Sleep aid

Abstract

Heartburn is a disorder caused by various reasons. In dealing with this disorder, there are different methods used such as medicinal therapy, change of diet and lifestyle and surgical procedures. In addition to the above mentioned, there are devices to raise the upper portion of the body during sleep to prevent upward movement of stomach contents. In this invention, a generally wedge shaped apparatus will support the upper body in a raised position to start the sleep cycle and will collapse after a period of time to allow the user to sleep on generally a flat plain and comfortably in various positions such as facing up or sides.

1 . A collapsible apparatus of the type adapted to be inflated by an air source for supporting the torso of a user in an inclined angel with the head and shoulders towards the higher end, said generally wedge shaped apparatus comprising:
 (a) An inflatable generally wedge shaped pad made of air impermeable material having a bottom in generally a horizontal plain as the base surface, a top in an inclined angel as the support surface and connected to said base surface along one edge to form low end of said wedge shaped pad, a vertical surface opposite to said low end connecting said base and said support surfaces at the high end of said wedge shaped pad as the back surface, said Base, support and back surfaces connected and sealed on the two sides of said pad by generally triangle shaped side surfaces,   (b) Air inlet means preferably positioned on said back surface for providing fluid communication between the source of air and the interior of said inflatable pad,   (c) An air supply unit containing an electric air pump connected to a normally closed flow valve, said flow valve adapted to switch to open state in synchronicity with said air pump switching to active state, said flow valve also adapted to switch to open state independent from said air pump,   (d) An air hose connecting said air supply unit to said air inlet of said pad,   (e) A control panel connected to said air supply unit by a cable of suitable length to control said air supply unit from a convenient location, said control panel equipped with a switch for activating said air pump to inflate said pad, said control panel also equipped with a timing device to set time delay for a desirable length in which the said pad remains inflated, upon expiration of selected time said flow valve to open independent from said air pump and remain open for a suitable length of time allowing the weight of the users torso to deflate said pad while the said air source remains deactivated, said flow valve returning to closed position at any time between the end of deflation period and the start of the next use cycle of said apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said pad is made to a universal size and shape to serve users of all heights and weights. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said pad is customized for desired heights and weights. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said pad is adjustable to different lengths. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said pad is adjustable to different heights. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said air pump is manual. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus defined in  claim 1  in which said air pump is battery operated. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which air pressure, fluids, springs and mechanical arrangements are used in any combination or independently as means of propping the user torso in an inclined angel, said air or fluid bags consist of at least one reservoir capable of communicating with additional reservoirs or out side air to create different levels of elevation. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said support surface is covered to provide a user with a more comfortable surface to rest upon. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which the base surface is extended beyond the lower end of said support surface for the lower portion of the user body to rest upon thereby preventing said pad from moving. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said support surface is adapted to eliminate the need for a pillow. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus defined as in  claim 1  in which said control panel is adapted to be wireless. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus defined as in  claim 1  in which a solenoid can be adapted to operate the flow valve independent from the air source arrangement. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus defined as in  claim 1  in which the air inlet and air outlet are separated and positioned apart so the air release system is independent of the air source and flow valve arrangement. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus defined as in  claim 1  in which the timer settings are factory set.