CA2505699A1

CA2505699A1 - Convert-a-pillow

Info

Publication number: CA2505699A1
Application number: CA 2505699
Authority: CA
Inventors: Gillian R. Hammah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-26
Filing date: 2005-04-26
Publication date: 2006-10-26

Abstract

The Convert-a-Pillow is an adjustable 3-in-1 pillow for pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants. The invention comprises a rectangular middle pillow with two curved attachable/detachable extensions. When all sections are attached, this invention functions as a pregnancy pillow that supports either the back or abdomen of a pregnant woman when lying in a horizontal position. The pillow extensions can also be detached from the main rectangular section and attached to each other to form a C-shaped piece that functions as an infant support pillow. This function provides a baby or small child with additional back support until he/she can sit up independently. Each extension can also be used separately to function as a nursing pillow, to support an infant on her mother's (or other user's) lap while breast- or bottle-feeding, as well as to support the mother's arm. The Convert-a-Pillow can also be used for many other functions by attaching/detaching the extensions.

Description

CONVERT-A-PILLOW
DESCRIPTION
This invention relates to a pillow for use by women who are pregnant or nursing, and infants who are unable to sit up independently.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
There are a currently a number of pillows that are specifically designed to perform the individual functions of a pregnancy pillow, nursing pillow or infant support pillow.
These devices do fulfill their specific functions in a limited manner, but there is no "one" pillow that can perform all functions adequately. Additionally, there are many improvements to be made upon these types of pillows. First, many pregnancy (or maternity) pillows, which are designed for pregnant women to relieve the stress involved in basic activities such as resting or sleeping, are rendered useless once the baby is born (e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 6,754,924, 4,506,396 and 5,953,749, and Canadian Patent No. 2244167). Second, when a mother (or other user) is nursing or bottle-feeding a baby, if the baby is not positioned correctly, her arm becomes stiff, uncomfortable and sometimes painful from holding up the weight of the baby for a prolonged period. Also, many nursing pillows/infant support pillows tend to have a rigid c-shape that uncomfortably extends around the sides of the user (e.g., Canadian Patent Nos. 2398394 and 2204247).
Unfortunately, women with larger frames are often unable to comfortably fit inside the rigid pillow's inner circle. This size deficiency primarily results from the pillow's secondary use - an infant support pillow. The space within which the baby's back rests must be small enough to provide adequate support, thereby restricting its use.
Another problem resulting from the limited functions of single-purpose pregnancy nursing and infant support pillows is the cost associated with purchasing the three pillows. Since there are many other associated costs that come automatically with the birth of a child, being able to reduce the cost of these pillows, while providing added functionality, would be an asset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of this invention is to provide a single pillow that combines the functionality of the three pillows - pregnancy, nursing and infant support pillows - into one.
The present invention comprises a basic common-use rectangular pillow to which curved extensions can be attached on each end. The extensions are attached to the rectangular pillow by means of snaps, Velcro or other fasteners. Both extensions and the rectangular pillow are made of a soft fabric and filled with a poly-fill material. Because of the versatility provided by the use of fasteners coupled with the curved extensions, the Convert-a-Pillow has three primary functions:
1. A pregnancy pillow - In order to make sleeping or rest more comfortable, a pregnant woman may simply join all three sections and cover the resulting pillow with a removable slipcover. As a pregnancy pillow, the pregnant woman will place one of the curved extensions under her head, the other extension between her knees, and may choose to position it so that the middle pillow runs along her back, thereby providing additional back support, or under her stomach to reduce some of the strain cause by sleeping on her side. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep on their side to ease pressure on the major blood vessels.

2. A nursing pillow - By detaching and placing any one of the curved extension on the lap, a mother or caregiver can gain maximum comfort while nursing or bottle-feeding an infant.
The pillow raises the baby to an optimal level and supports his or her weight, thereby reducing the strain on the mother's (or caregiver's) arm resulting from trying to hold the baby at breast-level. The pillow can quickly and easily be moved from one side to the other once the mother is ready to change sides. In addition, a mother (or caregiver) may also choose to attach both curved extensions to provide additional support if feeding twins, for example, or simply to have a larger support area.

3. An infant support pillow - The present invention is also able to function as an infant support pillow.
The infant support pillow comprises the two curved, detachable extension, which can be attached together along the rectangular panel portions with the use of snaps, Velcro or other fasteners. This will help to assist in stabilizing and maintaining the infant comfortable in a sitting or reclining position.
The washability of the Convert-a-Pillow is also addressed with this invention, as items that come in close contact with infants or small children can often become soiled. It is essential that the covering can be quickly and easily removed and cleaned to avoid potential infections. As a result, one or more durable, machine washable slipcovers, manufactured of conventional material, are provided in a variety of decorative colours and patterns for the mother or caregiver to use in different capacities.
The general low cost of the materials used to manufacture the invention, and the ease of the assembly, should enable the Convert-a-Pillow to be provided to consumers at a relatively low cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows top view of pillow when all three sections are joined to form pregnancy pillow FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pillow when all three sections are joined to form pregnancy pillow FIG. 3 shows top view of pillow when curved extensions are joined to form infant support pillow (note: both curved extensions are identical in shape and size) FIG. 4 shows perspective view of pillow when curved extensions are joined using one or more fasteners which are attached to each flat rectangular end FIG. 5 shows perspective view of main rectangular pillow with one or more fasteners (e.g., snaps) attached to the flat rectangular end FIG. 6 shows perspective view of pillow extension with one or more fasteners (e.g., snaps) attached to the flat rectangular end that can be used to function as a nursing pillow DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention is a sectional pillow, wherein the sections can be attached/detached to perform several different functions. The cushion body of each section may be constructed of a wide variety of fill materials, including for example, polyester, foam and the like. Outer fabrics include cotton, polyester, fleece and the like. Such non-stretchable fabrics allow the pillow to be firmly stuffed with fill material. When stuffed in this manner, the pillows are able to maintain their shape for extended time periods. Such fabrics also provide an aesthetically pleasing surface.
One convenient way to manufacture such pillows is by joining or sewing multiple pieces of material together to form the cover and then stuffing the fill material into the cover.
This invention has three primary functions: a pregnancy pillow, a nursing pillow and an infant support pillow. The invention may also be used in a variety of other ways, such as for back support, or to hold up a book, toy, or the like.
FIG 1 is an exemplary embodiment showing how the pillow can function as a pregnancy pillow.
This embodiment comprises three sections (1, 2 & 3) having a main rectangular pillow (2) and two curved pillow extensions (1, 3). Through the use of snaps, Velcro or other fasteners (12, 14), the extensions are joined together and covered with a machine washable slipcover. When using the invention as a pregnancy pillow, the main rectangular pillow (2) would be placed at the user's back, running parallel to the user's spine, while one of the curved extensions (1 or 3) would be placed under the user's head and the other extension (1 or 3) would be placed between the user's knees. This provides the user with proper support to the lower and upper back, and is very comfortable. If more support is needed under the abdomen instead of the back, the pillow may be turned so that the support main rectangular section is placed under the abdomen.
FIG 2 provides a perspective view of FIG 1, illustrating that each section has a number of diiTerent fabric pieces that are sewn together to form the outer shell. A
device for attaching the sections to each other, which may include one or more fasteners such as Velcro, snaps or hook and loop) is found on the short rectangular ends of each pillow section (11, 13, 15, 16). Each curved extension comprises six pieces of fabric that are sewn together at the outer perimeter. For example, the curved extension as shown in FIG 6 consists of a top and bottom panel of fabric, as well as four smaller pieces of fabric (4, 10, 11, 17) that form the side panels of the pillow. The middle pillow as shown in FIG 5 consists of six pieces of fabric that are sewn together at the outer perimeter, including a top and bottom piece of fabric, as well as two small rectangular panels on which one or more fasteners are attached, and two long rectangular panels that form the sides of the pillow.
FIG 3 illustrates a fiuther embodiment of the invention showing how the pillow can function as an infant support pillow. This embodiment comprises two sections having two curved pillow extensions (1, 3). Through the use of one or more fasteners (i.e., snaps, Velcro or other fasteners), the curved extensions are joined together and can be covered with a machine washable slipcover. When using the invention as an infant support pillow, the extensions encircle the small child or infant, providing more support when learning to sit. In this position, the infant's knees, legs and feet would all fit in the widest part of the cavity (18). Additionally, the pillow can also be used to provide support while holding, rocking or nursing the child by turning the back in front of the user and the inside curve facing the user's stomach.
FIG 4 shows a perspective view of the pillow when the two curved extensions are joined together to function as an infant support pillow. Each curved extension comprises six pieces of fabric that are sewn together at the outer perimeter. For example, the curved extension as shown in FIG 6 consists of a top and bottom panel of fabric, as well as four smaller pieces of fabric (4, 10, 11, 17) that form the side panels of the pillow. A device for attaching the sections to each other, which may include one or more fasteners such as Velcro, snaps or hook and loop), is found on the short rectangular ends of each pillow section.
FIG 5 shows a perspective view of the main rectangular pillow. Each curved extension comprises six pieces of fabric that are sewn together at the outer perimeter.
The middle pillow consists of six pieces of fabric that are sewn together at the outer perimeter, including a top and bottom piece of fabric, as well as two small rectangular panels on which one or more fasteners are attached, and two long rectangular panels that form the sides of the pillow. A device for attaching the sections to each other, which may include one or more fasteners such as Velcro, snaps or hook and loop), is found on the short rectangular ends of each pillow section.

In another embodiment (FIG 6), the curved pillow extensions can be separated and one of the extensions used as a nursing pillow. When the fasteners are not engaged, the extensions (1, 2) are not in direct contact with each other. In this manner, the pillow is positioned on the mother's (or caregiver's) lap with an infant resting on the upper surface of the pillow.
According to one aspect of the present invention, using the nursing pillow will allow the infant's head to be positioned higher than its abdomen. This positioning will make the infant more comfortable and assist in the nursing process. It is believed that this positioning is healthier for the infant, leading to less gas and fewer infections.

Claims

1. A sectional pillow consisting of a main rectangular pillow and two extensions a. That can be attached or detached, using snaps, Velcro or other fasteners, to the main pillow or to each other b. Whose cover is constructed of a generally non-stretchable fabric, and whose outer section is sewn together with the inner section c. Whose cushion body is constructed of foam or a poly-fill material that is distributed evenly throughout the said enclosed structure d. Whose slipcover is manufactured of a suitably washable and removable fabric e. Whose resilient nature and geometrical configuration comfortable supports the user f. That also has applications for the elderly and bed-ridden patients

2. A pregnancy pillow:
a. Consisting of a main rectangular pillow with one or more fasteners at each of the shorter ends, and two curved ends, each with one or more fasteners on the flat rectangular ends b. That receives and supports the back or swollen abdomen of a pregnant woman lying on either side as the pillow is completely reversible c. Whose upper extension rests under the user's head and the lower extension rests between the user's knees d. That raises the level of the user's hips to a naturally comfortable position e. That also has applications for anyone experiencing sleeping or resting discomforts

3. A nursing pillow:
a. That consists of a curved extension with one or more fasteners on the flat rectangular end b. That can be used interchangeably on the left or right side while feeding the baby

4. An infant support pillow:
a. That consists of two identical curved ends joined together by one or more fasteners on each of the flat rectangular ends b. That forms a C-shape to help support a baby's back when placed in a horizontal or sitting position until the baby can sit up independently