U.S. patent application number 11/135059 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for modular support pillow assembly.
Invention is credited to Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill.
Application Number | 20060260057 11/135059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37446915 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060260057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn; Steven B. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Modular support pillow assembly
Abstract
A support pillow assembly that has particular utility for
nursing mothers includes a support platform that is adapted to bear
against and conform to a user's anterior torso, a back support
member that is adapted to bear against and conform to a user's
posterior torso and releasable securing structure for firmly
securing the support platform and the back support member about the
user's torso. A washable pillow is removably secured to an upper
surface of the support platform by attachment structure such as a
zipper. The pillow may be used to support an infant either when it
is attached to the support platform or on its own when it is
disattached from the support platform. Both the support platform
and the back support member are preferably constructed so as to be
well-ventilated for the comfort of the user.
Inventors: |
Dunn; Steven B.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Hatherill; Mark; (Manhattan Beach,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBLE, YOSHIDA & DUNLEAVY
EIGHT PENN CENTER
SUITE 1350, 1628 JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
37446915 |
Appl. No.: |
11/135059 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ;
5/652.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 ;
005/652.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A support pillow assembly, comprising: a support platform;
securing means for securing said support platform to a user's
torso; and a removable pillow member releasably attached to said
support platform.
2. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
support platform is fabricated from a resiliently compressible
material.
3. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
securing means comprises a back support member that is adapted to
contact a posterior portion of a user's torso.
4. A support pillow assembly according to claim 3, wherein said
back support member is fabricated from a resiliently compressible
material.
5. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
support platform is adapted to contact an anterior portion of a
user's torso, and wherein said securing means is adapted to fit
about the periphery of the user's torso so as to secure said
support platform to the torso of the user.
6. A support pillow assembly according to claim 5, wherein said
securing means is releasable.
7. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
removable pillow member is fabricated from materials that will not
be damaged by washing.
8. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
removable pillow member comprises a fabric cover material and a
resiliently compressible fill material.
9. A support pillow assembly according to claim 8, wherein said
fabric cover material is air permeable, thereby minimizing
suffocation risks to infants and small children.
10. A support pillow assembly according to claim 8, wherein said
resiliently compressible fill material is air permeable, thereby
minimizing suffocation risks to infants and small children.
11. A support pillow assembly according to claim 8, wherein said
resiliently compressible fill material comprises a fibrous fill
material.
12. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising releasable attachment means for releasably attaching
said removable pillow to said support platform.
13. A support pillow assembly according to claim 12, wherein said
releasable attachment means comprises a zipper.
14. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
support platform has a recess defined in an upper surface thereof
for receiving said removable pillow member.
15. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
support platform comprises ventilation structure for permitting air
to flow through said support platform.
16. A support pillow assembly according to claim 3, wherein said
back support member comprises ventilation structure for permitting
air to flow through said back support member.
17. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a storage space defined on said support platform for
storing small articles.
18. A support pillow assembly according to claim 17, wherein said
support platform comprises a fabric outer cover, and wherein said
storage space comprises at least one pocket defined in said outer
cover.
19. A support pillow assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
removable pillow member is crescent shaped.
20. A support pillow assembly according to claim 14, wherein said
recess is crescent shaped.
21. A support pillow assembly, comprising: a support platform that
is adapted to bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso; a
back support member that is adapted to bear against a posterior
portion of the user's torso; releasable securing means for securing
said support platform and said back support member firmly about the
torso of a user; and a removable pillow member releasably attached
to an upper surface of said support platform.
22. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
removable pillow member is fabricated from materials that will not
be damaged by washing.
23. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
removable pillow member comprises a fabric cover material and a
resiliently compressible fill material.
24. A support pillow assembly according to claim 23, wherein said
fabric cover material is air permeable, thereby minimizing
suffocation risks to infants and small children.
25. A support pillow assembly according to claim 23, wherein said
resiliently compressible fill material is air permeable, thereby
minimizing suffocation risks to infants and small children.
26. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, further
comprising releasable attachment means for releasably attaching
said removable pillow to said support platform.
27. A support pillow assembly according to claim 26, wherein said
releasable attachment means comprises a zipper.
28. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
support platform has a recess defined in said upper surface for
receiving said removable pillow member.
29. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
support platform comprises ventilation structure for permitting air
to flow through said support platform.
30. A support pillow assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
back support member comprises ventilation structure for permitting
air to flow through said back support member.
31. A replacement pillow for a support pillow assembly, comprising:
a fabric cover, said fabric cover defining an interior space and
being fabricated from an air permeable material; resiliently
compressible fill material positioned in said interior space, said
resiliently compressible fill material being air permeable; and
releasable attaching means for releasably attaching said
replacement pillow to a support platform of a support pillow
assembly that is adapted to bear against an anterior portion of a
user's torso.
32. A replacement pillow according to claim 31, wherein said
releasable attaching means comprises a zipper.
33. A replacement pillow according to claim 31, wherein said fabric
cover and said resiliently compressible fill material are
fabricated from materials that will not be damaged by washing.
34. A replacement pillow according to claim 31, wherein said
resiliently compressible fill material comprises a fibrous fill
material.
35. A replacement pillow according to claim 31, wherein said
replacement pillow is crescent shaped.
36. A support pillow assembly, comprising: a support platform that
is adapted to bear against a frontal portion of a user's torso; a
back support member that is adapted to bear against a posterior
portion of the user's torso; releasable securing means for securing
said support platform and said back support member firmly about the
torso of a user; and ventilating means for permitting air
circulation through at least one of said support platform and said
back support member.
37. A support pillow assembly according to claim 36, wherein said
ventilating means is configured to permit air circulation through
said support platform.
38. A support pillow assembly according to claim 37, wherein said
ventilating means is configured to permit air circulation from a
top surface of said support platform to a bottom surface of said
support platform.
39. A support pillow assembly according to claim 38, wherein said
ventilating means comprises a plurality of ventilation holes
extending from said top surface of said support platform to said
bottom surface of said support platform.
40. A support pillow assembly according to claim 39, wherein said
support platform comprises a resilient elastomeric foam material,
and wherein said ventilation holes are defined in said foam
material.
41. A support pillow assembly according to claim 36, wherein said
ventilating means is configured to permit air circulation through
said back support member.
42. A support pillow assembly according to claim 41, wherein said
ventilating means comprises a plurality of ventilation holes
extending from a front surface of said back support member to a
rear surface of said back support member.
43. A support pillow assembly according to claim 42, wherein said
back support member comprises a resilient elastomeric foam
material, and wherein said ventilation holes are defined in said
foam material.
44. A support pillow assembly according to claim 43, wherein said
front surface of said back support member further comprises a
cover, and wherein said cover is fabricated from an air permeable
mesh material.
45. A support pillow assembly according to claim 37, wherein said
ventilating means is further configured to permit air circulation
through said back support member.
46. A method of using a support pillow assembly of the type that
includes a support platform that is adapted to be secured so as to
bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable
pillow member that is releasably attachable to the support
platform, comprising steps of: disattaching a first pillow member
from the support platform of the support pillow assembly; and
attaching a second, replacement pillow member to said support
platform.
47. A method of using a support pillow assembly of the type that
includes a support platform that is adapted to be secured so as to
bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable
pillow member that is releasably attachable to the support
platform, comprising steps of: disattaching the pillow member from
the support platform of the support pillow assembly; washing the
pillow member; and reattaching the pillow member to the support
platform.
48. A method of using a support pillow assembly of the type that
includes a support platform that is adapted to be secured so as to
bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable
pillow member that is releasably attachable to the support
platform, comprising steps of: disattaching the pillow member from
the support platform of the support pillow assembly; using the
pillow member separately from the support platform to support an
infant or small child; and reattaching the pillow member to the
support platform.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates broadly to the field of infant care
products, and more particularly to support pillows that are adapted
to fit about a caregiver's torso so that the caregiver may
comfortably and conveniently support an infant.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] Feeding an infant, whether by breast or by bottle, requires
that the caregiver gently support the infant, usually at the
caregiver's stomach or waist level, regardless of whether the
caregiver is standing or sitting. Infants, and particularly younger
infants, feed several times a day, and it is important that both
the infant and the caregiver are comfortable during feedings. A
caregiver frequently has to handle various implements and feeding
system components before, during and after the feeding process. It
is desirable to have a way to organize and hold such implements
while the infant is being comforted, rocked and fed.
[0005] A variety of nursing support pillows have been proposed and
commercialized with the goal of improving the comfort and
convenience of the feeding process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,833 to
Zenoff discloses a support pillow having a lumbar support for use
in nursing and other applications that is securable about a
caregiver's torso. U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,128 to Matthews also
discloses a nursing support pillow that fits about the anterior
torso of a caregiver.
[0006] While such designs were an improvement over their
predecessors, they also created certain issues of convenience and
comfort for the caregiver. As parents and caregivers well know,
infant feeding while emotionally rewarding to both caregiver and
child is an inherently messy process. Milk or formula often gets
spilled during feeding, and infants often regurgitate what they
have been fed. Not surprisingly, conventional nursing support
pillows tend to quickly soil, which presents a considerable problem
because they are difficult to clean. Most commercially available
nursing support pillows are too bulky to fit in a washing machine.
In addition, most nursing support pillows are not fabricated from
materials that can be washed without damage. The caregiver is left
with the option of wiping the support pillow clean after feedings,
which does not effectively remove stains and bacteria from the
surfaces of the support pillow that will be in contact with the
infant. Eventually, the caregiver is faced with having to decide
between purchasing a new support pillow, continuing to use a
soiled, unsanitary support pillow or using a blanket or towel to
prevent the infants head from touching the soiled surfaces of the
support pillow.
[0007] Because conventional support pillows are designed to fit
firmly about the torso of the user, their extended use can create a
feeling of discomfort where they contact the user's body,
particularly in warm, humid environments.
[0008] A need exists for an improved support pillow system for use
both in nursing and for other purposes that is more comfortable and
more hygienic than conventional nursing support pillows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved support pillow system for use both in nursing and for
other purposes that is more comfortable and more hygienic than
conventional nursing support pillows.
[0010] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the
invention, a support pillow assembly according to a first aspect of
the invention includes a support platform; securing structure for
securing the support platform to a user's torso; and a removable
pillow member releasably attached to the support platform.
[0011] A support pillow assembly according to a second aspect of
the invention includes a support platform that is adapted to bear
against an anterior portion of a user's torso; a back support
member that is adapted to bear against a posterior portion of the
user's torso; releasable securing structure for securing the
support platform and the back support member firmly about the torso
of a user; and a removable pillow member releasably attached to an
upper surface of the support platform.
[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, a replacement
pillow for a support pillow assembly includes a fabric cover, the
fabric cover defining an interior space and being fabricated from
an air permeable material; resiliently compressible fill material
positioned in the interior space, the resiliently compressible fill
material being air permeable; and releasable attaching structure
for releasably attaching the replacement pillow to a support
platform of a support pillow assembly that is adapted to bear
against an anterior portion of a user's torso.
[0013] A support pillow assembly according to a fourth aspect of
the invention includes a support platform that is adapted to bear
against a frontal portion of a user's torso; a back support member
that is adapted to bear against a posterior portion of the user's
torso; releasable securing structure for securing the support
platform and the back support member firmly about the torso of a
user; and ventilating structure for permitting air circulation
through at least one of the support platform and the back support
member.
[0014] A method of using a support pillow assembly of the type that
includes a support platform that is adapted to be secured so as to
bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable
pillow member that is releasably attachable to the support platform
according to a fifth aspect of the invention includes steps of
disattaching a first pillow member from the support platform of the
support pillow assembly; and attaching a second, replacement pillow
member to the support platform.
[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method of
using a support pillow assembly of the type that includes a support
platform that is adapted to be secured so as to bear against an
anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable pillow member
that is releasably attachable to the support platform, includes
steps of disattaching the pillow member from the support platform
of the support pillow assembly; washing the pillow member; and
reattaching the pillow member to the support platform.
[0016] A method of using a support pillow assembly of the type that
includes a support platform that is adapted to be secured so as to
bear against an anterior portion of a user's torso and a removable
pillow member that is releasably attachable to the support platform
according to a seventh aspect of the invention includes steps of
disattaching the pillow member from the support platform of the
support pillow assembly; using the pillow member separately from
the support platform to support an infant or small child; and
reattaching the pillow member to the support platform.
[0017] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support pillow assembly
that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an internal component of the
support pillow assembly that is depicted in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support pillow assembly
shown in FIG. 1, shown in a second operative position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical depiction of the support pillow
assembly shown in FIG. 1 being used to support an infant during
feeding; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of a removable pillow
member component of the support pillow assembly being used to
support an infant independently of the support pillow assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views,
and referring in particular to FIG. 1, a support pillow assembly 10
that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention includes a support platform 12 that is preferably
fabricated from a resiliently compressible material and that has an
inner surface that is constructed and arranged to conform to and
comfortably bear against an anterior portion of the user's torso,
such as the user's stomach area or waist. Support pillow assembly
10 further preferably includes a back support member 14 that is
adapted to conform to and comfortably bear against a posterior
portion of the user's torso, such as the lumbar region of the
user's back. Back support member 14 is also preferably fabricated
from the resiliently compressible material, as will be discussed in
greater detail below.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment, support pillow assembly 10 is
constructed so that the support platform 12 is unitary with the
back support member and a connecting side portion 30, as may be
seen in FIG. 1. Releasable securement structure 16 is provided for
firmly securing the support platform 12 and the back support member
14 about the user's torso. In the preferred embodiments releasable
securement structure 16 includes a first strap 18 that is
permanently secured to the back support member 14, a second strap
20 that is permanently secured to the support platform 12 and a
quick disconnect coupling 22 for attaching and detaching the first
strap 18 to the second strap 20. Quick disconnect coupling 22
includes a male connector element 24 that is adjustably secured to
the first strap 18 so as to permit the support pillow assembly 10
to be adjusted to fit the girth of the user and a female connector
26 that is secured to the second strap 20.
[0025] According to one particularly advantageous feature of the
invention, a removable pillow 28 is releasably attached to an upper
surface of the support platform 12. The support platform 12, the
side portion 30 and the back support member 14 are all fabricated
from the resiliently compressible polymeric foam core 52, as will
be described in greater detail below, which is covered with a
durable stain resistant fabric material 32, preferably a cotton
synthetic blend. Referring to FIG. 3, it will be seen that
releasable attachment structure 34 is provided for releasably
attaching the removable pillow 28 to the upper surface of the
support platform 12. In the preferred embodiment, releasable
attachment structure 34 includes a zipper arrangement 36 that is
embodied as a first row 38 of zipper teeth secured to the fabric
material 32 of the upper surface of the support platform 12 and a
second row 40 of zipper teeth that is secured to the external
fabric material 50 of the removable pillow 28 on an underside 46 of
the removable pillow 28. A zipper slider 42 having a gripping tab
44 is provided for connecting and disconnecting the first row 38 of
zipper teeth to the second row 40 of zipper teeth.
[0026] The support platform 12 also preferably incorporates a
storage space for helping the caregiver store and organize small
articles such as bottles, nipples and pacifiers. In the preferred
embodiment, the storage space is embodied as a number of pockets 33
that are defined in an outwardly facing surface of the support
platform 12 out of the fabric material 32. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, pockets 33 may be lined with a water
resistant or waterproof material in order to prevent milk, juice or
other liquids from soaking into the fabric material 32 of the
support platform 12.
[0027] Removable pillow 28 is crescent shaped in the preferred
embodiment and is preferably fabricated from materials that can be
machine washed without being damaged. It is preferably fabricated
from a fabric cover material 50 that is durable and stain
resistant. The fabric cover 50 is configured to define an interior
space that is filled with a resiliently compressible material that
may be machine washed without damage. Preferably, this resiliently
compressible material is a hypo-allergenic polymeric fibrous fill
material such as a polyester fiber fill material. It is important
that both the fabric cover material 50 and the resiliently
compressible material within the removable pillow 28 be air
permeable so as to minimize the risk of an infant suffocating when
having his or her nose and mouth in contact with the removable
pillow 28.
[0028] The support platform 12, the side portion 30 in the back
support member 14 are preferably fabricated from a relatively firm
resiliently compressible elastomeric material. In the preferred
embodiment, these components are fabricated from a unitary core 52
of polymeric foam material, such as a polyurethane foam. As is best
shown in FIG. 2, foam core 52 includes a first portion 54 that
serves as a resiliently compressible core for the support platform
12, a second portion 55 that serves as a resiliently compressible
core for the side portion and a third portion 56 that serves as a
resiliently compressible core for the back support member 14. A
crescent shaped recess 58 is defined in an upper portion of the
first core portion 54, with an elevated peripheral rim 60 defining
a border about the recess, as FIG. 2 shows. The purpose of recess
58 is to provide a concavity in which the removable pillow 28 will
seat when it is attached to the support platform 12, as may readily
be visualized by viewing FIG. 3.
[0029] According to another particularly advantageous feature of
the invention, ventilation structure is preferably provided in at
least one of the support platform 12 in the back support member 14
in order to enhance user comfort when wearing the support pillow
assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, the ventilation structure
is provided in both the support platform 12 and the back support
member 14. As FIG. 2 shows, ventilation structure 62 is provided in
the core portion 54 of the support platform 12 as a plurality of
vertically extending holes 64. Each of the holes 64 preferably
extend from a upper surface of the core portion 54 to a bottom
surface of the core portion 54. The fabric material 32 covering the
foam core 52 is air permeable, meaning that ventilation is
permitted to occur vertically through the support platform 12
during use of the support pillow assembly 10. This ventilation
diminishes the potential for a potentially uncomfortable sensation
of warmth and stickiness on the user's thighs when the support
pillow assembly 10 is being used in a seated position.
[0030] In addition, ventilation structure 66 is provided in the
third core portion 56 as a plurality of holes 68 extending from a
forward surface of the back support member 14 to a rearward surface
of the back support member 14. This permits ventilation to occur
through the back support member 14 in the area of the back support
member 14 that is in contact with a user's lumbar region during use
of the support pillow assembly 10. In order to further promote
ventilation of the back support member in this area, an insert 70
is provided of a mesh material on an inner surface of the back
support member 14 facing the user's lumbar region that is even more
air permeable than the fabric material 32 covering the rest of the
support pillow assembly 10. Preferably, mesh material 70 is
fabricated from a cotton synthetic blend. In addition to providing
ventilation, by varying the dimension and the density of the
ventilation holes 64, 68 in the foam core 52 the firmness of
specific areas of the foam core 52 may be adjusted. The ventilation
scheme depicted in FIG. 2 also has the beneficial effect of
decreasing the firmness of the portion of the back support member
14 that is in contact with the user's lumbar region as well as
decreasing the firmness of the portion of the support platform 12
that will be in contact with a user's thighs while in the seated
position, while maintaining the firmness of the side portion
30.
[0031] The Polyurethane Foam Association defines firmness using the
standard of indentation force deflection (IFD), defined at
<http://www.pfa.org/jifsg/jifsgs4.html>. Preferably, the
support platform 12 and the back support member 14 both have a
firmness that is within a IFD range of about 6 to about 30. In the
preferred embodiment the support platform 12 and the back support
member 14 are fabricated from a common foam core 52 and have
similar IFD ratings, depending upon the size and density of the
ventilation holes therein. However, alternative embodiments are
contemplated wherein the back support member 14 may have a core
that is independent from the core of the support platform 12 and
that has a base firmness that is substantially different than the
firmness of the support platform 12.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical depiction of an infant being fed
by a caregiver who is using the support pillow assembly 10 in a
seated position. The infant is comfortably supported by the upper
surface of the removable pillow 28. In the event that the removable
pillow 28 becomes soiled, the caregiver will simply detach the
removable pillow 28 from the support platform 12 by manipulating
the zipper arrangement 36. The removable pillow 28 may then be
machine washed, machine dried and reattached to the support
platform 12 using the zipper arrangement 36. It is further
anticipated that replacement removable pillows 28 will be made
available to consumers. There are a number of reasons why a
consumer may be motivated to detach a removable pillow 28 from the
support platform 12 and replace it with a replacement removable
pillow 28. After a prolonged period of time, one of the removable
pillows 28 may become soiled, stained or otherwise damaged or
degraded to the extent that replacement is necessary. The caregiver
may also prefer a replacement pillow 28 that has a different
surface texture, a different color, or that has a design on it that
the caregiver or the infant may find attractive. For example, a
certain fabric texture may be preferred during winter months, while
a second, cooler fabric texture may be preferred during summer
months.
[0033] FIG. 5 diagrammatically depicts a caregiver using the
replacement pillow 28 as a stand-alone support for an infant,
without the rest of the support pillow assembly 10. This may be
convenient while traveling, for example when it is inconvenient to
transport the entire support pillow assembly 10.
[0034] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
* * * * *
References