Patent Application
20190281974
The present invention relates to lap pillows. More specifically, the invention provides a lunic member defined by two converging arcs intersecting at two discrete points with a plurality of elastic straps disposed atop and at least one clasp along a perimeter thereof.
Many people are born with physical or mental disabilities, giving them limited ability to control their motor functions, such as when the individual suffers from cerebral palsy. Additionally, others without such disabilities can have difficulty with coordination or general weakness, such as young children and the elderly. Often, these individuals enjoy playing with toys, reading a book, or using a personal electronic device. However, it can be difficult for them to perform these mundane tasks, as they may not be able to adequately manipulate or hold the device. While it is possible a nurse or assistant could hold the device for them, this can be frustrating or upsetting to the individual when their independence is desired. Thus, an improved lap pillow that can efficiently provide convenience for the user when desiring to secure devices like toys or books atop a pillow in an easily reachable position when seated for those users with limited access.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of lap pillows now present in the known art, the present invention provides a lap pillow wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when desiring to secure devices like toys or books atop a pillow in a reachable position to improve the user experience for those with limited access.
The present system comprises a lap pillow. The lap pillow comprises a lunic member defined by an exterior circular arc having an outer diameter and an outer apex overlapping an interior circular arc having an inner diameter and an inner apex aligned with the outer apex, wherein the exterior circular arc intersects the interior circular arc at two discrete points aligned with one another such that a convex-convex area is formed therebetween the exterior circular arc and the interior circular arc. A plurality of elastic straps are disposed atop the lunic member converge at an apex of the lunic member. At least one clasp is disposed along a perimeter of the lunic member. In this way, a user is able to secure devices atop a pillow in a reachable position to improve the user experience for those with limited access.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the lap pillow. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to
The lunic member 11 includes an external surface 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the external surface 103 is composed of an easy to clean material with a friction coefficient greater than one, such as rubber or plastic, thereby allowing a user to rest items atop the external surface 103 without worrying about the items slipping off and can easily clean the surface should it become dirty.
A plurality of elastic straps 14 are disposed around the lunic member 11, wherein the elastic straps 14 are biased towards the lunic member 11. In this way, the elastic straps 14 rest flush against the external surface 103 when not in use and exert a force against an object placed therein, such that the object is secured to the lunic member 11. The elastic straps 14 are composed of an elastic or stretchy material, such that the user can pull an elastic strap 14 outwardly from the lunic member 11 to place an item thereon, allowing the elastic strap 14 to secure the item in place. The elastic straps 14 are configured to meet at an apex of the lunic member 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic straps 14 meet at both the outer apex of the exterior circular 12 and the inner apex of the interior circular arc 13, such that a secure holding area is formed at a center 104 of the lunic member 11, where an item can be secured using multiple elastic straps 14. In the illustrated embodiment, a mobile device, such as a smartphone, is removably secured to the lunic member 11 via the elastic straps 14 at the center 104 thereof. In some embodiments, the lunic member 11 further comprises weighted element therein. The weighted element is configured to provide emotional grounding to individuals with sensory processing disorders, such as anxiety, autism, and the like.
At least one clasp 15 is disposed along a perimeter of the lunic member 11. In the illustrated embodiment, a clasp 15 is positioned at the interior apex with an additional clasp 15 positioned at the exterior apex. In the shown embodiment, each clasp 15 is configured to unlatch, such as via a carabiner system, such that a user can place or more toys or rings within the clasp 15. In this way, a child utilizing the lap pillow 10 can play with the item attached to the clasp 15 without fear of losing or misplacing the toy.
In the shown embodiment, the lap pillow 10 further comprises a securing strap 16, having a first end affixed to the first intersecting point 101 and a second end affixed to the second intersecting point 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing strap 16 is permanently affixed to the lunic pillow 11 at the first intersecting point 101 and the second intersecting point 102. However, in other embodiments, the securing strap 16 is removably secured to the lunic pillow 11. In the shown embodiment, the securing strap 16 further comprises a fastener 17, such that the securing strap 16 can be detached to secure around the torso of the user. In other embodiments, the securing strap 16 is adjustable in length, such as via a buckle system.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the clasps 15 are disposed along the exterior circular arc 12 of the lunic member 11, and are composed of a sewn material, such that the clasps 15 are securely affixed to the lunic member 11 and permanently positioned along the exterior circular arc 12. Thus, in the shown embodiment, additional removable clasps 151 are affixed to the clasps 15. In this way, the user can continue to utilize the removable clasps 151 as previously described without fear the clasps 15 may break due to reinforced use or distress, should a child continually pull on the toy affixed to the clasps 15. In some embodiments, the clasps 15 are disposed along the outer exterior circular arc 12 at regular intervals, thereby ensuring that toys or other objects secured thereto are evenly distributed about the lap pillow.
Referring now to
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a toy is removably secured to the removable clasp 151 affixed to the clasp 15. In this way, the user can easily grasp and interact with the toy, without fear of the toy being lost, dropped, or otherwise misplaced. Additionally, the toy can be removably secured to the removable clasp 151 via a spring 71 or alternate securing mechanism, thereby ensuring that the toy returns to the lunic member 11 in the event of the toy being dropped. In some embodiments, the spring 71 is removably secured to the clasp 15 and can receive a toy thereon via a removable clasp 151 attached thereto.
Referring now to
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/643,849 filed on Mar. 16, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62643849 | Mar 2018 | US |
