Surface mounted, motorized upper body lift assembly for alleviating discomfort while lying down

Abstract

A surface-mounted motorized upper body lift, or Inclinator assembly has two frames that are connected to each other by hinges so as to form a wedge shape can be selectively adjusted. The adjustment is made by the user with the application of a remote control, which activates a motor to result in the adjustment of a linear actuator which is attached at either end to the interfacing portions of the two frames. The frame contacting the body of the user is covered by a platform attached to the frame, with a cushion providing protection and comfort attached in turn to the platform. By adjusting the angle between the two frames, the Inclinator 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 / 400,647 filed on Jul. 30, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally concerns lifts to elevate the upper body, and in particular, motorized lifts used for the prevention or alleviation of pain, discomfort and complications to the circulatory, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, neurologic, integumentary and musculoskeletal systems of the human body caused by lying supine.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Symptoms of ailments specific to the aforementioned systems of the human body may be:[0005]temporary in nature, that is caused by a trauma, illness or surgical procedure, and thus require attention during a rehabilitative process[0006]chronic in nature, that is needing to be managed consistently over the long term[0007]The body response to the alteration of positions is due to gravity, which affects the respiratory, circulatory, n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0049]The Inclinator assembly is lightweight, portable and durable to withstand the effects of handling on traditional forms of public transportation, making it unique and ideal for use in various locations both home and away. The Inclinator assembly is intended and appropriate for use on any stable surface or piece of furniture where the user is engaged in sleeping, resting, reading, laptop computing, watching TV, eating, conversing, etc . . . for either short or long periods of time, including overnight.

[0050]Compared to existing products, the Inclinator assembly exhibits superior portability, flexibility, durability and user-set adjustability, thereby making the Inclinator assembly much more amenable to use in both medical and recreational applications in most types of environments. Because the Inclinator assembly is lightweight, sturdy, durable and of the size/shape allowable as check-through luggage in air travel, users are, for the first time, able to transport a solution that is less expensive, smaller, lighter and portable, where previously no solution existed.

[0051]In general, the Inclinator assembly provides relief and prevention of pain and discomfort experienced by persons seeking relief from such issues related to lying supine. The Inclinator assembly offers an alternative to costly or insufficient products available to persons who have a range and variety of issues with unsatisfactory existing products, or who have issues that have yet to be addressed by a product such as the Inclinator assembly. The Inclinator assembly is lightweight, portable, adjust

Problems solved by technology

Some innerspring mattresses do not work well when inclined and may cause back pain, making a further case for application of a fixed support surface, rather than a commercially available standard bed mattress not intended for elevation.

Blood from the heart pumps powerfully into the head without gravity's resistance, increasing intracranial pressure, and blood returning from the brain to the heart must do so without gravity's assistance, causing a back-up of blood in the brain.

Extended periods of time lying flat increased brain pressure and therefore accompanying migraines, glaucoma, Meniere's disease, and other problems associated with a pressurized, congested brain.

In addition, fluid accumulation (edema) caused by this pressure within the brain tissue, can carry associated hypoxia and hypoglycemia.

While the hospital bed does provide for elevation of the upper body, it is neither intended, nor practicable, for home use.

There is a variety of lifts intended for the elevation of the body that are inflatable, requiring either placement of such a product between the box-spring and mattress of a standard bed configuration in order to elevate the upper body, or on top of a sleeping surface, but limited to the repositioning of the entire body.

While initially providing workable solutions, these products are ineffective due to:the inability of mo

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