FIELD
The present application relates generally to the field of pillows, and in particular to pillows that may provide comfort or support to different parts of the body, generally referred to as body pillows.
BACKGROUND
Body pillows are a common product sold globally in store and online, and are widely used for comfort and support during sleep, rest and relaxation. While there are many different body pillows on the market presently, they currently have a number of limitations. With shapes that tend to focus on linear or cylindrical components, existing body pillows are not optimised for the natural curves or various positionings of the human body, and are not optimized for hugging. Due to their size and/or lack of independently flexible components, they do not adequately mould or adapt to various positions or settings (such as chairs, couches, beds and the various sleeping positions), and their versatility of use is limited. Due to their size, existing body pillows can also be difficult to adjust or manoeuvre as the user changes positions, and they can be challenging to use in limited spaces such as shared bed spaces.
Furthermore, existing body pillows are not designed to incorporate heat application, an addition could significantly improve the comfort of the product and also provide the user with benefits of heat application such as pain relief and muscle relaxation.
This invention addresses these limitations, ultimately providing improved comfort, support and versatility, as well as a way to incorporate heat and the corresponding benefits of heat application.
SUMMARY
The Contoured Body Pillow presented in this invention offers improved comfort, support, and versatility for users by combining an innovative shape with adaptable features. In its preferred embodiment, the pillow comprises a larger droplet-shaped section and a smaller droplet-shaped section joined by a flexible neck. This unique configuration is optimized for the body's natural contours and positionings, and provides enhanced hugging comfort.
Moreover, the flexible neck allows independent rotation of the pillow sections, enabling greater adaptability to various positions and settings. Combined with the size and shape of the pillow, this versatility enhances the pillow's usability in different environments, including shared sleeping spaces and compact areas like couches or vehicle seats, and allows the user to adjust and move with the pillow as they change positions.
Additionally, the incorporation of a compartment, such as a pocket or pouch, within one or more sections of the pillow allows for the insertion of a heat source, such as a microwavable heat pack. This feature enhances user comfort and offers therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Further features and benefits of the pillow will become apparent from the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a two-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1 with the top section rotated at more than 90 degrees away from the bottom section.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view the pillow shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a two-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a two-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a pillow-cover for a two-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a pillow-cover for a two-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the pillow-cover shown in FIG. 11 demonstrating the opening.
FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a three-section contoured body pillow.
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the pillow shown in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, the contoured body pillow (hereinafter, the “body pillow” or “pillow”) will be described by the embodiments. It should be noted that while specific proportions of the pillow sections are used to illustrate embodiments of the pillow, the teachings of this application can also be used for different sizes and proportions. Throughout the drawings, dots are used to represent approximate depth, and solid lines are used to demonstrate the perimeter of the pillow as well as to highlight certain areas of curvature and depth. Different drawings utilise difference concentrations of dots to illustrate depth, however the dots are simply to aid in conceptualising the pillow and do not specifically convey any particular depth.
A first embodiment of the pillow 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, which depicts a front elevation view of the pillow 100. The pillow 100 comprises a first rounded section 108 and a second rounded section 102, joined at points 106a and 106b to create the neck 104 of the pillow 100. In the embodiment of the pillow 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the first rounded section 108 is larger than the second rounded section 102, however varying proportions may be used. In multiple potential uses of the pillow 100, the narrowing of the perimeters of the first rounded section 108 and second rounded section 102 as they approach the neck 104 creates indentations in the pillow 100 towards points 106a and 106b that allow a user to comfortably position and adjust their arms or other body part/s. The contour created by the convergence of the first rounded section 108 and the second rounded section 102 towards the neck 104 allows the first rounded section 108 and the second rounded section 102 of the pillow 100 to rotate laterally to each other, allowing the pillow 100 to mould and adapt to various positions and settings. This will be further demonstrated in FIG. 6. It should also be noted that the rear elevation view of this embodiment of the pillow 100 is identical to the front view, which will be further demonstrated in the side view shown in FIG. 3.
Exemplary, non-limiting dimensions of the pillow 100 include a length L100 of approximately 100 cm, with a first rounded section 108 length L108 of approximately 58 cm, a second rounded section 102 length L102 of approximately 42 cm, a first rounded section 108 width W108 of approximately 50 cm, a second rounded section 102 width W102 of approximately 40 cm, and a neck width between points 106a and 106b of approximately 20 cm.
The first embodiment of the pillow 100 is also illustrated with a bottom perspective view in FIG. 2. A hemline 110 is shown on the lateral aspect of the pillow 100 in FIG. 2, illustrating one non-limiting method of assembling the pillow 100 whereby two identical pieces of fabric shaped into the outline of the pillow 100 shown in FIG. 1 are sewn together to create a lateral hemline of the same shape. While the elevation view of the pillow 100 in FIG. 2 depicts the second rounded section 102 of the pillow 100 as being in line with the first rounded section 108, given the rotatability of the neck 104, the second rounded section 102 can rotate laterally left or right relative to the first rounded section 108, which will be further demonstrated in FIG. 6.
A side view of the pillow 100 is shown in FIG. 3. In this particular embodiment of the pillow 100, FIG. 3 demonstrates that the depth of the pillow may be less than the width of the pillow, such that on side view the pillow 100 appears much narrower than on front or rear view. From FIG. 3 it can also be seen that the front aspect F of this particular embodiment of the pillow 100 is identical to the rear aspect R, with the front aspect F affixed to the rear aspect R and joined at the hemline 110, however other embodiments of the pillow 100 may not have defined front or rear aspects, some embodiments have a uniform curved surface, and some embodiments do not incorporate a hemline.
FIG. 4 And FIG. 5 illustrate the top plan and bottom plan views of pillow 100 respectively. From the top view in FIG. 4, the size difference between the second rounded section 102 and the first rounded section 108 of this particular embodiment of the pillow 100 can be seen, as well as the lateral hemline 110 of the pillow 100 previously demonstrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
The rotation of the second rounded section 102 in relation to the first rounded section 108 of the pillow 100 is illustrated in FIG. 6, with the rotation of the material at the neck 104. In FIG. 6, the second rounded section 102 is rotated at an angle of over 90° in comparison to the first rounded section 108. This rotation of the second rounded section 102 and the first rounded section 108 in relation to each other allows the pillow 100 to better mould and adapt to various positions and settings, making the pillow 100 much more versatile in its use compared to existing body pillows. For example, a user lying on their side in the fetal position, resting their head on an ordinary bed pillow, may hug the second rounded section 102 of the pillow 100 with the front aspect F pressed against their chest, providing comfort and support to the upper limbs and shoulders, while the first rounded section 108 is placed between their legs such that the front aspect F and the rear aspect R of the first rounded section 108 are pressed between the user's thighs and knees, thus providing comfort and support to the lower limbs and spine. As another example, a user lying on their side in the fetal position without a regular bed pillow may use the second rounded section 102 of the pillow 100 as they would a regular pillow under their head, and rotate the first rounded section 108 and hug it such that the front aspect For the rear aspect R of the first rounded section 108 presses against their chest, providing upper body support. As a further example, a person sitting in the fetal position on a couch, positioned such that their spine faces one arm of the couch and their toes point towards the other, may rest the second rounded section 102 of the pillow 100 against the top of the back cushions of the couch, and rotate the first rounded section 108 such that they are able to hug it with the front aspect F and the rear aspect R of the first rounded section 108 pressed against their chest and anterior upper legs, thus providing a comforting, well supported position on the couch. Similarly, the pillow 100 may be used by a passenger in a vehicle, train or airplane. The passenger may lean the second rounded section 102 against a window and rest their head against it, and also rotate the first rounded section 108 to an angle whereby they are able to hug either aspect of the first rounded section 108 against their chest and body. It should be noted that there are many more examples of the versatility and adaptability of the pillow 100, and ultimately each user may find various preferred positions based on variables such as height, joint stability, general comfort and general preference. FIG. 6 also demonstrates that in some embodiments of the pillow 100, an opening device 120 such as a zip may be incorporated, which will be discussed further in reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view the pillow 100 shown in FIG. 1. The pillow 100 may comprise a fabric encasing 112 that encloses a fill material 114, such as but not limited to polyester filling, cotton filling, foam pieces, a single foam unit, or feathers. In some embodiments of the pillow 100, an opening device 120 such as a zip may be incorporated, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, it may be sewn into a hemline of the bottom aspect of the first rounded section 108 of certain embodiments of the pillow 100, as a means of adding, removing or adjusting fill material. Alternatively, the pillow 100 may also be fully enclosed without an opening device. Material partitions 122 and/or 124 may be incorporated into the inside of the pillow 100 as a means of segmenting material fill to particular sections of the pillow 100, which may be a useful way to stop material fill moving away from the neck 104 as it is twisted and rotated over time. Conversely, other embodiments have no material partitions, and the natural spreading of fill material away from the neck over time may be considered beneficial in itself, allowing further flexibility of the neck 104.
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the pillow 100, whereby a compartment 116, such as a pocket or pouch, is incorporated into or onto one or both of the rounded sections. This compartment 116 allows the user to insert a heat source, such as a microwavable heat pack. The incorporation of a heat source provides the user with added comfort when they use the pillow 100, as well as other benefits of heat application, such as pain relief and muscle relaxation. A user experiencing abdominal cramps, for example, may benefit significantly from heat application by hugging the pillow against them with the heat source inserted. More specifically, to take the abovementioned use case of a user hugging the first rounded section 108 of the pillow 100 as they rest their head against the second rounded section 102, sitting in the fetal position on the couch, the warmth of the heat source pressed against their abdomen could help alleviate ailments such as abdominal cramps, and provide a generally soothing sensation. As another example, a user may insert a heat source and cuddle the pillow in bed during colder weather for warmth and comfort, and may even be able to reduce energy expenditure on other forms of heating, such as heaters and electric blankets, as a result. The compartment 116 may be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may or may not include a fastening device such as a button or other fastening device. The specific manner in which the compartment 116 is incorporated into the pillow 100 is not limited, and may take the form of an addendum to the pillow 100 or a pouch sewn on or into the pillow 100, as examples.
Another embodiment of the pillow 100 is shown in FIG. 9, whereby the neck 104 of the pillow 100 is elongated. This added distance between the second rounded section 102 and the first rounded section 108 may be useful in certain circumstances, such as with taller users, various pillow positions, or user preference.
From the descriptions described above, it is clear the teaching of the present application in reference to the pillow 100 has numerous advantages. Different embodiments or implementations may result in one or more of the following advantages, however this list is not exhaustive. For example, one advantage of the teaching of this application is that it provides for a contoured body pillow that is better optimised for the natural curves and various positionings of the human body, providing better comfort and support for the user, and is particularly optimised for hugging. Existing body pillows, which tend to focus more on linear or cylindrical components, are far more limited in this regard. Other advantages include the adjustability and manoeuvrability of the pillow 100 as the user changes positions, as well as the versatility of the pillow 100 in different settings and user positions. These tend to be much more limited with existing body pillows, which are generally bigger, bulkier and more difficult to adapt or manoeuvre. As a novel feature, preferred embodiments of the pillow 100 that incorporate a compartment for a heat source also provide the user with additional comfort as well as the benefits of heat application, such as pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Another embodiment of the pillow 100 further comprises a removable cover shaped to conform to the shape of the body pillow when the body pillow is in the resting position. A first embodiment of a removable cover 200 shaped to conform to the shape of the body pillow 100 is shown in FIG. 10. The removable cover 200 may have multiple additional benefits, including but not limited to being able to remove and wash the outer component of the pillow and removable cover combination, as well as being able to replace removable covers 200 and switch one removable cover 200 with another removable cover 200 of a different material. This embodiment of the removable cover 200 further comprises an opening device 210, such as a zip, which may be used to insert or remove the pillow. This embodiment also comprises a compartment 212, such as a pocket or pouch, allowing the user to insert a heat source, such as a microwavable heat pack, into the removable cover. Some embodiments do not incorporate such a compartment.
An alternative opening 204 in the removable cover 200 is demonstrated in FIG. 11. In this particular embodiment of the removable cover, the opening 204 is formed in the assembly of the removable cover, wherein the rear aspect of the removable cover is comprised of two overlapping pieces of material. FIG. 12 demonstrates the opening of the opening 204, with one piece of material 206 overlapped by another piece of material 204. This opening also allows for the pillow to be inserted or removed, and may also incorporate a compartment wherein the user can place a heat source.
An embodiment of a three-sectioned contoured body pillow 300 is shown in FIG. 13, comprising a first rounded section 306 with a generally droplet-shaped profile, a second rounded section 304, and a third rounded section 302 with a generally droplet-shaped profile. It also comprises a first neck 310 wherein the first rounded section 306 and the second rounded section 304 merge, creating a narrowed connection, and a second neck 308 wherein the second rounded section 304 and the third rounded section 302 merge. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the first rounded section 306 is larger than the second rounded section 304 and third rounded section 302.
As with the two-section pillow 100 described above, in multiple potential uses of the three-section pillow 300, the narrowing of the perimeters of the sections as they approach the necks creates indentations in the pillow 300 that allow a user to comfortably position and adjust their arms or other body part/s. The contour caused by the convergence of the sections towards the necks, aided by the fabric material of this embodiment, allows the sections of the pillow 300 to rotate laterally to each other, allowing the pillow 300 to mould and adapt to various positions and settings.
A side view of the pillow 300 is shown in FIG. 14. In this particular embodiment of pillow 300, FIG. 14 demonstrates that the depth of the pillow 300 may be less than the width of the pillow, such that on side view the pillow appears much narrower than on front or rear view. In one embodiment, consistent with FIG. 14, the pillow 300 may comprise a fabric encasing that encloses a fill material, such as but not limited to polyester filling, cotton filling, foam pieces, a single foam unit, or feathers. In some embodiments of the pillow 300, an opening device 312 such as a zip may be incorporated. For example, it may be sewn into a hemline 314 of the bottom aspect of the first rounded section 306 of certain embodiments of the pillow 300, as a means of adding, removing or adjusting fill material, however the pillow 300 may also be fully enclosed without an opening device. From FIG. 14 it can also be seen that the front aspect of this particular embodiment of the pillow 300 is identical to the rear aspect, with the front aspect affixed to the rear aspect and joined at the hemline 314. However, other embodiments of the pillow 300 may not have defined front or rear aspects, some embodiments have a uniform curved surface, and some embodiments do not incorporate a hemline.
As with the two-section pillow 100, some embodiments of the three-section pillow 300 also incorporate a compartment, such as a pocket or pouch, onto or into any of the rounded sections. A user may place a heat source, such as a microwavable heat pack, into the compartment. As discussed above in reference to the pillow 100, this may provide further comfort as well as other benefits of heat application, such as pain relief and muscle relation.
In one embodiment of the pillow 300, the pillow 300 further comprises a removable cover shaped to conform to the shape of the pillow. The removable cover may have multiple additional benefits, including but not limited to the ability to remove and wash the outer component of the pillow and removable cover combination, the ability to replace removable covers, and the ability to switch one removable cover with another removable cover of a different material. Some embodiments of the removable cover further comprise an opening device, such as a zip, which may be used to insert or remove the pillow 300. Alternatively, some embodiments of the removable cover further comprise an opening, wherein the opening is formed in the assembly of the removable cover, and wherein the rear aspect of the removable cover is comprised of two overlapping pieces of material to form the opening.
From the descriptions of the three-section body pillow 300 described above, it is clear the teaching of the present application in reference to the pillow 300 has numerous similar advantages to the two-section pillow 100 above in comparison to existing body pillows. Like the two-section body pillow 100, one advantage of the teaching of this application in reference to the three-section body pillow 300 is that it provides for a contoured body pillow that is better optimised for the natural curves and various positionings of the human body, and is particularly optimised for hugging. Existing body pillows, which tend to focus more on linear or cylindrical components, are far more limited in this regard. Other advantages include the adjustability and manoeuvrability of the pillow 300 as the user changes positions, as well as the versatility of the pillow 300 in different settings and user positions. These tend to be much more limited with existing body pillows, which are generally bigger, bulkier and more difficult to adapt or manoeuvre. As a novel feature, preferred embodiments of the pillow that incorporate a compartment for a heat source also provide the user with additional comfort as well as the benefits of heat application, such as pain relief and muscle relaxation. With the main difference between the three-section body pillow 300 and the two-section body pillow 100 being a third middle section, the benefits of one compared to the other will come down to factors such as user height and build, and user preference. Some users may prefer the manoeuvrability of the two-section body pillow 100 compared to the three-section body pillow 300, whereas some users may prefer the additional support provided by the third segment of the pillow 300, as non-limiting examples.
The various aspects of what is described above can be used alone or in combination with one another. A preferred embodiment is described above so as to enable one having skill in the art to understand, make, and use the same. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the description above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that some embodiments include only those elements and features described, or a subset thereof, and no other elements or features. To the extent that modifications do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof. The description and drawings of the specific embodiments herein do not point out what an infringement of this parent would be, but rather provide non-limiting examples of how to use and made the invention.
Patent Application
20240398126
