TECHNICAL FIELD
The embodiments described herein generally relate to pillows.
BACKGROUND
Traditional seating arrangements such as lounge chairs, sofas, couches, or the like offer options for users to lie on their back. However, traditional seating and lounge chairs do not offer a comfortable, convenient means for a user to lie face down. Lying face down has been shown to promote oxygen intake during breathing, particular in the treatment of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, to alleviate difficulty in breathing.
A novel pillow system is desirous such that users are provided a convenient means for a user to lie face down either to promote comfort and/or wellness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 12 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 13 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 14 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure;
FIG. 15 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure; and
FIG. 16 illustrates a top-down view of one variation of a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system consistent with this disclosure.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described systems and apparatuses. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the systems and apparatuses. Accordingly, the system and apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.
In general, the disclosure relates to a modular freestanding face down neck pillow system or apparatus that may convert use of a standard lie-flat chair into a more comfortable, ergonomic, and enjoyable experience, particularly while a user is lying face down on the chair. The modular freestanding face down neck pillow system may provide a means for a user to lie face down to increase comfort and wellness with respect to improved breathing.
The neck pillow system or apparatus (used interchangeably herein) may be attached or otherwise coupled to or with the head of a chair. In such an arrangement, a user may lie face down comfortably on the chair while their head and neck are supported in or by an ergonomic massage style pillow with the user's head and neck in perfect alignment with their spine. The neck pillow may include a cushion portion including a material such as foam, down, padding, or the like. The neck pillow system's height may be set at the height of a typical chair and may be adjustable to match the height of a particular chair so that a user's head and neck are optimally cradled and not under strain or held at an otherwise uncomfortable angle. A pass through or hole in the neck pillow system may prevent obstructed or otherwise allow unobstructed breathing when a user is lying face down and using the neck pillow system. The neck pillow system may include an anti-tilt bar that operably fits under or may be otherwise arranged with the head of a chair. The anti-tilt bar may be constructed and arranged to prevent the neck pillow system from tilting over (e.g., forward, backward, to a side, or a combination thereof) during use. The neck pillow system may also include a locking mechanism to lockably couple the neck pillow system to a chair and hinder or otherwise prevent theft of the neck pillow system. The locking mechanism may include a vice mechanism, knob lock, lever handle lock, cam lock, or the like. The locking mechanism may also include one or more of a number of locks, such as a key in hole, biometric, tumble lock, alpha/numeric lock, or others in various embodiments.
In various embodiments, the neck pillow system may accommodate one, multiple, or numerous styles and sizes of neck pillows ranging from typical massage style neck pillows of varying sizes that are operable to fully cradle a user's face, small profile neck pillows in multiple sizes that may limit the amount of contact between person's face and the pillow, and others. As a non-limiting example, a small crescent shaped forehead pillow may minimize contact between a user's face and/or neck and the pillow. This arrangement may not interfere with a user wearing glasses. The system may further include a media table constructed and arranged to allow a user to support and view a book, electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or other item or object while lying face down. The media table may be adjustable in height and position. The neck pillow system may further include accessories such as one or more armrests, mirrors, drink holders, cell phone holders, lockable waterproof storage compartments, or power charger blocks such as a rechargeable battery with accompanying charging port for devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or the like.
In some embodiments, the neck pillow system may can include at least one support connected to the chassis and being constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the neck pillow system to a chair and to prevent tipping of the chair or neck pillow system. The at least one support may be a bracket, kickstand, leg, telescoping rod, or extendable member constructed and arranged to pivot, extend, or otherwise reach a flat surface below the chair to support the neck pillow system and preventing tilting of the chair.
Referring to FIG. 1, a neck pillow system 100 may include at least one cushion portion 106 defining a face rest 108. The cushion portion 106 may be connected to a cushion support structure 124 in mechanical communication with a first frame 102 or second frame 104. Extendable legs may support the frame via a first leg portion 110 in mechanical communication with the second leg portion 112 attached to feet 120 at foot pivot 122. The extendable legs may include telescoping extension functionality including telescoping locking mechanisms 116 and 118. In general, the first frame 102 and second frame 104 may include a plurality of extendable legs for supporting the neck pillow system as well as supporting the head of a user resting their head on the cushion portion 106.
Referring to FIG. 2, a neck pillow system 100 may include at least one cushion portion 106 defining a face rest 108 and gap 126 therein. The cushion portion 106 may be connected to a cushion support structure 124 in mechanical communication with a first frame 102 or second frame 104. A crossmember 128 may extend between a portion of the first frame 102 to provide rigid structure there too and to further facilitate attachment of the cushion 106 to the cushion support structure 124. Extendable legs may support the frame via a first leg portion 110 in mechanical communication with the second leg portion 112 attached to feet 120 at foot pivot 122. The extendable legs may include telescoping extension functionality including telescoping locking mechanisms 116 and 118.
FIG. 3 depicts a neck pillow system 100 with a removed cushion portion. The cushion portion 106 may be connected to a cushion support structure 124 via a cushion connection 130, such as a reusable adhesive or hook-and-loop pads. A crossmember 128 may extend between a portion of the first frame 102 to provide rigid structure there too and to further facilitate attachment of the cushion 106 to the cushion support structure 124. Extendable legs may support the frame via a first leg portion 110 in mechanical communication with the second leg portion 112 attached to feet 120 at foot pivot 122. The extendable legs may include telescoping extension functionality including telescoping locking mechanisms 116 and 118. A lockbox 300 may be affixed to any of the first leg portion 110 or second leg portion 112 for securely storing a user's belongings.
Referring to FIG. 4, a neck pillow system 100 may include at least one cushion portion 106 defining a face rest 108 and gap 126 therein. The cushion portion 106 may be connected to a cushion support structure 124 in mechanical communication with only a first frame 102. A crossmember 128 may extend between a portion of the first frame 102 to provide rigid structure thereto and to further facilitate attachment of the cushion 106 to the cushion support structure 124. Extendable legs may support the frame via a first leg portion 110 in mechanical communication with the second leg portion 112 attached to feet 120 at foot pivot 122. The extendable legs may include telescoping extension functionality including telescoping locking mechanisms 116 and 118. A smart device or phone holder 202 and drink holder 140 may be affixed to any of the extendible legs or frames to allow a user to seat a drink or item therein. The smart device or phone holder 202 and drink holder 140 may be a single component as shown in FIG. 5 or separate components attached to any of the legs of the neck pillow system 100.
FIG. 5 depicts a neck pillow system 100 with a removed cushion portion and a cushion support structure 124. The cushion support structure 124 may be mechanically connected to a first cushion support slide mechanism 132 and a second cushion support slide mechanism 134. The cushion support slide mechanisms may include any extendable mechanism sufficient to allow the cushion support structure to extend away from the 1st frame 102 and extendable legs. The cushion support slide mechanisms may include mechanisms such as, but not limited to, drawer slides, telescoping members, or the like. A slide mechanism support 130 may affix a portion of the cushion support slide mechanism 132 and second cushion support slide mechanism 134 to the first frame 102 or crossmember 128. Extendible legs may support the frame via a first leg portion 110 in mechanical communication with the second leg portion 112 and an optional second frame 104. A smart device or phone holder 202 and drink holder 140 may be affixed to any of the extendible legs or frames to allow a user to seat a drink or item therein. The smart device or phone holder 202 and drink holder 140 may be a single component as shown in FIG. 5 or separate components attached to any of the legs of the neck pillow system 100.
The neck pillow system 100 may also include an internal RFID tag or GPS location device (not shown) to prevent theft of the system or to allow GPS location of the system via smart device.
The neck pillow system 100 may further include a power charger block such as a rechargeable battery 206 with accompanying charging ports 204, such as USB, for devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or the like. The rechargeable battery 204 and charging ports 204 may be integrated with the smart device holder 202 or integrated elsewhere within the neck pillow system 100.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame 104 may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. According to some embodiments, the first frame 102, second frame 104, and plurality of legs 110 may make up a generally square frame. At least one armrest 150 may be pivotably attached to the first frame 102 via an armrest bracket 152 and pivoting connection 154.
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame 104 may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. At least one armrest 150 may be pivotably attached to the second frame 104 via an armrest bracket 152 and pivoting connection 154.
FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame 104 may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip mechanism may include an extendable anti-tip member 160 and accompanying anti-tip slide mechanism 162 connected to the first frame 102. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. The anti-tip slide mechanism 162 may include any extendable mechanism sufficient to allow the anti-tip member 160 to extend away from the first frame 102 and extendable legs. The anti-tip slide mechanisms 162 may include mechanisms such as, but not limited to, drawer slides, telescoping members, or the like.
FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame 104 may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. The system may further include a media table or an adjustable height second frame substrate 180 constructed and arranged to allow a user to support and view a book, electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or other item or object while lying face down. The media table 180 may be adjustable in height and position. According to some embodiments, the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 may be height adjustable via slidable brackets 200 which may allow both the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 and the second frame 104 to travel vertically along the plurality of legs 110 and be lockable at a variety of positions along the plurality of legs 110. At least one view redirecting mirror 170 that may be pivotably attached to the second frame 104 or a adjustable height second frame substrate 180. Alternatively, the view redirecting mirror 170 that may be freestanding on the second frame 104, the media table 180, or freestanding on a surface or substrate distinct from the system.
FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame 104 may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An adjustable height second frame substrate 180 may be attached to second frame 104 to provide a surface on which a device, book, mirror, or armrest may be positioned or disposed such that a user may view items on the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 when position on the cushion 106. According to some embodiments, the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 may be height adjustable via slidable brackets 200 which may allow the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 to travel vertically separate from the second frame 104 along the plurality of legs 110 and be lockable at a variety of positions along the plurality of legs 110. Slidable brackets 200 may be clamps, clips, or the like.
FIG. 11 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. According to some embodiments, the first frame 102 and plurality of legs may make up a generally pentagonal frame. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system.
FIG. 12 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. A first pair of armrests 150 may be disposed on the first frame 102, as well as a second pair of armrests 150, each being constructed and arranged to allow a user to comfortably seat their arms thereon during use of the neck pillow system.
FIG. 13 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. An adjustable height second frame substrate 180 may be attached to second frame (not shown) to provide a surface on which a device, book, mirror, or armrest may be positioned or disposed such that a user may view items on the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 when position on the cushion 106.
FIG. 14 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. A first pair of armrests 150 may be disposed on the first frame 102, as well as a second pair of armrests 150, each being constructed and arranged to allow a user to comfortably seat their arms thereon during use of the neck pillow system. An adjustable height second frame substrate 180 may be attached to second frame (not shown) to provide a surface on which a device, book, mirror, or armrest may be positioned or disposed such that a user may view items on the adjustable height second frame substrate 180 when the user's face is in an appropriate position on the cushion 106.
FIG. 15 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. A third pair of armrests 190 may be disposed on the second frame (not shown), each being constructed and arranged to allow a user to comfortably seat their arms thereon during use of the neck pillow system. A second frame surface substrate 180 may be attached to second frame (not shown) to provide a surface on which a device, book, mirror, or armrest may be positioned or disposed such that a user may view items on the substrate 180 when the user's face is in an appropriate position on the cushion 106.
FIG. 16 depicts a top-down view of a neck pillow system including a cushion 106 disposed on a first frame 102 connected to a plurality of legs 110. A second frame (not shown) may be connected to the plurality of legs 110. An anti-tip member 160 may extend away from the first frame 102 and plurality of legs 110. The anti-tip member 160 may engage with a chair to prevent tipping of the chair or the neck pillow system. A first pair of armrests 150 may be disposed on the first frame 102, as well as a second pair of armrests 150, each being constructed and arranged to allow a user to comfortably seat their arms thereon during use of the neck pillow system. A third pair of armrests 190 may be disposed on the second frame (not shown), each being constructed and arranged to allow a user to comfortably seat their arms thereon during use of the neck pillow system. A second frame surface substrate 180 may be attached to second frame (not shown) to provide a surface on which a device, book, mirror, or armrest may be positioned or disposed such that a user may view items on the substrate 180 when the user's face is in an appropriate position on the cushion 106.
The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.
According to variation 1, a modular, freestanding, face down neck pillow system may include at least one chassis; at least one pillow support member; at least one cushion portion attached to the at least one pillow support member, the at least one cushion portion defining at least one through-hole; at least one cover disposed at least partially over the at least one cushion; at least one locking mechanism affixed to the at least one chassis, the at least one locking mechanism being constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the neck pillow system to a chair; and at least one support attached to the chassis, the at least one support being constructed and arranged to facilitate supporting of the neck pillow system and preventing tilting of the chair.
Variation 2 may include a system as in variation 1 and may further include at least one support positioning mechanism in mechanical communication with the at least one support, the at least one support positioning mechanism being constructed and arranged to facilitate positioning of the at least one support.
Variation 3 may include a system as in any of variations 1 or 2, wherein the at least one locking mechanism is at least one of a vice mechanism, knob lock, lever handle lock, or cam lock constructed and arranged to connect to a chair.
Variation 4 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 3, wherein the at least one support is at least one of a bracket, kickstand, leg, telescoping rod, or extendable member.
Variation 5 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 4, wherein the at least one support is constructed and arranged to support the neck pillow system and prevent tilting of the chair.
Variation 6 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 5, wherein the at least one cushion portion includes cushion portion includes at least one of foam, down, or padding.
Variation 7 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 6 and may further include at least one cup holder and at least one smart device holder affixed to the at least one chassis.
Variation 8 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 7 and may further include at least one arm rest affixed to the at least one chassis.
Variation 9 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 8 and may further include at least one media table affixed to the chassis.
Variation 10 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 9 and may further include at least one mirror affixed to the chassis.
Variation 11 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 10 and may further include at least one cell phone holder affixed to the chassis.
Variation 12 may include a system as in any of variations 1 through 11 and may further include at least one lockable waterproof storage compartment affixed to the chassis.
According to variation 13, a modular, freestanding, face down neck pillow system may include a chassis; a pillow support member extending from the chassis; a cushion portion including at least one of foam, down, or padding attached to the pillow support member, the cushion portion defining at least one through-hole; a cover disposed at least partially over the cushion; a locking mechanism affixed to the chassis, the locking mechanism being constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the neck pillow system to a chair and including at least one of a vice mechanism, knob lock, lever handle lock, or cam lock constructed and arranged to connect to a chair; and a support attached to the chassis, the support being constructed and arranged to facilitate supporting of the neck pillow system and preventing tilting of the chair, the support including at least one of a bracket, kickstand, leg, telescoping rod, or extendable member.
Variation 14 may include a system as in variation 13 and may further include at least one cup holder affixed to the at least one chassis.
Variation 15 may include a system as in any of variations 13 or 14 and may further include at least one arm rest affixed to the at least one chassis.
Variation 16 may include a system as in any of variations 13 through 15 and may further include at least one media table affixed to the chassis.
Variation 17 may include a system as in any of variations 13 through 16 and may further include at least one mirror affixed to the chassis.
Variation 18 may include a system as in any of variations 13 through 17 and may further include at least one cell phone holder affixed to the chassis.
Variation 19 may include a system as in any of variations 13 through 18 and may further include at least one lockable waterproof storage compartment affixed to the chassis.
According to variation 20, a modular, freestanding, face down neck pillow system may include a chair; a chassis; a pillow support member extending from the chassis; a cushion portion including at least one of foam, down, or padding attached to the pillow support member, the cushion portion defining at least one through-hole; a cover disposed at least partially over the cushion; a locking mechanism affixed to the chassis, the locking mechanism being constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the neck pillow system to the chair and including at least one of a vice mechanism, knob lock, lever handle lock, or cam lock constructed and arranged to connect to the chair; a support attached to the chassis, the support being constructed and arranged to facilitate supporting of the neck pillow system and preventing tilting of the chair, the support including at least one of a bracket, kickstand, leg, telescoping rod, or extendable member; and at least one support positioning mechanism in mechanical communication with the support, the at least one support positioning mechanism being constructed and arranged to facilitate positioning of the support.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or sub combination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
Patent Application
20240138576
