Recumbent sling headrest/leg rest suspension system

Abstract

A recumbent headrest suspension system (10) comprises a pair of frames (13) that suspend a bridge-like fabric platform (8) adjustable for height, droop, and angle. The system functions as a sleep pillow alternative that allows a user to customize support to meet anatomical needs and comfort, distributing weight-bearing forces and minimizing restlessness by shifting pressure points. In one embodiment (FIG. 2A), the suspension system includes a U-shaped base or platform (5, 7b/7a) adapted to be placed beneath a mattress or bed, supporting a vertical frame member (4) connected to a horizontal frame member (3). The horizontal frame member includes a central roller (1) that suspends the fabric platform (8) and enables rotational adjustment, while user-activated control elements adjust platform tension or droop, the tilt of the horizontal frame member (3), and the height of the vertical frame member (4).

Claims

1. A recumbent sling headrest suspension system configured as a sleep pillow alternative, comprising: a frame comprising: a base cross support frame member; a first pair of horizontal base members extending laterally from opposing ends of the base cross support frame member; a vertical support frame member extending upwardly from a midpoint of the base cross support frame member; an upper cross support frame member secured to an upper end of the vertical support frame member; a second pair of short horizontal frame members extending cantilevered from opposite ends of the upper cross support frame member; a sling-support frame member rotatably secured between distal ends of the second pair of short horizontal frame members, aligned generally parallel to the upper cross support frame member; a sling of pliant fabric secured bilaterally to the sling-support frame member; and one or more user-actuated control elements operable to adjust: i. a tension, laxity or droop of the sling fabric; ii. a tilt of the upper cross support frame member; and iii. a height of the vertical support frame member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sling-support frame member is rotatable to allow adjustment of the tension, laxity or droop of the pliant fabric of the sling during use to alter surface support for user comfort and is further configured to be removable and replaceable to facilitate sling attachment.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a sling fabric extends beyond a span of the sling-support frame members to allow slack for rotational adjustment of droop height to reach a sleep surface level.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical support frame member is height-adjustable to raise or lower the sling-support frame member for user comfort.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the base cross support frame member and the pair of horizontal base members are positionable either (i) between a mattress and a box-spring or bed platform, or (ii) on a floor beneath a bed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be found in the detailed description of the invention. Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

(2) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of FIG. 1A embodiment of the present invention in a functional set up.

(5) FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention for bedside installations.

(6) FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of FIG. 2A embodiment of the present invention functionally paired.

(7) FIG. 2C shows a superior view of FIG. 2B embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of FIG. 2A embodiment of the present invention in a functional set up.

(9) FIG. 3A shows another perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention for bedside installations.

(10) FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of FIG. 3A embodiment of the present invention in a functional set up.

(11) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention for bedrail installations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

(13) It should be appreciated that the term substantially is synonymous with terms such as nearly, very nearly, about, approximately, around, bordering on, close to, essentially, in the neighborhood of, in the vicinity of, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term proximate is synonymous with terms such as nearby, close, adjacent, neighboring, immediate, adjoining, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.

(14) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. Headrest suspension system 13, FIG. 1C, generally comprises the essential components of a pair of frames, that is, a right and left side frame, and a sling or bridge or suspended fabric 8. The suspended fabric is designed to be attached, via looped ends for example, to the pair of oppositional frames, spanning across the right and left side frame. Sling 8 is arranged to provide a support for an individual's head when they are laying down, either on their back, sides, or stomach. Sling 8 is a fabric or other pliant material that does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Preferably, sling 8 or slung fabric 8 forms a relatively flat or concave head support platform for the user's head.

(15) Framework 10 in FIGS. 1A/B includes a longitudinally extending, generally horizontal, member 2 which may be a tube, solid rods, or any other suitable member. Horizontal member 2 supports the overlaying rotary frame element 1 or it alone may serve as the rotatable member which holds one end of the sling fabric. Frame member 2 has two ends: the distal end having a user control end cap 1a, and the opposite proximal/fore end engaging a rotatable connector 20 and extending cantilevered from connector 20. Rotatable control connector 20 connects upper horizontal frame member 2 to the upper terminal end of vertical frame member 4. It should be appreciated that rotatable control connector 20 may be a rotatable universal joint connector that allows movement in the x, y, or z axes. Rotatable control connector 20 may also be a hinged connector that allows movement in only one plane. If control connector 20 is a hinged connector, the pitch of the upper longitudinal frame member 2 can be moved 90 to be near or in the fore-end vertical plane defined by opposing vertical frame member 4 or allow the arm of frame member 2 to rotate to a vertical position above vertical frame member 4.

(16) Vertical frame member 4 may be a tube, solid rods, or any other suitable member. Vertical member 4 is expandable and retractable or telescoping to permit vertical adjustment 30 to configure framework 10 to an appropriate user height under the control of the user. The shaft of vertical frame member 4 may also offer a pivot function allowing it to turn on its axis rotating at least 180 degrees to allow the horizontal frame member 2 to turn medially or laterally 90 degrees. Vertical frame member 4 is slidably secured at its lower end to the base cross support frame member 5 via sliding control clamp(s) 21 and extends beyond the base cross support member 5 down to the floor as vertical member 9 in FIG. 1A.

(17) Clamp 21 may be a ring clamp, or any other suitable connector that permits horizontal adjustment 50 along the length of cross support member 5. Clamps 6 secure the base cross support frame member 5 to the bedframe or the base cross support member 5 can be adapted as a free-standing frame to be secured to the bedframe (not shown).

(18) The embodiment in FIG. 1B offers similar features to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B adds additional framing members to be assessed that accommodate a variety of installation needs. Upper horizontal member 2 and any attachments are the same as in FIG. 1A described above. And connecting element 20 is also described in 1A. In this embodiment, a lower horizontal base panel or framework is added to support the entire framework 10. Vertical member 4 is connected at the upper end to connecting element 20 which may be a hinge or universal joint. Vertical member 4 is expandable and retractable or telescoping and may also pivot. The lower end of vertical member 4 is secured to midsection of base cross support member 5. A base panel or framework 7a is secured to base cross support member 5 which is meant to be inserted between the mattress and bed platform or box spring and bed platform to support the suspension frame 10. The base panel 7a may be rotatably secured to frame member 5 via a ring clamp. Base cross support member 5 may be expandable and secured to the bedframe with clamps 6.

(19) An added adaptation to the embodiment in FIG. 1B is a lower frame support. A pair of vertical members 9, 9 are secured to and extending downwardly from base cross support member 5. Frame members 9, 9 may be any suitable member that is expandable or telescoping for height adjustment to align the base cross support member to be colinear with the needed mattress/box spring/bedframe height level. A securing element is used to secure the pair of vertical members 9, 9 to the bedframe if the base cross support member 5 cannot be secured to the bedframe. Optionally, a pair of lower horizontal floor base members extending longitudinally from and secured to the lower terminal end of vertical members 9, 9.

(20) The frame 10 in FIG. 2A is an embodiment of the present invention for bedside installations. This embodiment includes some of the above-mentioned features. This bedside embodiment's rotatable frame member 1 may be a tube, a solid rod or any suitable member which holds one end of the sling fabric. Rotatable member 1 is supported at both terminal ends by a coupling and is rotatably secured between horizontal members 2, 2. Several release mechanisms to allow for the removal or replacement of the suspended fabric are considered. One is a spring function which allows the frame member 1 to expand and retract to shorten the longitudinal aspect to attach or disengage from supporting horizontal frame members 2, 2. Another option might be that one of the couplings can open on the top side, for example, to allow rotatable member 1 to be lift up and out. Rotatable Frame member 1 may be a tube, a solid rod or any suitable member which holds one end of the sling fabric. The pair of horizontal frame members 2, 2 extend cantilevered from and secured to the upper base cross support member 3. These horizontal supporting members 2,2 may be of unequal lengths to decrease sling fabric tension on the edge which supports the user's lower face and neckor in the case of a leg rest, the edge of the fabric that is closest to the knee.

(21) Upper base cross support member 3 as well as rotatable member 1 may have expandable components with the appropriate locking mechanisms to adjust for differing depth requirements when the frame is used for a leg rest versus a head rest.

(22) The upper base cross support member 3 is rotatably secured to the upper terminal end of vertical member 4 via rotatable control connector 20. This connector 20 may be a hinge joint or other suitable connector which allows sling platform to be tilted slightly or to bring the upper base cross support member 3 in a relatively vertical position. Vertical member 4 in FIG. 2A will be expandable and retractable for user height adjustment and to stow. Vertical member 4 may also include a pivot function.

(23) The lower end of vertical member 4 in FIG. 2A is secured to midsection of base cross support member 5. A base panel 7a or framework 7b is secured to base cross support member 5 which is meant to be inserted between the mattress and bed platform or box spring and bed platform. The base panel 7a may be rotatably secured to frame member 5 via a ring clamp. Base cross support member 5, which may be expandable, is secured to the bedframe with clamps 6 or adapted to be positioned on the floor under the bed.

(24) An added adaptation to the embodiment in FIG. 2A is a lower frame support. A pair of vertical members 9, 9 are secured to and extending downwardly from base cross support member 5. Frame members 9, 9 may be any suitable member that is expandable or telescoping for height adjustment to align the lower base cross support member 5 to be colinear with the needed mattress/box spring/bedframe height level. A clamp or securing element is used to secure the pair of vertical members 9, 9 to the bedframe if the lower base cross support member 5 cannot be secured to the bedframe. Optionally, a pair of lower horizontal floor base members extend longitudinally, cantilevered from and secured to the lower terminal end of vertical members 9, 9.

(25) FIG. 3A reflects another embodiment for bedside installations. Many of the characteristics in this embodiment are like those of 2A. The rotatable member 1 which holds the looped end of the sling fabric (a tube, solid rod or other suitable member) is supported at both terminal ends by a coupling and is rotatably secured between horizontal members 2, 2. Several release mechanisms to install or disengage rotatable member 1, as previously described, will be assessed. The pair of horizontal frame members 2, 2 extend cantilevered from and are secured to upper terminal ends of the pair of vertical members 4, 4; however, horizontal members 2, 2 may extend cantilevered with differing lengths. The upper cross support 3 is secured to the pair of vertical supports 4, 4 near where it intersects with horizontal frame members 2, 2, and the control element to bilaterally lower or lift the expandable and/or telescoping vertical members 4, 4 will be located upper side, midsection of cross support member 3. The lower terminal ends of 4, 4 are secured to lower base cross support member 5. A base panel or framework 7a is secured to base cross support member 5 which is meant to be inserted between the mattress and bed platform or box spring and bed platform. The base panel 7a may be rotatably secured to frame member 5 via a ring clamp. Base cross support member 5 is secured to the bedframe with clamps 6. FIG. 3A may also be adapted with a lower frame support where a pair of vertical members 9, 9 are secured to and extending downwardly from base cross support member 5. Frame members 9, 9 may be any suitable member that is expandable or telescoping for height adjustment to align the lower base cross support member 5 to be colinear with the needed mattress/box spring/bedframe height level. A clamp or securing element is used to secure the pair of vertical members 9, 9 to the bedframe if the lower base cross support member 5 cannot be secured to the bedframe. A pair of lower horizontal floor base members may be added which extend longitudinally, cantilevered from and secured to the lower terminal ends of vertical members 9, 9.

(26) In FIG. 4, this embodiment of the present invention is suited for bedrail installations. Similarly, the rotatable member 1 is supported at both terminal ends by a coupling and is rotatably secured between horizontal members 2, 2. Rotatable Frame member 1 may be a tube, a solid rod or any suitable member which holds the looped end of the sling fabric. The pair of horizontal frame members 2, 2 extend cantilevered from and secured to the upper base cross support member 3. These horizontal supporting members 2, 2 may be of unequal lengths to decrease sling fabric tension on the edge which supports the user's lower face and neckor in the case of a leg rest, the edge of the fabric that is closest to the knee. The upper terminal ends of vertical members 4, 4 are secured to the upper base cross support member 3 and the lower terminal ends are secured to the lower base cross support member 5. Vertical members 4, 4 are expandable or telescoping. A pair of hooking elements 11 for mounting frame assembly 12 onto bedrail is slidably secured to each vertical member 4, 4. Clamps 6, 6 are used to secure the lower base cross support member to the lower part of the bedrail.

(27) Sling or bridge fabric 8 is arranged to allow a user's head to rest on the sling fabric platform. Sling fabric 8 may include loops or channels 8a arranged at opposite ends of sling 8. Loops or channels 8a are arranged to accept longitudinally extending rotatable members 1, 1, or in FIG. 1A/1B embodiments, potentially 2, 2. The configurations of attaching sling 8 to the suspension system's rotatable member may also be accomplished by a plurality of fasteners, snaps, Velcro or other removable attachment means to allow sling 8 to be removed for cleaning or replacement. When sling fabric 8 is attached to rotatable upper frame members, it creates a suspended fabric platform which may be substantially flat or having a substantially centered depression or droop/concavity 8b. The headrest suspension system 13 is a bed pillow alternative that can be set up to support a user's head. Similarly, the sling or bridge fabric can be used to support the user's lower extremities when appropriately sized and installed on the foot-side of the bed. When the user's head is on the fabric and in operational use, some concavity will be established. The laxity or degree of concave sling depression 8b of sling fabric 8 may be increased or decreased in depth by the adjustment of control elements 1a.

(28) Controllable element 1a enables the user to adjust the tension and hence the depth or concave size of the resilient sling fabric or material 8 (otherwise referred to as the laxity of the fabric) by either rotating the control in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (cw/ccw). The effect is to either tighten or reduce the concave condition of the sling fabric or to move the control to loosen or increase the concavity of the sling fabric. The assigned direction of the control element 1a will vary depending on whether the attached sling is initially rolled over or under the top of the rotatable member. In other words, a clockwise or counterclockwise may cause the same effect depending on if the rotation was initiated with an over-hang or underhung relative to the rotatable member. The control knob has a roll control (rotating about the axis formed by a single frame element) which may be a single or multiple gear teeth which co-acts with defined positional internal slots in the terminal end of the frame member 1 or 2. This roll function, in turn, serves to increase or decrease the weight bearing surface area of support, that is, the load distribution on the sling.

(29) In addition to the rotatable tension, roll control for the fabric sling, another control element offers a yaw or tilt function which further serves to shift the weight bearing pressure point established by the user's head on the slung fabric.

(30) The lateral span of the upper frame members or elements may also be adjustable. Each cross-member frame element 3, 5 may have control elements to telescopically collapse or expand the lateral span of the system. One type of control element is a spring-loaded button lock which, when the button is placed in laterally displaced holes, the telescopically configured frame elements 3, 5 enable the user to select the proper lateral span of the system. The user presses the button down, releasing the spring-loaded button from the first hole, then moves the telescopic tubes relative to each other such that the button snaps into the next selected positional hole. Other telescopic, releasable and locking systems can be used such a cam-driven twist close, twist open lock. Another vertical adjustment controls could be spring-loaded laterally outboard facing control rods. The laterally outboard ends of these control rods fit into vertical position-defining apertures in the vertical frame(s) 4, which define the vertical positions of frame element 4.

(31) In one further enhancement of the present invention, there is a control or adjustment system which permits vertical frame element(s) 4, 9 to be adjusted to a comfortable vertical height selected by the user or to reduce the overall vertical height of the sling frame and further permitting the user to remove the sling frame from the bed and stow the frame away as needed. These vertical control elements may be spring-loaded button locks, twist lock-unlock cam operated controls, or biased outboard actuated control rods similar to that discussed above in connection with the vertical adjustment mechanisms of vertical frame(s) 4.

(32) In a further embodiment not shown in the drawings, the frame suspension system 10 in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be adapted to serve as a frame support for two sling platforms centrally without rotational capacity. Each individual sling platform would then have only one control 1a to adjust their sling platform's tension or concavity.

(33) In a further modification, the fore-end vertical frame member(s) 4 need not be straight nor disposed in a singular vertical plane. In other words, the vertical frame elements may generally be in a single plane.

(34) In a further embodiment of the present invention, the frame system may include one or more fore-end cross members laterally spanning distance y and being connected to opposing vertical fore-end frame members 4, 4. These cross members may include lateral control elements as described above.

(35) As discussed above, the upper longitudinal frame members 2, 2 may, upon activation of a control elements, rotate about 90 to change the pitch to fully collapse the entire framework. In this mode, these upper frame members are placed substantially in a vertical plane formed by opposing vertical frame members 4, 4.

(36) Another possible stow-away position is enabled by the telescopic collapse of vertical frame member(s) 4 onto themselves as discussed above. This reduces the vertical span in the z direction to substantially match the height of the mattress and in some cases to collapse the entire system upon itself and into a generally single storage plane, limited only by the telescopic closeable limits of the vertical framework.