U.S. patent application number 14/167459 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for body support and alignment pillow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Colin Fenton. Invention is credited to Colin Fenton.
Application Number | 20150208812 14/167459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53677872 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150208812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fenton; Colin |
July 30, 2015 |
BODY SUPPORT AND ALIGNMENT PILLOW
Abstract
There is provided a body alignment and support pillow. The
pillow includes a first portion that is substantially rectangular
in profile and tapered at least in part. The first portion of the
pillow is positionable under the chest and abdomen of a user during
lateral slumber and promotes laterally upright positioning of the
user's back, shoulders, and pelvis. The pillow includes a second
portion that aligns with and is integrally formed with the first
portion of the pillow. The second portion of the pillow is
substantially rectangular in profile and is positionable between
the user's thighs and knees. The pillow includes recessed regions
extending between the first portion of the pillow and the second
portion of the pillow. The second portion of the pillow is at least
in part thinner in cross-section than the first portion of the
pillow.
Inventors: |
Fenton; Colin; (Sechelt,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fenton; Colin |
Sechelt |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
53677872 |
Appl. No.: |
14/167459 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/632 ;
5/630 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20130101; A47C
20/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/02 20060101
A47C020/02; A47C 20/00 20060101 A47C020/00; A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A body alignment and support pillow for a user, the pillow
comprising an upper, torso-supporting portion shaped to support and
be at least partially positioned underneath the chest and abdomen
of the user during lateral slumber, the upper portion of the pillow
promoting laterally upright positioning of the back, and a lower,
knee-supporting portion which is positionable between the thighs
and knees of the user, the lower portion of the pillow aligning
with the upper portion of the pillow.
2. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower portion of
the pillow, when positioned between the thighs and knees of the
user, functions to hold the upper portion of the pillow in place
underneath the chest and abdomen.
3. The pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillow has a
proximal end positionable adjacent to the shoulders of the user and
a distal end positionable adjacent to the knees of the user, the
upper portion of the pillow extending from the proximal end of the
pillow towards the distal end thereof and the lower portion of the
pillow extending from the distal end of the pillow towards the
proximal end thereof.
4. The pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion of
the pillow is shaped to extend from the top to the bottom of the
user's torso and wherein the upper portion of the pillow has an
inner longitudinal section that is tapered.
5. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upper portion of
the pillow has an inner longitudinal section that is substantially
an isosceles triangle in shape in cross-section, the inner
longitudinal section being positionable at least partially
underneath and tapering towards the abdomen.
6. The pillow as claimed in claim 5 wherein the upper portion of
the pillow has an outer longitudinal section integrally connected
to the inner longitudinal section, the outer longitudinal section
being substantially a rectangular prism.
7. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower portion is
substantially a rectangular prism in shape, the lower portion of
the pillow having a thickness extending between the knees of the
user that is less than that of the outer longitudinal section of
the pillow, the lower portion of the pillow separating the thighs
and knees of the user so as to relax the user's hip muscles.
8. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upper portion of
the pillow has an outer longitudinal section positioned to be
spaced-apart from the abdomen when in use, the pillow being shaped
to promote alignment of the knees with the outer longitudinal
section of the pillow.
9. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pillow has a
proximal end and a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end,
the upper portion of the pillow extending from the proximal end
towards the distal end, the lower portion of the pillow extending
from the distal end towards the proximal end, and wherein the
pillow further comprises an inner longitudinal edge portion that is
substantially continuous in shape and an outer longitudinal
portion, the longitudinal edge portions being spaced-apart from
each other and extending from the proximal end to the distal end,
the outer longitudinal edge portion including a pair of
spaced-apart knee positioning concave recessed regions for
receiving the knees therewithin, the concave regions being part of
the lower portion of the pillow and being positioned between the
distal end of the pillow and the proximal end of the pillow.
10. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pillow has an
inner longitudinal edge portion for positioning adjacent to the
user and an outer longitudinal edge portion spaced-apart from the
inner longitudinal edge portion, the upper portion of the pillow
having a pair of spaced-apart sides extending from the outer
longitudinal edge portion to the inner longitudinal edge portion,
each of the sides being convex in shape and extending from the
outer longitudinal edge portion to the inner longitudinal edge
portion of the pillow.
11. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower portion of
the pillow is integrally connected to the upper portion of the
pillow and wherein the pillow is shaped to promote at least partial
bending of the knees towards the torso of the user.
12. The pillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upper portion of
the pillow has a longitudinal central axis and wherein the lower
portion of the pillow has a longitudinal central axis, the
longitudinal central axis of the upper portion of the pillow
aligning in parallel with the longitudinal central axis of the
lower portion of the pillow.
13. A body alignment and support pillow comprising: a first portion
that is tapered at least in part, the first portion of the pillow
being substantially rectangular in profile; a second portion
integrally connected to and formed with the first portion of the
pillow, the second portion of the pillow being substantially
rectangular in profile; and recessed regions extending between the
first portion of the pillow and the second portion of the pillow,
the second portion of the pillow being at least in part thinner in
cross-section than the first portion of the pillow.
14. The pillow as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first portion of
the pillow comprises an outer longitudinal section that is
substantially a rectangular prism and an inner longitudinal section
integrally formed with the outer longitudinal section of the first
portion of the pillow, the inner longitudinal section of the first
portion of the pillow being substantially a triangular prism.
15. The pillow as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second portion of
the pillow comprises an outer longitudinal section that is
substantially a rectangular prism and an inner longitudinal section
integrally connected to and formed with the outer longitudinal
section of the second portion of the pillow, the inner longitudinal
section of the second portion of the pillow being substantially a
triangular prism.
16. The pillow as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second portion of
the pillow is tapered at least in part.
17. The pillow as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second portion of
the pillow is substantially a rectangular prism.
18. The pillow as claimed in claim 13 further including an outer
longitudinal edge portion that substantially comprises two
generally rectangular-shaped regions which align with the first
portion and the second portion, respectively, of the pillow, and an
inner longitudinal edge portion that is substantially straight.
19. The pillow as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first portion and
the second portion of the pillow each include a pair of
spaced-apart convex sides that extend from the outer longitudinal
edge portion of the pillow to the inner longitudinal edge portion
of the pillow.
20. A method of aligning and supporting a person's body during
lateral slumber using a body alignment and support pillow, the
pillow including an upper portion having a tapered section and a
lower portion aligned with the upper portion thereof, the method
comprising: positioning the tapered section of the upper portion of
the pillow underneath the chest and abdomen, the upper portion of
the pillow promoting laterally upright positioning of the body
thereby; and positioning the lower portion of the pillow between
the knees, the lower portion of the pillow supporting the thighs
and knees and holding the upper portion of the pillow in place.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There is provided a pillow. In particular, there is provided
a body support and alignment pillow.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] People sometimes lay on their sides when they sleep.
However, after a while, they may become uncomfortable; a person's
neck, shoulders, back, and/or pelvic region may start to ache
because their shoulder may drop forward and their back may arch
inwards from their stomach. The person's chest may drop towards to
mattress. Their stomach may stick out in a forward direction as the
stomach muscles relax. This action of the stomach may flex and
twist the spine into the wrong position, and may place an inward
curve and twist on the neck, back, hips and knees. This action may
result in a further dropping of the stomach towards the mattress,
which may thus make for an uncomfortable sleep. These factors may
twist the person's spine into an awkward position and may also
place the person's hips into an awkward position.
[0003] Also, when a person is resting on their side using a
conventional pillow, their legs may be in an awkward position.
Their knees and ankles may be touching each other. This
uncomfortable position may cause pain from pressure points. When a
person sleeps on their side, their legs may cross over one another.
This may result in the knees abutting each other in a bone-on-bone
manner. This may lead to pressure points by one's arteries and
veins. This may be very dangerous if blood flow is disrupted and
cannot continue to flow to the lower part of the legs.
[0004] If the hips and pelvic are not supported, the user may
adjust their thighs and knees to try to find a more comfortable
position. In this case, people may tuck their blankets in between
their knees. However, frequent adjustment may be needed in order to
try to find a comfortable position within which to rest and the
body may thus be frequently working and not resting like it
should.
[0005] The above described uncomfortable positioning may result in
a disturbed sleep. The discomfort that may result from this
unsupported position may cause people to roll over onto their other
side, and the process may start all over again. Tossing and turning
may thus repeatedly occur. As a result, some people may eventually
roll onto their back or stomach. Such positioning may create more
uncomfortable and further unnatural positions in which to sleep.
Moreover, sleeping on one's back may also promote snoring
[0006] United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0060806 to
Wilkinson provides a system for adjustably positioning at least two
body zones of a person relative to a base surface on which the
person is resting. The system comprises at least two adjustable
sections. Each adjustable section has a non-remote, individually
adjustable mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the section. In
one embodiment, each of the at least two adjustable sections
comprises an inflatable/deflatable bladder positioned between an
upper non-adjustable cushioned element and a lower non-adjustable
cushioned element. The non-remote, individually adjustable
mechanism comprises a valve mounted on an outer surface of the
inflatable/deflatable bladder.
[0007] Each section of the pillow in Wilkinson may be independently
adjustable. This may result in a system that is overly adjustable
in which the user may adjust the pillow for optimized comfort as
opposed to optimized body alignment. When the user rolls over,
positioning of the pillow and user may require further adjustment.
These aspects of the pillow may be particularly undesired and
challenging to correct when the user is in a drowsy or semi-asleep
state.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 8,468,627 to Leach provides an elongated
angular multiple position body pillow. The pillow embodies an
enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a
substantially straight base. Two arms extend longitudinally from
the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto. The terminal
ends of each arm are provided with one half of a fabric tie which
fabric ties, when brought into contact with one another. This
causes the pillow to be temporarily fixed in a semi-toroidal shape.
The elongated angular multiple position body pillow is adapted to
support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated
position, reclining with her back elevated, or nursing an
infant.
[0009] Here too the above pillow may be overly adjustable by the
user, enabling a user to use the pillow in a manner detrimental to
the user's body alignment and overall health. Moreover, the pillow
may be relatively cumbersome compared to a conventional pillow,
inhibiting the user's ability to roll over in an efficient and
smooth manner. U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,310 to Robbins provides a
resilient base cushion that has top and bottom surfaces, and a
peripheral side wall, upper and lower ends. The cushion includes an
upper section, a lower section, and an intermediate section. A
resilient head cushion has a middle component positioned across the
top of the base cushion and side components laterally spaced from
the upper section. A pair of similarly configured resilient leg
cushions are partially positioned upon the intermediate and lower
sections of the base cushion. Each cushion of a pair of similarly
configured resilient abdominal cushions has a wedge-shaped
configuration and is positioned upon the intermediate section of
the base cushion above the leg cushions.
[0010] The cushion in Robbins may be expensive to manufacture, with
its many parts. Also, the cushion may be relatively large and
cumbersome compared to a conventional pillow. The cushion may thus
take up room on the bed and inhibit intimacy with one's
partner.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,323 to Krouskop provides a body support
system for supporting a human body lying on a bed in a side
position. The system includes a body support and first and second
flexible arms extending outwardly from the support. A head engaging
structure is connected to one of the arms and a leg engaging
structure is connected to the other arms for maintaining the body
support against the body. The support may include a flat side, and
an incline side and be right triangular in cross section.
Preferably, the head engaging structure and leg engaging structure
are substantially the same for reversibility.
[0012] The body support system in Krouskop may be relatively
restricting compared to a conventional pillow because, for example,
it does not appear to enable the user to roll over during the
course of the night. Also, the flexible arms may result in a system
that requires periodic adjustment before going to bed and during
the course of the night to try to ensure that a healthy alignment
of the body is maintained.
[0013] There is accordingly a need for an improved body support and
alignment system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] There is provided a body support and alignment system
disclosed herein that overcomes the above disadvantages.
[0015] There is accordingly provided a body alignment and support
pillow for a user. The pillow includes an upper, torso-supporting
portion shaped to support and be at least partially positioned
underneath the chest and abdomen during lateral slumber. The upper
portion of the pillow promotes laterally upright positioning of the
shoulder, back and pelvis. It functions to promote squaring of the
shoulders and thighs and supports the abdomen and pelvic area in
their natural position. If the abdomen protrudes forward, the
muscles may pull the pelvis down and forward, creating an excessive
curve in the lower torso and causing the abdomen to protrude
forward even more. The resulting pressure on the lower spine may
eventually cause dysfunction and injury. The pillow includes a
lower, thigh and knee-supporting portion which is positionable
between the thighs and knees of the user. The lower portion of the
pillow aligns with the upper portion of the pillow.
[0016] There is also provided a body alignment and support pillow.
The pillow includes a first portion that is tapered at least in
part. The first portion of the pillow is substantially rectangular
in profile. The pillow includes a second portion integrally
connected to and formed with the first portion of the pillow. The
second portion of the pillow is substantially rectangular in
profile. The pillow includes recessed regions extending between the
first portion of the pillow and the second portion of the pillow.
The second portion of the pillow is at least in part thinner in
cross-section than the first portion of the pillow.
[0017] According to a further aspect, there is a provided a body
alignment and support pillow for a user. The pillow includes a
means for promoting laterally upright positioning of the shoulders,
neck, back and pelvis during lateral slumber. The pillow includes a
means for cushioning knees and holding in place the means for
promoting positioning of the back.
[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of
aligning and supporting a person's body during lateral slumber. The
method includes using a body alignment and support pillow. The
pillow has an upper portion with a tapered section and a lower
portion aligned with the upper portion thereof. The method includes
positioning the tapered section of the upper portion of the pillow
underneath the chest and abdomen. The upper portion of the pillow
promotes laterally upright positioning of the shoulders, chest,
abdomen, back and pelvis thereby. The method includes positioning
the lower portion of the pillow between the thighs and knees. The
lower portion of the pillow supports the knees and holds the upper
portion of the pillow in place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention will be more readily understood from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of a body alignment
and support pillow according to one aspect;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view thereof;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a first side view thereof including an inner
longitudinal edge portion of the pillow;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a second side view thereof opposite the first side
view, including an outer longitudinal edge portion of the
pillow;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a distal end view thereof;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a proximal end view thereof;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 1
together with a user being supported by the pillow along a first
side of the user;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the pillow and the
user of FIG. 9, with the user lying on a mattress, the pillow being
at least partially interposed between the user and the
mattress;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the pillow, the user
and the mattress of FIG. 10, with the user being shown on his or
her back, with the pillow having a lower portion squeezed between
the user's thighs and knees and the pillow having an upper portion
held between the user's arms;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the pillow, the user
and the mattress of FIG. 9, the user being supported by the pillow
along a second side of the user;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a front side perspective view of a body alignment
and support pillow according to a second aspect;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a rear side perspective view thereof;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a first side view thereof, including an inner
longitudinal edge portion of the pillow;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a second side view thereof opposite the first
side view, including an outer longitudinal edge portion of the
pillow;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a top plan view thereof;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a distal end view thereof;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a proximal end view thereof;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a front side perspective view of a body alignment
and support pillow according to a third aspect;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a rear side perspective view thereof;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a first side view thereof, including an inner
longitudinal edge portion of the pillow;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a second side view thereof opposite the first
side view, including an outer longitudinal edge portion of the
pillow;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a top plan view thereof;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a distal end view thereof; and
[0047] FIG. 28 is a proximal end view thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is
shown a body alignment and support pillow 20 for a user 22, seen in
FIG. 9.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the user is a person having a
torso 24. The torso has a top 26 and a bottom 28 spaced-apart from
the top. The user 22 has a head 30 and a pair of arms 32 and 34
connected to and extending from top 26 of torso 24. The user has
shoulders 36 aligned with the top of the torso, a chest 37
spaced-apart below the shoulders, an abdomen 38 positioned between
the top and bottom of the torso, back 40 spaced-apart from the
abdomen, and pelvis 41 positioned by the bottom 28 of the torso.
The user's back extends from the top 26 towards the bottom 28 of
the torso. The user 22 has a pair of legs 42 and 44 each of which
includes: a thigh having a lower part; a knee adjacent to the lower
part of the thigh; and a shank having an upper part adjacent to the
knee. This is seen by thigh 46, lower part 47 of the thigh, knee
48, shank 49 and upper part 50 of the shank for leg 44.
[0050] The pillow 20 is substantially rectangular in profile, as
best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is made of low-resilience
polyurethane foam in one example of many or memory foam according
to one aspect. The pillow may come in adult and child sizes. In
this example four-pound memory foam may be used for the adults'
pillows and three-pound memory foam may be used for the children's
pillows. However, this is not strictly required and other materials
may be used. The pillow may also include a zippered cover (not
shown) that can be removed for periodic washing. The zippered part
on the pillow may be located at the feet end of the pillow by end
54. The zipper may at least partially extend alone respective ones
of an inner and outer longitudinal edge portions 56 and 58 of the
pillow. This may allow enough exposure to readily remove the pillow
case. A king size pillow case may work well with an adult-size
pillow described further below and a regular pillow case may work
well with a child-size pillow also described further below.
[0051] The pillow extends from a proximal end 52, best seen in FIG.
8, to a distal end 54, best seen in FIG. 7, which is spaced-apart
from the proximal end. Referring to FIG. 10, the pillow is shaped
such that proximal end 52 of the pillow is positionable adjacent to
the shoulders 36 of the user 22. Distal end 54 of the pillow is
positionable adjacent to the knees 48 and upper part 50 of shanks
49 of the user 22 in this example. Arm 32 of the user 22 may abut
against proximal end 52 of the pillow 20.
[0052] The pillow 20 has an inner longitudinal edge portion 56,
best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, for positioning adjacent to the user
22, seen in FIG. 9. Referring back to FIG. 1, the inner
longitudinal edge portion extends from proximal end 52 of the
pillow to its distal end 54. The inner longitudinal edge portion 56
of the pillow 20 is substantially continuous and straight in shape
in this example. The pillow has an outer longitudinal edge portion
58, best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, which is spaced-apart from its
inner longitudinal edge portion. The outer longitudinal edge
portion is spaced-apart from torso 24 of user 22 in use, as seen in
FIG. 9. The outer longitudinal edge portion 58 extends from
proximal end 52 of the pillow 20 to distal end 54 thereof. As best
seen in FIG. 4, the outer longitudinal edge portion 58
substantially comprises two generally rectangular-shaped regions 51
and 53. Region 51 extends from proximal end 52 towards distal end
54. Region 53 extends from distal end 54 towards proximal end 52.
Region 51 is wider and longer relative to region 53 in this
example.
[0053] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the outer longitudinal edge
portion 58 of the pillow 20 includes a pair of spaced-apart thigh
and knee positioning, concave recessed regions 55 and 57 interposed
between and extending between regions 51 and 53 thereof. Referring
to FIG. 10, the recessed regions are shaped for receiving the
user's knees 48 therewithin.
[0054] Referring back to FIG. 1, the pillow 20 has a longitudinal
central axis 59 that extends from proximal end 52 to distal end 54
of the pillow. The central axis is positioned between inner
longitudinal edge portion 56 and outer longitudinal edge portion 58
of the pillow.
[0055] The pillow 20 includes a first, upper, torso-supporting
portion or upper portion 60 which extends from proximal end 52 of
the pillow towards distal end 54 thereof. The upper portion of the
pillow also extends from inner longitudinal edge portion 56 to the
rectangular-shaped region 51 of outer longitudinal edge portion 58
of the pillow, seen in FIG. 4. Rectangular-shaped region 51 thus
aligns the upper portion of the pillow. The upper portion 60 of the
pillow 20 is substantially rectangular in profile as seen in FIG.
5. Referring to FIG. 10, the upper portion of the pillow is shaped
to extend from the top 26 to the bottom 28 of the torso 24 of user
22.
[0056] As seen in FIG. 1, the upper portion 60 of the pillow has
two longitudinal sections, in this example, an outer longitudinal
section 62 and an inner longitudinal, tapered section 64, as best
seen in FIG. 8. The outer longitudinal section is substantially a
rectangular prism in shape in this example. The outer longitudinal
section 62 of the upper portion 60 of the pillow 20 is configured
to be spaced-apart from the chest 37 and abdomen 38 of the user in
use, as seen in FIG. 9, and may receive and support arm 34 of user
22. The user's head 30 is supported by a conventional pillow 63 in
this example, though this is not strictly required. Outer
longitudinal section 62 extends from rectangular-shaped region 51
of outer longitudinal edge portion 58, as seen in FIG. 4, towards
inner longitudinal edge portion 56 of the pillow as seen in FIG.
9.
[0057] Inner longitudinal section 64 of the upper portion 60 of the
pillow 20 is best seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 and is wedge-like and in
this example substantially a triangular prism in shape. Referring
to FIG. 1, the inner longitudinal section is integrally connected
to outer longitudinal section 62 of the upper portion 60 of the
pillow 20. Referring to FIG. 9, the inner longitudinal section of
the upper portion of the pillow is shaped to support the chest 37
and abdomen 38 of the user and be at least partially positioned
underneath the chest and abdomen during lateral slumber. This is
also seen in FIG. 10 by user 22 sleeping on some of mattress 61 in
this example, with the mattress extending along a first side 65 of
the user.
[0058] The inner longitudinal section 64 of the upper portion 60 of
the pillow 20 has a first, flat and substantially rectangular side
66, seen in FIG. 1, and a second flat and substantially rectangular
side 68, seen in FIG. 2, which connect via edge portion 56. Side 66
is angularly spaced-apart side 68. The inner longitudinal section
64 extends from outer longitudinal section 62 and tapers to inner
longitudinal edge portion 56 of the pillow 20. Inner longitudinal
section 64 of the upper portion 60 of the pillow thus tapers
towards the chest 37 and abdomen 38 in use, as seen with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 9. As best seen in FIG. 8, the inner longitudinal
section 64 is substantially triangular in cross-section in this
example, in the shape of an isosceles triangle.
[0059] The upper portion 60 of the pillow is thus shaped to promote
straight or laterally upright positioning of the body of the user
22 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 while maintaining a natural curvature
to the back. The pillow so shaped may inhibit twisting or rolling
forward of the user's torso 24. The pillow may thus function to
reduce pressure on sacrum and stabilize the trunk. The term
"straight" when used in reference to the back is understood to be
mean generally or substantially straight. The upper portion 60 of
the pillow 20 may thus be referred to as a means for promoting
laterally upright positioning of the back during lateral
slumber.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 1, the upper portion 60 of the pillow has
a central longitudinal axis that aligns with and corresponds with
longitudinal axis 59 of the pillow. Longitudinal axis 59 extends
between outer longitudinal section 62 of the upper portion 60 of
the pillow and inner longitudinal section 64 of the upper portion
of the pillow in this example.
[0061] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pillow 20 has a second, lower,
thigh and knee supporting portion or lower portion 70. The lower
portion of the pillow extends from the distal end 54 of the pillow
towards the proximal end 52 of the pillow. The lower portion 70 of
the pillow 20 is substantially rectangular in profile, as best seen
in FIG. 5. The lower portion of the pillow is integrally formed
with and connected to the upper portion 60 of the pillow and is at
least in part thinner in cross-section than the upper portion of
the pillow, as best seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, the lower portion 70 of the pillow 20
extends from inner longitudinal edge portion 56 to
rectangular-shaped region 53 of the outer longitudinal edge portion
58, shown in FIG. 4. Region 53 thus aligns with the lower portion
of the pillow. As seen in FIG. 10, the lower portion of the pillow
20 is shaped to extend from the bottom 28 of the torso 24 to the
upper part 50 of shank 49 in this example. The lower portion is
thus positionable between the thighs 46 and knees 48 and upper part
of the shank of the user 22.
[0063] The lower portion 70 of the pillow has two longitudinal
sections, in this example, comprising an outer longitudinal section
72 and an inner longitudinal section 74. The outer longitudinal
section is substantially a rectangular prism in shape in this
example. The outer longitudinal section 72 of the lower portion 70
of the pillow 20 is positioned to be received between the thigh 46
and knees 48 and upper parts 50 of the shanks 49 of the user 22
when in use, as seen in FIG. 9. The outer longitudinal section 72
of the lower portion of the pillow aligns with and is integrally
connected to the outer longitudinal section 62 of the upper portion
60 of the pillow. The pillow 20 is thus shaped to promote support
and alignment of the pelvis 41 and knees 48 with the outer
longitudinal sections 72 and 62 of the pillow.
[0064] Outer longitudinal section 72 is wider than outer
longitudinal section 62 of the upper portion 60 of the pillow. The
outer longitudinal section 72 of the lower portion 70 of the pillow
thus extends from rectangular-shaped region 53 of the outer
longitudinal edge portion 58, seen in FIG. 4, towards inner
longitudinal edge portion 56 of the pillow, as seen in FIG. 1, to a
greater extent than does outer longitudinal section 62 of the upper
portion 60 of the pillow.
[0065] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower portion 70 of the pillow
includes a pair of concave recessed regions 71 and 73 that extend
from regions 55 and 57 of longitudinal edge portion 58 towards
inner longitudinal edge portion 56. Regions 71 and 73 are
positioned between the proximal end 52 and distal end 54 of the
pillow 20 and are interposed between outer longitudinal sections 72
and 62 of the pillow 20. The recessed regions thus extend between
the upper portion 60 of the pillow 20 and the lower portion 70 of
the pillow. Regions 55, 57, 71 and 73 are shaped to at least
partially receive and support the knees 48 of the user and lower
parts 47 of his or her thighs 46, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0066] Inner longitudinal section 74 of the lower portion 70 of the
pillow 20 is best seen in FIG. 3 and is wedge-like and in this
example substantially a triangular prism in shape. Referring to
FIG. 1, the inner longitudinal section is integrally connected to
the outer longitudinal section 72 of the lower portion 70 of the
pillow 20. As seen in FIG. 9, the inner longitudinal section 74 of
the lower portion 70 of the pillow 20 is shaped to support and be
at least partially positioned between the thigh 46 and upper part
50 of the shank 49 during lateral slumber in this example.
[0067] The inner longitudinal section 74 of the lower portion 70 of
the pillow 20 has a first, flat and substantially rectangular, side
76, seen in FIG. 1, and a second, flat and substantially
rectangular, side 78, seen in FIG. 2, which connect together via
inner longitudinal edge portion 56. Side 76 is angularly
spaced-apart from side 78.
[0068] The inner longitudinal section 72 of the lower portion 70 of
the pillow 20 aligns with, is integrally connected to and is
contiguous with the inner longitudinal section 62 of the upper
portion 60 of the pillow. Sides 66 and 76 seen in FIG. 1 are
integrally connected to, and extend in parallel with, each other.
As seen in FIG. 2, sides 68 and 78 are integrally connected to, and
extend in parallel with, each other.
[0069] The inner longitudinal section 74 extends from outer
longitudinal section 72 and tapers to inner longitudinal edge
portion 56 of the pillow 20. Inner longitudinal section 74 of the
lower portion 70 of the pillow thus tapers towards the user's
thighs 46, as seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9. As best seen in
FIG. 8, the inner longitudinal section is substantially triangular
in cross-section in this example, in the shape of an isosceles
triangle. The inner longitudinal section 74, together with regions
55, 57, 71 and 73, may therefore function to inhibit pressure
points from along the contours of the user's thighs, knees and
shanks. The pillow 20 is thus shaped to promote at least partial
bending of the user's knees 48 towards his or her torso 24, as seen
in FIG. 9
[0070] Referring to FIG. 1, the lower portion of the pillow has a
central longitudinal axis that aligns with axis 59. The lower
portion 70 of the pillow 20 thus also aligns with the upper portion
60 of the pillow, with the longitudinal axis of the upper portion
of the pillow aligning in parallel with the longitudinal axis of
the lower portion of the pillow.
[0071] The lower portion 70 of the pillow functions to both support
the user's thighs 46 and knees 48, seen in FIG. 9, and hold the
upper portion 60 of the pillow in place via the knees. Referring to
FIG. 12, the lower portion 70 of the pillow is positioned between
the knees 48 of the user 22 and this promotes positioning of the
upper portion of the pillow at least partially underneath the chest
37 and abdomen 38. The lower portion 70 of the pillow 20 may thus
be referred to as a means for cushioning the thighs and knees and
holding in place the means for promoting positioning of the back
and pelvis.
[0072] The pillow 20 so positioned, with its upper portion 60
ending at the top 26 of the torso 24 and its upper portion 60 held
in place by thighs 46 and knees 48 gripping its lower portion 70,
enables the user 22 using the pillow to readily switch from lying
along mattress 61 on first side 65 of the user 22 seen in FIG. 10,
rolling on the user's back 40 as seen in FIG. 11, to a position
lying along the mattress on a second side 67 of the user other as
seen in FIG. 12.
[0073] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of
aligning and supporting one's body during lateral slumber using
pillow 20. Referring to FIG. 9, the method includes positioning the
tapered section 64 of the upper portion 60 of the pillow underneath
the user's chest 37 and abdomen 38. The upper portion 60 of the
pillow 20 promotes laterally upright positioning of the user's
back, shoulders, chest and pelvis thereby. The method includes
positioning the lower portion 70 of the pillow between the user's
thighs 47 and knees 48. The lower portion of the pillow supports
the thighs, knees and pelvis and holds the upper portion of the
pillow in place.
[0074] FIGS. 13 to 20 show a body alignment and support pillow 20.1
according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and
functions as the pillow 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the addition
of "0.1". Pillow 20.1 is substantially the same as pillow 20 shown
in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the following exceptions.
[0075] The upper portion 60.1 of the pillow 20.1 extends from
rectangular-shaped region 51.1 of the outer longitudinal edge
portion 58.1, seen in FIG. 16, and tapers in a smooth and
continuous manner to inner longitudinal edge portion 56.1, as best
seen with references to FIGS. 13, 14 and 20. As seen in FIGS. 13
and 14, the upper portion of the pillow includes a pair of
spaced-apart sides 80 and 82 extending from rectangular-shaped
region 51.1 of the outer longitudinal edge portion, seen in FIG.
16, to the inner longitudinal edge portion 56.1 of the pillow 20.1.
Each of the sides is convex.
[0076] The lower portion 70.1 of the pillow 20.1 extends from
rectangular-shaped region 53.1 of outer longitudinal edge portion
58.1, seen in FIG. 16, and tapers in a smooth and continuous manner
to inner longitudinal edge portion 56.1. As seen in FIGS. 13 and
14, the lower portion of the pillow includes a pair of spaced-apart
sides 84 and 86 extending from region 53.1 of outer longitudinal
edge portion, seen in FIG. 16, to the inner longitudinal edge
portion. Each of sides 84 and 86 is convex at least in part.
[0077] FIGS. 21 to 28 show a body alignment and support pillow 20.2
according to a third aspect. Like parts have like numbers and
functions as the pillow 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the addition
of "0.2". Pillow 20.2 is substantially the same as pillow 20 shown
in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the following exceptions.
[0078] Lower portion 70.2 of pillow 20.2 is substantially in the
shape of a rectangular prism which extends from rectangular-shaped
region 53.2 of outer longitudinal edge portion 58.2, seen in FIG.
24, to inner longitudinal edge portion 56.2 of the pillow. As seen
in FIGS. 21 and 22, recessed regions 71.2 and 73.2 also extend from
outer longitudinal edge portion 58.2 to inner longitudinal edge
portion 56.2 of the pillow. The lower portion 70.2 of the pillow
20.2 includes a pair of spaced-apart sides 88 and 90 that are flat
and parallel with each other, in this example. Referring to FIG.
24, the lower portion 70.2 of the pillow has a cross-sectional
thickness t.sub.1, extending between the knees of the user in use,
which is less than the cross-sectional thickness t.sub.2 of the
outer longitudinal section 62.2 of the pillow 20.2.
[0079] The pillows as herein described may be good for everyone
wanting a peaceful rest and the pillow is designed for use as a
regular sleep support for adults and children. The pillow may also
promote proper body support and alignment for people who are
overweight and for pregnant women. For the latter, the pillow may
enable the baby in the womb to be supported during a sleep, which
may thereby allow both mother and baby to have a restful sleep.
[0080] The pillow may further be used for comfort or persons in
some pain or who are injured. The latter may include shoulder,
upper or lower back, neck, chest, hip, leg and knee pain or
discomfort, for example. The pillow may provide relief for morning
shoulder, back, hip, knee pain and stiffness. The pillow may be
particularly well-suited for therapeutic bed rest and hospital
applications, for minimizing fatigue in the shoulders, chest, arms,
back, hips and knees.
[0081] The pillow as herein described provides still further
advantages. For example, the comforting alignment provided by the
pillow promotes and encourages sleeping on one's side, and
discourages sleeping on one's back and/or stomach. The pillow so
configured and used may reduce snoring while keeping the person on
his or her side and may enhance breathing while sleeping. The
pillow may enable the person to obtain quality sleep in their
preferred side sleeping position. The pillow is symmetrical and
this may facilitate sleeping on either side of the pillow. Improved
rest arising from use of the pillow as herein described may result
in a person that is more alert throughout the day and may thus
promote improved daily life and work performance.
[0082] The pillow is designed for the contour of the thighs and may
thus relieve or inhibit pressure points. The pillow's memory foam
may further inhibit pressure points from arising. It may also
minimize or inhibit friction and pressure gradients between the
legs as the user sleeps or rests on their side. The knees are
brought up and separated by the pillow in a natural state: the
pillow in the knee and thigh area is designed to have a curvature
corresponding to the natural gap between the thighs. The pillow so
shaped may thus support the thighs and knees at a desired distance
of separation, thereby inhibiting pressure on the pelvic area,
thighs, knees and feet. The pillow thus separates the thighs and
knees of the user so as to relax the user's hip muscles.
[0083] The pillow as herein described may relax muscles for a
better sleep. The pillow so shaped may be sufficiently narrow as to
enable other persons, such as one's partner, to also fit on the
same bed. The pillow as herein described is designed to move and
roll with the user. The pillow so integrally connected inhibits the
need for a person to individually readjust its various portions
during the course of the night.
[0084] The pillow as herein described is designed to support a
person's body on either of their sides. The person's shoulder, arm,
chest, abdominal, pelvic, thigh and knee area may be supported,
keeping them upright. The pillow may support a person's front and
back, reduce pressure on sacrum, and stabilize the trunk. The
pillow may tuck under the chest and stomach (abdominal area) of the
user, supporting the chest, stomach and the back in their natural
straight position. This straightens out the whole spine from the
neck down to the pelvic area, and also straightens the hips, thighs
and knees. The straighter aligned spine, the more comfortable sleep
the body may have. This proper alignment of the body allows less
stress on the body therefore allowing for a better relaxed sleep.
The pillow as herein described promotes positioning of the
shoulder, chest, stomach and pelvis in their natural states, which
may straighten out the whole spine from the neck down to the pelvic
area while maintaining the natural curvature of the spine. The
cushion-like support fits adjacent the chest and carries down along
the abdominal and hip area between the thighs to the knee of the
user, thus separating the legs and supporting the upper shoulders,
chest, arm, spine, back and hip. The pillow so shaped may prevent
the body and torso of the user from twisting or rolling forward.
The pillow as herein described may maintain the spine's natural
curvature, may minimize twisting of the user's back during resting
and may stabilize the hips for side sleepers.
[0085] The person's arm may hug the pillow or rest on top of the
pillow keeping the arm and shoulder upward. The pillow so shaped
may also provide support to the upper shoulder by allowing the arm
to so rest on the pillow, thereby keeping the arm and shoulder
elevated. The pillow so shaped and used may inhibit the shoulder
from dangling forward and downward, which rotates, twists, the
upper body. The pillow as herein described may keep the shoulders,
chest, back, hips, and thighs aligned as the user sleeps, promoting
total muscle relaxation and a more restful sleep.
[0086] The pillow so shaped may also support the hips, thighs and
knees, keeping the whole as one unit and well supported. The pillow
causes the person to draw up their knees to the fetal position due
to the comfort afforded by the pillow. This proper alignment of the
body may cause less stress on the body, thereby allowing for a
better relaxed sleep.
[0087] The memory foam may allow the user to pull and hug the
pillow in towards their body, thus supporting the shoulders, arm,
chest and abdomen. The pillow is tapered to fit into the side of
the body. The texture of the foam makes it huggable and allows the
user to pull it in towards the body for the extra support and has
added comfort for the knees as well. The memory foam helps hold it
shape. The pillow is tapered to fit into their body when on their
side to help support the body. The texture of a three-pound memory
foam, for example, may make it easier for a child to bring the
pillow in close to hug it for extra needed support for example.
[0088] The pillow may be pulled in and tucked under the stomach
area (abdominal area) so as to support the stomach area in its
natural position. The pillow so positioned may support the pelvis
and extends downs in between the thighs and knees for comfort and
support. The pillow may be long enough so that a person can
somewhat straighten their legs and not worry about running out of
pillow comfort. The pillow may be short enough so as to promote
bending of the knees and a fetal position. This may promote
sleeping on one's side for a more comfortable sleep. The corners of
the pillow may be rounded for comfort in this case.
[0089] It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that
many of the details provided above are by way of example only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be
determined with reference to at least the following claims.
* * * * *