Abstract:
A support apparatus having a receiving member adapted to receive a work object, a frame for mounting the receiving member in a range of positions relative to a predetermined area, and an adjustment assembly borne by the frame operable to place the receiving member in a selected position within the range of positions relative to the predetermined area.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to a support apparatus and, more particularly, to a support apparatus which has particular utility when used to support portions of the human body during a period of time for a predetermined purpose. 
         [0005]    (2) Description of the Prior Art 
         [0006]    There are innumerable situations in which there are consequences associated with the positioning of objects, or portions of objects, relative to each other. This is particularly the case where the human body, or that of another living creature, is involved in a particular activity, practice, or experience. The nature of the specific activity requires that a certain general or specific position be assumed. For example, in the case of surgery or other medical treatment on human beings or animals, the position of the body, or parts of the body, during the procedure are normally of critical importance. 
         [0007]    In another environment, the operation of a motor vehicle requires that the driver assume a position which, among other considerations, permits proper visibility, access to and operation of the controls, bodily support, comfort and the like. Accordingly, these and other requirements are normally achieved when the driver assumes a seated, upright position. 
         [0008]    Still another situation in which general positioning is beneficial is in the case of sleeping, or similar activities. The most common position to assume for normal sleeping is a reclining or otherwise recumbent attitude. Without suitable positioning, sleep may be difficult or virtually impossible. In addition, there may be adverse consequences where certain positions are assumed even where in the only attitudes conventionally possible. This may be experienced by an otherwise healthy and uncompromised individual as well as in the case of a person who is compromised in some respect. 
         [0009]    In the case of sleeping position, other adverse consequences of such conventional positioning include a lack of or impaired sleep; stiffness in the extremities, or joints, of the body; numbness in the face, shoulders, arms, legs, or other parts of the body; impaired circulation through the body; a lack of sensation in portions of the body, either temporarily or for a more prolonged period of time; aching in the neck, arms, legs, or other parts of the body; and a myriad of other effects. One or more of these consequences may be experienced on a frequent basis by most people and may, over time, result in one or more permanent adverse conditions. 
         [0010]    As a result of the foregoing adversities, a multiplicity of remedies have been explored and have resulted in a wide variety of commercial products, treatments, medications and the like. None of these products or other remedies has achieved more than a modest improvement in the resultant adverse conditions. Some of the products have no affect or beneficial result. Many of the products are inordinately expensive. Still other of the products exacerbate these conditions, at least under certain circumstances. In any case, the resultant conditions have not adequately been addressed even though these conditions have, in essence, always been experienced by human beings. 
         [0011]    Therefore, it has long been known that it would be desirable to have an apparatus which alleviates the adverse consequences resulting from positioning, or attitude, in the course of certain activities, practices, experiences, or the like; which is applicable in certain situations to both human beings and other living creatures; which provides an essentially permanent remedy for these adverse consequences when used on a regular basis; which provides comfort during such activities as sleep enhancing the quality thereof so as to afford the additional benefit of being fully rested after use; which consequently results in a variety of secondary benefits such as improved thought processes, enhanced performance in work, sports activities and the like, and a rested physical appearance; which has other benefits including those relating to health as, for example, a stronger immune system, slowing of the aging process, minimization of the development of certain diseases such as arthritis, muscle degeneration, depression and the like; which achieves emotional benefits such as providing a general sense of well-being, attitude and a positive outlook notwithstanding the vicissitudes of every day life; and which is otherwise successful in achieving its operational objectives. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus which is particularly well suited to use in certain activities. 
         [0013]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is operable for use both in relation to human beings as well as other living creatures in certain situations. 
         [0014]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is operable to alleviate adversities resulting from certain activities, practices, experiences and the like. 
         [0015]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which provides a virtually permanent remedy for adversities resulting from certain activities when used on a regular basis. 
         [0016]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is particularly well suited to usage by humans being during sleep and the like. 
         [0017]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which does not, in any respect, interfere or detract from the particular activity involved. 
         [0018]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which affords benefits and avoids adversities during sleep unlike anything heretofore achieved in the art. 
         [0019]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which provides a multiplicity of benefits which are secondary to the primary purposes of the apparatus so as to achieve an overall solution to adversities experienced by virtually all human beings in one respect or another. 
         [0020]    Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which can be manufactured in a number of different embodiments providing a level of comfort not experienced in prior art devices, or as a result of the usage of medications or treatments directed to the same or similar objectives. 
         [0021]    Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
         [0022]    These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a support apparatus having a receiving member adapted to receive a work object, a frame for mounting the receiving member in a range of positions relative to a predetermined area, and an adjustment assembly borne by the frame operable to place the receiving member in a selected position within the range of positions relative to the predetermined area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the support apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in use in a typical operative environment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a somewhat enlarged, transverse vertical section taken on line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one portion of the support apparatus disposed in one operative configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the portion of the support apparatus viewed in  FIG. 3 , but disposed in a second operative configuration. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation of the portion of the support apparatus viewed in  FIGS. 3 and 4  disposed in the operative position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation of the portion of the support apparatus viewed in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  disposed in the operative position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Referring more particularly to the drawings, the support apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative convenience the support apparatus is shown rested on a floor surface  15 . 
         [0030]    The preferred embodiment of the support apparatus  10  is shown and described herein in a typical operative environment employed in conjunction with a conventional bed, generally indicated by the numeral  20  in  FIG. 1 . The bed has a bed frame assembly  21  which includes a headboard  22 . The headboard has an upstanding panel  23  having an upper edge  24 , opposite lateral edges  25  and a lower edge which is not visible in the drawings. A leg  26  is mounted on each of the lateral edges and is disposed in upstanding relation. Each leg has a lower end portion  27  which is rested on the floor surface  15 . 
         [0031]    The bed frame assembly  21  has a footboard  35  with a panel  36 . The panel has an upper edge  37  and opposite lateral edges  38 . The panel has a lower edge  39 . Legs  40  are individually mounted on the opposite lateral edges of the panel  36  in upstanding relation. The legs  40  have lower end portions  41  which are rested on the floor surface  15 . 
         [0032]    A metal frame  50  interconnects the legs  26  of the headboard  22  and the legs  40  of the footboard  35  extending substantially horizontally therebetween. The metal frame has two (2) longitudinal, angle iron frame members  51  interconnecting the legs  26  and the legs  40  in spaced, substantially parallel relation. The metal frame has two (2) transverse, angle iron frame members  52  which individually interconnect the longitudinal frame members at the headboard  22  and at the footboard  35  in spaced, substantially parallel relation. The metal frame thus forms substantially a rectangular configuration extending between the headboard and the footboard in upwardly facing relation, as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    A box spring unit  53  is rested on and within the metal frame  50 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . The box spring unit has a bottom surface  54 , opposite side surfaces  55  and end surfaces  56 . The box spring unit has an upper surface  57 . More specifically, the box spring unit is rested with its bottom surface  54  on the longitudinal and transverse frame members  51  and  52 , respectively, with the upper surface  57  thereof disposed in upwardly facing relation. 
         [0034]    A mattress unit  63 , having a bottom surface  64 , is rested upon the box spring unit  53  with the bottom surface thereof in facing engagement with the upper surface  57  of the box spring unit and in alignment therewith. The mattress unit has opposite end surfaces  66  and an upper surface  67 . Thus, the box spring unit and the mattress unit are disposed relative to each other, as best shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0035]    For illustrative convenience, two (2) pillows  70  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  rested on the apparatus  10 , as will hereinafter be described in greater detail. Each of the pillows has a lower surface  71  and an upper surface  72 . Each of the pillows has side surfaces  73  and end surfaces  74 . 
         [0036]    Turning then to the apparatus  10  of the present invention itself, the apparatus has two (2) support assemblies generally indicated by the numerals  80 . The support assemblies are of substantially identical construction, except in that they are mirror images of each other. The support assemblies can be fabricated from wood, metal, heavy-duty plastic, other synthetic material, or any other suitable material, or a combination thereof. 
         [0037]    The two (2) support assemblies  80  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in operational relation to each other and to the conventional bed  20 . Since the support assemblies are of substantially identical construction, although mirror images of each other, for illustrative convenience only one (1) such support assembly is shown and described herein in detail. One (1) support assembly is shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . It will be understood that the description of the construction of one (1) support assembly is identical to that of the other support assembly, except for being mirror images of each other. 
         [0038]    The support assembly  80  has a frame assembly  81  having a main frame  82  and a secondary frame  83 . As will subsequently be described in greater detail, in use, the secondary frame is slideable in the main frame  82  along a substantially vertical path of travel. 
         [0039]    The main frame  82  has a housing  90 . Two (2) leg members  91  are mounted on and extend downwardly from the housing in spaced, substantially parallel relation to individual end portions  92 . The housing has a bottom wall  93  which extends between leg members  91 . The housing has spaced, substantially parallel side walls  94 , a front wall  95 , a rear wall  96  and a top wall  97 . The front wall and rear wall are disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation. Similarly, the bottom wall  93  and top wall  97  are disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation. 
         [0040]    The housing  90  has a passage or slot  110  extending through the top wall  97  of the housing  90  to the bottom wall  93 . The slot extends between the front wall  95  and the rear wall  96  and laterally between the side walls  94 . The slot extends to a bottom surface  111 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , between substantially parallel side surfaces  112 , as best shown in  FIG. 6 , and between substantially parallel end surfaces  113 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . The slot extends through a substantially rectangular opening  114  in the top wall  97  to the bottom surface  111 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0041]    A locking device  120  is mounted on the housing  90 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The locking device has a handle  121  mounting an externally screwthreaded shaft  122  extending axially therefrom. The screwthreaded shaft  122  extends through an internally screwthreaded hole  123  in the side wall  94  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . The screwthreaded shaft has an engagement, or bearing, end  124  on the distal end thereof. By turning the handle  121  in one direction of rotation, the screwthreaded shaft  122 , including the bearing end  124  thereof, can be advanced to the right, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, by turning the handle in the opposite direction of rotation, the screwthreaded shaft is retracted into the screwthreaded hole  123  for purposes hereinafter to be discussed. 
         [0042]    The main frame  82  mounts a brace member  130  on and extending between the end portions  92  of the leg members  91 . The brace member is pivotally mounted in this position by pivot pins  131  extending from the brace member individually into the end portions  92  of their respective nearest leg member  91 . The brace member has a foot member  132  extending transversely thereof on the under side of the distal end of the brace member for engagement with the floor surface  15 . The brace member can be placed in a lowered, fixed position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the brace member can be placed in the raised, fixed position, shown in  FIG. 4 . The brace member can be locked in either position by any suitable means. 
         [0043]    The secondary frame  83  is slideably received within the slot  110  of the main frame  82  for vertical movement therewithin, as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 2 . The secondary frame  83  has a substantially flat slide member  142  which is the portion of the secondary frame slideably received within the slot of the main frame. The slide member has a lower edge  143  and substantially parallel lateral edges  144 . The slide member has an upper edge  145  substantially parallel to the lower edge  143 . 
         [0044]    The slide member  142  is thus of a rectangular configuration dimensioned to be slideable within the slot  110 . The lower edge  143  is engageable with the bottom surface  111  of the slot. The lateral edges  144  are individually, slideably engageable with the end surfaces  113  of the slot. The upper edge extends above the slot. The front surface  146  is slideably engageable with one of the side surfaces  112  of the slot. The rear surface  147  is slideably engageable with the other of the side surfaces  112  of the slot, as best shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  6 . 
         [0045]    The bearing end  124  of the locking device  120  is selectively engageable with the lateral edge  144  of the slide member  142  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . The locking device is thus selectively operable to lock the slide member in any vertical position within the slot  110 , or to release the slide member for repositioning within the slot along a vertical path of travel. 
         [0046]    A reel assembly  152  is mounted on the front surface  146  of each slide member  142  adjacent to the upper edge  145  of the slide member  142 . The reel assembly has two (2) mounting arms  153  mounted in spaced relation on the front surface  146  individually adjacent to the lateral edges  144  of the slide member. The mounting arms  153  extend outwardly from the front surface in spaced, substantially parallel relation. A reel  154  is mounted for rotational movement between the mounting arms. The reel has a cylindrical outer surface  155  and opposite end portions  156 . Mounting pins  157  individually mount the opposite end portions of the reel for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. 
         [0047]    The secondary frames  83  have a support mechanism  170  extending therebetween, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The support mechanism has a belt  171  mounted on and extending between the reels  154  of the two (2) reel assemblies  152 . The belt is, in the preferred embodiment, constructed of a strong but flexible material such as a woven fabric, a synthetic material, leather or any other strong, flexible material. The belt  171  has an upper surface  172  and a lower surface  173 . The belt has substantially parallel lateral edges  174 . The belt has opposite end portions  175  which are individually attached to and wrapped around the outer surface  155  of each reel  154  of each support assembly  80 . 
         [0048]    The reels  154  of the two (2) support mechanisms individually have ratcheting mechanisms, not shown, which are operable to maintain tension in the belt extending therebetween, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The ratcheting mechanisms also operate to pay out or reel in the belt to accommodate increasing or decreasing the distance therebetween while maintaining the tension of the belt. The opposite ends of the belt can, if desired, be detached from their respective reels for purposes such as storage or replacement of the belt when worn or damaged. 
       OPERATION 
       [0049]    The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. 
         [0050]    In use and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the two (2) support assemblies  80  of the support apparatus  10  are individually positioned immediately adjacent to the opposite sides of the bed  20 . The brace members  130  of the respective support assemblies are pivoted downwardly from the raised position shown in  FIG. 4  to the down and locked position shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  5  and  6 . The support assemblies thus are retained in the upright positions shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , by the brace members. The main frames  82  thereof are preferably, but not necessarily, placed in engagement with the respective adjacent longitudinal frame members  51  and with the brace members  130  thereof beneath the bed. The support assemblies  80  are positioned in corresponding positions adjacent to the respective legs  26  on opposite lateral edges  25  of the headboard  22 . 
         [0051]    The belt  171  interconnects the reels  154  of the two (2) support assemblies  80  extending above and across the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63  in spaced relation thereto, as best shown in  FIG. 2 . The precise desired elevation of the belt above the upper surface of the mattress unit can be selected using the locking devices  120  of the main frames  82 . The handles  121  of the locking devices are rotated in corresponding directions to move the bearing ends  124  of the screwthreaded shafts  122  away from engagement with lateral edges  144  of the slide members  142 . This frees the slide members for upward or downward movement in their respective slots  110  of the main frames  82 . Both of the slide members are moved upwardly or downwardly, as desired, to corresponding positions to place the belt at the desired elevation above the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63 . The handles of the locking devices are then rotated in the opposite directions again to place the bearing ends  124  in binding, and thus locking, engagement with the slide members. The slide members, and thus the belt, are locked in these corresponding positions. As previously discussed, the ratcheting mechanisms of the reels  154  maintain the tension on the belt  171  so as to maintain the belt, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the selected elevational position above the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63 . 
         [0052]    The pillows  70  are then placed in rested relation on the upper surface  172  of the belt  171 , also as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The spacing of the pillows is normally that consistent with two (2) people reclined for sleep on the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit with their heads individually rested on the upper surfaces  72  of the respective pillows. The tension maintained on the belt by the ratcheting mechanisms of the respective reels  154  support the pillows individually bearing the heads of the people reclined thereon. 
         [0053]    As can perhaps best be visualized upon reference to  FIG. 2 , there is thus a space of the desired vertical distance between the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63  and the lower surface  173  of the belt  171 . The weight of the heads of the persons rested on the pillows may case the belt to sag slightly beneath the pillows, but such sagging is minimal. This space can be increased or decreased by freeing the slide members  142  within their respective slots  110  using the locking devices  120 , moving the slide members upwardly or downwardly as desired and thereafter again locking the slide members in the new positions using the locking devices. 
         [0054]    The vertical space between the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63  and the lower surface  173  of the belt  171  is used by the reclining persons, for example, to receive the arm, or arms, and shoulder, or shoulders, thereof. The head is thus spaced from these portions of the body thereby avoiding the weight of the head thereon. The space can be vertically reduced, if desired and as previously described, so that only a portion of the weight of the head is applied to these portions of the body. 
         [0055]    Alternatively, the apparatus  10  can be employed to support the covers, such as sheets, blankets and the like, from resting on some portion of the human body. In this case, the covers are extended over and rested on the belt  171  so as to provide spacing between the lower surface  173  of the belt and the upper surface  67  of the mattress unit  63 . Such usage of the apparatus may be useful in the case, for example, of people who have had surgery or another treatment or have a condition for which it is beneficial to provide such spacing. 
         [0056]    Consequently, all of the previously discussed adverse consequences of sleeping is what would otherwise be considered a normal position are avoided. These adverse consequences which are avoided include, but are not limited to, inadequate or impaired sleep; stiffness in the extremities and/or joints of the body; numbness or aching in the face, shoulders, arms, legs and/or other parts of the body; impaired circulation; lack of sensation in portions of the body; and a side variety of other conditions. 
         [0057]    Furthermore, the secondary adverse consequences of normal sleep positioning are avoided. These include, but are not limited to, impaired thought processes; a tired physical appearance; impaired performance in such activities as work, sports activities and the like; susceptibility to certain diseases; emotionally detrimental affects; and a myriad of other disadvantageous conditions. 
         [0058]    In addition, and as previously discussed, the apparatus  10  of the present invention is applicable in a variety of different forms to other activities which may apply to both humans and/or animals. It is advantageous for the body to be disposed in a beneficial attitude during, for example, surgery or the like. 
         [0059]    Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention alleviates the adverse consequences resulting from positioning, or attitude, in the course of certain activities, practices, experiences, or the like; is applicable in certain situations to both human beings and other living creatures; provides an essentially permanent remedy for such adverse consequences when used on a regular basis; provides comfort during such activities as sleep, enhancing the quality thereof so as to afford the additional benefit of being fully rested after use; achieves a variety of secondary benefits such as improved thought processes, enhanced performance in work, sports activities and the like, and a rested physical appearance; has other benefits including those relating to health as, for example, a strengthening of the immune system, slowing of the aging process, minimization of the development of certain diseases such as arthritis, muscle degeneration, depression and the like; achieves emotional benefits such as providing a general sense of well-being, attitude and a positive outlook notwithstanding the vicissitudes of every day life; and which is otherwise successful in achieving its operational objectives. 
         [0060]    Although, the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.