Patent Application
20250134286
The present disclosure relates to pillows and support devices, and in particular, relates to an apparatus comprising a wedge pillow for providing elevation for the upper body and a support device for placing an object facing a user.
Wedge pillow is a triangle-shaped pillow that elevates the upper or lower body while a user is asleep or resting over a surface such as a bed, for example. The inclined angle of the wedge pillow helps to alleviate acid reflux, congestion, neck and back pain, and edema. Optionally, the wedge pillow is placed under the knees for people with back problems. Further, a lap desk or laptop pillow is used as a stand for placing a tablet or phone over a lap facing the user.
Several wedge pillows and lap desks have been disclosed in the past. An example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20080282940, entitled “Mobile device bad desk” (“the ‘940 Publication”). The ‘940 Publication discloses a mobile device bed desk both functional and decorative. An inverted yoke shaped platform of some thickness supported by its own legs and additional legs inserted into openings at varying locations so as to give opportunity for adjustment for angle and height of the working plane of the platform and thereby placing the attached optional device at an optimal position for use. The platform is provided with cutout openings and access slots in various locations to provide a convenient option for positioning and holding electrical and peripheral device cords associated with the operation of the attached optional device. In addition, said platform is provided with cutout opening at strategic locations to facilitate the cooling of the attached optional device. Applied to the surface of the platform at various locations is a textured material to allow the possible use of a computer human interface device (computer mouse). Adjustable pegs at various locations are strategically located to facilitate the positioning of the attached optional device. A means of bonding is provided for the attachment of the removable legs to the platform when in storage configuration.
Another example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20030193003, entitled “Book safe device for holding an open book” (“the ‘003Publication”). The ‘003 Publication discloses a device and method for holding an open book in a book holder. The book holder holds a book open without damaging the book. The book holder has a base surface and a rear surface that meets the base surface at a perpendicular. A planar spine support surface extends at an inclined angle between the base surface and the rear surface. A planar front cover support surface extends between the base surface and the side surface, wherein the front cover support surface intersects the spine support surface at an obtuse angle. Similarly, a planar back cover support surface extends between the base surface and the side surface, wherein the front cover support surface intersects the spine support surface at an obtuse angle. All surfaces combine to define a soft, deformable body.
Another example is disclosed in a Chinese Publication No. 216907505,entitled “Multifunctional combined wedge-shaped pillow” (“the ‘505 Publication”). The ‘505 Publication discloses a multifunctional combined wedge-shaped pillow which comprises a triangular supporting pad, a back cushion, a triangular pillow, a square pillow and a headrest. This multi-function combination wedge pillow product also contains a six section combination suit and is superior to the ordinary wedge pillow on the market. The pillow also supports the human body from head to toe, and the cushion is configured in an C shaped structure. A user's back can better be supported with the triangle supporting pad the cushion, triangle pillow and square pillow place in their proper order. The proper order is set by placing the first cambered surface portion on top of third cambered surface portion. One can also adjust the angle of cushion, place the headrest on the top arcwall face of the C-shaped curved surface portion of the cushion, and place the second cambered surface portion on top of the C-shaped curved surface portion for maximum relaxation.
Although the above discussed disclosures are useful, they have few difficulties. For example, the wedge pillow and the lap desk are used as separate parts. As a result, they need to be aligned individually and a user may have to adjust them for proper positioning repeatedly. Additionally, it is inconvenient to store and transport them.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an improved apparatus comprising a wedge pillow for providing elevation for the upper body and a lap desk device for placing an object facing a user.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pillow apparatus that avoids the drawback of known wedge pillows.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pillow apparatus having a support structure and connect it to an object support stand. The user can then stabilize the object support stand when the user places the object support stand on his lap or stomach while sitting or lying down with support from a wedge pillow.
In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a pillow apparatus. The pillow apparatus includes a wedge pillow, an object support stand, and a support structure connecting the wedge pillow and the object support stand. The wedge pillow positions at the back of a user allowing the user to rest against the wedge pillow. The user positions the object support stand over his lap or stomach to place an object facing said wedge pillow. The object may include a laptop, mobile phone and a book among other items. The support structure helps to stabilize the object support stand when the user sits or lies down while the object support stand is placed on the user's lap or stomach.
In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the support structure, such as a strap, or a strap comprising a buckle mechanism, helps stabilize the pillow apparatus when the user places the object support stand on his lap or stomach while sitting or lying down.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the support structure helps to connect the wedge pillow and the object support stand and allows the user to place an object, such as book or tablet, without the user manually doing so with his hands.
The features and advantages of the invention here will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the FIGURES and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:
The following detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed apparatus. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed pillow apparatus.
In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
Although the present invention provides a description of a pillow apparatus, it Is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the apparatus. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
The present invention discloses a pillow apparatus. The pillow apparatus includes a wedge pillow. The pillow apparatus includes an object support stand. The pillow apparatus includes a support structure connecting the wedge pillow and the object support stand. The wedge pillow positions at the back of a user allowing the user to rest against the wedge pillow. The user positions the object support stand over his lap or stomach to place an object facing said wedge pillow. The object includes one of a laptop, mobile phone and a book. The support structure helps to stabilize the object support stand when the user sits or lies down while the object support stand is placed on the lap or stomach.
Various features and embodiments of a pillow apparatus are explained in conjunction with the description of
Further, pillow apparatus 12 includes object support stand 22, as shown in
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, pillow apparatus 12 includes a support structure 40. Support structure 40 helps to connect wedge pillow 20 (i.e., second pillow 26) and triangular member 36 and keep them in place. Support structure 40 includes a strap member 42 made of rigid or flexible material. Strap member 42 has a first end 44, and a second end 46. First end 44 positions near triangular member 36 and second end 46 positions near second pillow 26. Further, strap member 42 has a first connecting member 48 at first end 44. First connecting member 48 includes one of a D-ring, strap, hook and loop, and any other connecting mechanism. Furthermore, strap member 42 has a second connecting member 50. Second connecting member 50 includes one of a D-ring, strap, hook and loop, and any other connecting mechanism. In one example, second connecting member 50 connects to second loop 34, as can be seen from
In other embodiments, the support structure 40 may be made by two pieces overlapping each other where those two pieces are adjustable and may be adjusted for the user to either place the support stand 22 on their legs or stomach. The benefit of the adjustable support structure 40 is that a tall or short user may adjust the support stand 22 to their liking.
In operation, user 14 places wedge pillow 20 at his/her back 16. Further, user 14 places object support stand 22 over his/her lap or stomach 18. Subsequently, user 14 connects support structure 40 to object support stand 22 and second pillow 26 and adjusts the length of the support structure 40. After connecting, user 14 places object 19 such as a laptop at support member 38 against triangular member 36, as shown in
Further, pillow apparatus 100 includes object support stand 104. Object support stand 104 includes a triangular member 115 with a support member 116. Here, triangular member 115 indicates a cushion or pillow or soft article that comes in triangular or any other suitable configuration. Support member 116 extends from the bottom of triangular member 115 facing wedge pillow 102. Support member 116 comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to, a hook-like configuration, flat configuration, U-shaped configuration. Support member 116 helps to rest an object such as a laptop or book against the surface of triangular member 115 facing wedge pillow 102. Object support stand 104 positions at a suitable distance from wedge pillow 102 forming a gap 118 such that the user's body can draw through and place triangular member 115 over his lap and wedge pillow 102 behind his/her back.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, pillow apparatus 100 includes a support structure 120. Support structure 120 helps to connect wedge pillow 102 and triangular member 115 and keep them in place. As can be seen, support structure 120 extends from both sides of wedge pillow 102 and triangular member 115. Support structure 120 includes a first strap member 122 extending from second pillow 108. First strap member 122 has a male member 124 at its distal end. In one example, first strap member 122 has a D-ring 126 to adjust the length of first strap member 122. Furthermore, Support structure 120 includes a second strap member 128 extending from triangular member 115. Second strap member 128 has a female member 130 at its distal end. Male member 124 inserts in female member 130 to connect first strap member 122 and second strap member 128. A person skilled in the art understands that support structure 120 presents a buckle mechanism.
In operation, the user places wedge pillow 102 at his/her back. Further, the user places object support stand 104 over his/her lap or stomach while sitting or lying down. Subsequently, the user connects support structure 120 to object support stand 104 and wedge pillow 102 and adjusts the length of the support structure 120. After connecting, the user places the object such as a laptop at support member 116 against triangular member 115. Support structure 120 stabilizes the position of triangular member 115 with second pillow 108 and allows the object to be placed on support member 116 without the need for the user to hold the object with his/her hands.
The presently disclosed apparatus provides several advantages over the prior art. The apparatus presents a support structure such as a strap for connecting the existing front pillow (lap pillow) and back pillow (wedge pillow). The support structure helps to stabilize the object support stand when the user places the object support stand on his/her lap or stomach while sitting or lying down. Here, the user puts on the object support stand/lap pillow on his/her stomach/lap and the object support stand is attached to the wedge pillow via the support structure such that the user can place a book or tablet and read the book without using your hands.
A person skilled in the art appreciates that the pillow apparatus can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed pillow apparatus.
In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.
In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.
