US20080148487A1 - Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same - Google Patents
Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080148487A1 US20080148487A1 US11/941,709 US94170907A US2008148487A1 US 20080148487 A1 US20080148487 A1 US 20080148487A1 US 94170907 A US94170907 A US 94170907A US 2008148487 A1 US2008148487 A1 US 2008148487A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- body pillow
- cushion
- interior panel
- arcuate
- upper portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 210000001015 abdomen Anatomy 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003746 feather Anatomy 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035935 pregnancy Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 206010022437 insomnia Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000008035 Back Pain Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- -1 air bladders Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Chemical compound CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N=CN2C RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isocaffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N(C)C=N2 LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000010340 Sleep Deprivation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003187 abdominal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004712 air sac Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229960001948 caffeine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1C=CN2C VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000035475 disorder Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005802 health problem Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003340 mental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002085 persistent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000002859 sleep apnea Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002784 stomach Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/02—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like of detachable or loose type
- A47C20/025—Supports specially adapted for pregnant women
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/02—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like of detachable or loose type
- A47C20/021—Foot or leg supports
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/02—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like of detachable or loose type
- A47C20/023—Arm supports
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/02—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like of detachable or loose type
- A47C20/027—Back supports, e.g. for sitting in bed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
- A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
- A47D13/08—Devices for use in guiding or supporting children, e.g. safety harness
Definitions
- Sleep loss has enormous impact on individuals and society. Sleep loss impacts work productivity and learning ability. Sleep deprivation is a dangerous ingredient when mixed with driving, operating machinery, or making critical decisions, often resulting in accidents and injury. Sleep loss is also related to health problems, both physical and mental.
- Difficulty in sleeping may be caused by consuming too much caffeine, sleep apnea, ambient noise, or from just general worrying. It seems, however, that the most common complaint regarding difficulty in sleeping is the inability to get comfortable. There are many reasons why someone might have difficulty getting comfortable enough to sleep. Some examples of discomfort are related to external environmental factors associated with a particular situation, such as sitting upright in an airplane seat, sleeping on hard lumpy ground when camping, or being too hot or too cold. Other examples of discomfort affecting sleep are related to the physical condition of the person trying to sleep. Some examples of physical conditions affecting sleep are a painful injury, a persistent back problem, breathing disorders, and of particular interest here—pregnancy.
- a new and improved support cushion that provides not only a comfortable pillow but also provides support for the pregnant woman's back and more importantly her abdomen.
- a multi-purpose body pillow is desirable that has other uses after pregnancy.
- the body pillow could be used to support the baby itself either in a sleeping position or, as it grows, in an upright sitting position.
- a body pillow including an elongate cushion having first and second ends.
- the cushion includes an arcuate first portion, an arcuate second portion, and a mid-portion extending therebetween.
- the cushion is configurable between a relaxed configuration and a coiled configuration.
- the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle and the second portion extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle.
- the second portion In the coiled configuration the second portion is congruent with a least some of the first portion. This may be done by overlapping the first portion with the second portion or by encircling the first portion with the second portion.
- the body pillow may further include an interior panel joined to an inner periphery of the first portion for retaining the first portion in its arcuate position.
- the interior panel may be teardrop in shape and be releasably fastened to the first portion.
- the interior panel may be releasably fastened to the inner periphery with, for example, a zipper or cooperative hook and loop fastener materials.
- the cushion may include a filler material such as feathers, fibrous materials, foam, and beads, to name just a few.
- the cushion could be roundish in cross-section and enclosed by a removable casing formed of fabric or the like.
- the body pillow includes a cover flange attached to the casing along the first portion's inner periphery for covering the zipper.
- a body pillow wherein the cushion is constructed to assume the relaxed configuration wherein the upper portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of the circumference of a circle and the lower portion extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle.
- the mid-portion extends linearly between the upper and lower portions.
- a body pillow is provided wherein the cushion is configurable into a coiled configuration wherein the lower portion is congruent with a least some of the upper portion.
- a method for supporting a person in a reposed position including providing a body pillow with an elongate cushion having arcuate first and second end portions, and a mid-portion extending therebetween.
- the method also includes placing the body pillow on a support surface and configuring the body pillow such that the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle.
- the method also includes placing the person, for example an expectant mother, so that her head and abdomen are supported by the first end portion and her back is in close confronting relation to the mid-portion.
- the method may also include retaining the first portion in its arcuate configuration.
- the person may also be placed so that her legs straddle the second portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pregnant female sleeping in and supported by an exemplary embodiment of a body pillow;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body pillow in a spiral or coiled configuration operative to support an infant in a reposed position;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the body pillow in a coiled configuration whereby the cushion supports an infant or child in a sitting upright position;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of the body pillow as configured to support a sleeping adult
- FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the body pillow that includes a removable insert panel
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body pillow taken about lines 6 - 6 in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the body pillow shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the insert panel from FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 9 is a partial view of the cushion casing illustrating the overlapping panels and the insertion of the insert panel
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section of the body pillow illustrating the construction and attachment of the zippered insert panel.
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-section of the support cushion similar to FIG. 10 where the insert panel is attached with cooperative hook and loop materials.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a support cushion or body pillow 20 being employed by a pregnant female 10 where her head 12 , abdomen 14 , and back 18 are all supported by body pillow 20 .
- her hips 16 are kept in a comfortable position by supporting her leg 17 . While a pregnant woman is used as an example because of the common discomfort associated with pregnancy, it is an example only and should not be construed as limiting. There may be other conditions such as chronic back pain where one might benefit from the support provided by the body pillow as described herein.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a body pillow 120 including a removable interior panel 140 .
- FIG. 2 also illustrates the body pillow in a spiral or coiled configuration. In this configuration, with the interior panel installed, a child 15 may be placed in the middle of the spiral on top of the interior panel 140 either for sleeping or for playing.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the body pillow 120 arranged in a coiled configuration with the interior panel 140 removed. In this optional configuration the child 15 is supported in an upright sitting position.
- the body pillow 20 is comprised of an arcuate first portion 22 and an arcuate second portion 26 with a mid-portion 23 extending therebetween.
- the first portion 22 In its relaxed or preformed state the first portion 22 extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle C 1
- the second portion 26 extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle C 2
- the first portion 22 may have an outer diameter 28 , which is approximately 25 to 27 inches, and an inner diameter 29 , which is approximately 9 to 11 inches.
- the inner diameter 29 defines an interior area 30 .
- the end 24 of the first portion 22 extends along phantom line “d” in a direction generally perpendicular to that of the mid-portion 23 which extends along phantom line “L”.
- the second portion 26 is sized such that opening 27 is approximately 9 to 11 inches wide. Second portion 26 may be curved with an inner radius 25 matching the dimension of outer diameter 28 of the first portion 22 . Constructing the body pillow with these or similar dimensions facilitates the spiral and coiled configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . It should be understood that the above dimensions are merely representative and that various dimensions and relationships thereof could be selected.
- the woman's head 12 is supported by the first portion 22 and the woman's abdomen 14 is supported by the end 24 of first portion 22 .
- the woman's leg 17 is supported by second portion 26 thereby keeping her hips 16 in a comfortable position. This is accomplished by placing her legs 17 so that they straddle the second portion 26 .
- the woman's back 18 is supported by mid-portion 23 .
- the body pillow may be displaced from the relaxed or preformed state into various configurations.
- the body pillow may be configured into the coiled configuration such as shown in FIG. 2 by wrapping the inner diameter 25 of second portion 26 adjacent to outer diameter 28 of the first portion 22 .
- the coiled configuration of FIG. 3 can be created by overlapping first portion 22 with second portion 26 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates in more detail the alternative embodiment, as introduced in FIGS. 2 and 3 , which includes the interior panel 140 .
- This embodiment 120 is similar to the embodiment 20 of FIG. 4 in that it includes a first portion 122 , a second portion 126 , and a mid-portion 123 .
- the first portion 122 has an outer diameter 128 and an inner diameter 129 .
- Inner diameter 129 defines the perimeter of the interior panel 140 .
- the interior panel 140 may be attached by various means such as with a zipper, buttons, snaps or cooperative hook and loop material as will be discussed more fully below.
- cover flange 132 that covers the rough side of the zipper, which is used to hold the interior panel in place.
- interior panel 140 is configured to correspond to the shape of inner diameter 129 .
- Interior panel 140 is comprised of a main panel portion 142 and tail portion 144 forming a teardrop shape. The entire perimeter of panel 140 is bordered with a first zipper side 170 .
- Tail portion 144 of interior panel 140 is configured to fill the area created where first portion 22 terminates perpendicular to the mid-portion 23 .
- body pillow 120 is comprised of an outer pillow casing 150 and an inner pillow insert 160 .
- the diameter of pillow casing 150 as shown in the cross section of FIG. 6 is approximately 7 to 9 inches.
- Pillowcase 150 is comprised of top panel 152 and bottom panels 154 , corresponding to the first portion, and bottom panel 156 , corresponding to the second and mid portions. Referring to FIG. 7 , panel 154 overlaps panel 156 on second portion 126 creating overlap section 157 .
- Overlap section 157 provides an opening for inserting pillow insert 160 .
- Pillow insert 160 may be an elongate pillow insert made of down filling, foam, beads, or fibrous material such as polyester, cotton, and the like.
- Outer pillowcase 150 may be made out of cotton, synthetics, blends of the same, or any soft material.
- FIG. 9 shows in more detail the operation of the overlaps of panels 154 and 156 providing for the insertion of pillow insert 160 .
- Pillowcase 150 is in an upside-down configuration where the cover is slightly folded exposing opening 165 , which is normally obscured by the overlap section 157 when the cover is in a normally straight position.
- the edge of panel 154 is strengthened by adding piping 158 to prevent tearing.
- FIG. 10 shows in greater detail the construction and attachment of interior panel 140 .
- interior panel 140 is attached with a zipper 175 comprised of a first side 170 and a second side 171 .
- a zipper 175 comprised of a first side 170 and a second side 171 .
- cover flange 132 is located on the rough side of the zipper 175 to prevent any discomfort to the user caused by the zipper.
- cover flange 132 is constructed of the same material as is the pillowcase 150 and the outer part of the insert panel 140 .
- Insert panel 140 is constructed of two layers of material 146 and 148 with synthetic fiber fill 200 or the like disposed therebetween. Sewn between the two panels 146 and 148 is the first zipper side 170 .
- FIG. 10 shows in greater detail the construction and attachment of interior panel 140 .
- the attachment of the mating side of the zipper 171 is sewn in between panels 152 and 154 of the pillowcase 150 along with cover flange 132 .
- Panels 152 , 154 , and 156 along with cover flange 132 and zipper 170 are all sewn together with methods of attaching and/or sewing panels and zippers together which are generally well known in the art.
- the second zipper side 171 is sewn into the inner diameter 129 of the first portion 122 thereby matching the shape and diameter of the interior panel 140 and operative to mate with the first zipper side 170 .
- pillow insert 160 which is comprised of an outer casing 162 , filled with suitable fill material as described above or as shown here, synthetic fiber fill 200 .
- FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the interior panel where the zipper is replaced with cooperative hook 180 and loop 185 fastener materials in order to fasten the interior panel 140 to the comfort flange 132 .
- the method may include any of the steps inherent in any of the disclosed embodiments.
- the method may include the step of providing a body pillow with an elongate cushion having arcuate first and second end portions, and a mid-portion extending therebetween.
- the body pillow is placed on a support surface and configured such that the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle.
- the person is placed so that his/her head and abdomen are supported by the first end portion and the person's back is in close confronting relation to the mid-portion.
- This method may further include retaining the first portion in its arcuate configuration.
- This method may further include placing the person so that his/her legs straddle the second portion.
- the body pillow may be configured into a coiled configuration by positioning the second portion congruently with the first portion.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Gynecology & Obstetrics (AREA)
- Pregnancy & Childbirth (AREA)
- Bedding Items (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Sooner or later it seems that everyone has some difficulty in sleeping. Sleep loss has enormous impact on individuals and society. Sleep loss impacts work productivity and learning ability. Sleep deprivation is a dangerous ingredient when mixed with driving, operating machinery, or making critical decisions, often resulting in accidents and injury. Sleep loss is also related to health problems, both physical and mental.
- Difficulty in sleeping may be caused by consuming too much caffeine, sleep apnea, ambient noise, or from just general worrying. It seems, however, that the most common complaint regarding difficulty in sleeping is the inability to get comfortable. There are many reasons why someone might have difficulty getting comfortable enough to sleep. Some examples of discomfort are related to external environmental factors associated with a particular situation, such as sitting upright in an airplane seat, sleeping on hard lumpy ground when camping, or being too hot or too cold. Other examples of discomfort affecting sleep are related to the physical condition of the person trying to sleep. Some examples of physical conditions affecting sleep are a painful injury, a persistent back problem, breathing disorders, and of particular interest here—pregnancy.
- There have been many attempts to alleviate the discomfort associated with these situations and conditions. For instance, in the case of sleeping in an airplane seat, horseshoe shaped pillows that wrap around the traveler's neck to support the head have been suggested. Also, a multitude of different types of mattresses are made from space foams, air bladders, and water bladders that have been touted as having miraculous abilities to ease back pain and cause a person to fall asleep. Others simply improvise by using multiple pillows in various arrangements to support the body in a manner that alleviates their particular discomfort.
- In the particular case of pregnant women, they obviously have the issue of supporting their back and abdominal area. A woman's body has unusual forces and stresses placed on it as a result of the weight of the child. These forces can make it difficult to find a comfortable position for sleeping. This is especially true in later term when the child is larger and the woman is correspondingly enlarged such that many sleeping positions, such as on her stomach or back, are no longer an option. In fact some experts recommend specifically that an expectant mother sleep on her left side during late term pregnancy.
- Some attempts have been made to provide a remedy for the particular discomfort associated with pregnancy that makes falling and staying asleep difficult. An example of such an attempt is U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,164 to Leach. Leach suggests a support pillow having a horseshoe shaped top and a j-shaped bottom connected together by a straight section, whereby the horseshoe shaped top includes a foot that is spaced, from and parallel, to the straight portion. An adult female lying on her side can rest her head on the horseshoe shaped portion and the j-shaped portion of the support pillow may be received between the legs. Because the foot is spaced from and parallel to the straight portion the resulting curved opening naturally does not provide any support for a pregnant woman's abdomen.
- Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a new and improved support cushion that provides not only a comfortable pillow but also provides support for the pregnant woman's back and more importantly her abdomen. Furthermore, because a pregnancy generally only lasts nine months a multi-purpose body pillow is desirable that has other uses after pregnancy. For instance, the body pillow could be used to support the baby itself either in a sleeping position or, as it grows, in an upright sitting position.
- Provided is a body pillow including an elongate cushion having first and second ends. The cushion includes an arcuate first portion, an arcuate second portion, and a mid-portion extending therebetween. The cushion is configurable between a relaxed configuration and a coiled configuration. In the relaxed configuration the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle and the second portion extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle. In the coiled configuration the second portion is congruent with a least some of the first portion. This may be done by overlapping the first portion with the second portion or by encircling the first portion with the second portion.
- The body pillow may further include an interior panel joined to an inner periphery of the first portion for retaining the first portion in its arcuate position. The interior panel may be teardrop in shape and be releasably fastened to the first portion. The interior panel may be releasably fastened to the inner periphery with, for example, a zipper or cooperative hook and loop fastener materials.
- The cushion may include a filler material such as feathers, fibrous materials, foam, and beads, to name just a few. The cushion could be roundish in cross-section and enclosed by a removable casing formed of fabric or the like. Preferably, also, the body pillow includes a cover flange attached to the casing along the first portion's inner periphery for covering the zipper.
- Also provided is an embodiment of a body pillow wherein the cushion is constructed to assume the relaxed configuration wherein the upper portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of the circumference of a circle and the lower portion extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle. The mid-portion extends linearly between the upper and lower portions. In yet another embodiment a body pillow is provided wherein the cushion is configurable into a coiled configuration wherein the lower portion is congruent with a least some of the upper portion.
- Also provided is a method for supporting a person in a reposed position including providing a body pillow with an elongate cushion having arcuate first and second end portions, and a mid-portion extending therebetween. The method also includes placing the body pillow on a support surface and configuring the body pillow such that the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle. The method also includes placing the person, for example an expectant mother, so that her head and abdomen are supported by the first end portion and her back is in close confronting relation to the mid-portion. The method may also include retaining the first portion in its arcuate configuration. The person may also be placed so that her legs straddle the second portion.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pregnant female sleeping in and supported by an exemplary embodiment of a body pillow; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body pillow in a spiral or coiled configuration operative to support an infant in a reposed position; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the body pillow in a coiled configuration whereby the cushion supports an infant or child in a sitting upright position; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the body pillow as configured to support a sleeping adult; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the body pillow that includes a removable insert panel; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body pillow taken about lines 6-6 inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the body pillow shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the insert panel fromFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 9 is a partial view of the cushion casing illustrating the overlapping panels and the insertion of the insert panel; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section of the body pillow illustrating the construction and attachment of the zippered insert panel; and -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-section of the support cushion similar toFIG. 10 where the insert panel is attached with cooperative hook and loop materials. -
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a support cushion orbody pillow 20 being employed by a pregnant female 10 where herhead 12,abdomen 14, andback 18 are all supported bybody pillow 20. In addition, herhips 16 are kept in a comfortable position by supporting herleg 17. While a pregnant woman is used as an example because of the common discomfort associated with pregnancy, it is an example only and should not be construed as limiting. There may be other conditions such as chronic back pain where one might benefit from the support provided by the body pillow as described herein. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of abody pillow 120 including a removableinterior panel 140.FIG. 2 also illustrates the body pillow in a spiral or coiled configuration. In this configuration, with the interior panel installed, achild 15 may be placed in the middle of the spiral on top of theinterior panel 140 either for sleeping or for playing.FIG. 3 illustrates thebody pillow 120 arranged in a coiled configuration with theinterior panel 140 removed. In this optional configuration thechild 15 is supported in an upright sitting position. - With reference to
FIG. 4 it can be seen that thebody pillow 20 is comprised of an arcuatefirst portion 22 and an arcuatesecond portion 26 with a mid-portion 23 extending therebetween. In its relaxed or preformed state thefirst portion 22 extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle C1, and thesecond portion 26 extends arcuately in a second direction different than the first direction about less than a majority of a circumference of a circle C2. Thefirst portion 22 may have anouter diameter 28, which is approximately 25 to 27 inches, and aninner diameter 29, which is approximately 9 to 11 inches. Theinner diameter 29 defines aninterior area 30. As can be appreciated inFIG. 4 , theend 24 of thefirst portion 22 extends along phantom line “d” in a direction generally perpendicular to that of the mid-portion 23 which extends along phantom line “L”. By terminating thefirst portion 22 perpendicular to the mid-portion 23, support is provided for the user's abdomen (FIG. 1 ). - The
second portion 26 is sized such thatopening 27 is approximately 9 to 11 inches wide.Second portion 26 may be curved with aninner radius 25 matching the dimension ofouter diameter 28 of thefirst portion 22. Constructing the body pillow with these or similar dimensions facilitates the spiral and coiled configurations shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . It should be understood that the above dimensions are merely representative and that various dimensions and relationships thereof could be selected. - With reference again to
FIG. 1 it can be seen that the woman'shead 12 is supported by thefirst portion 22 and the woman's abdomen 14 is supported by theend 24 offirst portion 22. The woman'sleg 17 is supported bysecond portion 26 thereby keeping herhips 16 in a comfortable position. This is accomplished by placing herlegs 17 so that they straddle thesecond portion 26. The woman'sback 18 is supported by mid-portion 23. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , it is noted that the body pillow may be displaced from the relaxed or preformed state into various configurations. For example, the body pillow may be configured into the coiled configuration such as shown inFIG. 2 by wrapping theinner diameter 25 ofsecond portion 26 adjacent toouter diameter 28 of thefirst portion 22. Alternatively, the coiled configuration ofFIG. 3 can be created by overlappingfirst portion 22 withsecond portion 26. -
FIG. 5 illustrates in more detail the alternative embodiment, as introduced inFIGS. 2 and 3 , which includes theinterior panel 140. Thisembodiment 120 is similar to theembodiment 20 ofFIG. 4 in that it includes a first portion 122, asecond portion 126, and a mid-portion 123. The first portion 122 has an outer diameter 128 and aninner diameter 129.Inner diameter 129 defines the perimeter of theinterior panel 140. Theinterior panel 140 may be attached by various means such as with a zipper, buttons, snaps or cooperative hook and loop material as will be discussed more fully below. Also illustrated inFIG. 5 iscover flange 132 that covers the rough side of the zipper, which is used to hold the interior panel in place. - With reference to
FIG. 8 ,interior panel 140 is configured to correspond to the shape ofinner diameter 129.Interior panel 140 is comprised of amain panel portion 142 andtail portion 144 forming a teardrop shape. The entire perimeter ofpanel 140 is bordered with afirst zipper side 170.Tail portion 144 ofinterior panel 140 is configured to fill the area created wherefirst portion 22 terminates perpendicular to the mid-portion 23. - As can be seen in
FIG. 6 ,body pillow 120 is comprised of anouter pillow casing 150 and aninner pillow insert 160. The diameter ofpillow casing 150 as shown in the cross section ofFIG. 6 is approximately 7 to 9 inches.Pillowcase 150 is comprised oftop panel 152 andbottom panels 154, corresponding to the first portion, andbottom panel 156, corresponding to the second and mid portions. Referring toFIG. 7 ,panel 154overlaps panel 156 onsecond portion 126 creatingoverlap section 157.Overlap section 157 provides an opening for insertingpillow insert 160.Pillow insert 160 may be an elongate pillow insert made of down filling, foam, beads, or fibrous material such as polyester, cotton, and the like.Outer pillowcase 150 may be made out of cotton, synthetics, blends of the same, or any soft material.FIG. 9 shows in more detail the operation of the overlaps ofpanels pillow insert 160.Pillowcase 150 is in an upside-down configuration where the cover is slightly folded exposingopening 165, which is normally obscured by theoverlap section 157 when the cover is in a normally straight position. Preferably the edge ofpanel 154 is strengthened by adding piping 158 to prevent tearing. -
FIG. 10 shows in greater detail the construction and attachment ofinterior panel 140. In this embodiment,interior panel 140 is attached with azipper 175 comprised of afirst side 170 and asecond side 171. As is typical of a zipper, there is a rough side and a relatively smooth side.Cover flange 132 is located on the rough side of thezipper 175 to prevent any discomfort to the user caused by the zipper. Preferably,cover flange 132 is constructed of the same material as is thepillowcase 150 and the outer part of theinsert panel 140.Insert panel 140 is constructed of two layers ofmaterial panels first zipper side 170. As can be seen in detail inFIG. 10 the attachment of the mating side of thezipper 171 is sewn in betweenpanels pillowcase 150 along withcover flange 132.Panels cover flange 132 andzipper 170 are all sewn together with methods of attaching and/or sewing panels and zippers together which are generally well known in the art. Thesecond zipper side 171 is sewn into theinner diameter 129 of the first portion 122 thereby matching the shape and diameter of theinterior panel 140 and operative to mate with thefirst zipper side 170. Also shown inFIG. 10 is the construction ofpillow insert 160, which is comprised of anouter casing 162, filled with suitable fill material as described above or as shown here,synthetic fiber fill 200. -
FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the interior panel where the zipper is replaced withcooperative hook 180 andloop 185 fastener materials in order to fasten theinterior panel 140 to thecomfort flange 132. - With the above construction in mind, also contemplated is a method for supporting a person in a reposed position. This method may include any of the steps inherent in any of the disclosed embodiments. Broadly the method may include the step of providing a body pillow with an elongate cushion having arcuate first and second end portions, and a mid-portion extending therebetween. The body pillow is placed on a support surface and configured such that the first portion extends arcuately in a first direction about a majority of a circumference of a circle. The person is placed so that his/her head and abdomen are supported by the first end portion and the person's back is in close confronting relation to the mid-portion. This method may further include retaining the first portion in its arcuate configuration. This method may further include placing the person so that his/her legs straddle the second portion. Subsequently the body pillow may be configured into a coiled configuration by positioning the second portion congruently with the first portion.
- Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the body pillow. It should be appreciated though that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art such that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/941,709 US20080148487A1 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-11-16 | Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US86716006P | 2006-11-24 | 2006-11-24 | |
US11/941,709 US20080148487A1 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-11-16 | Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080148487A1 true US20080148487A1 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
Family
ID=39540817
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/941,709 Abandoned US20080148487A1 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-11-16 | Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080148487A1 (en) |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150067966A1 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2015-03-12 | The Boppy Company, Llc | Multi-component body pillow and methods |
USD736542S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2015-08-18 | Colin Fenton | Body support and alignment pillow |
US9155399B1 (en) * | 2012-08-30 | 2015-10-13 | Zenoff Products | Body pillow |
US9307842B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2016-04-12 | The Boppy Company, Llc | Multi-pillow body support systems and methods |
US20160106223A1 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-21 | Jennifer Mirinda Lee | Repose apparatus |
USD779236S1 (en) | 2013-05-22 | 2017-02-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Mattress |
USD846311S1 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2019-04-23 | Afioga Terry | U-shaped body pillow |
US10292881B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2019-05-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Dynamic apnea therapy surface |
USD850817S1 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2019-06-11 | Hai Tong | Inflatable neck pillow |
US10391010B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2019-08-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sleep disorder treatment devices, systems, and methods |
USD864611S1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-10-29 | Jinyong Gao | Pillow |
US10660807B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2020-05-26 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of sleep disorders |
US10736444B1 (en) * | 2016-01-18 | 2020-08-11 | Jamie S. Leach | Adjustable body pillow |
US10765226B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2020-09-08 | Jennifer Mirinda Lee | Mattress with longitudinally adjustable vertical relief |
USD906013S1 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2020-12-29 | Lianghao Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD908396S1 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2021-01-26 | Ningbo Beidou Outdoor Products Co., Ltd | Inflatable neck pillow |
USD914398S1 (en) * | 2020-01-02 | 2021-03-30 | Jinyong Gao | Pregnancy pillow |
US10959534B2 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2021-03-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Oblique hinged panels and bladder apparatus for sleep disorders |
JP2021062181A (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2021-04-22 | 清美 横尾 | Scoliosis patient support cushion |
US11007098B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-05-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Layered graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
US11071666B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2021-07-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for treatment of sleep disorders |
US11090208B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-08-17 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Actuated graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
US11096500B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-08-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Floor-supported graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
USD930395S1 (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2021-09-14 | Idan NOYBERG | Inflatable neck pillow |
US11122908B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-09-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatus for graduated lateral rotation of a sleep surface |
USD944564S1 (en) * | 2020-10-01 | 2022-03-01 | Hong Kong Maysee Trading Co., Limited | Pillow |
USD946310S1 (en) * | 2021-03-16 | 2022-03-22 | Hangzhou Furong Textile Co., Ltd. | Pregnancy pillow |
USD962679S1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2022-09-06 | Fei Xu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD966745S1 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2022-10-18 | Zhuojia Liu | Body pillow |
USD967653S1 (en) * | 2021-08-27 | 2022-10-25 | Hong Kong Xiaomaijia Trading Co., Limited | E-shaped pregnancy pillow |
US20220361691A1 (en) * | 2021-04-02 | 2022-11-17 | Armando Cuevas | Weighted blanket device with support pillow |
USD993672S1 (en) * | 2023-03-20 | 2023-08-01 | Dongmei Lu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1005016S1 (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2023-11-21 | Aihua Li | Neck pillow |
USD1007901S1 (en) * | 2023-05-30 | 2023-12-19 | Lianghao Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1011798S1 (en) * | 2023-03-24 | 2024-01-23 | Yige Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1027496S1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2024-05-21 | Fei Xu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1033083S1 (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2024-07-02 | Banyan Licensing L.L.C. | Pillow |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5035013A (en) * | 1990-06-14 | 1991-07-30 | Pockets Of Learning | Foldable infant's play mat with removable sideguard |
US6499164B1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2002-12-31 | Jamie S. Leach | Body pillow with horseshoe-shaped top and J-shaped bottom |
US20050210591A1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2005-09-29 | The Boppy Company | Support pillow and cover with adjustable play bars |
-
2007
- 2007-11-16 US US11/941,709 patent/US20080148487A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5035013A (en) * | 1990-06-14 | 1991-07-30 | Pockets Of Learning | Foldable infant's play mat with removable sideguard |
US20050210591A1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2005-09-29 | The Boppy Company | Support pillow and cover with adjustable play bars |
US6499164B1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2002-12-31 | Jamie S. Leach | Body pillow with horseshoe-shaped top and J-shaped bottom |
Cited By (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11071666B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2021-07-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for treatment of sleep disorders |
US10660807B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2020-05-26 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of sleep disorders |
US9155399B1 (en) * | 2012-08-30 | 2015-10-13 | Zenoff Products | Body pillow |
US9307842B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2016-04-12 | The Boppy Company, Llc | Multi-pillow body support systems and methods |
US9775452B2 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2017-10-03 | The Boppy Company, Llc | Multi-component body pillow and methods |
US20150067966A1 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2015-03-12 | The Boppy Company, Llc | Multi-component body pillow and methods |
USD860685S1 (en) | 2013-05-22 | 2019-09-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Mattress |
USD779236S1 (en) | 2013-05-22 | 2017-02-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Mattress |
USD736542S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2015-08-18 | Colin Fenton | Body support and alignment pillow |
US20160106223A1 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2016-04-21 | Jennifer Mirinda Lee | Repose apparatus |
US10292881B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2019-05-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Dynamic apnea therapy surface |
US11007097B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2021-05-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Dynamic apnea therapy surface |
US10736444B1 (en) * | 2016-01-18 | 2020-08-11 | Jamie S. Leach | Adjustable body pillow |
US10391010B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2019-08-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sleep disorder treatment devices, systems, and methods |
USD846311S1 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2019-04-23 | Afioga Terry | U-shaped body pillow |
US11122908B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-09-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatus for graduated lateral rotation of a sleep surface |
US11096500B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-08-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Floor-supported graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
US11090208B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-08-17 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Actuated graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
US11007098B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-05-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Layered graduated lateral rotation apparatus |
USD864611S1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-10-29 | Jinyong Gao | Pillow |
USD850817S1 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2019-06-11 | Hai Tong | Inflatable neck pillow |
US10765226B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2020-09-08 | Jennifer Mirinda Lee | Mattress with longitudinally adjustable vertical relief |
USD930395S1 (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2021-09-14 | Idan NOYBERG | Inflatable neck pillow |
USD908396S1 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2021-01-26 | Ningbo Beidou Outdoor Products Co., Ltd | Inflatable neck pillow |
US10959534B2 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2021-03-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Oblique hinged panels and bladder apparatus for sleep disorders |
US11470978B2 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2022-10-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Oblique hinged panels and bladder apparatus for sleep disorders |
USD906013S1 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2020-12-29 | Lianghao Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
JP2021062181A (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2021-04-22 | 清美 横尾 | Scoliosis patient support cushion |
USD914398S1 (en) * | 2020-01-02 | 2021-03-30 | Jinyong Gao | Pregnancy pillow |
USD944564S1 (en) * | 2020-10-01 | 2022-03-01 | Hong Kong Maysee Trading Co., Limited | Pillow |
USD946310S1 (en) * | 2021-03-16 | 2022-03-22 | Hangzhou Furong Textile Co., Ltd. | Pregnancy pillow |
US20220361691A1 (en) * | 2021-04-02 | 2022-11-17 | Armando Cuevas | Weighted blanket device with support pillow |
USD962679S1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2022-09-06 | Fei Xu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1027496S1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2024-05-21 | Fei Xu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD967653S1 (en) * | 2021-08-27 | 2022-10-25 | Hong Kong Xiaomaijia Trading Co., Limited | E-shaped pregnancy pillow |
USD966745S1 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2022-10-18 | Zhuojia Liu | Body pillow |
USD1033083S1 (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2024-07-02 | Banyan Licensing L.L.C. | Pillow |
USD993672S1 (en) * | 2023-03-20 | 2023-08-01 | Dongmei Lu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1011798S1 (en) * | 2023-03-24 | 2024-01-23 | Yige Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
USD1005016S1 (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2023-11-21 | Aihua Li | Neck pillow |
USD1007901S1 (en) * | 2023-05-30 | 2023-12-19 | Lianghao Chunyu | Pregnancy pillow |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080148487A1 (en) | Multi-purpose body pillow with insert panel and method of using the same | |
US9775452B2 (en) | Multi-component body pillow and methods | |
US7055196B2 (en) | Pregnancy support pillow | |
US7676871B1 (en) | Pillow assembly with adjustable girth and elastic center panel | |
US5455973A (en) | Cushion cover with adjustable peripheral sideguard | |
US3530487A (en) | Bedclothes | |
US7059000B2 (en) | Portable infant cushion | |
US6704953B2 (en) | Combination sleeping bag and mat for infants and children | |
US2562725A (en) | Pregnancy abdominal pillow and casing | |
US7562406B1 (en) | Reconfigurable support pillow with tandem wells | |
US4142264A (en) | Convertible comfort or garment | |
US7353551B2 (en) | Support cushion | |
US20080104751A1 (en) | Combination comforter and sheet | |
WO2014120623A1 (en) | Fitted blanket with opening and closing mechanism | |
US6539565B1 (en) | Partial bedsheet and pillowcase combination | |
US11317728B2 (en) | Knee pillow and method of use | |
US8516631B1 (en) | Teaching bed linens | |
EP2051609A1 (en) | Bedding system | |
US8561228B2 (en) | Covering | |
US4723330A (en) | Waterbed mattress coverings | |
US11039699B1 (en) | Therapeutic pillow assembly | |
EP1189529A1 (en) | Bedding system | |
AU2001100623A4 (en) | A bed sheet assembly | |
US20050034236A1 (en) | Futon mattress cover | |
AU2012201636A1 (en) | Article of Bedding |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BASIC COMFORT, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LORD, JOHN;SEIGLER, DONALD;REEL/FRAME:020693/0120 Effective date: 20080304 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUMMER INFANT (USA), INC., RHODE ISLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BASIC COMFORT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020753/0390 Effective date: 20080327 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SUMMER INFANT (USA), INC.;REEL/FRAME:022137/0361 Effective date: 20080410 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUMMER INFANT (USA), INC., RHODE ISLAND Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:029900/0318 Effective date: 20130228 |