Novel Birth Support

Abstract

Provided herein is a novel birth support suitable for use throughout the three stages of labor and delivery. In particular there is provided a substantially U-shaped birth support including a plurality of U-shaped layers.

Claims

1. A substantially U-shaped birth support comprising a series of inter-related inflation chambers provided by a plurality of U-shaped layers, wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers comprises a correspondingly substantially U-shaped curvilinear hollow chamber, wherein each substantially U-shaped curvilinear hollow chamber may be independently inflated and/or deflated, wherein the plurality of U-shaped layers are located one upon another, wherein each of the plurality of U-shaped layers is connectedly attached to at least one further layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers, wherein each inflation chamber of the series of inter-related inflation chambers comprises a flat base portion, a flat upper portion and side portions, and wherein the side portions may be flat or curved.

2. The birth support of claim 1, having at least two of the plurality of U-shaped layers, wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers has a substantially U-shaped pattern in which a central portion of the U-shape is deeper in width than corresponding lengths of each terminal end of the U-shape.

3. The birth support of claim 1, having at least two layers of the plurality of U-shaped, wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers has a substantially U-shaped pattern having a ratio of depth of a central portion depth of the U-shaped layer relative to length of either terminal portion of the U-shaped layer is from 2:1 to 1.2:1.

4. The birth support of claim 1, having at least two layers of the plurality of U-shaped wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers has a substantially U-shaped pattern having a ratio of the depth of a central portion depth of the U-shaped layer relative to length of either terminal portion of the U-shaped layer is 4:3.

5. The birth support of claim 1, having a relative width ratio between internal end-to-end widths of the U-shaped layers and a center-to-entry point of the U-shaped layers of from 1:5 to 1:3.

6. The birth support of claim 1, wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers includes at least one valve suitable for inflation/deflation, and wherein the at least one valve is an integral valve.

7. The birth support of claim 1, wherein the substantially U-shaped birth support includes a base layer having an underside, and wherein the underside of the base layer incorporates stabilizing means.

8. The birth support of claim 1, wherein one of said plurality of U-shaped layers additionally comprises one or more integral handles.

9. The birth support of claim 1, wherein one of said plurality of U-shaped layers additionally comprises one or more integral handles.

10. The birth support of claim 9, wherein the one or more integral handles are located upon an uppermost layer of the substantially U-shaped birth support.

11. The birth support of claim 1, comprising two or more of the plurality of U-shaped layers and wherein one or more supportive ribs is present inside one or more of the two or more layers.

12. The birth support of claim 1, wherein the series of inter-related inflation chambers includes two inflation chambers, each of the two inflation chambers of the series of inter-related inflation chambers including four internal supportive ribs, and wherein each of the two inflation chambers of the series of inter-related inflation chambers has an inflation/deflation valve.

13. The birth support of claim 1, wherein the substantially U-shaped birth support includes a base layer, and wherein the base layer comprises a hollow chamber having at least one valve suitable for gaseous inflation/deflation, and at least one valve suitable for liquid filling/emptying.

14. The birth support of claim 1, wherein the series of inter-related inflation chambers includes two or more inflation chambers, each of the two or more inflation chambers of the series of inter-related inflation chambers having one or more supportive internal ribs, and wherein the ratio of total depth:total width:total height of the inflated substantially U-shaped birth support is in the range of from 2:1.5:1 to 1.5:1.5:1.

15. A method for manufacturing a birth support the birth support comprising a series of inter-related inflation chambers provided by a plurality of U-shaped layers, wherein each layer of the plurality of U-shaped layers comprises a correspondingly substantially U-shaped curvilinear hollow chamber, wherein each substantially U-shaped curvilinear hollow chamber may be independently inflated and/or deflated, wherein said plurality of U-shaped layers are located one upon another, wherein each of the plurality of U-shaped layers is connectedly attached to at least one further layer of said plurality of U-shaped layers, wherein each inflation chamber of the series of inter-related inflation chambers comprises a flat base portion, a flat upper portion and side portions, and wherein said side portions may be flat or curved, the method comprising the steps of: (i) welding a first series of ribs aligned in parallel with each other to an underside of a U-shaped top panel; (ii) welding the first series of ribs from (i) to a top-side of an internal U-shaped panel; (iii) welding a second series of ribs aligned in parallel with each other to the underside of the internal U-shaped panel of (ii); (iv) welding the second series of ribs from (iii) to the top-side of a U-shaped base panel; (v) welding together the external edges or seams of the series of U-shaped panels of flexible material comprising: a U-shaped top panel; a U-shaped internal panel; and a U-shaped base panel onto an external flexible wrapper, wherein the ribs comprise: a pair of long ribs each one of which extends into one of the terminal sections of each U-shaped layer; and a pair of corresponding short ribs each one of which extends from the a point towards the rear of the U-shaped portion of the substantially U-shaped birth support to a point towards the front portion of the substantially U-shaped birth support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be in an upright birthing position.

[0110] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be giving birth in a substantially kneeling position.

[0111] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be on all fours.

[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be in an resting position.

[0113] FIG. 5 illustrates a top-side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled) form.

[0114] FIG. 6 illustrates an underside view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in accordance with the birth support of FIG. 1.

[0115] FIG. 7(a) illustrates a top-view of an alternative substantially U-shaped birth supports (1) in inflated (filled) form.

[0116] FIG. 7(b) illustrates a perspective view of alternative substantially U-shaped birth supports (1) in inflated (filled) form.

[0117] FIG. 8(a) illustrates a top-side view of a single handle (4) having a central raised portion 4(a) and a pair of corresponding tab portions 4(b).

[0118] FIG. 8(b) illustrates a top view of the single handle (4) having a central grip section 4(c), and two raised portions 4(d) wherein the top-width of the handle taper outwards from each end of said central grip section to the corresponding tab portions 4(b).

[0119] FIG. 8(c) illustrates a side view of the single handle (4) having a central grip section 4(c), and two raised portions 4(d) wherein the sectional width of the handle tapers downwards from each end of said central grip section to the corresponding tab portions 4(b).

[0120] FIG. 8(d) illustrates an underside view of a single tab portion 4(b) and shows closure section 4(e) in use two of these closure sections are welded to the handle at each end, under the tab-portion, and then the two tab-portions are welded to the birth support to provide a single handle.

[0121] FIG. 9(a) illustrates a top view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having an outermost portion comprising a weldable disc 7(a) which is moulded as a single component to a suction cup.

[0122] FIG. 9(b) illustrates an underside figurative view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having a central section 7(d) comprising a central hole X, and one or more additional holes for air trespass, and in this case, four additional equi-spaced holes P, Q, R, S, and having a surrounding outer lip portion 7(c) which is terminated by circumferential external rim 7(e).

[0123] FIG. 9(c) illustrates a sectional view of the cup arrangement of FIG. 9(b) cut through section J to J. n underside figurative view of a single cup (7) having a central section 7(d) comprising a central hole X, and one or more additional holes for air trespass, and in this case, four additional equi-spaced holes P, Q, R, S, and having a surrounding outer lip portion 7(c) which is terminated by circumferential external rim 7(e).

[0124] FIG. 9(d) illustrates a side-view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having an outer weldable disc 7(a) moulded to a suction cup which may be cast or moulded from a suitable flexible material, wherein said suction cup comprises an upper, or top portion 7(b), a lower lip section 7(c), a central section 7(d) and a rim section 7(e) the circumference of which surrounds and is connected/welded to a further section 7(f).

[0125] FIG. 10(a) illustrates a top-view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5.

[0126] FIG. 10(b) illustrates a front-facing view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5.

[0127] FIG. 10(c) illustrates a side-view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5.

[0128] FIG. 11 illustrates an expanded-view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1).

[0129] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b): Illustrates use of an alternative embodiment of a birth support (14) herein having three inflatable compartments by a model in two different ergonomically suitable postures for labor.

[0130] FIGS. 13(a), 13(b) and 13(c) illustrate the suitability of use of the alternative birth support (14) of FIG. 12, by a range of mothers-to-be of different heights.

[0131] FIGS. 14(a)-(d) illustrate an exemplary birth support (15) in accordance with the present invention.

[0132] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a U-shaped birth support (16) in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE DETAILS

[0133] FIG. 1: illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be in an upright birthing position.

[0134] FIG. 2: illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be giving birth in a substantially kneeling position.

[0135] FIG. 3: illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be on all fours.

[0136] FIG. 4: illustrates a side view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in inflated (filled form) when in use to provide support to a mother-to-be in an resting position.

[0137] FIG. 5: Illustrates a top-side view of birth support (1) comprising 2 individual layers which comprise a substantially U-shaped uppermost chamber (2) and a substantially U-shaped base chamber (3), and wherein a pair of handles (4) are located at corresponding rear-side locations on the upper-edge of chamber (2), wherein the top of birth support (1) as provided by the upper-face of chamber (2), comprises a seat-like section (5)(a), and a substantially rounded surround (5)(b), and wherein the four terminal portions of chambers (2) and (3) comprise substantially rounded portions (6)(a),(b),(c) and (d);

[0138] FIG. 6: Illustrates an underside view of a substantially U-shaped birth support (1) in accordance with the birth support of FIG. 1 wherein (1), (2), (3), (4), and (6) are as defined in FIG. 5, and wherein although not illustrated in this view, seat-like section (5)(a) is present, wherein base chamber (3) incorporates stabilizing means provided by suction cups (7)(a), (7)(b), (7)(c) and (7)(d) arranged on the underside of base chamber (3) to provide stabilization towards the rear-portion and the front-portions of base chamber (3);

[0139] FIG. 7(a): Illustrates a top-view of an alternative handle and suction cup arrangement on a birth support (1) having a pair of handles (4) located at corresponding rear-side locations on the edge of the upper-face of a substantially U-shaped upper chamber (2) of birth support (1), wherein the top of birth support (1) as provided by the upper-face of chamber (2), comprises a seat-like section (5)(a), and a substantially rounded surround (5)(b), and wherein the base chamber (3) (not seen in this view) incorporates suitable stabilizing means arranged to provide stabilization at the rear and on each side of the lower or base chamber (3) of the birth support (not shown) wherein stabilizing means is provided by suction cups (7)(a), (7)(b) and (7)(c) attached to the external edge of the base chamber (3) and located to provide stabilization at the rear portion and the front-ends of base chamber (3); FIG. 7(b): Illustrates a perspective view of a birth support (1) having the alternative handle arrangement shown in FIG. 7(b) provided by a pair of handles (4) located at corresponding rear-side locations on the edge of the upper-face of substantially U-shaped upper chamber (2) of the birth support (1), wherein the top of birth support (1) as provided by the upper-face of chamber (2), comprises a seat-like section (5)(a), and a substantially rounded surround (5)(b), and wherein the base chamber (3) incorporates alternative stabilizing means (not shown) on the underside of the base chamber (3) wherein the stabilization is provided by suction cups (7)(a), (7)(b), 7(c) and (7)(d) attached to the underside of the base chamber (3) and located to provide stabilization at the rear and front-ends of base chamber (3);

[0140] FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 8(d) and 8(e): Provide a series of illustrations relating to of a single handle, suitable for use on a birth support in accordance with the present invention. For the avoidance of doubt a pair of such handles may be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, or a single large handle may be utilized which is arranged either around the rear of the uppermost chamber or layer, or around the top rear edge of the uppermost chamber of a birth support in accordance with the present invention;

[0141] FIG. 8(a): Illustrates a top-side view of a single handle (4) having a central raised portion 4(a) and a pair of corresponding tab portions 4(b);

[0142] FIG. 8(b): Illustrates a top view of the single handle (4) having a central grip section 4(c), and two raised portions 4(d) wherein the top-width of the handle taper outwards from each end of said central grip section to the corresponding tab portions 4(b);

[0143] FIG. 8(c): Illustrates a side view of the single handle (4) having a central grip section 4(c), and two raised portions 4(d) wherein the sectional width of the handle tapers downwards from each end of said central grip section to the corresponding tab portions 4(b);

[0144] FIG. 8(d): Illustrates an underside view of a single tab portion 4(b) and shows closure section 4(e) in use two of these closure sections are welded to the handle at each end, under the tab-portion, and then the two tab-portions are welded to the birth support to provide a single handle;

[0145] FIGS. 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c): Provide a series of illustrations relating to a single suction cup, for use on a birth support in accordance with the present invention. For the avoidance of doubt a number of such cups may be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, or either the underside of base layer or on the outermost edge of the base layer of a birth support in accordance with the present invention in order to provide stability and fixation;

[0146] FIG. 9(a): Illustrates a top view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having an outermost portion comprising a weldable disc 7(a) which is moulded as a single component to a suction cup. FIG. 9(a) also illustrates an uppermost portion of a suction cup of which the upper or top portion 7(b) and base portion 7(c) (just seen) are indicated;

[0147] FIG. 9(b): Illustrates an underside figurative view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having a central section 7(d) comprising a central hole X, and one or more additional holes for air trespass, and in this case, four additional equi-spaced holes P, Q, R, S, and having a surrounding outer lip portion 7(c) which is terminated by circumferential external rim 7(e). Feature 7(a) represents outer weldable disc and the relative position of this feature in relation to the suction cup is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 9(c) and 9(d).

[0148] FIG. 9(c): Illustrates a sectional view of the cup arrangement of FIG. 9(b) cut through section J to J. n underside figurative view of a single cup (7) having a central section 7(d) comprising a central hole X, and one or more additional holes for air trespass, and in this case, four additional equi-spaced holes P, Q, R, S, and having a surrounding outer lip portion 7(c) which is terminated by circumferential external rim 7(e). Feature 7(a) represents outer weldable disc and the relative position of this feature in relation to the suction cup is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 9(c) and 9(d).

[0149] FIG. 9(d): Illustrates a side-view of a single weldable cup arrangement (7) having an outer weldable disc 7(a) moulded to a suction cup which may be cast or moulded from a suitable flexible material, wherein said suction cup comprises an upper, or top portion 7(b), a lower lip section 7(c), a central section 7(d) and a rim section 7(e) the circumference of which surrounds and is connected/welded to a further section 7(f).

[0150] FIG. 10: Provides a series of illustrations relating to front, top and side-figurative views of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5;

[0151] FIG. 10(a): Illustrates a top-view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5;

[0152] FIG. 10(b): Illustrates a front-facing view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5; and FIG. 10(c): Illustrates a side-view of the substantially U-shaped birth support (1) of FIG. 5.

[0153] FIG. 11: Illustrates an expanded-view of a particular birth support having internal ribs for the provision of in-use birth support integrity and also indicates how a particular birth support may be constructed from a series of flexible panels, short and long ribs and an external wrapper. In particular, FIG. 11 shows how a birth support can be made via welding the external edges or seams of a series of cross panels of flexible material comprising: a top cross panel (8); one or more internal panels (9); and a base panel (10) onto a flexible external wrapper (11), and wherein a series of ribs aligned in parallel with each other are welded to the underside of the top panel and the one or more internal panels, and wherein the ribs comprise: a pair of long ribs (12) each one of which extends into one of the terminal sections of each layer; and a pair of corresponding short ribs (13) each one of which extends from the a point towards the rear of the seat portion of the birth support to a point towards the front portion of the birth support. To construct the birth support the downward extending ribs from the top (or seat-like) panel are welded to the top-face of an internal panel, and this process repeated until the downward extending ribs of the final internal panel are welded to the top-face of the base panel of the birth support, and the handles (4) and suction cups (7) are welded onto the external edge of the upper and the underside of the base layer.

[0154] According to a particular aspect, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, a single top cross panel, a single internal cross panel and a single base cross panel are utilized with ribs and a wrapper for such construction and wherein the internal cross panel is welded to the wrapper a height of about the midpoint of the external wrapper.

[0155] According to a further aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the location of the ribs in each layer are substantially in alignment with one another.

[0156] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b): Illustrates use of an alternative embodiment of a birth support (14) herein having three inflatable compartments by a model in two different ergonomically suitable postures for labor. The Applicant has recognised that to provide optimal support the FIGS. 13(a), 13(b) and 13(c): Illustrate the suitability of use of the alternative birth support (14) of FIG. 12, by a range of mothers-to-be of different heights. As is clear from these three figures, all three mothers-to-be can use the birth support to achieve an optimal position for birth, and all three will also be likely to hold onto, grip or otherwise use the sides of the birth support for additional support within a similar and relatively short area.

[0157] FIGS. 14(a), 14(b), 14(c), and 14(d): Illustrates an exemplary birth support (16) in accordance with the present invention. The birth support (16) has two inflatable chambers, a base chamber and an upper chamber, and a pair of handles located to the rear of U-shape one on each side of the upper chamber. Each chamber also has a separate inflation/deflation valve, the pair being represented by feature D. Whilst the valves are shown as being on one side of the U-shape, in a preferred embodiment the pair of valves are located at the rear of the U-shape, one on each chamber. The total depth of the birth support is indicated by the distance A, the total width of the birth seat is indicated by the distance C and the internal width of the widest point of the shallow U is indicated by the distance B.

[0158] FIG. 15: Illustrated an alternative embodiment of a U-shaped birth support (17) in accordance with the invention.

[0159] Results

[0160] Exemplary Birth Supports

[0161] The Applicant has made and tested various arrangements of the birth support in accordance with the present invention.

[0162] An exemplary inflated birth support, in line with support (16) as illustrated in FIGS. 14(a), (b), (c) and (d) has two inflatable chambers, a base chamber and an upper chamber, and at least one handle, and ideally a pair of handles located to the rear of U-shape, one on each side of the upper chamber. In the exemplary birth support each chamber also has a separate inflation/deflation valve. The pair of inflation valves being preferably located at the rear of the outside of the U on either chamber, although as detailed hereinbefore alternative valve positions can be used without impact upon the suitability for use, stability or safety of the support. In this exemplary embodiment the total depth of the birth support, as indicated by distance A in FIG. 14(a), from the rear of the U-shape to the terminal ends of the U-shape is about 700 cm, the total width of the birth support between the external sides of the terminal ends of the U-shape, as indicated by the distance C in FIG. 14(a) is about 600 cm, and the internal width of the widest point of the shallow U, which is the space bounded by the interior of the shallow U, and as indicated by the distance B in FIG. 14(a) is about 130 cm, and the height of the birth support which is the distance from the surface to the top of the inflated upper chamber of the birth support, and as indicated by the distance E in FIG. 14(d) is about 400 cm.

[0163] Thus according to a further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the inflated birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1.

[0164] According to a yet further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the inflated birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and wherein the height of the birth seat is from about 350 cm to about 450 cm, from about 375 cm to about 425 cm, or about 400 cm.

[0165] According to a further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the inflated birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and the ratio of the total width of the inflated birth support to the internal width of the shallow U is in the range of from about 5.5:1 to about 4:1, from about 5:1 to about 4.5:1, about 4.6:1.

[0166] According to a further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the inflated birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and the ratio of the total width of the inflated birth support to the internal width of the shallow U is in the range of from about 5.5:1 to about 4:1, from about 5:1 to about 4.5:1, about 4.6:1.

[0167] According to a further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the inflated birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and the ratio of the total width of the inflated birth support to the internal width of the shallow U is in the range of from about 5.5:1 to about 4:1, from about 5:1 to about 4.5:1, about 4.6:1 and wherein the total width of the birth support is from about 550 to about 800 cm, from about 550 to about 700 cm, about 600 cm.

[0168] According to a yet further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and wherein the height of the birth seat is from about 350 cm to about 450 cm, from about 375 cm to about 425 cm, or about 400 cm and the total width of the birth support is from about 550 to about 800 cm, from about 550 to about 700 cm, about 600 cm.

[0169] According to a yet further aspect the present invention provides a birth support in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed hereinbefore wherein hereinbefore wherein the ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the birth support. is in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and wherein the height of the birth seat is from about 350 cm to about 450 cm, from about 375 cm to about 425 cm, or about 400 cm and the total width of the birth support is from about 550 to about 800 cm, from about 550 to about 700 cm, about 600 cm.

[0170] According to a further aspect the dimensions of the base, upper and internal patterns, and the dimensions and height of the external wrapper for construction of a birth support are adapted to provide an un-inflated, portable birth support, which once inflated provides a ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the birth support. in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, wherein the ratio of the depth of the shallow U to the total depth of the birth support, is from about 1:2.5 to about 1:3, and wherein the height of the birth seat is from about 350 cm to about 450 cm, from about 375 cm to about 425 cm, or about 400 cm and the total width of the birth support is from about 550 to about 800 cm, from about 550 to about 700 cm, about 600 cm.

[0171] According to a further aspect the dimensions of the base, upper and internal patterns, and the dimensions and height of the external wrapper for construction of a birth support are adapted to provide an un-inflated, portable birth support, which once inflated provides a ratio of the total depth:the total width:the total height of the birth support. in the range of from about 2:1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.5:1, and preferably about 1.75:1.5:1, and wherein the ratio of the depth of the shallow U to the total depth of the birth support, is from about 1:2.5 to about 1:3, wherein the height of the birth seat once inflated (the wrapper height) is from about 350 cm to about 450 cm, from about 375 cm to about 425 cm, or about 400 cm and wherein the total width of the birth support is from about 550 to about 800 cm, from about 550 to about 700 cm, about 600 cm.

[0172] FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a birth support in accordance with the invention wherein the ratio of the depth of the shallow U to the total depth of the birth support, is from about 1:2.5 to about 1:3 and wherein the ratio of the total width of the birth support to the internal width of the shallow U is about 2:1.

[0173] Safety Test Methodology and Results

[0174] The strength and durability of a birth support model in accordance with the invention has been tested. In particular the impact of weight being applied to different sections of the birth support on the internal pressure within the birth support. The strength and durability was tested with weight loads of up to 200 Kg. The purpose of this testing was to demonstrate the suitability of the birth support for use by mothers-to-be in a variety of different positions (i.e. putting different levels of pressure onto different areas of the birth support). This was achieved by assessment of changes to the internal pressure of a birth support when a known weight is applied centrally and also when that weight is then applied to alternative areas of the birth support.

[0175] The birth support used for these tests was the support illustrated in FIG. 14, and 10 replications of the tests were carried out to ensure reproducibility of the results. A compressor was used to inflate the birth supports. Any commercially available air compressor which can be carefully adjusted to enable gentle or robust inflation levels according to the desire of the tester may be suitably used. A pressure gauge was used to monitor the internal pressure. Any commercially available pressure gauge which is compatible with the internal pressure levels generated within the birth supports during these tests may be suitably used, such as for example a Comark Pressure Gauge, C9555 having a range of from 0 to 100 psi. The precise measurement of the weight loads used was measured using calibrated scales. Any commercially available calibrated scales capable of accurate measurements of weights between 100 and 200 kg may be suitably used.

[0176] Pressure Testing of Inflatable Birth Support

[0177] A three-way valve with tubing coming off each section was set-up with the open end of the first tube then being attached to the valve inflation adapter going into a first compartment of the birth support, the open end of the second tube then being attached to a pressure gauge, and the open end of the third and final tube being attached to an air compressor.

[0178] To test the impact of pressure on the birth support, the compressor was switched on and a first (upper) compartment of the birth support was carefully inflated with the pressure being monitored. This filling and pressure monitoring using the compressor and three-way valve was continued until this first (upper) compartment of the support is inflated and the partially-inflated birth support sample was firm to the touch but with a degree of flexibility.

[0179] As will be appreciated, for suitability of use during the birthing process the birth support is desirably not only safe, durable, and stable but also comfortable for the user, and as such a degree of flexibility is useful. As it is anticipated that a dual-compartment birth support will in the majority of cases be used with both compartments being inflated, these tests were designed to test the durability and safety of both compartments when faced with different weight loadings.

[0180] At this intermediate stage the internal pressure was recorded. The valve adaptor was then removed from the first compartment of the birth support and this first inflation valve was sealed with a plug. The remaining (second) compartment of the birth support was then inflated with pressure monitoring, until the same internal pressure as recorded for the first compartment is reached. At this point the valve adaptor was then removed and the second inflation valve was sealed with a plug. Both sections should be inflated to the same internal pressure. A series of weight load tests was then carried out on the birth support.

[0181] To monitor the impact of weight on the internal pressure within the birth support the pressure gauge on the three-way valve is re-attached to the upper section of the birth support, with care being taken to ensure that the valve is locked off to prevent air leakage from the birth support. A series of weights placed upon boards were used in these tests and to ensure consistency between test results the weight of both the board and the weights were measured using calibrated scales.

[0182] Test Sequence

[0183] The balanced and tilted weight loading tests were firstly carried out to measure the impact of weight variation on the internal pressure of the upper compartment of the birth support, and then the same tests were carried out for the lower, bottom or base compartment of the birth support.

[0184] Test 1: Balanced Weight Loading

[0185] A board and weights (180 Kg) was placed onto the upper section of the birth support and then left to rest for five minutes with the resulting internal pressure then being recorded. In this test the weights were arranged so-as to provide as far as practicably possible a balanced weight distribution across the board, and thereby to the birth support underneath.

[0186] Test 2: Tilted Weight Loading

[0187] In a further weight test sequence the calibrated scales were used to measure the weight of the board and the weights to be used (100 Kg in total) and the exact weight was recorded. The board and weights were placed onto the upper section of the birth support. In this test more weight was placed on the right hand side (when viewed from the front-end/open-end of the U-shape). Ideally the weights should be distributed so as to create a tilt on the birth support of at least about 30, wherein the degree of tilting is judged by visual inspection. Once tilted the board, weights and birth support were left to rest for 5 minutes with the resulting internal pressure then being recorded. This 300 tilt-test was then carried out where more weight is placed on the left hand side, where more weight was placed at the rear, and where more weight was placed at the front of the birth support. The internal pressure of the birth support being recorded following each 5 minute rest-period. To provide a meaningful data-set for durability and safety purposes the full-set of four different tilt tests was repeated a further nine times with the internal pressure being recorded after each individual tilt-test.

[0188] The balances and tilt-testing was repeated with the birth support upside down and the board and weights being applied to the bottom section of the birth support.

[0189] The results of these tests confirmed that birth supports as provided herein are durable and have desirable weight bearing performance in stress testing. Internal pressures in the range of from about 3.4 to about 5.3 were observed with average internal pressures in the region of about 4 being recorded. In particular these stress tests have confirmed that birth supports in accordance with the present invention can be safely used at internal pressures of up to an including 4 p.s.i.

[0190] Use as a Birth Support

[0191] The Applicant has extensive experience as a midwife and based on her practical knowledge gained from assisting mothers in giving birth in hospitals, specialist birthing units and at home she recognised that despite the fact that, with the exception of planned caesarean sections, women can all too often have an unnecessarily painful, lengthy and exhausting birthing experience partly because their mobility is restricted to laying on their backs on a bed. The Applicant developed the birth support according to the present invention to specifically address this unmet need of a product that could be used by the majority of mothers in any environment.

[0192] The Applicant carried out ergonomic research to confirm that the ergonomics of birth supports in accordance with the invention would provide the optimal, upright position for birth. FIGS. 12 and 13 as discussed hereinbefore are illustrations which demonstrate that birth supports herein are adapted to provide the desired levels of support. As such it is reasonable to propose that use of the present birth supports mothers-to-be and encourages optimal, upright positions for birth. The suitability of the birth support to meet the support needs of mothers-to-be has been investigated by the Applicant using a range of techniques from confidential focus groups with midwifery professionals as well as expectant mothers; as well as using a bespoke survey which has confirmed that the principles underpinning the present birth support provision of both an upright birthing position and mobility throughout labor and childbirth are highly important to both mothers-to-be and midwives.

[0193] Birth supports according to the invention are now used throughout the Western, 3.sup.rd and developing world and have been demonstrated to provide a safe, stable, flexible birth support to mothers-to-be across a wide range of settings and circumstances.

[0194] The Applicant, in her capacity as a midwife, has personally witnessed the use of birth supports in accordance with the present invention being successfully used by mothers-to-be during the three stages of labor and birth. In at least one instance the use of the birth support has been considered to be the instrumental factor in avoiding the need for a ventous-assisted birth.