Pillow for use with wheelchair

Abstract

The pillow for use with a wheelchair provides a cushioned support for a wheelchair-bound user. The pillow for use with a wheelchair includes a cushion having opposed front and rear surfaces, with the rear surface being adapted for positioning on a support surface, such as the seat of the wheelchair. At least one strap having opposed first and second ends and a central portion is further provided, with the central portion being attached to the rear surface of the cushion. The first and second ends are free and extend from laterally opposed sides of the cushion. A releasable and adjustable fastener is provided for releasably securing the first end of the at least one strap to the respective second end thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to pillows and cushions, and particularly to a pillow for use with a wheelchair that provides a cushioned support.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Users of wheelchairs are susceptible to dermatological problems, such as pressure sores and the like. Skin which is subjected to high pressure, high temperatures, moisture build up, and shear over prolonged periods of time is susceptible to tissue stress and breakdown that can cause the formation of pressure sores. There is evidence that the presence of constant pressure on tissue combined with increasing temperature generates a proportional increase in pressure sore formation. It has been shown that increases in the moisture level generally follow rises in skin temperature, and that moisture is also a significant influence in the formation of pressure sores. Thus, cushions and pillows are often used in conjunction with wheelchairs in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]At least one strap having opposed first and second ends and a central portion is further provided, with the central portion thereof being secured to the rear surface of the cushion. The first and second ends are free and extend from laterally opposed sides of the cushion. Preferably, a pair of straps are provided, with the pair of straps being positioned substantially parallel with respect to one another. The pair of straps are spaced apart, each with respect to the other, and each is preferably formed from an elastic material.

[0009]A releasable and adjustable fastener is provided for releasably securing the first end of each strap to the respective second end thereof. In use, the cushion is placed on the seat of the wheelchair with the rear surface of the cushion contacting the seat. The front surface thereof is adapted for supporting the user of the wheelchair. The first end of each strap is secured to the respective second end thereof, with each strap covering a portion of the user's body to secure the cushion to the user.

[0010]These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

Problems solved by technology

Users of wheelchairs are susceptible to dermatological problems, such as pressure sores and the like.

Skin which is subjected to high pressure, high temperatures, moisture build up, and shear over prolonged periods of time is susceptible to tissue stress and breakdown that can cause the formation of pressure sores.

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