Pillow with radio
A pillow for use in tubs or spas that is capable of supporting the head of a person. The pillow is substantially waterproof and integrally houses an electronic audio device and at least one speaker. The electronic audio device and speaker are removable from the pillow and can be housed in waterproof casings. The pillow includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion for contacting a surface ledge of a tub, and the second portion for contacting an inner wall of the tub during use. The first portion and the second portion form a substantially L-shaped configuration. The center of mass of the pillow is located within the first portion. The center of mass is such to create a moment sufficient to balance the first portion of the pillow on the surface ledge of the tub during use.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/783,144 filed Mar. 16, 2006, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pillows for use in tubs and whirlpools.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tubs, such as hot tubs, whirlpools and spas, are often used to provide a relaxing environment for a bather. However, conventional tubs are typically made of hard non-porous enamel or hard fiberglass and do not typically provide a comfortable surface on which a bather can rest their head. Accordingly, the relaxation of a bather can be greatly enhanced by providing a pillow, such as a head rest or cushion, to allow the bather to recline in comfort.
The relaxation of a bather can be further enhanced by other amenities, such as music. Prior tub head rests have been developed which cushion the head of a bather and include integral audio speakers to allow the bather to listen to music while reclining within a tub. These devices typically have a radio and/or audio speakers connected to an electronic device that are incorporated within or adjacent to a head rest. The radio and/or speakers are typically encased in a waterproof housing to prevent entry of tub water into the head rest. These conventional head rests are either permanently affixed to a specific portion of the tub, or require a cumbersome fastening system to secure the head rest to the tub. In some conventional devices, the weight of the bather holds the head rest in place. In other head rests, a fastening system, such as suction cups, hooks or straps is needed to secure the device against the tub wall. Most conventional tub head rests slide over time as the bather uses the head rest. This often necessitates readjustment of the head rest by the bather during use. This readjustment can detract from the bather's relaxation.
A portable head rest, or pillow, is desirable in that a bather may use the head rest in multiple tubs, or position the head rest in multiple orientations within a single tub. Portable head rests are also easier to maintain because the bather can remove the head rest from the tub to perform routine cleaning.
Accordingly, a need remains for a portable pillow for use in a tub which includes an integral audio device and does not require a cumbersome fastening system to restrain the pillow to the tub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a pillow for use in tubs or spas that is capable of supporting the head of a bather. The pillow is substantially waterproof and integrally houses an electronic audio device and at least one speaker. The electronic audio device and speaker are removable from the pillow and can optionally be housed in waterproof casings. The pillow includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the pillow contacts a surface ledge of a tub, and the second portion of the pillow contacts an inner wall of the tub during use by a bather. The first portion and the second portion form a substantially L-shaped configuration. The center of mass of the pillow may be located within the first portion. The center of mass is such to create a moment sufficient to balance the first portion of the pillow on the surface ledge of the tub during use.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a pillow for supporting the head of a person including a first portion for contacting a surface ledge and a second portion for contacting a wall depending from the surface ledge, the first portion connected to the second portion. The center of mass of the pillow is located within the first portion.
The pillow may also include an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The pillow may also include at least one speaker electrically connected to the electronic audio device.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combination of a surface ledge of a supporting structure, having a wall depending therefrom, and a pillow for supporting the head of a person. The pillow includes a first portion for contacting the surface ledge, and a second portion for contacting the wall. The first portion is connected to the second portion. The pillow has a center of mass located within the first portion.
The pillow may also include an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The pillow may also include at least one speaker electrically connected to the electronic audio device.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of supporting the head of a person, including the steps of providing a structure having a surface ledge and a depending wall, providing a pillow for supporting the head of a person at least in part on the surface ledge, and contacting at least a portion of the head of the person with at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The pillow further includes a first portion for contacting the surface ledge, and a second portion for contacting the depending wall. The first portion connected to the second portion. The pillow has a moment sufficient to balance the first portion on the surface ledge.
The pillow may also include an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The surface ledge may be a surface ledge of a tub, and the depending wall may be an inner wall of the tub.
These and other advantages of the present invention will be understood from the description of the preferred embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the Figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific components illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
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In operation, the pillow and electronic audio device is self-contained and does not require an external power supply to be provided for operation of the electronic audio device. Further, the present pillow has a center of gravity as such that it can be easily removeably rested or placed on a bath or spa ledge and stay in place without the need for fasteners or adhesives, or the like. The pillow need only be lifted to be removed when not in use, resulting in a portable pillow.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A pillow for supporting the head of a person comprising:
- a first portion for contacting a surface ledge, the center of mass of the pillow located within the first portion; and
- a second portion for contacting a wall depending from the surface ledge, the first portion connected to the second portion.
2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a substantially L-shaped configuration.
3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the angle formed between the first portion and the second portion is from about 90 to about 120 degrees.
4. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion.
5. The pillow of claim 4, further comprising at least one speaker electrically connected to the electronic audio device.
6. The pillow of claim 5, wherein the first portion defines a pocket for receiving at least one of the electronic audio device or the at least one speaker.
7. The pillow of claim 5, wherein at least one of the electronic audio device or the at least one speaker is removable from the pillow.
8. The pillow of claim 5, wherein at least one of the electronic audio device or the at least one speaker is secured within a pocket within the pillow.
9. The pillow of claim 5, further comprising pillow walls having at least one undercut for securing at least one of the electronic audio device or at least one speaker electrically connected to the electronic audio device within the pillow.
10. The pillow of claim 1, comprising a substantially waterproof material.
11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the substantially waterproof material is an antimicrobial resin.
12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is encased at least partially in a waterproof shell.
13. In combination:
- a surface ledge of a supporting structure, having a wall depending therefrom; and
- a pillow for supporting the head of a person comprising: a first portion for contacting the surface ledge, the center of mass of the pillow located within the first portion; and a second portion for contacting the wall, the first portion connected to the second portion.
14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a substantially L-shaped configuration.
15. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the pillow further comprises an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion.
16. The pillow of claim 15, further comprising at least one speaker electrically connected to the electronic audio device.
17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the first portion defines a pocket for receiving at least one of the electronic audio device or the at least one speaker.
18. The pillow of claim 16, wherein at least one of the electronic audio device or the at least one speaker is removable from the pillow.
19. A method of supporting the head of a person, comprising the steps of:
- providing a structure having a surface ledge and a depending wall;
- providing a pillow for supporting the head of a person at least in part on the surface ledge, the pillow comprising: a first portion for contacting the surface ledge, the pillow having a moment sufficient to balance the first portion on the surface ledge, a second portion for contacting the depending wall, the first portion connected to the second portion;
- the pillow having a first extension and a second extension and a depressed area therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the head of the person therein.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pillow further comprises an electronic audio device integrally received within at least one of the first portion or the second portion.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the center of mass of the pillow is located within the first portion.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a substantially L-shaped configuration.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the surface ledge is a surface ledge of a tub, and the depending wall is an inner wall of the tub.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 18, 2007
Applicant: Jacuzzi, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Inventors: Michael Roberts (Richardson, TX), Garo Paroonagian (Upland, CA)
Application Number: 11/724,608
International Classification: A47K 3/024 (20060101);