MULTIFUNCTIONAL LUMBAR SUPPORT PILLOW CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 61/356,336 filed on June 18, 2010.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a lumbar support device and specifically to a lumbar support device that may be worn or attached to a chair in a plurality of ergonomic positions to improve comfort and health of the operator.

BACKGROUND

A large portion of the adult population has back discomfort, ranging from minor aches to chronic and persistent pain. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), back pain affects eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives and is the most common cause of activity limitation for people under 45.

As surgery is normally a last option, and often a desperate measure, all but a small percentage of sufferers elect other methods with which to live with the discomfort. Billions of dollars are spent every year on medical visits, physical therapy, aids such as lumbar pillows, and in many instances, surgery. Lumbar spine pillows, as well as other heating/cold options, top the list of products subscribed by medical authorities to provide relief for back pain and discomfort.

The market for lumbar support pillows is vast and developed, but fractured, with many types of inner "elements", ranging from gel to seeds. There have been many different products over time, which were developed to relieve aches and pains. Electric heating pads and ice packs have been the norm for many years. Electric pads are not particularly comfortable, and are not mobile. They expend energy while in use, and are limited to home use, typically. Ice packs require a waterproof aspect, to be affective, and normally are quick to thaw, melt, and lose their efficacy.

Seeds and other "green" products are on the market, and these products often break down, rot, or deteriorate within a few months of regular usage.

There are a variety of means to provide comfort and/or support to an operator, as may be seen in the following patents:

6,419,652 for a Back belt and method; 6,099,645 for a Vertical semiconductor wafer carrier with slats; 5,697,619 for a Radial seal for air preheater; RE34,883 for a Simplified orthopaedic back support 5,378,225 for a Heated back support; 5,062,414 for a Simplified orthopaedic back support; 4,993,409 for a Back support; 4,966,145 for an Automatic body temperature adjuster; 4,195,640 for a Lower torso support appliance; and 4,108,149 for a Maternity brace.

However, all of these designs have their own drawbacks. It is desirable to provide a pillow support device that may be easily adjusted to properly fit and individual and may be secured in a variety of positions.

It is therefore desirable to provide Superior Back Comfort, Back and Posture Support,

Pain Free Commutes; Revitalize While You Drive, FDA Approved Heating Element, Temperature Sensitive Memory Foam, Therapeutic Relief for Aches and Pains, Molds Naturally to your Body, Hypo-Allergentic Memory Foam, Fire Retardant Memory Foam, Long-lasting Heating and Cooling Comfort, Reduces Lower Back Pain and Tension, Convenient for Home, Work, Commute and Travel, Safe and Easy to Use, No Batteries, Chargers or Plug-Ins. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the backpack of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pillow of the invention having a cut-away view of one corner thus displaying the interior.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The support pillow is ideal for work, travel and play; at home, the office, on the road or in the air. It provides up to six hours of temperature-enhanced relief and support for tired, aching upper and lower backs with FDA-approved heating and cooling elements and no batteries or plug-ins required.

If you sit for long periods of time your back needs extra support. The support pillow of the invention can be used vertically or horizontally for extra back comfort and support in your home, office, car or plane.

The support pillow is ergonomically designed, using temperature sensitive memory foam for the perfect fit. It molds to your upper or lower back, providing comfortable and firm support to maintain balanced spinal alignment. Its support relieves pressure on important nerves and muscles in your back that can become inflamed and painful. The support pillow can help to relieve back pain , muscle soreness and stiffness as well as alleviate the pain associated with back injury and chronic conditions such as sciatica, scoliosis , arthritis , fibromyalgia , multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

It is therefore an object of the invention to back comfort and posture support, easy driving for long periods and apply heat or cooling to a person with a durable, reliable, light weight, multifunctional device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated.

The support pillow is specifically designed to help relieve back pain, and make sitting for long periods of time more comfortable. It works for the upper or lower back. It also adjusts to suit your individual needs. An adjustable strap to secures the pillow to almost any chair or seat with ease. Traveling, or sitting at a desk all day, can be a painful experience if you suffer from back pain discomfort. With the invention, sitting for long periods of time will be more comfortable.

The backpack is very important part of the invention. By wearing the backpack, you will never have to be uncomfortable in a chair again. Just put it on and lean back... instant comfort. The invention also will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer just rotate between the Ice and Heat Elements. The invention comes with chair protectors that are located on the adjustable strap, to use them adjust the strap on your chair as tight as possible. This will keep the invention in place if you lead forward. Then side the chair protector over the snap hook, which will eliminate any damage from the snap hooks.

How it Works:

The human back is designed in the shape of an S, the perfect design for evenly dispersing tension and maintaining postural alignment when standing upright. But when we sit, especially for extended periods of time, the muscles alongside the upper back tend to relax and sag, which forces their weight to "sit" on your waist and lower back. The result is lower back pain and stiffness, and eventually, compression of the discs in the lower back. The invention redistributes your muscle weight evenly along the entire spinal column, realigning your body so that it works naturally and efficiently. By helping you maintain your ideal posture, The invention alleviates accumulated stress in your lower back as it eliminates the source of strain. Simply by correcting your sitting posture, The invention works to restore your spine to its proper alignment. Suddenly, working at your desk for long hours, riding in a car or plane, even watching a movie or play becomes comfortable and enjoyable again. Resting after a workout no longer causes stiffness and soreness in your lower back. Your neck and shoulders release their tension, and you actually feel more alert.

Clinicians have long known that the application of both heat and cold can have significant therapeutic effects on sore, strained muscles. Depending on the situation and your preferences, either therapy can provide pain relief, muscle relaxation, decreased muscle spasms, and reduced sensitivity. Applying warmth to your lower back can also promote comfort and relaxation, while cooling can make you feel invigorated and refreshed.

The invention is capable of several configurations:

Vertical: Put the strap over your head rest in your car, with the element side against your back (use hot or cold) and feel how your shoulders immediately come into a relaxed state. This is the way to start retraining yourself to have better posture with A Better Back®.

Horizontal: Attach the strap to your computer chair and position it for your lumbar support. Make sure to tighten the strap so when you lean forward it will stay in place. You will be able to sit for long periods of time now with no discomfort. Release neck and shoulder stress: Attach the strap on both ends like the way you would use it in your chair, and then put the strap over your head and grab both straps in both hands and pull the pillow down (make sure to have element hot) and breathe. Feel the tension start to release.

Driving with Sciatica: Sitting in one position and being unable to move much while you are driving can set in muscle fatigue. A Better Back® will really help to keep the circulation and keep the muscles warm. Simply place A Better Back® on the seat portion and relax with the therapeutic heat.

Stomach Cramping: Just heat your A Better Back® and place it on your stomach and your cramps will fade away.

The pillow includes a memory foam cushion having a sleeve. The sleeve includes two pockets on opposite sides for accommodating a hot/cold pack. Once the packs are inserted in to their pockets, the foam, sleeve and packs are easily slid into the pillow cover. The pillow cover includes a plurality of straps. As may be seen in the drawings, these straps interact to provide securement of the invention to an operator. In addition to fitting directly on the operator, e.g. as a backpack, it may also be attached to a car seat or desk chair. The straps further allow it to be worn as a lumbar support. In addition to support, the use of a cold pack provides comfort during extended periods in hot weather.

Referring now to Figure 1, the invention includes a backpack 10 for containing a pillow of the invention. Backpack 10 has a zipper 20 that opens the inner compartment that retains a pillow and/or other items. Backpack 14 has a body that may be made out of microfiber to enhance temperature transfer between a pillow and a body outside the backpack 10. On a first side, strap 16 extends the length of the backpack body 14 and attaches at the top and bottom of the body 14. Similarly, strap 18 extends the entire length of the backpack body 14. Strap 16 includes at least one glide 17 and a lock mechanism 26 for adjusting the length of strap 16. Similarly, strap 18 includes a glide 19 and a lock mechanism 28 for adjusting the length of strap 18.

Also shown in Figure 1 is multifunction strap 12. Multifunction strap 12 includes a lock mechanism 24 to adjust its length. Snap hooks 22 are located on each end of multifunction strap 12 and allow it to connect to glides 17 and 19. This allows multifunction strap 12 to be wrapped around an operator's waist so as to hold body 14 securely against the back or front of a wearer.

Straps may be made of nylon or similar material.

Figure 2 shows a cut-away view of a pillow 30 of the invention and its interior. Pillow

30 has an integument 32 made of cotton or similar material that may absorb moisture but allow heat and/or cold to pass through it. Pillow 30 has three short attachment straps 34 each having a

D-ring 36. These attachment straps 34 and D-rings 36 allow the multifunction strap 12 to be attached to the pillow 30 directly to facilitate better adjacency between it and a body being cooled or warmed.

Pillow 30 includes a zipper 38 that allows access to cavity 40 and cushion compartment 42, which contains a memory foam pad 44 or the like. Cavity 40 may be used to contain a flexible element that may be cooled or warmed in a freezer or microwave and used to transfer heat or cold for extended periods.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.