Patent Application
20240374059
The present invention relates generally to the field of braided hair pillow devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved pillow that can be used by those who wear their hair in one or more braids while sleeping. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in braided hair pillow devices. Generally, people with braided hair may have trouble sleeping comfortably on standard pillows. Further, leaving braids in can be effective at reducing the time it takes to get ready after sleeping However, the braids can get easily ruined while sleeping on regular pillows. Additionally, trying to sleep on a pillow with discomfort around the head and neck can be frustrating.
Further, sometimes users need a different pillow configuration for different hairstyles. Thus, depending on the user's hairstyle and/or the amount of braids, they may wish to manipulate their pillow into one of a plurality of desired configurations.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved braided hair pillow device that can be adjusted for different styles of hair and hair braids, as needed. More particularly, there is a demand for a braided hair pillow device that can be adjusted into several different positions to accommodate any type of braided hair and to maintain the support of the user's head and neck while sleeping.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that provides users with an improved pillow that can be used by those who wear their hair in one or more braids while sleeping. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that features a snake-like design with tapered ends that can be adjusted for different styles of hair braids. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that maintains optimal support for the head, neck, and shoulders while sleeping. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be adjusted into several different positions to accommodate any type of braided hair, ensuring anyone can get a good night's rest. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that comprises a thicker central area to accommodate a user's head and neck. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that can be available in different sizes and colors.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a braided hair pillow device. The device is a multipurpose pillow that may be used by those who wear their hair in braids while sleeping. The braided hair pillow device comprises a body component that is configured in a S-shape or snake-like design with a central area that is thicker to accommodate the head and neck, while the ends are tapered for the user's braids. Users can adjust the tapered sections to desired positions for accommodating one or more braids. The curved shape of the pillow device allows the pillow to be positioned in a more comfortable manner for the user. The pillow device can be available in different sizes, colors, and styles.
In this manner, the braided hair pillow device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides optimal support and comfort when sleeping on braided hair. The device is a curved shaped pillow with adjustable ends. The device can be manufactured of a foam material.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a braided hair pillow device. The device is a multipurpose pillow that may be used by those who wear their hair in braids while sleeping. The braided hair pillow device comprises a body component that is configured in an S-shape or snake-like design with a central area that is thicker to accommodate the head and neck, while the ends are tapered for the user's braids. Users can adjust the tapered sections to desired positions for accommodating one or more braids. The curved shape of the pillow device allows the pillow to be positioned in a more comfortable manner for the user.
In one embodiment, the braided hair pillow device comprises a body component. The body component is configured in an S-shape or snake-like design. Typically, the body component is a specialized cushion-like support device or head support pillow that is a unitary, flexible, and contoured article. Specifically, the body component is a continuous, resilient structure having a distinctive S-shape but can be adjusted in other suitable configurations as well, as needed. Further, the pillow device comprises two semi-toroidal or semi-circular support sections, joined at their ends into the S-shape configuration. The first semi-circular support section and the second semi-circular support section, each of which forms a curved opening, are joined to each other in an opposing manner, so as to create an S-shaped contour overall.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a central area that is thicker to accommodate a user's head and neck, while the ends are tapered for the user's hair/braids. The central area is a generally enlarged, flexible area that acts to support a user's head and/or neck. The central area generally terminates in a reduced or tapered end, although these ends may vary somewhat in shape. Typically, the inner edge of the semi-circular support sections comprise a smooth elliptical arc. Furthermore, the pillow device may optionally incorporate a plurality of variable internal chambers for support and variable external fanciful appliqués for aesthetics.
In one embodiment, the vertical thickness is dependent on the degree of support desired but generally ranges from three to eight inches, with the central area having a thickness slightly greater than that of the tapered ends. As the body component is intended to be flexible, it should be noted that the dimensions provided apply to situations in which the body component is supported lengthwise by a planar surface and is not subject to external pressures other than those which are atmospheric in nature and normally present in the environment.
In use, the principal manner of using the S-shaped pillow device is in a lateral or side-lying position or back-lying of the user. In this function, the central area support section of the body component fits under the head and/or neck of the user, providing support to the user's head and/or neck while sleeping, while the user's hairstyle or braids are bolstered or supported by the tapered ends. Although the tapered ends of the body component are shown as generally flat, the body component may have other shaped ends as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the body component is an elongated flattened tube and may be of any length, between its tapered ends, as long as the length is great enough that the body component may be bent upon itself into a C-shape or kidney bean shape, with the opposite ends of the body component coming in close proximity to each other, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the body component is manufactured of a polyurethane or closed-cell foam, etc., that allows for flexibility. Specifically, the central area support allows the user to flexibly position their head during rest and sleep, and the tapered ends can be adjusted, as needed, to support a user's hairstyle and/or braids. Thus, the tapered ends can be adjusted in multiple ways to support a user's hairstyle and/or braids. Specifically, the tapered ends can be utilized in the S-shape, a C-shape, a G-shape, etc., or any other suitable shape as is known in the art.
For example, the tapered ends can be adjusted, such that the tapered ends are brought in close proximity with each other, forming a kidney bean-shaped configuration, made possible by the flexible nature of the body component. In this configuration, the user can rest their head and neck on the central area support, while their braids are supported within the opening created by the tapered ends.
In one embodiment, no matter how the body component is bent, knotted, etc., the body component is stuffed, firm, or supported, such that the self-supporting stiffness or resiliency is not crushed or flattened at the area where it is bent, but there retains at least general firmness to the structure. Moreover, the body component is resilient so that it may assume a shape, such as the C-shape, when the ends are brought in close proximity together, and will not fall limp when it is subsequently unwound into the beginning S-shape, as may occur with pillows in the prior art. However, the body component might deform slightly when it bends. The filling material of the body component is a matter of choice, as discussed above, sufficient to have the body component maintain its rounded and firm, not crushed or bent sharply, cross section.
In one embodiment, the external covering of the body component is like that for any pillow, of a conventional soft fabric, sufficiently strong to enable the body component to maintain its shape as it is bent and to retain its stuffing at any bent area. Any suitable pillow fabric can be used as the external covering, including a smooth fabric, textile, corduroy material, terrycloth, or almost any soft material from which a pillow covering might be constructed.
In one embodiment, the central area support is curved in opposite directions with the central thicker and larger area that descends in size and shape as it spirals in opposite directions, away from the center. The decreasing size allows for adjustability in the configuration of the body component. The curve and decreasing size on one end of the pillow allows for adjustment in individualized head and neck support. The curve and decreasing size on one end of the pillow also allows for adjustment in the placement of a user's hairstyle and/or braids. Specifically, the braided hair pillow device can be used as a head and/or neck support with the curve placed behind the individual's neck, allowing the user's head to rest on the thicker, central area side of the body component. Thus, a user can adjust his or her level of comfort by repositioning the braided hair pillow device to the desired thickness behind the neck and/or head of a user, while supporting a user's hairstyle and/or braids, a feature not available on many existing pillows. Accordingly, the user is not confined to just one position. The braided hair pillow device can be adjusted by the degree of thickness needed for comfort and support of the style hairstyle and/or braids.
In one embodiment, the braided hair pillow device is lightweight, portable, soft, comfortable, machine washable, hypo-allergenic, and offers multi-functional support to the user. It is also portable, lightweight, and convenient for travel.
In one embodiment, the braided hair pillow device comprises a zipper-less slipcover. An overlap opening on the slipcover allows for simple insertion or removal of the body component for convenient washing of the slipcover. The present invention may also be provided without the slipcover, as well.
In one embodiment, the braided hair pillow device is also available in different sizes to meet the different needs of its user, although the S-shape or snake-like configuration of the body component remains the same. Further, a smaller-sized pillow may be used as a travel pillow, or as an infant/young child's head/neck support pillow, etc. A larger-sized pillow can be used to provide neck and head support and may be positioned to offer support to various hairstyles and/or braids.
For aesthetic purposes, the braided hair pillow device can include different colors and/or designs, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In yet another embodiment, the braided hair pillow device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of allowing a user to comfortably sleep with braids in their hair is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a braided hair pillow device comprising a body component configured in an S-shape with a thicker central area and tapered ends. The method also comprises adjusting the tapered ends according to the user's braided hairstyle. Further, the method comprises laying a user's head on the pillow device, such that their head and neck are supported by the thicker central area and their braids are supported by the tapered ends. Finally, the method comprises sleeping on the braided hair pillow device.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that provides users with an improved pillow that can be used by those who wear their hair in one or more braids while sleeping. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that features a snake-like design with tapered ends that can be adjusted for different styles of hair braids. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that maintains optimal support for the head, neck, and shoulders while sleeping. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be adjusted into several different positions to accommodate any type of braided hair, ensuring anyone can get a good night's rest. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that comprises a thicker central area to accommodate a user's head and neck. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a braided hair pillow device that can be available in different sizes and colors.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel braided hair pillow device. The device is a multipurpose pillow that may be used by those who wear their hair in braids while sleeping. The braided hair pillow device comprises a body component that is configured in a S-shape or snake-like design with a central area that is thicker to accommodate the head and neck, while the ends are tapered for the user's braids. Users can adjust the tapered sections to desired positions for accommodating one or more braids. The present invention also includes a novel method of allowing a user to comfortably sleep with braids in their hair. The method includes the steps of providing a braided hair pillow device comprising a body component configured in an S-shape with a thicker central area and tapered ends. The method also comprises adjusting the tapered ends according to the user's braided hairstyle. Further, the method comprises laying a user's head on the pillow device, such that their head and neck are supported by the thicker central area and their braids are supported by the tapered ends. Finally, the method comprises sleeping on the braided hair pillow device.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the braided hair pillow device 100 comprises a body component 102. The body component 102 is configured in an S-shape 128 or snake-like design. Typically, the body component 102 is a specialized cushion-like support device or head support pillow that is a unitary, flexible, and contoured article. Specifically, the body component 102 is a continuous, resilient structure having a distinctive S-shape 128 but can be adjusted in other suitable configurations as well, as needed. Further, the pillow device 100 comprises two semi-toroidal or semi-circular support sections 116, 118, joined at their ends into the S-shape configuration 128. The first semi-circular support section 116 and the second semi-circular support section 118, each of which form a curved opening 120, and are joined to each other in an opposing manner, so as to create an S-shaped contour 128 overall.
Furthermore, the external covering 122 of the body component 102 is like that for any pillow, of a conventional soft fabric, sufficiently strong to enable the body component 102 to maintain its shape as it is bent and to retain its stuffing at any bent area. Any suitable pillow fabric can be used as the external covering 122 as is known in the art, including a smooth fabric, textile, corduroy material, terrycloth, etc., or almost any soft material from which a pillow covering might be constructed, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 114.
Generally, the braided hair pillow device 100 is lightweight, portable, soft, comfortable, machine washable, hypo-allergenic, and offers multi-functional support to the user 114. It is also portable, lightweight, and convenient for travel.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the braided hair pillow device 100 comprises a zipper-less slipcover 124. An overlap opening on the slipcover 124 allows for simple insertion or removal of the body component 102 for convenient washing of the slipcover 124. The present invention may also be provided without the slipcover 124, as well.
In another embodiment, the braided hair pillow device 100 is also available in different sizes to meet the different needs of its user 114, although the S-shape 128 or snake-like configuration of the body component 102 remains the same. Further, a smaller-sized pillow may be used as a travel pillow, or as an infant/young child's head/neck support pillow, etc. A larger-sized pillow can be used to provide neck 112 and head 110 support and may be positioned to offer support to various hairstyles and/or braids 108.
For aesthetic purposes, the braided hair pillow device 100 can include different colors and/or designs, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 114. Or, the slipcover 124 can be offered in different colors and/or designs, as needed.
In yet another embodiment, the braided hair pillow device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 126. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 126 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 126 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be pillow, braids, or brand related.
As shown in
Furthermore, the vertical thickness is dependent on the degree of support desired but generally ranges from one to eight inches, with the central area 104 having a thickness slightly greater than that of the tapered ends 106. As the body component 102 is intended to be flexible, it should be noted that the dimensions provided apply to situations in which the body component 102 is supported lengthwise by a planar surface and is not subject to external pressures other than those which are atmospheric in nature and normally present in the environment.
In use, the principal manner of using the S-shaped pillow device 100 is in a lateral or side-lying, or back-lying position of the user 114. In this function, the central area support section 104 of the body component 102 fits under the head 110 and/or neck 112 of the user 114, providing support to the user's head 110 and/or neck 112 while sleeping, while the user's hairstyle or braids 108 are bolstered or supported by the tapered ends 106. Although the tapered ends 106 of the body component 102 are shown as generally flat, the body component 102 may have other shaped ends as is known in the art.
Additionally, the central area support 104 is curved in opposite directions with the central thicker and larger area that descends in size and shape as it spirals in opposite directions, away from the center. The decreasing size allows for adjustability in the configuration of the body component 102. The curve and decreasing size on one end of the pillow 100 allows for adjustment in individualized head and neck support. The curve and decreasing size on one end of the pillow 100 also allows for adjustment in the placement of a user's hair style and/or braids 108. Specifically, the braided hair pillow device 100 can be used as a head 110 and/or neck 112 support with the curve placed behind the individual's neck 112, allowing the user's head 110 to rest on the thicker, central area 104 side of the body component 102. Thus, a user 114 can adjust his or her level of comfort by repositioning the braided hair pillow device 100 to the desired thickness behind the neck 112 and/or head 110 of a user 114, while supporting a user's hairstyle and/or braids 108, a feature not available on many existing pillows. Accordingly, the user 114 is not confined to just one position. The braided hair pillow device 100 can be adjusted by the degree of thickness needed for comfort and support of the style hairstyle and/or braids 108.
As shown in
Further, the body component 102 is manufactured of a polyurethane or closed-cell foam, etc., that allows for flexibility. Specifically, the central area support 104 allows the user 114 to flexibly position their head 110 during rest and sleep, and the tapered ends 106 can be adjusted, as needed, to support a user's hairstyle and/or braids 108. Thus, the tapered ends 106 can be adjusted in multiple ways to support a user's hairstyle and/or braids 108. Specifically, the tapered ends 106 can be utilized in the S-shape 128, a C-shape 400, a G-shape, etc., or any other suitable shape as is known in the art.
For example, the tapered ends 106 can be adjusted, such that the tapered ends 106 are brought in close proximity with each other, forming a kidney bean-shaped configuration, made possible by the flexible nature of the body component 102. In this configuration, the user 114 can rest their head 110 and neck 112 on the central area support 104, while their braids 108 are supported within the opening 120 created by the tapered ends 106.
In one embodiment, no matter how the body component 102 is bent, knotted, etc., the body component 102 is stuffed, firm, or supported, such that the self-supporting stiffness or resiliency is not crushed or flattened at the area where it is bent, but there retains at least general firmness to the structure. Moreover, the body component 102 is resilient so that it may assume a shape, such as the C-shape 400, when the ends 106 are brought in close proximity together, and will not fall limp when it is subsequently unwound into the beginning S-shape 128, as may occur with pillows in the prior art. However, the body component 102 might deform slightly when it bends. The filling material of the body component 102 is a matter of choice, as discussed above, sufficient to have the body component 102 maintain its rounded and firm, not crushed or bent sharply, cross section.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “braided hair pillow device”, “pillow device”, “hair pillow device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the braided hair pillow device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the braided hair pillow device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the braided hair pillow device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/501,198, which was filed on May 10, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63501198 | May 2023 | US |
