U.S. patent application number 11/356585 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for support pillow.
Invention is credited to Cheryl Jensen.
Application Number | 20070186346 11/356585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38366788 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070186346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jensen; Cheryl |
August 16, 2007 |
Support pillow
Abstract
A support pillow for supporting infants, for example during
feeding, is provided. The support pillow takes a shape selected
from the group consisting of V-shapes and L-shapes. the support
pillow comprises first and second arms extending from a main pillow
body. The support pillow can be inflatable and made of a rubber or
plastic material. Alternatively, the support pillow can be made of
a hypo-allergenic material.
Inventors: |
Jensen; Cheryl; (Rancho
Mirage, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
PO BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Family ID: |
38366788 |
Appl. No.: |
11/356585 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ;
5/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/007 20130101;
A47C 16/00 20130101; A47D 13/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 ;
005/636 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00; A47C 27/00 20060101 A47C027/00 |
Claims
1. A support pillow comprising: a main pillow body; a first arm
extending from a side of the main pillow body; and a second arm
extending from a different side of the pillow body, wherein the
support pillow takes a shape selected from the group consisting of
V-shapes and L-shapes.
2. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein a length of the
first arm is the same as a length of the second arm.
3. The support pillow according to claim 2, wherein the length of
the first and second arms ranges from about 15 to about 25
inches.
4. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the first arm
is shorter than the second arm.
5. The support pillow according to claim 3, wherein a length of the
second arm ranges from about 15 to about 25 inches, and a length of
the first arm ranges from about 7 to about 14 inches.
6. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the
circumference of the first and second arms ranges from about 22 to
about 30 inches.
7. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein a first side
and a second side of the main pillow body define an angle of about
90.degree..
8. The support pillow according to claim 1, further comprising a
handle.
9. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow
comprises a hypo-allergenic material.
10. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow is
inflatable.
11. The support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of rubbers,
plastics and fabrics.
12. The support pillow according to claim 11, wherein the pillow
comprises butyl rubber.
13. The support pillow according to claim 11, wherein the pillow
comprises vinyl.
14. The support pillow according to claim 13, wherein the vinyl is
16 gauge vinyl.
15. The support pillow according to claim 10, further comprising an
air valve through which the pillow is inflated.
16. The support pillow according to claim 11, wherein the pillow
comprises a fabric and a filler.
17. The support pillow according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one pocket positioned on an arm of the pillow.
18. A support pillow comprising: a main pillow body; a first arm
extending from a side of the main pillow body; and a second arm
extending from another side of the main pillow body, wherein the
support pillow is inflatable and comprises a materials selected
from the group consisting of V-shapes and L-shapes.
19. The support pillow according to claim 18, wherein the support
pillow comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
butyl rubber and vinyl.
20. A support pillow comprising: a main pillow body having first,
second, third and fourth sides; a first arm extending from the
third side of the main pillow body; and a second arm extending from
the fourth side of the main pillow body, wherein the first and
second sides of the main pillow body form an angle of about
90.degree. to form a pillow having a shape selected from the group
consisting of V-shapes and L-shapes.
21. A support pillow comprising: two arms joined by a main pillow
body, one arm adapted to rest on a person's lap while the other arm
extends near one side of the person's waist, wherein the other side
of the person's waist and back are generally free from contact with
the pillow.
22. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the two arms
are joined at an angle of about 90 degrees.
23. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the two arms
are joined at an angle of about 90 degrees or less.
24. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the two arms
are of generally equal length.
25. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the two arms
are of unequal length.
26. The support pillow according to claim 21, further comprising a
handle.
27. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein each arm has
a generally circular cross-section.
28. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein each arm has
a generally rectangular cross-section.
29. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the pillow is
filled with a fluid.
30. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the pillow
contains filler.
31. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the arms are
generally linear.
32. The support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the arms are
generally curved.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to support pillows,
for example, pillows for supporting infants in a person's lap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Supporting an infant's weight in one's arm becomes tiring
after a prolonged period of time. For this reason, and the
importance of supporting an infant's head and neck, support pillows
are widely used to support an infant in a person's lap, for example
during feeding or nursing. These support pillows generally support
the infant's head and neck, enabling the infant to more easily
access a feeding device.
[0003] Support pillows typically have soft surfaces on which the
infants rest, and are generally stuffed with a filler, making the
pillow sufficiently firm to support the infant. However, the fabric
used for the soft surface of the pillow and the filler used to
impart firmness can cause allergic reactions, and the absorbent
nature of these materials makes them very difficult to clean. As a
result, these pillows attract germs and allergens that may be
harmful to the infant resting on the pillow or to the person using
the pillow to support the infant.
[0004] Also, existing pillows tend to lose their stiffness over
time, particularly if the pillow has been washed. Washing a pillow
that has a fabric surface and a filler causes the pillow to
flatten, often reducing stiffness by as much as 30% after a single
washing, and eventually the pillow must be replaced.
[0005] In addition, support pillows are generally U-shaped, often
fitting very snugly around an adult's waist. However, these
U-shaped pillows are typically not well-suited for overweight
adults because the pillows tend to fit too tightly around the
person's waist, making it very uncomfortable to support an infant
in the person's lap. Accordingly, a need exists for an infant
support pillow that can be hypo-allergenic, easy to clean and
suitable for use by overweight adults.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to support pillows which
can be used to support infants in a person's lap, for example
during feeding. In one embodiment, the pillow is generally L- or
V-shaped and has first and second arms extending from a main pillow
body. The first and second arms of the pillow may be the same
length or may have different lengths.
[0007] In one embodiment, the support pillow is inflatable and is
constructed of a material that is substantially impermeable to air
and/or fluid. The pillow according to this embodiment is inflated
through a valve, and can be inflated to any desired pressure and
stiffness. Also, the pillow may be re-inflated if it loses pressure
or stiffness, eliminating the need to replace a flattened
pillow.
[0008] In another embodiment, the support pillow is made of a
hypo-allergenic material. The hypo-allergenic material may be an
inflatable material, and may have a smooth surface to enable easy
cleaning of the pillow. In yet another embodiment, the pillow may
further comprise a cover, which may be made of a hypo-allergenic
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1A is a top view of a support pillow according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the support pillow of FIG.
1B;
[0012] FIG. 1C is a top view of a support pillow according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 1D is a top view of a support pillow according to yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2A is an elevated side view of a support pillow
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B is an elevated side view of the opposite side of the
support pillow of FIG. 2A;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a schematic illustrating a method of
manufacturing a support pillow according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a schematic illustrating a method of
manufacturing a support pillow according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3C is a schematic illustrating a method of
manufacturing a support pillow according to yet another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of a support pillow according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of a support pillow according to
another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5a is a top view of a support pillow according to yet
another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic depicting one use of a support pillow
according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic depicting an alternative use of a
support pillow according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, a
support pillow 9 comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 14
connected by a main pillow body. In accordance with the invention,
one arm is adapted to rest on a person's lap while the other arm
extends along one side of the person's waist, leaving the other
side of the person's waist and the person's back generally free of
contact from the pillow. As such, the pillow of the present
invention is comfortable and suitable for use by a person
regardless of his or her size. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1, the first and second arms 12 and 14 protrude from the main
pillow body to form a generally V-shaped pillow. Also in this
embodiment, the first and second arms 12 and 14 have substantially
the same length.
[0025] The pillow 9 may be made of any suitable material. In one
embodiment, the pillow 9 is inflatable with either air or fluid and
is made of a high gauge rubber that is substantially impermeable to
air and/or fluid. A nonlimiting example of such a rubber is butyl
rubber, which is commonly used for inner tubes and air cushions.
The pillow may also be made of an inflatable plastic. A nonlimiting
examples of such a plastic is vinyl, such as 16 gauge vinyl, which
is commonly used for wading pools. These inflatable pillows are
also easily deflated to conserve storage space. In addition to
being inflatable, pillows made of this rubber are easily cleaned,
for example, with a damp cloth. Also, pillows made of this rubber
will not accumulate germs and/or allergens from the surrounding
environment as readily as a cloth or fabric pillow.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1B, the pillow 9 is inflated by forcing air
or fluid through a valve 36. This allows the firmness of the pillow
9 to be adjusted by varying the degree of inflation. The valve
enables inflation by any suitable means. For example, a user may
inflate the pillow by blowing air from his or her mouth into the
pillow through the valve. Alternatively, a bicycle pump or similar
device may be used to pump air to the pillow through the air valve.
Also, fluid can be inserted into the pillow through the valve
either through a funnel or similar device, or by a pump.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the pillow 9 is made of a
hypo-allergenic material, which can be a cloth or fabric. In this
embodiment, the pillow may also be filled with a hypo-allergenic
filler.
[0028] Alternatively, the pillow may further comprise a cover,
which may be made of any suitable material, including a
hypo-allergenic material. In this embodiment, the pillow is easily
cleaned by washing the pillow cover. Because only the cover of the
pillow is washed, the pillow will not flatten due to washing.
[0029] The main pillow body 10 comprises sides 10a, 10b, and 10e.
The first and second sides 10a and 10b converge at location A. An
angle .alpha. between the generally linear first and second sides
10a and 10b is about 90.degree., but can be less than 90.degree..
The third side 10e is generally arcuate and opposes location A. A
distance between the side 10e and the location A may range between
about 14 to about 25 inches, preferably from about 15 to 22 inches,
and more preferably from about 15 to about 19 inches. The first arm
12 of the pillow extends along the first side 10a, and the second
arm 14 extends along the second side 10b.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, the location A may be a corner
configuration, or as shown in FIG. 1B, an arcuate configuration so
long as the pillow remains generally V-shaped. Similarly, free ends
11 and 13 of the first and second arms 12 and 14, respectively can
take any suitable shape. For example, the free ends 11 and 13 of
the first and second arms 12 and 14, respectively, may be
substantially square, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or substantially
rounded, as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0031] The lengths of the first and second arms 12 and 14 are not
critical and can vary as desired. In one embodiment, length d1 of
each of the arms ranges from about 15 to about 30 inches. In
addition, the arms 12 and 14 can have any widths and circumferences
as desired. In addition, the pillow 9 can take any suitable
cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to circular,
ovular, square and rectangular shapes. In one embodiment, the width
d2 of each of the arms 12 and 14 ranges from about 8 to about 15
inches, and the circumferences of the arms 12 and 14 (when inflated
or stuffed to the desired degree) range from about 22 to about 30
inches.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the
support pillow 109 comprises a main pillow body 110 and first and
second arms 112 and 114, respectively. The first and second arms
112 and 114 protrude from the main pillow body 110 to form a
generally L-shaped pillow. In this embodiment, the first arm 112 is
shorter than the second arm 114.
[0033] Like the pillow 9, the pillow 109 may be made of any
suitable material. In one embodiment, the pillow 109 is inflatable
and made of a high gauge rubber that is substantially impermeable
to air. A nonlimiting example of such a rubber is butyl rubber,
which is commonly used for inner tubes and air cushions. The pillow
may also be made of an inflatable plastic. A nonlimiting examples
of such a plastic is vinyl, such as 16 gauge vinyl, which is
commonly used for wading pools. These inflatable pillows are also
easily deflated to conserve storage space. In addition to being
inflatable, pillows made of this rubber are easily cleaned, for
example, with a damp cloth. Also, pillows made of this rubber will
not accumulate germs and/or allergens from the surrounding
environment as readily as a cloth or fabric pillow.
[0034] Like the pillow 9, the pillow 109 is inflated by forcing air
through an air valve (not shown). This allows the firmness of the
pillow 109 to be adjusted by varying the degree of inflation. The
air valve enables inflation by any suitable means. For example, a
user may inflate the pillow by blowing air from his or her mouth
into the pillow through the air valve. Alternatively, a bicycle
pump or similar device may be used to pump air to the pillow
through the air valve. The air valve may be placed in any suitable
location on the pillow 109, including on the bottom of the pillow,
away from the surface of the pillow on which an infant may
rest.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the pillow 109 is made of a
hypo-allergenic material, which can be a cloth or fabric, such as
cotton or polyester. In this embodiment, the pillow may also be
filled with a hypo-allergenic filler, such as polyester.
[0036] Like the main pillow body 10, the main pillow body 110
comprises sides 110a, 110b, and 110e. The first and second sides
110a and 110b converge at location B. An angle .beta. between the
generally linear first and second sides 110a and 110b is about
90.degree., but can be less than 90.degree.. The third side 110e is
generally arcuate and opposes location B. A distance between the
side 110e and the location B may range between about 14 to about 25
inches, preferably from about 15 to 22 inches, and more preferably
from about 15 to about 19 inches. The first arm 112 of the pillow
extends along the first side 110a, and the second arm 114 extends
along the second side 110b.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the location B may be a corner
configuration, or as shown in FIG. 5, an arcuate configuration, so
long as the pillow remains generally L-shaped. Similarly, free ends
111 and 113 of the first and second arms 112 and 114, respectively
can take any suitable shape. For example, the free ends 111 and 113
of the first and second arms 112 and 114, respectively, may be
substantially square, as shown in FIG. 4, or substantially rounded,
as shown in FIG. 5.
[0038] The lengths of the first and second arms 112 and 114 are not
critical and can vary as desired. However, the first arm 112 is
longer than the second arm 114. In one embodiment, the length d4 of
the first arm ranges from about 15 to about 30 inches. The second
arm 114 may have any length sufficient to support the arm 114
against the side of a person's body. For example, the second arm
114 may have a length d3 ranging from about 8 inches to about 20
inches. Also, the pillow 109 can take any suitable cross-sectional
shape, including, but not limited to, circular, ovular, square and
rectangular shapes. In addition, the arms 112 and 114 can have any
width and circumference as desired. In one embodiment, the width d5
of the each of the arms 112 and 114 ranges from about 8 to about 15
inches, and the circumference of each arm 112 and 114 (when
inflated or stuffed to the desired degree) ranges from about 22 to
about 30 inches.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3A, the pillows 9 and 109 may be fabricated
according to one embodiment by connecting two generally identically
configured pieces of material 56 and 58 with a seam 60 (shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B). Each piece has the main pillow body and both
arms. The seam 60 spans the entire perimeter of the pillows 9 and
109. Although the pillows 9 and 109 are described as being
fabricated by connecting two pieces of material 56 and 58 with a
seam 60, it is understood that any means of fabricating the pillow
may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pillow may be
fabricated from one piece of material with two mirroring halves 56a
and 58a that are bridged 59 at a free end of an arm. The two halves
are folded over on each other and then connected by the seam 60
extending generally the perimeter around the bridged free end.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, the main pillow body 10 or 110
and the arms 12 and 14 or 112 and 114 can be fabricated separately
and the arms connected to the main pillow body with connecting
seams 62 and 64 between the arms and the main pillow body.
[0040] The pillows 9 and 109 may also include handles 30 for
carrying, gripping or repositioning the pillows. The handle 30 can
be constructed of any suitable material, and can be made of the
same material as the pillow or a different material. As shown, the
handle 30 is attached to the pillow at the seam 60. However, it is
understood that the handle 30 may be attached in any suitable
manner. In inflatable embodiments, the handle 30 should be attached
such that the attachment does not substantially affect the
impermeability of the pillow to air.
[0041] In addition, the handle 30 may be located anywhere on the
pillow. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 4 the handle can
be connected at one end to a side of the main pillow body and
connected at the other end to one of the arms. Alternatively, as
shown in FIGS. 1C, 2B and 5, both ends of the handle can be
connected to one of the arms. In another alternative, both ends of
the handle can be connected to one side of the main pillow body, or
one end can be connected to the first side 10a or 110a and the
other end connected to the second side 10b or 110b of the main
pillow body (shown in FIG. 1D).
[0042] The pillows 9 and 109 may further comprise at least one
pocket 120 positioned on one or both of the arms, as shown in FIG.
5a. The pocket 120 may have any suitable shape and size and may be
positioned anywhere on the arms. In addition, the pocket 120 may
have an open top 121 adapted to receive various items, such as burp
cloths or bottles (when the pillow is used to feed an infant).
Alternatively, the pocket 120 may have a reversibly closeable top
122, such as a zipper, Velcro.RTM. or the like. The pillows 9 and
109 may have any number of pockets 120 as desired, and a plurality
of pockets 120 may be positioned on all sides of the pillow to
provide at least one pocket 120 regardless of which side of the
pillow is being used.
[0043] In use for supporting an infant, as shown in FIG. 6, one of
the arms of the pillow spans the lap of a person using the pillow,
and the other arm rests against the side of the person's body.
Neither arm wraps around the back of the person's body. However, it
is understood that the pillow can be used for purposes other than
infant support, such as back support. When used, for example for
back support, one arm of the pillow may span the back of a person's
body, and the other arm rests against the side of the person's
body, as shown in FIG. 7. The L- and V-shaped configurations of the
inventive pillows makes them considerably more comfortable for
overweight persons than existing U-shaped infant support
pillows.
[0044] The preceding description has been presented with references
to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, workers
skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains
will appreciate that alterations and modifications in the described
structure may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the
principal, spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the
described embodiments, but rather should be read consistent with
and as support for the following claims, which are to have their
fullest and fairest scope.
* * * * *