CA2421739A1

CA2421739A1 - Adjustable support pillow

Info

Publication number: CA2421739A1
Application number: CA 2421739
Authority: CA
Inventors: Brian Roberts; Martin Cohen
Original assignee: Bio Support Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Integral Orthopedics Inc
Priority date: 2003-03-12
Filing date: 2003-03-12
Publication date: 2004-09-12

Abstract

The present invention provides a pillow having a wide range of adjustability to provide customized support to the neck, jaw and cranial regions. The pillow has an adjustable support characteristic. The pillow comprises: (a) a bladder, the bladder comprising a plurality of structurally connected but fluidly separate, openable chambers; and (b) an envelope, the envelope containing a cushion having a length, a width, and a height, the cushion defining a cavity adapted to receive the bladder. Each chamber is adapted to contain a liquid, and the volume of liquid in each chamber can be independently adjusted to vary the support characteristic of the pillow. The cavity includes a closeable opening so that the bladder may be removed from the cavity to permit adjustment of the chambers when the bladder is outside the cavity and may be replaced back within the cavity after adjustment. A method of varying the support characteristic of the pillow is also disclosed.

Description

Title: ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT PILL011V
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
(0001] The present invention relates generally to pillows, and more specifically to pillows that have a wide range of adjustability to provide customized support for the neck, jaw and cranial regions of an individual.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0002] Improper support of the neck, jaw and cranial regions of an individual while resting or sleeping in a reclining position can lead to a variety of problems, including interference with sleep, stiffness, soreness, headaches and the like. Ideally, pillows support the neck, jaw and cranial regions of an individual in a natural position to promote neutral alignment of the cervical spine.

[0003] Conventional pillows consist of an envelope containing a soft material, such as, feathers, fiberfill or the like. These types of pillows tend not to not adequately support the neck, jaw and cranial regions of an individual, and often result in the misalignment of the cervical spine during use.
Moreover, the shapes and sizes of heads, necks and shoulders can vary enormously between individuals. These types of pillows do not provide any structural adjustability to tailor the support to the particular anatomical characteristics and preferences of an individual.

[0004] Efforts have been made in the past to design adjustable support pillows. For example, CA 2,203,764 relates to a container that is removably disposed between a conventional pillow and a pillowcase. The container is a vinyl bag that snugly surrounds a fluid saturated porous foam core. The container has a resealable valve that allows fluid to be added or removed.

[0005] CA 2,292,774 relates to a pillow comprised of a pre-formed visco-elastic foam that has an interior cavity longitudinally disposed near the edge of the pillow that supports the neck of an individual. An inflatable airtight chamber is disposed within the cavity, and the level of neck support can be adjusted using a hand operated pump.

[0006] There still exists an ongoing need for a pillow with a wide range of adjustability to accommodate the anatomical characteristics and preferences of an individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides for a pillow having an adjustable support characteristic, comprising:
a) a bladder, said bladder comprising a plurality of structurally connected but fluidly separate, openable chambers; and b) an envelope, said envelope containing a cushion having a length, a width, and a height, said cushion defining a cavity adapted to receive said bladder, wherein each chamber is adapted to contain a liquid, the volume of liquid in each chamber can be independently adjusted to vary said support characteristic of said pillow, and said cavity includes a closeable opening so that said bladder may be removed from said cavity to permit said adjustment to said chambers when said bladder is outside said cavity and may be replaced back within said cavity after said adjustment.

[0008] In one aspect of the invention, said plurality of chambers extends longitudinally across a substantial portion of the length of said cushion.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, said plurality of chambers extends longitudinally across substantially the same length of said cushion.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, said cavity is adapted to snugly receive said bladder to inhibit movement of said bladder with respect to said cushion.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, said cushion has a first major head supporting surface and an opposite second major head supporting surface, and wherein said cushion has a first support element between said first major head supporting surtace and said cavity and a second support element between said second major head supporting surface and said cavity and at any vertical plane taken along said pillow said first support element has a larger height than said second support element.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, at least one chamber contains damping means adapted to dampen the movemenfi of the liquid in said at least one chamber.

[0013] The present invention provides for a method of varying an adjustable support characteristic of a pillow, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a pillow having an adjustable support characteristic, comprising:
i) a bladder, said bladder comprising a first chamber, a second chamber adjacent said first chamber, and a third chamber adjacent said second chamber, said first, second and third chambers being structurally connected but fluidly separate, openable chambers; and ii) an envelope, said envelope containing a cushion having a length, a width, and a height, said cushion defining a cavity adapted to removably receive said bladder; and b) adjusting the volume of liquid in at least one of said first, second or third chambers to vary the support characterisfiic of said pillow.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, said pillow in step (a) is provided with said bladder disposed within said cavity.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of removing said bladder from said cavity prior to step (b).

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of replacing said bladder into said cavity after step (b).

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, step (c) is performed by filling or draining a liquid from at least one of said first, second or third chambers.

-[0018] In another aspect of the invention, step (c) results in the first, second, and third chambers all containing substantially the same volume of liquid.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 113 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a soft support.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 112 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a medium support.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 2I3 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a firm support.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, step (c) results in the volume of liquid in said second chamber being less than the volume of liquid in each of said first and third chambers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention and in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a partial cut-away of a pillow in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the pillow of Figure 1 taken along lines 2-2;

[0026] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a bladder in accordance with the present invention; and [0027] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of an envelope in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] Before explaining the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0029] Referring first to Figure 1, a top perspective view of a partial cut away of a pillow having an adjustable support characteristic made in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 10. As will be explained in more detail below, the pillow 10 has a wide range of adjustability to provide customized support for the neck, jaw and cranial regions of an individual.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, a top perspective view of a bladder in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 12. The bladder generally comprises a plurality of chambers, which, in the preferred embodiment only, is represented by a first chamber 14, a second chamber 16 adjacent the first chamber 14, and a third chamber 18 adjacent the second chamber 16. The plurality of chambers are structurally connected, but fluidly separate. Each chamber 14, 16, 18 has the following characteristics: (a) adapted to contain a liquid; (b) has a closeable opening 20 to permit the addition or removal of a liquid; and (c) is comprised of a flexible material, such as vinyl. Accordingly, the liquid volume in each chamber 14, 16, 18 can be independently adjusted to different volumes and thereby firmnesses to vary the support characteristic of the pillow 10 for the purpose of accommodating the anatomical structures and preferences of an individual. The liquid used in the preferred embodiment is water. Water is non-toxic and readily available for addition to the bladder 12.

(0031] Referring to Figure 4, a top perspective view of an envelope in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 22. Preferably, the envelope 22 is made from suitable cloth. As best seen in Figures 2 and 4, the envelope 22 contains a cushion 24 having a length L, width V01, and a height H. The cushion 24 can be comprised of any suitable material known in the art, such as, for example, feathers, fiberfill, or the like. The cushion defines a cavity 26 that is adapted to removably receive the bladder 26.
Preferably, the individual removes at least a portion of the bladder 12 from the cavity 26 before adjusting the volume of liquid in one or more of the chambers 14, 16, 18, and more preferably the individual removes the entire bladder 12 from the cavity 26 before adjusting the volume of liquid in the chambers 14, 16, 18. This removeability feature has the following advantages: (a) it makes it easy to fill and drain the liquid from the chambers 14, 16, 18, (b) it prevents spillage of the liquid on the pillow 10 or a bed or bedding; and (c) and it allows the individual the option of resting or sleeping on the pillow 10 without using the bladder 12. The envelope 22 has at least one closeable opening 28, which may be closed by a fastener such as a zipper or VeIcroT"", to provide access to the cavity 26. Preferably, the cavity 26 is adapted to snugly receive the bladder 12 to inhibit movement of the bladder 12 with respect to the cushion 24 while in use by an individual.
[0032, Referring to Figure 2, a front cross-sectional view of the pillow of Figure 1 is taken along lines 2-2. The cushion 24 has a first major head supporting surface 30, and an opposing second major head supporting surface 32. H is the height of the cushion 24 plus the bladder 12. 'The first and second major head supporting surfaces 30, 32 are separated by the height H. The cushion 24 includes a first support element 34 and a second support element 36. The first support element 34 is located between the first major head supporting surface 30 and the cavity 26, and the second support element 36 is located between the second major head supporting surface 32 and the cavity 26. Preferably, at a given vertical plane taken along the pillow 10 (e.g., vertical plane 100) the height of the first support element 34 (e.g., h1) is greater than the height of the second support elemenfi 36 (e.g., h2). This provides different support characteristics depending on which head supporting surFace is used to support the head. This feature allows the individual another variable in selecting the desired level of support. In other words, the individual can choose one of the first or second major head supporting surfaces 30, 32 to be in direct contact with the neck, jaw and cranial regions.
For example, the individual can choose to rest or sleep directly on the first major head supporting surface 30 if the individual wishes to have more support cushion between the head and bladder 12. Alternatively, the individual can choose to rest or sleep directly on the second major head supporting surface 32 if the individual wishes to have less support cushion between the head and bladder 12.
(0033, Preferably, the plurality of chambers 14, 16, 18 extends longitudinally across a substantial portion of the length L of the cushion 24, and more preferably across substantially the same length L of the cushion 24.
Preferably, chamber 14 is adjacent the neck region, chamber 16 is adjacent the jaw region, and chamber 18 is adjacent the cranial region. This design allows for different levels of support between the neck, jaw and the cranial regions. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the volume of liquid in the bladder 12 to support the individual in a desired position to promote desired alignment of the cervical spine. For example, the volume in the second chamber adjacent the jaw region may be less than each of the first and third chambers 14, 18 adjacent the neck and cranial regions, respectively.
(0034, In accordance with another aspect, at least one of the chambers 14, 16, 18 contains damping means to dampen the movement of the liquid in the chamber. Preferably, the damping means 38 is a porous foam core consisting of reticulated foam composed of polyurethane. The reticulated foam core is capable of being saturated with the liquid. Incorporation of the damping means 38 reduces the amount of noise heard by the individual, since the liquid is retained within the foam core and is not free to audibly splash around within the chamber.
(0035' A method of varying the adjustable support characteristic of the pillow 10 is described in detail below. The first step in the method is to provide a pillow 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The pillow 10 is assembled with the bladder 12 fitted within the cavity 26. Next, the bladder 12 is at least partially removed from the cavity 26, and more preferably is fully removed from the cavity 26. Next, the volume of liquid in at least one of the first, second or third chambers 14, 16, 18 is adjusted to vary the support characteristic of the pillow 10. This step is performed by either filling or draining liquid from at least one of the first, second, or third chambers 14, 16, 18. After adjusting the volume of liquid in at least one of the first, second or third chambers 14, 16, 18 the bladder 12 is replaced into the cavity 26.
[0036] Preferably, before each opening 20 is closed to seal each chamber, the individual removes at least a portion of the air and more preferably substantially all of the air from that chamber. The removal of air may be accomplished by holding the bladder 12 upright and gently squeezing the bladder 12. Pressure should be applied to the bladder 12 while closing the opening 20 to minimize the air content of the bladder 12.
[0037] It is to be understood that the adjustment of liquid volume within the separate chambers can result in any possible permutation and combination available to the individual limited only by the number of chambers in the bladder 12 and the volume of each chamber.
[0038] In one aspect of the invention, the adjustment of liquid results in the first, second, and third chambers 14, 16, 18 all containing substantially the same volume of liquid. The individual can choose between three different types of support, including, but not limited to the following scenarios: (a) the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 1I3 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a soft support; {b) the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 112 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a medium support;
(c) the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 2/3 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a firm support.
[0039] In an~ther aspect of the invention, one of the chambers can be left empty for more pronounced support in the other chambers that contain a liquid.

[0040] It is to be understood that what has been described are preferred embodiments of the invention for example and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.
The invention may be susceptible to certain changes and alternative embodiments without departing from the subject invention, the scope of which is defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pillow having an adjustable support characteristic, comprising:
a) a bladder, said bladder comprising a plurality of structurally connected but fluidly separate, openable chambers; and b) an envelope, said envelope containing a cushion having a length, a width, and a height, said cushion defining a cavity adapted to receive said bladder, wherein each chamber is adapted to contain a liquid, the volume of liquid in each chamber can be independently adjusted to vary said support characteristic of said pillow, and said cavity includes a closeable opening so that said bladder may be removed from said cavity to permit said adjustment to said chambers when said bladder is outside said cavity and may be replaced back within said cavity after said adjustment.

2. A pillow according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of chambers extends longitudinally across a substantial portion of the length of said cushion.

3. A pillow according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of chambers extends longitudinally across substantially the same length of said cushion.

4. A pillow according to claim 1, wherein said cavity is adapted to snugly receive said bladder to inhibit movement of said bladder with respect to said cushion.

5. A pillow according to claim 1, wherein said cushion has a first major head supporting surface and an opposite second major head supporting surface, and wherein said cushion has a first support element between said first major head supporting surface and said cavity and a second support element between said second major head supporting surface and said cavity and a vertical plane taken along said pillow said first support element has a larger height than said second support element.

6. A pillow according to claim 1, wherein at least one chamber contains damping means adapted to dampen the movement of the liquid in said at least one chamber.

7. A method of varying an adjustable support characteristic of a pillow, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a pillow having an adjustable support characteristic, comprising:
i) a bladder, said bladder comprising a first chamber, a second chamber adjacent said first chamber, and a third chamber adjacent said second chamber, said first, second and third chambers being structurally connected but fluidly separate, openable chambers; and ii) an envelope, said envelope containing a cushion having a length, a width, and a height, said cushion defining a cavity adapted to removably receive said bladder; and b) adjusting the volume of liquid in at least one of said first, second or third chambers to vary the support characteristic of said pillow.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said pillow in step (a) is provided with said bladder disposed within said cavity.

9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of removing said bladder from said cavity prior to step (b).

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of replacing said bladder into said cavity after step (h).

11. A method according to claim 7, wherein step (c) is performed by filling or draining a liquid from at least one of said first, second or third chambers.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein step (c) results in the first, second, and third chambers all containing substantially the same volume of liquid.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 1/3 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a soft support.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 1/2 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a medium support.

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein the volume of liquid in each chamber is about 2/3 of the total volume of each chamber to provide a firm support.

16. A method according to claim 11, wherein step (c) results in the volume of liquid in said second chamber being less than the volume of liquid in each of said first and third chambers.