Patent Application
20220287463
About 80 percent of adults will experience low back pain in their lifetime. As the world becomes more technologically advanced, humans increasingly find themselves in front of computer screens. While using screens, people will typically sit for long periods of time and the most common sitting configuration is a slouched configuration. Slouched sitting puts undue stress on multiple regions of the spine, namely the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) regions, and is a large contributing factor to neck and low back pain. Slouched sitting postures will create a C-curve configuration, that is, the cervical and lumbar spines are in flexed positions, when naturally, they are extended. When the spine is put in a neutral S-curve configuration, there are reduced shearing forces at the cervical and lumbar regions, thus resulting in reduced incidence of neck and low back pain.
A significant number of workers in the US and worldwide, spend their working hours, days, weeks, months and years, seated in a variety of different types of chairs. And in many cases, these users will also spend a significant amount of time sitting at home, enjoying meals, working or playing on home computers and watching television. It has been well established that incorrect or improper seating posture may be the key cause for developing leg pain, abdominal pain, back pain, and neck pain. Surprisingly, such physical discomfort and pain that are self-inflicted substantially on a daily basis appears to be an acceptable consequence for many
The typical improper slumping posture that most people naturally adopt causes a number of unnatural stresses on the body. For example, in a slumped sitting position, a person causes unnatural stretches and pressures in the person's muscles, ligaments and bones from the leg, to the abdomen, including the spine and spinal cord, and up to the person's neck and head. Abnormal posture may also lead to reduced or poor blood circulation, which exacerbates the additional stresses brought upon from the unnatural stresses on the tissue.
A number of different types of devices have been developed to address these issues. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,063,753 discloses, in part, an auxiliary back and seat cushions constructed to add comfort to the users by allowing the circulation of air or providing ventilation, in addition to the cushioning effects, which structures can be selectively used on backs and seats of different kinds and in different locations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,089 discloses in part, a compressible seat cushion for alleviating the perineal and rectal discomfort of a person with hemorrhoids, rectal surgery episiotomy, or the like, said seat cushion comprising a front edge, a back edge, a substantially rectangular bottom surface and a top seating surface, the seating surface including a pair of elongate, upwardly projecting support members extending parallel to one another and a channel located between the pair of parallel support members, such that the support members for approximate registration with the thighs and ischia of a person seated on the seat cushion.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,986 discloses in part, a seat pad that is injection molded out of plastic with various combinations of holes and pathways that promote air flow to ventilate and prevent the build-up of perspiration on a person's back, upper legs, and rear end as they sit on it for an extended period of time. U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,236 discloses in part, a vehicle seat cushion assembly for providing additional comfort and support while facilitating air flow around and through the seat cushion assembly includes upper and lower sections pivotally coupled to each other for facilitating storage. The upper and lower sections are each formed by coupling two layers of grid-like material to each other in a generally parallel spaced relationship to permit air to flow freely through the invention during use.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,855,986 discloses, in part, an automotive vehicle seat cushions of the type adapted to relieve pressure, strain and irritation to the lower portions of the spine and related areas including the sacral nerves, the prostate, and coccyx. U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,333 discloses in part, a seat cushion including: a base having upper and lower surfaces and having front and rear portions; rocking means affixed to said base; two internal rear wedges disposed on and affixed to the upper surface of the rear portion of the base and having a first upper face that slant a downward toward the front portion of the base; two internal front wedges disposed on and affixed to the upper surface of the front portion of the base and having a second upper face that slants downward toward the rear portion, one internal rear wedge and one internal front wedge being disposed on each side of a centerline that bisects the base into right and left portions; and an external cushion enveloping said front and rear wedges and said upper surface of said base, the top surfaces of first and second portions of said external cushion lying above said first and second upper faces being sloped downwardly toward each other from points above said front and rear base portions to form an elongated cavity for receiving the buttocks of a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,723,928 claims, in part, a sitting bones cushion, comprising: a) a right aperture, which is configured to receive a right sitting bone of a user that is seated on the sitting bones cushion; b) a left aperture, which is configured to receive a left sitting bone of the user that is seated on the sitting bones cushion; c) a right leg support cutout, which is positioned on an upper front right part of the sitting bones cushion, such that the right leg support cutout is configured to support, guide, and position a right leg of the user that is seated on the sitting bones cushion; and d) a left leg support cutout, which is positioned on an upper front left part of the sitting bones cushion, such that the left leg support cutout is configured with a shape, as disclosed herein.
The present inventors have recognized that a continuing need exists for developing a more effective seating device that may effectively address these issues. The following embodiments, aspects and variations thereof are exemplary and illustrative and not intended to be limiting in scope.
Among other embodiments, aspects, and variations as disclosed herein, one aim of the present invention as provided herein is to improve a user's ability to passively attain a S-curve configuration while sitting. The application discloses a 2-component lumbopelvic support, the first component being a back-to-front down-sloping seat cushion which helps to control pelvic tilt, and the second component being an attached lumbar support to maintain the natural lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. The combination of the two components helps to support the lumbopelvic region in a neutral position, thus improving the user's likelihood of sitting in a S-curve posture.
In one embodiment, the present application discloses a 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion combination comprising: a seat support cushion 10 comprising a top face 15, a bottom face 20, a front edge 25 and a rear edge 30, wherein the seat support cushion is variably padded at the front edge 25 and at the rear edge 30; a lumbar support cushion 50 comprising a front face 55 and a back face 60, wherein at least a part of the front face is convex-shaped (57); wherein the seat support cushion 10 is optionally detachably attached to the lumbar support cushion 50; wherein when a user sits on the seat support cushion 10, the rear edge 30 of the seat support cushion 10 is at a position that is elevated above the front edge such that the rear edge anteriorly tilts the user's pelvis toward a more positive anterior tilt angle; and wherein the user's natural lumbar lordosis is further passively supported by the convex shape of the lumbar support cushion 50.
As provided herein, when the user's pelvis is tilted toward a “more positive anterior tilt angle”, the user's pelvis is tilted towards a more neutral position, resulting in an improvement of the lumbar spine's ability to maintain its natural lordosis passively. For example, while sitting in a chair without using the seat support cushion combination, for example, the person's pelvis may be at a −10 degrees (i.e., minus 10 degrees). And where the same person uses the seat support cushion combination as disclosed herein, the person's pelvis may be tilted such that the person's pelvis is adjusted or changed to a −5 degrees (i.e., minus 5 degrees), then such a change in the user's pelvis would be considered to be “toward a more positive anterior tilt angle.” Similarly, a change in the tilt angle when a person uses the seat support cushion combination from −5 degrees to +5 degrees would also constitute a tilt “toward a more positive anterior tilt angle. Such a favorable change in posture shown of a person's typical sitting posture (
In one aspect, the seat support cushion can be adjusted by the user so that the elevated rear edge of the seat support cushion anteriorly tilts the user's pelvis towards a more neutral position, which is typically ranging from 0-10 degrees of anterior tilt. In one variation, the positive anterior tilt angle is at least 1 degree, at least 3 degrees, at least 5 degrees, at least 7 degrees, at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees; or in a range of from 1 to 15 degrees. It is noted that the neutral pelvic and lumbar positioning, and sitting configuration or position, varies for every person.
With respect to the lumbar cushion, the clause “at least a part of the front face is convex-shaped” means that the lumbar support cushion comprises a portion with a convex or curvilinear surface that may be adjusted to support or accommodate the particular user's natural lordosis configuration.
In another embodiment, the present application discloses a 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion combination comprising:
a seat support cushion 10 comprising a top face 15, a bottom face 20, a front edge 25 and a rear edge 30, wherein the seat support cushion is variably padded at the front edge 25 and at the rear edge 30;
a lumbar support cushion 50 comprising a front face 55 and a back face 60;
wherein the seat support cushion 10 is optionally detachably attached to the lumbar support cushion 50; and
wherein when a user sits on the seat support cushion 10, the rear edge 30 of the seat support cushion 10 supports the user's pelvis (hip, buttock, thigh) such that the user's pelvis is raised or elevated above the knee at an angle of at least about 5 degrees or 10 degrees above horizontal relative to the user's knee when the user is sitting upright.
As provided herein, when the user's pelvis is raised or elevated above the knee at an angle of at least about 5 degrees or 10 degrees or more in the upright sitting position, the position forces the distribution of the user's abdominal weight forward, resulting in an improvement of the alignment of the pelvis, thereby improvement lumbar alignment. In addition, such a sitting position may result in a reduction of the pressure and torque on the user's pelvic girdle. As used herein, the clause “variably padded at the front edge and at the rear edge” means that at least one of the padding structure or of the material composition of the front edge and the rear edge seat support cushion is different such that when a user sits on the seat support cushion, the user's pelvis (hip, buttock, thigh) is raised or elevated above the knee at an angle of at least about 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees or more above horizontal relative to the user's knee when the user is sitting upright. In one variation, the front edge is thinner or has less padding than the rear edge.
The padded seat support cushion may be substantially a wedge-shape with a cross-sectional shape where the thickness of the rear edge being gradually reduced from the rear edge toward the front, such that the front edge having a thickness that is reduced relative to the rear edge to form the wedge-shape seat support cushion. In one variation, the padding materials in the rear edge may comprise of substantially harder padding materials to provide support and the padding materials toward in the front edge may comprise of softer padding materials to provide the desired wedge-shape cushion. In addition, such wedge-shape configuration may be formed from packing or padding materials having different degrees of softness or hardness, and/or different degrees of compressibility, loading and/or thickness to provide the desired wedge-shape cushion upon sitting.
Accordingly, as provided here, the combination of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, as properly adjusted to the user's anatomy, provide improved or optimal sitting configuration to provide an improvement of the lumbar spine's ability to maintain its natural lordosis passively, provide support for the lumbopelvic region in a neutral position that improves the user's likelihood of sitting in a S-curve posture, leading to improved comfort along with a significant reduction of potential leg pain, abdominal pain, back pain, and neck pain when sitting for an extended period of time.
Such “structure” may include, for example, the internal cushion padding structure and materials such as springs, plastic grid, elastic gel grid, foam such as polyfoam, high density foam or polyfoam and memory foam, or combinations thereof. For example, for certain padding or cushioning materials, the rear edge of the support cushion may have more structure or materials, such as packing materials, than the front edge of the support cushion in order to achieve the raised or elevated configuration. Accordingly, in one variation, the distribution of the user's weight also reduces the strain on the user's thoracic and lumbar spine regions. Such soft packing materials may include soft foams, soft polyurethane, polystyrene foam, bead foams, sponges, cotton, fabrics, and combination of materials thereof.
As represented in
In one variation, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion combination provides concomitant lumbar support, reduces lumbar disc pressure, and at the same time reduces back and neck pain. In another variation, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion urges the user to adopt a forward-tilting posture and result in a seat-bottom incline that increases proper lordosis, thus reducing the shear forces at the lumbar spine.
In one particular aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion combination allows the user to achieve an improved ergonomic position, allowing for the user's spine to “stack” to reduce mechanical, repetitive/prolonged stress on the spine, thus allowing for improved comfort for longer periods of sitting, and accordingly, reducing the incidence of injury. As used herein, the term “stack” means that by supporting the user's pelvis in the disclosed sitting configuration, the lumbar spine is placed in a neutral position (the natural lordosis curve), with the thoracic spine directly superior (above) the lumbar spine, and accordingly, the cervical spine will be directly superior to the thoracic spine, which allows the user to maintain a substantially neutral “s-curvature” of the spine.
In one particular aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion reduces the mechanical stresses at the high-stress points of the lumbar and cervical spine and thus improving the user's sitting posture, which reduces the incidence of pain with prolonged sitting. In addition, the seat and lumbar support cushion prevents the user from adopting an improper posture for a long period of time, which may result in back pain, neck pain, head pain, eye strain, abdominal injury, and increases the risk of repetitive motion injuries.
In another aspect of the above 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, when a user sits on the seat support cushion, the rear edge of the seat support cushion supports the user's pelvis (hip, buttock, thigh) such that the user's pelvis is raised or elevated above the knee at an angle of at least about 10 degrees, 15 degrees or more above horizontal relative to the user's knee when the user is sitting upright.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the seat support cushion is attached to the lumbar support cushion by a detachable attachment selected from the group consisting of hooks, hoop closures, loop closures or fasteners such as Velcro™, snaps, zippers, drawstring, connecting hooks, or a combination thereof.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, at least a part of the rear edge of the seat support cushion defines a width that is thicker than the width of the front edge of the seat support cushion. In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the seat support cushion comprises a one-way air valve for inflating the seat cushion to the desired comfort level and support. In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the seat support cushion is shaped as a rhomboid or wedge shape, and the rear edge of the seat support cushion slopes down toward the front edge at a slope of between 3 and 15 degrees, 3 to 20 degrees or between 3 and 25 degrees. In another variation, the seat support cushion slopes down (or slanted downward) toward the front edge at a slope of about 3 degrees, 5 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, 13 degrees, 15 degrees, 17 degrees, 20 degrees or 25 degrees.
In one variation, the downward slope of the seat cushion support sets the greater trochanter of the femur above the height of the knee, thus optimizing the pelvic angle.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the seat support cushion has a width of between 9 and 14 inches, the depth of between 9 and 16 inches, the rear edge having a thickness (or back height) of between 1 and 3 inches, and the front edge having width of between 0.5 inch to 2 inches. These measured dimensions may include the dimensions of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion both before a user is sitting on the cushion, as well as after the user is sitting on the cushion, depending on the configuration and materials of construction that is used, as disclosed herein.
In one variation, the lumbar support favorably supports lumbar lordosis. In another variation, the rear edge of the seat support cushion may comprise a packing material, such as a hard foam or PVC plastic air bladder padding, that is thicker or more resilient than the packing material of the front edge, such as a low-density soft foam or further comprises, at least partially, an inflatable cushion. Alternatively, the front edge may comprise of an inflatable fluid (or water) filled bladder. In another variation, the front edge may comprise of a centered recess or a gap that can accommodate and relieve pressure against the user's sensitive body parts.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, at least one of the seat support cushion or the lumbar support cushion is covered by a removable cover. In one variation, the removable cover is washable or disposable. In another variation, the removable cover may be made of a washable material such as polyester, cotton, soft suede, micro suede, leather and plastic mesh.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the lumbar support cushion has one, two or three adjustable, extendable straps for positioning and holding the lumbar support cushion at a desired position on the chair back support. As provided herein, the extendable straps may be used as removable attachment of the lumbar support cushion to the seat back in an adjustable and fixed vertical position.
In yet another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the lumbar support cushion is shaped or dimensioned to engage, conform and provide longitudinal support along the longitudinal axis of the user's lumbar spine to maintain the natural curvature of the user's spine. In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the lumbar support cushion is generally arcuate in shape to provide a smooth and fitting interface for engaging and supporting the user's spine. As defined herein, the term “rear edge” includes the rear end (or the terminal rear edge) or the rear portion (or back portion) of the seat support cushion (which can be defined by having a thickness, as defined herein) and extends toward the front edge and includes at least about ⅓, ½ or ¾ area of the support cushion. In one variation, the rear edge may be more padded or thicker than the front edge, and may slope down or slant forward at a gradual angle (or slope) or in sloped steps (or formed in steps) toward the front edge of the seat support cushion.
As disclosed herein, the 2-component seat and lumbar cushion provides physical support for the lumbopelvic region. Establishing both comfort for sitting for an extensive period of time, as well as assisting the user with establishing the optimized and ideal posture to provide comfort for extended seating.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the lumbar support cushion is generally convex shaped and having a width of between 9 and 14 inches, a vertical height of between 9 and 16 inches and a depth of between 1 and 5 inches. In one variation, the lumbar support cushion may be made from memory foam, firm mesh, plastic, and optionally, a carbon fiber skeleton. In one variation, the 2-component combination seat and lumbar support cushion allows the user to sit up straight and align the user's ears, shoulders, heart and his pelvis in a substantially vertical line.
In one variation, each of the seat support and the lumbar support cushion may have, independently, an air fillable bladder or a water fillable bladder, and their corresponding fill valve. In one variation, the air may be pumped in using a blow-up valve and hand pump, with or without a detachable tubing, or the padding material may be made from self-inflating padding material.
In yet another aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion further comprises a heating element, such as a heating gel, and electrical outlet for independently warming the seat support cushion and the lumbar support cushion. In another aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion further comprises a cooling element, such as a cooling liquid or cooling gel, and electrical outlet for independently cooling the seat support cushion and the lumbar support cushion. In yet another aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, a heating element, such as a heating gel, and electrical outlet for independently warming the seat support cushion and the lumbar support cushion; and a cooling element, such as a cooling liquid or cooling gel, and electrical outlet for independently cooling the seat support cushion and the lumbar support cushion.
In another aspect of the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion, the bottom face comprises of a tacky or gripping material. The tacky or gripping material of the bottom face or underside of the seat cushion provides increased friction of the surface of the seat to retain the seat cushion in place during use, or to prevent or resist sliding of the seat cushion during use.
In yet another aspect, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion further comprises a rocking element on the bottom face of the seat support cushion for further adjusting and aligning the user's spine for optimal comfort. In one variation, the rocking element or rocking mechanism may comprise of one or more rigid pivot points or protrusions, or one or two wheels attached to an attachment mechanism, or attachment device, such as a truck that may be attached to a base of the bottom face. In one variation, the rocking element may be a pivoting mechanism that allows the seat support to pivot in different positions. The rocking element may be attached to a rigid base of the seat support cushion, wherein the rigid base comprises of wood, metal, hard plastic or high density hard foam for supporting the attachment device, wherein the rigid base may be mounted internally in the seat cushion or may be mounted externally on the seat cushion. Such a rocking elements may assist in massaging, enhancing blood circulation and reducing sore spots with prolonged sitting.
As disclosed herein, the 2-component seat and lumbar support cushion may be used on a chair (not claimed) such as a dining room chair, an adjustable or non-adjustable office or desk chair, gaming chair, a car seat, an airplane seat, a train seat, a boat seat, folding chair, camp chair, or any other type of chairs (not claimed) or seats, or seating surface (not claimed), where a user may sit for an extended period of time.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings or figures as provided herein. In addition to the exemplary embodiments, aspects and variations described above, further embodiments, aspects and variations will become apparent by reference to the drawings and figures and by examination of the following descriptions.
Unless specifically noted otherwise herein, the definitions of the terms used are standard definitions used in the art of anatomy. Exemplary embodiments, aspects and variations are illustrated in the figures and drawings, and it is intended that the embodiments, aspects and variations, and the figures and drawings disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative and not limiting.
Lordosis means the extension curve of the spine, typical to the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) spine in neutral alignment. Accordingly, lordosis refers to a person's natural lordotic curve of the spine, which is considered to be normal. However, where the curve of the spine arches farther inward, or too far inward, then the condition may be referred to as lordosis or also swayback, which results in additional pressure on the spine that will also lead to pain and discomfort.
Kyphosis means the flexion curve of the spine, typical to the thoracic (mid-back) spine.
S-curve—as the spine is aligned neutrally in an upright position, the cervical-thoracic-lumbar curves are lordosis-kyphosis-lordosis.
The C-curve is the common curvature of the spine when sitting—the entire spine is typically in a flexed (kyphotic) position.
The clause “positive pelvic tilt” as used herein means an anterior pelvic tilt in that the iliac crests are tilted forward in the sagittal plane, where the sagittal plane means the side-view of a user. Pelvic tilts are typically defined as anterior or posterior. Accordingly, a positive pelvic tilt means that the pelvis is caused or urged, for example, to result in a less posterior tilt when a user is using the disclosed invention, when compared to a user's sitting pelvic position while not using the disclosed seat and lumbar support cushion combination. Accordingly, the positive pelvic tilt may be a less posterior tilt, which may include a less posterior tilt or a positive anterior tilt, depending on the users' standard or adopted sitting position before using the disclosed seat and lumbar support cushion combination.
Accordingly, as used herein, a “negative pelvic tilt” means that the posterior pelvic tilt in that iliac crests are tilted back in the sagittal plane.
While a number of exemplary embodiments, aspects and variations have been provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and combinations and certain sub-combinations of the embodiments, aspects and variations. It is intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and combinations and certain sub-combinations of the embodiments, aspects and variations are within their scope. The entire disclosures of all documents cited throughout this application are incorporated herein by reference.
This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of Application No. 63/160,599 filed Mar. 12, 2021, the entire content of which are incorporated into this application by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63160599 | Mar 2021 | US |
