WO1998007358A1 - Pillow - Google Patents

Pillow Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998007358A1
WO1998007358A1 PCT/US1997/014506 US9714506W WO9807358A1 WO 1998007358 A1 WO1998007358 A1 WO 1998007358A1 US 9714506 W US9714506 W US 9714506W WO 9807358 A1 WO9807358 A1 WO 9807358A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pillow
base portion
cut out
present
top portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/014506
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
E. Scott Davis
Original Assignee
Davis E Scott
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Davis E Scott filed Critical Davis E Scott
Priority to AU40724/97A priority Critical patent/AU4072497A/en
Publication of WO1998007358A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998007358A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10—Pillows
    • A47G9/1081—Pillows comprising a neck support, e.g. a neck roll
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10—Pillows
    • A47G2009/1018—Foam pillows

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pillow. More particularly, this invention relates to a pillow which prevent the user's shoulders from bearing excessive pressure during the night.
  • the Prior Art Contoured pillows have been commercially available for some time. Such pillows are designed to provide therapeutic relief in the neck area. However, many people sleep on their sides and it has been found that it is often desirable for the user to have support around the shoulder area.
  • a pillow which provides support to the shoulders when one sleeps on his or her side.
  • the pillow of the present invention includes a compressible and resilient body having a top portion, a base portion and at least one rounded lobe which upwardly protrudes from the base portion and extends across the width of the body.
  • the lobe has a cut out portion to accommodate the user's shoulder.
  • the cut out portion may also have a neck wedge between the top portion and the base portion.
  • the top and base portions are made of different firmness materials .
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pillow of an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a top view of the pillow of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pillow of the present invention in which the top and bottom portions are shown separated;
  • Figure 4 is a top v ew of the pillow of this invention showing the top section and the bottom section including the neck wedge;
  • Figure 5 is a front view of the pillow of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the pillow top surface of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a top view illustrating the neck wedge ; and Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the neck wedge of the present invention.
  • the pillow of the present invention is advantageous in that a user may effectively obtain the intended support for the shoulders, along with a desired size, level of surface texture and/or contour.
  • the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.
  • a pillow 10 having a compressible and resilient body 11 which has a top portion 12, a base portion 13, a rounded rear lobe 14, a rounded front lobe 15, and a neck wedge 16 between the top portion and the base portion.
  • the front lobe 15 has a cut out portion 17 to accommodate the user's shoulder.
  • the pillow can be comprised of a variety of compressible and resilient materials which are known by those who are skilled in the art. For example, foamed plastic and/or foam rubber are desirable, since they provide softness in addition to firmness and resiliency.
  • the pillow top portion and base potion can comprise numerous known densities and compressibilities.
  • the rounded lobes 14 and 15 upwardly protrude from the base portion 13 of the pillow 10 at opposite ends thereof so as to form a trough therebetween.
  • the lobes may be of similar or different sizes.
  • the upper surfaces of the lobes are rounded to approximate the curvature of a human neck. Accordingly, the lobes should have a radius of curvature (defined by the distance R.) preferably ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 inches. More preferably, the radius of curvature should be about 2.6 inches.
  • the pillow 10 has a cut out portion 17 in the front lobe 15.
  • the size of the cut out portion 17 is intended to be such that the user's shoulders are comfortably supported when the user sleeps on his or her side.
  • a series of closely spaced, upwardly protruding rounded ribs 30 are present within body 11 which preferably extend across the pillow body width. It should be noted that the presence of ridges 30 offers softer support in comparison to a surface without such present.
  • the ribs preferably have a width of about 0.3 to about 1.0 inches, most preferably about 0.7 inches. The ribs are spaced a sufficient amount to provide the desired surface condition, generally about 0.15 to about 0.2 inches apart. With respect to surface contour, the top surface of the ribs should preferably be similar to the curvature of the top portion surface.
  • a neck wedge 16 of foamed plastic or foam rubber is provided.
  • the wedge 16 has a density and compressibility different from the base and top portion, extends between the base portion and the top portion. As shown in Figure 8 the wedge 16 may be thicker at its rearward edge than at its front edge to provide more support to the user's head.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a top view of the pillow 10 illustrating the top portion 12 having ribs 30, and showing shoulder cut out area 17 in front lobe 15.
  • Figure 3 illustrates the top portion 12 and the base portion 13 of pillow 10 separate from each other.
  • the upper surface of base portion 13 may be curved and is shaped to fit the bottom of top portion 12 when the two portions are put together.
  • the upper and lower portions are of different predetermined compressibilities.
  • the top portion 12 is softer than the base portion 13 allowing the possibility of greater comfort to the user while still providing suitable underlying firmness.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the top portion 12 and the base portion 13 side-by-side showing the cut out 17 in both the top and base portions and the neck wedge 16 in the base portion. When the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 13 are assembled, as shown in Figure 5, the neck wedge 16 is shown in the center of the cut out 17.
  • Figure 7 depicts the neck wedge 16 and shows a front edge 16a which is positioned toward the cut out 17 when the pillow is assembled.
  • the neck wedge 16 may be thicker at its rear edge 16b to provide added support to the user.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

The present invention provides a pillow (10) having a compressible and resilient body (11) having a top portion (12), a base portion (13) and a rounded lobe (15) which upwardly protrudes from the base portion (13). The pillow includes a cut out portion (17) in the rounded lobe (15) to accommodate the user's shoulder. The pillow also includes a neck wedge (16) between the top portion (12) and the base portion (13).

Description

PILLOW
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pillow. More particularly, this invention relates to a pillow which prevent the user's shoulders from bearing excessive pressure during the night.
The Prior Art Contoured pillows have been commercially available for some time. Such pillows are designed to provide therapeutic relief in the neck area. However, many people sleep on their sides and it has been found that it is often desirable for the user to have support around the shoulder area.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pillow which provides support to the shoulders when one sleeps on his or her side. The pillow of the present invention includes a compressible and resilient body having a top portion, a base portion and at least one rounded lobe which upwardly protrudes from the base portion and extends across the width of the body. The lobe has a cut out portion to accommodate the user's shoulder. The cut out portion may also have a neck wedge between the top portion and the base portion. In one embodiment, for example, the top and base portions are made of different firmness materials .
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pillow having an area of support around the neck. Another object of the present invention is to provide a contoured pillow m which the shoulders fit into a cut out portion of the pillow
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention when taken m conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pillow of an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 is a top view of the pillow of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pillow of the present invention in which the top and bottom portions are shown separated;
Figure 4 is a top v ew of the pillow of this invention showing the top section and the bottom section including the neck wedge;
Figure 5 is a front view of the pillow of the present invention,
Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the pillow top surface of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a top view illustrating the neck wedge ; and Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the neck wedge of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The pillow of the present invention is advantageous in that a user may effectively obtain the intended support for the shoulders, along with a desired size, level of surface texture and/or contour. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Referring now to Figures 1, there is provided a pillow 10 having a compressible and resilient body 11 which has a top portion 12, a base portion 13, a rounded rear lobe 14, a rounded front lobe 15, and a neck wedge 16 between the top portion and the base portion. The front lobe 15 has a cut out portion 17 to accommodate the user's shoulder.
In accordance with the invention, the pillow can be comprised of a variety of compressible and resilient materials which are known by those who are skilled in the art. For example, foamed plastic and/or foam rubber are desirable, since they provide softness in addition to firmness and resiliency. The pillow top portion and base potion can comprise numerous known densities and compressibilities. As depicted in Figure 1, the rounded lobes 14 and 15 upwardly protrude from the base portion 13 of the pillow 10 at opposite ends thereof so as to form a trough therebetween. The lobes may be of similar or different sizes. In accordance with the invention, the upper surfaces of the lobes are rounded to approximate the curvature of a human neck. Accordingly, the lobes should have a radius of curvature (defined by the distance R.) preferably ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 inches. More preferably, the radius of curvature should be about 2.6 inches.
As noted, the pillow 10 has a cut out portion 17 in the front lobe 15. The size of the cut out portion 17 is intended to be such that the user's shoulders are comfortably supported when the user sleeps on his or her side.
As shown, especially in Figures 2,3 and 6, across at least a part of the top portion 12, a series of closely spaced, upwardly protruding rounded ribs 30 are present within body 11 which preferably extend across the pillow body width. It should be noted that the presence of ridges 30 offers softer support in comparison to a surface without such present. Regarding dimensions, the ribs preferably have a width of about 0.3 to about 1.0 inches, most preferably about 0.7 inches. The ribs are spaced a sufficient amount to provide the desired surface condition, generally about 0.15 to about 0.2 inches apart. With respect to surface contour, the top surface of the ribs should preferably be similar to the curvature of the top portion surface.
As shown more clearly in Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, a neck wedge 16, of foamed plastic or foam rubber is provided. The wedge 16 has a density and compressibility different from the base and top portion, extends between the base portion and the top portion. As shown in Figure 8 the wedge 16 may be thicker at its rearward edge than at its front edge to provide more support to the user's head.
In Figure 2 there is shown a top view of the pillow 10 illustrating the top portion 12 having ribs 30, and showing shoulder cut out area 17 in front lobe 15.
Figure 3 illustrates the top portion 12 and the base portion 13 of pillow 10 separate from each other. As shown, the upper surface of base portion 13 may be curved and is shaped to fit the bottom of top portion 12 when the two portions are put together. There is also shown cut out 17 and neck wedge 16 in front lobe 15. The position of neck wedge 16 can clearly be seen in Figures 4 and 5.
To provide variable firmness, the upper and lower portions are of different predetermined compressibilities. Most preferably, the top portion 12 is softer than the base portion 13 allowing the possibility of greater comfort to the user while still providing suitable underlying firmness. Figure 4 illustrates the top portion 12 and the base portion 13 side-by-side showing the cut out 17 in both the top and base portions and the neck wedge 16 in the base portion. When the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 13 are assembled, as shown in Figure 5, the neck wedge 16 is shown in the center of the cut out 17.
Figure 7 depicts the neck wedge 16 and shows a front edge 16a which is positioned toward the cut out 17 when the pillow is assembled. The neck wedge 16 may be thicker at its rear edge 16b to provide added support to the user.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments, but it is understood that variations, modifications and substitution of equivalent means may be affected within the spirit of this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A pillow comprising: a compressible and resilient body having a top portion, a base portion, and at least one rounded lobe upwardly protruding from said bottom portion and extending across the width of said body; at least one cut out formed in said at least one lobe and extending across a portion of the width of said body; and a neck wedge portion located between the top portion and the base portion facing the cut out.
PCT/US1997/014506 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Pillow WO1998007358A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU40724/97A AU4072497A (en) 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Pillow

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2416396P 1996-08-19 1996-08-19
US60/024,163 1996-08-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998007358A1 true WO1998007358A1 (en) 1998-02-26

Family

ID=21819179

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/014506 WO1998007358A1 (en) 1996-08-19 1997-08-18 Pillow

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4072497A (en)
WO (1) WO1998007358A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2803504A1 (en) 2000-01-10 2001-07-13 Jean Bernard Lanteri ANATOMIC PILLOW
EP2624726A2 (en) * 2010-10-07 2013-08-14 Banyan Licensing, L.L.C. Pillow for use with assisted breathing masks
EP2840938A1 (en) * 2012-04-27 2015-03-04 Marinkovic, John Therapeutic pillow
CN106618028A (en) * 2016-11-30 2017-05-10 浙江自由家居用品制造有限公司 Multifunctional sleeping pillow
US9757303B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2017-09-12 John Marinkovic Therapeutic pillow
US10080450B2 (en) * 2014-05-23 2018-09-25 Joon Shik Shin Functional pillow
USD878105S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-17 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD878106S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-17 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD878807S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-24 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD905471S1 (en) * 2020-03-11 2020-12-22 Shenzhen Youmiou Technology Co., Ltd Pillow

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3757365A (en) * 1972-01-10 1973-09-11 M Kretchmer Therapeutic pillow
FR2609617A1 (en) * 1987-01-19 1988-07-22 Kogan Henry Anatomy-matching pillow
US5163194A (en) * 1992-01-31 1992-11-17 Imperial Feather Corporation (Toronto) Ltd. Adjustable cervical pillow

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3757365A (en) * 1972-01-10 1973-09-11 M Kretchmer Therapeutic pillow
FR2609617A1 (en) * 1987-01-19 1988-07-22 Kogan Henry Anatomy-matching pillow
US5163194A (en) * 1992-01-31 1992-11-17 Imperial Feather Corporation (Toronto) Ltd. Adjustable cervical pillow

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2803504A1 (en) 2000-01-10 2001-07-13 Jean Bernard Lanteri ANATOMIC PILLOW
EP2624726A2 (en) * 2010-10-07 2013-08-14 Banyan Licensing, L.L.C. Pillow for use with assisted breathing masks
EP2624726A4 (en) * 2010-10-07 2014-03-12 Banyan Licensing L L C Pillow for use with assisted breathing masks
US9757303B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2017-09-12 John Marinkovic Therapeutic pillow
EP2840938A4 (en) * 2012-04-27 2015-12-02 John Marinkovic Therapeutic pillow
EP2840938A1 (en) * 2012-04-27 2015-03-04 Marinkovic, John Therapeutic pillow
US10213355B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2019-02-26 John Marinkovic Therapeutic pillow
US10813821B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2020-10-27 John Marinkovic Therapeutic pillow
US10080450B2 (en) * 2014-05-23 2018-09-25 Joon Shik Shin Functional pillow
CN106618028A (en) * 2016-11-30 2017-05-10 浙江自由家居用品制造有限公司 Multifunctional sleeping pillow
USD878105S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-17 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD878106S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-17 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD878807S1 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-03-24 John Marinkovic Pillow
USD905471S1 (en) * 2020-03-11 2020-12-22 Shenzhen Youmiou Technology Co., Ltd Pillow

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Publication number Publication date
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