel 102, his or
her waist and lower extremities disposed within inner well area
136, and his or her shoulders and arms extending beyond center
panel 102 in an outward direction. The individual is gently
constrained by side arms 104 106 and thereby prevented from rolling
over into a supine or side position. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the support structure 100 can have various shapes and
sizes, and can support individuals of various ages and sizes, too.
Support structure 100 can provide support for individuals in prone,
supine or side positions, as well by adjusting the width/height of
center panel 102 and height of side arms 104 106.
[0026] Center panel 102 is shown generally rectangular in shape
having a width W1 and a length L1, although it can be oval, convex,
concave, or triangular; or a shape that is attractive for infants
and/or children, e.g., animal or plane. Indeed, it can be a
combination of shapes. But regardless of its shape, it has opposing
edges 108 110, an outer edge 114 and an inner edge 112. Preferably,
W1 is measured from opposing edge 108 to opposing edge 110 in a
perpendicular direction to at least one of the opposing edges 108
110, and is sized equal to or slightly less that the width of the
individual's chest and/or belly area. Length L1 is preferably
measured from inner edge 112 to outer edge 114, also in a
perpendicular direction therebetween, and is sized to provide
comfort to the individual placed within support structure 100,
e.g., to ensure sufficient support on the individual's chest and/or
belly areas depending on the size and weight of that
individual.
[0027] As already noted, center panel 102 can have a variety of
shapes and sizes. Outer edge 114, for example, can be rounded to
provide a continuous external shape, or can be straight, scalloped,
convex, concave or other shape or combination thereof. Interior
edge 112 is illustrated as concave, but it too, can be
alternatively shaped as long as that shape does not produce an
uncomfortable edge for a resting individual. Thus, it will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that center panel 102 can
have various shapes and sizes depending on the size of the
individual to be placed within the support structure 100, and it
can have an aesthetic shape that will not detract from the intended
purpose of the support structure, namely, to comfortably and gently
constrain in individual in a prone position. It will be appreciated
by one skilled in the art that inner edge 112 can also be shaped to
accommodate specific characteristics of an individual, as well as
medical equipment and/or apparatus that may be extruding or
external to that individual. For example, grooves or other
indications can be configured along the center panel to accommodate
such equipment and/or apparatus.
[0028] In general, center panel 102 can be a pillow construction,
providing a soft, elastic and comfortable resting area for the
individual's chest and/or belly areas. In the illustrated
embodiment, it has a uniform density core comprising a polyurethane
foam material, but other materials for pillow construction are
suitable as long as they provide a comfortable area on which to
rest. Indeed, multi-density cores and poly-cores can be used, as
can other construction materials and techniques including either
air and/or incompressible/compressible fluid baffles, adjustable or
otherwise. Consideration should be given, however, to ensure that
construction materials are suitable for the intended individual to
be supported by the support structure 100, as well as where it is
to be used, e.g., home, hospital or neo-natal facility. Preferably,
then, construction materials should be hypoallergenic and easily
cleanable, somewhat resilient to constant pressure, and elastic to
form a comfortable resting platform.
[0029] Center panel 102 can have a fixed or removable cover, but
the support structure 100 can utilize a one-piece cover instead
that covers both the center panel 102 and side arms 104 106.
Regardless, when a cover is used, it should also be hypoallergenic
and easily cleanable. Additional considerations should be given to
construction materials when the support structure 100 is intended
for use within a clean room such as a neo-natal unit within a
hospital, for example, where the materials are subject to repeated
sterilization. A cover can have a moisture barrier incorporated
therein to prevent spills, feedings and other fluids from
penetrating therethrough. In general, however, a cover comprising
cotton or a cotton blend is preferred for its comfort, durability
and washability, as well as ease of creating aesthetic designs and
construction.
[0030] Side arms 104 106 are illustrated as elongated cantilever
structures coupled or secured at an adjacent end 116 118 and
extending away from center panel 102 in opposing directions, and
curving back over a distance to form cantilevers with remote ends
124 126 touching each other or in proximity thereto, all
respectively. Therefore, as illustrated, each side arm 104 106 has
a curved outer surface 132 134, as well as a curved inner surface
128 130 along a same axis as the exterior curve, at least over a
portion thereof and generally toward the remote end 124 126, also
respectively. Side arms 104 106 illustrated have blunt or rounded
remote ends 124 126 that have a relaxed position (illustrated) and
an extended position (not shown). When no individual is positioned
within the support structure 100, remote ends 124 126 can touch or
be in proximity to each other as noted above. But when an
individual is positioned within the support structure 100, the
remote ends 124 126 flex apart and can thus provide gentle support
around the individual's waist and/or leg region.
[0031] Generally, side arms 104 106 can be constructed of a
relatively firm, slightly elastic material that will resist
compression under normal weight conditions of the individual
thereon. They can have a uniform density fill, such as a
polyurethane or polyester fill, or can have a multi-density fill
comprising two or more layers, or of air and/or fluid design. As
noted above with regard to center panel 102, consideration of
construction material of side arms 104 106 should include at least
attention to the individual that will be placed within the support
structure 100, and the location of where the support structure 100
will be used. For example, when the individual is an infant,
consideration should be given to the allergenic characteristics of
the fill and surface materials, bacteriologic characteristics, and
other characteristics generally considered when using the support
structure 100 in a hospital or other therapeutic setting.
[0032] Although side arms 104 106 are illustrated as cantilevers,
they can have a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, side arms
104 106 can be straight and/or can have cross-sections that are
square, triangular, round, oval or can have shapes that are
selected to be pleasing to the individual placed within the support
structure. That said, however, side arms 104 106 should provide
support for an individual disposed within the structure 100.
[0033] Side arms 104 106 can each be coupled or otherwise secured
to the center panel 102 of the support structure 100 via stitching,
permanent or removable attachment, or other means that will secure
the side arms 104 106 to the center panel 102. Preferably, such
securing or attachment prevents side arms 104 106 from shifting in
position relative to center panel 102 when an individual is placed
within support structure 102 and/or applying force to the side
arm(s). Illustrated, side arms 104 106 are sewn to opposing side
edges 108 110 of center panel 102, but the support structure 100
can be manufactured as a single unit as long as there is a well
defined center panel 102 having a height less than that of two side
arms, and that suitable materials can be constructed for each of
the center panel 102 and side arms 104 106.
[0034] Side arms 104 106, similar to the center portion 102, can
have a covering for added comfort and/or attractiveness of the
support structure 100. For example, a cotton or poly-blend can be
used, and can be configured to be removable for ease of cleaning
and other sanitary considerations. A covering for the side arms 104
106 can be separate from one for the center portion 102, or an
integral covering can be used instead.
[0035] Opposing edges 108 110 of the center panel 102 are adapted
to be secured to side arms 104 106 along a portion of adjacent
inner surfaces 120 122 and generally toward adjacent ends 116 118.
Opposing edges 108 110 illustrated are adapted to be sewn along a
portion of adjacent inner surfaces 120 122, but other techniques
can be used such as Velcro.RTM., snaps, zippers, buttons, glues,
adhesives and the like as long as center panel 102 is secured to
side arms 104 106 to prevent movement of side arms 104 106 relative
to center panel 102. In one embodiment, support structure 100 can
be manufactured as a single piece unibody negating the need to
secure the side arms 104 106 to the center panel 102 because they
would be integrally molded.
[0036] Inner well area 136 is defined by inner edge 112 of center
panel 102 and remote inner surfaces 128 130 of side arms 104 106.
Illustrated, inner well area 136 is generally rounded in shape, but
it can be other shapes when any of inner edge 112 and/or remote
inner surfaces 128 130 are shaped differently than those
illustrated. Preferably, inner well area 136 is sufficiently large
to provide room for the individual's waist area and lower
extremities, however those lower extremities can extend beyond the
remote ends 124 126 of side arms 104 106.
[0037] Inner well area 136 can be open to the floor, mattress or
other surface on which the support structure 100 is placed. Of
course, a mat, cloth or other feature can be placed within, beneath
or be integral with the support structure to increase comfort or
provide a barrier between the floor or surface and the individual
within the support structure 100, e.g., a thin matters, moisture
barrier, or bacteriological barrier.
[0038] FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the support structure 100
illustrated in FIG. 1, and shows a channel 140 defined by an upper
surface 138 of center panel 102 and inner surfaces 120 122 of
adjacent ends 116 118 of side arms 104 106. Channel 140 has an
approximate width W1 and an approximate height H3. Thus, it will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that an individual can placed
in a prone position within channel 140, resting on center panel 102
and gently constrained therein by side arms 104 106, disposed
within support structure 100 as described above.
[0039] Upper surface 138 provides a comfortable surface on which
the individual's chest and/or belly area to rest, and is preferably
a distance above a floor, mattress or other surface. Thus, center
panel 102 has a height H1 sized depending on the size of the
individual to be placed within the support structure 100 and
preferably, H1 is also sized less that an height H2 of side arms
104 106, although when side arms have differing heights, H1 is
preferably sized less than the smaller of H2 corresponding to the
smaller of the side arms 104 and 106. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that the difference between the height H2 of
side arms 104 106 and height H1 of center panel 102 is a height H3,
and thus, channel 140 has a width approximately equal to W1 and a
height approximately equal to H3. It will also be appreciated that
dimensions H1, H2 and W1 can be sized according to a size of the
individual that will be positioned in the support. In one
embodiment, side arms 104 106 do not have a constant height H2, but
rather slope upward, downward, or a combination of both along their
length(s), and that is encompassed herein.
[0040] Thus, for neo-natal and infant individuals weighing between
approximately 3 to 10 pounds, center panel 102 width W1 is
generally between approximately 4 and 10 inches, preferably between
approximately 6 and 8 inches, and more preferably approximately 7
inches. Center panel 102 length L1 is generally between
approximately 4 and 10 inches, preferably between approximately 6
and 8 inches and more preferably approximately 7 inches. Center
panel height H1 is generally between approximately 0.5 and 5
inches, preferably between approximately 1 and 3 inches, and more
preferably approximately 2 inches. Side arm 104 106 heights H2 are
generally between approximately 4 and 12 inches, preferably between
approximately 5 and 10 inches, and more preferably approximately 8
inches. In cases where side arms 104 106 are of varying heights, H2
should be measured close to center panel 102 since that is where
channel 140 is formed. Of course, size considerations should
include not only the size of the individual, but also muscular
strength, general health, external/internal medical devices and/or
apparatus, and tendency of the individual to forcefully attempt to
roll over. Thus, an increase (decrease) in any one or more of those
characteristics might result in an increased (decreased) preferred
dimension for any one or more dimensions of W1, H1 and/or H2
(resulting in an increase (decrease) in dimension H3.
[0041] Continuing, for individuals weighing between approximately
10-20 pounds, center panel 102 width W1 is generally between
approximately 6 and 12 inches, preferably between approximately 7
and 10 inches, and more preferably approximately 9 inches. Center
panel 102 length L1 is generally between approximately 6 and 12
inches, preferably between approximately 8 and 10 inches and more
preferably approximately 9 inches. Center panel height H1 is
generally between approximately 2 and 8 inches, preferably between
approximately 3 and 6 inches, and more preferably approximately 5
inches. Side arm 104 106 heights H2 are generally between
approximately 8 and 15 inches, preferably between approximately 10
and 14 inches, and more preferably approximately 12 inches.
[0042] Continuing further, for individuals weighing in excess of 20
pounds, sizing consideration should include differences between
body formations and potential for rolling over. It will be
appreciated that as an individual continues in age, they may be
less likely to forcefully roll over, and thus, sizing
considerations may be less stringent. Further, and especially for
older individuals, those in adolescence and those in early teen
years, the support structure can be sized to provide recreational
support while watching television, playing video games or reading,
for example. Thus, considerations to prevent forceful rollover can
be overcome by those related to comfort.
[0043] In one embodiment, center panel 102 has an outer edge 114
that has a length that is greater than that of the inner edge 112.
Thus, channel 140 is angled in shape providing a wider area for an
individual's arms and head area, while still providing a gently
constraining that individual's chest and/or belly area. Such
configuration is advantageous for allowing an individual more
freedom of movement for grasping toys, or allowing increased
extension of the upper extremities while positioned within the
channel.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a center attachment 300 that can provide
variable height, H1 (FIG. 2) and or topology to center panel 102
(FIGS. 1, 2), and thus, enable a single support structure 100 to be
used for individuals of different sizes, or indeed, for a single
individual over a number of months or years. Center attachment 300
has an upper surface 310, opposing side edges 302 304, and an inner
edge 306 and outer edge 308. It can be attached via a lower surface
(not shown) to center panel 102. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that center attachment 300 can alter the size and shape
of center panel 102 when attached thereon. And thus, center
attachment 300 is advantageous for adapting support structure 100
for various individuals to accommodate differing sizes and weight
characteristics of multiple individuals that will be utilizing a
single support structure, those individuals having certain external
and/or internal medical devices installed, or to utilize a single
support structure over a period of time where the individual
increases (or decreases) in size and/or weight.
[0045] Center attachment 300 is illustrated as having a similar
topology to center panel 102, although in one embodiment, it can
have a different topology or differently shaped inner edge 306
and/or outer edge 308. Center attachment 300 can be inclined or
declined, or even peaked in topology. It can be shaped to provide
additional comfort to an individual within support structure 100
that center panel 102 cannot alone provide. For example, it might
increase the height of center panel 102 motivating an individual to
extend his or her arms and upper extremities, or to assume a
crawling position.
[0046] Attachment of center attachment 300 to center panel 102 can
be accomplished using variety of means such as Velcro.RTM., snaps,
or buttons. Center attachment 300 need not be releasable attached,
but can be permanently sewn or otherwise secured using opposing
edges 302 304 to either center panel 102 or adjacent inner surfaces
120 122 of side arms 104 106, respectively. Center attachment 300
can be relatively thin but can have a differently shaped inner edge
to accommodate, for example, medical conditions that require
additional support. Multiple center attachments can be applied to a
single support structure to provide variably configurations, e.g.,
in a stacked configuration, for a variety of individuals and needs.
Thus, it will be appreciated that center attachment 300 increases
height H1 of center panel 102, enabling multiple configurations of
a single support structure 100.
[0047] Center attachment 300 can be constructed of the same or
differing materials as that of center panel 102, and indeed, it may
be preferable to construct center attachment 300 of firmer or
softer materials depending on the needs of the individual(s) that
will be utilizing the support structure 100. Further, center
attachment 300 can have a separate cover, or can utilize a wrap
that encompasses both the center attachment 300 and center panel
102. Of course, similar considerations as to both the construction
material and cover material should be given as those given above,
e.g., center panel 102 and side arms 104 106.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a side attachment 400 that is analogous to
center attachment 300, although side attachment 400 decreases width
W1 rather than increases height H1. Side attachment is shown
generally cylindrical in shape and it has an edge 402 that can
secure it to side attachment 400 along an inner surface 120 122
(FIGS. 1, 2) or alternatively, to center panel 102 preferably
toward one of the opposing edges 108 110. Although side attachment
400 is shown generally cylindrical in shape, it can be square,
triangular, oval, convex, or concave, or even other shapes. Side
edge 402 can be Velcro.RTM., or utilize snaps to secure width
attachment 400 as described above, or other means can be utilized.
Generally, side attachment 400 is disposed and/or attached to or
near inner surfaces 120 122 of side arms 104 106, and can be used
singularly or can be adapted to be used in multiples. In one
embodiment, side edge 402 is replaced with tabs or other means to
secure it, and one skilled in the art will appreciate such means.
Because side attachment reduces width W1, it should be constructed
of materials suitable for those utilized in side arms 104 106,
although differing materials can be used that are generally firm,
resilient and slightly elastic.
[0049] FIG. 5 illustrated another embodiment according to the
invention of a support structure 500, and is shown as a generally
U-shaped structure having a well-defined center panel 502 and two
side arms 504 506 attached or otherwise secured to center panel
502. Side arms are elongated structure having oval shaped cross
section, although they can have cross-sections that are square,
circular, triangular, concave, convex, rectangular or other shape.
Inner well area 536 has a generally rectangular shape defined by
center panel 502 and side arms 504 506. Thus, and as described
above, an individual can be placed in support structure 500 with
her or his chest and/or belly area resting on center panel 502, her
waist and lower extremities disposed within inner well area 536,
and his or her shoulders and arms extending beyond center panel 502
in an outward direction.
[0050] Support structure 500 is generally analogous to support
structure 100 (FIG. 1) in as much as it has a channel defined by
side arms 504 506 and center panel 502 wherein the individual can
be disposed on a prone (or other) position, and gently constrained
therein by side arms 504 506. Construction of support structure 500
is also as generally described above, and it can utilize a center
attachment and/or side attachments as can support structure 100. It
can be manufacture in a unibody fashion or as multiple
sub-structures secured together as described above.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment according to the
invention of a support structure 600, and shows a generally
U-shaped structure having a well-defined inclining center panel 602
and two side arms 604 606 attached or otherwise secured to center
panel 602. An inclining center panel 602 is advantageous where an
individual should be, or might find it more comfortable, to be in
an inclined position. A slope of inclination can be determined
using considerations such as size, comfort level and/or other
criteria depending on medical condition(s), age, and/or weight of
that individual. It will be appreciated that an analogous support
structure can utilize a center panel with a decline, as well as a
peak topology.
[0052] Illustrative embodiments of the invention being thus
described, variations, modifications and adaptations to various
supporting devices, pillows and apparatus will occur to those
skilled in the art, and these are considered to be within the scope
of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited
by what has been particularly shown and described, but is
understood to encompass such variations, modifications and
adaptations as will occur to those skilled in the art, as defined
by the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.
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