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Adjustable v-cushion assembly for alleviating sitting discomfort

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-01-26
FOUR AGW
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The V-cushion assembly is small, portable, lightweight and can be discretely used, making it ideal for use in the workplace, at sporting events, and concerts. The V-cushion assembly may also be beneficial for use while driving, or in any application where long periods of sitting, especially on a hard surface, are required.
[0018]Compared to existing products, the V-cushion assembly exhibits superior portability and a discreet size and shape, thereby making the V-cushion assembly much more amenable to frequent use in all types of environments. Because the V-cushion assembly is not cumbersome and is easily portable and can be discreetly used, users are more likely to make use of the V-cushion assembly in environments where the user may previously have had a reluctance to use currently available products.
[0019]In general, the V-cushion assembly provides relief and prevention of discomfort and pain experienced by persons seeking relief from such issues related to sitting. The V-cushion assembly offers an alternative to costly or insufficient products available to persons who have a range and variety of issues with unsatisfactory existing products. The V-cushion assembly is portable and concealable when in use, and thus offers a discrete solution to the use of such a cushion in public. The V-cushion assembly is easily adjustable by the user to ensure a proper sitting position that reduces that particular user's pressure, discomfort and / or pain. The V-cushion assembly offers relief to persons who are required to sit for long periods of time, whether in a work or recreational environment, or who have a medical need for such relief. The wings of the V-cushion assembly can be made available in various heights, widths and lengths so as to provide a range of models that suit all body types and sizes. Even with the use of a “standard” model of the V-cushion assembly, having dimensions designed to accommodate the “average” person, the versatility and adjustability of the V-cushion assembly allows the user a significant degree of customization to configure the V-cushion assembly to provide each person with the most comfortable configuration that simultaneously maximizes relief and minimizes the introduction of new, or exacerbation of existing, pain or discomfort.

Problems solved by technology

The donut cushion, as one of few options that are available to users, has not received complete acceptance, due to its cumbersome size, the obviousness of its use (some users would prefer a cushion that is not so noticeable when in use), and issues with comfort.
While the donut cushion does promote pressure relief due to the hollow core, it may cause a pressure build-up as a result of the user's weight displacement into the center of the circle.
The cushion itself is not adjustable, and the limited size of the opening may decrease pressure only for users who fall within a relatively limited range of weights and body types.
Moreover, this cushion is large and bulky, and does not address pressure relief in the perineum.

Method used

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  • Adjustable v-cushion assembly for alleviating sitting discomfort
  • Adjustable v-cushion assembly for alleviating sitting discomfort
  • Adjustable v-cushion assembly for alleviating sitting discomfort

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0031]FIG. 1 shows a top view of a V-cushion assembly in accordance with the invention. The V-cushion assembly has two wings W1 and W2, that are joined together at a connecting point CP, at which a connector C is present. The connector C not only holds the wings W1 and W2 together to form a V-shape, but also functions as a hinge to allow the angle between the wings W1 and W2 to be selectively adjusted.

[0032]As explained in more detail below, the V-cushion assembly shown in FIG. 1 is intended to be placed on a seat surface, on which a human user will be seated. FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the V-cushion assembly, i.e., the portion of the V-cushion assembly that will be adjacent to the seating surface when the V-cushion assembly is in use. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wings W1 and W2 can optionally be provided with respective non-slip regions NSP1 and NSP2. The non-slip regions NSP1 and NSP2 provide sufficient frictional engagement with the seating surface to prevent sli...

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PUM

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Abstract

A V-shaped cushion assembly has two cushions that are connected to each other by a connector so as to form a V-shape. The cushions are pivotable relative to each other at the connector, so that an angle of the V-shape between the cushions can be selectively adjusted. By adjusting this angle and the placement of the V-shaped cushion assembly on a seating surface, the V-shaped cushion assembly provides a wide variety of user-configurable options in order to allow a user to select the configuration that is most comfortable to the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of provisional application 61 / 400,078, filed on Jul. 22, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally concerns cushions of the type that are specifically configured to alleviate discomfort in sitting, and in particular seat cushions used for the prevention, protection or alleviation either of pain, pressure or discomfort to the pelvic floor, perineum, coccyx and rectal region of the human body caused by sitting.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Although symptoms of the above type may be centralized in the lower body, secondary sites in the upper body or extremities may be affected, with pain radiating from the original site of pain or discomfort.[0006]Developmentally, humans learn to sit upright at the age of approximately five months. Humans progressively gain motor control and core strength, enabling an upright position to be maintained while sitting...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47C27/00A47C7/02
CPCA47C7/021A47C7/0213
Inventor WEIBEL, CATHERINEGRALLER, AMYARMES, MARTHA
Owner FOUR AGW
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