Abstract:
This lounging device is an upper body elevator apparatus having an optional neck rest that should be used for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes. With an elevation of almost 90° the elongated tubular pillows are between a top and bottom sheet and are connected by gussets which gives the device its wedge effect. On either side of the center surface are air diffusers which allow air to diffuse from the pillows (pneumatic cushions) of the center surface to comfort and support the back. The elevating wedge and optional tubular neck support operate together to elevate the head at an angle comfortable for sitting in an upright position for many recreational and therapeutic purposes. An elongated tubular anchor/butt rest is shown connected to bottom sheet to include a lower body support surface. This is a cost effective device that every household can afford. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent U.S. 61/068,081, entitled “Upper Body Elevator” and filed on Mar. 4, 2008 under 35 U.S.C. 119(c) by the present inventor. This device relates to lounging devices and more specifically to such devices which are suitable for recreational and therapeutic needs. The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
       [0002]    The present device relates generally to recreational and therapeutic lounging. More particularly the device relates to an indoor/outdoor upper body elevation device specifically suitable for anyone. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DEVICE 
       [0003]    In most cases people lounge for either recreation or therapy, whichever the case may be proper upper body support is necessary. In some cases, consumers have back, neck, shoulder, stomach and other ailments that prevent them from lying flat or lounging in a semi-upright position. In other cases consumers prefer to lounge in an upright position strictly for recreational purposes. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to greatly increase the comfort of the consumer while adding light-weight and portable features that will result in the multi-purpose use of this device. Known devices for positioning include but are not limited to variations of supportive pillows of soft or in some cases beaded filling or memory foam wedges that do not provide the firm support surface, mobility, cost-efficiency and durability of this particular device. 
         [0004]    Some known devices are larger foam wedges providing only one angle of elevation without the ability to move easily into different areas. There are wedges that are used strictly in medical professions for supporting the buttocks and groin area or inclined mattresses-which are too expensive for the average consumer. With the main support of the upper body elevator relieving strain from the upper body, lounging in a semi-upright position can be less restrictive to the consumer, comfortable, and even prevent from cutting off the blood circulation to the legs. 
         [0005]    Yet other known devices for upright lounging are recommended for use in one area or another, they are not portable and cannot be taken with you. What is commonly used in the home to position consumers in an upright lounging position are pillows and rolled up blankets to prop up the consumer on flat or elevated mattresses or in non-adjustable seats. 
         [0006]    In view of the foregoing, a device is needed for the upright positioning for reading, watching television, napping or any other recreational purposes used when in a semi-upright position. A device is also needed for the upright positioning of a consumer&#39;s head, neck and chest that will alleviate gastric reflux or airway blockage and is safe, portable, easy to use, light-weight and effective for therapeutic needs. It would further be desirable if the device also provides safe, easy, effective, accessible and comfortable positioning of the consumer&#39;s head, neck, chest and lower body, to facilitate effective air exchange and for the relief of gastric reflux (at least a 30 degree inclination is recommended, to employ gravity to keep food in stomach and facilitate gas to be expelled by burping), apnea associated with airway blockage due to poor positioning of the head, and dyspnea related to cardiac and or pulmonary conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, other infections, prematurity, surgical conditions or lack of muscle tone, in the home setting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates aspects of the design of the “Upper Body Elevator” from a side view; showing the upper, lower, and gusset sections with the optional pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a view from above for a better understanding of what the Upper Body Elevator looks like; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view and cutaway sections showing the inner construction and parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a detailed top view and cutaway sections showing the inner construction and parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross section view construction and parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows an illustration of “FIG.  3 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows an illustration of “FIG.  4 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DEVICE 
       [0016]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the device, an apparatus for an “Upper Body Elevator” is described. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, an Upper Body Elevator apparatus having an elevating wedge optional pillow, pneumatic cushions and anchor/butt rest is designed to provide recreational and therapeutic lounging operable to elevate the head at a comfortable angle. An anchor/butt rest is shown comprising double heat-sealed elongated tubes for buttock support. Top and bottom heat-sealed pillows are connected together by a diaphragm for added back support. The connected pillows are configured to provide support for the upper appendage of the body when lounging in a semi-upright position. An optional pillow is added for optional head support when needed. 
         [0018]    This embodiment is designed as an inflatable, portable, multi-use, elevating wedge. This embodiment is also cost efficient. 
         [0019]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The present device is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the device are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the device extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
         [0022]    A portable upper body elevator will be described in which the preferred embodiment combines a pneumatic cushion and hospital wedge. It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. It is to be further understood that while many design features are described below in the context of complying with pertinent government regulations, alternative embodiments and applications of the present may include corresponding design features that may be only partially or not at all in compliance, such non-compliant embodiments and applications of the present device are none-the-less within the scope of the present device. Likewise, all safety oriented design features are optional, and may be replaced with any suitable implementation approach known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0023]    It is contemplated that other embodiments of the present invention may implement other suitable designs, depending upon the needs of the particular consumer, for example, without limitation, the base could be curved, however this embodiment places too much support on the upper body extremities and is preferred for those consumers in a vegetative or infantile state such as convalescence, disabled consumers or infants. This device is more suitable for anyone who likes lounging but prefers to do so in a semi-upright position. This device is to be used for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes for older children up to adult and is not suitable to be used as a flotation device. 
         [0024]    The entire device is portable and a covering for the cushions is recommended to help prevent skin from sweating, sliding, and accidental punctures or tears to the cushions. The device may be placed on the floor inside, outside, on the ground--concrete, grass or dirt. The measurements provided are for the preferred embodiment of the present device, and those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that alternate measurements may also be suitable for an Upper Body Elevator. 
         [0025]    The present embodiment is comprised of two main portions using a type of plastic/rubberized plastic, vinyl, light-weight material suitable for inflation. This material can be made from a flame retardant, waterproof, non-breathable material that is mildew proof, or covered with nonflammable, waterproof material. The device is preferably flame retardant, and meets pertinent government regulations; such as, without limitation, the NFPA 701 Flame Resistance and MIL-F-21840F shear strength requirements. The vinyl portions are preferably waterproof, tear resistant, rot resistant, and are in compliance with pertinent government regulations; such as, without limitation. NFPA 701 Flame Resistance and State of Louisiana F-222.03 Flame Retardant Rating. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows aspects of the same design of the “Upper Body Elevator” from a side view. Illustration shows the upper, lower, and gusset  15  sections with the optional pillow  12  in accordance with an embodiment of the present device. The upper body of the consumer is elevated by this inflatable apparatus using heat-sealed pillows  11  that are covered with a top sheet  13  and a bottom sheet  14  attached to the embodiment is the anchor/butt rest  16 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a view from above for a better understanding of what the Upper Body Elevator looks like. Pneumatic cushions are used to design the present embodiment in an elevation of nearly 20-40 degrees in height. Elongated Tubes  23  are designed to create a pillow type effect for support of any recreational or therapeutic activity. An optional pillow  12  serves as neck rest to this embodiment. Along with anchor/butt rest  16  for support of the buttocks area there is an additional support mechanism for this embodiment; a top sheet  13  is provided for support and comfort to skin, reduction in sliding and easy care. The elevator of the present embodiment has an anchor/butt rest  16  which is connected to the diaphragm end in the area of the buttocks, for comfort and prevention of pressure. This embodiment is also more affordable than any of others in comparison. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a side view and cutaway section showing the inner construction and parts and is a detailed view of the angle and height of the invention. Figure shows optional pillow  12  connected to top sheet  13  with air diffusers  29  within optional pillow  12 . Top sheet  13  is connected to heat-sealed pillow  11  and both top and bottom heat-sealed pillows  11  are connected by gussets  15  with air diffusers  29  on the inside of all interior components. U shaped upper baffles  27  are shown as well as U shaped lower baffles  28  other connectors used are upper baffles  25  and lower baffles  26  which are identified on both top and bottom heat-sealed pillows  11 ; which are covered at the bottom with a bottom sheet  14  and connected to the anchor/butt rest by gussets  15 . Heat-sealed pillows  11  are shaped into double heat-sealed  21  elongated tubes  23  to form anchor/butt rest. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view and cutaway section showing the inner construction and parts; a view of the components of the elevating apparatus of an exemplary upper body elevator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present device. The heat-sealed tubes are constructed with the elongated tubes  23  to form the proper back support for lounging comfortably. The diaphragm  22  is connected to the heat-sealed tube with U shaped upper baffles  27  for support. Gussets  15  connect the bottom sheet  14  to the diaphragm  22 . The anchor/butt rest comprises of the double-heat sealed  21  elongated tubes  23  that are connected to the bottom sheet  14  by the diaphragm end  24 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  shows a cross section view, construction and parts of the heat-sealed tubes  11 . Shown is the optional head rest pillow  12  attached to top sheet  13  which is a waterproof, nonporous, mildew resistant material. A diaphragm  22  separates both the top and bottom pillows. Upper and lower baffles  25  and  26  form each heat-sealed tube. Tubes are connected by upper and lower U shaped baffles  27  and  28  and outer skin. The U shaped upper baffles  27  and the U shaped lower baffles  28  are used to connect each elongated tube in the innermost area of the heat-sealed pillows  11 . Connected to the bottom heat-sealed pillow  11  is a bottom sheet  14  which is also made of waterproof, nonporous, mildew and slip resistant material. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  shows an illustration of “FIG.  3 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration. Side view of both bottom and top heat-sealed pillow  11  connected by gussets  15  with optional pillow  12  connected to top heat-sealed pillow  11 . Lateral tubes  17  are connected to form both bottom and top heat-sealed pillows  11 , in which comprises of the diaphragm  22  which connects both top and bottom heat-sealed pillows  11 . Configuration also shows U shaped upper baffles  27  which connect lateral tubes  17  in top heat -sealed pillow  11  and U shaped lower baffles  28  which connect lateral tubes  17  in bottom heat-sealed pillow. This figure also shows air diffusers  29  in the bottom heat-sealed pillow  11  which connects to the diaphragm end  24  and the gussets  15  connect the diaphragm end  24  to the anchor/butt rest which is comprised of double heat-sealed  21  lateral tubes  17  which are formed by the heat-sealed pillow  11 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  shows an illustration of “FIG.  4 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration. Heat-sealed pillow  11  connected by gussets  15  showing an aerial view of the inside of the diaphragm  22 . Lateral tubes  17  are connected by upper baffles  25  with air diffusers  29  on either side of the lateral tubes  17  which is connected to the anchorlbutt rest with the diaphragm end  24 . The anchor/butt rest is comprised of double heat-sealed  21  lateral tubes  17 . 
         [0033]    The foregoing embodiments of the present device comprise a multiplicity of aspects, which, for the sake of clarity, are next highlighted separately by way of example and not limitation. For example, one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present device is to provide adjustable elevation of the consumer&#39;s head with the use of an optional head rest that provides a certain degree of elevation (approximately 20-40 degree range) and allow for comfortable, effective, versatile positioning of the head and chest of the consumer. 
         [0034]    Another aspect of the preferred embodiment, provides for a modified natural curvature of the body that comfortably supports the back and the buttocks, without restricting blood circulation to the lower body and helps to prevent the consumer from slipping down, slumping the head and neck to occlude the airway or cause poor air exchange to the lungs. The design of the preferred embodiment allows for the recommended supine, as well as prone and side lying positioning of the consumer. 
         [0035]    Yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present device is that the structure allows for easy breathing, reading, and any other type of relaxation techniques that require one to sit in a semi-upright position due to its constructed elevation. It is contemplated that the entire unit of the present embodiment being constructed of a pneumatic inflatable cushion, its portability can be accessed to fit the specific needs of the consumer. The invention could be made transparent, colored, or patterned because of its material. 
         [0036]    Another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present device is that it can be easily cleaned and meets most, if not all, sanitation needs for its repeated use. Another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present device is that it is constructed of durable and waterproof materials. 
         [0037]    Embodiments of the present device may be used in the home or outside the home for use by anyone who participates in recreational or therapeutic lounging. 
         [0038]    Alternative embodiments can not address cost reduction or regulatory issues for certain applications like this one. 
         [0039]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present device, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing an upper body elevator according to the present device will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The device has been described above by way of example, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the device to the particular forms disclosed. This device is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
       LEGEND 
     DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
       [0040]    In the drawings, closely related figures have the same numbers but different alphabetic suffixes. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  shows various aspects of the same design of the “Upper Body Elevator” from elevation/side view showing the upper, lower and gusset sections with the optional pillow. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows a view from above for a better understanding of what the Upper Body Elevator looks like. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows side views cutaway sections, showing the inner construction and parts. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows top views cutaway sections showing the inner construction and parts. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a cross section view, construction and parts. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows an illustration of “FIG.  3 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows an illustration of “FIG.  4 ” embodiment with a transverse or crossways tubular configuration. 
       DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           11  pillows heat-seal  21  double heat-sealed 
           12  pillow (optional)  22  diaphragm 
           13  top sheet  23  elongated tubes 
           14  bottom sheet  24  diaphragm end 
           15  gussets  25  upper baffles 
           16  anchor/butt rest  26  lower baffles 
           17  lateral tube/crossways  27  U shaped upper baffles 
           28  U shaped lower baffles 
           29  air diffusers