US20170112302A1

US20170112302A1 - Pillow System for Good Health and Sleep

Info

Publication number: US20170112302A1
Application number: US15/335,208
Authority: US
Inventors: Ellen Taurins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-26
Filing date: 2016-10-26
Publication date: 2017-04-27

Abstract

The pillow system for good health and sleep is an apparatus that encourages proper sleeping positions. The apparatus directly supports the head, neck, shoulders, and arms of the user. The apparatus includes a main pillow, a first supplementary pillow, a second supplementary pillow, a first length-adjustable strap, a second length-adjustable strap, a first proximal fastener, and a second proximal fastener. The first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap each includes a proximal end and a circumferential-adjustable looped end. The proximal ends of both the first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap detachably attach to the main pillow. The circumferential-adjustable looped ends of both the first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap couple to the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow, respectively. The user may position the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow about the main pillow that best suits the user's sleeping position.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/246,197 filed on Oct. 26, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a pillow system. More specifically, the present invention is a pillow system for good health and sleep that provides support to the upper body of a user in addition to the head of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sleeping is one of the most essential activities performed by living creatures. This activity is so essential that humans spend approximately one third of their lives sleeping. The drive to sleep is similar to the feeling of hunger and thirst. Denial of this fundamental drive causes adverse physical and psychological effects, such as loss of concentration, and even organ failure. Sleep is an integral part of life, so much so that a human will die within eleven to thirty-two days of receiving no sleep.
Because so much of a human's life is spent sleeping, it is important to achieve quality sleep. If not only for the psychological benefits, then humans should endeavor to implement healthy sleeping habits to prevent numerous physical ailments. Doctors recommend sleeping on the back in order to prevent the majority of sleep related ailments. However, people often prefer various other sleeping positions such as their side or stomach. There are negative health effects associated with each of the possible sleeping positions. For example, sleeping on the left or right side of the body places strain on the internal organs. Additionally, while sleeping on the side, a user's knees are not supported and this causes an unnatural curvature of the spine. While sleeping on the stomach does not provide adequate support for the spine, can lead to joint pain, and restricts breathing or circulation. While sleeping on the back, a user rests her head on the primary pillow and her shoulders and arms are supported by the supplementary pillows.
The present invention addresses these concerns by introducing a therapeutic pillow system that can be reconfigured to provide adequate support for various body parts during sleep. Using a collection of connected pillows, individuals are provided support for the body parts which are most likely to be damaged based on their preferred sleeping position. For instance, while sleeping on the stomach, a user rests their head on the large primary pillow. The present invention allows users to reposition the plurality of supplementary pillows as desired. The present invention is manufactured using durable hypoallergenic materials which facilitate health and comfort. Using the present invention enables individuals to achieve the quality sleep. The present invention fosters the creation of a cozy, warm, and safe sleeping environment. Additionally, the present invention reduces strain on the neck, upper back, shoulders, and arms. This prevents user's body parts from leaning in uncomfortable directions while sleeping and facilitates a healthy life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in the expanded configuration, wherein the flap is detached from the casing of the main pillow.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention in the collapsed configuration, wherein the flap is attached from the casing of the main pillow.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in the expanded configuration, wherein the bendable flat pillow is stored within the casing of the main pillow.

FIG. 5 is a top schematic view of the present invention in the collapsed configuration, wherein the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow are positioned adjacent to the flap.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of the present invention in the collapsed configuration, wherein the padding of the main pillow is positioned adjacent to the flap.

FIG. 7 is side schematic view of the present invention in the collapsed configuration, wherein the bendable flat pillow is positioned beneath the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the first length-adjustable strap engaged with the first eyelet of present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the second length-adjustable strap engaged with the second eyelet of present invention.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the main pillow being tethered to the first supplementary pillow by the first length-adjustable strap.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the main pillow being tethered to the second supplementary pillow by the second length-adjustable strap.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the first length-adjustable strap being detached from the main pillow.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the second length-adjustable strap being detached from the main pillow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention provides support to the head, neck, shoulders, back, and arms of a user. The present invention facilitates the proper sleeping positions for the user. The present invention comprises a main pillow 1, a first supplementary pillow 10, a second supplementary pillow 11, a first length-adjustable strap 12, a second length-adjustable strap 13, a first proximal fastener 16, and a second proximal fastener 17. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the main pillow 1, the first supplementary pillow 10, the second supplementary pillow 11, the first length-adjustable strap 12, and the second adjustable strap 13 are engaged with one another. The first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17 are illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, respectively. The main pillow 1 supports the head and the neck of the user. The main pillow 1 also provides a storage space for the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11. The first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 support the arms and shoulders of the user. The first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 13 allow the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 to move freely about the opposing ends of the main pillow 1, respectively. The first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17 are used to attach the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 13 to the main pillow 1.
The configuration of the aforementioned components of the present invention allows the user to adjust the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 about the main pillow 1 in order to accommodate the varying sleeping positions of the user. The first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 13 allows the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 to move freely about the main pillow 1. The first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 13 each comprise a proximal end 14 and a circumferential-adjustable looped end 15. The circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 attaches the first supplementary pillow 10 to the first length-adjustable strap 12, shown in FIG. 8. More specifically, the proximal end 14 of the first length-adjustable strap 12 detachably attaches to the main pillow 1 by the first proximal fastener 16, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the first length-adjustable strap 12 couples to the first supplementary pillow 10. More specifically, the circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the first length-adjustable strap 12 wraps around the first eyelet 20, and the circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the second length-adjustable strap 13 wraps around the second eyelet 21 Likewise, the proximal end 14 of the second length-adjustable strap 13 detachably attaches to the main pillow 1 by the second proximal fastener 17, as shown in FIG. 11, and the circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the second length-adjustable strap 13 couple to the second supplementary pillow 11, as shown in FIG. 9. This configuration allows the user to interchange the main pillow 1, the first supplementary pillow 10, and the second supplementary pillow 11 with varying designs and structures. The user may also dissemble the present invention so that the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 are not flailing about the main pillow 1.
The main pillow connects the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow as well as stores the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow. The main pillow 1 comprises a casing 2, a padding 4, and a flap 5. The preferred embodiment of the main pillow 1 is shown in FIG. 1 with the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 are opposite each other along the casing 2, and the padding 4 is positioned within the casing 2. The casing 2 protects the padding 4 which provides a comfortable surface for the user to rest his or her head. The padding 4 also elevates the user's head above a mattress thereby creating the proper support for the user's neck and head. The flap 5 prevents the unwanted escape of the padding 4 from within the casing 2. The flap 5 is hingedly connected to the casing 2, adjacent to the enclosure opening 3 of the casing 2 as seen in FIG. 2. The padding 4 is positioned within the casing 2 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. This configuration allows the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 detachably attach to the main pillow 1 via the first length-adjustable strap 12, the second length-adjustable strap 13, the first proximal fastener 16, and the second proximal fastener 17.
The preferred embodiment of the main pillow 1 further comprises a storage fastener 6. The storage fastener 6 secures the flap 5 to the casing 2, illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The storage fastener 6 comprises a plurality of enclosure interlocking portions 7, a central main interlocking portion 8, and a flap interlocking portion 9. The plurality of enclosure interlocking portions 7 and the central main interlocking portion 8 engages with the flap interlocking portion 9 and prevents the separation of the flap 5 from the casing 2. The plurality of enclosure interlocking portions 7 is mounted onto the casing 2, adjacent the enclosure opening 3, allowing the flap 5 to connect to the casing 2 while the casing 2 while completely stuffed. The plurality of enclosure interlocking portions 7 and the flap 5 are positioned opposite to each other about the enclosure opening 3. The central main interlocking portion 8 is mounted onto the casing 2, offset from the plurality of enclosure interlocking portions 7, thereby creating a snug fit of the casing 2 about only the padding 4. The flap interlocking portion 9 is mounted onto the flap 5, opposite to the hinged connection between the flap 5 and the casing 2. The arrangement of the flap interlocking portion 9 along the flap 5 allows the flap 5 to connect to either the plurality of interlocking portions 9 or the central main interlocking portion 8 while covering the enclosure opening 3 of the casing 2.
In order to properly attach the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 to the main pillow 1, the first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17 each comprises a peripheral main interlocking portion 18 and a strap interlocking portion 19. The peripheral main interlocking portions 18 and the strap interlocking portions 19, which are shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, of the first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the first proximal fastener 16 and the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the second proximal fastener 17 are fixed onto the casing 2. Similarly, the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the second proximal fastener 17 that is fixed onto the casing 2. The strap interlocking portion 19 of the first proximal fastener 16 is fixed onto the proximal end 14 of the first length-adjustable strap 12, and the strap interlocking portion 19 of the second proximal fastener 17 is fixed onto the proximal end 14 of the second length-adjustable strap 13. The peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the first proximal fastener 16 engages to the strap interlocking portion 19 of the first length-adjustable strap 12. Likewise, the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the second proximal fastener 17 engages to the strap interlocking portion 19 of the second length-adjustable strap 13. This configuration allows the user to attach the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 to the casing 2 of the main pillow 1 so that the movement of the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 13 is not hindered in any way.
In an alternate embodiment, the peripheral main interlocking portion and the strap interlocking portion are arranged on the present invention in a different manner than the preferred embodiment, which can be seen in FIG. 2. Similar to the preferred embodiment, the strap interlocking portion 19 of the first proximal fastener 16 is fixed onto the proximal end 14 of the first length-adjustable strap 12, and the strap interlocking portion 19 of the second proximal fastener 17 is fixed onto the proximal end 14 of the second length-adjustable strap 13. In contrast to the preferred embodiment, the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the peripheral main interlocking portion of the second length-adjustable strap 13 is attached to the padding instead of the casing. Consequently, the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the first proximal fastener 16 engages to the strap interlocking portion 19 that is fixed onto first length-adjustable strap 12, and the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 of the second proximal fastener 17 engages to the strap interlocking portion 19 corresponding to the second length-adjustable strap 13. This configuration allows the connection between the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 and strap interlocking portion 19 for both of the first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17 to be hidden by the casing 2. The casing 2 in this configuration prevents the detachment of the strap interlocking portion 19 from the peripheral main interlocking portion 18 and the strap interlocking portion 19 and prevents the user from coming into contact with the first proximal fastener 16 and the second proximal fastener 17.
The present invention further comprises a first eyelet 20 and a second eyelet 21. The first eyelet 20 allows the first length-adjustable strap 12 to vary in length while attached to the first supplementary pillow 10. The second eyelet 21 allows the second length-adjustable strap 13 to vary in length while attached to the second supplementary pillow 11. The first eyelet 20 is fixed onto the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second eyelet 21 is fixed onto the second supplementary pillow 11. The circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the first length-adjustable strap 12 links onto the first eyelet 20. Consequently, the circumferential-adjustable looped end 15 of the second length-adjustable strap 13 links to the second eyelet 21.
In order to properly rest on the present invention, the main pillow 1, the first supplementary pillow 10, and the second supplementary pillow 11 are arranged into an expanded configuration. The first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 are located outside of the casing 2 and positioned opposite to each other across the casing 2. This configuration allows the user to position the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 underneath shoulders and arms of the user while the head of the user rests on the padding 4 within the casing 2.
In order to store the present invention or create a larger padded surface area, the main pillow 1, the first supplementary pillow 10, and the second supplementary pillow 11 are arranged into a collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The collapsed configuration requires a length 23 of the first supplementary pillow 10 and a length 24 of the second supplementary pillow 11 to be positioned parallel to a length 25 of the padding 4. Moreover, the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 are positioned adjacent to each other and adjacent to the padding 4. Consequently, the padding 4, the first supplementary pillow 10, and the second supplementary pillow 11 are positioned within the casing 2. This collapsed configuration widens and thickens the casing 2 and prevents the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 from freely moving about the main pillow 1. In the preferred collapsed configuration, the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 are positioned between the flap 5 and the main pillow 1, as shown in FIG. 5. However, in an alternate collapsed configuration, the main pillow 1 is positioned between the flap 5 and both the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11, as shown in FIG. 6. The two different collapsed configurations either allow the padding 4 to be more easily accessible to the user out of the casing 2 or allow the first supplementary pillow 10 and the second supplementary pillow 11 to be more accessible to the user out of the casing 2.
The present invention further comprises a bendable flat pillow 22, as illustrated within the casing 2 of FIG. 4. The bendable flat pillow 22 provides support to the lower body of the user, specifically the knees and hips of the user. The bendable flat pillow 22 comprises a plurality of interlocking fasteners on opposite surfaces of the bendable flat pillow 22 so that the bendable flat pillow 22 may fold on itself in variety of overlapping arrangements. The overlapping arrangements increase the thickness of the bendable flat pillow 22 while between the user's legs. The overlapping arrangements of the bendable flat pillow 22 include, but are not limited to a bifold configuration, a trifold configuration, and a rolled configuration. The bifold configuration forms a single fold in the bendable flat pillow 22 such that the opposing ends of the bendable flat pillow 22 are positioned adjacent to each other. The trifold configuration forms a couple of folds in the bendable pillow 22 that are opposite each other and the opposing ends of the bendable flat pillow 22 are opposite each other as well. More specifically, the trifold configuration results in the bendable flat pillow 22 overlapping over itself twice. In the rolled configuration, the bendable flat pillow is wrapped about itself. The bendable flat pillow 22 can be stored within the casing 2. In the collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the bendable flat pillow 22 is positioned parallel to the length 25 of the padding 4, the length 23 of the first supplementary pillow 10, and the length 24 of the second supplementary pillow 11. More specifically, the bendable flat pillow 22 is positioned adjacent to the main pillow 1, the first supplementary pillow 10, and the second supplementary pillow 11, which allow the present invention to efficiently store the bendable flat pillow 22 within the confines of the casing 2.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pillow system for good health and sleep comprises:

a main pillow;

a first supplementary pillow;

a second supplementary pillow;

a first length-adjustable strap;

a second length-adjustable strap;

a first proximal fastener;

a second proximal fastener;

the main pillow comprises a casing, a padding, and a flap;

the first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap each comprise a proximal end and a circumferential-adjustable looped end;

the casing comprises an enclosure opening;

the padding being positioned within the casing;

the flap being hingedly connected to the casing, adjacent to the enclosure opening;

the proximal end of the first length adjustable strap being detachably attached to the main pillow by the first proximal fastener;

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the first length adjustable strap being coupled to the first supplementary pillow;

the proximal end of the second-length adjustable strap being detachably attached to the main pillow by the second proximal fastener; and,

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the second-length adjustable strap being coupled to the second supplementary pillow.

2. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the main pillow comprises a storage fastener;

the storage fastener comprises a plurality of enclosure interlocking portions, a central main interlocking portion, and a flap interlocking portion;

the plurality of enclosure interlocking portions being mounted onto the casing, adjacent to the enclosure opening;

the plurality of enclosure interlocking portions and the flap being positioned opposite to each other about the enclosure opening;

the central main interlocking portion being mounted onto the casing, offset from the plurality of enclosure interlocking portions; and,

the flap interlocking portion being mounted onto the flap, opposite to the hinged connection between the flap and the casing.

3. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first proximal fastener comprises a peripheral main interlocking portion and a strap interlocking portion;

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the casing;

the strap interlocking portion being fixed onto the proximal end of the first length adjustable strap; and,

the peripheral main interlocking portion being engaged to the strap interlocking portion.

4. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the padding;

5. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second proximal fastener comprises a peripheral main interlocking portion and a strap interlocking portion;

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the casing;

the strap interlocking portion being fixed onto the proximal end of the second-length adjustable strap; and,

6. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the padding;

7. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first eyelet;

the first eyelet being fixed onto the first supplementary pillow; and,

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the first length-adjustable strap being linked to the first eyelet.

8. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a second eyelet;

the second eyelet being fixed onto the second supplementary pillow; and,

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the second length-adjustable strap being linked to the second eyelet.

9. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the main pillow, the first supplementary pillow, and the second supplementary pillow are arranged into an expanded configuration;

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being located outside of the casing; and,

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned opposite to each other across the casing.

10. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the main pillow, the first supplementary pillow, and the second supplementary pillow are arranged into a collapsed configuration;

a length of the first supplementary pillow and a length of the second supplementary pillow being positioned parallel to a length of the padding;

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned adjacent to each other;

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned adjacent to the padding; and,

the padding, the first supplementary pillow, and the second supplementary pillow being positioned within the casing.

11. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned in between the flap and the main pillow.

12. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

the main pillow being positioned in between the flap and both the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow.

13. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a bendable flat pillow;

the bendable flat pillow being positioned parallel to the length of the padding, the length of the first supplementary pillow, and the length of the second supplementary pillow; and,

the bendable flat pillow being positioned adjacent to the main pillow, the first supplementary pillow, and the second supplementary pillow.

14. A pillow system for good health and sleep comprises:

a main pillow;

a first supplementary pillow;

a second supplementary pillow;

a first length-adjustable strap;

a second length-adjustable strap;

a first proximal fastener;

a second proximal fastener;

the main pillow comprises a casing, a padding, and a flap;

the casing comprises an enclosure opening;

the padding being positioned within the casing;

the proximal end of the second-length adjustable strap being detachably attached to the main pillow by the second proximal fastener;

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the second-length adjustable strap being coupled to the second supplementary pillow;

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the casing;

the strap interlocking portion being fixed onto the proximal end of the first length adjustable strap;

the peripheral main interlocking portion being engaged to the strap interlocking portion;

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the casing;

15. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the main pillow comprises a storage fastener;

16. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the peripheral main interlocking portion of being fixed onto the padding;

17. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

a first eyelet;

the first eyelet being fixed onto the first supplementary pillow;

the circumferential-adjustable looped end of the first length-adjustable strap being linked to the first eyelet;

a second eyelet;

the second eyelet being fixed onto the second supplementary pillow; and,

18. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

19. The pillow system for good health and sleep as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned adjacent to the padding;

the padding, the first supplementary pillow, and the second supplementary pillow being positioned within the casing;

the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow being positioned in between the flap and the main pillow;

a bendable flat pillow;