Prone Cushion

Abstract

A prone cushion having at least one layer of material, a neck portion, and a torso portion being designed to support a user who is reclining in a prone position. The prone cushion may be adapted to have an upper layer and a bottom layer. The prone cushion my have a leg cavity for storing a height adjustment leg. The height adjustment leg may be stowed in the leg cavity when not in use, or may be placed under the prone cushion to adjust the height while in use. The density of the cushion may vary along the length of the cushion by inserting a plurality of holes into the at least one layer of material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cushions or pillows. More specifically, the present invention is a prone cushion that elevates a user's body to reduce fatigue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As remote learning and working become increasingly popular, individuals tend to choose the most comfortable position for their activity. While all other positions have dedicated devices to support the body, the prone position does not. Extended prone posture causes elbow pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and sometimes back pain.

Conventionally, people will stack pillows or hug blankets to provide comfort for extending prone positioning. However, stacking pillows releases pressure from the elbow and shoulder but fails to take care of one's neck. Hugging a blanket provides light support for one's neck, but the blanket can shrink under pressure and fails to provide long-term support. Moreover, hugging a blanket tends to cause overheating over time. Moreover, neither stacking pillows nor hugging a blanket will provide the proper ergonomic positioning for a user in the prone position.

Therefore, what is needed is a cushion design to elevate one's body when in the prone position to prolong comfortable use of the prone position while reducing or eliminating pain associated with the prone position by reducing pressure applied to one's elbows, shoulders, pelvis, and neck.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a prone cushion to support a user's body in the prone position while reducing pressure on the user's elbows, shoulders, pelvis, and neck. The prone cushion may include at least one layer of material, the at least one layer of material ideally comprises an ergonomically shaped first layer; a second layer attached to and supporting a lower surface of the first layer; and at least one height adjustment leg, such as a rigid first leg and a rigid second leg, removably attached to a lower surface of the second layer. The first layer may have a neck portion and a torso portion, wherein the neck portion is less dense than the torso portion.

In some embodiments, the first layer may comprise a plurality of holes in the first layer to vary the density of the first layer. The prone cushion may be ergonomically shaped to support a user's body, such as by having a less-dense portion shaped to accommodate and support the neck, a portion shaped to accommodate the torso, or a concavity to support the user's pelvis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a back perspective view of the prone cushion.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the prone cushion.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the prone cushion, wherein the leg cavity is exposed and empty.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the prone cushion.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the prone cushion.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the prone cushion having a plurality of holes.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the prone cushion, wherein the leg cavity is exposed and empty.

FIG. 8 shows a right view of the prone cushion.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the prone cushion taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the prone cushion with the height adjustment leg in use.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1-12 some embodiments of the invention include a prone cushion 10 to support a user's body in the prone position while reducing pressure on the user's elbows, shoulders, pelvis, and neck, the prone cushion 10 comprising a rear end 60; a front end 70; at least one layer of material, the at least one layer of material ideally comprising a first layer 12 and a second layer 20 bonded or otherwise attached to a bottom surface 19 of the first layer 12. An at least one height adjustment leg 30 may comprise a rigid first leg and a rigid second leg positioned within a leg cavity 24 in the lower surface 22 of the second layer 20. In some embodiments, the at least one height adjustment leg 30 may be removably attached to the surface of the second layer 20. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3, 7, and 9, the at least one height adjustment leg 30 may be removably attached to the second layer 20 by a fastener 36, such that the fastener 36 secures the at least one height adjustment leg 30 in the leg cavity 24 for storage and transport, but the at least one height adjustment leg 30 can be removed by undoing the fastener 36. The fastener 36 may comprise a hook and loop mechanism, a magnetic attachment mechanism, or any other similar fastening mechanism that keeps the at least one height adjustment leg 30 removably attached to the top surface of the leg cavity 24. In the ideal embodiment, the leg cavity 24 is a cavity positioned within the second layer 20 of the prone cushion 10. However, it should be understood that the leg cavity 24 may be implemented to be an exterior storage compartment rather than a cavity within the prone cushion 10 itself.

In some embodiments, the prone cushion 10 may further comprise a cushion cover 40 adapted to envelope the first layer 12 and the second layer 20. In the ideal embodiment, the cushion cover 40 is integrated into the surface of the prone cushion 10 to protect the cushion from stains and mold. In alternative embodiments, the cushion cover 40 may be removable from the prone cushion 10 for ease of cleaning.

In some embodiments, the prone cushion 10 may further comprise a leg cover 50 adapted to envelope each of the at least one height adjustment legs 30. In the ideal embodiment, the leg cover 50 is integrated into the surface of the at least one height adjustment leg 30 to protect the at least one height adjustment leg 30 from stains and mold. In alternative embodiments, the leg cover 50 may be removable from the at least one height adjustment leg 30 for ease of cleaning.

The prone cushion 10 comprises at least one layer of material. In the ideal embodiment, the at least one layer of material comprises a first layer 12 and a second layer 20. As shown in the figures, the first layer 12 may form the upper-most surface of the prone cushion 10, and thus may be positioned against a user during use thereof. The first layer 12 may be shaped to include a neck portion 14 towards the rear end 60 of the prone cushion 10, wherein the neck portion 14 is slanted downwards with slightly raised sides. The first layer 12 may further comprise a torso portion 16 extending at a slight slant downwards from a rear edge of the neck portion 14, wherein the downwards slant reaches a lowest elevation at the front end 70 of the prone cushion 10. As shown in, for example, FIG. 6, the width of the first layer 12 may be substantially unform along a length of the torso portion 16, may narrow proximal to the joinder of the neck portion 14 and the torso portion 16, and may widen again proximal to the front edge of the neck portion 14. This may allow for comfortable positioning of the user's arms and shoulders during use in the prone position. Moreover, a portion of the torso portion 16 distal from the neck portion 14 may have a slight concavity or be easily deformable to comfortably accommodate a user's pelvis during use.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second layer 20 may be almost pentagonal in shape with a planar bottom but for a leg cavity 24 therein, though any shape or size of the second layer 20 is considered within the scope of the present invention. A portion of the second layer 20 positioned beneath the torso portion 16 of the first layer 12 may have an angle and length that closely approximates the angle and length of the torso portion 16. As seen in FIG. 9, the largest height of the second layer 20 may be positioned proximal to where the torso portion 16 meets the neck portion 14 in the first layer 12. The front edge of the second layer 20 may extend at an angle downward from the largest height at the pinnacle.

As explained previously, the first layer 12 may comprise a foam material, such as a charcoal infused memory foam. The density of the first layer 12 may vary along a length thereof. For example, the density of the foam in the neck portion 14 may be less than the density of the foam in the torso portion 16. While various mechanism may be used to achieve the variety of densities, in the ideal embodiment, the desired density may be achieved by punching a plurality of holes 18 therein, as seen in FIG. 6. In the ideal embodiment, the plurality of holes 18 may be further apart in the torso portion 16, providing a more rigid foam. The plurality of holes 18 may be place more densely in the neck portion 14 than the torso portion 16, to provide a less dense material in the neck portion 14. The plurality of holes 18 may also provide for air ventilation to prevent or reduce overheating. The first layer 12 may have an overall ergonomic shape designed to fit and support a user's upper body, including the neck, arms, chest, stomach, and pelvis, in such a way that the prone cushion 10 can support the prone posture of a user in a healthy position for an extended time.

The second layer 20 may also comprise a foam material, wherein the second layer 20 may comprise another hard material, such as a metal panel or a hard plastic board to provide an increased level of support.

As described above and as seen in FIG. 10, embodiments of the prone cushion 10 may further comprise at least one height adjustment leg 30. For example, the cushion may include a rigid first leg and a rigid second leg, wherein the legs may be stacked for height adjustment purposes. However, in other embodiments, the at least one height adjustment leg 30 may be replaced with mechanical gears and panels, air-filled or spring-operated mechanisms conventionally known for height adjustment, or any similar height-adjustment mechanism.

To use the device of the present disclosure, the user may place the prone cushion 10 on the desired surface and position him or herself in a prone position thereon, wherein the neck of the user is rested in the neck portion 14 and the body of the user is positioned on the torso portion 16. As seen in FIG. 10, if the prone cushion 10 is too low, the at least one height adjustment leg 30 may be detached from the fastener 36 in the leg cavity 24 and used to prop the prone cushion 10 up, by placing the at least one height adjustment leg 30 beneath the second layer 20. While the prone cushion 10 is described as being a prone positioning cushion, it should be understood that nothing in this disclosure is intended to limit the prone cushion 10 to such use. For example, in an alternate use, a user may prop the prone cushion 10 up against a vertical surface and use the prone cushion 10 as a backrest.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A prone cushion comprising: a rear end;a front end;at least one layer of material;the at least one layer of material further comprising a neck portion and a torso portion;the neck portion being located at the rear end of the prone cushion;the torso portion being located at the front end of the prone cushion; andat least one height adjustment leg.

2. The prone cushion of claim 1, further comprising: the at least one layer of material further comprising a first layer and a second layer;wherein the second layer is attached to a lower surface of the first layer; andwherein the at least one height adjustment leg is removably attached to a lower surface of the second layer.

3. The prone cushion of claim 2, further comprising: a cushion cover;the cushion cover being adapted to envelope the first layer and the second layer;a leg cover; andthe leg cover being adapted to envelope the at least one height adjustment leg.

4. The prone cushion of claim 1, further comprising: the at least one layer of material being narrower proximal to the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion;the at least one layer of material widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the rear end; andthe at least one layer of material widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the front end of the prone cushion.

5. The prone cushion of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of holes; andthe plurality of holes being positioned throughout the first layer.

6. The prone cushion of claim 5, further comprising: the plurality of holes being positioned more densely in the neck portion in comparison to the torso portion.

7. The prone cushion of claim 1, further comprising: the torso portion extending at a downward slant from the rear edge of the neck portion.

8. The prone cushion of claim 7, further comprising: the torso portion further comprising a slight concavity to accommodate the pelvis.

9. The prone cushion of claim 1, further comprising: the neck portion being slanted downwards from the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion towards the rear end of the prone cushion.

10. The prone cushion of claim 2, further comprising: the second layer being pentagonal in shape;the second layer further comprising a planar bottom surface; andthe second layer further comprising a leg cavity located within the planar bottom surface.

11. The prone cushion of claim 10, further comprising: the leg cavity being adapted to receive the at least one height adjustment leg;the at least one height adjustment leg further comprising a fastener; andthe fastener being adapted to secure the at least one height adjustment leg to the leg cavity.

12. The prone cushion of claim 11, further comprising: the fastener comprising a hook and loop mechanism.

13. The prone cushion of claim 10, further comprising: the angle and length of the second layer approximating the angle and length of the torso portion; andthe second layer comprising a more dense material than the first layer.

14. A prone cushion comprising: a rear end;a front end;at least one layer of material;the at least one layer of material further comprising a first layer and a second layer;the at least one layer of material further comprising a neck portion and a torso portion;the neck portion being located at the rear end of the prone cushion;the torso portion being located at the front end of the prone cushion;at least one height adjustment leg;wherein the second layer is attached to a lower surface of the first layer;wherein the at least one height adjustment leg is removably attached to a lower surface of the second layer;the at least one layer of material being narrower proximal to the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion;the first layer widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the rear end of the prone cushion;the first layer widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the front end of the prone cushion;a plurality of holes;the plurality of holes being positioned throughout the first layer;the torso portion extending at a downward slant from the rear edge of the neck portion;the neck portion being slanted downwards from the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion towards the rear end of the prone cushion;the angle and length of the second layer approximating the angle and length of the torso portion;the second layer comprising a more dense material than the first layer;the leg cavity being adapted to receive the at least one height adjustment leg;the at least one height adjustment leg further comprising a fastener;the fastener being adapted to secure the at least one height adjustment leg to the leg cavity; andthe fastener comprising a hook and loop mechanism.

15. The prone cushion of claim 14, further comprising: a cushion cover; andthe cushion cover being adapted to envelope the first layer and the second layer.

16. The prone cushion of claim 14, further comprising: a leg cover; andthe leg cover being adapted to envelope the at least one height adjustment leg.

17. The prone cushion of claim 14, further comprising: the plurality of holes being positioned more densely in the neck portion in comparison to the torso portion.

18. The prone cushion of claim 14, further comprising: the torso portion further comprising a slight concavity to accommodate the pelvis.

19. The prone cushion of claim 14, further comprising: the second layer being pentagonal in shape;the second layer further comprising a planar bottom surface; andthe second layer further comprising a leg cavity located within the planar bottom surface.

20. A prone cushion comprising: a rear end;a front end;at least one layer of material;the at least one layer of material further comprising a first layer and a second layer;the at least one layer of material further comprising a neck portion and a torso portion;the neck portion being located at the rear end of the prone cushion;the torso portion being located at the front end of the prone cushion;a second layer;at least one height adjustment leg;wherein the second layer is attached to a lower surface of the first layer;wherein the at least one height adjustment leg is removably attached to a lower surface of the second layer;the at least one layer of material being narrower proximal to the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion;the at least one layer of material widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the rear end of the prone cushion;the at least one layer of material widening past the joinder of the neck portion towards the front end of the prone cushion;a plurality of holes;the plurality of holes being positioned throughout the first layer;the torso portion extending at a downward slant from the rear edge of the neck portion;the neck portion being slanted downwards from the joinder of the neck portion and the torso portion towards the rear end of the prone cushion;the angle and length of the second layer approximating the angle and length of the torso portion;the second layer comprising a more dense material than the first layer;the leg cavity being adapted to receive the at least one height adjustment leg;the at least one height adjustment leg further comprising a fastener;the fastener being adapted to secure the at least one height adjustment leg to the leg cavity;the fastener comprising a hook and loop mechanism;a cushion cover;the cushion cover being adapted to envelope the first layer and the second layer;a leg cover;the leg cover being adapted to envelope the at least one height adjustment leg;the plurality of holes being positioned more densely in the neck portion in comparison to the torso portion;the torso portion further comprising a slight concavity to accommodate the pelvis;the second layer being triangularly shaped;the second layer further comprising a planar bottom surface; andthe second layer further comprising a leg cavity located within the planar bottom surface.