Patent Publication Number: US-11375821-B1

Title: Convertible meditation cushion

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 63/041,457, filed on Jun. 19, 2020. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention relates generally to cushions. More particularly, the subject invention relates to a portable cushion with multiple sections that can be adjusted into multiple configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Meditation is a practice for individuals seeking ways to relieve stress and anxiety, to become more mindful, and to obtain physical benefits, such as, lower blood pressure and improved sleep. This practice is normally done in a sitting position with legs folded and crossed, but can also be performed while kneeling or lying down on the ground or floor. Common meditation postures include traditional full-lotus (sitting with legs crossed), Seize (kneeling), and Sharasana (lying down). The individual&#39;s flexibility largely determines how many positions the individual can perform to meditate comfortably. Oftentimes more than one position will be performed by different individuals during any meditation journey. An important aspect of meditation practice is proper alignment of the body and comfort during the meditation session. In most cases, some type of support is needed to maintain proper alignment and comfort during meditation. 
     For proper alignment during a sitting position, an individual&#39;s form and a comfortable foundation is crucial. The spine should be erect, with the lower back curved slightly inward and the upper back curved slightly outward. The neck is curved slightly inward with the head level. This posture facilitates postural equilibrium and naturally supports the body, which allows for maximum comfort and reduction of stress on the spine, all leading to an optimal meditation experience. 
     The human body is neither flat nor predictably curved. Without proper support, the human body will succumb to the shape of the surface on which it rests. This often causes misalignments in the legs, hips, spine, shoulders, neck, and head, creating great discomfort. Meditation cushions, pillows, yoga blankets, yoga bolsters, and any number of other props are used to adjust and improve posture and comfort level during meditation. Factors in choosing a meditation cushion include meditation posture, proper alignment, comfort, and aesthetic look and feel, as well as durability, size, weight, portability, and affordability. 
     Conventional meditation cushions typically have poly-fill or buckwheat hull fill, which tend to flatten over time and need to be refilled or discarded. In the specific case of buckwheat filling, living and dead insects sometimes occupy the filling. In addition, buckwheat filling is allergenic and is comparatively heavy. Thus, there is a need to provide a meditation cushion that improves upon the aforementioned conventional meditation cushions in quality and performance and adds unique features not found in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an improved meditation cushion that has a unique multi-positional, convertible design, with durable high-density foam core, lightweight construction, durable fabric, portability, and hypoallergenic materials. The present invention facilitates at least five postural positions for meditation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an individual demonstrating a sitting position on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an individual demonstrating a kneeling position on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an individual demonstrating a supine position on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an individual demonstrating another sitting position on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an individual demonstrating another sitting position on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention in a fully closed configuration displayed on a substantially level support surface. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view the double hook-loop closure straps on the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention in a partially open seat configuration displayed on a substantially level support surface. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention in a fully closed, storage configuration placed on a substantially level support surface. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention in a fully closed, portable configuration, featuring a carry handle. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention demonstrating the operation of the convertible meditation cushion&#39;s hinging action. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention displaying the underside of the fully closed configuration situated on a substantially level support surface, with three access zippers for removing the inner hypoallergenic, high-density foam core inserts. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the cover for the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention and the hypoallergenic high-density foam core inserts for the convertible meditation cushion of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments (and legal equivalents thereof). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 13 , the present invention is a convertible meditation cushion  11  that facilitates multiple postural positions for meditation, including sitting, kneeling, and lying down. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12 , the convertible meditation cushion  11  is designed to be positioned on a substantially level support surface  8 , such as a floor, or the ground, or a mat, to support an individual during a meditation session. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 13 , the convertible meditation cushion  11  includes a first segment  1 , a second segment  2 , and a third segment  3 . As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , when viewing the first segment  1 , second segment  2 , and third segment  3  from the top or bottom, the shape of each segment is that of a semi-circle, where the full arc  13  of the semi-circle for each segment measures substantially 180 degrees, and the straight side  14  of the semi-circle for each segment is preferably the same length, and the radius  15  of the semi-circle for each segment is preferably the same length. 
     The length of the straight side  14  of first segment  1 , second segment  2 , and third segment  3  is preferably in the range of 457.2 mm to 762 mm, and is preferably 609.6 mm. The radius of first segment  1 , second segment  2 , and third segment  3  is preferably in the range of 228.6 mm to 381 mm, and is preferably 304.8 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the thickness  16  of second segment  2  and third segment  3  are preferably the same. The thickness  17  of first segment  1  is preferably twice the thickness  16  of each of second segment  2  and third segment  3 . The respective thicknesses of first segment  1 , second segment  2 , and third segment  3  are critical because when second segment  2  and third segment  3  are stacked on one another and then positioned adjacent to first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 , the top surface  12  provided by the stacked second segment  2  and third segment  3  and adjacent first segment  1  should be flat to facilitate multiple postural positions for meditation, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The thickness of first segment  1  is preferably in the range of 63.5 mm to 254 mm, and is preferably 127 mm. The thickness of second segment  2  and third segment  3  is preferably in the range of 31.75 mm to 127 mm, and is preferably 63.5 mm. 
     The shape of first segment  1 , second segment  2 , and third segment  3  are a result of first insert  18 , second insert  19 , and third insert  20 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Each insert is preferably made from a high-density, inner hypoallergenic foam. First insert  18 , second insert  19 , and third insert  20  preferably fit snugly into separate fabric covers, namely, first fabric cover  21 , second fabric cover  22 , and third fabric cover  23 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 13 . The fabric covers  21 ,  22 , and  23  are preferably made from a durable material, such as a porous cotton/polyester composition, which allows air circulation through the material. Each fabric cover  21 ,  22 , and  23  is preferably equipped with a zipper  6   a ,  6   b ,  6   c , respectively, for inserting and removing the inserts into and out of the fabric covers. The zippers  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  are preferably located on the straight sides  14  of their respective fabric covers  21 ,  22 , and  23 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Each zipper preferably has a length in the range of 431.8 mm to 685.8 mm. The preferable length for each zipper is 558.8 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , first segment  1  is preferably connected to second segment  2  with a first hinge  5   a . Likewise, first segment  1  is preferably connected to third segment  3  with a second hinge Sb. First hinge Sa and second hinge  5   b  are preferably part of the material that makes up the first fabric cover  21 , second fabric cover  22 , and third fabric cover  23 . 
     When the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a stacked configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 12  (designated by the number  10 ), first hinge  5   a  is preferably located along the bottom edge  24  of the straight side  14  of second segment  2  and the top edge  25  of the straight side  14  of first segment  1 , thereby creating an axis of rotation  26 , which allows second segment  2  to rotate substantially 180 degrees with respect to first segment  1 . At one extreme of the 180-degree rotation, second segment  2  is stacked on top of or underneath first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 12 . At the other extreme of the 180-degree rotation, second segment  2  is aligned with half of first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 10 . 
     Likewise, when the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a stacked configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 12  (designated by the number  10 ), second hinge  5   b  is preferably located along the bottom edge  27  of the straight side  14  of first segment  1  and the top edge  28  of the straight side  14  of third segment  3 , thereby creating an axis of rotation  29 , which allows third segment  3  to rotate substantially 180 degrees with respect to first segment  1 . At one extreme of the 180-degree rotation, third segment  3  is stacked on top of or underneath first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 12 . At the other extreme of the 180-degree rotation, third segment  3  is aligned with half of first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 . 
     When both second segment  2  and third segment  3  are aligned with the respective halves of first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 , the convertible meditation cushion  11  takes the shape of a disk. In this configuration, first segment  1  preferably provides support for heavier loads when an individual is using the convertible meditation cushion  11  for meditation. For example, when an  6  individual is sitting on the convertible meditation cushion  11 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the individual&#39;s buttocks should be positioned on top of first segment  1  and the individual&#39;s feet should be positioned on top of the stacked second segment  2  and third segment  3 . As another example, when an individual is kneeling on the convertible meditation cushion  11 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , the individual&#39;s knees should be positioned on top of first segment  1  and the individual&#39;s feet should be positioned on top of the stacked second segment  2  and third segment  3 . 
     When only one of second segment  2  or third segment  3  is aligned with its respective half of first segment  1 , and the other segment is stacked on top of first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, and 8  (designated by the number  9 ), the convertible meditation cushion  11  can be used by an individual in the supine position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , with the individual&#39;s head and neck supported by either the second segment  2  or third segment  3  that is aligned with its respective half of first segment  1 . In addition, when the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in this position, it can be used by an individual in the sitting position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , with the individual&#39;s buttocks supported by either the second segment  2  or third segment  3  that is stacked on top of the first segment  1 , and with the individual&#39;s feet placed on either the second segment  2  or third segment  3  that is aligned with its respective half of first segment  1 . 
     When second segment  2  and third segment  3  are stacked above and below first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 12  (designated by the number  10 ), the convertible meditation cushion  11  can be used by an individual in the sitting position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , with the individual&#39;s buttocks supported by either the second segment  2  or third segment  3  that is stacked on top of the first segment  1 , and with the individual&#39;s feet placed on support surface  8 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11 , the convertible meditation cushion  11  is preferably equipped with a strap  4  to secure the convertible meditation cushion  11  in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 10 . Strap  4  has two lineal strips— 4   a  and  4   b , as shown in  FIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 11 , that preferably work together as a hook-and-loop fastener (commonly referred to as Velcro). When the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 10 , lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  can be aligned and secured together to keep second segment  2  and third segment  3  adjacent to one another, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 10 . When the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a fully opened configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 5, 9, and 12 , lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  can be aligned and secured together to keep second segment  2  and third segment  3  stacked with first segment  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 5, 9, and 12 . Strap  4  and its two lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  allow the convertible meditation cushion  11  to be used, carried, and/or stored in the closed or fully opened configuration. 
     The length of lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  is preferably in the range of 63.5 mm to 254 mm, and is preferably 127 mm. The width of lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  is preferably in the range of 19.05 mm and 76.2 mm, and is preferably 31.75 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the convertible meditation cushion  11  is preferably equipped with a handle  7 , which is preferably a lineal strip having two ends  30  that are both attached to first segment  1  at or near the midway point  31  of its circular side  32 . When the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 10 , handle  7  can be used to conveniently carry the convertible meditation cushion  11 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Handle  7  can also be used to carry the convertible meditation cushion  11  when the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Handle  7  remains accessible even when the lineal strips  4   a  and  4   b  of strap  4  are overlapped when the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in the closed position. In addition, the convertible meditation cushion  11  can be carried using strap  4  when the convertible meditation cushion  11  is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The length of handle  7  is preferably in the range of 63.5 mm to 254 mm, and is preferably 127 mm. The width of handle  7  is preferably in the range of 25.4 mm to 76.2 mm, and is preferably 38.1 mm. 
     It should be appreciated that the convertible meditation cushion  11  may be made in a variety of sizes and dimensions to accommodate a variety of individuals of different sizes and shapes. It should also be appreciated that the convertible meditation cushion  11  may come in a variety of shapes in addition to the preferred semi-circular shape to accommodate different aesthetic niches and varieties. In addition, it should also be appreciated that the convertible meditation cushion  11  may be used in conjunction with yoga, exercise, stretching, and other general forms of sitting. 
     It should be understood that one embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed by way of example and that other modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.