Abstract:
A seat cushion for reducing back pain via elevating specific areas of a user&#39;s posterior and back is provided. The seat cushion includes two outer sections of generally semicircular shape and first height, each having a lower layer of firm foam of first thickness and an upper layer of soft foam of second thickness, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness, an inner section of generally rectangular shape with length and width and second height less than the first height, the inner section extends lengthwise between the outer sections forming a channel above the inner section and between the outer sections, a cushion base provides support for the underside of the outer sections and inner section, whereby for the user sitting on the seat cushion, a specific area of the user&#39;s posterior and back aligned with the channel is elevated above the channel to relieve pressure on the specific area.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 29/396,783, filed Jul. 7, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to reducing back pain. More particularly, this invention provides for reducing pressure to the spine and to other sensitive areas. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Oftentimes people are required to perform their daily work while seated. Many leisure activities also involve prolonged periods of sitting. Long periods of sitting have increasingly been identified as a major cause of lower back pain. Studies have indicated that changes in the curvature of the spine that occur due to a person being seated for long periods of time are one cause of lower back pain. Other problems that have become associated with sitting for long periods of time include, pressure ulcers, decreased blood flow, and aggravation of pre-existing hemorrhoids. 
     When a person spends a long period of time seated on a chair, coccygodinia becomes increasingly likely to occur. Coccygodinia is a pain in the coccyx or tailbone at the end of the lumbar. Continued sitting with such pain becomes increasingly difficult. Also, a person with hemorrhoids has difficulty in maintaining posture for a long time while sitting. 
     Studies have also shown that lack of spinal motion creates stretch in spinal ligaments and hampers fluid flow into the disc which leads to insufficient nutrition of the vertrebral discs. The discs, ligaments, and muscles of the human back bear more stress while sitting than during standing or most other activities. 
     Additionally, researchers have observed spinal shrinking after prolonged sitting. An individual&#39;s height after a prolonged time in a sitting position is actually shorter than it was before the prolonged sitting period. 
     Other studies have demonstrated adverse effects on muscles with prolonged low-level static loading on the back due to prolonged sitting. Prolonged activity, even the low-level activity associated with sitting, leads to impaired oxygenation of muscle tissues and has been implicated as a cause of back pain. 
     Sitting, especially prolonged sitting is generally accepted as a risk factor in developing low back pain. Several factors are considered to be important components of this association, including disc compression, lack of spinal motion and loading of the spine stabilizing muscles. 
     Since prolonged sitting is unlikely to go away, it is apparent that there needs to be a mechanism for sitting that relieves back pain rather than making it worse. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a seat cushion for use in reducing back pain is provided. The seat cushion provides a channel or trough, that is, an empty space, separating two foam type cushion sections and extending lengthwise from the front to the rear of the seat cushion to relieve pressure to the spine and to specific areas while the person is sitting upon the seat cushion in alignment with the channel. The seat cushion provides for reducing pressure to the spine by reducing compression in the vertebrae. The channel provides for support to the posterior of a sitting person, while also allowing the coccyx (tailbone) to remain afloat above the surface of the channel. 
     The seat cushion provides elevation of the spine and for reduced pressure to the spine by reducing compression of the vertebrae. The elevation provides for reduced pressure to specific areas such as the coccyx, lumbar region, anus, and prostrate, while sitting. The elevation of the posterior above the channel provides for a floating spine, whether the person is seated at the forward, middle, or rear of the seat or chair that contains the seat cushion. As such, use of the seat cushion provides relief from back pain, coccyx fracture, coccyx pain, hemorrhoids, inflamed prostrate, and anal pain. Use of the seat cushion also reduces constriction of the aorta and can improve blood circulation in the legs. Also, the seat cushion generally reduces fatigue that is often caused by sitting. Additionally, the seat cushion relieves the pressure on the anal region and provides for a comfortable seating experience. 
     Another embodiment provides for reducing back pain via elevation of specific areas of a user&#39;s posterior and back, the seat cushion including (1) two outer sections having a generally semicircular shape and a first height, each outer section including a lower layer of firm foam having a first thickness and an upper layer of soft foam having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness exceeds the second thickness, (2) an inner section having a generally rectangular shape with a length and a width and a second height, the second height less than the first height, the inner section extending lengthwise between the outer sections, wherein a channel is formed above the inner section and between the outer sections, the channel having a channel height and a channel width, and (3) a cushion base corresponding and providing support to the underside of the two outer sections and the inner section, whereby for the user sitting on the seat cushion, a specific area of the user&#39;s posterior and back aligned with the channel is elevated above the channel to relieve pressure on the specific area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seat cushion; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1  with a base portion; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partially exploded perspective view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1  illustrating the main sections; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an elongated seat cushion; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a rectangular seat cushion; 
         FIG. 9  is a partially exploded view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 1  that illustrates an upholstery covering for each main section; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a person seated on the seat cushion as viewed from the rear; 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary embodiment of the seat cushion for use with a drum throne; 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary embodiment of the c seat cushion ushion for use with a stool; and 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary embodiment of the seat cushion for use with a chair having a backrest. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A seat cushion for reducing back pain is disclosed. In particular, the seat cushion provides a channel separating two foam type cushion sections and extending lengthwise from the front to the rear of the seat cushion to relieve pressure to the spine and to specific areas while the person is sitting upon the seat cushion in alignment with the channel. 
     Sitting, especially prolonged sitting is generally accepted as a risk factor in developing low back pain. Several factors are considered to be important components of this association, including disc compression, lack of spinal motion and loading of the spine stabilizing muscles. 
     The seat cushion provides for reducing pressure to the spine by reducing compression in the vertebrae. The seat cushion includes a channel or trough, that is, an empty space, which runs lengthwise from the front to the rear of the seat cushion. Support is provided to the remainder of the posterior of a sitting person, while also allowing the coccyx (tailbone) to remain afloat above the surface of the channel. 
     The seat cushion provides for reduced pressure to the spine and other specific areas while sitting. The channel within the seat cushion provides for a floating spine, whether the person is seated at the forward, middle, or rear of the seat or chair that contains the seat cushion. The seat cushion provides relief from back pain, coccyx fracture, coccyx pain, hemorrhoids, inflamed prostrate, and anal pain. Additionally, use of the seat cushion also reduces constriction of the aorta and can improve blood circulation in the legs. Also, the seat cushion generally reduces fatigue that is often caused by sitting. Additionally, the seat cushion relieves the pressure on the anal region and provides for a comfortable seating experience. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seat cushion  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seat cushion  100  is substantially round when viewed from the top and is adapted for a stool or other generally round base for seating.  FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view of the seat cushion  100  with such a base  200 . The seat cushion  100  includes two substantially semi-circular edge sections  110  separated by a central section  120 . Each edge section  110   a ,  110   b  includes a lower portion  112   a ,  112   b  and an upper portion  114   a ,  114   b  respectively. The central section  120  includes a central lower portion  122  and a central upper portion  124 . 
     In one embodiment, the base  200  (or cushion base) is a wooden board of sufficient thickness and strength to provide support for the seat cushion  100  as well as an individual that is sitting on the seat cushion  100 . The base  200  provides for securing the seat cushion  100  to a stool (see  FIG. 11 ), to a chair (see  FIG. 12 ), or the like. The base  200  also provides for using the seat cushion  100  as a portable seat cushion  100  that can be used in any place where a seat cushion  100  is needed. In one such embodiment, the base  200  is modified to fit the location where it is to be used. For example, use in an automobile can be achieved by modifying the base  200  to adapt to the existing seat or, in the alternative, the automobile seat can be removed and the base  200  adapted to fit in much the same was as a typical automobile seat. In similar fashion, the seat cushion  100  is adaptable for use in airplanes, buses, and the like. 
     Each edge section  110  fits adjacent the central section  120  on opposite sides and the central section  120  is of lower height than the edge sections  110 . In one embodiment, the central section  120  is approximately one-half the height of the edge sections  110 . The edge sections  110  and the central section  120  combine to form a channel  130  between the edge sections  110  and above the central section  120 . The channel  130  extends the entirety of the length from front to back of the seat cushion  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the seat cushion  100  and  FIG. 4  is a partially exploded perspective view of the seat cushion  100  showing the edge sections  110  and a central section  120 . In one embodiment, the lower portions  112   a ,  112   b  of the edge sections  110  are made from a firm foam, such as a polyurethane foam, for example. The lower portions  112  provide sufficient firmness so that the seat cushion  100  does not collapse the channel  130  when a person is seated on the seat cushion  100 . That is, the channel  130  remains an open space when a person is seated on a seat or chair that is assembled from the seat cushion  100 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other suitable materials may also be used for the lower portions  112 , so long as the lower portions  112  provide sufficient firmness that the channel  130  is not collapsed when a person is sitting on the seat cushion  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the upper portions  114   a ,  114   b  of the edge sections  110  are made from soft foam, such as polyurethane foam, for example. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that polyurethane foam provides varying levels of firmness according to desired use. The polyurethane foam used in the upper portions  114  include foam that is more flexible, that is, a softer foam, than does the polyurethane foam used for the lower portions  112 . The upper portions  114  include foam that is more flexible and that provides a level of “give” when a person is seated on the seat cushion  100 . Again, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other suitable materials may also be used for the upper portions  114 , so long as the upper portions  114  in combination with the lower portions  112  do not collapse the channel  130  when the seat cushion  100  is in use. In one embodiment, the lower portion  112  has a height or thickness that is approximately three times that of the upper portion  114 , that is the ratio of the height of the lower portion  112  to the upper portion  114  is 3:1. 
     The width of the channel  130  is sufficient to create an open space for elevation of a specific area, such as the coccyx or tailbone. In one embodiment, the ratio of the channel width to channel depth is 5:3. One typical embodiment of the seat cushion  100  includes a channel that is approximately 2½ inches wide and 1½ inches in depth. 
     Additionally, the channel depth adds visibility for the user to align themselves to the seat cushion  100 . A person will sit with legs substantially parallel to the channel so that the central portion of the lower back, the coccyx or tailbone, straddles the channel. In this way, the spine is elevated above the channel while the body is supported by the legs or buttocks on the edge portions  110 . This elevation reduces pressure to the spine, the lower back, and to sensitive areas affected by back pain or other localized pain. 
     The upper portions  114  are secured to the lower portions  112  via an adhesive of suitable strength so that the upper portion  114  is permanently affixed to the lower portion  112 . When the upper portion  114  is affixed to the lower portion  112 , an edge section  110  is formed. Similarly, the upper central section  124  is affixed to the lower central section  122  to form the central section  120 . In one embodiment, each of the respective sections, that is the central section  120  and the two edge sections  110   a ,  110   b  are maintained separate so that each is wrapped with upholstery or any other type covering. Once the respective sections are covered they are secured to the base  200  to form the seat cushion  100 . 
     In another embodiment, the flat side of each of two edge sections  110  are similarly affixed to each side or edge of the central section  120  via an adhesive of suitable strength so that each edge section  110  is permanently affixed to the central section  120 . In one such embodiment, the sides of the lower sections  112   a ,  112   b  are affixed to either side of the central section  120 . That is, each flat side of the lower sections  112   a ,  112   b  are affixed to opposite sides of the central section  120 . 
     In one embodiment, each upper portion  114  is affixed to a lower portion  112 , so that two edge sections  110  are formed, and the two edge sections  110  are affixed to each side of the central section  120  so that a seat cushion  100  as in  FIG. 1  is formed. In another embodiment, the seat cushion  100  also includes a base  200  as in  FIG. 5 . In such an embodiment, a covering can be applied to the entire seat cushion  100  and secured to the bottom or underside of the base  200 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the seat cushion  100 . The seat cushion  100  includes a base  200 , two edge sections  112   a ,  112   b , two upper sections  114   a ,  114   b , a lower central section  122 , and an upper central section  124 . As described above, the channel  130  extends through the seat cushion  100  in the space above the upper section  124 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the seat cushion  100 . As described above, the upper sections  114   a ,  114   b  of the edge sections  110  are the portions of the seat cushion  100  on which a person sits. The upper central section  124  of the central section  120  is visible through the channel  130 . As described above, the channel  130  extends between the edge sections  110  and above the upper central section  124  through the entirety of the seat cushion  100  from back to front or from front to back. 
     In its simplest form, the seat cushion  100  is used in a drum throne, stool, or other type chair that attaches to a generally round base. (See  FIG. 11  below for an example of a drum throne  1100 ,  FIG. 12  for an example of a stool  1200 , and  FIG. 13  for an example of chair  1300 .) In other embodiments, the shape of the seat cushion  100  is modified for various uses. For example, in one embodiment the seat cushion  100  requires no base but rather is used as a portable cushion. In such an embodiment, the seat cushion has a solid base  200  and can be placed anywhere that the seat cushion  100  is needed such as, for example, an existing chair, an automobile seat, an airplane seat, a bus seat, bench seating, stadium seating, and the like. In other embodiments, the base  200  is adapted to better fit the particular seat on which the seat cushion  100  is to be used. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an elongated seat cushion  100 ′. The elongated seat cushion  100 ′ is such as would be suitable for an office chair, that is, the elongated seat cushion  100 ′ is slightly elongated and typically slightly wider. The elongation provides a location for chair arms, for example. In some embodiments, chair arms are attached to a chair with a seat cushion  100  that is substantially round when viewed from the top. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the edge sections  110   a ′,  110   b ′ are slightly elongated, that is the edge sections  110 ′ are longer in one dimension, parallel with the channel  130 ′, than the other. The edge sections  110   a ′  110   b ′ include lower portions  112   a ′,  112   b ′ and upper portions  114   a ′,  114   b ′. A central section  120 ′ includes a lower central section  122 ′ and an upper central section  124 ′. The elongated seat cushion  100 ′ is affixed to an elongated base  200 ′. As previously, the channel  130  extends through the entirety of the seat cushion  100 ′ from front to back, or from back to front, between the edge sections  110 ′ and above the central section  120 ′. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a rectangular seat cushion  100 ″. The rectangular seat cushion  100 ″ is such as would be suitable for rectangular stools or for bench type seating. In some embodiments, the rectangular seat cushion  100 ″ is a square cushion that is readily portable for use on a bench as in a stadium or park, for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the edge sections  110   a ′,  110   b ′ include lower portions  112   a ″,  112   b ″ and upper portions  114   a ″,  114   b ″. A central section  120 ″ includes a lower central section  122 ″ and an upper central section  124 ″. The rectangular seat cushion  100 ″ is affixed to a rectangular base  200 ″. As previously, the channel  130  extends through the entirety of the seat cushion  100 ″ from front to back, or from back to front, between the edge sections  110 ″ and above the central section  120 ″. 
       FIG. 9  is a partially exploded view of the seat cushion  100  that illustrates a covering  900  for each main section. In the illustrated embodiment, coverings  900   a ,  900   b  are wrapped around the edge sections  110 . A covering  900   c  is wrapped around the central section  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the coverings  900  are not secured to the bottom of the respective section of the seat cushion  100 . Rather, each section is affixed to the base  200  and the coverings  900  are secured to the underside of the base  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the coverings are a durable vinyl. Such a covering provides for ease of maintenance and cleaning of the seat cushion  100 . In other embodiments, the covering is leather, cloth, or any other material as is customarily provided as a covering for chairs and the like. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of a person  1000  seated on the seat cushion  100  as viewed from the rear. It should be noted that a portion of the posterior  1010  of the person  1000  remains above the channel  130 . The seat cushion  100  does not collapse the channel  130 . In this way, the seat cushion  100  provides for reduced pressure to the spine and other sensitive areas while the person  1000  is sitting. When the person  1000  is aligned over the channel  130 , the channel  130  essentially provides for a floating spine, whether the person  1000  is seated at the forward, middle, or rear of the seat that contains the seat cushion  100 . 
     The seat cushion  100  provides relief from back pain, coccyx fracture, coccyx pain, hemorrhoids, inflamed prostrate, and anal pain. The seat cushion  100  generally reduces fatigue that is often caused by sitting. 
     The seat cushion  100  relieves the pressure on the anal region and provides for a comfortable seating experience. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the seat cushion  100  for use with a drum throne  1100 . The drum throne  1100  includes a tripod to which the seat cushion  100  is attached. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other type leg structures can be attached to the seat cushion without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that the drum throne  1100  could also include seat cushions  100  of varying styles and shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the seat cushion  100  for use with a stool  1200 . It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that the stool  1200  could also include seat cushions  100  of varying styles and shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the seat cushion  100  for use with a chair  1300  having a backrest. As above, it will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that the chair  1300  could also include seat cushions  100  of varying styles and shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the seat cushion  100  could be replaced by an elongated seat cushion  100 ′ such as is shown in  FIG. 7  to form a chair that is more akin to an office chair or such like. Additionally, arm rests can be added to the chair to form a more formal office chair. The functionality and use of the seat cushion  100 , including the channel  130 , is not affected by whether the seat cushion  100  is elongated, square, or otherwise shaped, and/or whether the chair includes arms or a backrest. 
     The seat cushion  100  includes various functions. The function of providing a floating spine, that is preventing the tailbone from resting on a solid surface of the seat cushion  100  is implemented, in one embodiment, by corresponding edge sections  110   a ,  110   b  adjacent on either side of a central section  120 , wherein the central section has a lower height than the edge sections, so that a channel  130 , or empty space, is formed above the central section  120  and between the edge sections  110   a ,  110   b.    
     From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a seat cushion  100  for reducing back pain has been provided. In particular, the seat cushion  100  provides a channel  130  separating two foam type cushion sections, the edge sections  110 , and extending lengthwise from the front to the rear of the seat cushion  100  to remove pressure to the spine and to other sensitive areas while the person is sitting. 
     Sitting, especially prolonged sitting is generally accepted as a risk factor in developing low back pain. Several factors are considered to be important components of this association, including disc compression, lack of spinal motion and loading of the spine stabilizing muscles. 
     The seat cushion  100  disclosed herein provides for reducing pressure to the spine. The seat cushion  100  includes a channel  130  or trough, that is, an empty space, which runs lengthwise from the front to the rear of the seat cushion  100 . Support is provided to the remainder of the posterior of a sitting person, while also allowing the coccyx (tailbone) to remain afloat above the surface of the channel  130 . 
     The seat cushion  100  provides for reduced pressure to the spine and other sensitive areas while sitting. The channel  130  within the seat cushion  100  provides for a floating spine, whether the person is seated at the forward, middle, or rear of the seat or chair that contains the seat cushion  100 . The seat cushion  100  provides relief from back pain, coccyx fracture, coccyx pain, hemorrhoids, inflamed prostrate, and anal pain. Also, the seat cushion  100  generally reduces fatigue that is often caused by sitting. Additionally, the seat cushion  100  relieves the pressure on the anal region and provides for a comfortable seating experience. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.