U.S. patent application number 12/733305 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for asymmetric body pillow for use in the 3/4 prone position.
Invention is credited to Jan-Edouard Brun.
Application Number | 20100281617 12/733305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39493818 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100281617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brun; Jan-Edouard |
November 11, 2010 |
ASYMMETRIC BODY PILLOW FOR USE IN THE 3/4 PRONE POSITION
Abstract
The pillow (10) comprises two adjacent portions, a lower portion
(12) with an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction
substantially parallel to the human subject's body and a truncular
portion (14) extending the lower portion on the proximal side. The
lower portion is intended for supporting a right or left subject's
lower limb (42), while the truncular portion, extending
transversely and in a dissymmetrical manner relative to the lower
portion, supports the homolateral side of the thorax as well as the
homolateral upper limb (38) of the subject. The distal edge (46) of
the truncular portion forms a resting edge for the top of the
subject's thorax, and the pillow is essentially devoid of a portion
for supporting the subject's head (44).
Inventors: |
Brun; Jan-Edouard; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACOBSON HOLMAN PLLC
400 SEVENTH STREET N.W., SUITE 600
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
39493818 |
Appl. No.: |
12/733305 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2008/001405 |
371 Date: |
May 6, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/632 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/02 20130101;
A47C 20/023 20130101; A47C 20/027 20130101; A47C 20/021
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/632 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/02 20060101
A47C020/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2007 |
FR |
07 07442 |
Claims
1. A bedding piece in the form of an asymmetric body pillow (10)
comprising a malleable cover filled with a soft filler material,
said pillow being suited to be interposed between the reclined body
of a human subject (36) and a surface such as a mattress face or
the ground supporting the subject's body, wherein the pillow is a
substantially flat pillow comprising two adjacent portions
connected by one of their edges, each of these portions extending
continuously within the boundaries of a substantially rectangular
or round contour, with: a first portion (12) with an elongated
shape extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel
to the subject's body; and a second portion (14) extending the
lower portion on the proximal side, said second portion having an
elongated shape extending transversely and in a dissymmetrical
manner relative to the lower portion, said bedding piece being
characterized in that: the pillow is suited to be used with the
subject reclined in the 3/4 prone position on the supporting
surface; the pillow is essentially devoid of a portion for
supporting the subject's head; the first portion is a lower portion
suited to support a right or left subject's lower limb; the second
portion is a truncular portion suited to support the homolateral
side of the thorax as well as the homolateral upper limb of the
subject; and the longitudinally distal edge of the truncular
portion forms a resting edge for the top of the subject's
thorax.
2. The bedding piece according to claim 1, wherein the pillow does
not have any thickness discontinuity in the connecting area between
the truncular portion and the lower portion.
3. The bedding piece according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of
the pillow is substantially constant over the whole extent of the
lower portion and the truncular portion.
4. The bedding piece according to claim 3, wherein the ratio
between the mean thickness (e) of the pillow and the mean
transverse width (I.sub.T) of the truncular portion is
1:3.+-.20%.
5. The bedding piece according to claim 1, wherein the truncular
portion (14) extends transversely essentially on only one side (18)
relative to the lower portion.
6. The bedding piece according to claim 5, wherein the truncular
portion edge (22) opposite to said side (18) connects without
discontinuity to the adjacent edge (20) of the lower portion.
7. The bedding piece according to claim 6, wherein the truncular
portion edge (22) opposite to said side (18) and the adjacent edge
(20) of the lower portion are substantially straight and lined
up.
8. The bedding piece according to claim 1, wherein, in the
longitudinal direction, the ratio between the mean length (L.sub.I)
of the lower portion and the mean length (L.sub.T) of the truncular
portion is 60:50.+-.20%.
9. The bedding piece according to claim 1, wherein the lower
portion connects to the adjacent area of the truncular portion
forming a transverse width discontinuity.
10. The bedding piece according to claim 9, wherein the transverse
width (l.sub.I) of the lower portion is substantially constant.
11. The bedding piece according to claim 9, wherein the transverse
width (l.sub.T) of the truncular portion is substantially
constant.
12. The bedding piece according to claim 9, wherein, in the
transverse direction, the ratio between the mean width (l.sub.I) of
the lower portion and the mean width (l.sub.T) of the truncular
portion is 1:2.+-.20%.
13. The bedding piece according to claim 1, wherein, in the
transverse direction, the pillow width decreases continuously from
the truncular portion to the lower portion.
14. The bedding piece according to claim 13, wherein the truncular
portion has a substantially rounded shape.
15. A method for positioning a reclined subject (36) on a
supporting surface, such as a mattress face or the ground, with,
interposed therebetween, a bedding piece in the form of a body
pillow (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the subject
carries out the following steps: a) arranging the pillow
longitudinally along his/her body, with the head (44) beyond the
truncular portion (14); b) placing the right or left pillow-half
under his/her thorax up to be in a 3/4 prone position; c)
straddling the lower portion (12) with the homolateral lower limb
(40) and crossing the proximal portion of the lower portion with
the inner side of the thigh; and d) putting the cheek on the
supporting surface.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a bedding piece of the body pillow
type, that is an asymmetric body pillow comprising a malleable
cover filled with a soft filler material.
[0002] Such a pillow is intended for being interposed between the
reclined body of a human subject and a horizontal surface such as a
mattress top or the ground on which the subject reclines.
[0003] Generally, such body pillows are intended for allowing
subjects to rest the most comfortably on their back (dorsal
decubitus) and/or on their side (lateral decubitus) while being
given a support in this position.
[0004] So U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,412 A describes an L-shaped pillow
comprising a support (the transverse part of the "L") for the
subject's head and neck. This pillow can be used by the subject
reclining either in the back position (the trans-verse part then
serving as a bed pillow) or the three-quarter back position (in
which case the longitudinal part of the "L" also provides subject's
back support). Using this pillow for a prone resting position is
not suggested anywhere therein--quite the reverse, the
pillow-to-mattress side fasteners would provide discomfort to the
subject using the pillow in this position.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,660 A describes a pillow intended for
head and neck support, with a different pillow positioning
according to the position the subject chooses: in the back
position, the pillow is placed transversely like a bed pillow or a
bolster, providing additionally a neck support; in the prone
position, the pillow is placed diagonally with one pillow-half
under the head and the other half under the thorax; finally, in the
side position, the pillow is placed for subject's face support. In
all the contemplated positions, the pillow's function is a total or
partial subject's head support.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,890 A describes a pillow for use by a
seated mother with her baby in her arms. The pillow has a generally
L-shape, one arm of the "L" being placed between the mother's back
and the armchair back while the other arm is brought back in front
of the mother, serving as a cushion for the baby.
[0007] CA 2 244 167 A1 describes a body pillow for a pregnant woman
in a lateral decubitus position. A portion of the pillow provides
abdominal support, while another portion is placed between the
knees to relieve hip pain.
[0008] WO 2007/048236 A1 describes a pillow more particularly
adapted to be used by a person suffering from snoring to sleep in
the lateral safety position. This pillow is intended for use in a
strict lateral decubitus position and prevents the user from
toppling into the prone position (or even the back position), these
positions being considered harmful. The pillow also comprises an
end portion for subject's head support.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. D 453,653 S illustrates a reverse J-shaped
pillow with a rounded portion very likely intended for subject's
head surrounding support.
[0010] Other pillows, specifically designed for the lateral
decubitus position, are described for example in U.S. Pat. No.
6,499,164 A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,551 A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,384 A,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,183 A or U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,614 A.
[0011] An object of the invention is another type of body
pillow.
[0012] Indeed, the body pillow according to the invention is
adapted to a ventral decubitus position, i.e. a position in which
the patient's thorax (and no longer his/her side) rests against the
ground or the mattress, a position also called "3/4 ventral" or
"3/4 prone" position.
[0013] In that case, the main difficulty is to provide a correct
head position, notably while minimizing cervical strains, so as to
prevent any occurrence of pain or development of arthrosis in this
area.
[0014] Among the hereinabove mentioned documents, U.S. Pat. No.
2,720,660 A alone mentions the possibility of use in the prone
position (among other positions). But in this document, a subject's
head support is always contemplated whatever the subject's position
is. Besides, the various other hereinabove mentioned documents aim
at the same goal.
[0015] Otherwise, the supports until now specifically proposed for
the ventral decubitus position all contemplate a particularly
conformed head support. So, U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,213 A provides a
support comprising two longitudinally and transversely offset
elements, a first element forming a bed pillow for the head to rest
and a second element placed along the body. The elements are both
wedge-shaped but with opposite inclinations so as to define two
different sloping planes, one for the body and the other for the
head. U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,420 A describes another type of support
adapted to the ventral decubitus position, comprising an element
for head support at the forehead, supplemented with elements for
shoulder support. The space between the forehead and the neck is
kept away from the supporting surface so as to allow air flow
around the subject's face.
[0016] In concrete terms, these supports, which are mainly designed
for hospital use, prove rather uncomfortable and do not suit a
daily common use for a person looking above all for a comfortable
3/4 prone sleeping position during the night.
[0017] The invention provides a new type of body pillow,
specifically adapted to a resting or sleeping position in which the
subject's body faces the ground or the mattress.
[0018] The starting point of the invention is the observation that,
contrary to what could be expected, a head support by the pillow is
not essential to provide a support morphologically adapted to that
particular position.
[0019] One of the main characteristics of the pillow according to
the invention is, as will be seen hereinafter, that it does not
support the subject's head.
[0020] This runs counter to the preconceived opinion that, to
prevent or relieve cervical strains, it is necessary to provide a
correct support of the subject's head when the latter is in a prone
position (just as well as in a back or side position). The merit of
the invention is to go beyond this preconceived opinion, showing it
is possible to offer a pillow for use in a three-quarter prone
position without any head support but providing nevertheless many
advantages that will be explained hereinafter, such as very great
comfort, lordosis flattening providing cervical and lumber pain
prevention, etc.
[0021] The pillow according to the invention is a bedding piece of
the general type described in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No.
4,574,412 A, i.e. in the form of a substantially flat asymmetric
body pillow, comprising a malleable cover filled with a soft filler
material. This pillow is suited to be interposed between the
reclined body of a human subject and a surface such as a mattress
face or the ground supporting the subject's body, and comprises two
adjacent portions connected by one of their edges, each of these
portions extending continuously within the boundaries of a
substantially rectangular or round contour. A first portion has an
elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction substantially
parallel to the subject's body, while a second portion extends the
lower portion on the proximal side, this second portion having an
elongated shape extending transversely and in a dissymmetrical
manner relative to the lower portion.
[0022] Characteristically, according to the invention, the pillow
is suited to be used with the subject reclined in the 3/4 prone
position on the supporting surface, and is essentially devoid of a
portion for supporting the subject's head. The first portion is a
lower portion suited to support a right or left subject's lower
limb, while the second portion is a truncular portion suited to
support the homolateral side of the thorax as well as the
homolateral upper limb of the subject, and the longitudinally
distal edge of the truncular portion forms a resting edge for the
top of the subject's thorax.
[0023] In other words, the pillow according to the present
invention is essentially characterized by: [0024] the purpose of
the pillow, which is suited to be used by a subject in the
three-quarter prone position; [0025] the absence of a portion for
supporting the subject's head; [0026] the fact that the upper
portion ("second portion") is intended for supporting the subject's
thorax and homolateral upper limb: this characteristic is behind
the phrase "truncular portion", the upper edge of this truncular
portion thus forming the resting edge for the top of the subject's
thorax (and not for his/her head); and [0027] the rest of the
pillow ("first portion" or "lower portion") being intended for
supporting the subject's homolateral lower limb.
[0028] According to various advantageous subsidiary
characteristics: [0029] the pillow does not have any thickness
discontinuity in the connecting area between the truncular portion
and the lower portion; [0030] the pillow thickness is substantially
constant over the whole extent of the lower portion and the
truncular portion; [0031] the ratio between the mean thickness of
the pillow and the mean transverse width of the truncular portion
is 1:3.+-.20%; [0032] the truncular portion extends transversely
essentially on only one side relative to the lower portion; [0033]
the truncular portion edge opposite to said side connects without
discontinuity to the adjacent edge of the lower portion, these
edges being preferably straight and lined up; [0034] in the
longitudinal direction, the ratio between the mean length of the
lower portion and the mean length of the truncular portion is
60:50.+-.20%; [0035] the lower portion connects to the adjacent
area of the truncular portion forming a transverse width
discontinuity; [0036] in the transverse direction, the width of the
lower portion and/or the truncular portion is substantially
constant; [0037] in the transverse direction, the ratio between the
mean width of the lower portion and the mean width of the truncular
portion is 1:2.+-.20%; [0038] in a variant, the pillow width can
decrease continuously in the trans-verse direction from the
truncular portion to the lower portion, and/or the truncular
portion has a substantially rounded shape.
[0039] Another object of the invention is a method for positioning
a reclined subject on a supporting surface, such as a mattress face
or the ground, with a body pillow as above mentioned interposed
therebetween, wherein the subject carries out the following steps:
a) arranging the pillow longitudinally along his/her body, with the
head beyond the truncular portion; b) placing the right or left
pillow-half under his/her thorax up to be in a 3/4 prone position;
c) straddling the lower portion with the homolateral lower limb and
crossing the proximal portion of the lower portion with the inner
side of the thigh; and d) putting the cheek on the supporting
surface.
[0040] An embodiment example of the device according to the
invention will now be described, with reference to the appended
drawings in which the same reference numerals are used throughout
the different figures to designate identical or functionally
similar elements.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a plane view of a body pillow according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 shows how to place two identical pillows similar to
that of FIG. 1 in a head-to-tail arrangement, when these pillows
are not in use;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 1,
showing the thickness thereof;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a variant of the pillow of FIG. 1, wherein the
latter is made from two elements enclosed into a common pillow
case;
[0045] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the pillow according to
the invention;
[0046] FIGS. 6a and 6b show two ways of arranging two identical
pillows similar to that of FIG. 5 in a side-by-side arrangement,
when these pillows are not in use;
[0047] FIGS. 7 to 9 show, in different views, how the pillow of
FIG. 1 is used with the subject reclined in a 3/4 prone
position;
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a possible use of the pillow of FIG. 1 as a
support in reading position.
[0049] FIGS. 1 to 3 show an embodiment example of a pillow
according to the teachings of the invention. However, this example
is for illustrative purpose only and many shape and dimension
variants are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0050] Body pillow 10 is made of only one part, with two separable
or not adjacent portions 12, 14.
[0051] The first portion, hereinafter called "lower portion" 12,
has an elongated shape intended for receiving the subject's lower
limb (thigh, knee, leg and/or foot, according to the flexion of the
limb).
[0052] The second portion, hereinafter called "truncular portion"
14, extending the lower part on the proximal side, is intended for
receiving the subject's trunk as well as his/her homolateral upper
limb (i.e. the right arm if the right leg rests on the lower
portion, or conversely the left arm and the left leg in a
symmetrical position).
[0053] Truncular portion 14 comprises a first area 16 in the
extension of lower portion 12, and another area 18 transversely
extending the area 16 in a dissymmetrical manner relative to the
lower portion. In the illustrated example, respective edges 20, 22
of both lower portion 12 and truncular portion 14 on the opposite
side relative to area 18 are substantially straight and lined up,
that is, in the transverse direction, truncular portion 14
laterally projects on only one side relative to lower portion 12.
However, this configuration is not limitative and a configuration
in which truncular portion 14 comprises a projecting area opposite
to area 18, thus giving the whole pillow 10 a general
dissymmetrical T-shaped configuration in place of a general
L-shaped configuration, is also possible.
[0054] The surfaces of each of lower portion 12 and truncular
portion 14 are surfaces that extend continuously within the
boundaries of a contour devoid of local concavity; that is a
contour, substantially rectangular in the example of FIG. 1,
defining for the whole body pillow a general L-shape or
dissymmetrical T-shape, but not a U-shape, J-shape or S-shape.
[0055] The pillow is typically made from a cover defining the
illustrated shape, filled with a suitable filler material. The
cover may be made of fabric, plastic material or leather, or any
other material according to the specific intended use and based on
the comfort and/or health practical indications. The filler
material also varies according to the use. It can be foam, water,
balls . . . , the most suitable matter for the comfort of a
European sleeper being goose feather and down, or an equivalent
filler material, for reasons of consistency, thermal control,
morphological adaptation, bulk memory after use, and lightness.
[0056] Advantageously, lower portion 12 and truncular portion 14
have respective longitudinal length L.sub.I and L.sub.T the ratio
of which is 6:5, whatever the total length L of the pillow is.
Length L.sub.I of lower portion 12 is about a third of the
subject's size, namely about 60 cm for a 1.80 m tall subject, which
gives a length L.sub.T=50 cm for truncular portion 14 and thus a
total length L=110 cm for the pillow.
[0057] In the transverse direction, width l.sub.T of truncular
portion 14 is about twice the width l.sub.I of lower portion 12.
For an approximately square-shaped truncular portion 14, widths are
thus l.sub.T=50 cm and l.sub.I=25 cm.
[0058] The thickness e (FIG. 3) varies for the different models
but, for a same model, it is preferably approximately constant over
the whole extent of the body pillow 10 (except, of course, near the
edges). The thickness is preferably a third of width l.sub.T of
truncular portion 14.
[0059] The above mentioned dimensions are of course given only by
way of example and can notably vary in function of: [0060] the
subject's size, age, weight or condition (pregnant woman), sex,
possible medical pathology (orthopaedic, respiratory or
neurological), possible handicap or deficiency; [0061] the bed or
support size; [0062] the appearance; [0063] the prevention of
certain affections, diseases or deformations.
[0064] Generally, the bulk of the body pillow according to the
invention is notable for the asymmetry thereof.
[0065] Besides the functional aspect thereof that will be explained
hereinafter, this asymmetry can be used, as illustrated in FIG. 2,
through joining of two identical pillows 10, 10' in a head-to-tail
arrangement so that the two respective contours 24, 24' match
together and fit into each other, connecting the lower portion to
the truncular portion. In particular, if the lower portion 12, 12'
has a width of half that of the truncular portion, the assembly of
two pillows forms an approximately rectangular set with a length of
110+50=160 cm, which is a suitable dimension for a standard
mattress width. Two pillows so joined can be disposed at bedside
when they are not in use, just like a bolster.
[0066] In a simplified form illustrated in FIG. 4, the pillow
according to the invention is obtained through combining in a
common cover 30 a first elongated element 32 corresponding to a
half bolster and a substantially squared element 34 corresponding
to a conventional 50.times.50 cm bed pillow. The pillow then
consists of pillow case 10 enveloping these two elements 32,
34.
[0067] Different shape variants are also possible, such as those
illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a and 6b. In this variant, pillow
10 is approximately half-heart-shaped, with a truncular portion 14
the outer contour 26 of which is rounded and connects without
discontinuity to an also rounded contour 24 of lower portion 12. On
the other hand, edges 20, 22 of both lower portion 12 and truncular
portion 14 are substantially straight and lined up. Two identical
elements 10, 10' can be joined either in a head-to-tail arrangement
to form a bolster-shaped elongated set as illustrated in FIG. 6a,
or in a side-by-side arrangement of their respective straight edge
forming a whole heart-shape as illustrated if FIG. 6b.
[0068] How to use the pillow according to the invention will now be
explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 which show a subject
reclined in the 3/4 prone position, with a body pillow such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1 interposed between him/her and the
mattress.
[0069] So as to position himself/herself, subject 36 lies down
laterally just against the longest length of lower portion 12;
he/she covers truncular portion 14 with his/her homolateral arm 38
(right arm in FIGS. 7 to 9) and place about about half of truncular
portion 14 under his/her thorax. The homolateral lower limb 40
(right leg in the example of FIGS. 7 to 9) straddles lower portion
12, the inner side of the left thigh 42 crossing the proximal
portion of lower portion 12. The flexion of the hip is according to
the subject's desire. The face 44 is placed just beyond the upper
edge 46 of the pillow truncular portion 14 and the cheek rests
directly on the mattress or another support, the contact being a
direct contact without the pillow interposed, the latter supporting
the neck but not the head.
[0070] The body pillow according to the invention has many
advantages, notably: [0071] a very great comfort; [0072] an easy
side-changing operation (to shift from one side to the other, the
subject has just to move over the pillow and to make it turn upside
down); [0073] the pillow enables the subject to go on sleeping face
down in the prone position as long as possible throughout his/her
life; [0074] various psychological advantages are obtained, such
as: feeling less alone, reassuring contact with the mattress,
feeling of having one's face laid on a place without space
limitation (unlike a cervical pillow for example), etc.; [0075]
thermal control; [0076] snoring prevention; [0077] spinal
analgesia; [0078] lordosis flattening providing a cervical and
lumber pain prevention (relative to a full ventral decubitus
position without a body pillow, the rotation in the cervical and
lumber area is far lesser); [0079] bronchial drainage stimulation
(a better position than a full dorsal or ventral decubitus
position); [0080] abdominal support (obesity or pregnancy); [0081]
lateral safety position (notably in a hospital environment).
[0082] A subsidiary advantage of the invention, illustrated in FIG.
10, is the possibility of using it as a pillow for a half-seated
reading position on the bed, truncular portion 14 being used
similarly to a bed pillow for resting of the patient's back, while
the arm rests on lower portion 12.
* * * * *