U.S. patent application number 11/399739 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for portable support cushion.
This patent application is currently assigned to Banyan Licensing LC. Invention is credited to Antonio Arcieri, E. Scott Davis.
Application Number | 20060255646 11/399739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37087519 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060255646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; E. Scott ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Portable support cushion
Abstract
A body support cushion including a first section of the cushion
for forming a portion of the surface of the cushion, adapted to
shift from a flattened state to a flexed state and a second section
of the cushion for forming another portion of the surface of the
cushion, adapted to shift from a flattened state to a flexed state.
A hinge couples adjoining edges of the first and second sections. A
first coupling member on the first section is selectively,
releasably coupled to a second coupling member on the second
section to create a body support cushion in which the first and
second sections are flexed which results in a body support cushion
capable of moving from a flattened state to a flexed state. The
body support cushion is particularly suitable for supporting a
user's lower back when sitting in a chair. It is also suitable for
supporting other body parts such as the knee, ankle or even the
back when laying down. It can also be used to support a laptop
computer or other object on one's legs or lap when sitting.
Inventors: |
Davis; E. Scott; (Ft.
Lauderdale, FL) ; Arcieri; Antonio; (Ft. Lauderdale,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AUFRICHTIG STEIN & AUFRICHTIG, P.C.
300 EAST 42ND STREET, 5TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Assignee: |
Banyan Licensing LC
|
Family ID: |
37087519 |
Appl. No.: |
11/399739 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60669679 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/46 20130101; A47B
91/12 20130101; A47B 91/02 20130101; A47C 7/002 20130101; A47C
7/021 20130101; A47C 16/02 20130101; A47B 23/002 20130101; A47C
7/425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.16 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Claims
1. A body support cushion, comprising: A body contacting section; A
support section; A hinge connecting the body contacting section and
the support section and allowing a range of motion including at
least one deployed position and a flattened position; and Coupling
means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of the body
contacting section and the support section to each other in a way
which causes the body contacting section to be flexed.
2. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting
section, the support section and the hinge are formed as a single
member.
3. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the hinge is a
living hinge.
4. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting
section, hinge and support section are coplanar when in the flat
position.
5. The body support cushion on claim 1 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one tab on an end of the body contacting section
and at least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the support
section.
6. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein there are four slots
for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the
body contacting section.
7. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein the at least one tab
is on an end of the body contacting section opposite from the body
contacting section's contact with the hinge.
8. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein the at least one
slot is located proximate the end of the support section opposite
from the support section's contact with the hinge.
9. The body support cushion of claim 5 wherein there are two tabs
and at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and
maintaining the body contacting section under a tension which
results in the body contacting section being flexed in a convex
fashion.
10. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including
engagement means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with
the chair back or other point of contact for support of the body
support cushion, so that the body support cushion in its deployed
condition stays in place before a user's body part is pressed
against the body contacting section.
11. The body support cushion of claim 10 wherein the engagement
means includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly
from the support section.
12. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting
section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally
formed of a single sheet of material.
13. The body support cushion of claim 12 wherein the hinge is a
living hinge.
14. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including aeration
means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the
passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
15. The body support cushion of claim 14 wherein the aeration means
includes a series of rounded openings.
16. The body support cushion of claim 14 wherein the aeration means
includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
17. The body support cushion of claim 1 further including
flexibility enhancing means in the body contacting section for
easing the flexing of the body contacting section relative to the
support section when the body support cushion is in the deployed
condition.
18. The body support cushion of claim 17 wherein the flexibility
enhancing means includes at least one slot oriented to make the
body contacting section more flexible along a direction
substantially parallel to the hinge.
19. The body support cushion of claim 18 wherein the flexibility
enhancing means includes two slots at an acute angle to the hinge
and one slot substantially perpendicular to the hinge.
20. The body support cushion of claim 17 wherein the flexibility
enhancing means includes a plurality of openings in the body
contacting section.
21. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the body contacting
section and the support section are formed separately and connected
with a hinge.
22. The body support cushion of claim 21 wherein the hinge includes
multiple engaging hinge members.
23. The body support cushion of claim 21 wherein the hinge includes
engaging hinge members formed proximate contacting edges of the
body contacting section and the support section.
24. The body support cushion of claim 1, further including a second
hinge in the body contacting section.
25. The body support cushion on claim 1 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end
of the body contacting section and at least one second mating pile
or hook connector for each first mating hook or pile connector
proximate an end of the support section.
26. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein there are two
second mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or
pile connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of
the body contacting section.
27. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein the at least one
first mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the body
contacting section opposite from the body contacting section's
contact with the hinge.
28. The body support cushion of claim 25 wherein the at least one
second mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end
of the support section opposite from the support section's contact
with the hinge.
29. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the lower back of a
user is supported by the body support cushion when it is placed
between the wearer's back and the back of a chair.
30. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the foot of a user
is supported by the body support cushion when it is placed under
the wearer's foot.
31. The body support cushion of claim 1 wherein the knee or leg or
a user is supported when the body support cushion is placed under
the user's leg or knee on a chair.
32. A support cushion, comprising: a supporting section; a base
section; a hinge connecting the supporting section and the base
section and allowing the supporting section and base section a
range of motion including at least one deployed position and a
flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively, releasably
securing portions of the supporting section and the base section to
each other in a way which causes the supporting section to be
flexed.
33. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the supporting section,
base section and hinge are formed as a single piece.
34. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the hinge is a living
hinge.
35. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the supporting section,
hinge and base section are coplanar when in the flat position.
36. The support cushion on claim 32 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one tab on an end of the support section and at
least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the base
section.
37. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein there are four slots
for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the
support section.
38. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein the at least one tab is
on an end of the body contacting section opposite from the body
contacting section's contact with the hinge.
39. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein the at least one slot
is located proximate the end of the support section opposite from
the support section's contact with the hinge.
40. The support cushion of claim 36 wherein there are two tabs and
at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and maintaining
the body contacting section under a tension which results in the
support section being flexed in a convex fashion.
41. The support cushion of claim 32 further including engagement
means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with the chair
back or other point of contact for support of the support cushion,
so that the body support cushion in its deployed condition stays in
place before a user's body part is pressed against the body
contacting section.
42. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the engagement means
includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly from
the support section.
43. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the body contacting
section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally
formed of a single sheet of material.
44. The support cushion of claim 43 wherein the hinge is a living
hinge.
45. The support cushion of claim 32 further including aeration
means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the
passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
46. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the aeration means
includes a series of rounded openings.
47. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the aeration means
includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
48. The support cushion of claim 32 further including flexibility
enhancing means in the support section for easing the flexing of
the support section relative to the base section when the support
cushion is in the deployed condition.
49. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the support section and
the base section are formed separately and connected with a
hinge.
50. The support cushion of claim 49 wherein the hinge includes
multiple engaging hinge members.
51. The support cushion of claim 32, further including a second
hinge in the support section.
52. The support cushion of claim 32 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end
of the support section and at least one second mating pile or hook
connector for each first mating hook or pile connector proximate an
end of the base section.
53. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein there are two second
mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or pile
connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the
support section.
54. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein the at least one first
mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the support section
opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
55. The support cushion of claim 52 wherein the at least one second
mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end of the
base section opposite from the base section's contact with the
hinge.
56. A support cushion, for maintaining an object a distance from a
surface comprising: a supporting section; a base section; a hinge
connecting the supporting section and the base section and allowing
the supporting section and base section a range of motion including
at least one deployed position and a flattened position; and
coupling means, for selectively, releasably securing portions of
the supporting section and the base section to each other in a way
which causes the supporting section to be flexed in the deployed
condition; whereby the support cushion placed on the surface will
maintain an object placed on its supporting section a distance from
the surface in its deployed condition.
57. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the supporting section,
base section and hinge are formed as a single piece.
58. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the hinge is a living
hinge.
59. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the supporting section,
hinge and base section are coplanar when in the flat position.
60. The support cushion on claim 56 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one tab on an end of the support section and at
least one slot for each tab proximate an end of the base
section.
61. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein there are four slots
for each tab, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the
support section.
62. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein the at least one tab is
on an end of the support section opposite from the support
section's contact with the hinge.
63. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein the at least one slot
is located proximate the end of the base section opposite from the
base section's contact with the hinge.
64. The support cushion of claim 60 wherein there are two tabs and
at least one pair of slots for receiving the tabs and maintaining
the support section under a tension which results in the support
section being flexed in a convex fashion.
65. The support cushion of claim 56 further including engagement
means, coupled to the support section, for engaging with the chair
back or other point of contact for support of the body support
cushion, so that the body support cushion in its deployed condition
stays in place before a user's body part is pressed against the
body contacting section.
66. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the engagement means
includes a series of conical projections extending outwardly from
the support section.
67. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the body contacting
section, support section, hinge and coupling means are integrally
formed of a single sheet of material.
68. The support cushion of claim 67 wherein the hinge is a living
hinge.
69. The support cushion of claim 56 further including aeration
means incorporated in the body contacting section for allowing the
passage of air and heat though the body contacting section.
70. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the aeration means
includes a series of rounded openings.
71. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the aeration means
includes at least one slot in the body contacting session.
72. The support cushion of claim 56 further including flexibility
enhancing means in the support section for easing the flexing of
the support section relative to the base section when the support
cushion is in the deployed condition.
73. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the support section and
the base section are formed separately and connected with a
hinge.
74. The support cushion of claim 73 wherein the hinge includes
multiple engaging hinge members.
75. The support cushion of claim 56, further including a second
hinge in the support section.
76. The support cushion of claim 56 wherein the coupling means
includes at least one first mating hook or pile connector on an end
of the support section and at least one second mating pile or hook
connector for each first mating hook or pile connector proximate an
end of the base section.
77. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein there are two second
mating pile or hook connectors for each first mating hook or pile
connector, allowing a range of adjustment of the flexing of the
support section.
78. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein the at least one first
mating hook or pile connector is on an end of the support section
opposite from the support section's contact with the hinge.
79. The support cushion of claim 76 wherein the at least one second
mating pile or hook connector is located proximate the end of the
base section opposite from the base section's contact with the
hinge.
80. A support cushion, for supporting a laptop computer on a
wearer's lap a distance from the lap, comprising: a supporting
section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section
and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base
section a range of motion including at least one deployed position
and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively,
releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base
section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section
to be flexed in the deployed condition; whereby the support cushion
placed on the lap will maintain the laptop computer placed on its
supporting section a distance from the lap in its deployed
condition.
81. A portable shim, for supporting a portion of an object a
distance from a supporting surface, comprising: a supporting
section; a base section; a hinge connecting the supporting section
and the base section and allowing the supporting section and base
section a range of motion including at least one deployed position
and a flattened position; and coupling means, for selectively,
releasably securing portions of the supporting section and the base
section to each other in a way which causes the supporting section
to be flexed in the deployed condition; whereby the support cushion
placed on the supporting surface and under a portion of the object
will maintain the portion of the object placed on its supporting
section a distance from the supporting surface in its deployed
condition.
82. The portable shim of claim 81 wherein the coupling means
includes at least two coupling members which provide a variable
distance of the object from the supporting surface when the shim is
in its deployed condition.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of provisional
application Ser. No. 60/669,679 filed on Apr. 8, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is generally directed to a portable support
cushion which converts from a flat storage position to a three
dimensional engaged position, and specifically to a body support
cushion which provides back support when either sitting or lying
down as well as other uses for the portable support cushion. The
portable support cushion can be stored in a briefcase or other
business container in its flattened condition, taken out and
assembled without any tools for use and then returned to the
briefcase or other container following use for later use at another
time.
[0003] When travelers sit on airplanes, trains or buses the seats
generally provide relatively poor support for the back and, in
particular, the lower back or lumbar region, which can be
uncomfortable or painful for many people. A simple solution for
this is a lumbar pillow or cushion designed to maintain the spine
in the proper orientation. However, prior cushions or lumbar
support members are generally bulky pillows or foam cushions which,
while appropriate and useful in their intended function, are not
convenient for use in travel.
[0004] Regular travelers, often known as "Road Warriors," always
seek to minimize the amount of items carried with them and reduce
the weight and bulk of the items regularly carried with them. As a
result, this important group of travelers, as well as regular bus
and train commuters, are unlikely to obtain any real benefit from
the existing back support cushions, which, while functional, are
not easily transportable due to their failure to compress to a more
manageable size for stowage and transportation of the cushions when
not in use. To the extent that blow-up cushions are utilized, these
require the user to inflate them, which is both inconvenient and
difficult, particularly with airplanes with the changes in altitude
affecting the size and pressure of the cushion.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an enhanced body support
cushion which provides the ability to position the cushion at an
appropriate spot on a chair back or other seating location in a
three dimensionally deployed fashion which has a generally flat
surface which rests against the chair back and a rounded surface
which maintains its shape under pressure to enforce the required
curvature in the lower back, but which can be easily and quickly
converted from a cushion shape to a flat form, where it can be
easily stowed in a briefcase for storage and transportation when
not in use without adding unnecessary weight or bulkiness. There is
also a need for a portable support cushion for supporting other
body parts such as the knees and ankles or objects such as a laptop
computer on the legs and as a variable height shim which may be
used in leveling items for temporary or permanent use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is generally directed to a portable support
cushion, including first and second sections of the cushion for
forming respective portions of the surface of the cushion adapted
to each shift from a flattened state to a flexed state, first and
second coupling members on the respective first and second sections
for selectively, releasably coupling first ends of the first and
second sections to each other, and coupling means coupling the
first and second sections to each other in a position remote from
the point of connection of the first and second coupling members to
enable the first and second sections to be positioned either in a
co-planar position corresponding to a storage configuration and to
an opposed position corresponding to a support cushion
position.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved
body support cushion which is easily transportable in a flat
condition when not in use and easily convertible to a support
cushion configuration.
[0008] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
improved body support cushion designed to provide lumbar support
for the user by resting against a chair back in its deployed
condition and easily convert without tools to a flattened condition
in which it can be easily transported.
[0009] Still a further object of the invention is to provide an
improved body support cushion for supporting the lower back of a
user in either a vertical or horizontal orientation which is
transportable in a relatively flat condition.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
improved transportable laptop support cushion for supporting a
laptop computer on a user's legs to avoid the heat from the laptop
computer's causing discomfort and also providing air around the
laptop computer's base to support cooling, which is easily
converted to a flat form for easy transportation along with the
laptop computer.
[0011] Still a further object of the invention is to provide an
improved body support cushion which is convertible from a
relatively flat form to a deployed form suitable for use as a neck
roll support, foot, ankle, or knee support cushion.
[0012] Yet still a further object of the invention is to provide an
improved transportable body support cushion which stays in place on
the chair back while the user sits down on the chair.
[0013] Still a further object of the invention is to provide an
improved portable support cushion which acts as a shim to elevate a
portion of an object a variety of different distances.
[0014] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will, in
part, be obvious and will, in part, be apparent from the
specification.
[0015] The invention accordingly comprises the features of
construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts
which will be exemplified in the construction as hereinafter set
forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the
Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
had to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the portable support cushion
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the portable support cushion
of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion
of FIGS. 1 and 2 in its flat position;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the
hinge of the portable support cushion of side elevational view of
the body support cushion of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the portable support
cushion of FIGS. 1-3;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion
of FIG. 1 in a first adjustment point of its deployed position;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable support cushion
of FIG. 1 in a second adjustment point of its deployed
position;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 1 in a third adjustment point of its deployed
position;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 1 in a fourth adjustment point of its deployed
position;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with the invention supporting a user's back
while seated in a chair;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the portable support
cushion of FIG. 14 in use as in FIG. 14 with the portable support
cushion shown in phantom;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portable support cushion
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention; and
[0039] FIG. 23 is a further perspective view of a portable support
cushion in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1-5 wherein a portable
support cushion generally indicated as 100 constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is
depicted. Like elements are represented by like reference numerals.
Portable support cushion 100 as seen in FIG. 5 is a flat, thin
member, preferably injection molded out of a plastic material as a
single, integral unit. In a current preferred embodiment portable
support cushion 100 is used as a body support cushion in connection
with a chair, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15. The discussion will focus
initially on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 particularly
suitable for use as a body support cushion for providing back
support as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0041] Support cushion 100 includes chair side cushion 101 and body
side cushion 102 connected with a hinge 103. In a current preferred
embodiment of the invention hinge 103 as best seen in FIG. 5 and
the enlarged partial view of FIG. 4, is formed as a living hinge
which is a reduced thickness portion of plastic which allows the
two sections 101, 102 to rotate about the connecting line formed by
hinge 103 but permanently securing the two sections 101, 102
together. The living hinge is formed in accordance with
conventional technology dependent on the materials utilized,
molding process and dimensions of the portable support cushion
100.
[0042] A series of engaging slots 104, 105 are found in chair side
cushion section 101 and are adapted to receive tabs 106, 107
respectively in body side cushion section 102. The slots 104, 105
are preferably slightly angled as shown in the drawings and are
preferably about 25 or 30 percent of the way in from each edge of
section 101 to minimize distortion and provide a relatively uniform
flexed contact surface. The engagement of tabs 106, 107 in one of
the sets of slots 104, 105 allows the user to adjust the relative
thickness and stiffness of the body support cushion 100 in its
engaged or deployed state as shown in FIGS. 6-13. Each of the pairs
of Figures, starting with FIGS. 6 and 7 and including FIGS. 8 and
9, FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIGS. 12 and 13 is a perspective view of one
of the four different engagement points of the portable support
cushion 200 and its corresponding side elevational view. Cushion
200 varies from Cushion 100 only by addition of two additional
slots 122, 123. The variation in slots corresponding to the tabs
allows the thickness and curvature of the portable support cushion
to be adjusted so that it fits the intended need most closely. As
seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13, the thickness of the arc of body
side cushion section 102 can be increased or decreased by selecting
a different slot 104, 105 to engage tabs 106, 107.
[0043] Body side cushion section 102 is anticipated to both rest
against the user's back or other body part and have the substantial
bulk of the curvature in the engaged state. Holes 108 shown on body
side cushion section 102 create air holes which serve several
functions. First, they allow air and heat to escape so that the use
of body support cushion 100 does not cause the user's body to sweat
excessively in the area of the body support cushion. In addition,
they enhance the flexibility of the body side cushion section 102
so that when tabs 106, 107 are engaged with slots 104, 105, more of
the tension in the panels is converted into bending by the body
side cushion section 102 than the chair side cushion section 101.
Another purpose is to reduce the overall weight of the body support
cushion 100 so that during transportation in a briefcase or other
transport device when not deployed, its weight is reduced. Curved
slots 109, 110 and straight slot 111 in body side cushion section
102 are used to enhance the flexibility of body side cushion
section 102 further. They provide enhanced flexibility both
parallel to hinge 103 and at varying angles through an angle
perpendicular of hinge 103. The slots can be changed to enhance the
flexibility or stiffen the surface. To make the surface more
compliant additional changes can be made such as making the section
102 thinner either in total or in selected areas. In this way the
surface will fit more smoothly against the user's back or in
supporting some other body part or item.
[0044] Connection nubs 112, shown on the surface of chair side
cushion section 101 are formed in a current preferred embodiment of
the invention as cone-shaped extensions having a height between
1/32.sup.nd and 1/4.sup.th of an inch in length, more preferably
between 1/16.sup.th of an inch and 1/8.sup.th of an inch and, even
more preferably, about 3/32nds of an inch in length. Alternatively,
a Velcro.RTM. hook and pile connector hook pad can be affixed to
the outer surface of the chair side cushion section to serve the
same purpose. The connection nubs 112 or hook and pile type
connector serve the function of providing sufficient frictional
contact with the seat after the user positions the body support
cushion before the cushion is held in place by the force of the
wearer's back on the cushion and chair. The connection is not so
strong as to prevent the user from adjusting the position of body
support cushion 100 in place once the user is seated on the
chair.
[0045] Reference is next made to FIGS. 6-13 wherein the body
support cushion 100 is shown in its deployed state with tabs 106,
107 engaged in slots 104, 105. To assemble the cushion from its
storage condition as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the user merely
folds sections 101 and 102 along the hinge 103 exerting sufficient
force to bend sections 101 and 102, though primarily section 102
will deflect, until tabs 106, 107 align with one of the series of
slots 104, 105 and then lock in place. Because of the absence of
additional slots or other openings in section 101, as are found on
body side cushion section 102, on chair side cushion section 101
and its smaller width as compared to body side cushion section 102
(which includes slits 108, 109, 110 and 111 and is wider, which
enables section 102 to curve along an axis parallel to hinge 103
more easily than section 101), chair side cushion section 101 tends
to remain relatively flat in the deployed state. The effect of
this, as seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13 is that the section 102 is
more curved than section 101. While the figures show the section
101 nearly straight there is generally some flexing of Section 101,
though not nearly as much as is found in section 102. Section 101
is designed to be stiffer than Section 102 so that the tension in
the cushion 100 is held by section 101 and stored in the curved
section 102 like a spring.
[0046] While hinge 103 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is a living hinge
which is continuous across the entire width of the connection
between sections 101 and 102, a living hinge or even a hinge formed
with separate sections 101, 102 is possible where, for example,
there are two or three sections of hinges with hinge portions like
the two or three hinges on a door. Alternatively, rather than
having sections 301, 302 permanently attached to each other, they
can be removably attached as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 16
and 17. In FIG. 16, portable support cushion 300 includes two
discrete hooking hinges 331, 332 which engage with slots 333 and
334, respectively to allow sections 101, 102 to rotate with respect
to each other without otherwise moving laterally, much in the same
way as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. Similarly, in the embodiment of
FIG. 17, portable support cushion 400 includes two discrete
sections 401, 402 which are releasably connectable to each other
with hook 431 and hook 432 which run along the length of sections
401, 402, respectively and engage in the same way as the living
hinge or the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0047] In another current preferred embodiment of the invention, as
shown in FIG. 19, portable support cushion 600 includes sections
601, 602 and hinge 103(not shown), as in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-5, but also includes a second hinge 605 which divides section 602
into two sub-sections 603, 604. In its deployed mode, as shown, the
cushion 600 takes on a triangular rather than curved profile on the
top. This is suitable for applications like supporting under a
wearer's knee or ankle or to support the leg or for supporting an
item which would be held in place by the triangular shape of the
support surface.
[0048] In a current preferred embodiment of the invention the body
support cushion 100 including sections 101 and 102 and living hinge
103 are formed from polypropylene, which are injection molded. The
cushion 100 is preferably made of sheets of polypropylene, such as
1/16 inch sheets, though different thicknesses are appropriate
depending on the use of the cushion and the specific
characteristics of the material used. Alternate plastics may be
injection molded including Delrin.RTM. from DuPont and other
plastics which exhibit the required physical characteristics which
include the ability to form a living hinge, sufficient flexibility
to allow the bending and supporting functions without splintering
or cracking, and sufficient stiffness to create a tension force
which provides the support in the cushion. The body support cushion
can be manufactured from other materials which have the appropriate
characteristics which are not plastics as well, though the current
preferred embodiment is to injection mold polypropylene.
[0049] While slots 104, 105 and tabs 106, 107 are used in a current
embodiment of the invention, other conventional connectors may also
be suitably used such as pins and holes or the like. Also, as shown
in FIG. 18, the portable support cushion 500, including sections
501, 502 connected by living hinge 503 are connected on the other
end with hook and pile connectors 506 and 507, 508. In this
embodiment there are only two pads 507, 508 which can be
selectively utilized with the pad 506 to allow adjustment. In other
embodiments more rows of pads can be used as in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5 with four sets of slots. The only requirement is that the
connection be sufficiently sturdy.
[0050] In a current preferred embodiment of the invention, in the
flattened position the body support cushion has dimensions which
are sized so that it has dimensions approximately 81/2 by 11 inches
so that it fits into similar files or folders as traditional sized
81/2 by 11 inch paper. Variations in size are possible for bigger
or smaller sizes. In other preferred embodiments of the invention
where the body support cushion is used for the neck, ankle or knee
support or to support a laptop computer, a smaller flat size of the
body support cushion may be utilized.
[0051] The multiple slots 104, 105 provide the user with the
ability to adjust the degree of curvature and volume most suitable
to that user's physique and comfort when it is used as a body
support cushion. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when used as a lumbar
support, the body support cushion 100 is trapped in place between
the chair 11 on the back and user 10 and in particular the buttocks
and back on the bottom and top, respectively.
[0052] Reference is next made to FIG. 20 wherein a portable support
cushion 800 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention is shown. The cushion 800 can be made in accordance with
the various alternatives described above. In this case it is used
to support a person's foot 14 off the ground while the person 10
sits on chair 11. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, a portable
support cushion 700 resting under a person's leg 15 supports the
knee off the chair 11.
[0053] Reference is next made to FIG. 22 wherein a portable,
adjustable laptop support cushion 900 constructed in accordance
with another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.
Support cushion 900 acts to support a laptop computer 30 on a
user's lap 15 and provides several benefits. It provides for air to
flow around and under the laptop so it doesn't overheat which often
happens when it sits on a person's lap for any period of time.
Also, it prevents the person's legs from getting overheated due to
sitting under the hot laptop. In addition, it allows, with its
adjustability, as with the cushion 100, to adjust the height of the
laptop to an ergonomically suitable location.
[0054] Reference is next made to FIG. 23 wherein a portable,
adjustable shim 1000 constructed in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Shim 1000 acts to
support a leg 41 of table 40 to level the table's top. The shim can
be used in a wide variety of applications for temporary or
permanent leveling needs. Generally, the shims can be made much
smaller than the cushions 100 which would be used as a back support
cushion. The shims have the multiple slots for the tabs, or other
closures which allows the user to adjust their thickness which is a
critical element of the operability of a shim which is used to add
a spacer to a required location. The shims 1000 can be adjusted
easily and transported flat to the appropriate location where they
are assembled and used. A variety of sizes of shims can be
manufactured and brought to a location in a flat form which makes
transportation and leveling of a variety of furniture, appliance,
work surface and other objects.
[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the surface
of the body side support section 102, which contacts the user's
body can be softened or cushioned by adding a foam pad or similar
element which does not significantly increase the thickness of the
body support cushion in its flattened state.
[0056] In use, a traveler boarding a plane, bus or train, as they
are getting settled, would remove the flat body support cushion 100
from their briefcase, where it lays flat along with other papers
and files, fold it and engage tabs 106, 107 in slots 104, 105 to
the desired position and then position the deployed body support
cushion 100 with the relatively flat surface of section 101 and the
conical points 112 against the chair back at the appropriate height
and then situation themselves in the chair. Any adjustments to the
positioning could be done while the user is already seated by
merely leaning forward and readjusting the positioning. When the
user is ready to leave the plane, train or bus, they need merely
lean forward, remove the body support cushion 100 from behind them,
disengage tabs 106, 107 from slots 104, 105, flatten the sections
101, 102 along hinge 103 and reinsert the flattened body support
cushion 100 back into their briefcase. A travel case can be
provided which prevents wear and tear on the body support cushion
100 and, in another preferred embodiment of the invention be placed
over the deployed components like a pillow case to provide a more
finished look and feel as well as some cushioning.
[0057] Accordingly, an improved body support cushion which is
suitable for traveling and is easily transportable in a flat
condition and then deployed without the need for any tools to a
support cushion condition is provided. The body support cushion is
also suitable for supporting a laptop computer on a user's legs to
avoid excess heat build up and allow air circulation around the
laptop computer. The body support cushion, in addition to
supporting the lumbar region of the wearer's back, may also be used
to support below the user's knees, ankles or lumbar support region
while laying horizontally.
[0058] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent in the preceding description, are efficiently
obtained and, since certain changes may be made in the above
constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
[0059] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention, herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
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