PILLOW SYSTEM

Abstract

A pillow system includes a pillow assembly and a pillow and pillow cover assembly, the pillow assembly having a base attached to a pillow having an opening, the pillow formed of a first foam material, and the base formed of a second foam material, and wherein the first foam material is more rigid than the second foam material. The pillow and pillow cover assembly includes a pillow cover formed of a stretchy fabric material capable of stretching into the opening of the pillow during use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to body pillows, support pillows, and other positioning aids used in the healthcare field and, more particularly, to pillow systems for use in supporting a pregnant woman in a prone position for chiropractic treatment, massage treatment, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Medical treatment of pregnant women has long required specialized equipment to accommodate the unique and rapidly changing physical profiles of the patients. Treatment of pregnant women has been especially problematic in medical fields that involve treatment of the musculoskeletal system, such as chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture therapy, as such treatments often require the patient to lay in a prone position for an extended period of time. The prone position causes pressure in the patient's abdominal region, which is often uncomfortable for pregnant women and may even lead to injury in the lower back and pelvic girdle regions, amongst other things.

Attempts have been made to improve the comfort of pregnant women during chiropractic treatment. Several such attempts involve custom formed pillows designed to allow pregnant women to assume the prone position without causing undue stress on the abdominal region of the patient. One known design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,449 to Satto (“Satto”). Satto discloses an adjustable pregnancy cushion that can apparently be configured to accommodate pregnant women in the prone position at different stages of pregnancy. While this and other solutions may help to prevent pressure concentration in the abdominal region in some instances, improved or alternative strategies remain desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a pillow assembly includes a pillow formed of a first foam material and has a body defining an opening extending through the body between a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface being substantially planar and substantially parallel with each other. The pillow assembly also has a base having a top surface and being formed of a second foam material, the top surface of the base having a continuous extent coextensive with and attached to the bottom surface of the pillow, and wherein the first foam material is rigid relative to the second foam material.

In another aspect, a pillow and pillow cover system includes a pillow assembly including a pillow having a body formed of a first foam material with an opening extending therethrough for receiving a pregnant woman's abdomen, and a base formed of a second foam material, the first foam material being more rigid than the second foam material. The pillow cover system further includes a pillow cover formed of a stretchy fabric material receiving the pillow assembly.

In still another aspect, a pillow system includes a first pillow formed of a first foam material, a second pillow formed of the first foam material and structured for positioning on top of the first pillow, a base formed of a second foam material and attached to a bottom side of the first pillow, the first foam material being more rigid than the second foam material. The pillow system also has a first pillow cover receiving the first pillow and the base, the first pillow cover being formed of a stretchy fabric material, and a second pillow cover formed of the stretchy fabric material receiving the second pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top diagrammatic view of a pillow system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pillow assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a pillow assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a pillow assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a pillow assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a sectioned view of a pillow system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sectioned view of a pillow system, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a sectioned view of a pillow system, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a top plan view of a pillow system 10 including a pillow assembly 12, and a pillow and pillow cover system 14 (hereinafter “cover system 14”) is shown according to one embodiment. Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, perspective and exploded views of pillow assembly 12 without cover system 14 are shown, respectively. Pillow assembly 12 includes a first pillow 16 formed of a first foam material and includes a body 18 defining an opening 20 extending through body 18 between a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24 (not visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). Top surface 22 and bottom surface 24 may both be substantially planar and substantially parallel with each other. Body 18 has a plurality of side surfaces extending between top surface 22 and bottom surface 24, including a front surface 26, a back surface 28, a right surface 30, and a left surface 32. The terms “top” and “bottom,” “right” and “left,” and “front” and “back” are used herein in a relative sense, each in relation to each other when viewing pillow system 10 and/or pillow assembly 12, and should not necessarily be taken to mean that pillow system 10 or pillow assembly 12 has a particular orientation. Referring now also to FIGS. 4 and 5, side views of pillow assembly 12 illustrating front surface 26 and right surface 30, respectively, are shown. Pillow assembly 12 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (as seen in FIG. 1) or below (not shown) such that front surface 26 is identical in size, shape, and orientation to back surfaces 28, and right surface 30 is identical in size, shape, and orientation to left surface 32, although different embodiments may have a different polygonal shape, a circular or oblong shape, or any other suitable shape. Front surface 26 and back surface 28 are substantially planar and slope downward from top surface 22 to bottom surface 24 at an angle such that a length of right surface 30 and of left surface 32 is greater adjacent to bottom surface 24 than at or adjacent to top surface 22. Front surface 26 and back surface 28 may slope downward at an angle less than 45 degrees, and more particularly from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees, relative to a longitudinal axis 36 extending between top surface 22 and bottom surface 24. In other embodiments, one or more of surfaces 26, 28, 30, 32 may be contoured or curved, or may be substantially parallel with longitudinal axis 36.

Opening 20 has an oblong shape for receiving a pregnant woman's abdomen with body 18 defining an inner surface 38 extending between top surface 22 and bottom surface 24 such that inner surface 38 is angled to and slopes downward towards longitudinal axis 36. Inner surface 38 may have a generally oblong frustoconical shape centered about longitudinal axis 36. Pillow openings having the generally oblong frustoconical shape of the present embodiment have been observed to be especially fitting for receiving a patient's distended abdomen and particularly suited to gently and comfortably accommodate a wide range of patients, each of whom may have a uniquely sized or shaped mid-section. As compared with circular-shaped openings, it has been discovered that generally oblong frustoconical-shaped openings more closely conform with the geometry of a typical patient's mid-section, thereby allowing pillow assembly 12 to cradle the patient's abdomen during use without causing undue deformation of pillow assembly 12. Still, embodiments in which opening 20 has a different shape, such as a symmetrical or an asymmetrical polygon, a circular shape, or any other shape suitable for receiving a pregnant woman's abdomen, are also contemplated. In some embodiments, inner surface 38 may be parallel with longitudinal axis 36. In alternative embodiments, inner surface 38 may be defined by a separate piece or pieces structured for positioning within opening 20. In still other embodiments, inner surface 38 may be contoured, curved, or angled relative to longitudinal axis 36.

Pillow assembly 12 further includes a base 34 formed of a second foam material and may have a top surface 40 sized and shaped to be substantially coextensive with bottom surface 24 of first pillow 16 such that base 34 registers with bottom surface 24 and is within a footprint defined by body 18. In contrast to bottom surface 24, which includes opening 20, top surface 40 has a continuous extent. Base 34 is attached to bottom surface 24 by, for example, adhesives such as cyanoacrylates, hot-melt adhesives, polyvinyl acetate, or the like, or by any other suitable means, though, in some embodiments, base 34 may be removably coupled with first pillow rather than fixably attached thereto. Further still, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which base 34 is integral with body 18.

Pillow assembly 12 may also include a second pillow 42 formed of the first foam material or of a foam material having material properties substantially similar to the material properties of the first foam material, as will be discussed hereinafter. Second pillow 42 is similar in shape and configuration to first pillow 16, and includes a body 44 defining an opening 46 extending through body 44 between a top surface 48 and a bottom surface 50. Like top and bottom surfaces 22, 24, top and bottom surfaces 48, 50 may be substantially planar and substantially parallel with each other, although top surface 22 and bottom surface 50 might be non-planar and complementary to each other to fit pillows 16 and 42 together. Body 44 also has a plurality of side surfaces 52 extending between top surface 48 and bottom surface 50, each of the plurality of side surfaces 52 corresponding with one of surfaces 26, 28, 30, 32. Each side surface 52 may be angled between top surface 48 and bottom surface 50 such that the side surface 52 is angled to match the angle of the corresponding surface of first pillow 16. In this way, when pillows 16, 42 are in a stacked configuration (seen in FIG. 2), each side of pillow assembly 12 has a substantially uniform gradient between top surface 48 of second pillow 42 and bottom surface 24 of first pillow 16. In other embodiments, side surfaces 52 may have a different angle than the corresponding surface on first pillow 16. Second pillow 42 is sized and shaped such that bottom surface 48 registers with top surface 22 of first pillow 16. In still other embodiments, first pillow 16 may be structured to register with second pillow 42 when received within a cover, second pillow 42 may be structured to register with first pillow 16 when received within a cover, or both first pillow 16 and second pillow 42 may be structured to register with each other when each are received within a cover.

The first foam material and the second foam material are each foam or foam-like materials structured to support a pregnant woman without collapse of the foam materials or undue deformation of the foam materials from repeated loading and unloading while being sufficiently pliable to contour to the dimensions of the patient such as, for example, a polyurethane foam or polyester foam, or mixtures of these or other polymers. It will be appreciated that some amount of collapse or deformation of the foam materials is expected and can be advantageous, as will become apparent from the discussion hereinafter. Conversely, undue collapse or deformation may include, for instance, collapse that may compromise the structural integrity of pillow assembly 12, defeat its abdomen cradling capability, or that results in plastic deformation, respectively. The first and the second foam materials have different material properties (i.e., intensive properties) independent of each materials' shape, size, or configuration (i.e., extensive properties). Discussion of any properties or characteristics of the first or the second foam materials, or any other materials, should therefore be understood to reference the material and material properties unless otherwise stated. In one respect, the first foam material is more rigid than the second foam material in that the first foam material may be more resistant to deformation, particularly, to compressive deformation. In this way, pillows 16, 42 may largely retain their structural integrity during use while base 34—formed of the second foam material, which is less rigid (i.e., less stiff/more flexible or pliable)—can deform to cradle a pregnant woman's abdomen. The second foam material may also have a softer texture and feel than the first foam material. By way of example, the first foam material may have a density of about 1.8 lbs/ft² and an indentation force deflection (IFD) (ASTM standard D3574) of about 45 lbs, wherein IFD is one measurement indicative of foam rigidity, with the second foam material having an IFD less than 45 lbs. It will be appreciated that density and IFD are exemplary measurements indicative of foam rigidity and the rigidity of the first and second foam materials may be measured by any other different tests, standards, measurements, or the like, indicative of or correlated with foam rigidity. In still other embodiments, pillows 16, 42 may include additional foam pieces coupled with bodies 18, 44, and/or may include different or additional foam materials, or the shape, size, or configuration of pillows 16, 42 or base 34 may be designed to have certain structural or extensive properties that complement or enhance the relative material properties of the first and second foam materials in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. For example, the first or the second foam materials could have more or less holes or cells that might cause foam materials having similar intensive properties to exhibit different extensive properties, or first pillow 16 or second pillow 42 might include a third material, a fourth material, and so on, with each additional material having a different material property than the first and the second foam materials.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, pillow system 10 includes cover system 14. Referring now also to FIG. 6, a sectioned view of pillow system 10 at line 6-6 of FIG. 1 is shown. Cover system 14 includes a first cover 54 receiving first pillow 16 and base 34. First cover 54 is structured to fit snugly over first pillow 16 and base 34 such that first cover 54 substantially conforms with and is in contact with the outer surfaces of first pillow 16 including surfaces 22, 26, 28, 30, 32 and base 34. In a practical implementation strategy, one or more dimensions of first cover 54 may be less than a corresponding dimension of the first pillow 16/base 34 assembly such that first cover 54 must stretch to receive that assembly. First cover 54 is formed of a first textile or fabric material (hereinafter “first fabric material”) structured to stretch in a manner that allows first cover 54 to substantially conform with the contours of body 18 without catching or pulling on the first foam material in a manner that may cause first pillow 16 to collapse or that may otherwise cause first pillow 16 to become deformed during use in a way that unduly compromises the ability of first pillow 16 to support a pregnant woman. The first fabric material may be more flexible or stretchy (i.e., less resistant to elastic deformation) than the first foam material in that a lower force load might cause the first fabric material to experience elastic deformation opposite an applied load than might be required for the first foam material to experience elastic or plastic deformation. Put differently, the first fabric material might stretch responsive to a load force before the first foam material compresses or experiences any other type of observable deformation. In this way, pressure exerted on pillow system 10 can be diffused by first cover 54 in a manner that can limit crushing or deforming first pillow 16 or second pillow 42.

Cover system 14 may also include a second cover 56 receiving second pillow 42. Second cover 56 is substantially similar to first cover 54 except that second cover 56 is sized and shaped to receive second pillow 42. Like first cover 54, second cover 56 is formed of the first fabric material so that second cover 56 can substantially conform with the contours of body 44 without catching or pulling on the first foam material of second pillow 42 in a way that may cause second pillow 42 to collapse or become unduly deformed. In some embodiments, first cover 54 and second cover 56 may be formed of a different type of first fabric material wherein one of covers 54, 56 may be more stretchy than the other, or wherein one of covers 54, 56 may be less resistant to elastic deformation.

The first fabric material is formed of lightweight, stretchy fibers such that the material can stretch in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. For instance, as discussed above, the first fabric material is stretchy relative to the first foam material such that the first fabric material may stretch to give way to and to support a pregnant woman's abdomen before the first foam material experiences structural deformation. The first fabric material may be a single layer, single fiber textile having a stretch percentage of 65% or more in at least one direction and a weight of less than 8 ounces per yard (i.e., approximately 271 GSM). More particularly, the first fabric material may have a stretch percentage of 75% or greater and a weight of about 3 ounces per yard (i.e., approximately 102 GSM), such as a single layer polyester fabric. Stretch percentage can be calculated through use of the following formula:

(W_Max/W−1)×100

wherein W is the width of a piece of a fabric material and W_Max the width of the same piece of fabric material when stretched to its maximum in the direction of the width measurement. In an embodiment, the first fabric may be, for example, a 100% polyester fabric (i.e., formed entirely of polyester fibers) such as the Jet Set line of fabrics from Sew Classics™. In other embodiments, the first fabric could be formed of an elastomeric fiber or of a blend of elastomeric fibers such as a polyester/spandex blend, a cotton/spandex blend, a rayon/polyester/spandex blend, or any other suitable type of fabric material or blend of fabric materials. First cover 54 and second cover 56 are structured to slip over first pillow 16 and second pillow 42, respectively. As such, the first fabric material might have a tight knit, weave, or other pattern that produces a substantially smooth texture that allows first cover 54 to slip over the contours of body 18 without catching on or creating undue friction with the first foam material when in use.

Cover system 14 may further include a first outer cover 58 sized and shaped to receive first pillow 16 and base 34 within first cover 54, and a second outer cover 60 sized and shaped to receive second pillow 42 within second cover 56. In many embodiments, cover system 14 will include both first outer cover 58 and second outer cover 60, although certain embodiments may include only one outer cover 58, 60. In still other embodiments, cover system 14 might not include any outer covers 58, 60. Outer covers 58, 60 are formed of a second fabric material that is spongier, heavier, and typically thicker than the first fabric material. For instance, the second material may have a weight greater than 10 ounces per yard (i.e., approximately 339 GSM), and more particularly a weight of 11 ounces per yard (i.e., approximately 373 GSM). In an embodiment, the second fabric material may be a double knit, plural component fabric material capable of multidirectional stretch, with a stretch percentage of at least 45% in at least one direction such as a double-knit rayon/spandex/polyester blend fabric material. For instance, the second material could be a circular double knit polyester blend fabric with a 94% Polyester/6% Spandex blend having a spongy quality. As used herein, a material that is “spongy” should be understood to have generally porous construction that allows the material to compress in a direction opposite a direction of a force exerted thereon, but that is less dense and less rigid than the first foam material. In alternative embodiments, the second fabric material may be any other type of spongy fabric material and may include blends of polyester, cotton, spandex, rayon, or any other type of suitable fabric material. The frictional drag or interaction between the first and the second fabric materials during use may be less than the frictional drag or interaction between the first foam material and the first fabric material during use, and less than the frictional drag or interaction between the first foam material and the second fabric material during use. Put differently, the average frictional ratio between the first and the second fabric materials is less than the average frictional ratio between the first foam material and either of the first or the second fabric materials. As such, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to form covers 54, 56 of the second fabric material. Average frictional ratio may be understood as the ratio of an average frictional coefficient of two materials in contact with each other. Average frictional coefficient may be calculated by the following formula:

(F_Kavg+F_Savg)/2(N)

wherein F_Kavg is the average kinetic frictional resistance, F_Savg is the average static frictional resistance, and N is the normal load.

In a practical implementation strategy, pillow system 10 of the present embodiment may be configured to accommodate pregnant women at different stages of their pregnancies. Referring now also to FIGS. 7 and 8, pillow system 10 is shown while in use by a pregnant woman 62 according to two different configurations of the embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates pillow system 10 in the stacked configuration also seen in FIGS. 1-6 in which second pillow 42 is positioned on top of first pillow 16. As can be seen, pillow system 10 allows a pregnant woman 62 to lie in a prone position such that her abdomen 64 is positioned within openings 20, 46. Cover system 14 stretches into openings 20, 46 to contour with and support the pregnant woman's abdomen 64, which might prevent accumulation of potentially harmful or uncomfortable forces on abdomen 64 by diffusing the pregnant woman's weight. Both covers 54, 56 and outer covers 58, 60 are structured to stretch in response to and conform with abdomen 64 to a degree that may allow abdomen 64 to come to rest on top surface 40 of base 34. The smooth texture of the first fabric material relative to the first foam material of pillows 16, 42 allows covers 54, 56 to slip over pillows 16, 42 during use, which can prevent pillows 16, 42 from becoming deformed. As the first fabric material is more stretchy and flexible (i.e., less resistant to deformation) than the first foam material, cover system 14 may also be able to diffuse load forces to a certain degree that can further prevent undue deformation of pillows 16, 42. The first fabric material might also be more stretchy and flexible than the second fabric material, but the second fabric material may still be more stretchy and flexible than the first foam material. Further still, an average kinetic frictional resistance between the first fabric material and the second fabric material may be such that the second fabric material can slip over the first fabric material during use without undue pulling or catching. It will also be appreciated opening 20 and opening 46 are positioned within body 18 and body 44, respectively, to allow the pregnant woman 62 to position herself such that her breasts 66 can rest on surfaces 26, 52.

Referring still to the drawings generally, but FIG. 8 in particular, pillow system 10 can be seen in a single (i.e., not stacked) configuration that utilizes first pillow 16, base 34, first cover 54, and first outer cover 58. Pillow assembly 12 and cover system 14 interact in substantially the same way as described above. This configuration may be desirable for use early into pregnancy, for example. In other embodiments, cover system 14 may have a number of different configurations. For example, cover system 14 may include only first cover 54 and/or second cover 56, or one or more of covers 54, 56, 58, 60 may be structured to receive more than one pillow. In some embodiments, pillow assembly 12 may include more than two pillows, or one or more dimensions of pillows 16, 42, or base 34 may be different.

The present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the present disclosure. As noted above, the teachings set forth herein are applicable to a variety of different pillows, pillow covers, and pillow or pillow cover systems having a variety of different structures than those specifically described herein. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms.

Claims

1. A pillow assembly comprising: a first pillow including a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a sloped inner surface defining a first opening originating at the top surface and extending downwardly through the pillow to an inside base surface of the first pillow extending across a bottom of the first opening;a second pillow including a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and an inner surface defining a second opening extending through the second pillow from the respective top surface to the respective bottom surface;at least two of the plurality of side surfaces of the first pillow and at least two of the plurality of side surfaces of the second pillow slope outwardly and downwardly from the respective top surface to the respective bottom surface; anda first pillow cover of a stretchy material receiving the first pillow;a second pillow cover of a stretchy material receiving the second pillow; andthe first pillow and the second pillow are in a stacked configuration where the second pillow is on top of the first pillow and the first opening registers with the second opening, such that the first opening and the second opening together form a tapered opening narrowed in width toward the inside base surface.

2. The pillow assembly of claim 1 wherein all of the plurality of side surfaces of the first pillow slope outwardly and downwardly.

3. The pillow assembly of claim 2 wherein vertically adjacent side surfaces of the first pillow and the second pillow together form continuous downward slopes.

4. The pillow assembly of claim 2 wherein an angle defined by the plurality of side surface of the first pillow is from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees relative to an axis extending between the top surface and the bottom surface in the first pillow.

5. The pillow assembly of claim 1 wherein: each of the first pillow cover and the second pillow cover is an inner cover and the stretchy material is a first fabric material;each of the first pillow cover and the second pillow cover further including an outer cover formed of a second fabric material; andthe first fabric material is not spongy and the second fabric material is spongy.

6. A pillow assembly comprising: a first pillow including a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a sloped inner surface defining a first opening originating at the top surface and extending downwardly through the pillow;a second pillow including a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and an inner surface defining a second opening extending through the second pillow from the respective top surface to the respective bottom surface; anda first pillow cover of a stretchy material receiving the first pillow;a second pillow cover of a stretchy material receiving the second pillow; andthe first pillow and the second pillow are positionable in a stacked configuration where the second pillow is on top of the first pillow and the first opening registers with the second opening, such that the first opening and the second opening together form a tapered opening narrowed in width toward the inside base surface.

7. The pillow assembly of claim 6 wherein the first pillow includes an inside base surface extending across a bottom of the first opening, and the sloped inner surface extends continuously around a vertical axis.

8. The pillow assembly of claim 7 wherein the first pillow includes a base piece attached to the respective bottom surface and including the inside base surface.

9. The pillow assembly of claim 6 wherein each of the first pillow cover and the second pillow includes a multi-layer cover.

10. The pillow assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the first pillow cover and the second pillow cover includes an inner cover smooth in texture relative to a foam material of the respective first pillow and second pillow, and an outer cover.

11. The pillow assembly of claim 10 wherein each respective inner cover is not spongy and each respective outer cover is spongy.

12. The pillow assembly of claim 11 wherein each respective outer cover includes spandex.

13. The pillow assembly of claim 10 wherein a frictional ratio between each respective inner cover and outer cover is less than a frictional ratio between each respective inner cover and the respective foam material.

14. The pillow assembly of claim 6 wherein the first opening has an oblong shape.

15. The pillow assembly of claim 14 wherein the sloped inner surface has an oblong frustoconical shape.

16. A pillow and pillow cover system comprising: a one-piece pillow formed of a foam material and having a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and an inner surface;at least two of the plurality of side surfaces slope downwardly and outwardly between the top surface and the bottom surface;the inner surface extends continuously around a vertical axis, and forms an opening originating at the top surface and extending downwardly through the pillow to an inside base surface of the pillow;the inner surface sloping inwardly between the top surface and the inside base surface such that the opening has a vertically tapered shape narrowed in a direction of the inside base surface;the one-piece pillow having a rectangular footprint, and the opening having an oblong shape with a major diameter parallel to long sides of the rectangular footprint; anda pillow cover formed of a stretchy material receiving the pillow.

17. The pillow and cover system of claim 16 wherein the pillow cover includes an inner cover that is not spongy and an outer cover that is spongy.

18. The pillow and cover system of claim 17 wherein the pillow cover includes an inner cover and an outer cover, and a frictional ratio between the inner cover and the outer cover is less than a frictional ratio between the inner cover and the foam material.

19. The pillow and cover system of claim 16 wherein a stretch percentage of the pillow cover is at least 65%.