Kyphosis Back Cushion Device

Abstract

The subject invention is a device intended for use where support, pressure offloading/pressure relief, and pressure redistribution of the spine is needed. (AHRQ/NPUAP, Number 15Pressure Ulcer Treatment)

Claims

1. A back cushioning device that is comfortable for the purpose of providing true pressure relief and pressure redistribution properties on the entire 5 regions of the spine in those individuals who are compromised with a medical condition or deformity. The said device would have a vertical cut and a horizontal cut. A cushioning device that is tapered at the sacral and coccygeal area of the said device allowing individual to conform back into the device and not feel as if propelled forward. A cushioning device that would be designed to allow situations of positioning as in lying and sitting to offload the entire spine and provide pressure redistribution.

2. A back cushioning device according to claim 1, wherein the device is composed of polyurethane foam, Viscoelastic foam, poly vinyl foam, natural and synthetic rubber, gel, air, or polyester fiber.

3. A back cushioning device according to claim 1, wherein a device is vertically cut through and removed to allow the spine of the human anatomy to freely float without pressure on the spine.

4. A back cushioning device according to claim 1, wherein a device is cut a second time in a horizontal cut through and removed to allow cushion to conform and contour to the entire back area.

5. A back cushioning device according to claim 1, wherein a device is tapered on the anatomical side of said device at the sacral and coccygeal area.

6. A back cushioning device that is comfortable for the purpose of providing true pressure relief for the spine and pressure redistribution of tissue load to the back and scapula areas. Said device would be made to encompass the neonatal, pediatric, adult, and bariatric population.

7. A back cushioning device according to claim 6, wherein the device is composed of polyurethane foam, Viscoelastic foam, poly vinyl foam, natural and synthetic rubber, gel, air, or polyester fiber.

8. A back cushioning device according to claim 6, wherein the device comprising of a removable vertical cut that would range from 0.5 inch to 8 inches wide by 5 inches to 24 inches long by 1 inch to 8 inches deep, most preferably cut to a width of 4 inches wide by 18 inches long by 3 inches deep.

9. A back cushioning device according to claim 6, wherein the device comprising of a horizontal cut that would range from 2 inches to 40 inches wide by 1 inch to 8 inches high by 1 inch by 8 inches deep, most preferably 12 inches wide by 2 inches high by 3 inches deep.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a block of polyurethane foam cut into an appropriate size for the human anatomy.

[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a block of foam that has been cut into an appropriate shape for a back cushioning device. The cross section 1) illustrates the vertical cut and removal of foam of the back cushion device. 2) Illustrates the horizontal cut and removal of foam of the back cushion device that then depicts a cross.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the 1) anatomy contact side of the device. 2) Illustrates the tapered end of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE

[0020] The device of the invention is composed of a cushioning support matrix such as a polyurethane foam or other such elastomeric foams. In all cases of this invention the foam may be generally cut to a size and shape suitable for its intended application. For example, a wheelchair cushion device would be cut to a shape and form that is appropriate to fit that application, might it be a standard size wheelchair 1618 or it would be cut to fit in a bariatric oversized chair, which could have many sizes. For example, a block of foam would be cut in any suitable manner such as by the use of a foam cutting knife or hot wire. If the device was intended for use in a standard or bariatric wheelchair, regular sitting chair, bed, MRI, CT, X-Ray, and/or the O.R. table for offloading during surgery then the foam or materials used would be cut to an appropriate size to fit that application or procedure. In the case of subject invention constructed from polyurethane foam or other foams, the CNC contour machine would cut completely through the foam to the designed length and width of the intended application, which then would have a vertical and horizontal cut to provide true pressure relief on the intended specific patient. Said device is tapered at sacral and coccygeal area on the anatomical side of the cushion.

[0021] Foams of all types and material are specifically polyurethane foams that are formed from stock buns that are used as the raw material for the manufacturing process of the cushion. This cushion device could be formed of another suitable material such as foam, Visco foam, gel, plastic, fiber, rubber, or cotton batting.

[0022] The conceptual device was proven to have a utilitarian need and conforming design by making and testing several prototypes. Some of the examples of the prototypes include:

Example 1

[0023] A device that incorporates the features of the invention was developed by cutting a piece of polyurethane foam 20183 on a programmable hot wire cutting machine, this 20183 block of foam is then subject to a second cut on the programmable CNC machine which is programmed to cut entirely through the piece of foam with a vertical cut and a horizontal cut which then represents a cross when removed from the 20183 block of foam. The block of foam at this point is subject to a third cutting on the CNC machine and is placed in the programmable CNC machine to have an angle cut on the device 2018 this angle cut is then tapered from 3 to 0.75. Angle cut is started 14 from top of cushion and then is tapered to reach 0.75 at bottom of cushion.

[0024] The utility and design of the device was demonstrated on a standard size wheelchair.

Example 2

[0025] Essentially the same device was made as in example 1 with the exception of the density of foam was significantly higher than the first example. This created a firmer, denser device to support an anatomically larger framed patient/person.

Example 3

[0026] This device was cut in same form as that in the first example excepting the size approximately 21845 tapering to 3 to height at bottom end of foam piece which was more conducive to be used on patients on the operating room table, MRI, CT, or X-Ray procedure.