Patent ID: 6154903
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: A47C,A61G

Abstract:
A body rest structure comprising a longitudinally extending torso support for supporting the torso of a human body in a prone position elevated above an underlying surface, said torso support including first and second sides selectively positionable on said surface, wherein:(a) when said first side is positioned on said surface, said second side is defined by:(i) a first platform for providing lifting support from below the upper chest and shoulders of said body at a first predetermined elevation above said surface;(ii) a second platform for providing cooperating lifting support only from below the lumbar vertebrae of said body at a second predetermined elevation above said surface; and,(iii) an open region extending longitudinally between said first and second platforms for providing room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest of said body below said shoulders to pull down on said body between said first and second platforms;said first and second platforms and said open region being sized to enable a longitudinal stretch of both the thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae of said body when said body is positioned on said first and second platforms; and concurrently, said first platform permitting the neck and head of said body to tilt forwardly and downwardly from said shoulders to a tucked chin position enabling a longitudinal stretch of the cervical vertebrae of the body;(b) when said second side is positioned on said underlying surface, said first side is defined by:(i) a third platform for providing lifting support from below the upper chest and shoulders of said body at a third predetermined elevation above said surface;(ii) a fourth platform for providing cooperating lifting support from below the lumbar vertebrae of said body at a fourth predetermined elevation above said surface; and,(iii) an open region extending longitudinally between said third and fourth platforms for providing room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest of said body below said shoulders to pull down on said body between said third and fourth platforms; and,(c) the longitudinal extension of said open region between said first and second platforms defined when said first side is positioned on said surface is greater than the longitudinal extension of said open region between said third and fourth platforms defined when said second side is positioned on said surface.