Seat Cushion With Recessed Region To Provide Spinal Decompression

Abstract

A seat cushion for use with a seat, chair, or bench. The cushion is provided with a strategically located recessed region, to provide spinal decompression for the user. The recessed region is located in the central, rear portion of the cushion, along the fore and aft axis of the cushion. The recessed region is further contained entirely within the periphery of the cushion, so that the portion of the cushion between the recessed region and the rear edge of the cushion provides support for the user. The depth of the recessed region is sufficient to allow spinal decompression, but it need not extend entirely through the thickness of the cushion. A number of configurations for the cutout, and applications for the seat cushion, are disclosed. Also disclosed are chair, bench, and seat constructions incorporating the seat cushion and providing its spinal decompression feature.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates generally to improvements in seat cushions for use with a seat, chair or bench. More particularly, the invention pertains to seat cushions provided with a strategically located recessed region, to provide spinal decompression for the user.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]In U.S. Pat. No. 3,205,010, issued to Shick, a Seat Cushion is disclosed that includes a triangular shaped cutout in the rear portion of the cushion. Shick's triangular-shaped cutout extends forwardly from the rear periphery of the cushion, and passes through the entire thickness of the cushion. This apparatus is intended to be used in conjunction with an existing chair, by overlying the seat and backrest portions thereof, rather than incorporating the feature of the cutout into a chair seat cushion, itself.[0005]A Weight Measurement And Support Apparatus For A Human And Method Of Use is shown in Patent Application Public...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It is well known that when the human body is forced to set in a chair or on a bench in an upright position for an extended period of time, the spine compresses due to upward pressure applied by the coccyx and the sacrum. The weight of the body pushes these lower spinal elements against a substantially compressed seat surface, and these elements effectively urge the spine upwardly within the body toward the head. In this compressed condition, circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the spine and its discs is inhibited. The resulting dehydrated discs are more easily fractured, and the person is likely to experience more chronic pain in his or her back.

[0009]The recessed region is located in the central, rear portion of the cushion, along the fore and aft axis of the cushion. The recessed region is further contained entirely within the periphery of the cushion, so that a bolster portion of the cushion between the recessed region and the rear edge of the cushion provides support for the user.

Problems solved by technology

The resulting dehydrated discs are more easily fractured, and the person is likely to experience more chronic pain in his or her back.

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