Cushion for postpartum use and the like
The U-shaped cushion with a kapok fiber fill material addresses the inadequacies of existing postpartum cushions by suspending the coccygeal region and promoting healing, offering adjustable support and comfort for postpartum women.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing postpartum cushions do not adequately support and promote healing for women recovering from childbirth, prolonging discomfort and impacting their ability to care for themselves and their newborns.
A U-shaped cushion with an open end that suspends the coccygeal region in the air, accommodating various body types and conditions, using a non-toxic, biodegradable kapok fiber fill material for adjustable support and comfort, and allowing customization for individual needs.
Provides effective relief for postpartum healing by suspending the coccygeal region, promoting healing of tears and hemorrhoids, and alleviating discomfort, while being environmentally friendly and customizable for different anatomical requirements.
Smart Images
Figure US20260198691A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 743,806, filed on Jan. 10, 2025, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The subject matter of this U.S. non-provisional patent application is related to the subject matter of U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 30 / 021,988 , filed on Sep. 8, 2025.BACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure relates to cushions and, more specifically but not exclusively, to cushions for postpartum use.Description of the Related Art
[0003] This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, the statements of this section are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is prior art or what is not prior art.
[0004] There are no existing devices that provide adequate relief or support for postpartum women healing from childbirth. Postpartum recovery lasts weeks to months. Insufficient healing opportunities can prolong the healing period for postpartum individuals. To care for a baby, a woman needs to be able to care for herself and be given time to heal. Inadequate technology does not support healing and recovery for postpartum women, prolonging discomfort. This negatively impacts the woman's ability to care for herself and her newborn child.
[0005] The Frida Mom Donut Pillow Perineal Comfort Cushion from Fridababy, LLC, of Miami, Florida, is a donut-shaped, inflatable cushion for postpartum use. The 5 Stars United Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid Tailbone Cushion from ACCO Brands Corporation of Lake Zurich, Illinois, is a donut-shaped cushion for postpartum use.SUMMARY
[0006] When a woman sits on a prior-art, donut-shaped cushion, the woman's coccygeal region comes into direct contact with the cushion. Problems in the prior art are addressed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure by a generally U-shaped cushion having an open end. When a woman sits on a U-shaped cushion with the open end facing back, the woman's coccygeal region is suspended in the air. The open back end can accommodate grade 3 and 4 tears, as well as hemorrhoids and can be further spread apart or brought closer together for different body types.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a back perspective view of a cushion, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a top view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0012] FIG. 1E is a back end view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0013] FIG. 1F is a front end view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0014] FIG. 1G is a first side view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 1H is an opposing, second side view of the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 2A shows the U-shaped top and bottom pieces used to make the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 2B shows the two rectangular end pieces used to make the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 2C shows the two triangular inner side pieces used to make the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0019] FIG. 2D shows the two triangular outer side pieces 110 used to make the cushion of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIGS. 3A-3H show views of a cushion according to alternative embodiments of the disclosure that are respectively analogous to the views of FIGS. 1A-1H of the cushion 100
[0021] FIG. 4A shows the two identical, U-shaped pieces of fabric used to form the top and bottom surfaces of the cushion of FIGS. 3A-3H;
[0022] FIG. 4B shows the two identical, trapezoidal-shaped pieces of fabric used to form the two end surfaces, the two inner side surfaces, and the two outer side surfaces of the cushion of FIGS. 3A-3H;
[0023] FIG. 5A shows a person sitting on a chair with the cushion of FIGS. 1A-1H behind the person with the zippered side facing up and providing back support to the person;
[0024] FIG. 5B shows a person sitting on a chair with the cushion of FIGS. 1A-1H behind the person with the zippered side facing down and providing back support to the person;
[0025] FIG. 5C shows a person sitting on a chair with the cushion of FIGS. 1A-1H under the person with the zippered side facing back and providing bottom support to the person;
[0026] FIG. 5D shows a person sitting on a chair with the cushion of FIGS. 1A-1H under the person with the zippered side facing front and providing bottom support to the person; and
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate how the two “arms” of the cushion of FIGS. 1A-1H can be, respectively, pulled apart to increase the size of the central opening or pushed together to decrease the size of the central opening.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the disclosure.
[0029] As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“contains,”“containing,”“includes,” and / or “including,” specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functions / acts involved.
[0030] FIG. 1A is a back perspective view with creases and shading of a cushion 100 for pregnancy and postpartum use and the like, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a top view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E is a back end view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1F is a front end view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1G is a first side view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1H is an opposing, second side view of the cushion 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, the cushion 100 is made from the following eight pieces of fabric:
[0032] A U-shaped top piece 102 forming a U-shaped top surface of the exterior of the
[0033] cushion 100;
[0034] A U-shaped bottom piece 104 forming a U-shaped bottom surface of the exterior of the cushion 100;
[0035] Two rectangular end pieces 106 forming the two rectangular end surfaces of the exterior of the cushion 100;
[0036] Two triangular inner side pieces 108 forming the two triangular inner side surfaces of the exterior of the cushion 100; and
[0037] Two triangular exterior side pieces 110 forming the two triangular exterior side surfaces of the exterior of the cushion 100.
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2D show plan views of the eight pieces of fabric used to make the cushion 100 of FIGS. 1A-1H along with example dimensions (in inches) as follows:
[0039] FIG. 2A shows the U-shaped top and bottom pieces 102 and 104;
[0040] FIG. 2B shows the two rectangular end pieces 106;
[0041] FIG. 2C shows the two triangular inner side pieces 108; and
[0042] FIG. 2D shows the two triangular outer side pieces 110.
[0043] The cushion 100 has a zippered side 112 that enables access to the interior of the cushion 100.
[0044] Although not visible in FIGS. 1A-1H, the cushion 100 may be filled with any suitable fill material. For example, the fill material may be kapok, a natural, organic, non-endocrine disrupting, lightweight, silky, fiber material from the seed pods of the Ceiba pentandra tree (kapok tree) found in rainforests. The firmness of the cushion 100 may be adjusted by unzipping the opening 111 and adding or removing some of the fill material. Note that excess kapok can be planted in soil and used as natural fertilizer in a yard or garden.
[0045] The cushion 100 is characterized by an overall U-shaped perimeter and is configured as a dual-modal therapeutic support device. The structure is defined by a central opening 114 dimensioned to create a pressure-free zone spanning the perineal and coccygeal regions of a user sitting on the cushion 100, while the outer peripheral support surfaces are engineered with a consistent, supportive density to equally distribute the user's weight. The inner and outer side surfaces 108 and 110 of the cushion 100 have a triangular shape which provides a forward tilt of the user's pelvis to facilitate pelvic floor pressure reduction.
[0046] Structural Novelty and Dual Utility: The cushion's capacity to function as an adjustable, multi-modal support element may be used in two primary orientations:
[0047] Seated Therapeutic Orientation: The cushion 100 is positioned on a chair with the opening 114 aligned with the user's perineum to fully suspend the user's soft tissue, sacrococcygeal, and perineal regions from compressive forces. This action (i) promotes the healing of tears, hemorrhoids, and incision sites and (ii) alleviates discomfort associated with anorectal, tailbone, or perineal issues.
[0048] Lumbar and Postural Support Orientation: The cushion 100 is positioned vertically against a back support (e.g., a chair back, couch, or headboard) to provide anatomically conforming support to the user's lumbar curvature and thoracic spine, alleviating back discomfort and promoting postural alignment associated with late-stage pregnancy, breastfeeding posture, and prolonged sitting.
[0049] Material Novelty (Non-Toxic, Biodegradable Fill): The core cushioning material is a fibrous filling substance selected for its unique combination of therapeutic properties, defined by its ability to provide non-rigid, resilient, temperature-neutral, and hygienic support to the user. The material is preferably substantially non-toxic and non-endocrine disruptive, thereby eliminating the chemical risks associated with conventional polymer foams and synthetic treatments of the prior art. Specifically, the cushion 100 does not rely on petroleum-based foam or pneumatic bladders for its structural integrity, a design failure of prior art that leads to heat retention, off-gassing, and loss of critical support over time. Rather, the cushion 100 utilizes a naturally occurring plant fiber chosen to maximize safety and sustained therapeutic density adjacent to healing wounds.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the core cushioning material is comprised of 100% kapok fiber, derived from the Ceiba pentandra tree. This specific material provides the optimal combination of resilience and breathability required for extended therapeutic support. However, it is contemplated that other natural, fibrous, highly resilient, and biodegradable fill materials may be substituted, including but not limited to, organic cotton batting, natural latex particles, or other naturally occurring plant-based particulate substances known to be non-endocrine disruptive and capable of providing the desired supportive resiliency. Since the fibrous fill material is natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic, in the preferred embodiment, the material may be safely removed from its casing and returned to the earth for natural decomposition or incorporation into soil by the user at the end of the product's useful life, providing an environmental disposal utility not offered by synthetic counterparts.
[0051] Engineered Density and Suspension Utility: The kapok fill material is strategically compacted within the cushion's exterior to achieve a specific therapeutic density. This engineered density imparts the necessary structural integrity to support the user's weight while simultaneously ensuring the complete suspension and non-compression of the perineal and coccygeal regions. This specific firmness level alleviates the localized pressure that is a critical failure point of softer, general-purpose cushioning materials. Furthermore, the kapok fill material possesses the unique advantage of being capable of restoration and cleansing via tumble drying on a low-heat or air-fluff cycle, which serves to redistribute the fiber and restore the material's original therapeutic loft after prolonged periods of continuous use.
[0052] Adjustable Structure and Customization: The fill material of the cushion 100 can be removed and customized by the user to adjust the supportive density, height, and firmness to fit specific needs. Furthermore, the cushion 100 is configured with sufficient structural flexibility to allow the user to manually adjust the width of the perineal and lumbar relief aperture 114 by pulling the cushion's “legs” apart or cinching them together, meeting the unique anatomical width requirements of the user. This adjustment mechanism provides enhanced utility by allowing the user to precisely tune the cushion 100 for both seated perineal suspension and vertical lumbar, vertebral support.
[0053] The cushion 100 is designed to support individuals with a broad spectrum of conditions, including pregnancy, postpartum, recovery from urogynecologic, gynecologic, anorectal, perineal injuries and procedures, prostatectomy, hemorrhoids, tailbone issues, and conditions characterized by acute or chronic pelvic or perineal discomfort. The cushion 100 is further configured to be used with or without a washable, removable cover (not shown in the figures) for enhanced hygiene and maintenance.
[0054] Although the disclosure has been described in the context of the cushion 100 of FIGS. 1A-1H, those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments of cushions of the disclosure may have different configurations.
[0055] FIGS. 3A-3H show views of a cushion 300 according to alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The views of FIGS. 3A-3H of the cushion 300 are respectively analogous to the views of FIGS. 1A-1H of the cushion 100, and the cushion 300 has elements 302-314 that are analogous to the corresponding elements 102-114 of the cushion 100. The main difference between the cushion 300 and the cushion 100 is that, instead of the eight pieces of fabric used to make the cushion 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the cushion300 is made from only the four pieces of fabric shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In particular, FIG. 4A shows the two identical, U-shaped pieces of fabric 302 and 304 used to form the top and bottom surfaces of the cushion 300, while FIG. 4B shows the two identical, trapezoidal-shaped pieces of fabric 406 used to form the two end surfaces 306, the two inner side surfaces 308, and the two outer side surfaces of the cushion 300. Each of the two trapezoidal pieces 406 substantially corresponds to the “union” of a triangular inner side piece 108, a rectangular end piece 106, and a triangular outer side piece 110 of the cushion 100. Such a design has four fewer stitched seams than the design of the cushion 100, since the two seams between each of the two end pieces 106 and their corresponding inner and outer side pieces 108 and 110 are eliminated. Like the cushion 100, the cushion 300 has a zippered side 312 and a central opening 314. In all other respects described above the cushion 300 may be identical to the cushion 100. Other suitable designs are also possible.
[0056] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate four different ways of using certain cushions of the present disclosure, in this case, cushion 100. In particular:
[0057] FIG. 5A shows a person 502 sitting on a chair 504 with the cushion 100 behind the person 502 with the zippered side 112 facing up and providing back support to the person 502. The downward U-shape allows for greater support of the thoracic region of the back, offering assistance with posture and alignment while sitting;
[0058] FIG. 5B shows the person 502 sitting on the chair 504 with the cushion 100 behind the person 502 with the zippered side 112 facing down and providing back support to the person 502. The U-shape facing upward allows for greater support of the lower lumbar region of the spine benefitting those with chronic discomfort of the lower back and / or those with upper back and thoracic discomfort;
[0059] FIG. 5C shows a person 506 sitting on a chair 508 with the cushion 100 under the person 506 with the zippered side 112 facing back and providing bottom support to the person 506. The open front assists with knees being slightly higher than the pelvic region providing support and comfort while sitting; and.
[0060] FIG. 5D shows the person 506 sitting on the chair 508 with the cushion 100 under the person 506 with the zippered side 112 facing front and providing bottom support to the person 506. The zippered side facing front allows for perineal suspension of the entire perineal and sacrococcygeal region to minimize compression from whatever surface the cushion is placed on, offering relief to the person.
[0061] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate how the two “arms” of the cushions of the present disclosure, in this case, the cushion 100, can be, respectively, pulled apart to increase the size of the central opening 114 or pushed together to decrease the size of the central opening 114. FIG. 6A highlights the opportunity for a person with a wider perineal region to receive support in both anterior-to-posterior and medial-to-lateral directions. FIG. 6B highlights the opportunity for a person with a more-narrow perineal region to have adequate support in both anterior-to-posterior and medial-to-lateral directions.
[0062] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional, U-shaped cushion comprising an exterior, an interior, and a zippered side. The exterior comprises pieces of fabric stitched together to form U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the cushion, two rectangular end surfaces of the cushion, two triangular inner side surfaces of the cushion, and two triangular outer side surfaces of the cushion. The interior comprises a fill material within the exterior of the cushion, and the zippered side is configured to enable access to the interior of the cushion.
[0063] In at least some of the above embodiments, the pieces of fabric comprise U-shaped top and bottom pieces that form the U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the exterior, respectively; two rectangular ends pieces that form the two rectangular end surfaces of the exterior, respectively; two triangular inner side pieces that form the two triangular inner side surfaces of the exterior, respectively; and two triangular outer side pieces that form the two triangular outer side surfaces of the exterior, respectively.
[0064] In at least some of the above embodiments, the pieces of fabric comprise U-shaped top and bottom pieces that form the U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the exterior, respectively; and two trapezoidal-shaped pieces, each of which forms one of two rectangular end surfaces, a corresponding one of the two triangular inner side surfaces, and a corresponding one of the two triangular outer side surfaces of the exterior.
[0065] In at least some of the above embodiments, the access to the interior of the cushion provided by the zippered side enables adjustment of an amount of the fill material within the cushion to control fullness and / or shape of the cushion.
[0066] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is a natural, fibrous, highly resilient, and biodegradable material selected from kapok, organic cotton batting, and natural latex particles.
[0067] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is kapok.
[0068] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material may be removed from the cushion and returned to the earth for natural decomposition or incorporation into soil by a user at an end of the cushion's useful life, providing an environmental disposal utility not offered by synthetic counterparts.
[0069] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is a non-toxic, biodegradable, fibrous filling substance selected for its unique combination of therapeutic properties, defined by its ability to provide non-rigid, resilient, temperature-neutral, and hygienic support to a user.
[0070] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is non-endocrine disruptive, does not rely on petroleum-based foam or pneumatic bladders for the cushion's structural integrity, and utilizes a naturally occurring plant fiber chosen to maximize safety and sustained therapeutic density adjacent to healing wounds.
[0071] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is strategically compacted within the cushion to achieve a specific therapeutic density that supports a user's weight while simultaneously ensuring complete suspension and non-compression of the user's perineal and coccygeal regions to alleviate localized pressure.
[0072] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is capable of restoration and cleansing via tumble drying on a low-heat or air-fluff cycle, which serves to redistribute the fill material and restore the fill material's original therapeutic loft after prolonged periods of continuous use.
[0073] In at least some of the above embodiments, the fill material is configured to be removed and customized by a user to adjust the cushion's supportive density, height, and firmness to fit specific needs.
[0074] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion defines a central opening dimensioned to create a pressure-free zone spanning perineal and coccygeal regions of a user sitting on the cushion.
[0075] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion defines outer peripheral support surfaces engineered with a consistent, supportive density to equally distribute a user's weight.
[0076] In at least some of the above embodiments, the triangular inner and outer side surfaces of the cushion provide a forward tilt of a user's pelvis to facilitate pelvic floor pressure reduction.
[0077] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion is configured to function as an adjustable, multi-modal support element usable in two primary orientations: (i) a seated therapeutic orientation in which the cushion is positioned on a chair with a central opening of the cushion aligned with a user's perineum to fully suspend the user's soft tissue, sacrococcygeal, and perineal regions from compressive forces to (i) promote the healing of tears, hemorrhoids, and incision sites and (ii) alleviate discomfort associated with anorectal or perineal issues and (ii) a lumbar and postural support orientation in which the cushion is positioned vertically against a back support to provide anatomically conforming support to the user's lumbar curvature and thoracic spine, alleviating back discomfort and promoting postural alignment associated with late-stage pregnancy, breastfeeding posture, and prolonged sitting.
[0078] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion is configured with sufficient structural flexibility to allow a user to manually adjust a perineal and lumbar relief opening's width by pulling the cushion's legs apart or cinching them together, meeting unique anatomical width requirements of the user to allow the user to precisely tune the cushion for both seated perineal suspension and vertical lumbar, vertebral support.
[0079] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion is designed to support users with a broad spectrum of conditions, including pregnancy, postpartum, recovery from urogynecologic, gynecologic, anorectal, perineal injuries and procedures, prostatectomy, hemorrhoids, tailbone issues, and conditions characterized by acute or chronic pelvic or perineal discomfort.
[0080] In at least some of the above embodiments, the cushion further comprises a washable, removable cover for enhanced hygiene and maintenance.
[0081] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value or range.
[0082] The use of figure numbers and / or figure reference labels in the claims is intended to identify one or more possible embodiments of the claimed subject matter in order to facilitate the interpretation of the claims. Such use is not to be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of those claims to the embodiments shown in the corresponding figures.
[0083] Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0084] Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”
[0085] Unless otherwise specified herein, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., to refer to an object of a plurality of like objects merely indicates that different instances of such like objects are being referred to, and is not intended to imply that the like objects so referred-to have to be in a corresponding order or sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.
[0086] Also for purposes of this description, the terms “couple,”“coupling,”“coupled,”“connect,”“connecting,” or “connected” refer to any manner known in the art or later developed in which energy is allowed to be transferred between two or more elements, and the interposition of one or more additional elements is contemplated, although not required. Conversely, the terms “directly coupled,”“directly connected,” etc., imply the absence of such additional elements. The same type of distinction applies to the use of terms “attached” and “directly attached,” as applied to a description of a physical structure. For example, a relatively thin layer of adhesive or other suitable binder can be used to implement such “direct attachment” of the two corresponding components in such physical structure.
[0087] The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. In particular, the scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the description and figures herein. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
[0088] In this specification including any claims, the term “each” may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with the open-ended term “comprising,” the recitation of the term “each” does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or more specified characteristics.
[0089] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B” and “at least one of A or B” are both to be interpreted to have the same meaning, encompassing the following three possibilities: 1—only A; 2—only B; 3—both A and B.
[0090] The embodiments covered by the claims in this application are limited to embodiments that (1) are enabled by this specification and (2) correspond to statutory subject matter. Non-enabled embodiments and embodiments that correspond to non-statutory subject matter are explicitly disclaimed even if they fall within the scope of the claims.
[0091] While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the technology of the disclosure. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
Claims
1. A three-dimensional, U-shaped cushion comprising an exterior, an interior, and a zippered side, wherein:the exterior comprises pieces of fabric stitched together to form U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the cushion, two rectangular end surfaces of the cushion, two triangular inner side surfaces of the cushion, and two triangular outer side surfaces of the cushion;the interior comprises a fill material within the exterior of the cushion; andthe zippered side is configured to enable access to the interior of the cushion.
2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the pieces of fabric comprise:U-shaped top and bottom pieces that form the U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the exterior, respectively;two rectangular ends pieces that form the two rectangular end surfaces of the exterior, respectively;two triangular inner side pieces that form the two triangular inner side surfaces of the exterior, respectively; andtwo triangular outer side pieces that form the two triangular outer side surfaces of the exterior, respectively.
3. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the pieces of fabric comprise:U-shaped top and bottom pieces that form the U-shaped top and bottom surfaces of the exterior, respectively; andtwo trapezoidal-shaped pieces, each of which forms one of two rectangular end surfaces, a corresponding one of the two triangular inner side surfaces, and a corresponding one of the two triangular outer side surfaces of the exterior.
4. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the access to the interior of the cushion provided by the zippered side enables adjustment of an amount of the fill material within the cushion to control fullness and / or shape of the cushion.
5. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is a natural, fibrous, highly resilient, and biodegradable material selected from kapok, organic cotton batting, and natural latex particles.
6. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is kapok.
7. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material may be removed from the cushion and returned to the earth for natural decomposition or incorporation into soil by a user at an end of the cushion's useful life, providing an environmental disposal utility not offered by synthetic counterparts.
8. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is a non-toxic, biodegradable, fibrous filling substance selected for its unique combination of therapeutic properties, defined by its ability to provide non-rigid, resilient, temperature-neutral, and hygienic support to a user.
9. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is non-endocrine disruptive, does not rely on petroleum-based foam or pneumatic bladders for the cushion's structural integrity, and utilizes a naturally occurring plant fiber chosen to maximize safety and sustained therapeutic density adjacent to healing wounds.
10. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is strategically compacted within the cushion to achieve a specific therapeutic density that supports a user's weight while simultaneously ensuring complete suspension and non-compression of the user's perineal and coccygeal regions to alleviate localized pressure.
11. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is capable of restoration and cleansing via tumble drying on a low-heat or air-fluff cycle, which serves to redistribute the fill material and restore the fill material's original therapeutic loft after prolonged periods of continuous use.
12. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the fill material is configured to be removed and customized by a user to adjust the cushion's supportive density, height, and firmness to fit specific needs.
13. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion defines a central opening dimensioned to create a pressure-free zone spanning perineal and coccygeal regions of a user sitting on the cushion.
14. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion defines outer peripheral support surfaces engineered with a consistent, supportive density to equally distribute a user's weight.
15. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the triangular inner and outer side surfaces of the cushion provide a forward tilt of a user's pelvis to facilitate pelvic floor pressure reduction.
16. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is configured to function as an adjustable, multi-modal support element usable in two primary orientations:a seated therapeutic orientation in which the cushion is positioned on a chair with a central opening of the cushion aligned with a user's perineum to fully suspend the user's soft tissue, sacrococcygeal, and perineal regions from compressive forces to (i) promote the healing of tears, hemorrhoids, and incision sites and (ii) alleviate discomfort associated with anorectal or perineal issues; anda lumbar and postural support orientation in which the cushion is positioned vertically against a back support to provide anatomically conforming support to the user's lumbar curvature and thoracic spine, alleviating back discomfort and promoting postural alignment associated with late-stage pregnancy, breastfeeding posture, and prolonged sitting.
17. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is configured with sufficient structural flexibility to allow a user to manually adjust a perineal and lumbar relief opening's width by pulling the cushion's legs apart or cinching them together, meeting unique anatomical width requirements of the user to allow the user to precisely tune the cushion for both seated perineal suspension and vertical lumbar, vertebral support.
18. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is designed to support users with a broad spectrum of conditions, including pregnancy, postpartum, recovery from urogynecologic, gynecologic, anorectal, perineal injuries and procedures, prostatectomy, hemorrhoids, tailbone issues, and conditions characterized by acute or chronic pelvic or perineal discomfort.
19. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion further comprises a washable, removable cover for enhanced hygiene and maintenance.
20. The cushion of claim 1, wherein:the access to the interior of the cushion provided by the zippered side enables adjustment of an amount of the fill material within the cushion to control fullness and / or shape of the cushion;the fill material is non-endocrine disruptive, does not rely on petroleum-based foam or pneumatic bladders for the cushion's structural integrity, and utilizes a fiber chosen to maximize safety and sustained therapeutic density adjacent to healing wounds;the fill material is a natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, fibrous, highly resilient, and biodegradable material selected from kapok, organic cotton batting, and natural latex particles for its unique combination of therapeutic properties, defined by its ability to provide non-rigid, resilient, temperature-neutral, and hygienic support to a user;the fill material may be removed from the cushion and returned to the earth for natural decomposition or incorporation into soil by a user at an end of the cushion's useful life, providing an environmental disposal utility not offered by synthetic counterparts;the fill material is strategically compacted within the cushion to achieve a specific therapeutic density that supports a user's weight while simultaneously ensuring complete suspension and non-compression of the user's perineal and coccygeal regions to alleviate localized pressure;the fill material is capable of restoration and cleansing via tumble drying on a low-heat or air-fluff cycle, which serves to redistribute the fill material and restore the fill material's original therapeutic loft after prolonged periods of continuous use;the fill material is configured to be removed and customized by a user to adjust the cushion's supportive density, height, and firmness to fit specific needs;the cushion defines a central opening dimensioned to create a pressure-free zone spanning perineal and coccygeal regions of a user sitting on the cushion;the cushion defines outer peripheral support surfaces engineered with a consistent, supportive density to equally distribute a user's weight;the triangular inner and outer side surfaces of the cushion provide a forward tilt of a user's pelvis to facilitate pelvic floor pressure reduction;the cushion is configured to function as an adjustable, multi-modal support element usable in two primary orientations:a seated therapeutic orientation in which the cushion is positioned on a chair with a central opening of the cushion aligned with a user's perineum to fully suspend the user's soft tissue, sacrococcygeal, and perineal regions from compressive forces to (i) promote the healing of tears, hemorrhoids, and incision sites and (ii) alleviate discomfort associated with anorectal or perineal issues; anda lumbar and postural support orientation in which the cushion is positioned vertically against a back support to provide anatomically conforming support to the user's lumbar curvature and thoracic spine, alleviating back discomfort and promoting postural alignment associated with late-stage pregnancy, breastfeeding posture, and prolonged sitting;the cushion is configured with sufficient structural flexibility to allow a user to manually adjust a perineal and lumbar relief opening's width by pulling the cushion's legs apart or cinching them together, meeting unique anatomical width requirements of the user to allow the user to precisely tune the cushion for both seated perineal suspension and vertical lumbar, vertebral support; andthe cushion is designed to support users with a broad spectrum of conditions, including pregnancy, postpartum, recovery from urogynecologic, gynecologic, anorectal, perineal injuries and procedures, prostatectomy, hemorrhoids, tailbone issues, and conditions characterized by acute or chronic pelvic or perineal discomfort.