Multi-use support pillow

Abstract

A single piece, multi-use support pillow with curved ends of varying heights (28 and 34) and dual inclined support surfaces (22) designed to contour and support differing parts of a human body, which helps to maintain proper body alignment with even distribution of weight throughout muscular/skeletal system of an individual. The support pillow provides support with a contour fit for potentially all of the following areas: head, neck, shoulders, torso, back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/371,082 filed on Apr. 9, 2002.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Field of Invention

[0005] The invention relates to multi-use, body support pillows, specifically improving on previous work in the field and having an additional, novel utility for lower leg support and body alignment while resting in a horizontal bodily position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] For many years inventors and laypersons have attempted to find improved ways to achieve a more peaceful and pain-free lateral resting position. They have done so with the hopes of lessening issues of tossing and turning, discomfort, unease, or resultant bodily pain. These issues are associated with each of the three different, main resting positions: either on one's side, stomach, or back. (It might also be helpful to note that within each of these three main resting positions, there are varying degrees of positioning that also lead to the same or similar issues for which we seek resolution.) For each of these main resting positions, there arise different issues with which to contend, all of which have been associated primarily and more specifically with back, hip, or neck discomfort. In part, these discomforts are caused by the incongruencies between the flat resting surface and the natural curvatures of the body, combined with the affects of gravity. Resolving these discomforts has and still remains to be one of the major objectives for those inventors who work in the current field. It is clear there is still a great need for additional resolution to these incongruencies. This can be easily seen by the continuing actions of many persons in the world who are still searching for ways to achieve a better night's sleep, as well as the millions who are still waking every day with body pains. While resting on one's side, the leg that is non-adjacent to the resting surface, the “top” leg, will drop to the resting surface resulting in a downward pull on the top of the hip or lower-back, whereby potential discomfort is caused in both areas. Also, it will always be the case with this resting position that there is an uneven or asymmetrical distribution of weight on the body from the affects of gravity, which can lead to discomfort, unease, or poor muscular and skeletal alignment. There is no way to totally resolve this situation, unless we learn how to stop the affects of gravity on the body altogether. However, there is assistance in the current art for persons who choose to rest on his or her side.

[0007] A support designed to fit between the legs for elevation helps achieve a more even lateral upper leg, hip, and back alignment. Some of the current art does this, but many do not provide support for the lower part of the leg. This being the case, the lower leg will still pull down on the area above the knee region, which potentially causes a similar problem to the original one, albeit it possibly with less intensity of resultant discomfort. There still remains a great potential for resultant discomfort on the knee, thigh and hip region instead of the lower back under such circumstances. The original issue might be resolved to some extent, but new ones arise because of these ‘half-solutions’. It is also clear that much of the prior art does not allow for versatility in use for other areas of the body (i.e., head, neck, back, hips, thighs, ankles, feet, and more) and limits maneuverability of the user, while being offered as a single unit design.

[0008] While resting on one's back, the primary discomfort is found in the lower back region, with potential discomfort all the way up into the neck. The primary cause for the lower back discomfort is the shape of the lower spinal curvature and the flat resting surface. This natural body curvature prevents an even distribution of body weight on the resting, support surface, which subsequently leads to muscular or skeletal discomfort. Attempts to solve this problem have been made by placing a support for elevation underneath the back of the thighs. This means of support helps rotate the buttocks and hips upward and pulls the lower spine curvature downward, which allows the lower back region to rest more evenly on the resting surface area, thus lessening the strain on the lower-back muscles and spine. Many inventions in the current art provide such support, but lack versatility of use or are very bulky in size, which takes away from the maneuverability of the user. When not in use, storage of such items is aesthetically unpleasing or inconvenient for the user.

[0009] Resting on one's stomach has been primarily linked to back and hip discomfort, yet this resting position, if the body is aligned symmetrically, allows for an even distribution of weight throughout the entire body. Symmetrical body positioning and even weight distribution are desirable, as the muscular and skeletal pressures are the same on both sides or halves of the body, allowing for even stress from the affects of gravity on the body as a system, which simultaneously grows or repairs itself during the resting period. Also, in this resting position, most, but not all, of the body is capable of resting evenly on the resting surface, and this is where the identification of original discomfort is identified. The eventual tossing and turning or lower back or hip discomfort, stress, or pain associated with this resting position can be identified and understood through a process-oriented perspective, which is described in the next few paragraphs.

[0010] In the stomach resting position, most of the trunk and lower body will lie evenly on the resting surface, but the top of the delicate toes and feet will carry the burden of the weight of the lower leg. The shin, foot, and ankle areas are incapable of resting flat or evenly along the resting surface. This happens due to the inability of most persons to fully straighten the ankle in respect to the shin. This leads to eventual discomfort in the top of the delicate toes, feet, or ankles.

[0011] The body then compensates by pivoting one or both of the ankles to the side, and because everything in the body is connected, the rest of the leg and hip pivot to the side as well. The discomfort is alleviated in the foot area, but new discomforts arise in the hips or lower-back due to asymmetry in body positioning and weight distribution, or the unnatural positioning of having both legs pivoted out at close to a 90 degree angle starting at the ankles. With this new set of circumstantial discomforts, the body does not return to the original point of discomfort, but generally compensates again with an upward movement of one of the legs, thereby temporarily relieving the static position associated with the discomfort in the hip or lower-back regions. Unfortunately, this only increases the asymmetry of body positioning with greater likelihood of discomfort and potential bodily pains with every inch of leg movement upward, because the amount of asymmetry is increased as the leg moves up and away from the body, along with an increased lack of support with upward torso elevation away from the support surface. The cycle is set in motion until the person turns completely over onto the side, which brings into play an entirely new set of circumstantial discomforts.

[0012] While resting on one's side, as stated previously, because of the totally asymmetrical position of the body and the apparent irresolvable affects of gravity, discomfort will arise for most persons, at which point the person will either turn over onto the back (again with a new set of circumstantial discomforts as described above), onto the opposite side with only temporary relief, or return to resting on the stomach. The vicious cycle continues with tossing and turning all night, which takes away from the quality of rest the body needs, all with discomfort and potentially resultant bodily pains within and upon rising from the resting context.

[0013] Hence, from a process-oriented perspective, we can identify the originating point(s) for discomfort and understand how the subsequent byproduct of tossing and turning, unease, or bodily pains are caused, in which case a proper solution can be devised and offered to help persons achieve a healthier and more peaceful period of rest.

[0014] Until now, attempts at resolution have been aimed at fighting the byproduct, instead of attacking the root causal factor. This is one of the greatest unmet needs of today's current art. In fact, several of the prior inventions actually teach away from resting on the stomach. U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,124 to Klemis (1993) is explicitly designed for the purpose of preventing a person from resting on his or her stomach. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,314 BI to Frydman (2001) states that one of the objectives of the invention is to inhibit an individual from lying on his or her stomach.

[0015] With all of these aforementioned resting positions there are associated head or neck discomforts. The current field has found numerous ways of supporting the head and neck in differing positions to resolve potential discomfort, but there are drawbacks that pertain to versatility of the head support overall, which essentially locks the user into one or two resting positions alone. An example of this is U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,401 B1 to Frydman (2002), which has two curved sides for a person to rest either on his or her side or back, but lacks the versatility to be used while resting on the stomach. This support pillow also lacks ‘flipability’ for equal use on either side of the support surface, and can only be used on one side.

[0016] Generally, most inventions until now have addressed only part of the problem with limited areas of body coverage and lack the proper intervention point(s) at which the goal of a more peaceful period of rest can be accomplished, while allowing for versatility of use and maneuverability of the user, and while simultaneously maintaining desired comfort levels. Further drawbacks include bulkiness of invention, expense of manufacturing (equals end-user expense), inadequate support, or lack of ease in storing support object when not in use.

[0017] This field is crowded with many pillows, mattresses, cushions, and wedges made of gelatin, liquid, or air filled for the head, neck, torso, back, hips, thighs, knees, feet, and ankles. Not one of the prior art inventions is, by design, used potentially for all these different areas of the body, while in any lateral resting position, and offered as a single-piece unit.

[0018] In regard to mattresses, U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,573 to Fiore (1987) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,615 to Geary (1974) show attempts by the inventors to help support either the ankles and foot area, lower-back, or head and neck areas. Both inventions provide a limited amount of maneuverability by the users (i.e., user cannot rest in a diagonal position in respect to the mattress itself). Other obvious drawbacks to both of these examples of mattresses will be the expense, bulkiness of unit, and lack of versatility in use.

[0019] In respect to the torso area body of coverage, U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,719 to Ott (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,519 to Mintz (1996) are both very bulky units that restrict the ways in which the body may be positioned and lack versatility in use.

[0020] In respect to back of the thigh elevation for lower-back support, U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,108 to Chapman (1984) is limited in that the support continues down toward the ankle area thereby losing the leg's potential for side-to-side pivoting, as well as locking the user into one resting position alone. Another set of examples is U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,979 to Nennhaus (1992) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,520 to Kunz et al. (1996). The size of both units is very large and bulky, and essentially restricts the range of movements of the user. This limits the user to one body position alone, negating the possibility of laying on the side or stomach. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,153 to Amioka (1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,453 to Stokes (1999) both exemplify attempts to solve the lower-back issue through thigh elevation support means, but lock the user into one resting position, thus limiting the users maneuverability on the resting surface and lacks versatility of use.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,314 B1 to Frydman (2001) instantiates a support means for elevation of the upper thighs for lower-back support and alignment while resting on one's back, as well as a different use of placing the support between the knees and legs for lateral body alignment while resting on one's side. It comprises versatile elevation through removable/attachable layers for varying sizes and comfort of the user, which in itself is an agreeable way to help more people, but the user must change the elevation of the unit outside the resting context, which adds to complexity of use and makes it more probable that the user will be aroused from an potentially otherwise more restful state. A more agreeable means of providing size and comfort versatility would be to allow the user to be able to simply and easily adjust for different size and comfort levels inside the resting position with a mere shift of the support structure in respect to the body. In respect to resting on the side, this item only supports the thighs and does not allow the user to support the entire leg, which leads to potential discomfort, as described above, in the knee and hip areas. This item also lacks the versatility of use while resting on the stomach, and as also mentioned above, teaches away from resting on the stomach.

[0022] As one can see, this crowded field still has a long-time, unresolved need for those who choose to rest on the stomach, which several persons in the prior art have explicitly taught away from, implicitly stating a perception that this resting position as an irresolvable problem. As we will see with the current invention, this does not have to be the case.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Objects and Advantages

[0023] Accordingly, objects and advantages of the current invention are as follows:

[0024] (a) to provide a support pillow for the lower leg that allows an individual to rest on the stomach with less tossing and turning, discomfort, or pain resultant from the initial point of discomfort on the top of the delicate toes and foot while in a correct, symmetrical bodily alignment position;

[0025] (b) to provide a support pillow for between-the-legs placement that will allow an individual resting on his or her side to achieve full lower leg support for lateral bodily alignment, while simultaneous providing ease in adjustability within the resting context and in body positioning;

[0026] (c) to provide a support pillow that will allow an individual to rest on his or her back with under-the-thigh elevation, which will pivot the hips upward and drop the lower-back downward for more even weight distribution and support on the flat resting surface, thus reducing stress on the lower-back area;

[0027] (d) to provide a support pillow with greater overall versatility, which is capable of supporting the body at the head, neck, shoulders, back, torso, thighs, shins, ankles, feet, or toes while resting on the side, back, or stomach (and varying degrees between these positions) in a single piece unit or in combination of two or more single units;

[0028] (e) to provide a support pillow that allows for greater overall user maneuverability along the resting surface;

[0029] (f) to provide a laterally ‘flipable’ support pillow that can be used on either side equally;

[0030] (g) to provide a non-bulky, easy-to-use support pillow for all the identified resting positions;

[0031] (h) to provide a support pillow with a strong side edge that will support the head and allow for clear, unobstructed nasal passageway while resting on one's stomach; and

[0032] (i) to provide a relatively inexpensive multi-use support pillow, which potentially allows a greater amount of people to gain from the benefits of the invention.

[0033] Furthermore, this invention provides numerous advantages, translating into higher quality in terms of functional versatility, over prior art for certain uses in all main regions of the body. It provides satisfaction and resolution for an existing unmet need, which is more comfortable resting support and posture for those who wish to rest on the stomach.

SUMMARY

[0034] The current invention improves on current art in the areas of the toes, ankles, feet, shins, thighs, back, torso, shoulders, neck, and head support pillows for those who choose to rest on the side, stomach, back, or throughout the range of different possible resting positions between said positions. The novel use of redistributing the main pressure on the top of the delicate toes and feet to the shin, ankle, and foot, while resting on the stomach, allows the user to maintain a symmetrical body positioning throughout the resting period. In doing so, this allows the user to circumvent the resultant, byproduct discomforts in the hips and back areas.

DRAWINGS

Figures

[0035] FIG. 1 exemplifies a perspective view of the support pillow.

[0036] FIG. 2A exemplifies a side view of a person resting on the stomach with an inability to completely straighten the foot in respect to the shin.

[0037] FIG. 2B exemplifies a side view of the toe, foot, and ankle support use while resting on one's stomach.

[0038] FIG. 3 exemplifies a side/over view of the torso support use for a person resting on an inclined stomach-to-side resting position.

[0039] FIG. 4 exemplifies a side view of the face-angled down, head and neck support use while resting on one's stomach.

[0040] FIG. 5 exemplifies a side view of a low-curved-end head support use while resting on one's stomach.

[0041] FIG. 6 exemplifies a side view of the high-curved-end neck and head support use while resting on one's side.

[0042] FIG. 7 exemplifies a side view of the between the thighs, knees, and ankles support use while resting on one's side.

[0043] FIG. 8A exemplifies a side view of a person resting on his or her back with the lower spinal curvature's inability to lay evenly on the resting surface.

[0044] FIG. 8B exemplifies a side view of the under-the-thigh, lower-back support use while resting on one's back.

[0045] FIG. 9 exemplifies a side view of the high-curved end neck and head support use while resting on one's back.

[0046] FIG. 10 exemplifies a side view of the inclined head, neck, or shoulder support use while resting on one's back.

[0047] FIG. 11 exemplifies a perspective view of one possible alternative embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 12 exemplifies a perspective view of another possible alternative embodiment. 1 DRAWINGS—Referenced Numerals 20 - Low-curved end 28 - High-curved end height 22 - Inclined support surface 30 - Support width 24 - Side edge 32 - Support Length 25 - Support pillow 34 - Low-curved end height 26 - High-curved end

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIGS. 1-10—Preferred Embodiments

[0050] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, FIGS. 1-10, the invention is generally embodied in a support pillow 25 made of foam. FIG. 1 shows the support pillow 25 as a single piece unit with a inclined support surface 22, spanning a support width 30 between two concave shaped surface ends, a high-curved end 26 and a low-curved end 20 of differing heights, a high-curved end height 28 and a low-curved end height 34 respectively. At each end of the support pillow 25 along a support length 32, there is a side edge 24. The generally preferred embodiment is estimated at 25 inches for the support length 32, 13.5 inches for the support width 30, 3½ inches for the high-curved end height 28, % an inch at the low-curved end height 34, and 90 degree angled side edge 24.

[0051] Operation—FIGS. 1-10—Preferred Embodiment

[0052] The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-10 with all corresponding uses for each different resting position. There are several ways the present invention can be used for each resting position, which will be described as either resting on a user's side, back, or stomach (and potentially differing degrees of resting positions between them, FIG. 7) for the corresponding areas of body coverage.

[0053] In general, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, for all uses the high-curved end 26 and the low-curved end 20 are each symmetrical, which allows for the support pillow 25 to be used on either side. Thus, the support pillow 25 can be “flipped” over laterally and used on either side with equal functionality on both sides.

[0054] More specifically, when opting to rest on one's stomach, there are numerous potential uses for the support pillow 25, illustrated in FIGS. 2B-5.

[0055] FIG. 2A shows the normal inability of most persons to fully straighten the foot in respect to the shin, which would allow him or her to rest the lower leg more evenly across the resting surface. This inability leads to potential discomfort in the toes, feet, or ankles.

[0056] The first operational description, shown in FIG. 2B, will cover the novel approach of creating a more comfortable and appropriate bodily position for those who wish to rest on the stomach. Even though many persons have described this resting position as irreconcilably troublesome, identifying the main point of initial discomfort, which sets in motion the process of tossing and turning leading to potential bodily aches and pains, is the key first step to understanding this unmet need.

[0057] FIG. 2B shows the proper intervention point and device (the support pillow 25) for resolution of this unmet need. The low-curved end 20 curvature and the low-curved end height 34 allow for a non-intrusive, comfortable contact point providing a transition of weight of the lower leg onto the inclined support surface 22. The weight from the lower legs is distributed more evenly across the inclined support surface 22 throughout the support width 30 with an inclination in respect to the resting surface due to the difference in the low-curved end height 34, the high-curved end height 28, and the support width 30. The high-curved end height 28 and the high-curved end 26 provide an elevated curvature that contours to the ankles without restricting the ankles' range of motion, thus providing support and maneuverability for the user's lower leg. This resolves the discomfort on the delicate foot and toes, thereby allowing the individual to maintain a symmetrical trunk-to-lower body alignment with an even distribution of weight on the body.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for the torso region while opting to rest on the stomach-to-side. The low-curved end 20 curvature and low-curved height 34 meet the user's body in a non-intrusive, comfortable manner allowing the torso area to rest on the inclined support surface 22 to whatever degree of coverage chosen (between slight use to full torso support). As the leg moves out and away from the body, the hip on the same side as the projecting leg raises, creating a stressful pull on the back or hip areas, which then lacks support. Inserting the support pillow under the torso, especially the lower torso, area helps reduce the stress in these areas. Due to the difference in the high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height 34 along the support width 30, there exists an inclination of the inclined support surface 22 of the support pillow 25, which can be used for a variety of elevations, whereby the user chooses how much support height he or she would like. The support width 30 and support length 32 provide the user with versatility and maneuverability with part or whole torso, back, and hip support and comfort. Moving the support pillow down or the body upward can provide support for the extending leg in part or in toto depending on the user's desire.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 while resting on one's stomach. The curvature of low-curved end 20 and low-curved height 34 meet the user's body in a non-intrusive, comfortable manner allowing the head to rest on the inclined support surface 22 and side edge 24. The user can move along the support width 30 on the inclined support surface 22 and the side edge 24 for varied chosen elevated support of the head or chest due to the inclination derived from the difference in the low-curved end height 34, the high-curved end height 28, and the support width 30. This allows the user great versatility and maneuverability while using the support pillow 25 in this manner. This particular use allows the user to maintain greater symmetrical upper body head, neck, and upper back alignment, thus reducing strain on the upper shoulder and neck regions. The user can also maintain a variety of differing angles for supporting the head on the side edge 24. The 90-degree angle of the side edge 24 allows the user to overhang the nose, which supports the head and stimulates the nasal passage, which helps open the nasal passage airway for clearer and more open breathing.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 while resting on one's stomach. The low-curved end 20 and low-curved height 34 meet the user's body in a non-intrusive, comfortable manner allowing the head to rest on the inclined support surface 22. The user can move along the support width 30 and inclined support surface 22 for varied chosen elevated support for the chest, neck, or head, due to the inclination derived from the difference in the low-curved end height 34, the high-curved end height 28, and the support width 30. This allows the user great versatility and maneuverability while using the support pillow 25 in this manner.

[0061] When opting to rest on one's side, there are numerous potential uses for the support pillow 25, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a potential use of the support pillow 25 that provides a contoured support surface for the head and neck while resting on one's side. The high-curved end height 28 and the high-curved end 26 provide an elevated support surface and contour, respectively, to comfortably support the neck while the head rests on the inclined support surface 22, which has an actual declination in respect to the high-curved end height 28 down toward the low-curved end height 34. The support pillow 25 provides a contoured support that allows an even distribution of weight of the head and neck, as well as helping maintain head, neck, and spinal alignment.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates the support pillow 25 used for body alignment for the side resting position. Placed between the legs along the support length 32, the support pillow 25 helps maintain a lateral alignment of the legs, hips, and lower back of the body, thereby reducing potential stress on these areas. The varying height of the flat-raised support surface 22 throughout the support width 30, due to the differences of the low-curved end height 34 and the high-curved end height 28, allows users of varying sizes to choose the elevation of the entire leg region by simply sliding the support pillow 25 toward (increasing the elevation) or away from (decreasing the elevation) the body in respect to the front of the legs or body. The low-curved end 20 allows the user a non-intrusive, comfortable contact or insertion point between the legs. For persons who wish to rest on his or her back, there are additional potential uses for the support pillow seen in FIGS. 8B-10.

[0064] FIG. 8A is a side view of a person resting on the back with the lower spinal curvature's inability to lay evenly on the resting surface; thereby resulting in potential lower-back discomfort due to lack of support of said area.

[0065] FIG. 8B illustrates the behind-the-thigh use of the support pillow 25, which allows the body, in particular the lower-back region, to align more evenly on the resting surface, thereby alleviating some of the stress caused by the weight of the body suspended above the resting surface, which lacks support. The support pillow 25 comfortably meets the buttocks or back of the upper thigh because of the design of the lower-curved end 20 and the low-curved end height 34. The support pillow provides the inclination of the inclined support surface 22 between the low-curved end 20 and high-curved end 26 through the difference between the high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height 34, along with the support width 30. The backs of the thighs rest on the inclined support surface 22 up to the high-curved end 26. The high-curved end 26 and the high-curved end height 28 provide a curvature to help contour and support, respectively, the back of the knee, which will be allowed to fall back comfortably and naturally to the resting surface. The resultant elevation of the thighs on the support pillow 25 pivots the buttock and hips downward in respect to the body, which causes the lower-back region to move down and align more evenly with the resting surface; thus helping to alleviate potential lower-back discomfort due to the natural curvature of the lower spine for more even weight distribution on the resting surface.

[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for neck and head support while resting on the back. The high-curved end height 28 provides support to the neck's natural elevation and the high-curved end 26 provides a curvature appropriate for contoured support of the neck and head. The differences between the high-curved end height 28 and the low-curved end height 34 along the support width 30 creates a declination, in respect to the head and neck regions, appropriate for the contour of the back of the head and neck along and on top of the inclined support surface 22.

[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates another use of the support pillow 25 for the head, neck, or shoulders while resting on the back. The support pillow 25 meets the shoulders or neck at the lower-curved end 20, which allows a non-intrusive, comfortable meeting point because of the curvature shape of the lower-curved end 20 and the low-curved end height 34. Due to the differences of the low-curved end height 34 and the high-curved end height 28, the user is now allowed to rest more evenly on the support pillow 25, creating an even distribution of weight of the head, neck or shoulders on the inclined surface 22.

[0068] FIG. 11—Additional Embodiment

[0069] An additional embodiment of the support pillow 25 as shown by FIG. 11 has a modification of the preferred embodiment in the curvature of the high-curved end 26 and the low-curved end 20, essentially displaying semi-arched curvature for half of the high-curved end height 28 and semi-arched curvature for half of the low-curved end height 28. This embodiment can be varied in support width 30, support length 32, high-curved end height 28, and low-curved end height 34, thus creating a potential change in the angle of the inclined support surface 22. The side edge 24 remains the same for all intended purposes.

[0070] FIG. 11—Operation—Additional Embodiment

[0071] This alternative embodiment is the same in terms of the overall functional intent as the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-10), except the support pillow has only one inclined support surface 22, taking away from the ability to flip the support pillow 25. This potentially allows the invention to be manufactured at a lower cost, which will equal lower end-user cost.

[0072] FIG. 12—Additional Embodiment

[0073] FIG. 12 shows an additional embodiment of the support pillow 25 as a single piece unit with a inclined support surface 22, spanning a support width 30 between two concave shaped surface ends, a high-curved end 26 and a low-curved end 20 of differing heights, a high-curved end height 28 and a low-curved end height 34 respectively. At each end of the support pillow 25 along a support length 32, there is a side edge 24.

[0074] This additional embodiment of the support pillow 25 has a modification in respect to the preferred and first additional embodiments on the side edge 24 alone. The side edge now has a curved edge instead of a 90-degree angle. All other elements remain the same for this embodiment as the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-10).

[0075] FIG. 12—Operation—Additional Embodiment

[0076] Functionality of this alternative embodiment, FIG. 12, is the same as the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-10), except the support pillow 25 has a side edge 24 with a slight curvature used for the facedown position, as seen in FIG. 9. This allows the user to turn the head to differing degrees potentially more easily and comfortably.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0077] Thus, the reader will see the multi-use support pillow provides support for almost every area of the body, which will help the user rest more evenly on the support surface, help align or maintain proper body alignment while resting on the side, stomach, or back, and help distribute weight more evenly throughout the body.

[0078] By design this invention has multiple ramifications:

[0079] it can be used while resting on one's stomach under the shin, ankle, and foot to support and distribute the weight on the delicate toes and top of the foot more evenly across the lower leg, which allows the person to maintain a totally symmetrical alignment of the trunk and lower-body;

[0080] it can be used as a head, neck, or shoulder support pillow for straightening or supporting the cervical alignment while resting on the side, back, or stomach;

[0081] it can be used in conjunction with a conventional pillow to raise the head in a more comfortable position for reading, watching TV, or any other activity whereby the person would like the head to be elevated and tilted forward for viewing;

[0082] it can be used as a torso pillow while laying on the side or stomach to help support and distribute the weight on this area of the body more evenly, thereby reducing stress on certain areas of the torso, lower-back, or hips;

[0083] it can be used by persons who like to have something up against the front part of the body while laying down (“hug pillow”);

[0084] it can be used to elevate the thigh region while laying on one's back in order to pivot the hip area downward and upward in respect to the body, which allows the lower lumbar area to shift down toward the resting surface for more even distribution of body weight, thus helping alleviate potential stress in the lower-back; and

[0085] it can be used while a person is resting on the side by positioning the support pillow between the legs to shift the hips into a more evenly aligned body position, all the way from the hips down to the ankles, which alleviates potential strain on the knees, hips, and lower-back, and allows users of various sizes to select level of comfort through the support's positioning.

[0086] While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments alone, but to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit of the invention, which set forth in the appended claims, and which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An article of support for human body, comprising:

(a) an inclined-support surface, and

(b) a high-curved end

(c) support and alignment means for lower leg and trunk of human body.

2. An article of support for human body, comprising:

(a) a low-curved end,

(b) an inclined-support surface, and

(d) a high-curved end and

(e) support means for selected area of body coverage from group consisting of head, neck, shoulders, torso, back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes resting on top and along said inclined support surface.

3. An article for human bodily support comprising:

(a) an inclined-support surface and

(b) a side-edge

(c) support means for human head on top and along said inclined support surface and side edge.