US20120186022A1 - Pillow - Google Patents

Pillow Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120186022A1
US20120186022A1 US13/374,971 US201213374971A US2012186022A1 US 20120186022 A1 US20120186022 A1 US 20120186022A1 US 201213374971 A US201213374971 A US 201213374971A US 2012186022 A1 US2012186022 A1 US 2012186022A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
pillow
user
support
area
central support
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
Application number
US13/374,971
Inventor
Nancy Navarro
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/374,971 priority Critical patent/US20120186022A1/en
Publication of US20120186022A1 publication Critical patent/US20120186022A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10Pillows

Definitions

  • the invention relates to bed pillows, and more specifically to multi-purpose pillows that are structured to improve support for several different parts of the body, and to minimize the formation of wrinkles in a person's face while they sleep.
  • Pillows designed to support the body are made in different shapes and designs for different specific purposes.
  • the existing pillows that provide comfort and support are mostly targeted to a specific part or parts of the body.
  • some pillows primarily give neck support; while others are for head support.
  • Some give back support, and others give side head support for side sleepers.
  • Some anti-wrinkle pillows try to keep the pillow from pressing against the delicate and sensitive surface of facial skin, thus reducing the creation of unsightly wrinkles and creases.
  • Such anti-wrinkle pillows do not offer good support for other parts of the body, and they do not offer a way to keep the head properly located to benefit from the anti-wrinkle feature. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,893 which provides a pillow with an opening to minimize contact with delicate facial tissue when sleeping on your side.
  • My invention provides a more useful and comfortable pillow that gives support to many parts of the body, including the head, neck, chest, and back while sleeping on either side of the body; and to the head, neck, shoulders and arms while sleeping on the back. It also prevents contact of facial skin with any surface, when sleeping on the side, thereby preventing the formation of facial wrinkles.
  • the new pillow also helps to keep the face in the right position to avoid surface contact, even when the user moves their body.
  • the new pillow can be used alone, or it can be placed on top of a conventional pillow, depending on the level of comfort needed for the user.
  • a butterfly shaped pillow is preferred, having an opening in each upper wing, usually in the shape of an oval to follow the side contour of the face, so that the forehead and the chin are supported but at the same time the remainder of the facial skin, including the eye area and the cheek, are not touching anything while sleeping on the side.
  • the middle part of the butterfly between the upper wings supports the user's head, while the inverted “U” shape between the lower wings surrounds the upper body to provide support for the chest and back when lying sideways.
  • the middle of the butterfly is where the head rests, while the lower wings support the back, shoulders and arms.
  • the present invention provides an anti-wrinkle pillow that also provides upper body comfort and support.
  • the interior of the pillow includes two or more layers, including a foam layer on one side for comfort, and a fiber layer on the other side to permit air flow.
  • the fiber side of the pillow is softer, to provide a warmer feel, while the foam side is substantially firmer, giving it a cooler feel, to suit different tastes.
  • the outer surface, or pillowcase is made of any suitable material, including cotton, silk or satin.
  • the pillow is very desirable for patients who have had facial surgery or other facial procedures, including chemical peels or Botox injections.
  • FIG. 1 shows the preferred shape of the pillow of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a model lying on the pillow to illustrate the preferred position of the body while lying on the side.
  • FIG. 3 shows an alternate example of how the pillow can be shaped.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the pillow to illustrate its layered construction.
  • the pillow includes upper wings 11 and lower wings 12 .
  • a central area 13 is provided for head support, and openings 14 are provided to avoid contact with facial skin when lying on either side.
  • the pillow case includes a zipper or other fastener in the portions that enclose openings 14 . By partially opening the zipper near an upper wing, a space underneath the case is provided to insert a sachet of aromatherapy (or other vapor treatment) which delivers aroma or vapors directly to the nose.
  • An inverted “U” space 15 between lower wings 12 is provided to surround and comfort the shoulder and upper body, while lying on either side.
  • the lower wings place the shoulder and upper body in the correct position for making sure that the head stays on area 13 of the pillow, and the face stays over space 14 while sleeping on the side.
  • Each of the lower wings is conveniently positioned to allow “hugging” without any need for a separate pillow, as frequently desired when sleeping with conventional pillows.
  • the model is sleeping with head resting on area 13 and her facial area positioned over opening 14 to avoid contact with any surface.
  • Her shoulder and upper body are positioned between lower wings 12 to provide added comfort and support. The option to hug a lower wing is readily available. If a large user needs more space between wings 12 , it is easy to move the wings apart to provide more space. They will return to their original position after use.
  • an alternate pillow shape includes central area 21 for head support, openings 22 positioned to prevent facial skin from contacting the pillow, and lower extensions 23 , spaced apart to surround the upper body and shoulder of the user, thereby providing added comfort and support. Openings 22 are simply cut-away areas, instead of having a closed geometry as in the example of FIG. 1 .
  • the pillow has a layered construction, including polyurethane foam layer 31 and polyester fiber layer 33 .
  • the fiber is chosen to provide a softer, warm feeling, while the foam layer is chosen to give a firmer, cool feeling. This gives the user an option to flip the pillow as often as necessary, to achieve greater comfort.
  • Many other conventional fillers are also suitable to provide a soft side and a firm side.
  • Middle layer 32 is optional, since the foam and fiber layers alone are sufficient to illustrate an example of the invention.
  • the middle layer can be made of polyether gel, for example, to provide a cooling effect.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Bedding Items (AREA)

Abstract

An anti-wrinkle pillow shaped to avoid contact of facial tissues with the pillow surface while sleeping on the side, in combination with pillow extensions that surround the upper body to provide added comfort and support.

Description

  • Applicant claims the benefit of Provisional Application 61/461,944 filed Jan. 25, 2011.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to bed pillows, and more specifically to multi-purpose pillows that are structured to improve support for several different parts of the body, and to minimize the formation of wrinkles in a person's face while they sleep.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Pillows designed to support the body are made in different shapes and designs for different specific purposes. The existing pillows that provide comfort and support are mostly targeted to a specific part or parts of the body. For example, some pillows primarily give neck support; while others are for head support. Some give back support, and others give side head support for side sleepers. Some anti-wrinkle pillows try to keep the pillow from pressing against the delicate and sensitive surface of facial skin, thus reducing the creation of unsightly wrinkles and creases. Such anti-wrinkle pillows do not offer good support for other parts of the body, and they do not offer a way to keep the head properly located to benefit from the anti-wrinkle feature. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,893 which provides a pillow with an opening to minimize contact with delicate facial tissue when sleeping on your side.
  • Most people like to sleep with several pillows because they need not only head support, but also back and chest support. Hotels fill their beds and storage with pillows so people can sleep well by surrounding themselves with extra support for comfort. However, too many pillows on the bed can become uncomfortable, since most people move around while they sleep.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • My invention provides a more useful and comfortable pillow that gives support to many parts of the body, including the head, neck, chest, and back while sleeping on either side of the body; and to the head, neck, shoulders and arms while sleeping on the back. It also prevents contact of facial skin with any surface, when sleeping on the side, thereby preventing the formation of facial wrinkles. The new pillow also helps to keep the face in the right position to avoid surface contact, even when the user moves their body. The new pillow can be used alone, or it can be placed on top of a conventional pillow, depending on the level of comfort needed for the user.
  • A butterfly shaped pillow is preferred, having an opening in each upper wing, usually in the shape of an oval to follow the side contour of the face, so that the forehead and the chin are supported but at the same time the remainder of the facial skin, including the eye area and the cheek, are not touching anything while sleeping on the side. The middle part of the butterfly between the upper wings supports the user's head, while the inverted “U” shape between the lower wings surrounds the upper body to provide support for the chest and back when lying sideways. When laying on one's back, the middle of the butterfly is where the head rests, while the lower wings support the back, shoulders and arms. In short, the present invention provides an anti-wrinkle pillow that also provides upper body comfort and support.
  • The interior of the pillow includes two or more layers, including a foam layer on one side for comfort, and a fiber layer on the other side to permit air flow. The fiber side of the pillow is softer, to provide a warmer feel, while the foam side is substantially firmer, giving it a cooler feel, to suit different tastes. The outer surface, or pillowcase, is made of any suitable material, including cotton, silk or satin.
  • In addition to preventing wrinkles, the pillow is very desirable for patients who have had facial surgery or other facial procedures, including chemical peels or Botox injections.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows the preferred shape of the pillow of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a model lying on the pillow to illustrate the preferred position of the body while lying on the side.
  • FIG. 3 shows an alternate example of how the pillow can be shaped.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the pillow to illustrate its layered construction.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the pillow includes upper wings 11 and lower wings 12. A central area 13 is provided for head support, and openings 14 are provided to avoid contact with facial skin when lying on either side. The pillow case includes a zipper or other fastener in the portions that enclose openings 14. By partially opening the zipper near an upper wing, a space underneath the case is provided to insert a sachet of aromatherapy (or other vapor treatment) which delivers aroma or vapors directly to the nose.
  • An inverted “U” space 15 between lower wings 12 is provided to surround and comfort the shoulder and upper body, while lying on either side. Thus the lower wings place the shoulder and upper body in the correct position for making sure that the head stays on area 13 of the pillow, and the face stays over space 14 while sleeping on the side. Each of the lower wings is conveniently positioned to allow “hugging” without any need for a separate pillow, as frequently desired when sleeping with conventional pillows. As shown in FIG. 2, the model is sleeping with head resting on area 13 and her facial area positioned over opening 14 to avoid contact with any surface. Her shoulder and upper body are positioned between lower wings 12 to provide added comfort and support. The option to hug a lower wing is readily available. If a large user needs more space between wings 12, it is easy to move the wings apart to provide more space. They will return to their original position after use.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, an alternate pillow shape includes central area 21 for head support, openings 22 positioned to prevent facial skin from contacting the pillow, and lower extensions 23, spaced apart to surround the upper body and shoulder of the user, thereby providing added comfort and support. Openings 22 are simply cut-away areas, instead of having a closed geometry as in the example of FIG. 1.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, the pillow has a layered construction, including polyurethane foam layer 31 and polyester fiber layer 33. The fiber is chosen to provide a softer, warm feeling, while the foam layer is chosen to give a firmer, cool feeling. This gives the user an option to flip the pillow as often as necessary, to achieve greater comfort. Many other conventional fillers are also suitable to provide a soft side and a firm side. Middle layer 32 is optional, since the foam and fiber layers alone are sufficient to illustrate an example of the invention. The middle layer can be made of polyether gel, for example, to provide a cooling effect.
  • The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,893 is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (4)

1. A pillow shaped to provide a central support area for the head and an extended area on each side of said central support area, a first opening in said extended area on one side of said central support area, and a second opening on the other side of said central support area, to prevent the facial area of the user from touching the pillow when the user is lying on either side; and a pair of pillow extensions below said openings, shaped to surround the upper body and shoulder of the user when lying on either side.
2. A pillow as in claim 1, further including a first surface layer filled with a soft material, and an opposite surface layer filled with a firm material, so that the user can select the side that suits their preference.
3. A pillow as in claim 2 wherein the firm filling includes polyurethane foam, and the soft filling includes polyester fiber.
4. A pillow as in claim 3, further including an intermediate layer of gel between the two surface layers.
US13/374,971 2011-01-25 2012-01-25 Pillow Abandoned US20120186022A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/374,971 US20120186022A1 (en) 2011-01-25 2012-01-25 Pillow

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161461944P 2011-01-25 2011-01-25
US13/374,971 US20120186022A1 (en) 2011-01-25 2012-01-25 Pillow

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US20120186022A1 true US20120186022A1 (en) 2012-07-26

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US13/374,971 Abandoned US20120186022A1 (en) 2011-01-25 2012-01-25 Pillow

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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103989372A (en) * 2014-05-19 2014-08-20 余欣 U-shaped pillow
US9289082B1 (en) 2014-08-27 2016-03-22 Kenneth Samuel White Pillow
US9380895B2 (en) 2013-08-07 2016-07-05 Gabriel Dungan Seasonal memory foam pillow
US9516951B2 (en) * 2015-01-23 2016-12-13 Billow Global, Inc. Anatomy conformed support pillow
US20180042410A1 (en) * 2014-08-12 2018-02-15 Marion Garfield Support pillow
USD831386S1 (en) 2017-11-15 2018-10-23 Glasgow Beauty Products, LLC Forehead pillow
US10362888B1 (en) 2017-09-14 2019-07-30 Babak Barcohana Posture improvement pillow
USD871796S1 (en) * 2017-05-23 2020-01-07 Shenzhen Qishengxieneng Electronic Co., Ltd Sponge backrest
USD888462S1 (en) 2017-08-21 2020-06-30 CosMedPillow LLC Pillow with supports
USD917929S1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-05-04 Jingang YANG Neck pillow
USD923363S1 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-06-29 Pipdig, Llc Wearable pillow
US11185177B2 (en) * 2017-08-14 2021-11-30 Shoulder-eeze, LLC Assistive apparatus for side sleepers
US20220257034A1 (en) * 2021-02-15 2022-08-18 Fay Charandabi Anti-Wrinkle Pillow Attachment
USD1003082S1 (en) * 2023-07-14 2023-10-31 Caiqing Liu Butterfly-shaped cushion

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2295906A (en) * 1938-10-24 1942-09-15 Audrie M Lacour Pillow
US4118813A (en) * 1976-11-10 1978-10-10 Armstrong Nolen L Sleep training pillow for the prevention of snoring
US4173048A (en) * 1978-02-01 1979-11-06 Varaney John A Pillow configuration
US4968279A (en) * 1989-10-26 1990-11-06 Rosemary Smith Infant toy
USD388648S (en) * 1996-02-12 1998-01-06 Patricia Ann Bates Face saving pillow design
US5848448A (en) * 1997-03-18 1998-12-15 Ultraderma, Ltd. Pillow with cutouts adapted to accommodate the ear, nose and cheek of a user
US6006381A (en) * 1998-07-15 1999-12-28 Tandrup; Laurie Lynne Support pillow
US6622325B1 (en) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-23 Jesse Garza Facial fatigue reducing pillow construction
US7886381B2 (en) * 2009-01-14 2011-02-15 Mattel, Inc. Reconfigurable support pillow system

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2295906A (en) * 1938-10-24 1942-09-15 Audrie M Lacour Pillow
US4118813A (en) * 1976-11-10 1978-10-10 Armstrong Nolen L Sleep training pillow for the prevention of snoring
US4173048A (en) * 1978-02-01 1979-11-06 Varaney John A Pillow configuration
US4968279A (en) * 1989-10-26 1990-11-06 Rosemary Smith Infant toy
USD388648S (en) * 1996-02-12 1998-01-06 Patricia Ann Bates Face saving pillow design
US5848448A (en) * 1997-03-18 1998-12-15 Ultraderma, Ltd. Pillow with cutouts adapted to accommodate the ear, nose and cheek of a user
US6006381A (en) * 1998-07-15 1999-12-28 Tandrup; Laurie Lynne Support pillow
US6622325B1 (en) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-23 Jesse Garza Facial fatigue reducing pillow construction
US7886381B2 (en) * 2009-01-14 2011-02-15 Mattel, Inc. Reconfigurable support pillow system

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9380895B2 (en) 2013-08-07 2016-07-05 Gabriel Dungan Seasonal memory foam pillow
CN103989372A (en) * 2014-05-19 2014-08-20 余欣 U-shaped pillow
US20180042410A1 (en) * 2014-08-12 2018-02-15 Marion Garfield Support pillow
US11259656B2 (en) * 2014-08-12 2022-03-01 CosMed Pillow, LLC Support pillow
US9289082B1 (en) 2014-08-27 2016-03-22 Kenneth Samuel White Pillow
US9516951B2 (en) * 2015-01-23 2016-12-13 Billow Global, Inc. Anatomy conformed support pillow
USD871796S1 (en) * 2017-05-23 2020-01-07 Shenzhen Qishengxieneng Electronic Co., Ltd Sponge backrest
US11185177B2 (en) * 2017-08-14 2021-11-30 Shoulder-eeze, LLC Assistive apparatus for side sleepers
USD888462S1 (en) 2017-08-21 2020-06-30 CosMedPillow LLC Pillow with supports
US10362888B1 (en) 2017-09-14 2019-07-30 Babak Barcohana Posture improvement pillow
USD831386S1 (en) 2017-11-15 2018-10-23 Glasgow Beauty Products, LLC Forehead pillow
USD917929S1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-05-04 Jingang YANG Neck pillow
USD923363S1 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-06-29 Pipdig, Llc Wearable pillow
US20220257034A1 (en) * 2021-02-15 2022-08-18 Fay Charandabi Anti-Wrinkle Pillow Attachment
USD1003082S1 (en) * 2023-07-14 2023-10-31 Caiqing Liu Butterfly-shaped cushion

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