CA1239709A - Thigh support cushion - Google Patents
Thigh support cushionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1239709A CA1239709A CA000509235A CA509235A CA1239709A CA 1239709 A CA1239709 A CA 1239709A CA 000509235 A CA000509235 A CA 000509235A CA 509235 A CA509235 A CA 509235A CA 1239709 A CA1239709 A CA 1239709A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cushion
- attached
- support cushion
- straps
- thigh support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
THIGH SUPPORT CUSHION
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a cushion which is intended to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in supine position. The primary object of this invention is to change the position of the pelvis of a person lying in a supine po-sition so that the lumbar spine flattens and the mechanical stresses and symptoms of lower back pain are eliminated. This is accomplished by shifting the central body supporting surface from the buttocks to the upper thighs through the use of the thigh support cushion. Con-sequently, the knees slightly flex, the pelvis rotates in a direction resulting in a decreased lumbo-sacral angle and the lower back flattens as a result of its own weight. This invention will be useful in the treatment of many persons who suffer from lower back pain and will also be useful to other persons who are interested in the prevention of back problems.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a cushion which is intended to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in supine position. The primary object of this invention is to change the position of the pelvis of a person lying in a supine po-sition so that the lumbar spine flattens and the mechanical stresses and symptoms of lower back pain are eliminated. This is accomplished by shifting the central body supporting surface from the buttocks to the upper thighs through the use of the thigh support cushion. Con-sequently, the knees slightly flex, the pelvis rotates in a direction resulting in a decreased lumbo-sacral angle and the lower back flattens as a result of its own weight. This invention will be useful in the treatment of many persons who suffer from lower back pain and will also be useful to other persons who are interested in the prevention of back problems.
Description
THIGH SUPPORT CUSHION
This Application is made by Jan Prosily, a Canadian citizen, and resident of Tumbrel, in the County of Halifax, Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. This invention relates to a cushion which is intended to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in supine position. The supine position under normal circumstances creates compression stresses in the posterior part of the disks and in the facets joints of the lumbar spine as a result of an accentuated curve in this spinal segment leading to symptoms of lower back pain. The primary object of this invention is to change the position of the pelvis of a person lying in a supine position so that the lumbar spine flattens and the mechanical stresses and symptoms of lower back pain are eliminated. This is accomplished by shifting the central body supporting surface from the buttocks to the upper thighs through the use of the thigh support cushion. Consequently, the knees slightly flex, the pelvis rotates in a direction resulting in a decreased lumbo-sacral angle and the lower back flattens as a result of its own weight. This invention will be useful in the treatment of many persons who suffer from lower back pain and will also be useful to other persons who are interested in the prevention of back problems.
Several other objects of this invention are as -follows:
1. To allow persons to sleep comfortably, not only on their backs but also on their sides, as the width of the pillow corresponds to the width of both thighs, without interfering with other bodily functions.
This Application is made by Jan Prosily, a Canadian citizen, and resident of Tumbrel, in the County of Halifax, Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. This invention relates to a cushion which is intended to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in supine position. The supine position under normal circumstances creates compression stresses in the posterior part of the disks and in the facets joints of the lumbar spine as a result of an accentuated curve in this spinal segment leading to symptoms of lower back pain. The primary object of this invention is to change the position of the pelvis of a person lying in a supine position so that the lumbar spine flattens and the mechanical stresses and symptoms of lower back pain are eliminated. This is accomplished by shifting the central body supporting surface from the buttocks to the upper thighs through the use of the thigh support cushion. Consequently, the knees slightly flex, the pelvis rotates in a direction resulting in a decreased lumbo-sacral angle and the lower back flattens as a result of its own weight. This invention will be useful in the treatment of many persons who suffer from lower back pain and will also be useful to other persons who are interested in the prevention of back problems.
Several other objects of this invention are as -follows:
1. To allow persons to sleep comfortably, not only on their backs but also on their sides, as the width of the pillow corresponds to the width of both thighs, without interfering with other bodily functions.
2. To provide a support which will remain firmly attached to the upper thighs regardless of the position of the body and which will function beneficially whenever the person turns onto his or her back.
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3. To support and elevate the person's thighs and to rotate his pelvis without unnecessarily increasing the pressure per square inch to the tissues involved which would lead to impairment of the blood circulation and to discomfort. This is accomplished by constructing the pillow of an adequate length to support the thighs by a sufficiently large surface area in order to keep the pressure per square inch to a minimum.
4. To provide a cushion with adequate elasticity in order to sufficiently elevate the thighs and yet still permit changes in the shape of the cushion under pressure corresponding with the shape of the person's thighs. This would guarantee the efficient function of the cushion and comfort of the user.
5. To provide a cushion with a suitable fabric which would be comfortable in contact with the user and which would be waterproofed to permit washing end sterilization thereof.
6. To provide a cushion with straps equipped at their ends with velcro material or snaps so that the cushion may be attached or no-moved from the user with a minimum of inconvenience and difficulty.
7. To provide a cushion with sufficiently wide straps in order to permit the exertion of the forces on a large surface area of the thighs thereby generating an acceptable surface pressure per square inch and guaranteeing that the blood circulation would not be impaired and that the user would remain comfortable.
The invention consists of a device the nature of which will be easily understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device showing the attachment of the straps;
Figure 2 is a front view of the device;
Figure 3 is a side view of the device;
Figure 4 is a side view of the device indicating its prescribed method of use;
Figure 5 is a side view of a person in a supine position without the attachment of the device.
Like numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the drawings, the invention comprises a rectangular cushion 1, and two straps 2, for the attachment of the cushion to the user.
The cushion 1 can be one inflatable unit or it may consist of two parts, first an inflatable pillow filled with a spongy foam or similar material and second a pillow cover equipped with a zipper 6.
The straps 2 can be permanently attached to the cushion or to its cover by stitching 4 or in some other manner or may be temporarily attached by snaps so that they can be removed for washing purposes.
In using the apparatus, the user should assume a supine position on a soft mat or firm bed as shown in Figure 4. The knees should be slightly bent and the straps attached to the upper thighs. This will place the cushion in the position indicated in Figure 4 and will result in a slight flaxen of the knees and hips. In this position the lower back will drop down and flatten out due to its own weight thereby reducing the limbo-Jo -3_ I I
securely angle and decreasing the stresses on the discs and facet joints of the lumbar spine.
This description sets forth certain preferred embodiments of my invention, however it is evident that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the spirit and scope of the invention.
I
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a therapeutic support, in particular, to a therapeutic support to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in the supine position to prevent or correct postural deficiencies which can cause back pain.
As described in the principal disclosure the device supports and elevates the upper thighs of a person lying in the supine position. The therapeutic effect of the support is apparent in the reduction of the compression stresses in the inter vertebral discs and facet joints caused by the flattening of the lumbar spine. This Supplementary Disclosure includes two amendments to the device which are intended to accommodate a variety of sleeping postures. The first amendment provides for the addition of an extension to the device in the form of a knee separation cushion.
The function of this addition becomes apparent when the user of the device turns and sleeps on one side of his I body. In such a posture the upper thigh of the porn slants to the lower thigh since the legs have a conic shape. As a result the knees are exposed to unpleasant stresses resulting from supporting the weight of the upper leg. In addition, the pelvis, hip joint and lumbar spine must adjust their position in order to accommodate the asymmetric position of the legs. The necessary adjustments create harmful stresses in the involved tissues.
j The second amendment provided for in this Supplementary Disclosure separates the support into two narrower thigh support cushions, one for each leg. One of these cushions has an extension in the form of a knee separation cushion. This second amendment provides the user with increased comfort in both supine and lateral positions and gives the user greater freedom of leg movement during sleep.
The invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings showing, by I
way of example, a preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 6 is perspective view of the first amendment -to the device showing the connection of both cushions and -the attachments of the straps;
Figure 7 is a front view of the first amendment to -the device;
Figure 8 is a side view of the first amendment to the device;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second amendment to the device showing the left part of the two part device which includes the knee separation cushion and shows the attachments of the straps;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the second amendment to the device showing the right part of the two part device and the attachments of the straps;
Figure 11 is a front view of the left part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 12 is a front view of the right ; part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 13 is a side view of the left part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 14 is a side view of the right part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 15 is a side view of the first amendment to the device indicating its prescribed method of use;
Figure 16 is a side view of a person in the supine position without the attached device;
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,3 _ _ I , .
Figure 17 is a perspective view the first amendment to the device indicating its prescribed method of use.
referring to the drawings, Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the first amendment to the device which comprises two connected cushions, one of which is oriented horizontally and the other vertically. The vertical situated knee support cushion 7 has an irregular trapezoidal shape and is attached to the rectangular horizontally situated thigh support cushion 1 at -the middle of either of the longer and narrower edges of the thigh support cushion 1 at the most acutely angled corner of the knee separation cushion 7. The device can be one inflatable unit or may consist of two parts, first the inflatable two part pillow or pillow made of a spongy foam or similar material and second a pillow cover equipped with a zipper 6.
Figures 9 and 10 show the second amendment -to the device in which the device consists of two parts to be attached to the left and right legs.
Figure 9 shows that part of the second amendment to the ; device which is to be attached to the left leg. The thigh support cushion lo is of a rectangular shape and is situated horizontally. The knee separation cushion 7 is situated vertically, has an irregular trapezoidal shape and it attached to the thigh support cushion lo at the most acutely angled corner of the knee support cushion on the inside corner of the thigh support cushion. Both cushions have straps 2 for attachment to the users legs. The strap on the thigh support cushion lo goes around the left thigh and the strap on the knee support cushion goes around the left knee. Figure 10 shows that part of the second amendment to the device which is to be attached to the right leg lo which is rectangular in shape and is equipped with two straps 2 for attachment to the user's right thigh.
All straps 2 of the device are equipped at their ends with velcro material 3, buckles or snaps so that the attachment and removal of the device from I
the thighs will be quick and convenient. Figure 15 shows the use of the amended device when the person is in supine position. the thigh support cushion operates to elevate the thighs and flatten the lumbar spine. Figure 17 demonstrates the use of the first amendment to the device when the person is sleeping on his stale. In this posture the knee separation cushion operates to separate the knees.
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The invention consists of a device the nature of which will be easily understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device showing the attachment of the straps;
Figure 2 is a front view of the device;
Figure 3 is a side view of the device;
Figure 4 is a side view of the device indicating its prescribed method of use;
Figure 5 is a side view of a person in a supine position without the attachment of the device.
Like numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the drawings, the invention comprises a rectangular cushion 1, and two straps 2, for the attachment of the cushion to the user.
The cushion 1 can be one inflatable unit or it may consist of two parts, first an inflatable pillow filled with a spongy foam or similar material and second a pillow cover equipped with a zipper 6.
The straps 2 can be permanently attached to the cushion or to its cover by stitching 4 or in some other manner or may be temporarily attached by snaps so that they can be removed for washing purposes.
In using the apparatus, the user should assume a supine position on a soft mat or firm bed as shown in Figure 4. The knees should be slightly bent and the straps attached to the upper thighs. This will place the cushion in the position indicated in Figure 4 and will result in a slight flaxen of the knees and hips. In this position the lower back will drop down and flatten out due to its own weight thereby reducing the limbo-Jo -3_ I I
securely angle and decreasing the stresses on the discs and facet joints of the lumbar spine.
This description sets forth certain preferred embodiments of my invention, however it is evident that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the spirit and scope of the invention.
I
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a therapeutic support, in particular, to a therapeutic support to be used by persons under their upper thighs while they are lying down or sleeping in the supine position to prevent or correct postural deficiencies which can cause back pain.
As described in the principal disclosure the device supports and elevates the upper thighs of a person lying in the supine position. The therapeutic effect of the support is apparent in the reduction of the compression stresses in the inter vertebral discs and facet joints caused by the flattening of the lumbar spine. This Supplementary Disclosure includes two amendments to the device which are intended to accommodate a variety of sleeping postures. The first amendment provides for the addition of an extension to the device in the form of a knee separation cushion.
The function of this addition becomes apparent when the user of the device turns and sleeps on one side of his I body. In such a posture the upper thigh of the porn slants to the lower thigh since the legs have a conic shape. As a result the knees are exposed to unpleasant stresses resulting from supporting the weight of the upper leg. In addition, the pelvis, hip joint and lumbar spine must adjust their position in order to accommodate the asymmetric position of the legs. The necessary adjustments create harmful stresses in the involved tissues.
j The second amendment provided for in this Supplementary Disclosure separates the support into two narrower thigh support cushions, one for each leg. One of these cushions has an extension in the form of a knee separation cushion. This second amendment provides the user with increased comfort in both supine and lateral positions and gives the user greater freedom of leg movement during sleep.
The invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings showing, by I
way of example, a preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 6 is perspective view of the first amendment -to the device showing the connection of both cushions and -the attachments of the straps;
Figure 7 is a front view of the first amendment to -the device;
Figure 8 is a side view of the first amendment to the device;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second amendment to the device showing the left part of the two part device which includes the knee separation cushion and shows the attachments of the straps;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the second amendment to the device showing the right part of the two part device and the attachments of the straps;
Figure 11 is a front view of the left part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 12 is a front view of the right ; part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 13 is a side view of the left part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 14 is a side view of the right part of the second amendment to the device;
Figure 15 is a side view of the first amendment to the device indicating its prescribed method of use;
Figure 16 is a side view of a person in the supine position without the attached device;
ED
,3 _ _ I , .
Figure 17 is a perspective view the first amendment to the device indicating its prescribed method of use.
referring to the drawings, Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the first amendment to the device which comprises two connected cushions, one of which is oriented horizontally and the other vertically. The vertical situated knee support cushion 7 has an irregular trapezoidal shape and is attached to the rectangular horizontally situated thigh support cushion 1 at -the middle of either of the longer and narrower edges of the thigh support cushion 1 at the most acutely angled corner of the knee separation cushion 7. The device can be one inflatable unit or may consist of two parts, first the inflatable two part pillow or pillow made of a spongy foam or similar material and second a pillow cover equipped with a zipper 6.
Figures 9 and 10 show the second amendment -to the device in which the device consists of two parts to be attached to the left and right legs.
Figure 9 shows that part of the second amendment to the ; device which is to be attached to the left leg. The thigh support cushion lo is of a rectangular shape and is situated horizontally. The knee separation cushion 7 is situated vertically, has an irregular trapezoidal shape and it attached to the thigh support cushion lo at the most acutely angled corner of the knee support cushion on the inside corner of the thigh support cushion. Both cushions have straps 2 for attachment to the users legs. The strap on the thigh support cushion lo goes around the left thigh and the strap on the knee support cushion goes around the left knee. Figure 10 shows that part of the second amendment to the device which is to be attached to the right leg lo which is rectangular in shape and is equipped with two straps 2 for attachment to the user's right thigh.
All straps 2 of the device are equipped at their ends with velcro material 3, buckles or snaps so that the attachment and removal of the device from I
the thighs will be quick and convenient. Figure 15 shows the use of the amended device when the person is in supine position. the thigh support cushion operates to elevate the thighs and flatten the lumbar spine. Figure 17 demonstrates the use of the first amendment to the device when the person is sleeping on his stale. In this posture the knee separation cushion operates to separate the knees.
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Claims (6)
WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE
DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A thigh support cushion comprising an inflatable or other resilient shape retaining cushion, rectangular in shape with a width corresponding to the width of both thighs and a length sufficient to create a large surface support area to minimize pressure on the supported thighs, and adjustable straps equipped with velcro or other suitable fastening device to connect said cushion to the backs of the upper thighs of the user in a fixed position in relation to the thighs.
2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the said straps are attached to the cushion by snaps or other connecting means permitting the straps to be detached.
3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the cushion is enclosed in a case with a zipper at one end to permit removal of the pillow and the said connecting straps are attached to the case.
4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the cushion is enclosed in a case with a zipper at one end to permit removal of the pillow and the said connecting straps are attached to the case by straps or other connecting means permitting the straps to be detached.
JAN PRSALA
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
JAN PRSALA
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
5. A device according to claim 1 of the principle disclosure wherein a trapezoidal shaped knee separation cushion is attached to the middle of either of the longer and narrower of the edges of the thigh support cushion at the most acutely angled corner of the knee support cushion with a single strap attached to either flat side of the knee support cushion for attachment to one of the knees of the user.
6. A device according to claim 5 above wherein the thigh support cushion consists of two separate cushions with a single strap on each for attachment of the thigh support cushion to the back of the upper thigh of the user and to one of which thigh support cushions a knee separation cushion is attached at the most acutely angled corner of the knee support cushion to the inner corner of the thigh support cushion and which knee support cushion has a single strap attached to the same side of the knee support cushion to which the thigh support cushion is attached, which strap will be attached to one of the knees of the user.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81733586A | 1986-01-09 | 1986-01-09 | |
| US06/817,335 | 1986-01-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1239709A true CA1239709A (en) | 1988-07-26 |
Family
ID=25222852
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000509235A Expired CA1239709A (en) | 1986-01-09 | 1986-05-15 | Thigh support cushion |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1239709A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5103516A (en) * | 1988-05-13 | 1992-04-14 | Emeline Stevens | Pillow-like body supports and protectors and system of same |
| US5199124A (en) * | 1992-06-09 | 1993-04-06 | Klemis Daniel E | Cushion to prevent sleeping on the abdomen |
-
1986
- 1986-05-15 CA CA000509235A patent/CA1239709A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5103516A (en) * | 1988-05-13 | 1992-04-14 | Emeline Stevens | Pillow-like body supports and protectors and system of same |
| US5199124A (en) * | 1992-06-09 | 1993-04-06 | Klemis Daniel E | Cushion to prevent sleeping on the abdomen |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |