U.S. patent application number 12/177073 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for support pillows with stretch panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boppy Company. Invention is credited to Kristin A. Tidwell.
Application Number | 20090007335 12/177073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556727 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090007335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tidwell; Kristin A. |
January 8, 2009 |
SUPPORT PILLOWS WITH STRETCH PANELS
Abstract
In one embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow body
having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well
region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further
includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the
well region. The pillow body further comprises a fill material and
a cover enveloping the fill material. The cover comprises a main
section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer
periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so as to
be located along the inner periphery. Also, the center panel is
constructed of a stretchable material and has a variable width.
Inventors: |
Tidwell; Kristin A.;
(Denver, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boppy Company
Golden
CO
|
Family ID: |
38556727 |
Appl. No.: |
12/177073 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11395690 |
Mar 30, 2006 |
7404222 |
|
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12177073 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/652 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/083 20130101;
A47D 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/652 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A support pillow, comprising: a pillow body having a medial
region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side
and a second side, wherein the pillow body further includes an
outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region,
wherein the pillow body further comprises a fill material and a
cover enveloping the fill material, wherein the cover comprises: a
main section that extends about the first and second sides and the
outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so
as to be located along the inner periphery, wherein the center
panel is constructed of a stretchable material and has variable
outer dimensions; wherein the center panel is configured to stretch
an amount that is in the range from about 15% to about 40% to
permit the arms to be separated sufficiently to be placed around an
adult while permitting the arms to spring back so that ends of the
arms are generally adjacent to each other.
2. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the main section comprises a
pair of fabric pieces that are sewn together at the outer
periphery, and wherein the center panel is sewn to the pair of
fabric pieces.
3. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the stretchable material is
selected from a group consisting of a two-way stretch material, a
four-way stretch material, a stretch twill, and a stretch
cotton.
4. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the stretchable material is
configured to stretch an amount that is in the range from about 20%
to about 35%.
5. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the center panel has a length
aligned with the inner periphery and a width that is perpendicular
to the length, and wherein the width is larger at the medial region
than at the opposing arms.
6. A pillow as in claim 5, wherein the width of the center panel at
the medial region is in the range from about 2.5 inches to about
7.5 inches.
7. A pillow as in claim 6, wherein the length of the center panel
is in the range from about 20 inches to about 28 inches, and
wherein the width of the center panel along the opposing arms is in
the range from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches.
8. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the center panel is configured
such that the pillow body is openable so that the arms are
generally aligned with each other and such that the arms will
spring back to within about 8 inches of each other.
9. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the well has a diameter in the
range from about 4 inches to about 12 inches when the arms are
touching.
10. A pillow as in claim 1, wherein the center panel is configured
to permit the arms to be separated so as to be at least
perpendicular to the medial region with essentially no buckling of
the main section of the cover.
11. A pillow as in claim 5, wherein the width of the center panel
begins to increase within about 4 inches from the ends of the
stretch panel.
12. A support pillow comprising: a pillow body having a medial
region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side
and a second side, wherein the pillow body further includes an
outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region,
wherein the pillow body further comprises a fill material and a
cover enveloping the fill material, wherein the cover comprises: a
main section that extends about the first and second sides and the
outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so
as to be located along the inner periphery, wherein the center
panel has a length aligned with the inner periphery and a width
that is perpendicular to the length, and wherein the width of the
center panel is greater at the medial region than along the arms,
wherein the center panel is configured to stretch an amount that is
in the range from about 15% to about 40% to permit the arms to be
separated sufficiently to be placed around an adult while
permitting the arms to spring back so that ends of the arms are
generally adjacent to each other.
13. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the center panel is
constructed of a stretchable material.
14. A pillow as in claim 13, wherein the stretchable material is
selected from a group consisting of a two-way stretch material, a
four-way stretch material, a stretch twill, and a stretch
cotton.
15. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the main section comprises a
pair of fabric pieces that are sewn together at the outer
periphery, and wherein the center panel is sewn to the pair of
fabric pieces.
16. A pillow as in claim 13, wherein the stretchable material is
configured to stretch an amount that is in the range from about 20%
to about 35%.
17. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the width of the stretch panel
at the medial region is in the range from about 2.5 inches to about
7.5 inches.
18. A pillow as in claim 17, wherein the length of the center panel
is in the range from about 20 inches to about 28 inches, and
wherein the width of the center panel along the opposing arms is in
the range from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches.
19. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the center panel is configured
such that the pillow body is openable so that the arms are
generally aligned with each other and such that the arms will
spring back to within about 8 inches of each other.
20. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the well has a diameter in the
range from about 4 inches to about 12 inches when the arms are
touching.
21. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the central panel is
configured to permit the arms to be separated so as to be at least
perpendicular to the medial region with essentially no buckling of
the main section of the cover.
22. A pillow as in claim 12, wherein the width of the center panel
begins to increase within about 4 inches from the ends of the
stretch panel.
23. A method for using a support pillow, comprising: providing a
support pillow comprising: a pillow body having a medial region and
two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a
second side, wherein the pillow body further includes an outer
periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region, wherein
the pillow body further comprises a fill material and a cover
enveloping the fill material, wherein the cover comprises: a main
section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer
periphery, and a stretch panel coupled to the main section so as to
be located along the inner periphery, wherein the stretch panel is
constructed of a stretchable material and has a width that
increases at the medial region; separating the arms from each other
such that the stretch panel stretches an amount that is in the
range from about 15% to about 40%; and placing the support pillow
about a user's torso.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/395,690, filed Mar. 30, 2006, the complete
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of support
pillows and, in particular, to support pillows that are intended to
be placed around a variety of differently sized objects. More
specifically, the invention relates to support pillows that may be
manipulated to different configurations and automatically spring
back to their original shape.
[0003] Over the years, a variety of support pillows have found
commercial acceptance. Once exemplary support pillow is the
Boppy.RTM. pillow, marketed by The Boppy Company. Various forms of
this pillow are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,134, 5,546,620,
5,661,861, and 6,055,657, among others. The complete disclosures of
these patents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Another exemplary pillow is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,412,128, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a pillow
includes a cover with an inner strip of material which permits the
arms to be separated without tearing or damaging the cover. This
invention provides various improvements to similar types of support
pillows, permitting convenient separation of the arms while
allowing them to spring back to their starting position.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides various support pillows that are
useful with different sized adults as well as with babies. In one
embodiment, such a pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a
medial region and two opposing arms that form an open well region.
The pillow body may also be defined in terms of first and second
sides, an outer periphery, and an inner periphery outlining the
well region. The pillow body is further constructed of a cover
which holds a fill material. The cover is constructed of a main
section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer
periphery. Also, a center panel is coupled to the main section and
lies along the inner periphery. In one embodiment, the center panel
may be constructed of a stretchable material that permits the arms
to be separated from each other by a wide degree and then spring
back to their original position. In this way, the support pillow
may be manipulated to be placed about the waist or torso of an
adult or larger individual without permanently distorting or
altering the shape of the pillow. Further, after use, the arms
spring back to their original position so that the pillow may
subsequently be used to support a baby while sitting, among other
uses.
[0006] In another aspect, the pillow body may be constructed such
that the width of the center panel is greater at the medial region
than along the arms. This configuration is also useful in
permitting the arms to be separated and then to spring back. In one
aspect, the width of the center panel at the medial region is in
the range from about 2.5 inches to about 7.5 inches. The width of
the center panel may be in the range from about 1 inch to about 3.5
inches along the arms. Further the length of the center panel may
be in the range from about 20 inches to about 28 inches.
[0007] In one particular arrangement, the main section may be
constructed of a pair of fabric pieces that are sewn together at
the outer periphery. The center panel may be sewn to the fabric
pieces at the inner periphery.
[0008] The center panel may be constructed of a variety of
stretchable fabrics. Stretchable fabrics that may be used include
two-way and four-way stretchable fabrics, such as those sold under
the trade name LYCRA. Other stretchable materials include
stretchable twills, stretchable cottons, and the like.
[0009] In some embodiments, the well region may have a diameter in
the range from about 4 inches to about 12 inches when the ends of
the arms are touching. Also, the center panel permits the arms to
be separated to the extent that the pillow body is generally
straight. When released, the arms come to within at least about 8
inches of each other. Also, the center panel permits the arms to be
separated so as to be at least perpendicular to the medial region
with essentially no buckling of the cover at the medial region.
[0010] The support pillows may have a wide variety of uses. For
example, they may be placed about the waist or torso of an adult
and used to support an item, such as a baby when feeding. The
pillows may also be used to support a baby when sitting by placing
the baby in the open well. Other uses are possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support
pillow having a stretch panel according to the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pillow of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pillow of FIG. 2
taken along lines 3-3.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the stretch panel of the pillow of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate alternative stretch panels that may be
used with support pillows or removable slip covers according to the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates the pillow of FIG. 1 used when
nursing.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates the pillow of FIG. 1 used when feeding a
baby.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates the pillow of FIG. 1 when supporting a
baby.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The invention provides various support pillows that are
constructed of a medial region and two opposing arms that may be
widely separated from each other without damaging or permanently
distorting the pillow. When the arms are released, they spring back
to their original position. This permits the pillow to be placed
about large objects, with the arms tensioned against the object,
yet not uncomfortably. For example, when the ends of the arms are
separated enough to be placed about the torso of an average sized
adult, the inward force produced by each arm is sufficient to hold
the pillow in place about the torso, yet not so tight that it is
uncomfortable. Further, when the pillow clings about a relatively
large object, the medial region does not buckle, but keeps its
shape. When removed, the pillow's resilience permits it to spring
back to its original shape, typically with the ends being separated
by about 8 inches or less, and in some cases about 4 inches or less
and in other cases about 2 inches or less.
[0020] To construct the pillow, a cover is used to surround a fill
material. Also, the cover includes a stretch panel or central panel
surrounding the open well. Optionally, the cover may be enveloped
by a slip cover which may be constructed in the same manner as the
cover of the pillow, or may be constructed without a stretch panel.
Examples of slip covers which may be used, or which may be modified
to include a stretch panel are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,453,493, 6,625,828, 6,851,143, and 7,000,274, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0021] The fill material used to make the pillow may be such that
the pillow is relatively firm when filled, particularly so that the
pillow will not significantly deflect under the weight of a baby.
Examples of materials that may be used include polyester fibers,
foamed materials, and the like. One method for filling the cover
with a fill material is described in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/769007, filed Jan. 29, 2004, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0022] The cover may be constructed of a main portion using one or
more pieces of a generally non-stretchable fabric and a stretch or
center panel at the inner periphery of the pillow. The overall
shape of the pillow may be similar to those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,261,134, 5,661,861, 5,546,620 and 6,055,687, which are
incorporated herein by reference. The main portion of the cover
may, in some cases, be constructed of two pieces of material which
are sewn to each other, with the stretch panel being sewn to the
main portion, although other coupling techniques may be used, such
as by using a fabric glue. One technique for attaching a center
piece of material to a cover is also described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,412,128, which is incorporated herein by reference. The
non-stretchable material used to construct the main portion of the
cover may be a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, velvet, and the
like. Such non-stretchable fabrics permit the pillow to be firmly
stuffed with fill materials. When stuffed in this manner, the
pillows are able to maintain their shape for extended time periods.
Such fabrics also provide an aesthetically pleasing surface.
[0023] The support pillows of the invention may find use with a
variety of applications where the arms are manipulated to be placed
around an object. Merely by way of example, such applications may
include placement about a torso to facilitate nursing, the holding
of an object, such as a book, a toy, food, or the like, to function
as a back support, or the like. The support pillows of the
invention may also find use with the applications described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,661,861, 5,546,620, 5,261,134, and 6,055,687,
previously incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] The center panel may be configured in a variety of ways in
order to permit the arms to be separated and then spring back. One
way is by making the center panel of a stretchable material while
the rest of the cover is non-stretchable. Another way is through
the shape of the center panel which may be wider at the medial
region than it is along the arms. In some cases, both techniques
may be used together so that the center panel is both stretchable
and has a wide portion at the medial region. The width of the
medial region may be critical in ensuring that the pillow arms may
be widely separated while still providing sufficient spring in the
arms so that they can cling about an object and also move back to
their original position.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of a support
pillow 10 will be described. Pillow 10 may be constructed to have
an overall shape and feel that are similar to the support pillows
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,661,861, 5,546,620, 5,261,134 and
6,055,687, previously incorporated herein by reference. However,
the invention is not intended to be limited to only such support
pillows, but may be used with essentially any type of pillow having
two arms that may be separated from each other. Support pillow 10
includes a curved outer surface or periphery 12 which is rounded in
both a longitudinal and a lateral direction to form an outer
periphery. Support pillow 10 further includes a curved central
inner surface or periphery 14 which defines a rounded, generally
circular, curved or elliptical well region 16. While the body of
the support pillow 10 is substantially continuous and uniform, with
curved surfaces 12 and 14 also being continuous, it is convenient
to consider the pillow body as having a medial region 15 and two
opposing arms 18 and 20. The arms 18 and 20 extend in opposite
directions away from the medial region 15, but are curved towards
one another to give the pillow 10 its overall curved configuration.
While the continuous structure does not provide a precise or exact
division between the medial region 15 and each arm, considering the
body of the pillow in view of these components facilitates a
description of the structure and function of the pillow 10.
[0026] Arms 18 and 20 include respective blunt ends 22 and 24,
positioned remotely of the medial region 15. Support pillow 10 is
proportioned so that ends 22 and 24 normally, i.e., when not under
external stress, touch or are slightly separated from each another,
typically within about 8 inches, usually within about 4 inches and
in some cases within about 2 inches of each other. However, ends 22
and 24 do not exert substantial pressure against each other, if
touching. Pillow 10 has a bilateral symmetry with respect to a
central plane which passes vertically through medial region 15.
Pillow 10 is also symmetrical about a mid-plane which horizontally
bisects the pillow body.
[0027] Well region 16 has a width W (see FIG. 2). The width W is
selected to permit the support pillow to fit "snug" around the
torso or waist of most users, especially babies. The pillow 10 is
also constructed so that the arms 18 and 20 may be moved away from
each other to vary the width W so that the pillow 10 may be used in
a variety of applications, including larger sized adults.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, pillow 10 includes a central core 30
which may be constructed of a fill material, such as a
hypoallergenic polyester filling. The central core 30 is encased by
a cover 34. The majority of cover 34 is constructed of a material
that is compliant while generally not stretchable. Examples of such
fabrics include cotton, polyesters or other pliant conforming
fabrics. The fill material is firmly and tightly packed into cover
34, such that the core 30 and cover 34 together provide a
self-supporting pillow body, i.e., the support pillow 10 retains
its shape without any sagging or drooping of arms 18 and 20 when
held at the medial region 15. The tightly packed fill material
forming core 30 also provides the pillow with firmness in the sense
that it will undergo only slight elastic deformation (as compared
to a conventional pillow) when an object (such as a persons' arms
or elbows) is rested on the arms 18 and 20 or medial region 15.
Other fill materials that could be used include natural or
synthetic fibers, synthetic beads, feathers, foam, and organic
granular fill materials such as husks and seeds and the like.
[0029] In the embodiments shown, cover 34 is formed of three pieces
of fabric: a top piece 40 (which forms a top surface), a bottom
piece 42 (which forms a bottom surface), and a center panel 44. Top
piece 40 and bottom piece 42 are sewn together at the outer
perimeter to form a seam 46 (see FIG. 3). Although shown with top
piece 40 and bottom piece 42, it will be appreciated that a single
piece of fabric Or multiple pieces) may be used to cover the top
and bottom of the pillow. Sewn to top piece 40 and bottom piece 42
is center panel 44. In this way, center panel 44 surrounds the
inner well 14 and eliminates a seam running along the mid-plane.
Although the pieces may be sewn together, other techniques may also
be used, such as by using glue, staples, snaps and the like. Center
panel 44 permits arms 18 and 20 to be separated without tearing or
bunching of the fabric that is adjacent the inner well 14. Further,
the configuration the center panel 44 makes the pillow sufficiently
resilient to spring arms 18 and 20 back to their original shape.
Also, the center panel 44 is configured to provide a sufficient
inward force on arms 18 and 20 so that they securely hold pillow 10
about an object, without being uncomfortable.
[0030] Center panel 44 may be constructed in a variety of ways to
provide such features. One way is the material used for the center
panel 44. More specifically, center panel 44 may be constructed of
a stretchable material while the rest of cover 34 is formed of a
generally non-stretchable material. For example, the stretchable
material may comprise a two-way stretch material, a four-way
stretch material, a stretch twill, a stretch cotton and the like.
Two and four way stretch materials include those sold under the
trade name LYCRA. Examples of materials that may be used for top
piece 40 and bottom piece 42 include cotton fabrics, polyester
fabrics, cotton/poly blends and the like. By using a
non-stretchable material for the top piece 40 and bottom piece 42,
various conventional fabrics may be used to provide a comfortable,
decorative and aesthetically pleasing surface. At the same time,
the stretchable material used for center piece 44 allows arms 18
and 20 to be extended as previously described. In some cases, it
will be appreciated that top piece 40 and bottom piece 42 could
also be constructed of a stretchable material.
[0031] The stretchable material used for center piece 44 may be
configured to stretch by an amount in the range from about 15% to
about 40%, and in some cases from about 20% to about 35%. Some
exemplary fabrics are two way stretch fabrics that stretch about
25% and a four way stretch fabric that stretches about 32%.
[0032] The center piece 44 may be provided in essentially any
color, such as nude, white, cream, pale pink and the like.
Optionally, a lace overlay may be provided for decoration.
[0033] Another way to provide the functions described herein is
through the shape of center panel 44. In one embodiment, center
panel 44 has two ends 50 and 52 and a center section 54. Center
panel 44 increases in width from ends 50 and 52 toward center
section 54. The increase in width may be in the range from about
0.5 inches to about 7 inches.
[0034] FIG. 4 FIG. 4 illustrates center piece 44 separate from the
cover. Center piece 44 may have a width at ends 50 and 52 that is
in the range from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, and in some
cases about 1 inch. The length of center piece 44 is about in the
range from about 20 inches to about 28 inches, and in some cases
about 26.5 inches. The width of center piece 44 at center section
54 may be in the range from about 2.5 inches to about 7.5 inches,
and in some cases about 4.5 inches to about 5.5 inches. Also, the
width of center piece 44 may begin to increase within about 4
inches to about 9 inches of ends 50 and 52 and in some cases within
about 6 inches to about 8 inches.
[0035] Such dimensions for center piece 44 are particularly useful
when pillow 10 includes a well 16 having a diameter of about 4
inches to about 12 inches, in some cases from about 4 inches to
about 8 inches, and in other cases from about 5.5 inches to about
6.5 inches when the ends of the arms 18 and 20 are touching. The
vertical height of the medial region 15 (when the pillow is lying
flat) may be in the range from about 4 inches to about 10 inches,
and in some cases from about 4 inches to about 5.5 inches. The
height of the arms 18 and 20 at their ends 22 and 24 may be in the
range from about 1 inch to about 6 inches, and more preferably from
about 2 inches to about 4 inches. The horizontal thickness of the
arms 18 and 20 and medial region 15 (when the pillow is lying flat)
may be in the range from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, and in
some cases from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. The inner
periphery of the pillow may be in the range from about 15 inches to
about 45 inches, and in some cases from about 22 to about 30
inches, and in some cases about 26 inches. The outer periphery of
the pillow may be in the range from about 54 inches to about 74
inches and in some cases about 64 inches.
[0036] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the increased width at
center section 54 permits center panel 44 to extend up the inner
periphery 14 and onto the top and bottom surfaces at medial region
15. This configuration permits arms 18 and 20 to be extended from
each other as described herein. Also, such a configuration
substantially prevents bunching or buckling of the fabric of top
and bottoms pieces 40 and 42 at medial region, even when arms 18
and 20 are opened such that they are generally perpendicular to
medial region 15.
[0037] In some cases, pillow 10 may be constructed so that center
panel 44 is fabricated of both a stretchable material and a shape
having a width that increases at medial region 15. Also, in some
cases, center panel 44 could be constructed partially of a
stretchable material and a non-stretchable material.
[0038] Center panel 44 permits pillow to be used both with infants
and adults. Center panel 44 allows arms 18 and 20 to be easily
separated and placed around the user's waist while still providing
a sufficient inward force to clamp the pillow about the user's
waist. In some cases, arms 18 and 20 may be separated to such a
degree that pillow 10 forms a straight line. However, when
released, the arms 18 and 20 still spring back to their original
position.
[0039] Pillow 10 may also be used in combination with a removable
slip cover. The slipcover may be constructed in a manner similar to
cover 34, with an opening to permit it to be placed over pillow 10.
Such an opening could be placed in top piece 40 or bottom piece 42,
and in some cases, at the outer periphery 12. Also, one or more
fasteners may be used to close the opening, such as a zipper,
snaps, buttons, a hook and loop fastener material and the like.
[0040] The pillows of the invention may be used with center panels
having a wide variety of shapes. Examples of such center panels are
shown in FIGS. 5-9. Shown in FIG. 5 is a center panel 58 having
ends 60 and 62 and a center section 64. Center panel 58 tapers
outward along generally straight lines as the width increases at
center section 64. As such, center section 64 has somewhat of a
diamond shape.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a center panel 66 having ends 68 and 70
and a center section 72. Panel 66 is similar to panel 58 except
that center section 64 does not include points at its widest
portion.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a center panel 74 having ends 76 and 78
and a center section 80 which may be circular, elliptical or
generally curved in geometry. Also, center panel 74 may be
constructed of multiple pieces of fabric.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a center panel 82 having ends 84 and 86
and a center section 88. Panel 82 increases in width from ends 84
and 86 to center section 88 to form a point at center section 88.
Also, the edges of panel 82 curve inward at center section 88.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates a center panel 92 having ends 94 and 96
and a center section 98. The edges of center panel curve outward at
center section 98 to form a gently curved surface at center section
98.
[0045] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the use of support pillow 10 to
facilitate breast feeding or bottle feeding of a baby. To do so,
pillow 10 may be placed about the torso and may conveniently rest
on the legs. The baby may then be held on medial region 15 while
feeding or holding the baby.
[0046] FIG. 12 is illustrates the use of support pillow 10 to
maintain a baby in a sitting position. As shown, the baby is placed
within well region 16, with the arms 18 and 20 and medial region 15
holding the baby upright. If needed, arms 18 and 20 may be
separated to fit around the baby, while still being sufficiently
resilient to snugly fit around the baby.
[0047] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes
of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that
certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *