Abstract:
The present invention provides a lateral recumbency back support designed to support various portions of the body generally comprising a contoured and flexible foam wedge design allowing flexibility at all points along the length of same and having sufficient firmness to provide support for the desired portion of the body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is claimed from provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 61/992,427 filed on May 13, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     In general, the present invention relates to a new and improved ergonomic multi-functional backrest wedge and pillow having the capability of assuming a series of different configurations. More particularly, the present invention provides a lateral recumbency back support designed to support various portions of the body generally comprising a contoured flexible foam wedge design allowing flexibility at all points along the length of same and having sufficient firmness to provide support for the desired portion of the body as well as ventilation and cooling channels. It is understood that the invention may be utilized for support other than lateral recumbency and may include a therapeutic heating and or cooling element. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     It is not uncommon for people to have to or want to stay and or sleep on their side. This position is generally referred to as a lateral recumbent position. Often it is necessary or desirable under a variety of circumstances for a person to lie on their side in a position that does not allow them to take advantage of human anatomical structures that would allow the person to rest on their side in a more semi-lateral position with minimal effort. When a person needs to maintain their position lying on their side without leaning back to rest on some of the larger muscles in the rear and portions of the shoulder, this position can cause strain to muscles in the lumbar region of the back, pelvic region, stomach, legs and hips, and fatigue from the effort required to maintain this non-resting position in lateral recumbency. 
     A person may desire or need to maintain their body in such a position that includes, but are not limited to, post-surgery, pregnancy, breast feeding while lying down, keeping pressure off injured tissue as in the case of hemorrhoids, burns and abrasions, stabilizing a lateral recumbency position for post-surgical needs, therapeutic treatments such as topical agents, heat, cold packs, to alleviate pressure sores and or wounds, and so forth. It is therefore desirable for people who must spend extended periods of time in a lateral recumbency position to utilize pillows, wedges, and so forth to support the body at strategic points to lessen the discomfort from that position when inadequately supported. It is especially desirable to provide support that may flex to match the natural curves of the user&#39;s spine. 
     One attempt to provide support in the prior art is to utilize numerous flat pillows placed at the point of need. In order to effectuate this practice, it is common for people to roll, twist and fold flat pillows and place them at the strategic locations to alleviate the suffering. The aforementioned procedure of utilizing numerous pillows results in significant time, need for storage space for the pillows, and expense with providing this necessary procedure. It is not unusual to use four to six pillows to achieve the desired lateral recumbency support. Furthermore, the pillows oftentimes unroll upon the user&#39;s movements, thereby requiring additional time to reroll, re-twist and refold the flat pillows. 
     In the prior art, numerous types of foam wedge designs have been utilized in attempt to provide the proper lateral support. Unfortunately, these wedge designs are typically non-dynamic and generally fixed and non-flexible. These prior art devices are also typically just foam cut into a wedge that cannot be flexed to ergonomically contour to a user&#39;s side. 
     Although there are currently numerous specialty pillows and wedges on the market that claim to provide ergonomic support for a lateral recumbent position, these prior art are devices fail to provide the desired support. Those requiring lateral recombency support are looking for effective, durable, and cost effective apparatus and systems. Thus, there is a need for a new and improved, apparatus, system and method of use as discussed above. The current invention provides a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system that will provide those in need with the support desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pillows, wedges, mattresses, and systems of use now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a convenient, easily used and durable construction. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     To attain such, the present invention generally provides a foam spine that may comprise a plurality of generally trapezoidal segments that are connected to allow flexion and contouring around a user&#39;s back, torso, spine, pelvic region, and so forth. It is further contemplated that the foam spine may be enclosed in an inner cover, also utilize an outer cover, and combinations thereof. Outer cover may be made of a surface to provide friction to hold the foam spine in a desired position and foam spine may further include a support inner core segment. It is further contemplated the current invention may be utilized with a heating pad and or element. Still furthermore, the current invention contemplates utilization with a cooling element and or ice pack. It is also understood that the current invention may be utilized to provide support to a user in other positions than just lateral recumbency. The current invention may be utilized for sitting, leg support, and so forth. 
     It is also contemplated that the invention may allow multiple degrees of supported recumbence, which may aid relief on downward shoulder joints. Further, the invention may provide wrap around pelvic support. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in this application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system that allows for support along the user&#39;s spine and may flex and or contour accordingly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which is of a durable and reliable construction and may be utilized for support other than a lateral recumbent position. 
     It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system that is susceptible to a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consuming industry, thereby making such valve economically available to those in need. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which may be easily and efficiently utilized, manufactured and marketed. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which provides all of the advantages of the prior art, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system that may include easily removable and cleanable covers that are fitted and constructed of a breathable, waterproof and durable fabric according to healthcare standards. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which may be utilized with a heating pad, a cold pack, and combinations thereof. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which is designed to stay in the desired position by utilizing a friction surface as well as segments that may be laid upon to further anchor the apparatus where desired. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system that is generally lightweight for positioning. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which promotes airflow and air circulation around the user and the apparatus wherein the apparatus has vertical cooling and vent channels. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ergonomic lateral recumbency support apparatus and system, which may be utilized as a barrier for use with a bed to prevent a user from falling off the bed, into an unwanted position on the bed, and so forth. 
     These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     It is also understood the present invention referred to throughout may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, each of the embodiments that have been described should also be considered only as illustrative and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS, GRAPHS, DRAWINGS, AND APPENDICES 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, graphs, drawings, exhibits and appendices. 
         FIG. 1  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In a preferred embodiment, the current invention may include the following although it is contemplated that combinations may be utilized to provide the ergonomic lateral recumbency support as generally referred to in the application and illustrations described below. The current invention may be classified as an apparatus, system, method and/or combinations thereof. The following detailed description does not define any aspect in a particular order of importance but rather attempts to organize the following for convenience only. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a new and improved system, method and apparatus, hereinafter referred to collectively as invention  10 . It is contemplated that invention  10  may comprise a foam spine  20  having a length  30  with a plurality of generally three-dimensional trapezoids interconnected segments  40 . Segments  40  may generally have a top  50 , a bottom  60 , a first side  70 , a second side  80 , a front  90  and a back  100 . It is contemplated that top  50  may be generally parallel to bottom  60 . 
     It is further contemplated that first side may be angled as depicted with a preferred embodiment being 18 degrees as depicted. It is contemplated that second side  80  have a first angled portion  110  and a second angled portion  120  with a preferred embodiment being 18 degrees and 90 degrees as depicted generally forming an obtuse angel. It is understood that the angles, proportions, lengths, and so forth may be greater, lesser, parallel, non-parallel, and so forth. It is generally contemplated that a user may utilize segments  40  first side  70  or second side  80  by preference to the angle desired for support. Furthermore, one slant angle may provide back support when the user may want to tilt more backwards and so forth. 
     Segments  40  are generally connected by column  130 . It is contemplated that foam spine  20  may be made from one piece of open cell foam F40 and channels  140  are generally cut such that segments  40  and column  130  are of a one-piece construction. It is further contemplated that channels  140  may promote airflow between the user and invention  10 . This may allow the release of trapped body heat. 
     Column  130  may further include a top  150 , a bottom  160 , a first side  170 , a second side  180 , and a center portion  190 . In a preferred embodiment, a slit  200  may be made at top  150  toward center portion  190 . This may provide a cavity  210  for adding an internal, spline and or inner support  220  and or spline that may be glued, stuck or otherwise positioned. Inner support  220  may be a non-woven polyester material and may provide structural integrity, strength, and so forth to foam spine  20 . It is contemplated that inner support  220  may provide a strengthening element as well as provide lateral and tensile support. 
     Invention  10  may further include a removable first, inner liner and or inner cover  230 , which may be made from reduced friction, water resistant, cleanable, material. Inner cover  230  may utilize a drawstring  235 . It is understood that numerous types of material and closing devices are contemplated for inner cover  230 . 
     Invention  10  may further include a removable second or outer cover  240  that may comprise a non-slip and or slip resistant surface and or bottom  250  and or grip wings  260 . It is contemplated that non-slip bottom  250 , grip wings  260 , and combinations thereof provide a means for generally securing foam spine  20  into the desired position. Grip wings  260  may be generally adapted to communicate with the user&#39;s body such that the user generally lies on grip wing  260  and thereby trapping foam spine  20  from moving away from user. It is contemplated to utilize polyester woven fabric with a PVC coating sold by the trademark name “EASTEX Products Slip-Not® fabric.” 
     Outer cover  240  may generally be utilized with or without inner cover  230  and inner cover  230  may be generally utilized with or without outer cover  240 . Outer cover  240  may have a closable opening  270  for removing foam spine  20  as known in the art. It is contemplated that closable opening  270  may include a zipper, snaps, VELCRO, and so forth. 
     In a preferred embodiment, invention  10  may include a heating and or cooling system  280  that may comprise a sleeve  290  that may be adapted to slip generally over foam spine  20 . It is also contemplated that sleeve  290  may be adapted to slide over outer cover  240 , inner cover  230 , and combinations thereof. Sleeve may be made from a washable fabric and may further include a pouch  300  for removabaly placing a heating pad  310 , a cooling element and or ice pack  320 , combinations, thereof as well as other therapeutic devices such as but not limited to massaging elements (not depicted). It is also contemplated that invention  10  may utilize heat insulating fabric with heat reflective facing. 
     Invention  10  may further utilize: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Item 
                 Brand 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Polyurethane Foam 
                 Carpenter 
                 Foam Block 
               
               
                 Polyester Spline 
                 OXCO, Inc 
                 Non-Woven Polyester Fabric 
               
               
                 Polyester woven fabric 
                 EASTEX 
                 Slip-Not ® fabric ™ 
               
               
                 With PVC coating 
                 Products 
                   
               
               
                 Outside cover 
                 Hancock Fabric 
                 Ponteroma Knit or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cotton Sateen fabric 
               
               
                 Inside cover 
                 Hancock Fabric 
                 60/40 cotton-polyester knit 
               
               
                 Waterproof cover 
                 Precision Custom 
                 Woven polyester fabric with 
               
               
                   
                 Coatings 
                 Proprietary fluid proof 
               
               
                   
                   
                 coating 
               
               
                 Heating pad cover 
                 Hancock Fabric 
                 Ponteroma Knit or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cotton Sateen fabric 
               
               
                 Heat insulating barrier 
                 Innovative 
                 Temptrol ® Heat reflecting 
               
               
                   
                 Insulation Inc. 
                 fabric 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, and arrangements of the various parts and elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, names, titles, headings and general division of the aforementioned are provided for convenience and should, therefore, not be considered limiting.