U.S. patent application number 10/921198 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for meditation support.
Invention is credited to Ronald Green.
Application Number | 20060037143 10/921198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35908262 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060037143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Ronald |
February 23, 2006 |
Meditation support
Abstract
Mediation sitting cushions and mats allow the user to meditate
in comfort for great lengths of time, avoiding stress and pain
often caused by traditional meditation cushions and mats. The
layered mediation sitting cushions and mats combine a slow recovery
visco-elastic foam ("VEF"), having load deformation properties and
densities, with one or more base layers of a batting support. The
sitting cushions and mats enable a person seated in traditional
meditation positions to achieve a comfortable posture, regardless
of the meditator's size or weight. The sitting cushions and mats
also allow people to meditate in traditional cross-legged or
kneeling postures comfortably, without irritation or pain. The
mediation sitting cushions and mats also maintain of the pelvis in
a neutral or slightly anterior position, resulting in proper
alignment of the pelvis and spine, which minimizes the muscular and
ligamentous strain caused by sitting in stillness for long periods
of time.
Inventors: |
Green; Ronald; (Mount
Tremper, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALFRED M. WALKER
225 OLD COUNTRY ROAD
MELVILLE
NY
11747-2712
US
|
Family ID: |
35908262 |
Appl. No.: |
10/921198 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/653 ; 5/652;
5/953 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 15/004 20130101;
A47C 16/04 20130101; A47C 7/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/653 ;
005/652; 005/953 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/14 20060101
A47C027/14; A47C 27/15 20060101 A47C027/15 |
Claims
1. A meditation sitting cushion comprising: an upper layer of slow
recovery, low resilience, temperature sensitive visco-elastic foam;
and a lower, less compressive supporting layer of material selected
from a group consisting essentially of buckwheat hulls, spelt hulls
and kapok natural fiber for providing provides a firm base of
support, said lower layer and said upper layer being enclosed
together in a cover material, said lower and upper layers adapted
to maintain a proper alignment of pelvis and spine of a sitting
user on said cushion.
2. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 1, having a separation
layer of durable material between said upper and lower layers.
3-6. (canceled)
7. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 1, in which said cover
material is a durable fabric.
8. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 7, in which said cover
material is a cotton fabric.
9. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 8, in which said cushion
is approximately 6 to 18 inches in height.
10. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 9, in which said
cushion is round with a diameter of approximately 8 to 15
inches.
11. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 10, in which said upper
layer is approximately 2 to 3 inches in thickness.
12. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 11, in which said lower
layer is approximately 6 to 15 inches in thickness, thereby being
more than double the thickness of the upper layer.
13. The meditation sitting cushion of claim 12 in which said
meditation sitting cushion is substantially cylindrical.
14. A meditation mat comprising: a layer of slow recovery, low
resilience, temperature sensitive visco-elastic foam enclosed
between an upper layer of cotton batting and a lower layer of
cotton batting.
15. (canceled)
16. The meditation mat of claim 14, in which said of visco-elastic
foam is approximately one inch in thickness.
17. The meditation mat of claim 16, in which said upper layer of
cotton batting and said lower layer of cotton batting are each
approximately 1 to 4 inches in thickness.
18. The meditation mat of claim 17, in which said mat is
approximately 3 to 6 inches in height.
19. The meditation mat of claim 14, in which said foam, upper layer
and lower layer are enclosed together in a cover material.
20. The meditation mat of claim 19, in which said cover material is
a durable fabric.
21. The meditation mat of claim 20, in which said cover material is
a cotton fabric.
22. A support for a user in a meditative state comprising: a
sitting cushion on a mat; said sitting cushion comprising an upper
layer of visco-elastic foam and a lower, supporting base layer of
firm supportive material; and said mat comprising a layer of
visco-elastic foam enclosed between layers of cotton batting.
23. (canceled)
24. The support of claim 22, in which said sitting cushion and said
mat are each covered by a fabric material.
25. The support of claim 24, in which said fabric cover material is
a durable fabric.
26. The support of claim 24, in which said fabric cover material is
a cotton fabric.
27. A method of meditation comprising the steps of: placing a round
sitting cushion on a mat, said sitting cushion comprising an upper
layer of visco-elastic foam and a lower, supporting layer of
buckwheat hulls, and said mat comprising a middle layer of
visco-elastic foam enclosed in layers of cotton batting; a user
assuming a meditative sitting position on said sitting cushion and
mat, said user positioning on said cushion at a location to
maximize a surface area in contact with said cushion and to engage
sitting bones of said user and tilting a pelvis of said user
forward while creating a pocket that holds the pelvis in place,
said upper layer of visco-elastic foam in said cushion and said
middle layer of visco-elastic foam in said mat redistributing
weight bearing surfaces and softening upon exposure to body
temperature.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to meditation supports, such as a
meditation cushion or mediation mat, or a combination thereof,
which incorporate a visco-elastic foam that promotes proper posture
and comfort for sitting in meditation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Historically, the sitting cushion used in meditation--called
a zafu--has been round and low, frequently having dimensions of
approximately 7 inches high and 16 inches in diameter. The
traditional filling in zafus is kapok, a natural fiber obtained
from Kapok tree seedpods. In the 2500 year history of meditation
cushions, traditionally a meditation cushion is a single composite
of cushioning material within an outer cover, not a cushion of
layered materials.
[0003] A person mediating would typically be seated in a
cross-legged fashion on zafus sitting cushion. In these postures,
the legs are crossed or folded in front of the sitter in what is
called "lotus posture" or one of its variations. The meditator's
knees can rest on the floor and the cushion supports his or her sit
bones. Alternatively, meditators use a kneeling posture called
seiza. In this kneeling posture, the person's weight and bones
which contact the cushion are again supported (by the cushion)
which the meditator straddles.
[0004] Under the cushion is a meditation mat called zabuton. The
typical measurements for such mats is approximately 32'' by 27''
and 3-6'' high. A traditional mat has cotton batting contained in a
seamed natural or synthetic cover. The zabuton provides the
meditator with a kind of "pillow" for the legs, giving some added
support, warmth, and protection from the hard floor underneath.
With prolonged use, the mat will eventually compress, becoming thin
and less able to support the meditator's weight in a comfortable
manner. Even when the mat is new and full, it lacks the ability to
accommodate to the specific body weight of the meditator without
over compressing, which results in the meditator's knees pressing
against the hard floor.
[0005] Mediation cushions of kapok have commonly noted problems
associated with their use.
[0006] There are two main reasons why sitting in meditation causes
physical pain: First, the sitting bones are not elevated at the
proper height. When the height isn't right for the individual,
there is stress on knees and/or ankles that causes pain. Both
too-high seats and too-low seats cause problems. In general, the
more flexible an individual is, the lower the seat can be without
causing difficulty.
[0007] Second, the sitting cushion is too hard. In this case the
unforgiving material pressed against the buttocks blocks
circulation, presses on nerves and causes discomfort and pain or
complete loss of feeling.
[0008] The traditional material for meditation cushions is kapok.
An individual kapok cushion can be adjusted for height and firmness
by added or removing material. However, there is a limit due to the
compressibility of the kapok itself. If a relatively high seat is
required (as when the meditator has limited flexibility in hips and
knees) the amount of kapok need to achieve that height is so great
that it produces a seat that is extremely firm. The firm seat
causes a problem because it is too hard.
[0009] This is the sitting cushion dilemma. If the cushion is stiff
enough to give enough lift, it is also likely to cause pressure
problems because of that very stiffness.
[0010] With buckwheat hulls it is possible to achieve greater lift
with much less material, because the material does not compress. At
the same time, as with a fully stuffed kapok cushion, a buckwheat
hull seat is very hard and causes discomfort when used for extended
periods.
[0011] Typically meditators deal with these limitations by shifting
back and forth among imperfect alternatives, since difficulties
usually take a few sitting periods to become extreme. Up until now
the only other solution (which is not available to all) is to
increase flexibility or lose weight to the point where a relatively
soft kapok cushion is adequate to achieve a comfortable height.
[0012] Kapok-filled cushions are very firm initially, and soften
gradually over time. Both the initial firmness and the long-term
softness present physical difficulties for meditators. A new kapok
cushion is usually too hard for most meditators. Its firmness
frequently results in numbness to the legs and genitals lasting for
the duration of the meditation period, and sometimes beyond. As the
cushion softens, it loses its `loft` and begins to sink. This
results in a softer but lower cushion, which can cause additional
strain on the bent knees and back from a lower than comfortable
position. Although additional kapok can be added to the cushion,
kapok does present certain hazards during handling. The fine
cotton-like strands can be irritating when inhaled and thus
necessitate the use of a mask when handling kapok.
[0013] Most significantly, the ever-changing nature of kapok leads
to a constant variation in cushion density and height, which in
turn results in less than consistent comfort for the meditator.
Common complaints associated with the use of kapok-filled cushions
include: back pain, knee pain (due to cushions that are either too
high or too low), pain over the sacrum (tail bone) from pressure of
the unyielding cushion, and numbness in the legs or genital area
due to pressure on the sciatic nerve or other nerves running near
the `sit bones` that bear the weight in meditating.
[0014] Sitting cushions sometimes contain only buckwheat hulls and
also generate common problems associated with physical discomfort,
particularly numbness in the legs where the edge of the
bucket-filled cushion contacts the sciatic nerve area under the
buttock. In addition, pain in the sacral area or on the `sit bones`
themselves commonly occurs due to the unyielding nature of the
buckwheat hulls. The buckwheat hulls, while having some ability to
shift and `hold` the weight of the person's buttocks, are a
virtually incompressible material and thus `push back` onto the
offered weight, frequently creating discomfort.
[0015] Meditators typically sit completely motionless for some
time, often approximately from 20 minutes to an hour. During longer
retreats held periodically at meditation or religious centers
and/or monasteries, meditators may sit for twelve or more 35-minute
periods per day. Physical discomfort, which at times can be
significant, frequently appears. The pain associated with
meditation is most commonly present in the knees, ankles, hips,
back and neck, and older meditators are particularly susceptible to
it. However, younger people also have limitations such as previous
injuries, arthritis, and/or chronic illness which create pain while
sitting still for long periods of time. In addition, there is the
general stiffness and discomfort that are the natural result of
sitting still in one position over long periods of time. Lastly,
meditating at all is difficult for some people, especially if they
are unable to find a cushion and mat that will allow them to
participate in the meditation sessions comfortably, without having
to bear significant pain. For these reasons, there is at present a
real need for a meditation cushion and mat that alleviate the
discomfort associated with seated meditation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a meditation support which allow the user to meditate in
comfort and avoid the stress and pain often caused by previously
known types of cushions and mats.
[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
meditation support to enable a person seated in traditional
meditative positions to achieve a comfortable posture, regardless
of the meditator's size or weight.
[0018] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
meditation support which maintains the pelvis in a neutral or
slightly anterior position, resulting in proper alignment of the
pelvis and spine during meditation.
[0019] It is yet another object to provide cushions and mats that
allow meditators who have painful conditions and have no available
means to meditate in the traditional cross-legged or kneeling
postures, to be able to do so in a comfortable way as provided by
the different and superior advantages of the present invention over
previously crafted cushions and mats.
[0020] It is further an object to provide cushions and mats to
meditators that accommodate the weight-bearing and
weight-supporting body structures by maximizing the surface area
that holds the weight in contact with the supporting cushion or mat
during meditation.
[0021] It is also the object of the present invention to provide
cushions and mats that prevent or limit numbness or pressure-caused
pain in the knees, legs, genital and buttock, and thigh areas, by
combining visco-elastic foam and supporting materials.
SUMMARY
[0022] In keeping with these objects and others which may become
apparent, the present invention includes a mediation support which
includes a sitting cushion including a layer of slow recovery, low
resilience, temperature sensitive foam and a layer of supportive
material that provides a firm base of support. An optional mat
includes a layer of slow recovery, low resilience, temperature
sensitive foam, an upper layer of cotton batting, and a lower layer
of cotton batting. Individually or in combination the cushion,
and/or mat provide support for a user in a meditative state, with
the spine in a comfortable position of alignment.
[0023] The cushion of the present inventions relieves pain that is
unrelieved by traditional cushions. The cushion uniquely combines a
soft flexible accommodative foam with a firm base of buckwheat that
is supportive and maintains the essential height.
[0024] In that case, both pain sources identified above are
avoided.
[0025] The new cushion design is a solution for those who are too
heavy or too stiff to use kapok comfortably. It solves the problem
by using a base layer that provides lift, while adding a surface
layer that is so soft and enveloping that it creates no pressure
points. The result, at last, is lift without pressure.
[0026] Of course, in a sense this is not an original principle. The
traditional buggy seat or chair, in which a horsehair layer is
positioned over a web of springs is another expression of the same
principle of providing a supportive base with a cushioning layer.
The difference in the present invention is that the cushioning
layer is an ideal cushioning material, and the supportive base is a
proven material. Either one of these alone is inadequate. The
combination of these two is not likely, since the visco-elastic
foam, in the context of sitting cushions, is far too soft and
compressible to be considered a suitable meditation cushion
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present invention can best be understood in connection
with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is
not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in
which:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sitting cushion of
visco-elastic foam and a supporting structure of buckwheat hulls
encased in a covering;
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional detail view of the sitting
cushion, taken along the dashed line circle "2" in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a zabuton sitting
mat.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional detail view of a portion of
the zabuton mat, taken along arrows "4-4" of FIG. 3, showing the
zabuton mat having three sections shown, a layer of cotton batting,
a layer of visco-elastic foam, and a layer of cotton batting;
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a prior art silhouette of a person seated in
meditation on a standard; previously- known, non visco-elastic
zabuton and standard, previously-known, non visco-elastic zafu,
with a misaligned spinal position and a negative pelvic tilt; shown
by the directional arrows therein; and,
[0033] FIG. 6 shows a silhouette of a person seated in meditation
on a sitting cushion zafu of this disclosure, and a zabuton of this
disclosure, with the resultant proper spinal alignment in a neutral
or slightly anterior position, with a positive pelvic tilt shown by
the directional arrows therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 6, the present disclosure relates
to mediation sitting cushions and mats, such as sitting cushion 1
and mat 10, individually or in combination, which allow the user to
meditate in comfort and avoid the stress and pain often caused by
previously known types of prior art buckwheat cushions and cotton
mats, shown in FIG. 5, especially for those who meditate for great
lengths of time.
[0035] Mediation sitting cushion 1 and mat 10 combine a slow
recovery visco-elastic foam ("VEF"), having load deformation
properties and densities, with buckwheat layers, or similar
materials such as kapok, buckwheat hulls, or cotton batting
support. Meditation sitting cushion 1 and mat 10 enable a person
seated in traditional meditative positions to achieve a comfortable
posture, regardless of the meditator's size or weight. Meditation
sitting cushion 1 and mat 10 also allow people who often have no
other available venue to meditate in the traditional cross-legged
or kneeling postures comfortably, without irritating or causing
painful conditions.
[0036] Meditation sitting cushion 1 and mat 10 accommodate the
weight-bearing and weight-supporting body structures by maximizing
the surface area that holds the weight in contact with the sitting
cushion 1 or mat 10 during meditation. Meditation cushion 1 and mat
10 also prevent or limit numbness, or pressure-caused pain, in the
knees, legs, genital and buttock, and thigh areas, by combining
visco-elastic foam and supporting materials.
[0037] Meditation sitting cushion 1 and mat 10 also maintain of the
pelvis in a neutral or slightly anterior position, resulting in
proper alignment of the pelvis and spine. Proper alignment
minimizes the muscular and ligamentous strain caused by sitting in
stillness for long periods of time.
[0038] Mediation sitting cushion 1, which may be provided in
various dimensions, with different heights and amount of base
material, such as for example, buckwheat hulls, may allow people of
different body types, physical dimensions and different needs to
find a cushion that provides maximum comfort.
[0039] Visco-elastic foam (VEF) is also known as "memory" foam and
has an open-cell type of flexible polyurethane foam, which can
redistribute weight of G-Force magnitude, while providing general
comfort over long periods of time. VEF is typified by its slow
recovery after compression. When a human body, or other weighted
object, is positioned on VEF, the foam progressively conforms to
the shape of the object. Once the weight is removed, the foam
slowly resumes its initial shape, which allows sitting cushion 1
and mat 10 to be used by different mediators over time.
[0040] Although most urethanes form fast-recovery foams that have a
force approximately equal to the load, VEF has the ability to
absorb shock because of its low resilience, and lack of the
`springiness` of other polyurethane foams. In addition, VEF reacts
to body heat given off by the user of the mediation sitting cushion
or mat, and softens the VEF to more easily adjust to body contours
of the user to provide comfort for long mediation periods.
[0041] The viscous response of VEF provides a relatively even
distribution of the user's weight, while the elastic response
allows the foam to support a static load of the user's weight. VEF
materials "flow" away from the point of contact and redistribute
under the applied pressure of the weight. However, the force that
is the elastic component of the equation is not proportional to the
displacement. Since VEF can distribute the weight more evenly, the
user can avoid pressure spots that can restrict blood circulation
in the load bearing areas and account for discomfort and
fatigue.
[0042] Body accommodating and heat sensitive visco-elastic bearing
meditation cushion 1, with its superior "buttock envelopment"
properties, holds the pelvis in correct alignment. This alignment
leads to decreased strain and tension on supporting neuro-muscular
and connective tissue structures to hold the body still in
meditative positions. Therefore, VEF is an excellent support
surface for meditators, especially when combined with a stable but
accommodative supporting material such as buckwheat layers, or
similar materials such as kapok or buckwheat hulls (in the case of
the meditation cushion 1), and cotton batting support (in the case
of the meditation mat 10).
[0043] VEF provides many advantages for use in a mediation sitting
cushion. VEF has a slow recovery upon load removal, and therefore
it does not return stored energy (for example, applied body weight)
to the next user. It has a slow conformation to static loads while
retaining a natural resistance to bottoming out during higher,
short duration dynamic loading (such as when a person sits down on
a meditation cushion). VEF has temperature sensitivity (softening
as temperature rises), which provides a desirable softer zone
adjacent to the skin, supported by a stiffer region away from the
skin. This increases the supportive weight-bearing surface, a
critical feature that allows a maximum weight distribution away
from the usual weight-bearing areas of the `sit bones` and knees of
the meditator. VEF may be use in different densities, and
indentation load deflection values, and thickness of materials,
which can combine to allow the use of the different foams for
different load weights for meditation cushion 1 and meditation mat
10.
[0044] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, mediation sitting cushion 1
may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape and can raise the
user approximately 6 to 18 inches above the floor. Meditation
cushion 1 incorporates upper visco-elastic foam (VEF) layer 2 of
approximately 2-3 inches in depth having a density that is
sufficient to support body weight and accommodate weight-bearing
surface of the body that is in contact with VEF layer 2. This
accommodation ensures the proper ergonomic postural position of the
weight-bearing sit bones, thus promoting a forward curve in the
lumbar spine and proper alignment of the head and neck, as shown in
FIG. 6. Since the position of the pelvis will determine the shape
of the spine due to the relatively rigid connection between the
base of the spine and the pelvis, a slightly forward or neutral
pelvic tilt automatically produces the optimal lumbar curve.
Mediation sitting cushion 1 provides a location to engage the
ischial tuberosities ("sitting bones"), and helps to tilt the
pelvis forward while creating a pocket that holds the pelvis in
this position. The full-length postural alignment supports the body
in this neutral position, which the most efficient weight-bearing
posture while sitting, and significantly decreases muscle, joint
and skeletal stress and pain during mediations with prior art
cushions and mats, over long periods in still positions, as shown
in prior art FIG. 5.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6, base layer 4, such as a layer
of beaded supportive material, such as a plurality of buckwheat
hulls or a layer of other similarly supportive materials, such as,
for example, spelt hulls or kapok, provides a firm base for the
foam to rest on as a lower layer, and act as a base that is less
compressive than upper VEF layer 2 to support the body weight of
the user in a stable manner. The height of base layer 4 can
variable and modified to accommodate a particular user, and
typically base layer 4 can range from 6 to 15 inches. These typical
ranges can result in a total mediation sitting cushion height for
meditation cushion 1 of between approximately 8-18 inches. The
diameter of meditation cushion 1 may also vary to accommodate a
particular user, and can typically be from 8 to 15 inches in width.
Other geometrically shaped cushions (not shown) such as square,
rectangular, or variable shaped would be similarly sized. In
addition, mediation sitting cushion 1 may be constructed to
accommodate a wide variety of multiple users by employing larger
dimensions.
[0046] As further shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6, upper VEF layer 2 and
lower base 4 of mediation sitting cushion 1 are preferably
separated and protected by cover 8 and optional separation layer 9,
which may be of any durable material, for example, cotton, muslin,
cotton polyester blends, synthetic materials and the like.
[0047] The construction of mediation sitting cushion 1 (as shown in
FIGS. 1-2 and 6), using upper VEF layer 2 in combination with
supporting lower base layer 4, allows for a firm but accommodative
base surface that maximizes comfort, maintains stability and
provides a long lasting and consistent supportive surface in
meditation, while holding the pelvis in a neutral or slightly
anterior aligned pelvic position. Lower base layer 4, such as a
buckwheat base layer, prevents the over-compression of upper VEF
layer 2 of the mediation sitting cushion 1, which would results in
changes in height and lead to incorrect positioning.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 6, meditation mat 10 contains
middle VEF layer 12, which may typically be 2-3 inches thick, as in
FIG. 4. Middle VEF layer 12 is located between respective upper and
lower batting layers 16, 17, typically cotton or other durable
material, located respectively above and below middle VEF layer 12.
Middle VEF layer 12 surrounded by upper and lower batting layers
16, is protected by cover 18 which may be of any durable material,
for example, cotton, muslin, cotton polyester blends, synthetic
materials and the like. Middle VEF layer 12 is preferably separated
from upper and lower batting layers 16 by separation layers 19 and
20. The size of meditation mat 10 may typically be 3-6 inches in
height, and typically range approximately from 20 to 30 inches in
length and width.
[0049] Mediation mat 10 (as shown in FIGS. 34 and 6) is typically
used under mediation sitting cushion 1, although both may also be
used individually, to lessen or prevent painful pressure on the
users' knees where contact is made with the floor or traditional
mats during long periods of sitting. Mediation mat 10 can lessen or
prevent pain in the knees and other joints whether the user is
sitting in a cross-legged posture in which the lateral (outside)
portion of the knees bears the weight, or in a kneeling posture
where weight is borne on the inferior portion of the kneecaps.
[0050] It is further known that while the preferred embodiment is
use of the combination of meditation cushion 8 and meditation mat
10 together, it is known that each can be used separately during
meditation.
[0051] In the foregoing description, certain terms are used to
illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary
limitations are to be construed by the terms used, since the terms
and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit
the scope of the present invention.
[0052] It is further known that other modifications may be made to
the present invention, without departing the scope of the
invention, as noted in the appended claims.
* * * * *