U.S. patent application number 11/975106 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for maternity support pillow.
This patent application is currently assigned to Frizzy Bean Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Melissa Battaglia.
Application Number | 20090100601 11/975106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40561966 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Battaglia; Melissa |
April 23, 2009 |
Maternity support pillow
Abstract
This present invention is directed to a maternity support pillow
for supporting a pregnant woman or user having an enlarged abdomen
so as to allow her to rest on her stomach in a prone position. The
pillow includes a support cushion having a first portion and a
second portion, wherein the first portion has a hole for the
placement and support of an enlarged abdomen.
Inventors: |
Battaglia; Melissa; (Upper
Saddle River, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLASTER/GREENBERG P.C.;8 PENN CENTER
1628 JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD., 15TH FLOOR
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Frizzy Bean Holdings, LLC
Upper Saddle River
NJ
|
Family ID: |
40561966 |
Appl. No.: |
11/975106 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/631 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/631 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/00 20060101
A47C020/00 |
Claims
1. A support pillow for supporting an enlarged abdomen, comprising
a cushion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface
extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein
the cushion has a first portion and a second portion, each of the
first portion and the second portion having a distal section and a
proximal section, wherein the first portion and the second portion
meet to define a midline at an outer periphery of the proximal
section of the first portion and an outer periphery of the proximal
section of the second portion, the first portion defining a hole
for receiving an enlarged abdomen, the second portion having a
convex periphery extending from the midline and configured for
receiving extended arms of a user, wherein the midline and the
proximal section of the second portion of the cushion are
configured to provide alignment and support of shoulders of a
user.
2. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein an angle, defined by
the midline and an extending portion of the convex periphery of the
second portion, is about 125.degree. to about 145.degree..
3. The pillow according to claim 2, wherein the first portion and
second portion are symmetrical having a generally FIG. 8
cross-sectional configuration.
4. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the top surface is
generally planar.
5. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is
unitary.
6. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is
foldable.
7. The pillow according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the
distal section of the first portion and the distal section of the
second portion is foldable.
8. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein a largest width of the
first portion and the second portion is about 23 in (58.4 cm.) to
about 25 in (63.5 cm), wherein a height of the first portion and
the second portion is about 16 in. (40.6 cm) to about 20 in (50.8
cm), and wherein the cushion has a depth of about 8 in (20.3
cm).
9. The pillow according to claim 8, wherein a width of the midline
of the cushion is about 12 in (30.5 cm) to about 14 in. (35.6
cm).
10. The pillow according to claim 9, wherein the hole in the first
portion is generally circular in cross section and has a diameter
of about 10 in (25.4 cm), wherein an edge of the hole is curved to
accommodate the shape of an enlarged abdomen and the hole is
substantially centrally located on the first portion.
11. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the cushion comprises
a material that contours to the body upon application of body
weight.
12. The pillow according to claim 11, wherein the material is
resilient.
13. The pillow according to claim 11, wherein the material has
anti-microbial properties.
14. The pillow according to claim 11, wherein the material is a
polymeric foam.
15. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow comprises a
removable cover configured in the shape of the cushion.
16. The pillow according to claim 15, wherein the cover comprises
at least one pocket positioned on the side surface of the second
portion.
17. The pillow according to claim 15, wherein the cover forms a
cradle section within the hole in the first portion.
18. The pillow according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one of heating device, a handle and/or an opening or pocket for
receiving a device.
19. A maternity support pillow for supporting an enlarged abdomen,
comprising a support cushion having a top surface, a bottom surface
and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom
surface, wherein the cushion has at least a first portion and a
second portion, the first portion and the second portion each
having a distal section and a proximal section, the proximal
sections of the first and the second portions each having an outer
periphery, and the first portion and the second portion are
detachably lockable and meet along their outer peripheries to
define a midline, wherein the first portion defines a hole for
receiving an abdomen, the second portion has a convex periphery
extending from the midline and configured for receiving extended
arms of a user, wherein the midline and the proximal section of the
second portion are configured to provide alignment and support of
the shoulders of a user.
20. The pillow according to claim 19, wherein the pillow comprises
an extension section detachable from the proximal sections of the
first portion and the second portion and located therebetween.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a support pillow to be used
by a pregnant woman. More particularly, the present invention is a
pillow designed to support a pregnant woman having a specific area
for her abdomen. The shape of the pillow accommodates the natural
position of the extremities of a pregnant woman resting in the
prone position.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Achieving a comfortable resting position during pregnancy,
especially in the later months wherein the abdomen of the pregnant
female can be significantly expanded, is difficult to achieve.
Changes in the configuration of the body of the pregnant woman
cause stress and discomfort which increases as the pregnancy
proceeds. This stress and discomfort can result in loss of sleep
and general relaxation that is very important to the expectant
mother and her baby. To address this situation, many positioning
devices and support systems have been created to help an expectant
mother find a comfortable position so as to attain the rest she
needs for herself and her unborn baby.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,452 to Lickert is a two-piece support
system configured as a mattress in a cloth casing. This system is
basically two tubes filled with water, one of which has a hole for
placement of a pregnant woman's abdomen. The system is connected by
a variety of hooks and Velcro strips. As can be seen in FIG. 3 of
Lickert, parts of the body contact the solid surface shown.
Moreover, Lickert advocates various positioned indentations and
contours in the mattress having an "adjustable" size approach.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,076 to Gearheart includes a sliding
arrangement wherein a U-shaped pillow for the abdomen has a movable
central portion.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,470 to Powers shows a complex mattress
made of multiple components wherein a recess formed therein
accommodates a woman's expanding abdomen as pregnancy progresses
via an electrical motor. The size of the recess can be adjusted to
that of the expanding abdomen based on the sliding component, which
is attached to the motor. The recess can be filled with additional
pads to further secure the expanding abdomen.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,934 to Leach is a symmetrical pillow,
which is designed for a pregnant woman to rest on her side.
[0009] While there are several support pillows in the art, there is
a need for a support pillow which is economical, easy to use and
care for, and which takes a more whole body approach to support
while accommodating an abdomen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention includes a support pillow for supporting an
enlarged abdomen, comprising a cushion having a top surface, a
bottom surface, a side surface extending between the top surface
and the bottom surface, wherein the cushion has a first portion and
a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion
having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the first
portion and the second portion meet to define a midline at an outer
periphery of the proximal section of the first portion and an outer
periphery of the proximal section of the second portion, the first
portion defining a hole for receiving an enlarged abdomen, the
second portion having a convex periphery extending from the midline
and configured for receiving extended arms of a user, wherein the
midline and the proximal section of the second portion of the
cushion are configured to provide alignment and support of
shoulders of a user.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the cushion may be unitary and/or
foldable. The pillow may also include a cushion, which comprises a
material that contours to the body upon application of body weight,
is resilient, has anti-microbial properties and/or includes a
polymeric foam. It is also within the invention to optionally
include a removable cover configured in the shape of the cushion,
which cover may include various optional features such as at least
one pocket positioned on the side surface of the second portion, at
least one of heating device, a handle and/or an opening or pocket
for receiving a device.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention includes a maternity
support pillow for supporting an enlarged abdomen, comprising a
support cushion having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side
surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface,
wherein the cushion has at least a first portion and a second
portion, the first portion and the second portion each having a
distal section and a proximal section, the proximal sections of the
first and the second portions each having an outer periphery, and
the first portion and the second portion are detachably lockable
and meet along their outer peripheries to define a midline, wherein
the first portion defines a hole for receiving an abdomen, the
second portion has a convex periphery extending from the midline
and configured for receiving extended arms of a user, wherein the
midline and the proximal section of the second portion are
configured to provide alignment and support of the shoulders of a
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the maternity support pillow
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a maternity support pillow
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the maternity support
pillow of FIG. 1, taken along Line A-A;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 8
illustrating the position of a pregnant woman resting on the
cushion of the maternity support pillow;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the cushion of a pillow
illustrating folded sections according to a further embodiment
therein;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pillow of the present
invention encased within a cover according to an alternative
embodiment herein;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of a detachable,
two-portion embodiment; and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a further three-portion
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] As used herein, certain words, such as "upper" and "lower,"
"top" and "bottom," "proximal" and "distal" and words of similar
import are used herein with reference to directions in the Figures.
"Proximal" and "distal" are used to mean directions towards and
away from the center of the pillow respectively. The words used
herein should not be considered limiting.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the
present invention is directed to a maternity support pillow,
generally indicated as 10 for supporting a pregnant woman to allow
her to rest on her stomach in a prone position. However, other
persons who may require relief of pressure in the abdominal area
would also find the pillow useful.
[0024] The pillow 10 includes a cushion 12 having top surface 14, a
bottom surface 16 and a side surface 18. The pillow also has two
general "sections" referred to herein as a first portion 20 and a
second portion 22. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion 12 has
a generally planar top surface 14, a generally planar bottom
surface 16 and a side surface 18, which defines the depth of the
cushion 12 wherein the depth is measured transversely across the
side surface 18 from the top surface 14 to the bottom surface 16.
The first portion 20 includes a distal 24 and proximal section 26,
and the second portion 22 includes a distal 28 and proximal section
30. The meeting of the first portion 20 and the second portion 22
defines a midline 32 at the outer periphery 34 of the proximal
section 26 of the first portion 20 and the outer periphery 36 of
the proximal section 30 of the second portion 22.
[0025] The first portion 20 defines a hole 38 for placement and
support of an abdomen. In a defined spatial relationship thereto,
the second portion 22 has a convex periphery 40 initiating from the
midline 32 at the meeting of the proximal sections 26, 30 of the
first portion 20 and the second portion 22, wherein the convex
periphery 40 is configured to receive or accommodate the extended
arms of a pregnant woman. The angle .alpha. of the convex periphery
40 of the second portion 22 is about 125.degree. to about
145.degree., initiating at the midline 32 of the cushion 12.
[0026] It is understood by one skilled in the art, that a spatial
relationship of the hole 38, midline 32 and convex periphery 40,
must be appreciated in conjunction with body parts of a pregnant
woman, specifically, the abdomen and shoulders. The spatial
relationship of the elbow to be roughly aligned with midline 32
results in a natural and comfortable position or a "hugging" effect
of the pillow 10, to thereby invoke a feeling of security and ergo
dynamic sleeping comfort, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. The
symmetrical "figure 8" shape of the cushion 12 of the preferred
embodiment is designed to simulate and encourage the natural
positioning of a pregnant woman while supporting her enlarged
abdomen during the later months of pregnancy.
[0027] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, an exemplary, but in no way
limiting, appreciation of the spatial relationship is recognized in
the following dimensions for the preferred embodiment wherein the
first portion 20 and second portion 22 are symmetrical in a "figure
8" design. The largest width (W.sub.1) of the first portion 20 and
the second portion 22 is about 23 in. (58.4 cm.) to about 25 in.
(63.5 cm.), wherein the height (H.sub.1) of the first portion 20
and of the second portion 22 is about 16 in. (40.6 cm.) to about 20
in. (50.8 cm.), measured perpendicularly to the largest width and
longitudinally along either the top or bottom portion along the
upper surface of the pillow. The width (W.sub.2) of the midline 32
of the cushion 12 is preferably about 12 in. (30.5 cm.) to about 14
in. (35.6 cm.) and the depth (D.sub.1) of the cushion 12 is
preferably about 8 in. (20.3 cm.) at all locations along the side
18. It is understood that these dimensions and proportions are
designed for an average size female. However, it is recognized that
it is within the scope of the invention to adjust the dimension for
taller than average or shorter than average females. Further, a
female who is of larger weight or body size may require additional
depth or additional width, while a narrower width female or smaller
body size may require less depth of material and a narrower width.
Recognizing these differences in body types, each dimension of the
cushion can be modified as necessary in manufacturing to suit
females of various sizes.
[0028] The midline 32 has a width W.sub.2 measured transversally
across the top surface 14 of the cushion 12, wherein the width of
the midline 32 preferably aligns the placement of the shoulders of
the pregnant woman supported by the proximal section 30 of the
second portion 22. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the
proximal sections 26, 30 of the first portion 20 and the second
portion 22, each extend longitudinally about 10 in. (25.4 cm.) from
the midline 32 toward either of the distal portions 24, 28 of the
first and second portions 20, 22 respectively. The width of the
proximal portions 26, 30 are roughly equal to the width of the
midline 32.
[0029] The cushion 12 of the pillow 10 is preferably unitary to
allow support of the entire head, torso and pelvic area of the
pregnant female without separating, which could cause a need for
continued repositioning or readjustment of multiple sections or
pillows. Moreover, the unitary, one-piece design allows for
additional support and integrity of the cushion 12 while supporting
a pregnant woman.
[0030] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the hole 38 in the first
portion 20 is generally circular in cross-sectional plan view
having a diameter of about 10 in. (25.4 cm.) to about 12 in. (30.5
cm.). The edge 42 of the hole 38 on the top surface 14, is curved
to the shape of an enlarged abdomen for snug contact and support.
This support eliminates "daggling" of the abdomen while within the
hole 38. The hole 38 is centrally located on the first portion 20
allowing the spatial relationship alignment of the elbows and
shoulders of pregnant female, as discussed herein. Further, it is
within the scope of the invention that the hole 38 does not
completely traverse the depth of the cushion 12. This configuration
of the hole 38, will improve structural integrity of the cushion
and increase support of the expectant mother's abdomen. However,
the depth of the hole 38, as measured from the top surface 14
should still preferably be large enough to accommodate an enlarged
abdomen throughout the term of the pregnancy.
[0031] The cushion 12 should be made of material that is able to
contour to the body upon application of body weight. Specifically,
the cushion is preferably made of a resilient material, e.g.
polymeric foam, which gives the necessary support but allows the
adjustment of size for the expanding abdomen. The planar top
surface 14 and the resilient material of the cushion 12 produce a
contoured fit to the specific size of each body section, e.g.,
breast, hips and head, of the pregnant woman when resting on the
pillow 10. Further, it is recognized that a material that has
anti-microbial properties is very beneficial to reduce the
possibility of the spread of germs that may affect the health of an
expectant mother. It should be understood that the cushion material
discussed herein is in no way limiting and any material which gives
the necessary support would be within the spirit of the invention.
As discussed, a further consideration in the choice of material may
be based on body weight or a preference for a firmer or softer
cushion, much like a preference for a mattress.
[0032] The cushion 12 and pillow 10 described and shown herein have
portions 20, 22 which are generally polygonal in cross-section
having slightly rounded sides, however, it should be understood
herein that such configuration is provided for ease of illustration
only and that it is within the scope of the invention to alter the
outer peripheral cross-sectional configuration for other preferred
embodiments in which the cross-section of the portions 20, 22 when
viewed in top plan view are generally circular, generally oval,
generally elliptical or generally pear-shaped. Other variations may
be provided as well, with the understanding that it is preferred
that the section 22 be configured so as to provide support for the
upper torso and shoulders while allowing for comfortable placement
of the user's extending arms and, preferably, for providing the
hugging or comfort/security position shown for the user. It should
be further understood that varied configurations for the portion 20
may also be within the scope of the invention provided that the
hole is situated so as to support the abdomen, and so that the
user's legs are comfortably supported and positioned as they extend
from the cushion. Finally, it is within the scope of the invention
that the portions 20, 22 are formed so that they do not have the
same cross-sectional shape and/or have varying and/or inclined
depth along the cushion to provide for alternative design
configurations.
[0033] For the comfort and convenience of the user, the cushion can
incorporate a variety of devices. For example, a heating device
could be included for the additional comfort of an expectant
mother. The heating element could be positioned, for example,
within one or more of the distal sections 24, 28 of the first 20 or
second portion 22. As the material of the cushion 12 would be
resilient for comfort, it would allow the heat to travel through
the entire cushion. Adjustable heating elements, as would be
required, may be those used, for example, in electric blankets,
warming throws and the like and are well known in the art such that
additional discussion is not necessary herein. Other devices would
include, but are not limited to, music devices, alarm clocks,
vibrating and/or massaging devices, PDA's and MP3 players, each of
which could be incorporated into the cushion or into a pocket
thereof.
[0034] Additional embodiments of the present invention will now be
discussed. Like numbers are used to indicate similar features.
[0035] In another embodiment, it is recognized that storage and/or
portability of the pillow 110, while not in use, would be an
important issue. Appreciating both the need for support, as
exemplified in a unitary construction, but also storage concerns,
the distal sections 124, 128 of the first portion 120 and second
portion 122 can be foldable, so as to reduce the length of the
pillow without reducing the amount of support or integrity of the
pillow 110, as best illustrated in FIG. 5. Furthermore, it is
recognized that a folding point at the midline 132 is within the
scope of the invention, however, due to the placement of body
weight, it is preferred that folding joints be placed at other
locations for the best structural integrity of the pillow,
especially with use and wear.
[0036] In another embodiment, a cover 244 can encase the cushion
212 (shown encased) for additional comfort and sanitary reasons.
Referring to FIG. 6, the cover 244 is configured in the shape of
the cushion 212 eliminating extreme excess of the cover material
and "bunching". However, the cover 244 should not be too taunt so
that the cover 244 itself may act as additional support for the
abdomen within the hole 238 (shown encased) of the cushion 212. In
the later months of pregnancy, a cradle section 246 will support
the expanding abdomen as it extends through the hole 238. Further,
this "loose" fit eliminates difficulty in removing the cover 244
from the cushion 212 for washing. The material for the cover can be
any material that is washable and durable to reduce wear based on
continued contact of the pregnant woman and the cushion 212 and may
come in a variety of designs and fabrics.
[0037] The cover 244 may also include pockets 248 positioned on the
side surface 218 (shown encased) on the second portion 222, for the
placement of the arms of the pregnant female while resting on the
pillow 210. Benefits of these pockets 248 include a) further
supporting the feeling of security while "hugging" the pillow 210,
b) supporting the arms of the pregnant female while in the extended
position, and c) warming the hands of the pregnant female. They may
also serve as storage areas.
[0038] It is within the scope of the invention for the cover 244 to
include a design or monogram. Any design pattern or material is
acceptable but preferably is selected so that the cover 244 is
removable.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, the invention includes another
embodiment wherein the first portion 320 and the second portion 322
are detachable and have a variety of configurations, including the
symmetrical "figure 8" design of the preferred embodiment. However,
though it is within the scope of the invention that the
configurations may be modified or separated, the spatial
relationship as discussed herein, must be maintained when in use.
The attachment means can be any suitable device, which would be
convenient and cost effective. In FIG. 7, the attachment means is a
series of extending snaps 360 on a belt 370 on the first portion
320 which would have a complementary series of receiving snaps 360A
on a complementary belt 370A on the second portion 322. This
fastening arrangement is in no way limited and other devices and
means for attachment would be with the knowledge of one skilled in
the art such as Velcro.RTM., locking screws, snap fit bolts and the
like.
[0040] In another embodiment, best illustrated in FIG. 8, the
pillow includes an extension portion 450 that is detachable from
the outer peripheries 434, 436 of the proximal sections 426, 430 of
the first portion 420 and the second portion 422. This allows
greater accommodation of the body of a pregnant woman and also
allows ease in travel and storage. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the
outer peripheries 434, 436 do not need to be aligned or have the
same width. Further, as in this embodiment, it is within the scope
of the present invention that the proximal sections 426, 430 do not
need to have a defined measurement, nor do the need to be
equivalent. However, each proximal portion 426, 430 must support
the body of a pregnant woman and maintain the spatial relationship
as discussed herein.
[0041] The first portion 420, second portion 422 and extension
portion 450 can be of different shapes and can be made of different
materials. The materials would be the same as discussed in the
preferred embodiment, however, it is within the scope of the
invention to have each portion made of different material for the
specific requirements of pregnant woman. For example, the second
portion 422, which supports the head of the woman, may be a soft
polymer foam while the extension portion 450 and first portion 420
are a firmer material such as a resilient rubber. In addition, as
discussed herein, the material could include anti-microbial
properties for sanitary reasons.
[0042] As discussed herein, the first portion 420, second portion
422 and extension portion 450 may include decorative patterns or
other work, such as photographs etc. which can be incorporated into
the material. As with the varied shapes of the portions, the
designs could be similar or completely different or further, have a
continuous theme across each section 420, 422, 450 of the cushion
412
[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *