U.S. patent application number 17/569112 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-30 for support pillow.
This patent application is currently assigned to CosMed Pillow, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CosMed Pillow, LLC. Invention is credited to Carolyn Gang, Marion Garfield.
Application Number | 20220202214 17/569112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006244358 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220202214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garfield; Marion ; et
al. |
June 30, 2022 |
SUPPORT PILLOW
Abstract
A support pillow for supporting the head of a person. The pillow
includes a base portion having opposing front and rear edge
portions, opposing first and second side peripheral portions and a
central curved portion configured to round upward from the front
and rear edge portions to support against a back of the person's
head. First and second opposing supporting members, respectively
extending from the opposing first and second side end peripheral
portions of the base portion are provided. Each first and second
opposing supporting member extends angularly and upwardly
respectively from the opposing first and second side end peripheral
portions of the base portion. Each first and second opposing
supporting member is separated from one another such that a
majority portion of the central curved portion of the base portion
is disposed within a region extending between each first and second
supporting members. A detachable and adjustable elongated neck
support member is provided having opposing first and second ends
configured for engagement with the base portion whereby the
elongated neck support member extends between the first and second
side peripheral portions of the base portion.
Inventors: |
Garfield; Marion; (New York,
NY) ; Gang; Carolyn; (White Plains, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CosMed Pillow, LLC |
White Plains |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CosMed Pillow, LLC
White Plains
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000006244358 |
Appl. No.: |
17/569112 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15660654 |
Jul 26, 2017 |
11259656 |
|
|
17569112 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/1081
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A pillow for supporting the head of a person to promote a
back-resting position, the shaped pillow comprising: a base portion
having opposing front and rear edge portions, opposing first and
second side peripheral portions and a central portion; and first
and second opposing supporting members, respectively extending from
the opposing first and second side end peripheral portions of the
base portion wherein each first and second opposing supporting
member extends angularly and upwardly respectively from the
opposing first and second side end peripheral portions of the base
portion whereby each first and second opposing supporting member is
separated from one another such that a majority portion of the
central portion of the base portion is disposed within a region
extending between each first and second supporting members, and
whereby a portion of each first and second supporting member
respectively overlaps with the opposing first and second side
peripheral portions of the base portion.
2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each first and second opposing
supporting member is shaped with a crescent configuration.
3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the central portion of the base
portion is curved and configured to round upward from the front and
rear edge portions to support against a back of the person's head
and wherein the front edge portion is configured to support against
the top of the shoulder area of the person.
4. The pillow of claim 3, wherein each first and second supporting
member is configured to accommodate to a shape of the person's head
and support the side region of the person's head so as to support
the person's head while limiting the turning of the head while the
back of the person's head is disposed adjacent the curved base
portion.
5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the base portion is formed with a
flared configuration at the front edge portion dimensioned and
configured to support against a top of a shoulder area of the
person.
6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the base portion and the first
and second opposing supporting members are contoured and rounded
and wherein the flared configuration is triangular in
cross-section.
7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the base portion and the two side
portions comprise a unitary structure having a cavity in the base
portion and the two side portions.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each of the base portion and each
first and second supporting member are filled with variable
filler.
9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each first and second support
members are detachably engaged with the base portion.
10. The pillow of claim 1, further including an elongated neck
support member having opposing first and second ends configured for
engagement with the base portion whereby the elongated neck support
member extends between the first and second side peripheral
portions of the base portion.
11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the elongated neck support
member overlaps with a portion of the front edge portion of the
base portion.
12. The pillow of claim 10, whereby the first end of the elongated
neck support member is engaged with a portion of the first
peripheral portion of the base portion, and the second end of the
elongated neck support member is engaged with a portion of the
second peripheral portion of the base portion.
13. The pillow of claim 12, wherein the elongated neck support
member is configured for detachably engagement with the base
portion.
14. The pillow of claim 13, whereby each of the first and second
peripheral portions of the base portion include an engagement
member extending from the first and second peripheral portions of
the base portion whereby each engagement member is configured for
selective engagement along a plurality of positions of the
engagement member with a respective first or second end portion of
the elongated neck support member.
15. The pillow of claim 14, further including a snap button
assembly provided on each engagement member extending from the
first and second peripheral portions and the first and second end
portions of the elongated neck support member for providing the
detachably engagement of the elongated neck support member with the
base portion.
16. The pillow of claim 10, further including a pocket member
provided on a surface portion of the elongated neck support member,
wherein the pocket member has an open end defining an inner cavity
of the pocket member configured for insertion of a thermodynamic
pack member therewithin.
17. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the elongated neck support
member is provided with an open seam portion for insertion and/or
removal of variable filler material.
18. A pillow for supporting the head of a person to promote a
back-resting position, the shaped pillow comprising: a base portion
having opposing front and rear edge portions, opposing first and
second side peripheral portions and a central curved portion
configured to round upward from the front and rear edge portions to
support against a back of the person's head and wherein a front
edge portion is configured to support against the top of the
shoulder area of the person; first and second opposing supporting
members, respectively extending from the opposing first and second
side end peripheral portions of the base portion wherein each first
and second opposing supporting member extends angularly and
upwardly respectively from the opposing first and second side end
peripheral portions of the base portion whereby each first and
second opposing supporting member is separated from one another
such that a majority portion of the central curved portion of the
base portion is disposed within a region extending between each
first and second supporting members, whereby a portion of each
first and second supporting member respectively overlaps with the
opposing first and second side peripheral portions of the base
portion; and an elongated neck support member having opposing first
and second ends configured for engagement with the base portion
whereby the elongated neck support member extends between the first
and second side peripheral portions of the base portion.
19. The pillow of claim 18 wherein the elongated neck support
member is configured for detachably engagement with the base
portion.
20. A pillow for supporting the head of a person to promote a
back-resting position, the shaped pillow comprising: a base portion
having opposing front and rear edge portions, opposing first and
second side peripheral portions and a central curved portion
configured to round upward from the front and rear edge portions to
support against a back of the person's head and wherein a front
edge portion is configured to support against the top of the
shoulder area of the person; first and second opposing supporting
members, respectively extending from the opposing first and second
side end peripheral portions of the base portion wherein each first
and second opposing supporting member is shaped with a crescent
configuration which extends angularly and upwardly respectively
from the opposing first and second side end peripheral portions of
base portion whereby each first and second opposing supporting
member is separated from one another such that a majority portion
of the central curved portion of the base portion is disposed
within a region extending between each crescent configured first
and second supporting members, whereby a portion of each first and
second supporting member respectively overlaps with the opposing
first and second side peripheral portions of the base portion and
wherein each first and second supporting members is configured to
accommodate to a shape of the person's head and support the side
region of the person's head so as to support the person's head
while limiting the turning of the head while the back of the
person's head is disposed adjacent the curved base portion, wherein
the base portion is formed with a flared configuration at the front
edge portion dimensioned and configured to support against a top of
a shoulder area of the person; and an elongated neck support member
having opposing first and second ends configured for detachable
engagement with the base portion whereby the elongated neck support
member extends between the first and second side peripheral
portions of the base portion whereby the elongated neck support
member overlaps with a portion of the flared configuration of the
front edge portion when detachably engaged with the base portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/660,654 filed Jul. 26, 2017 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to a neck and head support
pillow for supporting and resting the head and neck while promoting
a back sleeping position, and more particularly to a support pillow
having a neck roll member for further supporting a neck portion of
a head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A multitude of differently shaped pillows have been proposed
to support the head and neck during rest and sleep. A pillow
specially contoured to fit the natural shape of the head and neck
with proper firmness and support in order to promote and maintain a
certain body position with comfort is beneficial for good health,
healing and proper rest. A multi-use pillow shaped to provide
support to the head and neck during rest and sleep, comfortably
promoting a face-up position so that there is no direct pressure on
the facial area, as well as promoting and maintaining a comfortable
back-sleeping position, keeping the front areas of the body free
from pressure.
[0004] A comfortable supportive back-sleeping position is of
particular relevance for men and women for both medical and
cosmetic purposes. The benefits from the function of this design
which promotes back sleeping are indicated in but not limited to
the various applications mentioned. Further benefits include
preventing and/or minimizing formation of facial wrinkles typically
caused by nightly pressure creases. It contributes to the healing
process for post facial cosmetic and/or reconstructive procedures
and is beneficial for certain post orthopedic procedures, and
surgeries not limited to shoulder, neck, hips, back or knees, after
cosmetic and/or reconstructive breast surgery, C-section, cardiac,
and certain breathing related issues, and others. A face-up,
back-sleeping position by preventing pressure on the compromised
areas of the face or body can help alleviate pain and promote
healing. The pillow benefits the user who otherwise without its
comfortable supportive elements, could move into an unsuitable
position during the unconscious arrangement of the body during
sleep or rest. Its shape and elements support and help maintain the
back sleeping position in a comfortable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The purpose and advantages of the below described
illustrated embodiments will be set forth in and apparent from the
description that follows. Additional advantages of the illustrated
embodiments will be realized and attained by the devices, systems
and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
[0006] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the illustrated embodiments, in one aspect,
disclosed is a uniquely shaped pillow whose form is an integral
part of its multipurpose function. Its unique shape comfortably
supports a head position so as to particularly promote sleeping on
one's back. Advantages include facilitating a preventative and/or
healing environment for multiple cosmetic and medical applications
for which back sleeping is preferable.
[0007] In accordance with an illustrated embodiment, the present
invention pillow is unique in shape and silhouette. It is contoured
and rounded following the natural shape of the head and neck,
flaring at the base to the top of the shoulder area. Two padded,
crescent-shaped, supportive side members are strategically attached
at an angle to either side of the pillow top. These supportive side
members can be referred to as cushions, bumpers, panels and the
like. They are configured to gently envelope the sides and back of
the head, particularly for supporting and maintaining a
back-sleeping position. Preferably, these side members are padded
and soft, yet firm and sturdy enough to limit lateral movement of
the head so it remains in an upright, restful position. The filler
for the pillow and its appendages is preferably a hypoallergenic
polyester. It is preferably covered with a cotton/polyester fabric.
It is to be appreciated other fabrics may be used as well, as well
as other fillers that may be deemed appropriate for the pillow's
function.
[0008] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the illustrated embodiments, in one aspect, a
support pillow for supporting the head of a person is described in
which the pillow includes a base portion having opposing front and
rear edge portions, opposing first and second side peripheral
portions and a central curved portion configured to round upward
from the front and rear edge portions to support against a back of
the person's head. First and second opposing supporting members,
respectively extending from the opposing first and second side end
peripheral portions of the base portion are provided. Each first
and second opposing supporting member extends angularly and
upwardly respectively from the opposing first and second side end
peripheral portions of the base portion. Each first and second
opposing supporting member is separated from one another such that
a majority portion of the central curved portion of the base
portion is disposed within a region extending between each first
and second supporting members. A portion of each first and second
supporting member respectively overlaps with the opposing first and
second side peripheral portions of the base portion.
[0009] An elongated neck support member configured to support the
neck region of a person is provided having opposing first and
second ends configured for engagement with the base portion. The
elongated neck support member preferably extends between the first
and second side peripheral portions of the base portion. The
elongated neck support member may be configured for detachably
engagement with the base portion of the support pillow. The
elongated neck support member may further be provided with a pocket
member provided on an outer surface portion of the elongated neck
support member, wherein the pocket member has an open end defining
an inner cavity of the pocket member configured for insertion of a
thermodynamic pack member there within. The elongated neck support
member may further be provided with an open seam portion for
insertion of filler material, which as described herein may be
adjustable (e.g., filler material may be added and/or removed) such
that the size and/or firmness of the elongated neck support member
is personalized is accordance with the needs/requirements of a
user.
[0010] Exemplary noted advantages of the one or more of the
illustrated embodiments includes facilitating a back sleeping
face-up position which provides preventative and/or healing
benefits for cosmetic skin procedures, such as laser resurfacing,
dermabrasion, acid peels, and the like. It promotes smoother skin
by either preventing or minimizing repeated facial pressure creases
which become over time deep wrinkles. It reduces eye puffiness and
bags. It is beneficial for eyelid surgery for either cosmetic or
medical reasons, including for instance chin surgeries, implants
and rhinoplasty (including facial plastic surgery or reconstructive
surgery and any other cosmetic surgery application and the like).
Other advantageous applications include use after surgical
procedures, orthopedic or otherwise, where back sleeping is
desired. Generally it is to be understood and appreciated the
support pillow of the disclosed embodiments is configured for use
by a person who desires back sleeping/resting for any reason at any
age.
[0011] This summary section is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described
subsequently in the detailed description section. This summary
section is not intended to identify key features or essential
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The purpose
and advantages of the below described illustrated embodiments will
be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows.
Additional advantages of the illustrated embodiments will be
realized and attained by the devices, systems and methods
particularly pointed out in the written description and claims
hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying appendices and/or drawings illustrate
various non-limiting, example, inventive aspects in accordance with
the present disclosure:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a support pillow in accordance with
an illustrated embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top-side perspective view from a front edge
portion of the support pillow of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view from a rear edge portion of
the support pillow of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a disassembled view of the support pillow of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top-side perspective view from a front edge
portion of the support pillow in accordance with another
illustrated embodiment depicting inclusion of a neck roll ember;
and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a disassembled view of the support pillow of FIG.
6 illustrating the neck roll member detached from the base portion
of the support pillow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The illustrated embodiments are now described more fully
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numerals identify similar structural/functional features. The
illustrated embodiments are not limited in any way to what is
illustrated as the illustrated embodiments described below are
merely exemplary, which can be embodied in various forms, as
appreciated by one skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be
understood that any structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis
for the claims and as a representation for teaching one skilled in
the art to variously employ the discussed embodiments. Furthermore,
the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting
but rather to provide an understandable description of the
illustrated embodiments.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the
illustrated embodiments, exemplary methods and materials are now
described. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a" "an," and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] An illustrated embodiment of a support pillow is shown in
FIGS. 1-3 preferably consisting a head support pillow 10,
constructed and configured for supporting the head of a person
lying on a sleep surface (e.g., a pillow, mattress or any other
surface a person may rest their head upon). As shown in FIGS. 1-3,
the support pillow 10 preferably consists of a central base portion
20 and two oppositely and parallel arranged head side support
members 30, 40. Extending between the head side support members 30,
40 is the central base portion 20 defining a head support region
having a width "A". The head support region having the width "A"
preferably accommodates/supports the head of a person lying on
their back whereby the back of person's head rests against the head
support region having the width "A" while portions of right and
left side regions of a person's head respectively rests against a
portion of the side support members 30, 40. As best shown in FIG.
1, each first and second opposing supporting member 30, 40 is
separated from one another such that a majority portion of the
central portion of the base portion 20 (i.e., the width "A" of the
head support region) is disposed within a region extending between
each first and second supporting members 30, 40, thus defining the
aforesaid head support region. As best shown in FIG. 2, each head
side support member 30, 40 respectively extends from opposing first
and second side end peripheral portions 24, 26 of the base portion
20.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the head support pillow 10 is defined by
a front edge portion 12 and a rear edge portion 14. It is to be
understood the front edge portion 12 is preferably configured to
support the upper neck/bottom head portion of a person while the
rear edge portion 14 is configured to be disposed in proximity to
the top head portion of a person while lying in a back position.
The head support members 30, 40 are generally configured to
envelope the side and back of the head for supporting and
maintaining a back-sleeping position.
[0023] As further described below, the head support pillow 10
preferably has a contoured and rounded shape configured to
accommodate (follow) the natural shape of a head and neck portion
of a person. As shown in FIG. 1, the front edge portion 12 may be
configured to flair its base portion 20 to accommodate the top of
the shoulder portion of a person. The two head support members 30,
40 angularly extend from the base portion 20 are specifically
angled (relative to the base portion 20) for securely, and
comfortably, supporting the back head portion of a person while in
a back-sleeping or lying position. More specifically, the head
support members 30, 40 are configured and angularly extend from the
base portion 20 to support sideways movement of the head so it
remains in an upright, restful position of a person while in a
back-sleeping or lying position.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the support pillow
10 is preferably a unitary structure having an inner cavity portion
filled with a suitable filler material, such as an hypoallergenic
polyester material, gel or any other suitable filler material
providing a padded soft support surface while also providing
firmness functional enough to support sideways movement of a head
so it remains in an upright, restful position. Alternatively, the
support pillow 10 which is curved, light and flexible, may also be
formed to have an inflatable inner cavity portion making it
particularly suitable for travel. Additionally, while the
illustrated embodiment of the support pillow 10 depicts the two
head support members 30, 40 formed unitary with the base portion
10, it is to be understood the two head support members 30, 40 may
separately attach to base portion 20 through any know means (e.g.,
a Velcro assembly) so as to be adjustable relative to one
another.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the support pillow 10 may include a
removable fitted pillow cover 100. The fitted cover 100 may be
formed of spandex, satin, velvet or any suitable material having
sufficient stretch qualities. An advantage of a fitted cover 100 is
it is separately washable and replaceable relative to the pillow
10. The removable fitted pillow cover 100 may further be provided
with pocket/sleeve member that faces towards a person's head when
disposed upon the support pillow 10. The pocket member preferably
defines an open end defining an inner cavity portion. Preferably,
the inner cavity portion of the pocket member is configured for
removable insertion of a thermodynamic pack member therewithin
(e.g., a hot or cold pack). It is to be further appreciated and
understood that such a pocket member may be provided directly on
the support pillow 10, hence a support pillow does not need to
include a separate fitted cover 100 for providing a pocket member
defining an inner cavity portion configured for removable insertion
of a thermodynamic pack member therewithin. Preferably, the pocket
member is provided on a base portion 20 of the support pillow
10.
[0026] With returning reference to FIGS. 1-3, the front edge
portion 12 of the base portion 20 is provided with a flared shape
(e.g., a partial triangular cross-section) 22 configured to the
support the top of the shoulder area of a person while lying on a
back position. The back edge portion 14 of the base portion 20 is
shape in a curved configuration. The base portion 20 preferably
curves/slopes so as to round upward to a central portion 16 from
each front 12 and rear edge portion 14.
[0027] With respect to each head support member 30, 40 they are
preferably shaped to have a crescent configuration and extend
angularly from base portion 20, in opposing directions, so as to
accommodate and form (envelope) to the shape of a person's head
disposed therebetween to comfortably support a person's head while
preventing the head from turning too far in either direction. As
shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flared shaped 22 front edge portion 12 of
the base 20 extends beyond a terminating front edge portion 32, 42
of each head supporting member 30, 40 while a terminating rear edge
portion 34, 44 of each head supporting member 30, 40 lays in a
plane substantially parallel to that of the rear edge portion 14 of
the base 10 whereby a portion of each head supporting member 30, 40
overlaps opposing first and second side end peripheral portions 24,
26 of the base portion 20, as best shown in FIGS. 2-4.
[0028] It is to be appreciated that support pillow 10 may have
other various configurations, such as configuring the head
supporting members 30, 40 to accommodate an acoustic speaker
component (e.g., self-powered and sound programmed, or Bluetooth or
corded coupled to a sound generating device) for providing sound or
meditation therapy. Additionally, one or more panel members may be
affixed to one or more portions (e.g., base 20, side members 30,
40) of the support pillow 10 for accommodation of aromatherapy
components. Still further, the support pillow 10 may be configured
to include a technology port to facilitate electronic communication
coupling to an external device, such as a medical device, for
enabling a medical device to receive medical data from a patient's
head region, preferably via various medical sensors provided in the
support pillow 10 that are communicatively coupled to the
technology port.
[0029] With a preferred embodiment of the support pillow 10 being
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, with reference now to
FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of a support pillow
designated generally by reference numeral 200 will now be
described. It is to be appreciated and understood support pillow
200 is substantially similar to support pillow 10 described above
as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, thus the description of support pillow
10 provided above is to be incorporated with regards to support
pillow 200 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6. The substantial difference being support pillow 200
includes a neck roll pillow member 250 to provide additional
support for a person's neck region.
[0030] It is to be appreciated and understood it is widely
recognized that conventional pillows do not adequately support the
neck region of a person, especially the cervical spine, during
sleep. This is because when a person lays his head on the pillow
and the neck is in a neutral position with respect to the torso,
there is a gap between the neck and the mattress/pillow end. The
gap between the neck and mattress when the head is in a neutral
position with respect to the spine is greater than the gap between
the head and mattress. Whether a person sleeps in the lateral
position or in the supine position, this does not change. Pillow
padding material is usually moved by the weight of the head and
neck, or nearly flat, i.e., the head and neck are moved
significantly from a neutral position. Traditional pillows
generally do not adequately compensate for the height difference
between the neck and the mattress, with less padding at the ends of
the pillow in the area of the neck than in the center of the pillow
on which the head rests. Therefore, little support is given to the
neck.
[0031] The lack of neck support provided by traditional pillows
often leads to neck, shoulder, and back pain due to the neck's
unnatural posture during sleep, especially when the subject is
sleeping in a lateral position and the neck and mattress. When the
gap between the ends of the pillow is maximized, shift the spine
and apply continuous load to the weak part of the torso.
[0032] Accordingly, as described below with reference to support
pillow 200 of FIGS. 5 and 6, further provided to support pillow 10
(FIGS. 1-4) is inclusion of a neck roll pillow member 250
configured to overcome the above mentioned deficiencies associated
with lack of neck support in a pillow. With reference to FIGS. 5
and 6, the neck roll pillow member 250 preferably is formed by an
elongate body portion 252 defined by opposing first 254 and second
ends 256 configured for engagement with the base portion 20 of the
support pillow 200. As discussed further below, the neck roll
pillow member 250 is preferably formed to have a cylindrical
configuration suitable for supporting the back neck region of a
person's head. However, the neck roll pillow member 250 is not to
be understood to be limited to such a cylindrical configuration as
other configurations (e.g., an oval configuration) may be utilized
suitable for the intended purpose. It is to be further understood
the neck roll member 250 may be fabricated from any suitable
material, including those discussed above with regard to support
pillow 10 of FIGS. 1-4.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the neck roll member 250 is configured
and operable to preferably detachably engage to the base portion 20
of support pillow 200 such that a user detachably engages it to
support pillow 200 when neck support is desired, and detaches it
from support pillow 200 when not desired. However, the neck roll
member 250 is not to be understood to be limited to detachable
engagement with support pillow 200, as it may be fixedly attached
to the base portion 20 of support pillow 200.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 5, when the neck roll member 250 is
detachably engaged to the base 20 of the support pillow 200, it
preferably extends between the first and second side peripheral
portions 24, 26 of the base portion 20 of the support pillow 200,
whereby neck roll member 200 overlaps with a portion of the front
edge portion 12 of the base portion 20 (FIG. 5). When attached to
the support pillow 200, the neck roll member 250 is configured to
have its first end 254 detachably engaged with a portion of the
first peripheral portion 24 of the base portion 20, with the second
end 256 of the neck roll member 200 being detachably engaged with a
portion of the second peripheral portion 26 of the base portion 20
of support pillow 200.
[0035] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5 and
6, to facilitate the aforesaid detachable engagement of the neck
roll member 250 to the support pillow 200, each of the first and
second peripheral portions 24, 26 of the base portion 20 preferably
includes a respective engagement member 260, 262 extending from the
first and second peripheral portions 24, 26 of the base portion 20.
Preferably, each engagement member 260, 262 is configured for
selective positioning engagement along a plurality of positions
(e.g., 264, 266) defined by each engagement member 260, 262 with a
respective pillow engagement member 270, 272 provided on the first
and second opposing ends 254, 256 of the neck roll member 250. It
is to be appreciated this selective positioning engagement of the
neck roll member 250 to the support pillow 200 enables a user to
affix the neck roll member 250 at a desired location along the
longitudinal axis "B" of the base portion 20 defined along the
front edge portion 12 of the support pillow 200. Thus, positioning
of the neck roll member 250 relative to the support pillow 200 is
not to be understood to be limited to the two positions (e.g., 264,
266) shown by each engagement member (260, 262), as this is only to
be understood to be an exemplary embodiment. A noted advantage of
this aforesaid selective position engagement of the neck roll
member 250 relative to the support pillow 200 is a user can
position the neck roll member 250 at a desired location along the
front edge portion 12 of the support pillow 200 that is optimal for
supporting a user's particular neck/head.
[0036] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5 and
6, the cooperating neck roll engagement members 260, 262 and pillow
engagement members 270, 272 preferably utilize a cooperating snap
member arrangement for facilitating the detachable engagement of
the neck roll member 250 to the support pillow 200. For instance,
the snap members 280, 282 shown respectively on each pillow
engagement member 270, 272 of the neck roll member 250 may
selective engage a cooperating snap member 284, 286 provided on
each pillow engagement member 260, 262 of the support pillow 200 to
facilitate the aforesaid selective positioning of the neck roll
member 250 at a desired location along the front edge portion 12 of
the support pillow 200. As shown in FIG. 6, when detachably
engaging the neck roll member 250 to the support pillow 200, a user
merely deflects the opposing side support members 30, 40 towards
one another to gain access to the neck roll engagement members 260,
262 provided on the base portion 20 of the pillow 200 so as to snap
fit a snap member provided 280, 282 provided on the neck roll
member 250 with a cooperating snap member 284, 286 provided on each
neck roll engagement member 260, 262 extending from the pillow
200.
[0037] It is to be appreciated that while the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 utilize cooperating snap members (e.g.,
280-286) to facilitate the detachable engagement of the neck roll
member 250 to the support pillow 200, the illustrated embodiments
are not to be understood to be limited to cooperating snap members
as any suitable affixation means may be used including, but not
limited to, a detachable strap member that extends from each end
254, 256 of the neck roll member 250 and around the bottom portion
of the support pillow 200. Additionally, other suitable affixation
means may be used such as Hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, zippers
and the like.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the neck roll member 250 may
preferably be provided with a pocket member 290 on an outer surface
portion of the neck roll member 250 that faces towards a user's
neck region when a user's head is disposed upon the support pillow
200. The pocket member 290 preferably defines an open end 292
defining an inner cavity of the pocket member 290. Preferably, the
inner cavity portion of the pocket member is configured for
removable insertion of a thermodynamic pack member therewithin
(e.g., a hot or cold pack).
[0039] Additionally, a back portion of the neck roll member (e.g.,
faces toward the support pillow 200 when affixed thereto) is
preferably provided with an open seam portion for insertion of
variable filler materials. The variable filler materials may be
user selected. For instance, the variable fillers may consist of
different sizes (e.g., both in width and diameter) for defining the
size of the neck roll member 250 to support a particular
size/configuration of a user's neck region. Further, the variable
filler material may be of chosen to have a particular material
density (e.g., ranging from soft to firm) to accommodate a user's
particular desired need. The variable filler material may consist
of any suitable filler (e.g., foam based, gel, polyster fiberfill,
shredded latex, compressed air, and the like). It is to be
appreciated that in another embodiment, the aforesaid variable
filler material may be inserted (or removed) from a separate sleeve
member (e.g., a cylindrical tubular member) which in turn is
inserted into the back portion of the neck roll member 250 (e.g.,
via the open seam portion) for personalizing the neck roll member
250, as mentioned above.
[0040] It is to be appreciated and understood the variable filler
material may consist of a unitary fill or a loose fill. For
instance, when a unitary fill, the variable filler (e.g., having a
cylindrical memory foam body) may be provided in various sizes
(e.g., both in circumference and length) and having various
material densities (e.g., from hard to soft). Thus the user may
swap one unitary variable fill roller (via the open seam provided
on the neck roll member 250) having a certain dimension and/or
firmness with another unitary variable fill roller having a
different dimension and/or firmness to accommodate a particular
user's neck region and/or a user's current need with regard to
firmness. And when the variable filler material consists of loose
fill material (e.g., lucid shredded memory foam particles), a user
merely adds more fill material to increase size and/or firmness, or
removes such loose fill material (via the open seam provided on the
neck roll member 250) to decrease size and/or firmness. It is thus
to be appreciated that filler material may be added and/or removed
from the neck roll member 250 such that the neck roll member 250 is
adjustable in both its size and/or firmness so as to be
personalized for particular user.
[0041] With the support pillows 10 and 200 of the certain
illustrated embodiments being described above relative to exemplary
illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, it is to be appreciated it is
advantageous in that the function of its shape (with its head
supporting members) supports a head in a novel way to promote
back-sleeping as well as for medical and cosmetic purposes. It is
preferably supportive and soothing, flexible and light, can be
rolled or folded, making it very transportable. It can be used by
itself or placed on a regular pillow for additional elevation if
required.
[0042] With certain illustrated embodiments described above, it is
to be appreciated that various non-limiting embodiments described
herein may be used separately, combined or selectively combined for
specific applications. Further, some of the various features of the
above non-limiting embodiments may be used without the
corresponding use of other described features. The foregoing
description should therefore be considered as merely illustrative
of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this
invention, and not in limitation thereof.
[0043] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements
are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
illustrated embodiments. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the illustrated embodiments, and the
appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and
arrangements.
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