Enhanced mattress

Abstract

An enhanced mattress for enabling passive involuntary digestive tract movement, shoulder opening and pelvis bones movement. The apparatus is configured solely for prone lying of a human body thereupon and includes a head support section which comprises an open face section, an upper main section connected to the head support section, the upper main section comprises a plurality of dedicated supporting members. A lower support section connected to the upper main section.

Claims

1. An enhanced mattress (10) configured for enabling passive involuntary digestive tract movement, shoulder opening and pelvis bones movement, the mattress (10) being configured solely for prone lying of a human body thereupon and comprising: a head support section (14) configured to support a head of the human body, the head support section (14) comprising an open face section; an upper main section (12) connected to the head support section (14), the upper main section (12) configured to support shoulders and an abdomen of the human body, the upper main section (12) comprising a plurality of dedicated supporting members, each being smaller than the upper main section (12) and having a greater firmness therefrom; a lower support section (16) connected to the upper main section (12), the lower support section (16) configured to support a pelvis of the human body; wherein the plurality of dedicated supporting members comprises: two shoulder supporting members (21, 22) located adjacent a top terminal edge connecting the upper main section (12) and the head support section (14) and located directly across from each other, along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mattress, the shoulder supporting members (21, 22) configured to correspond with the shoulders and to bias the shoulders backwards, in a direction away from the mattress (10); a first intestinal supporting member (24) positioned approximately at a center of the length of the mattress (10) and configured to compress and correspond with a stomach and small and large intestine area of the body: and a second intestinal supporting member (26) located between the center and a bottom terminal edge opposite the top terminal edge, the second intestinal supporting member (26) configured to compress and correspond with an Ileocecal valve (ICV) in the large intestine area of the body.

2. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least the head support section, upper main section, lower support section, and the plurality of dedicated supporting members form a substantially continuous mattress.

3. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first intestinal supporting member (24) is located diagonally opposite the second intestinal support member (26) in the upper main section (12).

4. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first intestinal support member (24) is configured to support and press the stomach area and a transverse intestine curve to a descending intestine and to create a full stomach sensation, and induce a positive intestinal movement in a circular clockwise direction, the second intestinal support member (26) is configured to induce a positive intestinal movement in a circular clockwise direction.

5. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head support section (14) and lower support section (16) are fabricated from foam having a density ranging substantially from 30-40 kg/cubic meter.

6. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper main section (12) is fabricated from visco-elastic memory foam having a density ranging from 60-80 kg/cubic meter.

7. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the supporting members (21, 22, 24, and 26) have a density of 30-40 kg/cubic meter.

8. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the supporting members (21, 22, 24, and 26), have a polygonal shape.

9. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lower support section (16) has a greater firmness than the upper main section (12).

10. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the mattress (10) comprises a base section (18) which is positioned beneath, and configured to support, the upper main section (12), the base section has a greater firmness than the upper main section (12).

11. The mattress (10) according to claim 10, wherein the base section (18) is fabricated from foam having a density ranging substantially from 30-40 kg/cubic meter.

12. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head support section (14) comprises two cushioning members (17) located at two sides of the head opening (15), the cushioning members (17) extend away from the upper main section (12).

13. The mattress (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lower support section (16) comprises a relief member (19) which has a lower firmness than the rest of the lower support section (16), the relief member (19) is located at the middle of the lower support section (16) in a width direction.

14. The mattress (10) according to claim 13, wherein the relief member (19) is made of a visco-elastic material.

15. An enhanced mattress (10) configured for enabling passive involuntary digestive tract movement, shoulder opening and pelvis bones movement, the mattress (10) being configured solely for prone lying of a human body thereupon and comprising: a head support section (14) configured to support a head of the human body, the head support section (14) comprising an open face section; an upper main section (12) connected to the head support section (14), the upper main section (12) having a rectangular shape in a plan view thereof, and configured to support shoulders and an abdomen of the human body, the upper main section (12) comprising a plurality of dedicated supporting members, each being smaller than the upper main section (12) and having a greater firmness therefrom; and a lower support section (16) connected to the upper main section (12), the lower support section (16) configured to support a pelvis of the human body wherein the plurality of dedicated supporting members comprises: two shoulder supporting members (21, 22) configured to correspond with the shoulders and to bias the shoulders backwards, in a direction away from the mattress (10); a first intestinal supporting member (24) positioned approximately midway between a top terminal edge connecting the upper main section (12) and the head support section (14) and a bottom terminal edge connecting the upper main section (12) and the lower support section (12) and configured to compress and correspond with a stomach and small and large intestine area of the body; and a second intestinal supporting member (26) configured to compress and correspond with an ICV in the large intestine area of the body; and wherein the two shoulder supporting members (21, 22) are located at two respective corners of the rectangular shape of the upper main section which are closest to the head support section (14) and the second intestinal supporting member (26) is located diagonally across from the shoulder supporting member (21), at a respective corner of the upper main section farthest from the head support section (14).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mattress for activating passive involuntary digestive tract movement;

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross section of the mattress of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a human body and some of its components projected onto the mattress shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of using the mattress of FIG. 1 for activating passive involuntary digestive tract movement; and

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross section of an embodiment of the mattress of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A, where a base section has been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(7) Embodiments of the current invention are related to digestion and to overall health. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mattress and method for activating passive involuntary digestive tract movement and for shoulder opening

(8) Reference is currently made to FIG. 1, which is a plan view of a mattress for activating passive involuntary digestive tract movement 10, and to FIG. 2, which is a sectional elevation view of the mattress shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The mattress 10 has a special geometry to support the chest and the face in a face-down (prone) position, as described hereinbelow.

(9) The mattress 10 includes: an upper main section 12; a head support section 14; an open face section 15; a lower support section 16; and a base section 18. Imbedded within main section 12 are a plurality of dedicated supporting members including: shoulder supporting members 21 and 22; a first intestinal supporting member 24; and a second intestinal supporting member 26. The first and second supporting members are also known and referred to herein as compressing members. The head support section 14 includes two cushioning members 17 located at each side of the open face section 15. The cushioning members 17 extend away from the upper main section 12. The cushioning members 17 support a person's face when supported in the head support section 14, face down. The open face section 15 allows a clear breathing space near the person's face. Dedicated supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are examples of supporting members imbedded within upper main section 12; and additional and/or option members may be configured within the upper main section, as described further hereinbelow. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can be fabricated from a sponge like material, which has a greater firmness than the upper main section 12. In other words, the supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are configured to apply a greater reaction force than the upper main section 12. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26, e.g., can have a density of 30-40 kg/cubic meter. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can have any desired shape, e.g., a box shape, or a cylindrical shape and each is smaller in volume (and any other dimension) than any of the other parts of the apparatus 10. In other words, the supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can have, e.g., the following box dimensions: length->10-15 cm; width->5-15 cm; depth->2.5-4 cm. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can protrude out of, or they can be at least at the same level as, the upper main section 12. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are preferably not sunk below an outer, top surface 13 of the upper main section 12.

(10) Lower support section 16 serves to support the person's pelvis. Base support section 18 acts to support the upper main section, All of the sections and members noted hereinabove are mechanically connected/integrated and are additionally covered (connections and covering not shown in the figures) to yield one nearly-continuous/integrated mattress structure.

(11) According to an embodiment of the present application, the base support section can include a relief member 19 which has a lower firmness than the rest of the base support section. The relief member is preferably made form a visco-elastic material, or memory foam.

(12) The mattress 10 enables and a proper support and flexibility of the pubic joint to move. This lower support section 16 gives the proper support to both Iliums (pelvis bones) which are located on the 2 sides of the pelvis, while providing (via the relief member 19) a softer support, which enables floating, balance and proper minimal motion in the center and avoid pressure on the sex organs, where the pubic joint is located. The relief member 19 enables proper support of the pubic joint. The abdominal breathing creates pressure that allows the minimal motion of the pubic joint and the pelvic floor.

(13) The base section 18 is optional, and can have an appropriate depth, according to the patient's need. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base section 18 is completely removed.

(14) In one embodiment of the mattress 10, head support section 14, lower support section 16, and base support section 18 can be fabricated of firm foam, such as, but not limited to, a conventional white polyurethane-type foam, as known in the art, having a typical density of approximately 30-40 kg/cubic meter. Upper main section 12 can be fabricated from a visco-elastic memory foam, as known in the art, having a density of approximately 60-80 kg/cubic meter. The upper main section 12 is less firm than the lower support section 16, and the base support section 18. The higher firmness of the lower support section 16 is designed to increase support to the pelvis, while the abdomen is received by the upper main section 12. The upper main section 12 can be enclosed in a cotton cloth cover having elasticity, such as, but not limited to a cloth having 95% cotton and 5% Lycra fibers. (The cloth cover is not shown in the figures.)

(15) Alternatively or optionally, head support section 14, and lower support section 16 are fabricated of an inflatable, strong flexible plastic material (similar to that used in an inflatable mattress) with other sections fabricated and integrated and covered as noted hereinabove.

(16) The mattress may be fabricated in different sizes (suited to different sizes of people) with the following approximate range of dimensions: 80-120 cm in length (meaning from the leftmost edge of a lower section 16 to the rightmost edge of head support section 14ref FIG. 1); 20-25 cm in thickness (i.e. top to bottom of lower section 16 or of head support section 14ref FIG. 2); and 50-60 cm in width (meaning the distance from edges of respective shoulder supporting members 21 and 22ref FIG. 1). Additionally, head support section 14 typically measures about 30 cm in length; main section 12 approximately 50 cm in length; and lower section 16 about 20-30 cm in length. Head support section 14 may additional be fabricated in different shapes (not shown in the figures) which may be connected by adjustable strips (such as, but not limited to Velcro).

(17) Reference is currently made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic representation of a human body 50 and some of its components projected onto the mattress 10 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Components of human body 50 include: a head 51; shoulders 52; and digestive tract components including: a stomach 54; a small intestine with Ileocecal valve (ICV) 56; and a large intestine 58. Apart from differences described below, the mattress 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

(18) The mattress described hereinabove serves to introduce gentle support and backwards pressure on the shoulders (corresponding to shoulder supporting members 21 and 22 of the mattress).

(19) Shoulder opening is an important issue in human body posture that allows for better breathing, avoiding neck and upper back stress. Most of modern life activities during the day activity are offering mainly slouching of the shoulders towards the chest in many situations like in sitting position that take place while working at a desk with computers, reading, driving, working at any office job, eating, watching entertainments of any kind and even lying at bad half sited watching TV while being supported by several pillows, as well as while doing some kind of sports in example, cycling or golf.

(20) The support and backwards pressure noted hereinabove allow for the shoulders to open/expand in a gentle and gradual manner. In parallel, the brain, recognizing the shoulder opening, enables further shoulder opening. Shoulder opening occurs without any over-stretching or excessive pressure applied to the back and other body frame components. Shoulders opening is therefore important to teach the body different and better posture that prevents the pressure on the rib cage, on the back of the neck, and upon the upper back.

(21) This important point is emphasizedthat as physiological changes occur while the person remains in the prone position on the mattress; physiological changes are monitored by the brain. As the brain, recognizes physiological changes, the changes are further enabled by the brain.

(22) In embodiments of the current invention, first intestinal supporting member 24 serves to support and press the stomach, creating a full stomach sensation. The sensation, combined with the local support of second intestinal supporting member 26, serve to induce a positive intestinal movement in a circular, clockwise direction, thereby encouraging movement in the small intestine. The mattress may be fabricated with additional dedicated supporting membersas necessaryto further enable support on specific organs and or areas and to create additional passive movement.

(23) The mattress facilitates passive neural control/activity of the intestines by introducing a continuous pressure while the person breathes deeply. This activity is enabled during chest expansion (where deeper inhalation and belly breathing takes place, creating additional positive pressure on the digestive tract). At the same time, mechanical pressure is introduced in two organ positions, namely the stomach and the large intestine (corresponding to first intestinal supporting member 24) and the small intestine and ICV (corresponding to second intestinal supporting member 26). The pressure described hereinabove, in concert with physiological and mental changes contribute to better neural intestine functioning and to a passive circulation effect on the abdomen. The top portion of the mattress serves to support and contour to the shape of the body, enabling the body to have a sensation of floatingsimilar to floating in a swimming poolas described further hereinbelow.

(24) Additional advantages derived from the mattress described hereinbelow include, but are not limited to: stress relief to disks, ligaments, tendons, and muscles associated with improving proper back posture, and to torso and abdominal organs-in that spurious spinal-sensation related reactions are mitigated; thereby allowing healthy feedback and feed-forward neural controls to properly control respective organ functions.

(25) Reference is currently made to FIG. 4, which is a flow chart, showing a method of using mattress 10 (of FIGS. 1-3) for activating passive involuntary digestive tract movement 100, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from differences described below, mattress 10, also referred to hereinbelow as the mattress, is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

(26) Method 100 is comprised of the steps of: lying prone on the mattress, 110; a continued support by the mattress with the onset of regular deep breathing, 120; and a series of physiological and conscious changes, 125, appearing as a result of continued support by the mattress. The series of physiological and conscious changes include the steps of: a decompression and mind recognizing lessening of load, 130; a tissue release, including, inter alia, tendon/muscle, vertebrae and introduction of a passive circular motion on the abdomen, 140; a deep relaxation with meditation-like effect, 150; and back discs reshaped/reformed and a general nervous system offload, 160.

(27) Respective steps of method 100 are performed in a cumulative-time fashion, meaning that time durations and time ranges indicated hereinbelow are all measured from a shared start time, meaning the time when lying on the mattress has commenced.

(28) Included in step 110 is a general sensation of the spine floating, such as that experienced in a swimming pool floating position, with minimal gravitational pressure on the diaphragm. Step 110 typically takes place in the approximate range of 1-3 minutes from the start time.

(29) Included in step 120, which typically takes place in the approximate range of 3-6 minutes from the start time, is continued face-down relaxation on the mattress and the neck shoulders being supported/constrained from rotation, yielding a reduction of stress off the upper back, enabling the nervous system to operate more freelysetting up processes that occur in step 130, as described hereinbelow.

(30) In step 130, as vertebrae and neck/shoulders experience decompression, the nervous system (including the brain/mind) recognizes the lessening of load first experienced in step 120. Step 130 typically takes place in the approximate range of 6-10 minutes from the start time.

(31) Step 140, taking place in the approximate range of 10-20 minutes from the start time, includes controlled relaxation of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, enabled, controlled and supervised by the brain in accordance with the back system status.

(32) Step 150 includes an induced meditation-like relaxation which enables step 160, which includes rejuvenation of the discs and natural repair and healing of scared tissues. Step 150 typically takes place in the approximate range of 20-25 from the start time. Step 160 typically takes place in the approximate range of 25-35 minutes from the start time and includes gradual improvements and improved physical changes on the long term. Method 100, as described above, includes lying prone on the mattress for a total time of approximately 35 minutesa time period that is conducive with many therapeutic/relaxation procedures performed as frequently as once daily.

(33) Other advantages of continued prone lying on the mattress, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention include: a. opening of the chest cavity with posterior extension of the shoulders; by the upper support members 21,22 b. slight extension stretch of the pelvis and lower back and release of thigh and buttocks muscles; by the lower member 16 c. enabling constant rhythmic belly breathing, influencing and activating the upper and lower back vertebrae and increase flexibility; by lower member 16, and central member 12 d. breathing against equal force to the body weight, relaxing the chest girdle and activating rib muscles and diaphragm, increasing functionality of the intestines by applying soft pressure in the region of the stomach and the lower right abdomen; by lower member 16, and central member 12, by the upper support members 21,22 and members 24, 26; and e. enhanced, deeper and slower breathing, up to the point of meditation and deep sleep in a relaxed and floating state.

(34) Additionally, sleeping for approximately 30-60 minutes on the mattressat least a few times a weekcan serve to compensate for a loss of sleeping hours and to creating a feeling of refreshment and increased vitality. This unique sleeping posture is maintained in total relaxation, meditation, deep slow breathing, and with no pressure on the skeleton. Lying on the mattress for 20-30 minutes before bedtime enables a better night's sleep without unnecessary stresses on the skeletal system that can interrupt restful and proper sleep, and thus enabling the brain and spinal/nervous system to function better.

(35) It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.