Abstract:
A decorative cushion for providing therapeutic shiatsu massage. The decorative cushion includes a cushion core comprising of a dual-foam structure. An electrically powered massage unit is placed off center in the bottom third of the cushion core. A first cushion cover covers the cushion core. A second cushion cover covers the cushion core when covered with the first cushion cover. The first cushion cover includes various forms of decoration or embroidery for aesthetic purpose.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/127,071 filed Mar. 2, 2015 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/043,830 filed Aug. 29, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a decorative cushion that can provide massage, and other stimulation to various areas of the body. 
         [0003]    Modern workers often suffer from fatigue of heads, necks, shoulders, cervical spines, etc. Some workers may even have cervical spondylosis and other forms of more serious diseases. In view of this problem, various massage devices have been developed to meet this problem. 
         [0004]    However, to the casual observer, such devices appear visually to be pieces of equipment or medical instruments. 
         [0005]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a massage cushion that is visually decorative. 
         [0006]    Another object is to provide a massage cushion that is easily controllable and without the look of a piece of equipment or medical instrument having gauges and control buttons. 
         [0007]    It is yet another object to provide a massage cushion that can be easily cleaned. 
         [0008]    It is yet another object to provide a massage cushion that provides comfortable use as a pillow support whether or not massage is being conducted by the cushion. 
         [0009]    Massage devices can be divided into kneading type, percussion type, vibration type and rolling type. The embodiment described herein relates to the kneading type, referred to as Shiatsu massage. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    A decorative cushion provides a massage, for example, in areas of neck, shoulders, and back. The massage device includes a cushion core with a dual-foam structure and a massage unit placed off center in the bottom third of the massage device providing a massage movement. The massage movement may be of several types, as for example, a kneading massage movement. A cushion cover receives the cushion core, and in certain embodiments, the cushion cover includes fanciful decoration, embroidery and shapes for aesthetical purposes. The cushion cover provides a fabric icon for use as part of an ON/OFF switch connected with the massage unit so that a user can easily turn ON or turn OFF the massage device. The massage device may include an electrical wire/plug to be plugged into a conventional electrical outlet. 
         [0011]    Alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention may have self-powered electrical sources, such as a battery, positioned within the massage unit outside of the view of the user and others. These self-powered electrical sources can be easily recharged for repeated use. 
         [0012]    The massage unit is positioned off center within the cushion so as to provide certain advantages. Such a position can provide a full-range massage to a user&#39;s neck, as well as to the lower cervical spine area. If a user wants to massage his or her shoulders or upper back, the massage device may be rotated so as to provide massage to those areas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a massage cushion according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view of an inner core of the massage cushion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a top view of the inner core of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2C ,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F,  2 G, and  2 H illustrate a massage compartment or pouch and a massage unit which is placed in the compartment, and together both are placed into the inner core of the massage cushion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of the inner core of  FIG. 2A  which is partially covered with an inner cover. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the inner cover of  FIG. 3A  which fully covers the inner core of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of the inner core of  FIG. 2A , together with the inner cover of  FIG. 3B  in a closed position, which is partially covered with an outer cover. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the massage cushion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a holding band  44  sewn in the outer cover of the massage cushion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a partial top view of the outer cover of  FIG. 4A  and more particularly, the lower left corner of the backside of the outer cover. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a partial top view of the outer cover of  FIG. 5 , folded upon itself to reveal the lower left corner of the inner cover of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates the inner cover of  FIG. 3B , folded upon itself to reveal the corner of the inner core of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates the outer cover of  FIG. 5  shown empty and in a flat position. 
       
    
    
       [0026]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments are shown. Embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are examples of the invention, which has the full scope indicated by the language of the claims. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a massage cushion  11  is constructed generally rectangular in shape having a bottom edge  13 , a top edge  15 , a right side edge  17  and a left side edge  19 . A massage unit (not shown) is housed within massage cushion  11  and provides a kneading type massage movement, referred to as a Shiatsu massage movement. The massage movement occurs at the back side  85  of the cushion and against which the user places his or her neck and shoulders, for example. 
         [0029]    As an example, massage cushion  11  may be 18 inches long, 18 inches wide and 7 inches deep. Other configurations and dimensions may be used. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an inner core  23  is the primary component of cushion  11 . Inner core  23  includes a first core section  25  having an outer dimension to dictate the shape of cushion  11 , and has a second core section  27  to hold a massage unit  29  into a fixed position relative to inner core  23 . 
         [0031]    First core section  25  is made as a single unitary piece of a first compressible foam material. The foam material measures a hardness of between 20-30 degrees using a Durometer scale. For example, the foam material is polyurethane. First core section  25  has a consistent level of compressibility throughout its shape and has a firmness of 38 IFD. The degree of compressibility provides comfort to the user, as well as a soft pillow-like support and feel to the cushion. 
         [0032]    Second core section  27  ( FIG. 2B ) is made as a single unitary piece of a second compressible foam material, which also is made from polyurethane, e.g.,  38  LX-C(Normal Urethane). Second core section  27  is located in an aperture  31  ( FIG. 2B ) formed in the lower one-third portion  33  of the three one-third portions  33 ,  35 ,  37  of first core section  25 . Aperture  31  is positioned in the lower one-third portion  33  of inner core  23 . Aperture  31  is of a size to receive second core section  27  so that it fits snugly within first core section  25 . First core section  25  may be compressed to expand aperture  31  somewhat in order to receive second core section  27  in a tight fixed fashion. 
         [0033]    Massage unit  29  may be secured to second core section  27  by polyurethane glue or any other suitable means. The compressible material of second core section  27  is more firm in compressibility than the compressible material of first core section  25 , such that massage unit  29  is held fixed relative to the second core section  27 . Second core section  27  is shaped so as to receive massage unit  29  and so as to allow its kneading components to rotate freely. In addition, second core section  27  aids in positioning unit  29  so as to provide massage action to back side  85  of the cushion. 
         [0034]    Massage unit  29  may be, for example, a kneading massage unit of the type illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0010544. Massage unit  29  may include two massage ball bodies  39  and two massage ball bodies  41  (referred to herein as Shiatsu balls). Massage ball bodies  39 ,  41  are driven to rotate and so to be used to knead and massage a human body. Massage ball bodies  39 ,  41  are rotated in reverse directions to one another (e.g., clockwise for bodies  39  and counterclockwise for bodies  41 ). Further, a timer (not shown) may be used to automatically switch the directions of rotation of the massage ball bodies after a predetermined time period. For example, after sixty seconds, bodies  39  may switch to rotate counterclockwise and bodies  41  may switch to rotate clockwise; then after another sixty seconds, bodies  39  may switch back to rotate clockwise and bodies  41  may switch back to rotate counterclockwise. Such a switching of rotational direction provides a pleasant effect to the user. The timer may include a program stored on an electronic chip which is accessed by a controller for driving bodies  39 ,  41 . In addition, a thermal effect on the user may be generated by a heating element (not shown) which thermoelectrically heats massage ball bodies  39 ,  41 . The two massage ball bodies  39  may be configured to different outer surface sizes (volumes). Likewise, the two massage ball bodies  41  may be configured to different outer surface sizes. The user may thus feel the gradational strength of the massage ball bodies. Other conventional types of massage devices may be used in the massage unit  29 , as will suggest itself. 
         [0035]    Massage unit  29  includes a disconnectable power supply cord  43  which connects massage unit  29  to a source of electricity for powering the unit. Power supply cord  43  extends outwardly from massage unit  29  and is of a length to extend outside of the perimeter area of cushion  11 . Cord  43  terminates in an electrical connector  45  which is mateable with another electrical connector (not shown) of a second power cord (also not shown). Power may be supplied directly from the second power cord to massage unit  29  via cord  43 . As will suggest itself, alternatively, electrical connector  45  may be a conventional wall plug that may be plugged into a conventional electrical wall outlet. 
         [0036]    A pair of passageways  47 ,  49  may be formed or cut into respectively first core section  25  and second core section  27  of the compressible foam material. Passageways  47 ,  49  provide a trough or channel to receive power supply cord  43 , and thus keep cord  43  away from the outer top surface of core sections  25 ,  27 . 
         [0037]    Alternatively, a battery (not shown) may be used to power massage unit  29  instead of electricity through cord  43 . Thus, cord  43  can be avoided. Alternatively, cord  43  may be used with a rechargeable battery to supply electricity for recharging of the battery. After the battery is charged, cord  43  may be removed. 
         [0038]    Massage unit  29  also includes a ON/OFF switch  51  and an associated connection cord  53 . Cord  53  extends outwardly from massage unit  29  allowing ON/OFF switch  51  to be positioned at a convenient place for user actuation. ON/OFF switch  51  operates to turn massage unit  29  ON or OFF, as described more fully herein. A passageway  55  may be formed or cut into the compressible foam material of second core section  27  to provide a channel to receive cord  53 , and thus keep cord  53  away from the outer top surface of core section  27 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2C , a massage unit compartment or pouch  131  is provided in another embodiment. Pouch  131  is shaped and is of a size to receive and contain massage unit  29 . The massage unit  29  may fit snugly within the massage unit pouch  131 , such that, for example, no adhesive is required to hold the massage unit  29  in place within pouch  131 . 
         [0040]    Pouch  131  may be constructed as a separate unit. In addition, pouch  131  may be sewn into a position on an inner cover  61  (described hereinafter) which receives the inner core  23 . Alternatively, pouch  131  may be constructed to include a portion  132  of inner cover  61 , and so firmly locate pouch  131  relative to inner core  23 . 
         [0041]    Pouch  131  is openable along at least a portion of one of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism  133  having a zipper head  135  and a pair of zipper tracks  137 . Pouch  131  may be formed of cloth mesh material, for example, 100% polyester, and may be of a solid beige color. Such a cloth mesh material may be made from nylon material, for example. Such a cloth mesh material may assist with dissipating heat generated from the massage unit  29 . The massage unit pouch  131  provides additional support to hold the massage unit  29  in place relative to the inner core. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 2D-2G , massage unit  29  is placed within massage unit pouch  131  ( FIGS. 2D ,  2 E) and then pouch  131  is zipped closed retaining unit  29  within pouch  131  ( FIGS. 2E ,  2 F). As shown in  FIG. 2F , power cord  43  and connection cord  53  protrude from a hole  139  formed in pouch  131 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 2G , pouch  131  containing unit  29  is placed into an aperture or cavity  32  formed in first core section  25 . Cavity  32  may have a shape, as shown, similar to the shape of unit  29 . Thus, second core section  27  may not be used. Alternatively, aperture  32  may be formed in second core section  27  ( FIG. 2 ). Core section  27  may provide expansion to aperture  32  allowing it to act as a sponge cavity so that pouch  131  fits snugly within cavity  32 . The walls of cavity  32  hold pouch  131  containing massage unit  29  in place without need for glue or other adhesive. The mesh pouch provides additional support to hold the massage unit in place and prevents the massage unit from falling out of position while resting in cavity  32 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and  FIG. 2H , inner core  23  is insertable within, and received by inner cover  61 . Inner cover  61  has the shape of cushion  11  and is openable along three of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism  63  comprised of a zipper head  65  and a pair of zipper tracks  67 . Zipper tracks  67  extend along the lower portions of the two sides of inner cover  61  and along the bottom side of inner cover  61 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Zipper tracks  67  may instead be placed at the upper portions of the two sides of the inner cover  61  and along the top side of inner cover  61 . Thus, locating the zipper tracks  67  at the upper portion of the inner cover  61  may prevent any interference between zipper tracks  67  and zipper tracks  79  ( FIG. 4B ) of an outer cover  73 , described below. Inner cover  61  is shown open in  FIG. 3A  and shown closed in  FIG. 3B . Inner cover  61  may be formed of cloth material, for example, 100% polyester and may have a solid beige color. Such a cloth material may be made from nylon material, for example. 
         [0044]    When zipper closure mechanism  63  is open fully (as shown in  FIG. 3A ), inner core  23  may be inserted within inner cover  61 . Once inner core  23  is received into inner cover  61 , inner cover  61  may be closed by zipper closure mechanism  63  (as shown in  FIG. 3B ). Power supply cord  43  is positioned so as to extend out through the zipper opening at a location  69  where zipper tracks  67  end. Thus, zipper head  65  will end its movement to close the inner cover immediately adjacent to cord  43  at location  69 . Should tracks  67  be located at the upper portion of inner cover  61 , zipper head  65  will likewise end its movement to close the inner cover at location  69 . ON/OFF switch  51  is secured to the underside surface  71  (as shown in  FIG. 3A ) of inner cover  61 , as more fully described hereinafter. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , zipper head  65  includes a small pull handle. However, inner cover  61  may be constructed to prevent or discourage removal of inner cover  61  from inner core  23 . For example, zipper head  65  may be turned over so as to travel with respect to the inside of the cover and the pull handle may be removed from the zipper head. The inner cover thus protects the inner components of the cushion as well as protects the user from easily gaining access to the inner components. The inner core also protects an outer cover  73 , described hereinafter, from wear and tear (friction) from massage unit  29 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , inner core  23  (not shown) when covered with inner cover  61  ( FIG. 4A ) is inserted within and received by outer cover  73 . Outer cover  73  has the shape of the cushion  11  and is openable along three of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism  75  comprised of a zipper head  77  and a pair of zipper tracks  79 . Zipper tracks  79  extend along the lower portions of the sides of outer cover  73  and along the bottom of outer cover  73 . Outer cover  73  is shown open in  FIG. 4A  and shown closed in  FIG. 4B . Outer cover  73  may be formed of cloth material, e.g., cotton, and carries a decorative pattern  81  on its front side  83  and is only colored white on its back side  85 . Such cloth material would be fabric used on conventional decorative pillows found on high quality living room furniture. 
         [0047]    Zipper closure mechanism  75  runs along part of the right side edge  17  ( FIG. 1 ), the bottom edge  13  ( FIG. 1 ) and part of the left side edge  19  ( FIG. 1 ). When the zipper closure mechanism  75  of outer cover  73  is open fully (as shown in  FIG. 4A ), the inner core  23  (which is covered with inner cover  61 ) may be inserted within outer cover  73 . Once inner core  23  (covered with inner cover  61 ) is inserted, outer cover  73  may be closed by the zipper closure mechanism  75 . Power supply cord  43  is positioned so as to extend out through the zipper opening at a position  87  ( FIG. 4B ) where zipper tracks  79  end. As shown in FIG.  4 C, an elastic band  44  may be sewn adjacent to zipper opening and adjacent to position  87  in order to hold electrical connector  45  (with its extended portion of power supply cord  43 ) and contain electrical connector  45  from dangling or flopping. Band  44  is rectangular in shape folded and having its two ends sewn to the zipper cover interface  80 . ON/OFF switch  73  (not shown in  FIG. 4A ) is secured relative to the underside surface  89  of outer cover  73 , as described hereinafter. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , decorative pattern  81  may be printed, embroidered, sewn or otherwise secured to front side  83  of outer cover  73 . Decorative pattern  81  may be a fancy, high quality design found on conventional decorative cushions. Back side  85  of cushion  11  is without decoration and is only a solid color. Front side  83  and back side  85  may be of one piece of material, or alternatively be connected together along their four sides  13 ,  15 ,  17  and  19  by a seam or stitching  70  ( FIG. 4B ) and by zipper tracks  79 . Zipper tracks  79  are disposed along the bottom edge  13  and partially along each of side edges  17 ,  19  of cushion  11 , similar to the inner cover zipper closure mechanism  63  shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the backside  85  of outer cover  73  includes a decorative icon  91 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , icon  91  has a circle shape, and may be formed of a separate piece of material sewn to the back side  85 . Alternatively, icon  91  may be a shape that is directly stitched or embroidered onto outer cover  73 . It is shown somewhat enlarged in  FIG. 8 , but may have a diameter slightly larger than that of a hand thumb. 
         [0050]    Icon  91  is located in the lower left corner of outer cover  73  ( FIG. 8 ) as viewed from the back side. The user presses firmly against icon  91  with his or her thumb in order to activate ON/OFF switch  51  ( FIG. 2A ). This action of pressing against icon  91  closes switch  51 , and thus turns ON the massage unit, or else the action deactivates ON/OFF switch  51  by opening switch  51  and thus turns OFF the massage unit. When massage unit  29  is ON, pressing icon  91  causes the massage unit to turn OFF. When massage unit  29  is OFF, pressing icon  91  causes the massage unit to turn ON. 
         [0051]    In addition, heat may be applied from inside the massage cushion by a heater (not shown), e.g., a metal heating wire or blade, which receives electrical power via power supply cord  43 . The heater may turn ON when the massage unit is activated by the pressing of icon  91 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , outer cover  73  is shown pulled back onto itself to reveal underside surface  89  of outer cover  73 . Secured onto underside surface  89  is an attachment ring  93 . Attachment ring  93  is positioned directly beneath icon  91  (which is located on the backside  85  of outer cover  73 ). Attachment ring  93  is formed as one component of a Velcro attachment device (having hooks-and-loop material). That is, attachment ring  93  is formed from either one of the two Velcro components: typically two plastic sheets, one sheet covered with tiny loops and the other sheet covered with tiny flexible hooks, which two components adhere together when the components are pressed together. Ring  93  is circular in shape and is sewn to the underside surface  89  via thread stitches  95  which trace a circular pattern. Stitches  95  in a circular pattern are also shown on the backside  85 , in  FIG. 5 , surrounding icon  91 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , another attachment ring  97  is secured to top surface  99  of inner cover  61 . Attachment ring  97  is formed as a Velcro hooks-and-loop material component, the opposite to component of ring  93  so as to adheringly mate with ring  93 . Ring  97  is circular in shape and of the same size as ring  93 , and is sewn to inner cover  61  by stitches  101 . Attachment ring  97  is located at a position on inner cover  61  so as to align with attachment ring  93  when the outer cover  73  is closed over inner cover  61 . The two attachment rings  95 ,  97  mate together and attached to one another via the Velcro structure so as to maintain icon  91  securely positioned relative to inner cover  61 , i.e., relative to the position of sewn-on ring  97 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , inner cover  61  is shown pulled back onto itself to reveal the underside surface  71  of inner cover  61 . Secured onto underside surface  71  and vertically beneath the attachment ring  97  ( FIG. 6 ) is another attachment ring  105 . Attachment ring  105  is formed as a Velcro hooks-and-loop material component. Ring  105  is sewn to underside surface  71  of inner cover  61  via thread stitches  101  which trace a circular pattern. Thread stitches  101  in its circular pattern are also shown sewn on the ring  97  in  FIG. 6 , as well. Stitches  101  secure both attachment rings  97 ,  105  to inner cover  61 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , ON/OFF switch  51  includes and ON/OFF button  107  mounted to a button support structure  109  (which contains a conventional electrical switch) and a circular base  111 . Switch  51  is positioned against underside surface  71  of inner cover  61  and into a square shaped area generally designated by reference numeral  103 . Area  103  is defined by a square aperture  113  being formed in attachment ring  105 . Square shaped aperture  113  conforms to the square shaped top surface of button support structure  109  allowing the button support structure  109  to seat within square shaped aperture  113 . 
         [0056]    Referring again to  FIG. 6 , a square shaped aperture  115  ( FIG. 6 ) may be fondled in attachment ring  93  to allow the button support structure  109  to seat also within square shaped aperture area  115 . Such a positioning aligns ON/OFF button  107  with decorative icon  91  ( FIG. 5 ). The aperture  116  of ring  97  may be circular, or other shape, of a size sufficient to allow button support structure  109  to seat into aperture  115 . 
         [0057]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , an attachment ring  117  is made of a Velcro hooks-and-loop material and includes a central aperture  119  which is of a size to receive electrical wires  121 ,  123  from the ON/OFF switch  51 . Ring  117  is of a size for mating with attachment ring  105  to hold and secure ON/OFF switch  51  in position against square shaped area  103 . Circular base  111  of switch  51  is of a diameter larger than central aperture  119  so that attachment ring  117  holds switch  51  firmly in place and against area  103 . Wires  121 ,  123  form cord  53  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B) and feed into inner core  23  and connect to massage unit  29 . 
         [0058]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in addition to decorative pattern  81  on the front side  83  of outer cover  73 , outer cover  73  may also include pointy ears  125 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , at each of the upper corners of cushion  11 . Because the zipper opening of outer cover  73  is located at the bottom of cushion  11 , the fabric material at the top of outer cover  73  may be configured in a fashionable structure, e.g., to provide pointy ears  125 . In addition, extra fabric material may be allotted to outer cover  73  in the area adjacent to the massage unit so as to allow outer cover  73  to easily slip over the covered massage unit and thereafter be easily zipped closed. Further, stitched designs may mold the front side of the outer cover in fanciful shapes, as for example, a central diamond shape or other shape centrally located on the cushion. Further, inner core  51  may be molded to a particular shape that is visually evident from viewing of outer cover  73 ; the outer cover may be held tight against the inner core so as to provide a similar shape or an affected shape, to outer cover  73 . 
         [0059]    Cushion  11  has a wide-range application in terms of providing massage by virtue of positioning massage unit  29  at the bottom section of inner core  51 . For example, massage unit  29  is capable of providing full-range neck massage to the user lying on top of the massage cushion. As another example, the massage cushion may be reversely positioned to provide massage to lower back areas of the human user. Further, the user may position the cushion in a location the user wishes in order to relieve minor aches and pains. 
         [0060]    In addition, inner cover  61  need not be used in certain embodiments. Instead, outer cover  73  alone may directly receive the inner core  23  and directly receive attachment ring  117  of  FIG. 7  and instead of attachment ring  97  of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0061]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore, the appended claims that define the true spirit and scope of the invention.