WO2021158307A1

WO2021158307A1 - Compact travel nursing pillow

Info

Publication number: WO2021158307A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/066642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haley Gibbons
Original assignee: The Boppy Company, Llc
Priority date: 2020-02-03
Filing date: 2020-12-22
Publication date: 2021-08-12
Also published as: EP4084654A1; EP4084654B1; US20210235885A1

Abstract

A compact nursing pillow having a variable width and thickness over a length of the curved body of the compact nursing pillow. The compact nursing pillow includes a body having the variable width and thickness and a curved shape to fit against a body of a user. The compact nursing pillow also includes a securing device to securing the pillow to a user as well as securing the pillow in a compact storage configuration.

Description

COMPACT TRAVEL NURSING PILLOW

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/969,518, filed February 3, 2020, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. This invention relates generally to the field of pillows. In particular, the invention relates to nursing and feeding pillows. In some embodiments, such pillows are provided with various attachments to facilitate positioning of a baby on the pillow.

[0003] Over the years, a variety of support pillows have found commercial acceptance. One exemplary support pillow is the Boppy® pillow, marketed by The Boppy Company. Various forms of this pillow are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,261,134, 5,546,620, 5,661,861, and 6,055,657, among others. The complete disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One general aspect includes a compact nursing pillow. The compact nursing pillow includes a pillow body including two end regions and an outer region and an inner region that extend between the two end regions, where a first end region of the two end regions has a first width and a second end region of the two end regions has a second width, the first width greater than the second width, the inner region and outer region are each curved to define a comma shape having a head at the first end region and a tail at the second end region. The inner region is curved with a first curvature and first apex of curvature and the outer region is curved with a second curvature and a second apex of curvature, with the second curvature greater than the first curvature and the first apex of curvature positioned nearer the second end region than the second apex of curvature. A thickness of the pillow body increases from the second end region to the first end region. The compact nursing pillow also includes a first securing member attached to the first end region at a first location and a second securing member attached to the second end region at a second location.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The second end region may have a thickness in a range of one to three inches and a width in a range of one to three inches. The first end region may have a thickness in a range of three to seven inches. The inner region may be configured to fit around an arm of a user. The first securing member and the second securing member each include a tie, the first securing member and the second securing member securable together to maintain a shape and position of the pillow body relative to a user. The first apex of curvature may be offset from the construction line at a first distance in a range of 3 inches to 8 inches. The second apex of curvature may be offset from the construction line at a second distance in a range of 6 inches to 10 inches. The first location may be offset from the intersection of the construction line and the first end region by at least one inch and the second location may be offset from the intersection of the construction line and the second end region by at least one inch. The pillow body may include a storage pocket. The pillow body may also include a cover and a removable cushion that fits within the cover. The pillow body may have a first configuration with the first end region and the second end region not in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are free and a second configuration with the first end region and the second end region in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are coupled together.

[0006] Another general aspect includes a compact nursing pillow. The compact nursing pillow includes a body having a curved shape, the body including two surface panels, each having a comma shape with a first end region tapering to a second end region with a curved inner edge and a curved outer edge connecting the first end region to the second end region, the curved inner edge and the curved outer edge curved in a first direction with the curved outer edge having a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the curved inner edge, each surface panel defining a surface of the curved shape, the curved shape configured to fit partially around a user and also configured to curve into a compact configuration when the first end region and the second end region are brought in contact, and a side panel coupled to each of the two surface panels to enclose a volume within the body. The side panel has a first width at a first end adjacent the first end region of the two surface panels and a second width at a second end adjacent the second end region of the two surface panels, the first width greater than the second width. The compact nursing pillow also includes a first securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at a first location and a second securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at a second location. [0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The first securing member and the second securing member may each include a tie formed of a four-way stretch material. The first securing member and the second securing member may each include a hook and loop fastener. The first securing member may be connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at the first location offset from the tip of the first end region includes the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region. The first securing member may couple to the body at a first location offset from the construction line by at least 1 inch. The second securing member may be connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at the second location offset from the tip of the second end region includes the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region. The second securing member may couple to the body at a second location offset from the construction line by at least 1 inch. The body may include a jersey knit fabric. The body may include a storage pocket configured to receive the first and second securing members when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a compact nursing pillow, according to at least some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a front-side view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a rear-side view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a left-side view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments. [0015] FIG. 7 depicts a right-side view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of the compact nursing pillow of FIG. 1 with full length ties, according to at least some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a compact nursing pillow with fabric ties, according to at least some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a belt closure, according to at least some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 11 depicts a compact nursing pillow with an overlapping hook and loop fastener belt, according to at least some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 12 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a single hook and loop fastener belt, according to at least some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 13 depicts a compact nursing pillow with removable ties, according to at least some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 14 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a side pocket for belt storage, according to at least some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 15 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a side storage pocket, according to at least some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 16 depicts a compact nursing pillow with an internal compartment, according to at least some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 17 depicts a compact nursing pillow with an attachment point for accessories, according to at least some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 18 depicts a compact nursing pillow with an attached nursing cover, according to at least some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 19 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a pull-out storage pocket, according to at least some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 20 depicts a compact nursing pillow with a carry handle, according to at least some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 21 depicts a compact nursing pillow, according to at least some embodiments. [0030] FIG. 22 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn by a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 23 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn by a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 24 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn on an arm of a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 25 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn on an arm of a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 26 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn around the waist of a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 27 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn around the waist of a user supporting an infant body, according to at least some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 28 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn around the arm of a user, according to at least some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 29 depicts a compact nursing pillow worn around the arm of a user supporting an infant’s head, according to at least some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

These embodiments are only exemplary of the present invention. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0039] The compact nursing pillows described herein may be particularly useful when the user is in a sitting position so that the pillow may be held across the user’s lap or around the side of the user. One or more straps may be connected to the ends of the pillow arms and extend around the user’s waist to help hold the pillow to the user, especially when the user stands or moves around in a chair or couch.

[0040] The compact nursing pillows are configured such that they conform to the shape of essentially any waist by having ends that terminate at the user’s side. The compact nursing pillows also help the user to be positioned in an ergonomically correct orientation while nursing or feeding the baby. Another feature is that the compact nursing pillows may be sized to fit around a seated user while also being large enough to properly support the baby. The pillow may also have sides that are shaped or contoured in such a way that permits the pillow to nestle close to the user while resting comfortably on the user’s lap or under the user’s arm, such as when feeding. The pillow may have a comma shape and/or the shape of a curved teardrop. The comma shape may have an elongated body that tapers in a curved manner from a head end to a tail end. The tail end is that end which, in normal position to a user, tapers from the head end toward the portion which faces the user’s torso or arm or leg. The tail end may be pointed, curved or blunted. Thus, in some embodiments, the edges of an upper surface of the pillow body approximate two curvilinear lines that intersect at a point at the tail end. In some embodiments, the edges of the pillow body approximate two curvilinear arcs that approach one another and then intersect only as the arcs abruptly curve toward one another to form a blunt end of the tail end. The pillow may curve in a first direction while also tapering from the head end to the tail end. The pillow may also taper in a second direction, such as a thickness of the pillow from the head end to the tail end. In some embodiments, the pillow may both taper and curve from the head end to the tail end. The curved shape of the pillow enables the pillow to conform to a variety of user sizes, be readily packed into a compact configuration for travel, and still provide a sufficient support surface for a baby. The tapered shape of the pillow provides sloping surfaces that elevates the baby’s back and head to facilitate nursing.

[0041] The body of the pillow described herein may conveniently be described in terms of a head region and a tail region, even though the pillow may be used in any orientation. The head region has a larger rounded end while the tail region has a tapered narrower end. The pillow may be described as having an apostrophe or kidney bean shape with a curved inner surface and a curved outer surface, the curved inner surface configured to nestle against a torso, arm, or leg of a user, in addition to any other surfaces. The pillow may be stored in a compact configuration by securing devices, such as ties, to bring the head end and the tail end together, thereby increasing the curvature of the curved inner surface. [0042] The pillow described herein may be configured so that the head end is larger in size than the tail end. The head end may be larger in surface area, width, and/or height than the tail end. This arrangement enables the pillow to provide variable adjustable heights of cushioning for positioning a baby relative to a user and providing a variable width of cushioning for different use cases. The pillow may be positioned around a torso or arm of a user and rotated until the height of a baby resting on the pillow is at a desired height, for example to aid with nursing the baby.

[0043] The compact nursing pillow may be configured to have the following dimensions, it being appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to only such sizes. To describe the dimensions, the pillow have an inner curve with an apex defined as the greatest distance from a line drawn between the edges of the head end and the tail end on the curved inner surface. In this manner, the apex defines an amount of curvature of the curved inner surface. The apex may be at a distance of between 2 inches to about 10 inches, and more preferably from about 3 inches to about 8 inches from the imaginary line connecting the inner surface at the head end and the tail end such that the apex of the curvature provides the furthest distance from the imaginary line to the furthest point on the curve. The apex may be positioned approximately halfway between the head end and the tail end, for example at a distance in a range of about 6 inches to about 12 inches from the head end and the tail end, respectively. The apex may be biased or offset towards the tail end, such that the curvature of the curved inner surface is biased towards the tail end, for example with a distance from the apex to the head end being in a range from about 8 inches to about 14 inches while the apex is in a range from about 4 inches to about 8 inches from the tail end. The total length of the pillow from the head end to the tail end may be in a range of about 12 inches to about 24 inches. The curved outer surface of the pillow may share a similar apex or may have a different apex. The curved outer surface has a larger curvature than the curved inner surface such that the curved surfaces are not parallel to one another, and results in the teardrop shape tapering from the head end to the tail end. This size enables the pillow to rest against a torso of a user and support a baby while also enabling the pillow to wrap entirely around an arm or leg of a user.

[0044] The compact nursing pillow may further be defined by a width and a height, the width measured across a face of the pillow and a height measured across the thickness between a top and a bottom face. The width and the height of the pillow may vary over the length of the pillow, between the head end and the tail end, for example with a greater width and height at the head end than at the tail end. The width of the head end, across the top surface may be in a range from about 6 inches to about 10 inches while the width at the tail end may be in a range from about 1 inch to about 5 inches. At the apex, the width may be in a range from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. At the head end, the pillow may have a height from the top surface to the bottom surface in a range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. At the tail end the height may be in a range from about 1 inch to about 3 inches. At the apex, the height may be in a range of about 2 inches to about 5 inches.

[0045] As described herein, the compact nursing pillows may include various securing schemes to secure the pillow to the user. For example, the pillows may include straps or ties for securing the pillow to a user. When not in use, the pillow can be rolled up and the ties used to hold the pillow in the compact shape. The pillow body also includes side panels that are used to help hold its shape. These features and improvements may increase the ease of carrying or traveling with a nursing pillow while also providing additional functional benefits over typical nursing pillows.

[0046] In use, the compact nursing pillow may be used in one of several configurations that enable different uses to provide comfort and support to a baby. The compact nursing pillow may be used with the curved inner surface fit around a torso of a user, for example to support all or a portion of a baby while nursing. The pillow may also fit with the curved inner surface against an arm or leg of the user, with the pillow wrapped around the arm or the leg and secured to the user with the securing scheme, such as ties. The ties may also wrap around the torso of the user. The securing scheme may enable the pillow to be positioned and maintained in position, for example to ensure the desired height of the pillow supporting a head of the baby is maintained. Additionally, the pillow may be in a compact configuration or an open configuration in the compact configuration, the securing scheme is used to bring the head end and the tail end together, causing the footprint of the pillow to reduce and bring the pillow into a compact volume. The securing scheme may be used to compress the pillow filling, for example as ties are tied tightly together the pillow may compress and therefore occupy a smaller volume, for more convenient transportation. Upon releasing the securing scheme, the pillow may be in the open configuration, with the head end and the tail end separated by a distance in a range of 6 inches to about 12 inches.

[0047] FIGS. 1-8 depict various views of a further embodiment of a compact nursing pillow 100. The compact nursing pillow 100 is shown having ties 104 with a break 126 in the length of the ties 104 for clarity. The ties 104 are shown in a full length embodiment in FIG. 8. The ties 104 may have a length of between 8 inches and 36 inches, and may preferably have a length in a range of between 12 inches and 24 inches for wrapping around a body of a user, for example around a torso or arm of a user. The compact nursing pillow 100 also includes a body 102 that serves as a pillow. The compact nursing pillow 100 may include any of the securing devices and means shown and described herein including hook and loop fasteners, buckles, elastic bands, and other such securing arrangements. [0048] The body 102 is defined by two surface panels 110, a first side panel 112, and a second side panel 114. The first side panel 112 and the second side panel 114 may be a single side panel that wraps around the edge of body 102 in some examples. The body 102 is filled with a pillow or cushioning material, such as a stuffing or removable cushion. The surface panels 110 are joined to the first side panel 112 and the second side panel 114 at seams 122 and 124.

[0049] The body 102 tapers in multiple directions from a first end 116 to a second end 118. For example, in a first direction, which may be a thickness, the body 102 may taper from a thickness of three to seven inches at the first end 116 to a thickness of one to three inches at the second end 118. The body 102 also tapers in a second direction, such as width, from the first end 116 having a width of between four to ten inches to the second end 118 having a width of between one to four inches. The taper from the first end 116 to the second end 118 may be continuous, such that the width and/or thickness gradually tapers at an even rate or may taper at a varying rate to result in different profiles for the curved shape of the body 102. The body 102 having varying widths and/or thicknesses enables varying positioning for the pillow to support a baby in different positions, providing cushioning that is customizable and adjustable to a desired fit.

[0050] The shape of body 102 enables the pillow 100 to fit around a torso, arm, or leg of a user and provide a cushioning platform for resting a baby on in various orientations. The curvature of the pillow 100 enables the pillow 100 to naturally curve and fit around the user and also provides for simple packaging of the pillow 100, but curling the pillow 100 into a tighter curl and securing with ties 104 to maintain the pillow 104 in a compact shape convenient for travel and/or storage that occupies less space than the pillow 100 in an open configuration. In the stored configuration the pillow 100 may fit easily within a large purse or carry bag with other items. [0051] The body 102 is shown tapering in thickness from the narrow end to the thick end. The thick end may be the same end as the wide end of the body 102 described above. The body 102 may taper from a thickness of one to three inches to a thickness of four to eight inches. The varying thickness may serve to provide variable heights at which to support the head of a nursing child, to adjust the child to a comfortable height. This may be accomplished by rotating the compact nursing pillow 1300 with respect to the wearer and the baby until a desired height is reached.

[0052] The taper of body 102 may be accomplished by tapering a shape of the surface panels 110 as well as the side panels 112 and 114. With the tapers established by the shape of the panels, the body 102 may be filled with a cushioning material in an even manner, with even filling throughout. In some examples the filling of the body 102 may have varying cushioning or density such that, for example, the narrower second end 118 may be firmer than the wider first end 116. In some examples the first end 116 may be firmer than the second end 118.

[0053] The body 102 has a comma shape, curved and tapering from a wide first end to a narrow second end as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. Between the narrow end and the wide end the body 102 may have a constant reduction in width or may reduce in width at a varying rate, such as to result in a curved taper. The narrow end of the body 102 may have a width of up to four inches. The wide end of the body 102 may have a width of between four to ten inches. Additionally, body 102 is curved or curled to form a “U”- shape. The “U”-shape of the body 102 may enable the body 102 to fit around a torso of a wearer. In addition, the “U”-shape of the body 102 in combination with the taper enables the body 102 to be deformed into a compact shape, such as for travel. The deformed shape may be maintained by tying the ends of the fabric ties 104 together to secure the fabric ties 104 together and maintain the body 102 in the compact form.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the comma shape of the body 102 may be defined based on construction lines to define a curvature of the body 102 when in an uncompressed state. A first construction line 194 extends along a length of the body 102 and contacts the body at the first end 116 and the second end 118, providing a defining edge from which other dimensions may be defined. As described herein, the body 102 may have a length from the first end 116 to the second end 118 in a range of 10 inches to 24 inches. The inner curvature, defined by the second side panel 114, may be offset, at a greatest distance or apex, from the first construction line 194 as shown by second construction line 195. The second construction line 195 defines a curvature of the inner side of the body, with the apex at the distant end of the second construction line 195 from the first construction line 194. A distance from second construction line to the apex of the inner curvature may be in a range of about 4 inches to about 8 inches. As shown, the inner curvature may not be symmetric about the second construction line 195, though in some examples the inner curvature may be symmetric and may follow a geometric curve such as a parabolic curve. The inner curvature may have a first radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of the outer curvature. The inner curvature may have a radius of curvature in a range of about 2 inches to about 5 inches and the outer curvature may have a radius of curvature in a range of about 6 inches to about 10 inches.

[0055] The outer curvature of the body 102 may be defined similarly to the inner curvature, with an apex of the first side panel 112 defined at an end of the third construction line 191 distant from the first construction line 194. The third construction line 191 may define a distance from the apex of the first side panel 112 in an uncompressed state to the first construction line 194 in a range of about 6 inches to about 14 inches, or in some examples in a range of about 6 inches to about 10 inches. The outer curvature is not symmetric about the third construction line 191, though may be in some examples.

[0056] The apex of the outer curvature may be located at a midpoint between the first end 116 and the second end 118. The apex of the inner curvature is offset towards the second end 118 due to the tapered comma shape of the body 102. Because the second end of the body 102 is narrower than the first end, the inner curvature will be offset towards the narrower end. In some examples, a horizontal location of the apex of the inner and outer curvatures may be at a same location along the first construction line 194. In some examples, the horizontal location of the apex of the inner curvature may be at a distance of about ½ inch to about 4 inches from the horizontal location of the apex of the outer curvature.

[0057] The body 102 may include an outer shell with a fill material contained therein. The outer shell may be constructed with a material such as a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, velvet, chiffon and the like. Such fabrics permit the outer shell of the body 102 to be firmly stuffed with fill materials.. The cover may be formed of one or more panels sewn or stitched together. The internal side panel , on the inside of the “U”-shape, may include a gusset to provide shape and structure to the cover and maintain the curvature in the shape described above. Although the pieces may be sewn together, other techniques may also be used, such as by using glue, lacing, staples, snaps and the like. In some examples, the cover may include other features, such as various stitching patterns that may be used to alter the shape of the body 102. For example, the body 102 could include a slight recess where the baby’s head may rest.

[0058] The body 102 may be filled with a fill material, such as a hypoallergenic polyester filling. Examples of materials that may be used include polyester fibers, foamed materials, and the like.

One method for filling the cover with a fill material is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,089,639, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some examples, the body 102 may be filled with a removable pillow. The removable pillow may be waterproof, water-resistant, washable, and filled with the fill material. In some examples, the removable pillow may be impermeable while the cover forming the body 102 is woven, this may be advantageous for medical purposes such as in hospitals where the cover of body 102 is disposable and the removable pillow may be re-used as it is impermeable and sanitary. The pillow may be encased by a cover separate from the body 102. The cover of the pillow as well as the body 102 is constructed of a material that is compliant while generally not stretchable. Examples of such fabrics include cotton, polyesters, poly-cotton blends, or other pliant conforming fabrics. The fill material is firmly and tightly packed into the cover, such that the cover with the fill material provides a self-supporting pillow body, i.e., the compact nursing pillow 100 retains its shape without any sagging or drooping of the ends when held at a medial region. The tightly packed fill material also provides the pillow with firmness in the sense that it will undergo only slight elastic deformation (as compared to a conventional pillow) when an object (such as a person’s arms or elbows) is rested on the body 102. Other fill materials that could be used include natural or synthetic fibers, synthetic beads, feathers, foam, and organic granular fill materials such as husks and seeds and the like.

[0059] In some examples, the fill material may include a stacked set of cushioning materials, such as an air-spacer fill. The air-spacer fill may include a mesh material that provides a cushion by having a compressible thickness. The air-spacer fill may be an air mesh or other such material that is layered within the body 102 to reach the desired thickness and fill of the body 102.

[0060] The ties 104 couple to the body 102 at locations 120. Locations 120 may include a storage pocket, for tucking the ties 104 away when not in use. Locations 120 may be at a terminal end of the body 102 and may be offset from an end of the body 102. Following the curvature of the body 102, when the edge of body 102 reaches a terminal point, where the perimeter of the body 102 ceases advancing away from the center of the body 102 and returns towards the center of the body 102. In some examples, locations 120 may be offset towards an outer edge of body 102 from the terminal point. With the locations 120 offset towards the outer curved surface defined by panel 112, the ties 104 draw the body 102 into a smaller shape when secured than if the ties 104 are connected at the terminal point or offset towards the inner surface defined by panel 114.

[0061] The ties 104 are located offset from a peak or tip of the first end 116 and the second end 118. The offset from the tip of each end enables the ties 104 to draw the first end 116 and the second end 118 closer together in a stored configuration and thereby reduce the overall size of the pillow when in the stored configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the locations 120 are offset and illustrated as defined relative to the first construction line 194. The first location 120 of the tie 104 at the first end 116 is offset, as shown by construction line 192 from a point of the first end 116 that contacts the first construction line 194. The second location 120 of the tie 104 at the second end 118 is likewise offset from the point of the second end 118 that contacts the first construction line 194 as illustrated by construction line 193. The horizontal location of the locations 120 may be determined based on a desired length of offset from the first construction line 194, such as defined by the length of construction lines 192 and 193. For example, the horizontal position of locations 120 may be determined by first determining that the construction lines 192 and 193 will provide a set distance, such as 1 inch. The distance may be in a range of ¼ inch to about 3 inches. The horizontal location of locations 120 is then set based on where ties 104 connect to provide the desired offset distance. The offset distance provides for the ties 104 to draw the first end 116 and the second end 118 together to reduce the size of the pillow 100. The offset location of the ties 104 enables the ties to be tied together and tightened to compress the pillow 100, specifically by compressing the first end 116 and the second end 118 together as the ties 104 are tightened.

[0062] FIG. 9 depicts a compact nursing pillow 200 similar to the compact nursing pillow 100.

For convenience of discussion, components that are similar to those described in connection with Figs. 1-8 will be repeated in the following figures. Hence, pillow 200 is constructed of a pillow body 102. Fabric ties 204 extend from ends of body 102, although in some embodiments other securing mechanisms could be used.. Although shown connecting at the ends of the body 102, in some examples, the fabric ties 204 may connect to the body 102 at other locations. The fabric ties 204 are long enough to extend around a wearer and tie together to secure the compact nursing pillow 200 to the wearer. In some examples, the ties may be in a range of 1 to 5 inches in width and twelve to thirty-six inches in length. The fabric ties 204 may be formed of a fabric material. Examples of materials that may be used for fabric ties 204 include cotton fabrics, polyester fabrics, cotton/poly blends, jersey knit, and the like. The fabric ties may extend from or connect to a seam of the body 102 for strength and reinforcement of the connection between the fabric ties 204 and the body 102.

[0063] As mentioned above, the pillows described herein may use a variety of securing arrangements to couple the pillow body to the user. For example, FIG. 10 depicts a compact nursing pillow 300 with a belt closure. The compact nursing pillow 300 includes a body 102 that may be the same body described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. The compact nursing pillow 300 includes a first belt segment 304 and a second belt segment 306. The first belt segment 304 includes a first half of a belt or snap closure while the second belt segment 306 includes a second snap closure that mates with the first to connect and secure the first belt segment 304 and the second belt segment 306. The first belt segment 304 and the second belt segment 306 may both be length adjustable to account for different sizes of wearers as well as different uses and configurations. In some examples the snap closure may be replaced with other releasable securing devices such as buttons, peg and hole attachments, and the like.

[0064] As another example, FIG. 11 depicts a compact nursing pillow 400 with an overlapping hook and loop fastener belt. The compact nursing pillow 400 includes a body 102 that may be the same body described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. The compact nursing pillow 400 includes a first belt segment 404 and a second belt segment 406. The first belt segment 404 includes a first portion of a hook and loop fastener while the second belt segment 406 includes a second portion of a hook and loop fastener. The first portion of the hook and loop fastener secures to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener to secure the belt of the compact nursing pillow 400.

[0065] In a further embodiment, FIG. 12 depicts a compact nursing pillow 500 with a single belt 504. The compact nursing pillow 500 includes a body 102 that may be the same body described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. The single belt 504 has a first component of a hook and loop fastener attached thereto, at the end of the single belt 504. The single belt 504 may be of a length of between eight and thirty-six inches. The first component of the hook and loop fastener secures to the body 102. A side component or panel of the body 102 includes or may be formed of a second component of the hook and loop fastener to connect to the single belt 504 to secure the body 102.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, FIG. 13 depicts a compact nursing pillow 600 with removable ties 104. The compact nursing pillow 600 includes a body 102 with the fabric ties 104 connected to different ends of the body 102. The body 102 may be the same body described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. Though shown connecting at the ends of the body 102, in some examples, the ties 104 may connect to the body 102 at other locations. The ties 104 are long enough to extend around a wearer and tie together to secure the compact nursing pillow 600 to the wearer. In some examples, the ties may be in a range of 1 inch to 5 inches in width and twelve to thirty-six inches in length.

The ties 104 are removable from the body 102. The ties 104 may connect to the body with a number of different releasable connections such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, ties, buckles, zipper systems, and the like. The ties 104 may be secure to the body 102 to secure the body 102 in place, for example while in use as a nursing pillow in some examples, the ties 104 may be removable to enable additional uses or to store the ties 104 for transportation so they do not tangle or become snagged while traveling.

[0067] The pillows described herein may optionally include one or more storage pockets located at various positions on the pillow body. For example, FIG. 14 depicts a compact nursing pillow 700 with a side pocket for belt storage. The compact nursing pillow 700 includes a body 102 that may be the same body 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. The ties 104 of FIG. 14, and any other ties 104 shown herein may be stored in a pocket 708 positioned on the body 102. The pocket 708 is shown positioned on a side wall of the body 102, though it may be positioned at any location on the body 102. There may be a second pocket on another side of the body 102, for example near the second tie 104.

[0068] As another example, FIG. 15 depicts a compact nursing pillow 800 with a storage pocket 810. The compact nursing pillow 800 includes a body 102 that may be the same body 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. The storage pocket 810 is shown on a side wall of the body 102, at a medial portion of the body 102. The pocket 810 may be positioned at any location on the body 102. There may be additional storage pockets 810 in other locations. The storage pocket 810 may be several inches in length and width and suitable for stowing objects such as a cellphone, pacifier, or other such personal objects.

[0069] As a further example, FIG. 16 depicts a compact nursing pillow 900 with an internal compartment 912. The compact nursing pillow 900 includes a body 102 that may be the same body 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although it will be appreciated that other internal compartment shapes and locations could be used similar to those described herein. The internal compartment 912 extends into the center of body 102 and may occupy up to the entire footprint of the body 102. An opening to access the internal compartment 912 may be on the side of the body 102 as shown or may be positioned on the top or bottom of the body. There may be additional internal compartments 912 within the body. The internal compartment 912 may include a waterproof lining and insulation, for example to insulate a cold bottle or a warm bottle and protect the pillow from leaks or spills. In the case of an insulate internal compartment 912, the pillow may provide additional insulation around the objects within the internal compartment 912. The internal compartment 912 may be several inches in length and width and suitable for stowing objects such as a cellphone, pacifier, or other such objects in addition to the bottle as described above. In some examples, the internal compartment 912 may be positioned at or near the top or bottom surface of the body 102 and receive a heating or cooling pad to provide warming or cooling to a user while using or wearing the compact nursing pillow 900. In some examples, the internal compartment may extend between two internal pillows within the body 102 or in between layers of air spacer filler described above.

[0070] FIG. 17 depicts a compact nursing pillow 1000 with an attachment rail 1014 for accessories. The compact nursing pillow 1000 includes a body 102 that may be the same body 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although it will be appreciated that other attachment rails could be used similar to those described herein. The attachment rail 1014 provide the ability for one or more slidable attachments to be movably coupled to the pillow body. The slidable attachments slide along any position of rail 1014 and may be constructed of various shapes, often including a slot or opening to allow various peripheral items, such as pacifiers, bibs, towels, toys, or other such objects to be attached to the slidable attachments. In the way, an item may be slidably coupled to the pillow body 102 by simply coupling it to one of the slidable attachments. An example of an attachment rail 1014 may include the toy attachment systems described with respect to U.S. Patent Nos. 8,460,053; 9,776,098; 9,796,403; 8,882,557; 9,155,974;, incorporated herein in their entirety. The attachment point 1014 is positioned on the exterior curved surface of the body 102 though it may be positioned in other locations, such as the sides or ends of body 102. At the exterior edge of the body 102 or the ends of body 102, toys or other objects secured to the attachment point 1014 may not interfere with the wearer.

[0071] FIG. 18 depicts a compact nursing pillow 1100 with an attached nursing cover 1116. The compact nursing pillow 1100 includes a body 102 and ties 104 that may be the same body 102 and ties 104 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although it will be appreciated that other nursing and cover devices could be used similar to those described herein. The nursing cover 1116 connects to, or is sewn to a seam of the body 102 to provide strength to the attachment point. The nursing cover 1116 may include straps, shoulder loops, neck loops, or other such devices to maintain the nursing cover 1116 in place while nursing. The nursing cover 1116 may stow within a pocket, such as the pockets described above when not in use. In some examples, the nursing cover 1116 may be removable from the body 102 when not in use. The nursing cover 1116 and body 102 may include a zipper attachment, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, or other such attachment means to secure the nursing cover 1116 to the body 102. The nursing cover 1116 may be formed of a fabric material that is breathable while visually opaque.

[0072] FIG. 19 depicts a compact nursing pillow 1200 with a pull-out storage bag 1218. The compact nursing pillow 1200 includes a body 102 and ties 104 that may be the same body 102 and ties 104 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although it will be appreciated that other storage bags and compartments could be used similar to those described herein. The body 102 includes a storage bag 1218 that stows into a pocket formed in body 102, such as internal compartment 912 of FIG. 16. The storage bag 1218 may be formed of the same material as the body 102 or may be formed of a stretchy material, such as a jersey knit. The storage bag 1218 may contain the entire compact nursing pillow 1200 within the storage bag 1218. The storage bag 1218 may be secured to or be separate from the body 102. The size and shape of the compact nursing pillow 1200 enables the pillow to be compactly stored within the storage bag as the compact nursing pillow 1200 can be tightly packed when curled to fit within a relatively smaller volume than when in an open configuration. The small size of the pillow when in the compact configuration enables the pillow to be easily transported and stored in a small bag such as the storage bag or within another bag such as a purse or diaper bag. The storage bag may be turned inside out to store the compact nursing pillow 1200. The storage bag 1218 may protect the compact nursing pillow 1200 while stored.

[0073] FIG. 20 depicts a compact nursing pillow 1300 with a carry handle 1320. The compact nursing pillow 1300 includes a body 102 and ties 104 that may be the same body 102 and ties 104 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although it will be appreciated that other handles and/or carrying attachments could be used similar to those described herein. The carry handle 1320 may be used to carry the compact nursing pillow 1300. The carry handle 1320 is shown on the side of body 102, though in some examples, the carry handle 1320 may be located in other positions on the body 102. The carry handle 1320 may be detachable at one or both ends, and may be used to secure the compact nursing pillow 1300 to other objects, such as a bag while traveling.

[0074] FIG. 21 depicts a compact nursing pillow 1400. The compact nursing pillow 1400 includes a body 102 and ties 104 that may be the same body 102 and ties 104 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9.

[0075] FIGS. 22 and 23 depict various ways in which compact nursing pillow 100 may be worn by a user 180. In FIG. 22 a first manner 1500 is shown for using the compact nursing pillow 100, in FIG. 23 a second manner 1600 of using the compact nursing pillow 100 is shown. The compact nursing pillow 100 is secured around the torso of the user 180. The narrow thickness of the compact nursing pillow 100 is positioned at the front of the user in FIG. 22 while the thick end of the compact nursing pillow 100 is positioned at the front of the user in FIG. 23. The varying thickness of the compact nursing pillow 100 provides varying heights for the head of the baby while nursing. Additionally, the remainder of the compact nursing pillow 100 may curve around the side and back of the user 180 and provide support for an arm, elbow, or back of the user 180. Due to the tapered shape of the comma shape of the body of the compact nursing pillow 100, the user 180 may position the pillow 100 to provide an adjustable support height for the baby. The comma shape of the pillow 100 also enables the pillow 100 to accommodate a wide variety of uses and users 180, such as users having a tall torso who may need the pillow 100 to support the baby at a greater height than a user 180 with a relatively shorter torso while nursing. The different thicknesses and widths over the length of the comma shape of the pillow 100 enable this adjustability for supporting a baby and also enable compact storage of the pillow 100 when the ends of the pillow are brought together into a compact configuration.

[0076] FIGS. 24 and 25 depict a further use of compact nursing pillow 100. In FIG. 24, in a first manner 1700, pillow 100 is tied into a compact configuration and placed on an arm of a user 180.

In FIG. 25, the pillow 100 is shown in a second manner 1800 around the arm of the user 100. The compact nursing pillow 100 is held in the compact configuration by ties 104 which are secured together. The ties 104 may be wrapped around the compact nursing pillow 100 before tying. The compact nursing pillow 100 may be worn on the arm of a user 180 while nursing, for example with the head of the baby placed on the compact nursing pillow 100. In this configuration the varying width of the compact nursing pillow 100 provides a range of heights at which the head of the baby may be supported for comfort of the user 180.

[0077] FIGS. 26 and 27 depict examples 1900 and 2000 of when compact nursing pillow 100 is worn around the waist of a user 180. The user 180 is shown seated, wearing the compact nursing pillow 100 similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 above. The compact nursing pillow 100 is secured around the torso of the user 180 while seated. The narrow thickness of the compact nursing pillow 100 is positioned at one lateral side of the user 180. The varying thickness of the compact nursing pillow 100 provides varying heights for supporting the baby 190 while nursing. The baby 190 is shown in FIG. 27 resting with its torso on a thicker portion of the compact nursing pillow 100 as compared with the narrow thickness at the side of user 180. Because the compact nursing pillow has the comma shape that tapers from a first end to a second end, the user 180 may rotate the pillow 100 around their torso to provide a desired support height for the baby 190, for example while nursing. The shape enables the pillow 100 to fit most users 180 of a variety of sizes and also provides for a convenient travel configuration enabled by the ability of the pillow 100 to curl into a compact shape with the first end and the second end of the pillow 100 in contact. In use, the user 180 may initially position the pillow 100 to support the baby 190 but desire to have the baby’s head at a higher or lower height for ease of nursing the baby 190. The user 190 may rotate the pillow 100 around their torso until the thickness of the pillow 100 provides a desired height for nursing the baby 190. Additionally, the remainder of the compact nursing pillow 100 curves around the front and opposite side of the user 180 and provides support for an arm, elbow, or back of the user 180. In some examples, the compact nursing pillow 100 may be positioned in other arrangements around the user 180 to provide support to different parts of the user 180 and/or baby 190. For example, the baby 190 may be turned one hundred and eighty degrees from the configuration shown in FIG. 27 such that the baby 190 is positioned relatively lower for nursing.

[0078] FIGS. 28 and 29 depict examples 2100 and 2200 of compact nursing pillow 100 worn around the arm of a user 180. The configuration may be similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 24 and 25. The compact nursing pillow 100 is held in the compact configuration by ties 104 which are secured together. The ties 104 may be wrapped around the compact nursing pillow 100 before tying in some examples. The compact nursing pillow 100 may be worn on the arm of a user 180 while nursing, for example with the head of the baby 190 placed on the compact nursing pillow 100. In this configuration the varying width of the compact nursing pillow 100 provides a range of heights at which the head of the baby may be supported for comfort of the user 180. For example, by rotating the compact nursing pillow 100 around the arm of the user 180, the head of the baby 190 will be supported at varying heights due to the varying width of the compact nursing pillow 100.

[0079] Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations or sub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be advantageously made. The example arrangements of components are shown for purposes of illustration and it should be understood that combinations, additions, re-arrangements, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Thus, while the invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible.

[0080] The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

[0081] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compact nursing pillow, comprising: a pillow body comprising two end regions, and an outer region and an inner region that extend between the two end regions, wherein a first end region of the two end regions has a first width and a second end region of the two end regions has a second width, the first width greater than the second width, the inner region and outer region are each curved to define a comma shape having a head at the first end region and a tail at the second end region, the inner region is curved with a first curvature and first apex of curvature and the outer region is curved with a second curvature and a second apex of curvature, with the second curvature greater than the first curvature and the first apex of curvature positioned nearer the second end region than the second apex of curvature, and wherein a thickness of the pillow body increases from the second end region to the first end region; a first securing member attached to the first end region at a first location; and a second securing member attached to the second end region at a second location .

2. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1 wherein the second end region has a thickness in a range of one to three inches and a width in a range of one to three inches.

3. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the first end region has a thickness in a range of three to seven inches.

4. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the inner region is configured to fit around an arm of a user.

5. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the first securing member and the second securing member each comprises a tie, the first securing member and the second securing member securable together to maintain a shape and position of the pillow body relative to a user.

6. The compact nursing pillow of claim 5, wherein the first apex of curvature is offset from the construction line at a first distance in a range of 3 inches to 8 inches.

7. The compact nursing pillow of claim 5, wherein the second apex of curvature is offset from the construction line at a second distance in a range of 6 inches to 10 inches.

8. The compact nursing pillow of claim 7, wherein the first location is offset from the intersection of the construction line and the first end region and the second location is offset from the intersection of the construction line and the second end region.

9. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow body comprises a storage pocket.

10. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow body comprises a cover and a removable cushion that fits within the cover.

11. The compact nursing pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow body has a first configuration with the first end region and the second end region not in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are free and a second configuration with the first end region and the second end region in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are coupled together.

12. A compact nursing pillow, comprising: a body having a curved shape, the body comprising: two surface panels, each having a comma shape with a first end region tapering to a second end region with a curved inner edge and a curved outer edge connecting the first end region to the second end region, the curved inner edge and the curved outer edge curved in a first direction with the curved outer edge having a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the curved inner edge, each surface panel defining a surface of the curved shape, the curved shape configured to fit partially around a user and also configured to curve into a compact configuration when the first end region and the second end region are brought in contact; and a side panel coupled to each of the two surface panels to enclose a volume within the body, the side panel having a first width at a first end adjacent the first end region of the two surface panels and a second width at a second end adjacent the second end region of the two surface panels, the first width greater than the second width; a first securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at a first location offset from a tip of the first end region; and a second securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at a second location offset from a tip of the second end region.

13. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the first securing member and the second securing member each comprise a tie formed of a four-way stretch material.

14. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the first securing member and the second securing member each comprise a hook and loop fastener.

15. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the first securing member being connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at the first location offset from the tip of the first end region comprises the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region.

16. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the second securing member being connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at the second location offset from the tip of the second end region comprises the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region.

17. The compact nursing pillow of claim 16, wherein the second securing member couples to the body at a second location offset from the construction line by at least 1 inch.

18. The compact nursing pillow of claim 15, wherein the first securing member couples to the body at a first location offset from the construction line by at least 1 inch..

19. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the body comprises a jersey knit fabric.

20. The compact nursing pillow of claim 12, wherein the body comprises a storage pocket configured to receive the first and second securing members when not in use.