US20170318991A1

US20170318991A1 - Inflatable Portable Lumbar Pillow

Info

Publication number: US20170318991A1
Application number: US15/590,984
Authority: US
Inventors: Jacqueline Kay Loftus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-09
Filing date: 2017-05-09
Publication date: 2017-11-09

Abstract

An inflatable portable lumbar pillow is an apparatus that includes a plurality of inflatable cushions connected serially via a plurality of intermediate webs, a first end strap opposite to a second end strap that retains a strap fastener, and a strap fastener that utilizes a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion to wrap around a wearer's waist. The first end strap is connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions. The second end strap is connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions, opposite the first end strap. The first interlocking portion connects onto the first end strap, offset from the plurality of inflatable cushions, and the second interlocking portion connects onto the second end strap, offset from the plurality of inflatable cushions, thereby securing the first end strap to the second end strap.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/333,622 filed on May 9, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to inflatable portable lumbar pillow for providing support and comfort to the wearer's lower back and relieving back pain caused by injuries. In particular, the present invention comprises a plurality of inflatable cushions selectively fastened around the wearer's lower lumbar region via a strap fastener using a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pain or discomfort in the lower back can be one of the most debilitating physical challenges faced by an individual. Lower back pain may not be as bothersome throughout the day while moving around, however this is not the case when sleeping. Lower back pain may be alleviated if the mattress is the perfect firmness. Finding the perfect mattress is not the easiest task due to the cost. When traveling, the choice of the type of mattress is not an option for travelers. The present invention assists specifically with lower back discomfort while sleeping and may be carried or worn throughout the day if need be.
The present invention focuses on lower back discomfort while sleeping. The present invention is an inflatable portable roll-up lumbar pillow. The present invention comprises a plurality of inflatable cushions, a plurality of intermediate webs, a strap fastener, a first end strap, and a second end strap. The plurality of inflatable cushions may comprise a central lumbar cushion, a right lumbar cushion, and a left lumbar cushion. Each of the plurality of inflatable cushions may be inflated to the wearer's comfort. The first and second end strap connect via a first and second interlocking portions to secure the inflatable portable lumbar pillow around the wearer's waist. With the pillow secured around the waist while sleeping, the lumbar area is supported while sleeping on the back. If sleeping on the side, the right and left lumbar cushion support as well and assist in keeping the wearer's spine at the correct elevation. The present invention may comprise a variety of lengths to accommodate a variety of individuals experiencing back pain. The present invention may also be used while lying on the couch and traveling long distances in a car or on a plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a top planform view thereof.

FIG. 4 is back perspective view of the present invention in the deflated configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the present invention in the operative configuration.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the present invention with the removable sleeve engaged.

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of the present invention in the storage configuration.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the carrying case.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the present invention in the storage configuration inserted into the carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is an inflatable portable lumbar pillow that is worn around a wearer's waist in order to reduce discomfort and relief pain from the wearer's back. In addition, the present invention can be used when the wearer suffers a lower-back injury or when the wearer has continuous minor lower-back pain. The present invention comprises a plurality of inflatable cushions 1, a plurality of intermediate webs 7, a first end strap 2, a second end strap 3, and a strap fastener 4. The plurality of inflatable cushions 1 is used to support the wearer's back in a softening manner. The plurality of intermediate webs 7 allows the present invention to properly position the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 onto the wearer's back. The first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 are used to suspend the present invention around the wearer's waist, while the strap fastener 4 is used to hold the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 together. The preferred embodiments of the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 are composed of elastic materials that enable the inflatable portable lumbar pillow to adjustably fit wearers having different body types.
In reference to FIG. 2, the general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively alleviate discomfort or pain in the wearer's back. Thus, the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 needs to be serially connected to each other by the plurality of intermediate webs 7 so that the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 is held in a manner that spans the entire width of the wearer's back. Moreover, the first end strap 2 is connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions, and the second end strap 3 is connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions, opposite to the first end strap 2. This allows the first strap and the second strap to wrap around the wearer's waist to the front of the wearer's abdomen. In addition, the strap fastener 4 comprises a first interlocking portion 41 and a second interlocking portion 42 that are used to selectively used to attach the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 together. Consequently, the first interlocking portion 41 is connected onto the first end strap 2, and the second interlocking portion 42 is connected onto the second end strap 3 so that the first interlocking portion 41. The first interlocking portion 41 and the second interlocking portion 42 are positioned offset from the plurality of inflatable cushions, which allows the strap fastener 4 to attach the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 at the front of the wearer's abdomen.
In reference to FIG. 3, the present invention allows the wearer to separately fill each of the plurality of inflatable cushions. Thus, each of the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 comprises an air valve 11 and an air bag 12. The air bag 12 is used to retain a quantity of air for each of the plurality of inflatable cushions, while the air valve 11 allows the wearer to selectively increase or decrease the quantity of air. In order to readily increase or decrease the quantity of air retained by the air bag 12, the air valve 11 needs to be integrated into the air bag 12 and in fluid communication with the air bag 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wearer is able to pump air into the air bag 12 by blowing into the air valve. Air is blown in through an opening in front of the air valve. A circular cap secured concentrically around the opening traps the air once it has entered into the air valve. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 can be deflated by simply disengaging the circular cap from the opening and letting the air escape. In order to inflate the plurality of inflatable cushions, the wearer simply blows into the opening and covers it with the circular cap once a sufficient amount of air is inside the air bag 12. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, any one-way valve can be used as the air valve. In order to create an air tight enclosure inside the air bag 12, the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 is fabricated with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), or similar airtight polymeric, organic, composite, and/or metallic materials.
In reference to FIG. 7, the inflatable portable lumbar pillow further comprises a removable sleeve 5. The plurality of inflatable cushions 1 is mounted within the removable sleeve 5 to provide an outer surface that is comfortable to the touch. The removable sleeve 5 comprises a first open end 51 and a second open end 52, a first elastic band, and a second elastic band. The first elastic band 53 is integrated around the first open end 51 and the second elastic band 54 is integrated around the second open end 52. The first elastic end and the second elastic band 54 secures the contents placed inside the removable sleeve 5. The first elastic band 53 and the second elastic band 54 are flexible enough to easily stretch when pulled apart but are generally resistant enough to prevent contents from falling out of the removable sleeve 5. Similarly, selective fastening mechanisms such as snap locks, zippers, magnetic fasteners, and the like can be used in alternate embodiments. The removable sleeve 5 is preferably fashioned out of a heat insulative, fabric based material. A cold surface in contact with the wearer's lower back can aggravate lower back pain. The heat insulative nature of the removable sleeve 5 can absorb the wearer's body and ambient heat, to create a warm surface that mitigates the sensation of lower back pain. The removable sleeve 5 can also be fashioned out of a soft fabric materials such as cotton, silk, or like materials. This provides a soft outer surface that is comfortable to touch and reduces irritation when in contact with human skin. This allows the inflatable portable lumbar pillow to be worn under clothing or without clothing directly in contact with the wearer's skin for prolonged periods of time without resulting in discomfort or irritation.
In reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs 7, the first end strap 2, the second end strap 3, and the strap fastener 4 can be arranged into a storage configuration. A carrying case 6 is provided to store the inflatable portable lumbar pillow in the storage configuration. The storage configuration requires each of the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 to be configured into a deflated state. The plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs 7, the first end strap 2, and the second end strap 3 are then wound around each other. Thus, when the present invention is in the storage configuration, the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs 7, the first end strap 2, the second end strap 3, and the strap fastener 4 are positioned into the carrying case 6. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow comprises a drawstring 61. The drawstring 61 is slidably mounted around an opening rim 62 of the carrying case 6. Pulling the drawstring 61 constricts the opening rim 62 and closes the carrying case 6. As can be seen in FIG. 10, this is used to secure the inflatable portable lumbar pillow inside the carrying case 6. In order to use the present invention, the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs 7, the first end strap 2, the second end strap 3, and the strap fastener 4 are arranged into an operative configuration. In the operative configuration, each of the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 configures into an inflated state and the first interlocking portion 41 engages to the second interlocking portion 42.
Also in reference to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the strap fastener 4 may employ a hook and loop fastener. In such an implementation, a hook portion and loop portion is divided between the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3. The hook portion can either be placed on the first end strap 2 or the second end strap 3 with the loop portion placed on the alternative end of the strap fastener 4. In order to engage the present invention around the waist of the wearer, the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 are brought into a coincident position, allowing the hook portion to connect to the loop portion, and secure the first end strap 2 and second end strap 3 together.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the operative configuration allows the wearer to wrap the present invention around his or her waist. The plurality of inflatable cushions 1 is oriented around the wearer's lower back and the strap fastener 4 connects in front of the wearer's abdomen. The first interlocking portion 41 and the second interlocking portion 42 secure the strap fastener 4 and thus the inflatable portable lumbar pillow around the wearer's waist. In order to secure the strap fastener 4, the first end strap 2 and the second end strap 3 each comprise an inner flat side 21 31 and an outer flat side 22 32. The first interlocking portion 41 is mounted onto the inner flat side 21 of the first end strap 2. The second interlocking portion 42 is mounted onto the outer flat side 32 of the second end strap 3. In an operative state, the first end strap 2 is placed on top of the second end strap 3. This brings the inner flat side 21 of the first end strap 2 in contact with the outer flat side 32 of the second end strap 3, and forms an operative connection between the first interlocking portion 41 and the second interlocking portion 42.
Also in reference to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first interlocking portion 41 is mounted onto the outer flat side 22 of the first end strap 2 and the second interlocking portion 42 is mounted onto the inner flat side 31 of the second end strap 3. In the operative state, the second end strap 3 is on top of the first end strap 2, which allows the inner flat side 31 of the second end strap 3 to contact the outer flat side 22 of the first end strap. This creates an operative connection between the first interlocking portion 41 and the second interlocking portion 42. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 comprises a left lumbar cushion 16, a central lumbar cushion 14, and a right lumbar cushion 15. The left lumbar cushion 16 is positioned adjacent to the central lumbar cushion 14. The right lumbar cushion 15 is positioned adjacent to the central lumbar cushion 14, opposite to the left lumbar cushion 16. The central lumbar cushion 14 may form a conformal engagement with the rear contours of wearer's lower back. The right lumbar cushion 15 and the left lumbar cushion 16 may conform to the side contours of the lower back. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the plurality of inflatable cushions 1 can comprise any number of inflatable cushions connected serially to one another.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable portable lumbar pillow comprises:

a plurality of inflatable cushions;

a plurality of intermediate webs;

a first end strap;

a second end strap;

a strap fastener;

the strap fastener comprises a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion;

the plurality of inflatable cushions being serially connected to each other by the plurality of intermediate webs;

the first end strap being connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions;

the second end strap being connected adjacent to the plurality of inflatable cushions, opposite the first end strap;

the first interlocking portion being connected onto the first end strap, offset from the plurality of inflatable cushions; and

the second interlocking portion being connected onto the second end strap, offset from the plurality of inflatable cushions.

2. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of inflatable cushions comprises an air valve and an air bag;

the air valve being integrated into the air bag; and

the air valve being in fluid communication with the air bag.

3. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a removable sleeve; and

the plurality of inflatable cushions being mounted within the removable sleeve.

4. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the removable sleeve comprises a first open end and a second open end, a first elastic band, and a second elastic band;

the first elastic band being integrated around the first open end; and

the second elastic band being integrated around the second open end.

5. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 3, wherein the removable sleeve is made of a heat-insulative material.

6. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 3, wherein the removable sleeve is made of a tactily-soft material.

7. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs, the first end strap, the second end strap, and the strap fastener are in a storage configuration;

a carrying case;

each of the plurality of inflatable cushions being configured into a deflated state;

the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs, the first end strap, and the second end strap being wound around each other; and

the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs, the first end strap, the second end strap, and the strap fastener being positioned into the carrying case.

8. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

a drawstring; and

the drawstring being slidably mounted around an opening rim of the carrying case.

9. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the plurality of inflatable cushions, the plurality of intermediate webs, the first end strap, the second end strap, and the strap fastener are in an operative configuration;

each of the plurality of inflatable cushions being configured into an inflated state; and

the first interlocking portion being engaged to the second interlocking portion.

10. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end strap and the second end strap are elastic.

11. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.

12. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the first end strap and the second end strap each comprise an inner flat side and an outer flat side;

the first interlocking portion being mounted onto the inner flat side of the first end strap; and

the second interlocking portion being mounted onto the outer flat side of the second end strap.

13. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the first interlocking portion being mounted onto the outer flat side of the first end strap; and

the second interlocking portion being mounted onto the inner flat side of the second end strap.

14. The inflatable portable lumbar pillow as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of inflatable cushions comprises a left lumbar cushion, a central lumbar cushion, and a right lumbar cushion;

the left lumbar cushion being positioned adjacent to the central lumbar cushion; and

the right lumbar cushion being positioned adjacent to the central lumbar cushion, opposite to the left lumbar cushion.