BACK SUPPORT SYSTEM

• US 20040226096A1
• Filed: 05/16/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Banyan Licensing LLC
• Original Assignee: Banyan Licensing LLC
• Inventors: Davis, Edmund Scott
• Granted Patent: US 6,823,545 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 5/632
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 16/02 Footstools; Foot-rests; Leg-rests
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 17/045 Seating furniture having loose or by fabric hinge connected cushions changeable to beds
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 20/021 Foot or leg supports
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 20/027 Back supports, e.g. for sitting in bed

Abstract

There is provided a back support system of three foam members serving as a piece of recreational or therapeutic furniture. The three foam support members each have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and a triangular shaped when viewed from their sides and vary in size. The unique triangular shape of each of the three members enables the pieces to be assembled in a variety of positions depending upon the desires of the user. For example, one of the triangular pieces may be positioned to fit underneath the back and head area of the user while the second member may be placed under the legs of the user to lift the knee area and the third and smallest member may be placed under the lower leg area to keep the feet in an elevated position. Each cushion is made of a resilient foam polymeric material that is covered with a protective fabric. When positioning the members, the members may be held in place by fabric hinges have various widths and zippers incorporated therein to allow the three pieces to be used separately or together. When the three members are folded to nest, together, a unitary object is formed for easy shipment or storage.

Claims

1. A back support system for use on a generally horizontal surface for supporting a portion of a person comprising

a first foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

a second foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

a third foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

each support member being covered with fabric and placeable in operative positions adjacent each other in such manner that at least one rectangular face of said first support member supports the user'"'"'s back,

wherein at least one edge of the fabric on each support member is capable of being pivotally interconnected along an edge to an adjacent support member through a hinge member, and

wherein the three support members may be folded together to form a unitary object said unitary object being maintained in a unitary position by said interconnections.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said foam support members are made of resilient foam polymeric material.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said adjacent support members are interconnected with a zipper.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the interconnections at each hinge member are of varying widths.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said foam members forms an isosceles triangle.

3. Cancel.

4. Cancel.

8. A back support system for use on a generally horizontal surface for supporting a portion of a person comprising

a first foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

a second foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

a third foam support member having generally rectangular faces when viewed from above and a pair of sides having a triangular shape;

each support member being covered with fabric and placeable in operative positions adjacent each other in such manner that at least one rectangular face of said first support member supports the user'"'"'s back,

wherein at least one edge of the fabric on each support member is capable of being pivotally interconnected with a zipper along an edge to an adjacent support member through a hinge member, and

wherein the three support members may be folded together to form a unitary object, said unitary object being maintained in a unitary position by said interconnections.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein each of said foam support members are made of resilient foam polymeric material.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the interconnections at each hinge member are of varying widths.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein at least one of said foam members forms an isosceles triangle.