U.S. patent application number 10/403586 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for multi-use support pillow.
Invention is credited to Guarino, Joseph Francesco.
Application Number | 20030208846 10/403586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29406718 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030208846 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guarino, Joseph Francesco |
November 13, 2003 |
Multi-use support pillow
Abstract
A single piece, multi-use support pillow with curved ends of
varying heights (28 and 34) and dual inclined support surfaces (22)
designed to contour and support differing parts of a human body,
which helps to maintain proper body alignment with even
distribution of weight throughout muscular/skeletal system of an
individual. The support pillow provides support with a contour fit
for potentially all of the following areas: head, neck, shoulders,
torso, back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes.
Inventors: |
Guarino, Joseph Francesco;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph F. Guarino
4200 Lockfield St. #701
Houston
TX
77092
US
|
Family ID: |
29406718 |
Appl. No.: |
10/403586 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60371082 |
Apr 9, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 ; 5/632;
5/648 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/026 20130101;
A61G 7/065 20130101; A47C 20/021 20130101; A47G 9/10 20130101; A61G
7/0755 20130101; A47G 9/109 20130101; A47G 2009/1018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/636 ; 5/648;
5/632 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An article of support for human body, comprising: (a) an
inclined-support surface, and (b) a high-curved end (c) support and
alignment means for lower leg and trunk of human body.
2. An article of support for human body, comprising: (a) a
low-curved end, (b) an inclined-support surface, and (d) a
high-curved end and (e) support means for selected area of body
coverage from group consisting of head, neck, shoulders, torso,
back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes resting on top
and along said inclined support surface.
3. An article for human bodily support comprising: (a) an
inclined-support surface and (b) a side-edge (c) support means for
human head on top and along said inclined support surface and side
edge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/371,082 filed on Apr. 9, 2002.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Field of Invention
[0005] The invention relates to multi-use, body support pillows,
specifically improving on previous work in the field and having an
additional, novel utility for lower leg support and body alignment
while resting in a horizontal bodily position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] For many years inventors and laypersons have attempted to
find improved ways to achieve a more peaceful and pain-free lateral
resting position. They have done so with the hopes of lessening
issues of tossing and turning, discomfort, unease, or resultant
bodily pain. These issues are associated with each of the three
different, main resting positions: either on one's side, stomach,
or back. (It might also be helpful to note that within each of
these three main resting positions, there are varying degrees of
positioning that also lead to the same or similar issues for which
we seek resolution.) For each of these main resting positions,
there arise different issues with which to contend, all of which
have been associated primarily and more specifically with back,
hip, or neck discomfort. In part, these discomforts are caused by
the incongruencies between the flat resting surface and the natural
curvatures of the body, combined with the affects of gravity.
Resolving these discomforts has and still remains to be one of the
major objectives for those inventors who work in the current field.
It is clear there is still a great need for additional resolution
to these incongruencies. This can be easily seen by the continuing
actions of many persons in the world who are still searching for
ways to achieve a better night's sleep, as well as the millions who
are still waking every day with body pains. While resting on one's
side, the leg that is non-adjacent to the resting surface, the
"top" leg, will drop to the resting surface resulting in a downward
pull on the top of the hip or lower-back, whereby potential
discomfort is caused in both areas. Also, it will always be the
case with this resting position that there is an uneven or
asymmetrical distribution of weight on the body from the affects of
gravity, which can lead to discomfort, unease, or poor muscular and
skeletal alignment. There is no way to totally resolve this
situation, unless we learn how to stop the affects of gravity on
the body altogether. However, there is assistance in the current
art for persons who choose to rest on his or her side.
[0007] A support designed to fit between the legs for elevation
helps achieve a more even lateral upper leg, hip, and back
alignment. Some of the current art does this, but many do not
provide support for the lower part of the leg. This being the case,
the lower leg will still pull down on the area above the knee
region, which potentially causes a similar problem to the original
one, albeit it possibly with less intensity of resultant
discomfort. There still remains a great potential for resultant
discomfort on the knee, thigh and hip region instead of the lower
back under such circumstances. The original issue might be resolved
to some extent, but new ones arise because of these
`half-solutions`. It is also clear that much of the prior art does
not allow for versatility in use for other areas of the body (i.e.,
head, neck, back, hips, thighs, ankles, feet, and more) and limits
maneuverability of the user, while being offered as a single unit
design.
[0008] While resting on one's back, the primary discomfort is found
in the lower back region, with potential discomfort all the way up
into the neck. The primary cause for the lower back discomfort is
the shape of the lower spinal curvature and the flat resting
surface. This natural body curvature prevents an even distribution
of body weight on the resting, support surface, which subsequently
leads to muscular or skeletal discomfort. Attempts to solve this
problem have been made by placing a support for elevation
underneath the back of the thighs. This means of support helps
rotate the buttocks and hips upward and pulls the lower spine
curvature downward, which allows the lower back region to rest more
evenly on the resting surface area, thus lessening the strain on
the lower-back muscles and spine. Many inventions in the current
art provide such support, but lack versatility of use or are very
bulky in size, which takes away from the maneuverability of the
user. When not in use, storage of such items is aesthetically
unpleasing or inconvenient for the user.
[0009] Resting on one's stomach has been primarily linked to back
and hip discomfort, yet this resting position, if the body is
aligned symmetrically, allows for an even distribution of weight
throughout the entire body. Symmetrical body positioning and even
weight distribution are desirable, as the muscular and skeletal
pressures are the same on both sides or halves of the body,
allowing for even stress from the affects of gravity on the body as
a system, which simultaneously grows or repairs itself during the
resting period. Also, in this resting position, most, but not all,
of the body is capable of resting evenly on the resting surface,
and this is where the identification of original discomfort is
identified. The eventual tossing and turning or lower back or hip
discomfort, stress, or pain associated with this resting position
can be identified and understood through a process-oriented
perspective, which is described in the next few paragraphs.
[0010] In the stomach resting position, most of the trunk and lower
body will lie evenly on the resting surface, but the top of the
delicate toes and feet will carry the burden of the weight of the
lower leg. The shin, foot, and ankle areas are incapable of resting
flat or evenly along the resting surface. This happens due to the
inability of most persons to fully straighten the ankle in respect
to the shin. This leads to eventual discomfort in the top of the
delicate toes, feet, or ankles.
[0011] The body then compensates by pivoting one or both of the
ankles to the side, and because everything in the body is
connected, the rest of the leg and hip pivot to the side as well.
The discomfort is alleviated in the foot area, but new discomforts
arise in the hips or lower-back due to asymmetry in body
positioning and weight distribution, or the unnatural positioning
of having both legs pivoted out at close to a 90 degree angle
starting at the ankles. With this new set of circumstantial
discomforts, the body does not return to the original point of
discomfort, but generally compensates again with an upward movement
of one of the legs, thereby temporarily relieving the static
position associated with the discomfort in the hip or lower-back
regions. Unfortunately, this only increases the asymmetry of body
positioning with greater likelihood of discomfort and potential
bodily pains with every inch of leg movement upward, because the
amount of asymmetry is increased as the leg moves up and away from
the body, along with an increased lack of support with upward torso
elevation away from the support surface. The cycle is set in motion
until the person turns completely over onto the side, which brings
into play an entirely new set of circumstantial discomforts.
[0012] While resting on one's side, as stated previously, because
of the totally asymmetrical position of the body and the apparent
irresolvable affects of gravity, discomfort will arise for most
persons, at which point the person will either turn over onto the
back (again with a new set of circumstantial discomforts as
described above), onto the opposite side with only temporary
relief, or return to resting on the stomach. The vicious cycle
continues with tossing and turning all night, which takes away from
the quality of rest the body needs, all with discomfort and
potentially resultant bodily pains within and upon rising from the
resting context.
[0013] Hence, from a process-oriented perspective, we can identify
the originating point(s) for discomfort and understand how the
subsequent byproduct of tossing and turning, unease, or bodily
pains are caused, in which case a proper solution can be devised
and offered to help persons achieve a healthier and more peaceful
period of rest.
[0014] Until now, attempts at resolution have been aimed at
fighting the byproduct, instead of attacking the root causal
factor. This is one of the greatest unmet needs of today's current
art. In fact, several of the prior inventions actually teach away
from resting on the stomach. U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,124 to Klemis
(1993) is explicitly designed for the purpose of preventing a
person from resting on his or her stomach. Additionally, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,182,314 BI to Frydman (2001) states that one of the
objectives of the invention is to inhibit an individual from lying
on his or her stomach.
[0015] With all of these aforementioned resting positions there are
associated head or neck discomforts. The current field has found
numerous ways of supporting the head and neck in differing
positions to resolve potential discomfort, but there are drawbacks
that pertain to versatility of the head support overall, which
essentially locks the user into one or two resting positions alone.
An example of this is U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,401 B1 to Frydman (2002),
which has two curved sides for a person to rest either on his or
her side or back, but lacks the versatility to be used while
resting on the stomach. This support pillow also lacks
`flipability` for equal use on either side of the support surface,
and can only be used on one side.
[0016] Generally, most inventions until now have addressed only
part of the problem with limited areas of body coverage and lack
the proper intervention point(s) at which the goal of a more
peaceful period of rest can be accomplished, while allowing for
versatility of use and maneuverability of the user, and while
simultaneously maintaining desired comfort levels. Further
drawbacks include bulkiness of invention, expense of manufacturing
(equals end-user expense), inadequate support, or lack of ease in
storing support object when not in use.
[0017] This field is crowded with many pillows, mattresses,
cushions, and wedges made of gelatin, liquid, or air filled for the
head, neck, torso, back, hips, thighs, knees, feet, and ankles. Not
one of the prior art inventions is, by design, used potentially for
all these different areas of the body, while in any lateral resting
position, and offered as a single-piece unit.
[0018] In regard to mattresses, U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,573 to Fiore
(1987) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,615 to Geary (1974) show attempts by
the inventors to help support either the ankles and foot area,
lower-back, or head and neck areas. Both inventions provide a
limited amount of maneuverability by the users (i.e., user cannot
rest in a diagonal position in respect to the mattress itself).
Other obvious drawbacks to both of these examples of mattresses
will be the expense, bulkiness of unit, and lack of versatility in
use.
[0019] In respect to the torso area body of coverage, U.S. Pat. No.
5,245,719 to Ott (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,519 to Mintz (1996)
are both very bulky units that restrict the ways in which the body
may be positioned and lack versatility in use.
[0020] In respect to back of the thigh elevation for lower-back
support, U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,108 to Chapman (1984) is limited in
that the support continues down toward the ankle area thereby
losing the leg's potential for side-to-side pivoting, as well as
locking the user into one resting position alone. Another set of
examples is U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,979 to Nennhaus (1992) and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,497,520 to Kunz et al. (1996). The size of both units is
very large and bulky, and essentially restricts the range of
movements of the user. This limits the user to one body position
alone, negating the possibility of laying on the side or stomach.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,153 to Amioka (1998) and U.S. Pat. No.
5,878,453 to Stokes (1999) both exemplify attempts to solve the
lower-back issue through thigh elevation support means, but lock
the user into one resting position, thus limiting the users
maneuverability on the resting surface and lacks versatility of
use.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,314 B1 to Frydman (2001) instantiates a
support means for elevation of the upper thighs for lower-back
support and alignment while resting on one's back, as well as a
different use of placing the support between the knees and legs for
lateral body alignment while resting on one's side. It comprises
versatile elevation through removable/attachable layers for varying
sizes and comfort of the user, which in itself is an agreeable way
to help more people, but the user must change the elevation of the
unit outside the resting context, which adds to complexity of use
and makes it more probable that the user will be aroused from an
potentially otherwise more restful state. A more agreeable means of
providing size and comfort versatility would be to allow the user
to be able to simply and easily adjust for different size and
comfort levels inside the resting position with a mere shift of the
support structure in respect to the body. In respect to resting on
the side, this item only supports the thighs and does not allow the
user to support the entire leg, which leads to potential
discomfort, as described above, in the knee and hip areas. This
item also lacks the versatility of use while resting on the
stomach, and as also mentioned above, teaches away from resting on
the stomach.
[0022] As one can see, this crowded field still has a long-time,
unresolved need for those who choose to rest on the stomach, which
several persons in the prior art have explicitly taught away from,
implicitly stating a perception that this resting position as an
irresolvable problem. As we will see with the current invention,
this does not have to be the case.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Objects and Advantages
[0023] Accordingly, objects and advantages of the current invention
are as follows:
[0024] (a) to provide a support pillow for the lower leg that
allows an individual to rest on the stomach with less tossing and
turning, discomfort, or pain resultant from the initial point of
discomfort on the top of the delicate toes and foot while in a
correct, symmetrical bodily alignment position;
[0025] (b) to provide a support pillow for between-the-legs
placement that will allow an individual resting on his or her side
to achieve full lower leg support for lateral bodily alignment,
while simultaneous providing ease in adjustability within the
resting context and in body positioning;
[0026] (c) to provide a support pillow that will allow an
individual to rest on his or her back with under-the-thigh
elevation, which will pivot the hips upward and drop the lower-back
downward for more even weight distribution and support on the flat
resting surface, thus reducing stress on the lower-back area;
[0027] (d) to provide a support pillow with greater overall
versatility, which is capable of supporting the body at the head,
neck, shoulders, back, torso, thighs, shins, ankles, feet, or toes
while resting on the side, back, or stomach (and varying degrees
between these positions) in a single piece unit or in combination
of two or more single units;
[0028] (e) to provide a support pillow that allows for greater
overall user maneuverability along the resting surface;
[0029] (f) to provide a laterally `flipable` support pillow that
can be used on either side equally;
[0030] (g) to provide a non-bulky, easy-to-use support pillow for
all the identified resting positions;
[0031] (h) to provide a support pillow with a strong side edge that
will support the head and allow for clear, unobstructed nasal
passageway while resting on one's stomach; and
[0032] (i) to provide a relatively inexpensive multi-use support
pillow, which potentially allows a greater amount of people to gain
from the benefits of the invention.
[0033] Furthermore, this invention provides numerous advantages,
translating into higher quality in terms of functional versatility,
over prior art for certain uses in all main regions of the body. It
provides satisfaction and resolution for an existing unmet need,
which is more comfortable resting support and posture for those who
wish to rest on the stomach.
SUMMARY
[0034] The current invention improves on current art in the areas
of the toes, ankles, feet, shins, thighs, back, torso, shoulders,
neck, and head support pillows for those who choose to rest on the
side, stomach, back, or throughout the range of different possible
resting positions between said positions. The novel use of
redistributing the main pressure on the top of the delicate toes
and feet to the shin, ankle, and foot, while resting on the
stomach, allows the user to maintain a symmetrical body positioning
throughout the resting period. In doing so, this allows the user to
circumvent the resultant, byproduct discomforts in the hips and
back areas.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0035] FIG. 1 exemplifies a perspective view of the support
pillow.
[0036] FIG. 2A exemplifies a side view of a person resting on the
stomach with an inability to completely straighten the foot in
respect to the shin.
[0037] FIG. 2B exemplifies a side view of the toe, foot, and ankle
support use while resting on one's stomach.
[0038] FIG. 3 exemplifies a side/over view of the torso support use
for a person resting on an inclined stomach-to-side resting
position.
[0039] FIG. 4 exemplifies a side view of the face-angled down, head
and neck support use while resting on one's stomach.
[0040] FIG. 5 exemplifies a side view of a low-curved-end head
support use while resting on one's stomach.
[0041] FIG. 6 exemplifies a side view of the high-curved-end neck
and head support use while resting on one's side.
[0042] FIG. 7 exemplifies a side view of the between the thighs,
knees, and ankles support use while resting on one's side.
[0043] FIG. 8A exemplifies a side view of a person resting on his
or her back with the lower spinal curvature's inability to lay
evenly on the resting surface.
[0044] FIG. 8B exemplifies a side view of the under-the-thigh,
lower-back support use while resting on one's back.
[0045] FIG. 9 exemplifies a side view of the high-curved end neck
and head support use while resting on one's back.
[0046] FIG. 10 exemplifies a side view of the inclined head, neck,
or shoulder support use while resting on one's back.
[0047] FIG. 11 exemplifies a perspective view of one possible
alternative embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 12 exemplifies a perspective view of another possible
alternative embodiment.
1 DRAWINGS--Referenced Numerals 20 - Low-curved end 28 -
High-curved end height 22 - Inclined support surface 30 - Support
width 24 - Side edge 32 - Support Length 25 - Support pillow 34 -
Low-curved end height 26 - High-curved end
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] FIGS. 1-10--Preferred Embodiments
[0050] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, FIGS.
1-10, the invention is generally embodied in a support pillow 25
made of foam. FIG. 1 shows the support pillow 25 as a single piece
unit with a inclined support surface 22, spanning a support width
30 between two concave shaped surface ends, a high-curved end 26
and a low-curved end 20 of differing heights, a high-curved end
height 28 and a low-curved end height 34 respectively. At each end
of the support pillow 25 along a support length 32, there is a side
edge 24. The generally preferred embodiment is estimated at 25
inches for the support length 32, 13.5 inches for the support width
30, 31/2 inches for the high-curved end height 28, % an inch at the
low-curved end height 34, and 90 degree angled side edge 24.
[0051] Operation--FIGS. 1-10--Preferred Embodiment
[0052] The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-10 with all
corresponding uses for each different resting position. There are
several ways the present invention can be used for each resting
position, which will be described as either resting on a user's
side, back, or stomach (and potentially differing degrees of
resting positions between them, FIG. 7) for the corresponding areas
of body coverage.
[0053] In general, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, for all uses the
high-curved end 26 and the low-curved end 20 are each symmetrical,
which allows for the support pillow 25 to be used on either side.
Thus, the support pillow 25 can be "flipped" over laterally and
used on either side with equal functionality on both sides.
[0054] More specifically, when opting to rest on one's stomach,
there are numerous potential uses for the support pillow 25,
illustrated in FIGS. 2B-5.
[0055] FIG. 2A shows the normal inability of most persons to fully
straighten the foot in respect to the shin, which would allow him
or her to rest the lower leg more evenly across the resting
surface. This inability leads to potential discomfort in the toes,
feet, or ankles.
[0056] The first operational description, shown in FIG. 2B, will
cover the novel approach of creating a more comfortable and
appropriate bodily position for those who wish to rest on the
stomach. Even though many persons have described this resting
position as irreconcilably troublesome, identifying the main point
of initial discomfort, which sets in motion the process of tossing
and turning leading to potential bodily aches and pains, is the key
first step to understanding this unmet need.
[0057] FIG. 2B shows the proper intervention point and device (the
support pillow 25) for resolution of this unmet need. The
low-curved end 20 curvature and the low-curved end height 34 allow
for a non-intrusive, comfortable contact point providing a
transition of weight of the lower leg onto the inclined support
surface 22. The weight from the lower legs is distributed more
evenly across the inclined support surface 22 throughout the
support width 30 with an inclination in respect to the resting
surface due to the difference in the low-curved end height 34, the
high-curved end height 28, and the support width 30. The
high-curved end height 28 and the high-curved end 26 provide an
elevated curvature that contours to the ankles without restricting
the ankles' range of motion, thus providing support and
maneuverability for the user's lower leg. This resolves the
discomfort on the delicate foot and toes, thereby allowing the
individual to maintain a symmetrical trunk-to-lower body alignment
with an even distribution of weight on the body.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for
the torso region while opting to rest on the stomach-to-side. The
low-curved end 20 curvature and low-curved height 34 meet the
user's body in a non-intrusive, comfortable manner allowing the
torso area to rest on the inclined support surface 22 to whatever
degree of coverage chosen (between slight use to full torso
support). As the leg moves out and away from the body, the hip on
the same side as the projecting leg raises, creating a stressful
pull on the back or hip areas, which then lacks support. Inserting
the support pillow under the torso, especially the lower torso,
area helps reduce the stress in these areas. Due to the difference
in the high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height 34
along the support width 30, there exists an inclination of the
inclined support surface 22 of the support pillow 25, which can be
used for a variety of elevations, whereby the user chooses how much
support height he or she would like. The support width 30 and
support length 32 provide the user with versatility and
maneuverability with part or whole torso, back, and hip support and
comfort. Moving the support pillow down or the body upward can
provide support for the extending leg in part or in toto depending
on the user's desire.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25
while resting on one's stomach. The curvature of low-curved end 20
and low-curved height 34 meet the user's body in a non-intrusive,
comfortable manner allowing the head to rest on the inclined
support surface 22 and side edge 24. The user can move along the
support width 30 on the inclined support surface 22 and the side
edge 24 for varied chosen elevated support of the head or chest due
to the inclination derived from the difference in the low-curved
end height 34, the high-curved end height 28, and the support width
30. This allows the user great versatility and maneuverability
while using the support pillow 25 in this manner. This particular
use allows the user to maintain greater symmetrical upper body
head, neck, and upper back alignment, thus reducing strain on the
upper shoulder and neck regions. The user can also maintain a
variety of differing angles for supporting the head on the side
edge 24. The 90-degree angle of the side edge 24 allows the user to
overhang the nose, which supports the head and stimulates the nasal
passage, which helps open the nasal passage airway for clearer and
more open breathing.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25
while resting on one's stomach. The low-curved end 20 and
low-curved height 34 meet the user's body in a non-intrusive,
comfortable manner allowing the head to rest on the inclined
support surface 22. The user can move along the support width 30
and inclined support surface 22 for varied chosen elevated support
for the chest, neck, or head, due to the inclination derived from
the difference in the low-curved end height 34, the high-curved end
height 28, and the support width 30. This allows the user great
versatility and maneuverability while using the support pillow 25
in this manner.
[0061] When opting to rest on one's side, there are numerous
potential uses for the support pillow 25, illustrated in FIGS. 6
and 7.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a potential use of the support pillow 25
that provides a contoured support surface for the head and neck
while resting on one's side. The high-curved end height 28 and the
high-curved end 26 provide an elevated support surface and contour,
respectively, to comfortably support the neck while the head rests
on the inclined support surface 22, which has an actual declination
in respect to the high-curved end height 28 down toward the
low-curved end height 34. The support pillow 25 provides a
contoured support that allows an even distribution of weight of the
head and neck, as well as helping maintain head, neck, and spinal
alignment.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates the support pillow 25 used for body
alignment for the side resting position. Placed between the legs
along the support length 32, the support pillow 25 helps maintain a
lateral alignment of the legs, hips, and lower back of the body,
thereby reducing potential stress on these areas. The varying
height of the flat-raised support surface 22 throughout the support
width 30, due to the differences of the low-curved end height 34
and the high-curved end height 28, allows users of varying sizes to
choose the elevation of the entire leg region by simply sliding the
support pillow 25 toward (increasing the elevation) or away from
(decreasing the elevation) the body in respect to the front of the
legs or body. The low-curved end 20 allows the user a
non-intrusive, comfortable contact or insertion point between the
legs. For persons who wish to rest on his or her back, there are
additional potential uses for the support pillow seen in FIGS.
8B-10.
[0064] FIG. 8A is a side view of a person resting on the back with
the lower spinal curvature's inability to lay evenly on the resting
surface; thereby resulting in potential lower-back discomfort due
to lack of support of said area.
[0065] FIG. 8B illustrates the behind-the-thigh use of the support
pillow 25, which allows the body, in particular the lower-back
region, to align more evenly on the resting surface, thereby
alleviating some of the stress caused by the weight of the body
suspended above the resting surface, which lacks support. The
support pillow 25 comfortably meets the buttocks or back of the
upper thigh because of the design of the lower-curved end 20 and
the low-curved end height 34. The support pillow provides the
inclination of the inclined support surface 22 between the
low-curved end 20 and high-curved end 26 through the difference
between the high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height
34, along with the support width 30. The backs of the thighs rest
on the inclined support surface 22 up to the high-curved end 26.
The high-curved end 26 and the high-curved end height 28 provide a
curvature to help contour and support, respectively, the back of
the knee, which will be allowed to fall back comfortably and
naturally to the resting surface. The resultant elevation of the
thighs on the support pillow 25 pivots the buttock and hips
downward in respect to the body, which causes the lower-back region
to move down and align more evenly with the resting surface; thus
helping to alleviate potential lower-back discomfort due to the
natural curvature of the lower spine for more even weight
distribution on the resting surface.
[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for
neck and head support while resting on the back. The high-curved
end height 28 provides support to the neck's natural elevation and
the high-curved end 26 provides a curvature appropriate for
contoured support of the neck and head. The differences between the
high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height 34 along
the support width 30 creates a declination, in respect to the head
and neck regions, appropriate for the contour of the back of the
head and neck along and on top of the inclined support surface
22.
[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for
the head, neck, or shoulders while resting on the back. The support
pillow 25 meets the shoulders or neck at the lower-curved end 20,
which allows a non-intrusive, comfortable meeting point because of
the curvature shape of the lower-curved end 20 and the low-curved
end height 34. Due to the differences of the low-curved end height
34 and the high-curved end height 28, the user is now allowed to
rest more evenly on the support pillow 25, creating an even
distribution of weight of the head, neck or shoulders on the
inclined surface 22.
[0068] FIG. 11--Additional Embodiment
[0069] An additional embodiment of the support pillow 25 as shown
by FIG. 11 has a modification of the preferred embodiment in the
curvature of the high-curved end 26 and the low-curved end 20,
essentially displaying semi-arched curvature for half of the
high-curved end height 28 and semi-arched curvature for half of the
low-curved end height 28. This embodiment can be varied in support
width 30, support length 32, high-curved end height 28, and
low-curved end height 34, thus creating a potential change in the
angle of the inclined support surface 22. The side edge 24 remains
the same for all intended purposes.
[0070] FIG. 11--Operation--Additional Embodiment
[0071] This alternative embodiment is the same in terms of the
overall functional intent as the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-10),
except the support pillow has only one inclined support surface 22,
taking away from the ability to flip the support pillow 25. This
potentially allows the invention to be manufactured at a lower
cost, which will equal lower end-user cost.
[0072] FIG. 12--Additional Embodiment
[0073] FIG. 12 shows an additional embodiment of the support pillow
25 as a single piece unit with a inclined support surface 22,
spanning a support width 30 between two concave shaped surface
ends, a high-curved end 26 and a low-curved end 20 of differing
heights, a high-curved end height 28 and a low-curved end height 34
respectively. At each end of the support pillow 25 along a support
length 32, there is a side edge 24.
[0074] This additional embodiment of the support pillow 25 has a
modification in respect to the preferred and first additional
embodiments on the side edge 24 alone. The side edge now has a
curved edge instead of a 90-degree angle. All other elements remain
the same for this embodiment as the preferred embodiment (FIGS.
1-10).
[0075] FIG. 12--Operation--Additional Embodiment
[0076] Functionality of this alternative embodiment, FIG. 12, is
the same as the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-10), except the
support pillow 25 has a side edge 24 with a slight curvature used
for the facedown position, as seen in FIG. 9. This allows the user
to turn the head to differing degrees potentially more easily and
comfortably.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0077] Thus, the reader will see the multi-use support pillow
provides support for almost every area of the body, which will help
the user rest more evenly on the support surface, help align or
maintain proper body alignment while resting on the side, stomach,
or back, and help distribute weight more evenly throughout the
body.
[0078] By design this invention has multiple ramifications:
[0079] it can be used while resting on one's stomach under the
shin, ankle, and foot to support and distribute the weight on the
delicate toes and top of the foot more evenly across the lower leg,
which allows the person to maintain a totally symmetrical alignment
of the trunk and lower-body;
[0080] it can be used as a head, neck, or shoulder support pillow
for straightening or supporting the cervical alignment while
resting on the side, back, or stomach;
[0081] it can be used in conjunction with a conventional pillow to
raise the head in a more comfortable position for reading, watching
TV, or any other activity whereby the person would like the head to
be elevated and tilted forward for viewing;
[0082] it can be used as a torso pillow while laying on the side or
stomach to help support and distribute the weight on this area of
the body more evenly, thereby reducing stress on certain areas of
the torso, lower-back, or hips;
[0083] it can be used by persons who like to have something up
against the front part of the body while laying down ("hug
pillow");
[0084] it can be used to elevate the thigh region while laying on
one's back in order to pivot the hip area downward and upward in
respect to the body, which allows the lower lumbar area to shift
down toward the resting surface for more even distribution of body
weight, thus helping alleviate potential stress in the lower-back;
and
[0085] it can be used while a person is resting on the side by
positioning the support pillow between the legs to shift the hips
into a more evenly aligned body position, all the way from the hips
down to the ankles, which alleviates potential strain on the knees,
hips, and lower-back, and allows users of various sizes to select
level of comfort through the support's positioning.
[0086] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments alone, but to the contrary, is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit of the invention, which set forth in the appended
claims, and which scope is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures.
* * * * *