Inflatable body support cushion, particularly to support a woman during pregnancy

Abstract

A continuously and adjustably inflatable cushion supports the entire body length of a prone, face down, expectant mother, and is shaped to accommodate and conform to the enlarged contours of her body during pregnancy and immediately afterward. An essentially circular opening passes completely through the central portion of the supporting cushion, to surround and partially support the enlarged abdomen of the expectant mother. The depth and softness of this opening is varied during progressive stages of pregnancy through a valve mechanism, to add or release air. When deflated, the cushion is folded into a compact, lightweight configuration for economical packaging and storage. The inflatable cushion has the additional advantages of light weight and portability in either its collapsed or inflated configurations; continuous range of adjustment to accommodate the shape of a human body; and the cushion is preferably constructed from material which is non-flammable, odor free and easily cleaned. Additional accommodating openings in the cushion structure accommodate the breasts of the mother both during and after childbirth and a breathing opening is provided for the face down, reclining occupant. Internal reinforcing panels and heat seams in the cushion material are utilized to maintain the shape and increase the weight bearing strength of the cushion structure, and to subdivide the cushion into air tight compartments, which can be individually, adjustably inflated. A separable, inflatable plug is provided to fill the central cushion opening, adapting the cushion to use as a conventional air mattress after pregnancy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.