Multi-positioning therapeutic and comfort pillow

[0001] The present invention relates to therapeutic and comfort pillows, and other cushions and supports such as can be used in various positions and for alternative uses.

[0002] Various types of therapeutic or orthopedic pillows and cushions are known. Likewise various forms of comfort pillows and cushions are known. However, these types of known pillows and cushions are frequently function and use specific. For example, a commonly known sleeping pillow includes a cushioning material such as foam or feathers held within a casing upon which a person can position their head and sleep. Other types of pillows are known such as head support pillows such as might be used in traveling on an airplane. One example of such a travel pillow is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,349 B1. That travel pillow has a U-shape for cradling the head and neck of the user while sitting in a high backed chair or seat. The pillow includes a casing stuffed with a fill material.

[0003] Another known support pillow is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,185 B1. This is an example of a U-shaped cushion for being positioned about the torso of a user. Examples of use are to rest the arms when in a sitting position, or alternatively to position a baby in proximity for feeding.

[0004] Various other types of therapeutic pillows are also known. Examples include pillows shaped for orthopedic back support or support of other body areas. One such known pillow, by way of example, has a wedge-shape.

[0005] The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of the known therapeutic and comfort pillows by providing a multi-positioning support pillow and/or cushion. In one embodiment, the pillow is constructed with at least one set of dual generally opposed convex surfaces. In an embodiment, the dual generally opposed convex surfaces are convex about axes that intersect and are substantially normal to one another. In other embodiments, different angular relationships between the generally opposed convex surfaces may be selected.

[0006] Various materials and layer structures are used. A single layer may be used. Alternatively the pillow is constructed of a multi-layer design, in which a fill material is selected with properties desired for the relative level of comfort and support sought. The fill material then is optionally surrounded by one or more layers of materials, such as a casing and/or a second fill layer.

[0007] Other applications of the structure, other than pillows can be used. These can include devices that are incorporated in other devices such as chairs, sofas and recliners. Toy devices can be constructed in accordance with the invention as well.

[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is second perspective view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a first plan view of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a second plan view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a device in accordance with the present invention; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is another plan view of a device in accordance with the present invention rotated approximately ninety degrees from the view shown in FIG. 5;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 9 is an axis representation of a device in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a first perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention including illustration of axes;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention including illustration of axes;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a first plan view of a plural generally opposed concave surfaces device in accordance with the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 13 is a second plan view of a plural generally opposed concave surfaces device in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the figures. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations of the present invention. As used herein, the present invention refers to any one of the embodiments described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the present invention throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0023] In accordance with the present invention, a multi-positioning pillow 10 is provided. It should be understood that the term pillow as used in this description includes pillows and other padded devices, for example pads, padded supports and cushions. Likewise, pillow should be understood to include devices that are not cushioned or padded, and that are relatively hardwhich embodiments are discussed further below. The pillow 10 includes two or more generally opposed convex surfaces 20, 30. In a preferred embodiment, there are two generally opposed convex surfaces 20, 30, the surfaces being convex about axes that intersect one another. In a preferred embodiment, the axes also are substantially normal to one another. The dual surfaces 20, 30 are illustrated together in the perspective views shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 10 and 11.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10, it is seen that surface 20 is convex and facing generally downwards in the illustration. Of course this orientation is for illustration purposes only and in use, the pillow 10 can be positioned in any orientation desired by the user, as discussed in more detail below. Likewise, the orientations of the other figures are for illustration purposes only. The opposed convex surface 30 in the position illustrated in FIG. 1, is facing generally upwards. The illustrations in FIGS. 2 and 11 are of this same embodiment generally rotated about the axis illustrated as axis A-A in FIGS. 10 and 11. In FIGS. 2 and 11, convex surface 20 is facing generally upwards and surface 30 is facing generally downwards.

[0025] The illustration in FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the pillow 10 in which only surface 20 is seen. Surface 30 is opposing it, and is shown in the rotated view shown in FIG. 4. The view shown in FIG. 4 is rotated about axis A-A (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) from the view shown in FIG. 3.

[0026] The illustration in FIG. 5 shows a side view of the pillow 10 in which only surface 20 is seen. Surface 30 is shown in the rotated view shown in FIG. 6. The view shown in FIG. 5 is rotated about axis C-C (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) from the view shown in FIG. 6.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiments, the surfaces 20, 30 are curved about axes, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 9. Surface 20 is convex about axis A-A, as represented by curve vector A and surface 30 is convex about axis B-B, as represented by curve vector B. It should be understood that any degree of curvature is represented by the curve vectors A and B. Curve vectors A and B can be equal, or one can be larger than the other, representing a larger amount of curvature. In the illustrated embodiments, the surfaces have different angular shapes, surface 20 having a smaller curvature than surface 30, as is seen in comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6. However it should be appreciated that generally opposed convex surfaces of any amounts of curvature can be selected. For example, in an alternate embodiment, surface 20 has a larger curvature than surface 30. In another embodiment, surface 20 and surface 30 have substantially the same curvatures.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment the surfaces 20, 30 are rotated approximately ninety degrees from one another (i.e. substantially normal or perpendicular to one another). In other words, axes A-A and B-B are approximately ninety degrees from one another, in the same plane. However, it should be understood that different angles of rotation can be used. For example, axis A-A could define an angle of 60, 75 or 80 degrees (or other angles) with axis B-B.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pillow 10 is constructed of a multi-layer design, in which a fill material 110, 120 is selected with properties desired for the relative level of comfort and support sought. The fill material then is optionally surrounded by one or more layers of materials, such as a casing 130 and/or a second fill layer 120. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a fill material 110 forms a central core. A casing 130 is positioned around the fill material. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, there are two inner layers, fill material layer 110 and fill material layer 120, layer 110 being within layer 120. The casing 130 is positioned around the fill materials. Optionally there are no additional layers, making the pillow consist of material 110 shaped in the desired way.

[0030] In one embodiment, fill material 110 is formed of a polyurethane based foam. Likewise fill material 120 may be formed of a polyurethane based foam with the same, or different properties. An advantage of using such a material is that it retains its shape, while still allowing for compression and spring back in use. In one embodiment, a casing is not used, as the polyurethane material retains its shape without the assistance of a casing 130. Alternatively, a casing 130 can be used, such as to enhance visual appearance or comfort as well.

[0031] A particular fill material can be selected depending on the particular physical properties desired, including for example, the desired levels of specific weight, elongation, uncompressed density, compressed density, deformation rate, elasticity and bounce back rate. For example, a slow bounce back would act like a memory foam, which maybe desirable for use with a pillow 10. Alternatively a fast bounce back may be desired to retain the shape of the pillow 10.

[0032] Any other fill material may be used as well, which will provide the properties sought, such as for a relative level of comfort and support sought. For example other types of polymer or cellulosic foams may be used. Other materials may be used as well, such as rubber, feathers, down, paper crumpled or shredded or other cellulose based materials, natural or synthetic fibers, etc. The fill material optionally may include plural discrete particles, such as foam pellets, other discrete or pelletized materials such as feathers, wood, down, chips etc. Scents also can be incorporated in the fill material (or the casing). It should be noted that in embodiments having two or more layers of fill materials (such as the two fill layer 110, 120 embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8), the layers can be made of the same material or different materials, or combinations of same and different materials. Likewise, if the same materials are selected, the properties of the different layers may be varied. It should be noted that the individual fill layers can be non-uniform or mixtures of different materials. One example would be a fill layer comprised of down and foam pellets. Another example would be a fill layer comprised of two types of polyurethane based foam.

[0033] Optionally the pillow 10 may be constructed of a relatively hard or rigid material. This would be of particular value for applications in which a support, exercise or harder massage effect is desired. For example, the pillow 10 may be constructed of a rubber, a wood, a plastic or a metal. Optionally the relatively hard or rigid material may serve as a fill material 110 that in turn is generally enclosed within a softer fill material 120 and/or casing 130 (or multiple fill layers). For examples of softer fill materials are discussed above, such as foam materials.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the fill material is positioned within a casing 130. Any desired color and properties of the casing may be selected that allow the device to have a desired shape, and desired properties such as of comfort, support or resiliency, etc. In an embodiment in which the fill material is unlikely to retain its own shape (such as feathers), the casing can be selected to impart a desired shape to the pillow 10. In one embodiment, a fabric casing 130 is used. Optionally, the casing may be constructed of two or more pieces of fabric sewn together along seams 210.

[0035] In operation, the multi-positioning pillow 10 can be used in any way desired by a user. Various examples have been performed. In one example, the pillow was a neck support, in which it was positioned behind a user's neck. For example, the pillow was positioned with surface 20 against the user's neck and surface 30 against a surface, such as chair back. Due to the convex curvature of surface 30, the pillow could be rocked providing a massaging effect for the neck. Likewise several other portions of the pillow 10 were positioned against the neck to provide various comfort positions and variations. For example, one of the sharper edges was be positioned against the neck, to providing a higher pressure effect. In another example, the pillow was a travel pillow, in which it was positioned between a user and an airplane seatincluding between the user's back and neck and the seat. Various orientations were used depending on the desired comfort position. In another example, the pillow was an orthopedic back support pillow. In this example, the pillow was positioned with surface 30 against the user's lower back and surface 20 against a surface, such as chair back. Due to the multitude of surfaces available other pillow orientations were selected as well, providing multiple support and comfort positions. In another example, the pillow was used for resting, being positioned in various positions between the user's head and/or neck and a sleep surface. In another example, the pillow was used as a support for a user reclining on a flat surface on a bed or floor. In another example, the pillow 10 was used as an exercise device in which it is positioned so as to be used to provide a rocking motion taking advantage of its curved surfaces. The exercise function is well suited such as for leg exercise to stimulate blood flow, such as especially in long periods of sitting such as in a vehicle or airplane, or in an office environment. It should be appreciated from these examples that the pillow 10 of the present invention can be used in multiple positions and for a multitude of support, orthopedic and comfort purposes.

[0036] Although a multi-positioning pillow 10 has been used in this description to describe the invention, it should be understood that any other device having generally opposed convex surfaces can be created as well. For example, a plush toy can be created having dual opposing convex surfaces 20, 30. A casing 130 can be selected having a character, design, or shape enhancement for a toy. Likewise, the pillow 10 can be incorporated in another device, such as a sofa, chair or sleeping bag. Likewise, casing 130 can optionally incorporate pockets, or have affixed thereto a doll, or other child's toy, such as a toy car, or a plush toy car. In addition, carrying straps can be affixed to the casing 130.

[0037] It should also be understood that a single purpose pillow can be designed in accordance with the present invention. For example, a high level of curvature of surface 20 is desirable in one embodiment of a foot exercise or foot support pillow. A low level of curvature of surface 20 and/or 30 is desirable in one embodiment of an orthopedic back pillow, while a high level of curvature of surface 20 and/or 30 is desirable in another embodiment of an orthopedic back pillow. It also should be understood that any number of dual generally opposed convex surfaces may be selected. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, plural pairs of generally opposed convex surfaces are selected. In the illustrated embodiment, pillow 300 includes a first pair of opposing convex surfaces 310 and 320, and a second pair of opposing convex surfaces 330, 340. The second pair 330, 340 is rotated, such as about point D, in relation to the first pair 310, 320. Point D generally corresponds to the location of axis C-C illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Any amount or rotation may be selected, and also any number of opposing convex surface pairs may be selected at any angle, or plane of rotation. In the illustration, surfaces 310 and 330 are convex in the same direction as each other; surfaces 320 and 340 also are convex in the same direction as each other. Alternatively, surfaces 310 and 330 may be convex in different directions from each other, and their respective opposing convex surfaces 320 and 340 respectively would be convex in different directions from each other.

[0038] In one example, a pillow 10 was constructed of a polyurethane based foam having the following properties: specific weight24.3 kg./m³, elongation190%, normal density137 kPa, permanent deformation4.5%, and compressed density3.3 kPa. In this example, a casing 130 was not provided, although alternatively casing 110 and layer(s) having other properties may be included as well. Of course it should be understood that numerous other properties combinations of polyurethane based foam or other materials can be selected, depending on the physical properties desired for the device.

[0039] Thus, it is seen that a support or cushioning device is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the preferred embodiments which arc presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.