U.S. patent application number 10/173549 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for knee and ankle alignment pillow.
This patent application is currently assigned to Les Nuages, LLC. Invention is credited to Sramek, Roger.
Application Number | 20030005521 10/173549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26882583 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030005521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sramek, Roger |
January 9, 2003 |
Knee and ankle alignment pillow
Abstract
Pillows which are designed to fit the legs of a user during
sleep or recovery from surgery are provided.
Inventors: |
Sramek, Roger; (Sausalito,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP, P.C.
P O BOX 458
ALAMEDA
CA
94501
US
|
Assignee: |
Les Nuages, LLC
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
26882583 |
Appl. No.: |
10/173549 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10173549 |
Jun 14, 2002 |
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09800456 |
Mar 2, 2001 |
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60186944 |
Mar 4, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/648 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/026 20130101;
A47C 20/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/648 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is
1. A knee and ankle alignment pillow, comprising a resilient body
structure, the body structure comprising: an upper face, which
upper face comprises a first sloping region and a second sloping
region, which first and second sloping regions are at least partly
separated on the upper face by an upper face groove extending
longitudinally along an at least partly inward region of the upper
face, wherein the first and second sloping regions are each at
least partially outwardly sloped from an outer region of the upper
face towards the inward region of the upper face; and, a bottom
face opposite the upper face, which bottom face comprises a third
sloping region and a fourth sloping region, which third and fourth
sloping regions are separated on the bottom face by a bottom face
groove extending longitudinally along an at least partly inward
region of the bottom face which bottom face grove is opposed to the
upper face groove on opposite sides of the resilient body
structure, wherein the third and fourth sloping regions are each at
least partly outwardly sloped from an outer region of the bottom
face towards the inward region of the bottom face; wherein the
upper face and bottom face grooves are each contoured to receive a
leg of a user.
2. The pillow of claim 1, comprising a first resilient lobe
structure that extends from a first edge of the upper face groove
to a first edge of the bottom face groove, which lobe comprises the
first and third sloping regions.
3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the first resilient lobe is
adjustable.
4. The pillow of claim 2, comprising a second resilient lobe
structure that extends from a second edge of the upper face groove
to a second edge of the bottom face groove, which lobe comprises
the second and fourth sloping regions.
5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the second resilient lobe is
adjustable.
6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein one or more of the body
structure, the upper face groove or the lower face groove is
adjustable.
7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the slope of the first and second
sloping regions are equal.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the slope of the third and fourth
sloping regions are equal.
9. The pillow of claim l, wherein the slope of the first, second,
third and fourth sloping regions are equal.
10. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the slope of the first, second,
third and fourth sloping regions are selected to provide support to
the legs of a user when sleeping in a suppine or prone
position.
11. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or more
of: plastic foam, urethane foam, feathers, or natural fiber.
12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or more
of: a tear away portion, an inflatable portion, or an adjustable
portion.
13. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from a single
piece of resilient material.
14. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from multiple
pieces of one or more resilient material.
15. A method of making a pillow, comprising forming a body
structure comprising an upper face, which upper face comprises a
first sloping region and a second sloping region, which first and
second sloping regions are at least partly separated on the upper
face by an upper face groove extending longitudinally along an at
least partly inward region of the upper face, wherein the first and
second sloping regions are each at least partially outwardly sloped
from an outer region of the upper face towards the inward region of
the upper face; and, a bottom face opposite the upper face, which
bottom face comprises a third sloping region and a fourth sloping
region, which third and fourth sloping regions are separated on the
bottom face by a bottom face groove extending longitudinally along
an at least partly inward region of the bottom face, which bottom
face grove is opposed to the upper face groove on opposite sides of
the resilient body structure, wherein the third and fourth sloping
regions are each at least partly outwardly sloped from an outer
region of the bottom face towards the inward region of the bottom
face; wherein the upper face and bottom face grooves are each
contoured to receive a leg of a user.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the forming step comprises
injecting a urethane foam into a mold.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the forming comprises die
cutting a foam blank.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the forming step comprises
providing tear away strips of foam on the first or second side of
the pillow.
19. The method of claim 15, comprising providing an inflatable
portion within the body structure.
20. The method of claim 19, comprising inflating the inflatable
portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application related to
U.S. Ser. No. 60/186,944, "Knee and Ankle Alignment Pillow" filed
Mar. 4, 2000. The present application claims priority to and
benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/186,944, which is incorporated herein
by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to pillows, particularly
pillows which are designed to accommodate the legs of a person
during rest.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recently there has been renewed interest in the design of
specialized pillows for improved comfort and to provide medical
benefits. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 "Adjustable cervical
pillow with depressions for a user's ear;" U.S. Pat. No. D416,742
"Adjustable pillow;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,880 "Adjustable cervical
pillow with depressions for a user's ears;" and U.S. Pat. No.
5,781,947 "Adjustable cervical pillow with depressions for a user's
ears;" all by Sramek, provide fundamental advances in head and neck
pillow designs, providing pillows that improve comfort, reduce
snoring and which can reduce incidence of sleep apnea.
[0004] In addition to pillows Which serve to cushion the head of a
user, pillows are often used to cushion other parts of a user's
anatomy during rest or sleep. For example, standard bed pillows are
often used under the knees or between the legs of a user to provide
general comfort while sleeping. This can lead to improper spinal
alignment, undue pressure on the knees and ankles or other unwanted
effects.
[0005] Specialized pillows for aligning the lower back which are
designed to fit under and between a user's legs have been proposed
(e.g., Stokes, U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,453), but these pillows are
relatively complicated, involving several pieces and, in some
cases, extending well above the body of a user, e.g., while lying
supine. This makes it awkward to use the pillow when bedcovers are
in place.
[0006] Similarly, several pillows which are designed to fit between
or under a user's legs are commercially available, including: the
"knee pillow" from Burbank Valley Products
(www.burbankvalley.com/knee.htlm); the "Angel Foam.TM. knee pillow"
(www.janlee.comlkneepillow.htm); the "Contour Cloud.TM."
(www.feelgoodfast.com); the Ortho Support Buddy.TM. pillow, the
Ortho Support Ortho Adjustable Knee Cushion.TM. pillow, and the Bed
Wedge Leg Support.TM. Cushion, all now or formerly available from
Self Care (www.selfcare.com or www.gaiam.com); and the Contour Leg
Pillow (www.comfort-trac.com). However, these pillows generally
lack multipurpose functionality, i.e., the pillows are not
generally well-suited to alternate uses for different sleeping
positions (e.g., between the legs of a person when side-sleeping
and under the legs of a user when sleeping prone or supine).
Moreover, certain of these pillows can actually pull the spine out
of proper alignment during use.
[0007] Finally, specialized pillows which address post-surgical
recovery uses in the cases of back, hip, knee, ankle or foot
surgery are generally lacking.
[0008] The present invention provides simple and effective
knee/ankle alignment pillows which remedy the above noted
deficiencies in the prior art, providing comfort for the general
user during rest such as nightly sleep. The pillows of the
invention can also help speed recovery following back, knee, hip,
ankle or foot surgery and may provide pain relief to arthritis
sufferers. Further details regarding the structure function and
manufacture of the pillows of the invention will be apparent upon
review of the following.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides pillows which fit and/or
elevate the legs of a user during use of the pillow, in supine,
side sleeping and prone positions. The pillow comprises a resilient
body structure comprising a first groove extending longitudinally
through an inward or central region of a first side of the body and
a second groove opposed to the first groove on a second side of the
body. The first and second grooves are each contoured to receive a
leg of a person, e.g., when the pillow is fitted between the legs
of the user.
[0010] Typically, the resilient body structure has an upper face,
which includes a first sloping region and a second sloping region.
The first and second sloping regions are at least partly separated
on the upper face by an upper face groove extending longitudinally
along an at least partly inward region of the upper face, e.g.,
where the first and second sloping regions are each at least
partially outwardly sloped from an outer region of the upper face
towards the inward region of the upper face.
[0011] The resilient body also typically includes a bottom face
opposite the upper face. Most typically, the top and bottom faces
of the body are symmetrical. Thus, the bottom face typically has a
third sloping region and a fourth sloping region, which are
separated on the bottom face by a bottom face groove extending
longitudinally along an at least partly inward region of the bottom
face. The bottom face grove is typically opposed to the upper face
groove on opposite sides of the resilient body structure, where the
third and fourth sloping regions are each at least partly outwardly
sloped from an outer region of the bottom face towards the inward
region of the bottom face. The upper face and bottom face grooves
are each contoured to receive a leg of a user, e.g., when side
sleeping.
[0012] A typical configuration of the pillow body is a double-lobed
or double-wedged structure with the lobes or wedges (which can
include flat or curved surfaces) being joined at edges of the
grooves. Thus, in one embodiment, the body has a first resilient
lobe or wedge structure that extends from a first edge of the upper
face groove to a first edge of the bottom face groove. In this
embodiment, the lobe or wedge includes the first and third sloping
regions. Similarly, a second resilient lobe or wedge structure that
extends from a second edge of the upper face groove to a second
edge of the bottom face groove can be included, e.g., in which the
lobe or wedge includes the second and fourth sloping regions. The
lobes or wedges can be adjustable.
[0013] Thus, in one embodiment, the first and third sloping regions
form a first wedge or lobe while the second and fourth sloping
regions form a second wedge or lobe. The first and second wedges or
lobes are formed in opposite orientations, with opposing grooves
connecting the opposing wedges/lobes. Advantageously, the slopes
and dimensions of the first, second, third and fourth sloping
regions are selected to provide support to the legs of a user when
sleeping in a supine or prone position.
[0014] A variety of basic configurations of the sloping regions can
be adopted. For example, the slope of the first and second sloping
regions are most typically equal, but can also be different.
Similarly, the slope of the third and fourth sloping regions are
typically equal, but can differ. In one typical embodiment, the
pillow is symmetrical, and, thus, the slope of the first, second,
third and fourth sloping regions are equal. However, one or more
portions of the pillow body is/are optionally non-symmetrical.
[0015] While the pillow body is typically formed from a single
piece of resilient material, it can also be formed from multiple
pieces of one or more resilient materials. The body can also
incorporate features for customizing the pillow to an individual
user, or which modify the function of the basic pillow design. For
example, the body optionally includes a tear away portion, an
inflatable portion, a re-attachment portion, or an adjustable
portion. For example, to properly size the pillow for a user, the
pillow can be formed of abutting tear away sections that provide
for easy overall size (e.g., length) adjustment of the pillow.
Similarly, inflatable portions can be used to modify the dimensions
of the pillow to fit a particular user. Other adjustable portions
(e.g., adhesive (e.g., hook and loop (e.g., Velcro.TM.) fasteners
can be used to provide for the addition to or removal from
components of the basic pillow design.
[0016] Methods of manufacturing the pillows, e.g., by providing the
elements of the pillows in operable combination, are provided.
Typically, the body structure is fabricated by injection molding,
e.g., of a urethane foam, or by die (or "contour") cutting a
urethane blank. The pillow can also be provided in customizable
form, providing for use of tear-away sections or inflatable
portions to provide the final pillow body configuration.
[0017] The body can be made from any material typically used in
pillow construction, including, e.g., plastic foam, urethane foam,
feathers, natural fibers, etc. Most typically, the pillows of the
invention are made from one or more urethane foam(s), although
other resilient man made and natural materials are also
appropriate. Commonly, the urethane or other foam is shaped into
pillow components using a cavity molding or free-rise molding
process, or by cutting (e.g., die cutting) a foam blank to a
desired size and shape. Most commonly, foams used for the pillow
components of the invention will be standard polyurethane foams,
though more advanced "memory" foams such as TEMPER FOAM.RTM.,
MEMORY FOAM.RTM., MEMORY FLEX.RTM. and VISCO ELASTIC.RTM. can also
be used for all or a portion of the pillow body.
[0018] Uses of the pillows and of the manufacturing methods herein
are provided. Kits comprising the elements of the pillows in
conjunction with, e.g., packaging materials and assembly
instructions are provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0019] FIG. 1, panels A-G are schematic drawings of a pillow of the
invention, along with a user showing use of the pillow in supine,
side sleeping and prone positions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] The knee-ankle pillows of the invention are designed to fit
the legs of a user, particularly between and including the knees
and ankles of the user. The pillows provide enhanced knee, ankle
and leg comfort, as well as improved spinal alignment, when
compared to placing a standard pillow between the legs of the user.
The pillows are designed to provide support between the legs (e.g.,
when side sleeping), or under the legs (e.g., when the user is in a
prone or supine position).
[0021] While the majority of users are accommodated with a single
unit pillow body, or simply by varying the sizes of such a body
(e.g., providing small, medium, large and extra large pillows), the
pillows are optionally individually customizable and can include
multiple components. For example, the pillows can be individually
configured for optimal comfort, optionally including features such
as tear-away portions, inflatable portions, adhesive portions,
attachable portions (e.g., hook and loop (VELCRO.TM.) systems), or
the like.
[0022] Typically, the materials used in the pillow bodies are of a
suitable density and compressibility to support one or both of a
person's legs. The pillows of the invention are optionally made
from one or more of a variety of resilient materials, such as
man-made plastic foams (e.g., polyurethanes), feathers (e.g., goose
or duck down) or natural fibers (e.g., cotton, kapok, or the like).
Preferably, the pillows of the invention are made from any of a
variety of resilient urethane foams, e.g., by molding polyurethane
in a cast, or, even more commonly, by contour (die)-cutting the
polyurethane from a larger resilient polyurethane foam blank.
[0023] "Resilient" pillow component materials are those which
compress or flex with the application of pressure (e.g., the weight
of a person's leg or body applied to the component during use).
Resilient components tend to return to approximately the same shape
when the pressure is removed from the component.
[0024] Materials with shape memory, i.e., which retain the shape of
a pressure imprint for a time, slowly returning to approximately
the shape of the component prior to the application of pressure,
are considered "resilient" materials for purposes of this
disclosure. Examples of such materials include polyurethane
isocyanate foam components which conform to a person's legs at body
temperature and/or under body weight pressure, but which gradually
return to an original shape after the person's legs are removed
from the component and/or the component cools to room temperature
(certain forms of such foams soften with temperature, while others
do not). Similarly, down or natural fiber pillow components which
are quilted or packed to retain a given shape are "resilient"
materials for purposes of this disclosure.
[0025] It is expected that one of skill is fully aware of
manufacturing methods for making and shaping resilient polyurethane
foams. A general introduction to the manufacture of plastics in
general, and urethane foams in particular is found in Kirk-Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology third and fourth editions, esp.
volumes 18 and volume 23, Martin Grayson, Executive Editor,
Wiley-Interscience, John Wiley and Sons, NY, and in the references
cited therein ("Kirk-Othmer").
[0026] Resilient flexible urethane foams are typically processed
into pillow components, or blanks from which these components are
cut using known techniques such as "die" or "contour" cutting.
These techniques can include, e.g., free rise processing,
extrusion, cavity molding, injection molding, structural foam
molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, calendaring,
thermosetting, reaction injection molding, and the like. See,
Kirk-Othmer, supra.
[0027] The physical properties of urethane foams such as
indentation force deflection (IFD), modulus (i.e., Young's modulus;
stress =force/area; the resulting relative change in size is termed
strain and the modulus of elasticity =stress/strain) and rebound
depend on, e.g., the density of the foam, the catalyst used to set
the foam, the presence of surfactant in the foam, the presence of
polyols and isocyanates and the type of mixing. A variety of
manufacturing techniques are known for both thermoplastic and
thermosetting urethanes, and polyurethanes and associated solvents,
reagents, catalysts and the like are commercially available from J.
P. Stevens (East Hampton, Mass. as well as many other commercial
sources such as Akzo, BASF, Dow, Mobay, Olin, Rubicon, Upjohn,
Bayer, Takeda, Veba, Eastman, Sun Oil, and other manufacturers
known to persons of skill. See also, Kirk Othmer, id.
[0028] For example, in the free rise process, the chemical
components of the urethane foam are mixed, e.g., in a vat or in a
slip-form mold where they foam and rise. Bales of the foam are cut
into blanks and milling is performed using a cutting tool such as a
"contour" or "die" cutter (or, even, optionally, by hand cutting
the blank). The die or contour cutter performs a set cutting
operation, by a combination of the shape of the cutting heads and
the movement instructions provided to the cutting heads, to produce
a pillow body having a given shape.
[0029] In the cavity molding process, a shaped cavity is made,
e.g., from fiberglass or aluminum. The chemical components of the
urethane foam are sprayed into the shaped cavity, where they expand
to fit the shaped cavity. The cavity is then opened, and the shaped
foam is released.
[0030] While the pillows of the invention are typically made from
low-cost foams to reduce manufacturing costs, the foams used in the
pillow can be made from a higher grade of foam such as a "memory"
foam. One of skill can make such foams using known techniques, and
several suitable classes of foams are commercially available, such
as TEMPER FOAM.RTM. (available, e.g., from Kees Goebel Medical,
Hamilton, Ohio), MEMORY FOAM.RTM., MEMORY FLEX.RTM., and VISCO
ELASTIC.RTM. (all available, e.g., from North Carolina Foam, Inc.,
Mount Airy, N.C., as well as a variety of other commercial
sources).
[0031] Optional inflatable portions of the pillows of the invention
can include air or fluid bladders, e.g., comprising reinforcing
regions for controlling expansion and the shapes of the bladders
resulting from expansion. For example, nylon mesh or other
synthetic materials can be incorporated into the bladders. The main
portion of an air (or hydraulic) bladder is made from rubber,
plastic, or any other air (or water or other fluid)-tight
inflatable material.
[0032] In one embodiment, the pillows of the invention have an
absorptive pillow covering encasing the pillow body. This
absorptive covering can be made from a bacteriocidal fabric such as
STAPH-CHECK.RTM.. The pillow, with or without an absorptive
covering is often used in conjunction with a loose-fitting pillow
case. In one embodiment, the pillow case is made from a silk,
cotton, synthetic or blended fabric.
[0033] The invention is illustrated with reference to FIG. 1,
panels A-G. As depicted, FIG. 1A provides a top perspective view of
one embodiment of the pillow body. FIG. 1B provides a
cross-sectional end view of the pillow body. FIG. 1C provides a top
view of the pillow body. FIG. 1D provides a side view of the pillow
body.
[0034] FIG. 1E provides a view of the pillow in use by a user who
is resting on the user's side, e.g., in a side-sleeping position.
This fixes the knees and ankles of the user in an aligned position,
resulting in proper pelvic and spinal alignment. FIG. 1F provides a
view of the pillow in use by a user sleeping or resting supine
(face up), with the pillow supporting the upper legs of the user.
This eliminates knee hyperextension and preserves correct lordosis
(curvature) in the lower spine. FIG. 1G provides a view of the
pillow in use by a user sleeping in a prone (face down) position,
with the pillow supporting the lower legs of the user to reduce
stress on the feet and ankles of the user when sleeping prone. This
lifts the lower legs of the user preventing hyperextension of the
knees and preserving correct lordosis of the lower spine.
[0035] As shown, pillow body 1 comprises upper face (central)
groove 20 on upper pillow face 25. Groove 20 is formed along an
inward portion of pillow face 25, i.e., a portion that extends
between outer face regions 22 and 24. That is, while groove 20
extends to end edge 33 and end edge 34, the groove is inward from
outer face regions 22 and 24. Thus, a pillow face or body region is
"inward" if it is located between at least two outer regions (e.g.,
opposing regions) of the pillow face or body.
[0036] As depicted, pillow body 1 is symmetrical, comprising
central groove 30 on bottom face 35, with the bottom face having
the same features as the upper face. This symmetry is further
illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[0037] It will be understood that the use of the terms "upper" and
"bottom" with respect to the faces of the pillow are intended to
facilitate discussion, rather than to limit the positioning of the
pillow, or to necessarily indicate a particular orientation of the
components. That is, the upper face may actually be the bottom of
the pillow during use and vice-versa, depending on the position of
the pillow during use. Of course the upper and bottom faces may
actually be vertical faces as well, e.g., if the pillow is held in
a vertical orientation.
[0038] Resilient curved wedge portions 40 and 50 are depicted,
e.g., in FIG. 1B. As shown, the portions are formed in partly
curved wedge shapes that include sloped regions 60, 70, 80, and 90.
As shown, the sloped regions slope outward, that is, the thickest
point of the wedges is towards the center of the pillow, with the
outer edges being less thick. The wedges are partly curved in that
outer regions 22 and 24 form a curve from the top to the bottom of
the pillow body, rather than coming to a point. In other
embodiments, the regions are still more curved, making the shapes
more lobe-like than wedge like. The precise angle of the wedges or
lobes (and, thus, the slopes of the sloped regions) varies
depending on the application. For example, if greater lifting of
the legs during supine or prone sleeping is desired, the angle
(and/or thickness of the wedges) can be increased. The slopes of
the sloped regions typically range from between about 5.degree. and
about 45.degree. above horizontal. Resilient wedges 40 and 50 can
have essentially flat sloped regions as depicted, or the sloped
regions can be more rounded, resulting in a more lobed or bulbous
appearance.
[0039] FIG. 1E shows the pillow in use by a user sleeping in a
side-sleeping position. As shown, user's right leg 100 fits into
groove 20, including the joints of user knee 110 and ankle 120.
Right leg 100 is partly separated from left leg 130 (which fits
into groove 30 on the bottom face of the pillow) by lobe/wedge 40.
Thus, as shown, when lying in a side-sleeping position, grooves 20
and 30 receive the legs of the user, e.g., in the region from the
knee (or slightly above the knee) to the ankle. As depicted, the
pillow is about 20-30 (e.g., about 24) inches long; however, this
length can easily be customized to a length of the leg of the user.
The knee of the user can fit into grooves 20 and 30, or a widened
portion of the groove at one end of the pillow body can be provided
to permit partial rotation of the knee. Of course, a slightly
widened region can also be provided at the other end of the pillow
to provide for partial rotation of the ankle.
[0040] FIG. 1F depicts a user resting supine with the weight of the
user's legs partly compressing the pillow (e.g., lobe 40). As
depicted, the user's legs are held in a more comfortable position
that avoids knee hyper-extension and which preserves correct
lordosis in the lower spine. As shown, when lying supine, lobe
portion 40 is compressed relative to lobe 50, thereby preserving
lordosis in the lower spine and providing comfortable support to
the legs of the user. Compression of the pillow by the user's legs
is slightly exaggerated for purposes of illustration.
[0041] Similarly, FIG. 1G further shows compression of wedge 40
when the user is lying prone, again preventing stress on the feet
and hyperextension of the knees while preserving correct lordosis
of the spine. Again, compression of the pillow by the user's legs
is slightly exaggerated for purposes of illustration.
[0042] As depicted, the wedge portions are typically about 3-5
inches thick at the thickest point, but this thickness can be
customized to the size of the user, either by providing different
molds or different cutting instructions to produce pillows with
different heights, or, e.g., by providing tear-away foam pieces
(e.g., which optionally include perforations) which can be removed
or attached (e.g., using VELCRO.TM.) to the main pillow body to
adjust the overall size or shape of the pillow body. Similarly, the
lobe/wedge regions (or the grooves) can include inflatable bladders
to customize any portion of the pillow to the user.
[0043] The foregoing description of the device of the invention is
illustrative and not limiting. All publications, patents, patent
applications and other documents cited herein are incorporated by
reference for all purposes to the extent as if each were
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
* * * * *
References