Support device for articles of furniture

Abstract

The present invention provides a device that is easily attachable onto existing articles of furniture without requiring the modification of the furniture. The present device allows users to lie comfortably face down on such furniture without neck or other body strain. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device includes a cushion layer. The cushion layer is formed of a waterproof or at least water-resistant material. The dimensions of the cushion layer are such to fit on the desired article of furniture. The cushion layer includes an opening near one end. The user is able lie prone on the cushion layer on the article of furniture with their face in the opening to minimize discomfort and strain.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An support device for use with and article of furniture, said support device comprising: 
 a first layer having approximately the dimensions of the article of furniture onto which it is to be mounted;    an engagement mechanism for engaging said first layer onto the article of furniture; and    an opening formed near one end of said first layer to allow a user to lie face down on said first layer mounted on the article of furniture.    
     
     
         2 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said first layer includes: 
 a cushion.  
 
     
     
         3 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said first layer includes: 
 a water-resistant cushion.  
 
     
     
         4 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said first layer includes: 
 a water-resistant fabric layer.  
 
     
     
         5 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said engagement mechanism includes: 
 at least one pocket formed in a lower surface of said first layer for engagement over a surface of the article of furniture.  
 
     
     
         6 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said engagement mechanism includes: 
 at least one pocket having an elastic portion formed in a lower surface of said first layer for engagement over a surface of the article of furniture  
 
     
     
         7 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said opening includes: 
 a dimension approximately the size of the user's face.  
 
     
     
         8 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said opening includes: 
 said first layer having a thickness adjacent said opening to comfortably support the face and neck of a user having their face in said opening.  
 
     
     
         9 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said opening includes: 
 an insert that is movable out of said opening when a user is to lie face down.  
 
     
     
         10 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 a second layer formed of a fabric material for engagement on said first layer.  
 
     
     
         11 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a lounge chair.  
 
     
     
         12 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a table.  
 
     
     
         13 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a lounge chair.  
 
     
     
         14 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a bed.  
 
     
     
         15 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a table.  
 
     
     
         16 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions for engagement over a massage table.  
 
     
     
         17 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said support device includes: 
 dimensions to enable a user lie on the ground.  
 
     
     
         18 . A method for supporting a user in face down prone position on an article of furniture using an support device having a first layer with engagement mechanisms on at least a portion of the lower surface of said first layer and an opening near one end of said first layer, said method comprising the steps of: 
 engaging said first layer over a portion of the article of furniture;    lying down on said first layer so that the face of the user in a face-down position engages in said opening.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said method further includes: 
 said first layer including a cushion to comfortably support the head and neck of the user.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said method further includes: 
 a second layer formed of fabric for engagement onto said first layer.