Ergonomic Support Device for Weight of a User

Abstract

An ergonomic support device is provided for accommodating the weight of a user and allowing the user to perform various tasks with reduced effort. The support device is adapted for use in connection with various settings, such as bathtubs, and allows the user to work in or around a space while in a supported position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support device for positioning proximal to a defined space and supporting a user over the defined space, the device comprising:
 a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are contiguous and the lower portion comprises a pad operable to receive a knee of a user and the upper portion comprises a support portion for a torso of a user;   the upper portion operable to be provided adjacent to and/or in contact with an object or structure and wherein the object or structure comprises a defined space;   wherein the upper portion comprises an inflatable portion;   wherein the device comprises a plurality of spaced apart supports distributed along a length of the device;   wherein the device comprises a selectively adjustable height and wherein the height is selectively adjustable by inflating or deflating the inflatable portion.   
     
     
         2 . The support device of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve for selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable portion. 
     
     
         3 . The support device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of gripping elements for engaging a surface upon which the device is disposed. 
     
     
         4 . The support device of  claim 3 , wherein the gripping elements comprise at least one of rubber feet and suction cups. 
     
     
         5 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a convex portion and a concave portion operable for placement adjacent to the workspace. 
     
     
         6 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of spaced apart supports comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: EVA foam, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, visco-elastic polyurethane foam, and a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         7 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable portion is provided on the upper portion and wherein the inflatable portion is operable to support a torso of a user. 
     
     
         8 . A support device for positioning proximal to a defined space and supporting a user over the defined space, the device comprising:
 the device comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are contiguous and the lower portion comprises a support operable to receive a knee of a user and the upper portion comprises a support operable to receive a torso of a user;   the upper portion operable to be provided adjacent to and/or in contact with an object or structure and wherein the upper portion comprises an inflatable portion and a valve operable to control a fluid flow; and   wherein the device comprises a selectively adjustable height and wherein the height is selectively adjustable by inflating or deflating the inflatable portion.   
     
     
         9 . The support device of  claim 8 , wherein the valve comprises an air valve. 
     
     
         10 . The support device of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of gripping elements for engaging a surface upon which the device is disposed. 
     
     
         11 . The support device of  claim 10 , wherein the gripping elements comprise at least one of rubber feet and suction cups. 
     
     
         12 . The support device of  claim 8 , wherein the upper portion comprises a convex portion and a concave portion operable for placement adjacent to the workspace. 
     
     
         13 . The support device of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of spaced apart supports comprising a material selected from the group consisting of: EVA foam, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, visco-elastic polyurethane foam, and a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         14 . The support device of  claim 8 , wherein the inflatable portion is operable to support a torso of a user. 
     
     
         15 . A support device for positioning proximal to a defined space and supporting a user over the defined space, the device comprising:
 a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion comprises a support operable to support a user and the upper portion comprises a support operable to support a torso of a user;   the upper portion operable to be provided adjacent to and/or in contact with an object or structure and wherein the upper portion comprises an inflatable portion and a valve operable to control a fluid flow; and   wherein the device comprises at least one gripping element for engaging a surface upon which the device is disposed.   
     
     
         16 . The support device of  claim 15 , wherein the valve comprises an air valve. 
     
     
         17 . The support device of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of gripping elements for engaging a surface upon which the device is disposed. 
     
     
         18 . The support device of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one gripping element comprises at least one of rubber feet and suction cups. 
     
     
         19 . The support device of  claim 15 , wherein the upper portion comprises a convex portion and a concave portion operable for placement adjacent to the workspace. 
     
     
         20 . The support device of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of spaced apart supports comprising a material selected from the group consisting of: EVA foam, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, visco-elastic polyurethane foam, and a closed cell foam.