Patent Publication Number: US-7210179-B2

Title: Contoured body support device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/661,904 filed 16 Mar. 2005 and entitled “Improved Body Support for Sun Tanning”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a body support device and, in particular, to a system of interconnecting, contoured body supports including removable end caps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sunbathing is a means to acquire a robust healthy appearance, to socialize and to enhance production of vitamin D. To those seriously searching for the “perfect tan” as well as casual dabblers in the past-time, an annoying and persistent problem has been the difficulty in finding an even moderately comfortable position to expose side surfaces of the body, arms and legs to direct rays of the sun. Conventional beach chairs, along with lacking storage capability, do not have sufficient surface area to avoid sinking into soft support surfaces such as sand. Consequently, a need exists to provide a portable body support device that comfortably supports a user while providing easily accessible storage. 
     One approach to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,018 (Kidwell), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Kidwell shows a body support including a central storage compartment. This approach is adequate in many ways, but suffers from several disadvantages. First, the compartment has limited storage capacity. Due to its location proximate the inward curve of the curved surface, the permissible height and depth of the interior space is restricted. There is, moreover, a limit on the amount of interior space that can be provided due to structural support concerns (i.e., preventing the unit from collapsing under the weight of a user). The larger the storage compartment becomes, the more susceptible the body support is to collapse. Second, the body support, in order to provide a user easy access to the storage compartment, must be set on a supporting surface such that the storage compartment is exposed. Third, due to its closed-ended structure, the body is only capable of individual use, and cannot be connected to other body supports to create a system of supports. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with this invention, a body support device is disclosed. The body support device includes a base section having a first terminal end and a second terminal end. The base may have a wedge-shaped structure formed via three walls. Two walls may have generally planar surfaces, while the third wall may be ergonomically contoured to conform generally to the portion of the human back between the head and lower torso reclining in a posture intermediate the prone and supine positions. The contoured surface may further support a user in seated and supine positions. The base may further include a cavity formed in one or both of its ends. A removable cap is provided selectively secure the cavity closed, permitting the storage and/or transport of an object therein. Alternatively, a connecting member may couple a plurality of support devices together, providing a network of support devices suitable for concurrent use by a group of people. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a body support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front exploded view of the body support device of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , showing caps connecting to the base. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear, cross-sectional view the body support device of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , showing the storage cavities. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a connection member for connecting a plurality of body support devices together according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top perspective view of a connection member for connecting a plurality of body support devices together according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are top plan views of protective enclosures for the body support device of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a body support device covered with the protective enclosure of  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The body support device according to the present invention comprises a structure configured to provide a portable back and side rest for a user (e.g., a sunbather).  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a body support device  10  according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the body support device  10  may comprise a base  100  including a first wall  110  forming a perpendicular abutment with the second wall  120 . The first wall  110  and the second wall  120  are typically configured to engage a supporting surface (e.g., the ground, a bed, grass, beach sand, sidewalks, floors, pavement, etc); consequently, each of the first and second walls  110 ,  120  may possess a substantially planar surface. In embodiment illustrated, the first wall  110  is generally vertical, while the second wall  120  is generally horizontal. 
     The base  100  further includes a third wall  130  extending from the first wall  110  to the second wall  120  to form a generally wedge-shaped, elongated structure. For example, the contoured surface (i.e., the third wall  130 ) may extend from the first wall  110  to the second wall  120  such that it forms approximately 45° angles with the first and second walls  110 ,  120 . It is important to note, however, that the slant or angle assumed by the third wall  130  can be varied to values greater or less than 45°, generally between about 30° and 60°, to suit conditions and personal comfort. The third wall  130  is configured to support (engage the body of) a user; consequently, the surface of the third wall  130  is ergonomically contoured to provide comfortable support to the back and sides of a user assuming a posture between the prone and supine positions, particularly the sides of the body and limbs. This provides a more comfortable sitting/lying position for reading, lounging, etc., as well as (with regard to sunbathers) allows better orientation with respect to the sun of these typically difficult to tan body portions. Referring to  FIG. 1A , the surface of the third wall  130  undulates, including expanded and narrowed sections. The expanded sections may be enlarged in both width and depth with respect to the narrowed sections. The surface of the third wall  130 , then, includes sequentially adjacent portions dimensioned to conform to the head, neck, back, waist and buttocks of the body. 
     With this configuration, the third wall  130  may engage the portion of the body extending from the head to the lower body or buttocks of the user (when a user lies on the body support device  10  such that the user is generally parallel thereto). Alternatively, a user may be supported by the body support device  10  in a seated position (where the user is positioned generally transverse with respect to the body support device  10 ). In other words, the support device  10  is operable to support a user in any one of the seated position, the supine position, and a position intermediate of the prone and supine positions. Further details regarding the general structure of the base  100  and its contoured surface are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,018, incorporated by reference in its entirety above. 
     The base  100  may further include a first end  140  and a second end  150 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the ends  140 ,  150  may form generally parallel, isosceles right triangles. The ends  140 ,  150  may have the same or different dimensions. Typically, to accommodate the contoured surface of the third wall  130 , the cross sectional dimensions of the base  100  proximate the first end  140  is greater than the cross sectional dimension of the base  100  proximate the second end  150 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the body support device  10  may be configured to receive an object for storage and/or transport. As illustrated, the base  100  may be generally hollow, notwithstanding that one or more reinforcing supports may disposed throughout the structure. Each end  140 ,  150  of the base  100  may include a receptacle  160  defined therein. The receptacle  160  may comprise any size and shape suitable for its described purposed. For example, each receptacle  160  may be sized to provide storage for such items as suntan lotion, towels, reading material, beverages, and other personal items. A first cap  170  connects to the first base end  140  to secure the contents of the receptacle  160  within the base  100 . Similarly, a second cap  180  connects to the second base end  150 . Once connected, a secure, generally fluid tight seal is formed. The manner of connection is not particularly limited. As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the interior side (the side that faces the base  100 ) of each cap  170 ,  180  includes a slot or groove  175  configured to mate with a rib or tab  145  extending from the each base end  140 ,  150 . The groove  175  may extend completely or partially around the end cap  140 ,  150 , and may extend proximate the cap&#39;s periphery. The tab  145  frictionally engages the groove  175 , securing the cap  170 ,  180  to the body  100 . It is to be understood, however, that other methods that provide releasable engagement of the cap  170 ,  180  with the body (e.g., fasteners) may be utilized. 
     The body support device  10  (the body  100  and/or the caps  170 ,  180 ) may be formed from any material suitable for its described function. By way of example, the body support device  10  may be formed from a generally rigid material such as plastic, fiberglass, wood, metal, etc. In preferred embodiment, the body support device  10  is formed from molded resin and, specifically of moldable foam resin made from a copolymer of polystyrene and polyethylene (sold under the trade name ARCEL, manufactured by the Nova Chemical Company, Moon Township, Pa. (www.novachem.com)). Forming the body support device  10  from molded foam resins provides a support device that is sufficiently rigid to support the user, while being light weight for easy transport. In addition, the insulating properties of the resin enables the receptacles to function as an insulated beverage cooler. Furthermore, the material is sufficiently buoyant, making the body support device  10  suitable for use in recreational water activities (e.g., the support device  10  may be used as a flotation device). Alternatively, any sufficiently strong lightweight material may be utilized. 
     In operation, a user (e.g., a sunbather) loads his or her desired sunbathing accoutrements into a receptacle  160 , secures the cap  170 ,  180  and transports the body support device  10  to a selected site (beach, campground, pool, etc.). The various required notions are removed for handy access and the body support device  10  is placed such that the second wall  120  contacts the supporting surface. Alternatively, the body support device  10  may be placed such that the first wall  110  contacts the supporting surface. With either configuration, body support device  10  may be aligned with the elongate axis generally perpendicular to the path of the sun and with the third wall  130  directed roughly toward the source of radiation. The user then assumes a comfortable posture intermediate prone and supine with a first side of his or her head, neck, back, small of the back or waist and lower torso or buttocks resting against the corresponding portions of the support and the opposite sides exposed to the direct tanning rays. Periodic reversals of the radiated side ultimately produce the desired even tan, equally distributed over all the desired body surfaces. Alternatively, should a user prefer to rest in a seated position, the user leans against the third wall  130  in a direction generally perpendicular to the body support device  10 , such that the lower/middle portion of the back is positioned within the desired curvature of the support surface. Furthermore, should the supine position be desired, a user may selectively rest his head along any portion of the third wall  130 . 
     The body support device  10  may further be part of a network or system of body support devices  10  releasably connected to each other via a connection member  200 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate connection members operable to couple two support devices  10 A,  10 B to each other. As shown, the connection member  200  may have a configuration similar to that of the caps  170 ,  180 , forming an isosceles right triangle. The connection member  200  may include a first portion  210  formed with a slot or groove  215  configured to engage the rib or tab  145  (not illustrated) located along the first end  140  of a body support device  10 , and a second portion  220  formed with a slot or groove (not illustrated) configured to engage the rib or tab  145  located on the second end  140  of the body support device  10 . The first portion  210  may have dimensions similar to or different from those of the second portion  220 . By way of the example, the first portion  210  may have dimensions slightly larger than those of the second portion  220  to accommodate for the size differential that exists between the first and second ends  140 ,  150  (discussed above). 
     In operation, a first body support device  10 A is aligned with the groove  210  of the first connection member portion  210 . The tab  145  located on the first end  140  of the body support device  10  is inserted into the groove  215 , coupling the connection member  200  to the first body support device  10 A. Similarly, a second body support device  10 B is aligned with the second portion  220  of the connection member  200 , and the rib  145  (extending from the surface of the second end  150 ) is inserted into the groove of the second portion  220  (not illustrated). The grooves mate with the ribs  145  to provide a secure connection of multiple body support devices  10 , orienting the first support device  10 A at an angle of approximately 180° with respect to the second support device  10 B. 
     In addition, the connection member  200  may be modified to orient the first body support device  10 A with respect to the second body support device  10 B at angles other than 180°. Referring  FIG. 4B , the first portion  210  of the connection member  200  may be canted with respect to the second portion  220 . The degree of canting is not particularly limited, and includes angles of approximately 90° to approximately 180°. Although only two body support devices  10 A,  10 B are illustrated in embodiment of  FIG. 4 , a plurality of connection members  200  may be provided to secure a plurality of body support devices  10  together. As a result, the canted connection member  200  may further be utilized to provide a plurality of body support devices  10  connected in a generally curved pattern. By way of example, the connection members  200  may be utilized to create a network of coupled body support devices  10  configured in any desired formation, e.g., in a half or full circle. 
     A protective enclosure may further be provided to prevent damage to the body support device  10  and/or to provide a desired amount of cushioning thereto.  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B are isolated views of a protective enclosure  300  according to embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, the enclosure  300  includes a first section  310 , a second section  320 , and a third section  330 . The first section  310  is configured to cover the first wall  110  of the base  100  and the third section  330  is configured to cover the second wall  120  of the base  100 . The second section  320  includes a shape that corresponds to the undulating surface (i.e., the contours) of the third wall  130 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 5B , the enclosure  300  may further include end sections  340 ,  350  operable to cover the first end  140  and second end  150  of the base  100 , respectively. 
     With this configuration, when the enclosure  300  is placed over the base  100 , the enclosure  300  is generally form fit onto the base  100  (i.e., the enclosure  300  is taut on the body support device  10 ).  FIG. 6  illustrates the enclosure of  5 A secured to the body support device  10 . In operation, the first section  310  of the enclosure  300  is aligned with the first wall  110  of the base  100 . Similarly, the second enclosure section  310  is aligned with the third base wall  130  and the third enclosure section  330  is aligned with the second base wall  120 . The enclosure  300  is then placed over the base  100 , with the first section  310  of the enclosure  300  secured to the third section  330  of the enclosure  300  in a conventional manner (e.g., via straps). Additionally, if the enclosure  300  includes end sections  340 ,  350 , they are folded over their respective end  140 ,  150  of the base  100  and secured to the appropriate portions of the enclosure  300 . 
     Although straps are illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , it should be understood that the sections  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350  of the enclosure  300  may be secured using conventional fastening devices, including permanent (e.g., adhesive, stitching) and releasable (e.g., straps, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc.) fasteners. The enclosure may include multiple sections, or may comprise a unitary structure. In addition, the enclosure  300  may be secured to the body support device  10  utilizing thermal wrapping techniques. 
     The material forming the enclosure  300  may be formed from any material suitable for its described function. For example, the enclosure  300  may comprise woven and nonwoven webs, and may be formed from natural and synthetic materials. By way of further example, the sections  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350  of the cover  300  may individually or collectively comprise cotton (terry cloth), canvas, spandex, vinyl, polypropylene, etc. The materials utilized may be chosen based on the particular application of the body support device  10 . For example, when the body support device  100  is to be utilized as a beach support for tanning, the first  310  and third  330  sections of the enclosure  300  (the sections corresponding to the first and third walls  110 ,  120  of the base  100  that engage the supporting surface) may comprise a durable, water resistant material such as canvas. The second section  320 , which contacts the user, may comprise a soft, water absorbent material such as cotton. Alternatively, when used in a more rugged environment, the entire enclosure  300  may comprise durable material such as canvas. If additional cushioning is desired, the surface of the enclosure  300  may be lined with padding (e.g., foam padding). 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the body support device  10  may be any size and shape suitable for its described purpose. The cross-section of the body support device  10  need not be specifically triangular, rather, any sufficiently strong yet lightweight structure having at least one surface inclined with respect to the foundation and contoured to provide uniform body support would fall within the scope of this invention. The cavities  160 , in addition to storing devices, may have electronic devices such as radios, TVs, etc. embedded therein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.