U.S. patent application number 13/350494 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for anatomically-correct support systems and methods for a reclining person.
Invention is credited to Mark Vincent Riccabona.
Application Number | 20120180219 13/350494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489574 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riccabona; Mark Vincent |
July 19, 2012 |
ANATOMICALLY-CORRECT SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A RECLINING
PERSON
Abstract
The present invention provides a neutral spine support system
that includes a lower body bolster, an upper body supporter and an
optional coverall. The lower body bolster includes a raised leg
supporter, a leg spacer and a pelvic supporter, while the upper
body supporter includes a back support, a neck rest, a head cradle,
a right head support and a left head support. The raised leg
supporter supports the legs in a raised-knee position, and includes
cutouts to reduce direct knee pressure. The pelvic supporter
supports the user's pelvic region and rotates the sacrum base
upwards while avoiding direct sacrum pressure. The back support
keeps the user's upper and middle spine in an open and neutral
position.
Inventors: |
Riccabona; Mark Vincent;
(San Francisco, CA) |
Family ID: |
46489574 |
Appl. No.: |
13/350494 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61483182 |
May 6, 2011 |
|
|
|
61432680 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 ;
5/648 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/021
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/636 ;
5/648 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/00 20060101
A47C020/00 |
Claims
1. A lower body bolster useful in association with a reclining
user, the bolster comprising: a raised leg supporter configured to
support a pair of legs of a reclining user in a substantially
raised-knee position, and wherein the leg supporter includes
cutouts configured to reduce pressure on undersides of knees of the
user; a leg spacer rising substantially upwards from the raised leg
supporter while in a neutral position, and wherein the leg spacer
configured to comfortably separate the legs by supporting thighs of
the user while reducing pressure on sides of the knees; and a
pelvic supporter adjacent to the raised leg supporter, and wherein
the pelvic supporter is configured to support a pelvic region of
the reclining user by substantially supporting gluteus maximus
muscles of the user and rotating a sacrum base of the user upwards
while reducing pressure on the sacrum.
2. The bolster of claim 1 wherein the bolster includes a hull
shaped to enable the reclining user to roll together with the
bolster in both a clockwise direction and in an anti-clockwise
direction from the neutral position.
3. The bolster of claim 2 wherein contour of the hull is
configurable.
4. The bolster of claim 2 wherein the clockwise and anti-clockwise
directions range from approximately 90 clockwise and 90
anti-clockwise, respectively, from the neutral direction.
5. The bolster of claim 1 further comprising a calf extension
adjacent to the raised knee supporter, and wherein the calf
extension is configured to support a pair of calves of the
reclining user.
6. The bolster of claim 2 further comprising ballast configured to
change a center of gravity of the rollable bolster relative to an
axis of rotation of the bolster.
7. The bolster of claim 6 wherein the center of gravity of the
bolster is adjustable.
8. The bolster of claim 1 further comprising a structural
reinforcement configured to stiffen the leg spacer.
9. The bolster of claim 1 further comprising at least one
ventilating channel.
10. The bolster of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a
cooling channel and a heating channel.
11. A method for providing a neutral-spine position for a reclining
user, the method comprising: supporting a pair of legs of a
reclining user in a substantially raised-knee position while
reducing pressure on undersides of knees of the user; separating
the legs by supporting a pair of thighs of the user while reducing
pressure on sides of the knees; supporting a pelvic region of the
reclining user by substantially supporting gluteus maximus muscles
of the user and rotating a sacrum base of the user upwards while
reducing pressure on the sacrum; and wherein the reclining user is
able to roll in both a clockwise direction and in an anti-clockwise
direction from a neutral position while remaining supported.
12. A neutral-spine support system useful in association with a
reclining user, the support system comprising: a lower body bolster
which includes: a raised leg supporter configured to support a pair
of legs of a reclining user in a substantially raised-knee position
while reducing pressure on undersides of knees of the user; a leg
spacer rising substantially upwards from the raised leg supporter
while in a neutral position, and wherein the leg spacer is
configured to comfortably separate the pair of legs by supporting
thighs of the user while reducing pressure on sides of the knees;
and a pelvic supporter adjacent to the raised leg supporter, and
wherein the pelvic supporter is configured to support a pelvic
region of the reclining user by substantially supporting gluteus
maximus muscles of the user and rotating a sacrum base of the user
upwards while reducing pressure on the sacrum; and an upper body
supporter which includes: a back support configured to support an
upper and middle back of the user in the neutral position; a neck
rest configured to support a neck of the user in a face-up
position; a head cradle configured to support a head of the user
when in the face-up position; a right head support configured to
support a right face of the head when the user is lying on a right
side; and a left head support configured to support a left face of
the head when the user is lying on a left side.
13. The support system of claim 12 wherein the bolster includes a
hull shaped to enable the reclining user to roll together with the
support system in both a clockwise direction and in an
anti-clockwise direction from the neutral position.
14. The support system of claim 12 further comprising a calf
extension adjacent to the raised knee supporter, and wherein the
calf extension is configured to support a pair of calves of the
user.
15. The support system of claim 12 further comprising a coverall
configured to secure the user to the support system.
16. The support system of claim 13 wherein contour of the hull is
configurable.
17. A lower body bolster useful in association with a reclining
user, the bolster comprising: a raised leg supporter configured to
support a pair of legs of a reclining user in a substantially
raised-knee position, wherein the leg supporter includes cutouts
configured to reduce pressure on undersides of knees of the user,
and wherein the leg supporter also includes at least one
substantially flat top configured to support an upper leg of the
user when the user is in a substantially side-laying position; and
a pelvic supporter and a lower back supporter, wherein pelvic
supporter is adjacent to the raised leg supporter and the lower
back supporter is adjacent to the pelvic supporter, and wherein the
pelvic supporter and the lower back supporter are configured to
support a pelvic region of the reclining user by substantially
supporting gluteus maximus muscles of the user and rotating a
sacrum base of the user upwards while reducing pressure on the
sacrum.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims the priority of
Provisional Application No. 61/483,182, filed on May 6, 2011, which
application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this
reference.
[0002] This application also is related to and claims the priority
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/432,680, filed Jan.
14, 2011, also incorporated herein in its entirety by this
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
appropriately supporting a reclining user in anatomically-correct
neutral-spine positions that ensures restful sleep.
[0004] Many of us are not getting the proper number of hours of
restful sleep needed to stay healthy. Sleep is a vital component of
a long, healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that most of us need
a minimum of seven hours of sleep, with eight hours being
optimal.
[0005] Inferior sleep positions result in back and neck pain and
also poor quality of sleep. Our bodies comprise a multitude of
complex curves; including our spines. However, despite other
advances in sciences including healthcare, our beds and our pillows
are generally flat. Lying on a conventional soft flat mattress
creates an improper spine angle, causing our muscles to stay tight
throughout the night by pulling our spine out of its natural
curvatures. Not surprisingly, many of us toss and turn at bedtime
trying to find a comfortable restful sleep position.
[0006] In addition, most of us have poor postures and slouch during
our waking hours. This is compounded by too many hours in a seated
position. By the end of each day, most of our spines have been
misaligned and the result is strained back muscles and
ligaments.
[0007] Many attempts at providing a comfortable sleep support
system have failed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,453 attempts
to alleviate lower back pain by placing an under knee pillow 10 to
hold an individual's knee in flexion (see Abstract and FIGS. 3, 4).
It is undesirable to support the underside of the knees when the
individual is in the face-up position without supporting the pelvic
region because it puts pressure on the sciatic nerves and
surrounding musculature. It also undesirable to support the inside
of the knees when the user is lying on the side as shown in FIG. 5
because pressure on the medial collateral ligament and trigger
points to surrounding musculature located on the insides of the
knees causes discomfort. In addition, locating the pillow under the
inside of the upper knee creates a fulcrum on the upper leg and
puts pressure on the upper hip joint.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,761, a pillow for reversing the
lordotic curve of a patient by acting on the base of the spine is
disclosed having a second wedge 15 that is higher at the foot end
and lower at the head end of the patient to place the pelvis into a
posterior pelvic tilt by placing pressure in the cavity at the base
of the back on the vertebrae of the spine (see Abstract and Col. 3,
lines 18-35). However, applying direct pressure on the sacrum (tail
bone) of the patient is counterproductive because direct pressure
on the sacrum can compress the sacral and/or sciatic nerves,
causing discomfort and potential nerve damage over time. Further,
wedging the middle of the pelvis causes the pelvis to open
outwards, rotates the legs outwards (feet pointing away from each
other) and increases the level of user discomfort.
[0009] An attempt at relaxing the lumbar area of the spine is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,315. As shown in FIG. 5, a lumbar
cushion 10 is placed under the lumbar region of the spine there by
rotating the tailbone clockwise, i.e., with the tip of the sacrum
and pelvis rotating towards the ground. This undesirable rotation
has the effect of straightening the legs which causes discomfort.
This rotation can also result in the undesirable shortening of the
back muscles.
[0010] It is therefore apparent that an urgent need exists for a
greatly improved neutral-spine support system. This improved
rollable support system enables the user to enjoy restful sleep by
providing a continuous range of anatomically-correct comfortable
reclining positions that alleviates and corrects the user's poor
posture.
SUMMARY
[0011] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present
invention, body support systems and methods are provided. In
particular, the system and methods for appropriately supporting a
reclining user in anatomically-correct neutral spine positions that
ensures restful sleep.
[0012] In one embodiment, a support system includes a rollable
lower body bolster, an upper body supporter, and an optional
coverall. The lower body bolster includes a raised leg supporter, a
leg spacer and a pelvic supporter, while the upper body supporter
includes a back support, a neck rest, a head cradle, a right head
support and a left head support.
[0013] The raised leg supporter supports the legs of the reclining
user in a raised-knee position, and includes cutouts to reduce
pressure on undersides of the user's knees. The leg spacer extends
upwards from the leg supporter while in a neutral position, and
comfortably separates the legs by supporting the user's thighs
while avoiding direct pressure on sides of the knees. The pelvic
supporter is adjacent to the leg supporter, and supports the user's
pelvic region by supporting gluteus maximus muscles and rotating
the sacrum base upwards while avoiding direct pressure on the
sacrum.
[0014] The back support keeps the user's upper and middle spine in
an open and neutral position. The head cradle and neck rest
supports the user in a face-up position. Conversely, the left and
right head supports are used by the user in the respective left
side and right side lying positions.
[0015] Note that the various features of the present invention
described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and
other features of the present invention will be described in more
detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in
conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In order that the present invention may be more clearly
ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a neutral spine support system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a lower body bolster for the support
system of FIG. 1A;
[0019] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary upper body supporter for
the support system of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the bolster of FIG. 2A with
optional ballast;
[0021] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an alternate lower body bolster for
another embodiment of a neutral spine support system in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another exemplary upper body
supporter with an extended back support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to several embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have
not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure
the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments
may be better understood with reference to the drawings and
discussions that follow.
[0024] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
appropriately supporting a reclining user in an
anatomically-correct neutral-spine position that ensures restful
sleep.
[0025] To facilitate discussion, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an
exemplary support system 100 for a reclining user 110, which
includes an upper body supporter 120, a rollable lower body bolster
180 with a calf extension 160, and a coverall 190. Note that while
the components of system 100 complement each other well, they can
be used independently of each other depending on user
preferences.
[0026] Referring first to FIG. 1A, user 110 is reclined in a
face-up anatomically-correct position, with the head, neck and the
upper and middle back supported by supporter 120, while the pelvic
area including lower back and the legs are supported by bolster
180. FIG. 1B illustrates user 110 lying sideways in an
anatomically-correct position while remaining comfortably supported
by supporter 120 and bolster 180. FIG. 1C shows the reclining
support system 100 with the addition of an optional coverall 190
covering snugly user 110.
[0027] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective, front and side views,
respectively, illustrating one embodiment of rollable lower body
bolster 180 in greater detail. Bolster 180 includes a raised leg
supporter 220 which has two knee cutouts 222, 224 for comfortably
supporting the right and left leg of user 110, respectively in a
raised-knee position, while reducing direct pressure on the
undersides of the knees.
[0028] A leg spacer 240 is coupled to and rises upwards from the
middle of leg supporter 220 and is configured to comfortably
support and separate the thighs of user 110. Spacer 240 has two
cutouts 242, 244 for supporting the left side of user's right thigh
and for supporting the right side of user's left thigh,
respectively. Hence, spacer 240 is shaped to secure the user's legs
to bolster 180 so the legs do not fall out during use.
[0029] In some embodiments, for ease of manufacturing, supporter
220 and spacer 240 are molded together as a single structure from a
suitable material such as natural (e.g., latex) foam and synthetic
(e.g., polyethylene) foams, including close-cell foams, open-cell
foams, memory foams and combinations thereof.
[0030] Alternatively, as illustrated by dotted-lines in FIGS. 2B
and 2C, supporter 220 and spacer 240 can be molded separately and
coupled to each other using for example a mortise and tenon joint,
i.e., knee spacer 240 has a tenon which fits into a corresponding
mortise of knee supporter 220. Such a combined structure permits
supporter 220 and spacer 240 to be easily constructed from
materials with differing compositions and/or differing densities.
Leg spacer 240 can also be user detachable to become a part of a
compact package so as to facilitate transportation and
shipping.
[0031] FIG. 2D is a cross-section view showing the right side view
of user 110 illustrating how neutral-spine support for user 110 is
accomplished by bolster 180. Bolster 180 also includes a curved
pelvic supporter 260 adjacent to raised leg supporter 220 and
configured to properly support the pelvic region of user 110.
Pelvis supporter 260 is configured to gently rotate the tip of the
sacrum (tail bone) upward thereby stretching and relaxing the lower
back muscles, while reducing direct pressure on the sacrum.
[0032] With pelvic supporter 260 providing a proper tailbone angle
and leg supporter 220 providing the proper knee angle to user 110,
the resulting pelvic rotation elongates the back muscles thereby
promoting the relaxation necessary for a restful sleep. Hence, by
properly flexing the pelvis and shortening the anterior musculature
just enough to align the spine in a stable anatomically-correct
position, support system 100 allows the user 110 to correct and
reshape the spine while sleeping.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2B, in accordance to an important
aspect of the present invention, a substantial portion of the base
of bolster 180 includes a hull 268 shaped to enable the reclining
user 110 to effortlessly roll together with bolster 180 in either a
clockwise direction or in an anti-clockwise direction from the
neutral face up position, and ending up in a side body laying
position. This rollable feature of hull 268 advantageously enables
user 110 to maintain proper spine alignment while laying on one
side of the body, with the ears remaining substantially in-line
with the shoulder, the shoulder substantially in-line with the hip,
thereby avoiding the undesirable unhealthy slouching fetal
position. As a result, there is no unnecessary strain and tension
in the hips and lower back of user 110.
[0034] In some embodiments, the curvature or contour of the hull
268 can be conveniently configured in the field (e.g., user
adjustable) by for example either adding hull insert(s) or removing
hull layer(s) (not shown). Hull inserts can be attached by methods
known to one skilled in the arts such as adhesives or
Velcro.TM.
[0035] Conversely, to accommodate users who prefer to sleep
primarily in a face-up position, the curvature of the hull 268 can
be very gentle to permit very limited rolling. Accordingly, hull
268 of bolster 180 can be also substantially flat and stable to
discourage rolling.
[0036] It is also possible to better secure bolster 180 to user 110
by adding one or more optional straps (not shown) configured to
wrap bolster 180 around the pelvic region and/or the legs of user
110. Specially configured shorts/pants with Velcro.TM. can also be
worn by user 110 for coupling with Velcro.TM. on the corresponding
surface(s) of bolster 180. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1C, a
fitted coverall 190 can also be incorporated into system 100 to
better secure user 110 and/or to provide heat retention.
[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and top views, respectively,
of upper body supporter 120 which includes a back support 322, a
right head support 323, a left head support 324, a neck rest 327
and a head cradle 328. In this embodiment, head supports 323, 324
are topped by optional face rests 325, 326. Right face rest 325 and
left face rest 326 can be made from the similar or different
material as right head support 323 and 324 respectively. For
example, head supports 323, 324 can be made from inexpensive firmer
foam while face rests 325, 326 can be made from more expensive but
more conformable memory foam.
[0038] When user 110 is in a face-up position, the back of the
user's head is resting on head cradle 328 while the user's neck is
supported by neck rest 327. The user's upper spine is supported by
back support 322.
[0039] In accordance to another aspect of the present invention,
back support 322 is shaped to ensure that the vertebrae in upper
and middle spine of user 110 is supported and aligned in the
anatomically-correct arched position by providing the optimal
support into the apex of the kyphotic curve to guide the user's
upper and middle back, and neck back into a neutral spinal
position. In other words, back support 322 puts pressure on middle
back to gently allows the shoulder to relax in an open position,
thereby facilitating breathing and also promotes muscle relaxation
in the upper chest and upper back. As a result, the user's back is
opened and the head is tilted slightly upwards into the head cradle
328, in a manner similar to opening of the airway in first
responder CPR training Opening the airway advantageously improves
breathing and reduces snoring and alleviates some of the symptoms
associated with sleep apnea.
[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, when user 110 is laying
on the right side of the body, the user's right face is resting
comfortably on right face rest 325, with the head, neck and upper
spine substantially parallel to each other. Conversely, when user
110 is lying on the left side of the body, the user's left face is
resting comfortable on left face rest 326. This
anatomically-correct rollability feature of upper body supporter
120 ensures the proper spinal alignment as defined by the relative
positioning of the head, neck, shoulder and hip of user 110
described above.
[0041] Many modifications and additions to the support system 100
are possible. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2D, in some embodiments,
bolster 180 also includes an optional calf extension (ottoman) 160
to provide addition lower leg support thereby increasing user
comfort and also stability of bolster 180 during use. In addition,
the sides of leg supporter 220 and/or pelvis supporter 260 can be
further extended to better secure and support the outside of the
thighs and/or hips of user 110, thereby ensuring that support
system 100 and user 110 remain coupled together.
[0042] Depending on the rigidity of the materials for constructing
bolster 180, structural reinforcement for bolster 180 is also
possible. For example, a substantially vertical rigid or semi-rigid
insert (not shown) can be incorporated inside spacer 240, extending
from the top of spacer 240 to the bottom of booster hull 168.
[0043] Other modifications to support 100 are also possible. For
example, in some embodiments, the ease of rollability can be made
adjustable by incorporating optional ballast 488, which enable the
center of gravity of the bolster 180 to be adjusted as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0044] Ballast 488 enables the center of gravity of bolster 180 to
be adjusted higher or lower relative to the rolling axis of bolster
180. For example the center of gravity of bolster 180 can be
adjusted lower than the rolling axis for users who prefer to sleep
predominantly on the user's back. Conversely, the center of gravity
of bolster 180 can be adjusted higher than the rolling axis for
users who prefer to sleep predominantly on the sides of user's
body. Examples of ballast 488 include a fluid stored in a pouch,
and one or more solid weights in a hollow tube, and combinations
thereof.
[0045] Advantages of ballast 488 includes the ability to adjust
compensate for the user's own center of gravity with respect to
rollability. For example, it is possible to adjust ballast 488 so
that the combined center of gravity of the user 110 and bolster 180
is substantially close to the axis of rotation, i.e., neutral, so
that rolling to and fro between face-up side-body positions becomes
effortless.
[0046] Modifications to support system 100 can also include
incorporating passive ventilation channels to promote ventilation,
cooling and/or heating. It is also possible to include active
heating or cooling capabilities such as heat pads or tubing for
circulating a warming/cooling fluid. Massage options such as
vibrators can also be incorporated into system 100.
[0047] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective, front and side views. FIGS. 5A,
5B and 5C are perspective, front and side views, respectively,
illustrating an exemplary alternate embodiment of a lower body
bolster 580 in greater detail. Bolster 580 includes a raised leg
supporter 520 which has two knee cutouts 522, 524 for comfortably
supporting the right and left leg of user 110, respectively in a
raised-knee position, while reducing direct pressure on the
undersides of the user's knees. In this embodiment, bolster 580 has
a substantially flat bottom 550 to enhance stability during
use.
[0048] FIG. 5D is a cross-section view showing the right side view
of user 110 illustrating how neutral-spine support for user 110 is
accomplished by bolster 580. Bolster 580 includes a curved pelvic
supporter 560 adjacent to raised leg supporter 220 and configured
to properly support the pelvic region of user 110. Pelvis supporter
560 is configured to gently rotate the tip of the sacrum (tail
bone) upward thereby stretching and relaxing the lower back
muscles, while reducing direct pressure on the sacrum.
[0049] Booster 580 further includes a lower back supporter 590
which firmly supports the user's lower back and reinforces the
anatomically-correct posture for restful sleep.
[0050] Pelvic supporter 560 and lower back supporter 590 in
combination provide a proper tailbone angle, while leg supporter
520 providing the proper knee angle to user 110. The resulting
pelvic rotation elongates the back muscles thereby promoting the
relaxation necessary for a restful sleep. Hence, by properly
flexing the pelvis and shortening the anterior musculature just
enough to align the spine in a stable anatomically-correct
position, the user 110 is able to correct and reshape her/his spine
while sleeping.
[0051] To accommodate side laying positions, in this embodiment,
when user 110 is laying on her/his side, bolster 580 includes
substantially flat tops 582, 584 and 586 configured to firmly and
gently support an inner thigh of the upper leg of the user 110.
[0052] Modifications to booster 580 are possible. For example, the
edges of tops 582, 584, 586 may be radiused to enhance comfort
while supporting the legs of user 110. In addition, the leg
supporter 520 may be made from layers of form with different
firmness, e.g., a firmer stiffer lower layer towards bottom 550,
combined with a softer more pliable upper layer toward tops 582,
584, 586.
[0053] Referring now to the top view of FIG. 6A, and also to FIG.
6B which is the corresponding cross-sectional view 6B-6B, an
alternate embodiment of upper body supporter 620 suitable for use
with either bolster 180 or bolster 580 is shown. Upper body
supporter 620 includes an extended back support 622 that can be
extended all the way to lower back supporter 590. As shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B, back support 622 can include a
convex profile configured to provide superior back support for user
110 in the raised-knee position.
[0054] Modifications to upper body supporter 620 are also possible.
For example, a coupler such as a Velcro strap (not shown) may be
used to secure end 629 of extended back support 622 to the lower
back supporter 590 of bolster 580.
[0055] In sum, the present invention provides novel systems and
methods for maintaining anatomically-correct neutral-spine postures
while users are comfortably resting in a range of reclined
positions, thereby ensuring restful sleep necessary for good
health.
[0056] While this invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations,
and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this
invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims be interpreted as including all such alterations,
modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *