Sleep Alignment System

Abstract

A sleepwear system with permanently affixed pads that align the body parts during sleep or attempts to sleep. This alignment increases the quality of sleep as well as reducing back, leg and other alignment disorders. The pads are designed to conform closely to the shape of the body to increase the comfort of use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to provisional application 61/264,783, filed on Nov. 27, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for aligning the body to promote beneficial sleep.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chronic back and leg pain as well as soreness in the hips, shoulders and other body parts are often a result of an individual sleeping in an awkward position with body parts misaligned. For example, sleeping on one's side with the knees together may cause the weight of the upper leg to create pressure and stress on the hip joints. Also, the rotational torque from as one leg overlays the other leg may create torque on the spine. Sleeping on one's back with the knees straight may cause the weight of the legs to push down on the hip joints causing pressure and stress there. The downward weight of the legs acting on the buttocks may create a lever action on the spine as well. The positioning of the knees and/or the lower back may also misalign the spine causing back and leg pain.

There have been a number of attempts at creating the appropriate alignment between the legs, back and spine to alleviate the misalignment that cause chronic pain in body parts. One common device is to place a pillow between the knees while sleeping on the side, or beneath the knees or beneath the lower back while sleeping in a supine position. The pillow placed between the legs alleviates many of the problems that lead to chronic body pain from sleeping. This use of a pillow helps to create the proper alignment of the legs, back and spine to minimize chronic body pain due to sleep disorder. Specific orthopedic products have also been developed to align the knees and the lower back during sleep to treat these disorders.

However, the use of pillow or orthopedic support devices tend to extend away from the body or are oversize which may cause discomfort to the sleeper as well as prevent the body from it's natural movements during sleep. Also, pillows and support devices often become dislodged during sleep which renders their effectiveness useless. Pillows also vary considerably in size and firmness so it may take considerable experimentation to find one that works well. Pillows and support devices that are soft may initially conform better to the body of the sleeper, but will eventually flatten and lose their ability to properly align the body. Pillows and support devices that are more firm tend not to conform to the body causing discomfort and interfere with a proper sleep.

There have been attempts in the past to use cushioning built into sleepwear, such as pajama pants and tops to overcome issues with movement that resulted from previous pillows and cushions. These devices use pockets formed in the sleepwear into which small cushions may be placed. The pockets are located either along the inseams at the knees of pajamas, or along the inner thighs of the pajamas to align the legs while the sleeper is lying on their sides.

Another area of concern relating to correct position of the body relates to individuals who may be recovering from injuries or surgery as well as those who have chronic ailments such as arthritis. It may be necessary for those individuals to have their knees, legs, or other body parts supported during sleep or rest.

Other individuals also prefer to sleep with pillows between their knees, thighs, or legs for comfort reasons. For example, there are products presently on the market referred to as body pillows that individuals use to space their legs and other body parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for aligning the body parts of an individual during sleep and rest to minimize chronic pain from misalignment of the body. The system includes sleepwear with pads affixed to the legs and/or back portions at strategic locations to ensure that the legs and back are properly aligned. This minimizes chronic pain resulting from misalignment in the legs, hips, and/or back body parts. The pads are designed to conform to the body parts so that the wearer is more comfortable. The pads are also securely affixed to the sleepwear so that they will not become dislodged during use.

The system of a preferred embodiment secures pads extending either partially or fully around the knee portions of the sleepwear. The pads engage one another as the wearer sleeps on their side and space the legs into correct alignment. The pads behind the knee portions will also provide support and positioning of the legs when the wearer is in the supine position. The full circumference embodiment provides additional support on the legs regardless of the position of the wearer during sleep or rest.

The pads may be placed adjacent the knees of the sleepwear, along the thighs, or adjacent the lower back. Pads on opposing legs are preferred as well as multiple pads placed at selected locations as needed.

The system of another preferred embodiment securely affixes the pads to the sleepwear so that they will not become accidentally dislodged during sleep or movement during sleep. The pads may be affixed by sewing them onto the sleepwear, sewing them into pockets on the sleepwear, adhesively affixing them to the sleepwear, fastening them with hook and loop fasteners, or by any other securing mechanism.

The system of a preferred embodiment also uses sleepwear that has elastic or hemmed bottoms at the legs. These prevent the sleepwear from riding up or otherwise moving during sleep or movement so the pads will not be relocated. The bottoms could also use a strap or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro® to prevent the movement of the sleepwear. Also, the waist can include elastic or other types of fasteners to prevent the sleepwear from moving downward as well for this same reason.

The system of another preferred embodiment uses pads formed from a firm resilient material, such as a foam material. This provides support throughout the sleep period while providing a degree of comfort as well. Preferably, the pads have a series of notches formed in the surface adjacent the body so that the pads will flex comfortably around the body. Alternatively the pads can be formed from a gel material that will flow around the body as the gel warms from the body heat. The gel is contained so it will still provide support while conforming to the body. Other pad materials may be down, either natural or synthetic that will flow around the body. Preferably, the selected material will be washable and hypoallergenic.

These and other features of the present invention will be evident from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments, from the drawings and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the sleepwear with pads affixed partly around the knees.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the embodiment of Figure in a different use.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a second embodiment of the sleepwear with pads fully around the knees.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a third embodiment of the sleepwear with pads adjacent the lower back.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the pad with notches formed therein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the cross-section of FIG. 6 engaging a leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive embodiments are provided herein for explanatory purposes only and are not meant to unduly limit the claimed inventions. The exemplary embodiments describe the present invention in terms of use with sleepwear. It is to be understood that the present invention is intended for use with other types of sleepwear as well as other types of clothing and devices for assisting with body alignment for sleep and other purposes.

The present invention provides sleepwear with strategically placed pads that properly align body parts such as legs during sleep to improve the quality of sleep as well as minimizing back and other body alignment issues. The pads are securely affixed to the sleepwear to prevent their accidental dislodgement or movement during sleep. The pads are preferably designed and selected to conform closely to the body of the wearer to ensure comfort while being sufficiently firm to maintain the body alignment throughout the sleep period.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. This embodiment of the present invention is used with sleepwear, such as pajama pants. It is to be expressly understood that other types of clothing, sleepwear or other apparatus may be used as well. The pajama pants 10 include a waist portion 12 and legs 14, 16. The pajama pants may be formed from cotton, polyester or any other suitable material. The pajama pants may have a top incorporated therein or a separate top may be included.

The legs 14, 16 of the pajama pants 10 include one or more spaced pads such as pads 20, 22 affixed to at least one of the legs and preferably to both of the legs. In the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the pads 20, 22 are secured to the pant legs 14, 16 starting at the outside of the knee of the wearer and extending around the inner portion of the pant leg to the center of the back of the knee. The pads, described in greater detail below, help to properly align the wearer's legs during sleep due to the contact between the opposing pads creating space between the legs. This particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, aligns the legs with the spine to minimize leg, back, hip or other body pain due to misalignment of the legs during sleep.

The partial circumference of the pads around the knees of this embodiment also provide an additional benefit. Often, the wearer will lie in a supine position on their back during sleep. The additional padding beneath the knee will support the legs, as shown in FIG. 3, in a manner that will better align the legs with the back to minimize misalignment resulting in body pain. Since many individuals will sleep in differing positions throughout their sleep period, this embodiment will accommodate these differing sleep positions.

In a second embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the pads 20, 22 encircle the entire circumference of the knees. This embodiment will not only provide alignment support for individuals sleeping in either the side position or the supine position but will also provide additional alignment for the lower leg regardless of the side being slept on. This improves the alignment of the body during sleep regardless of the position of the sleeper.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, use the pads affixed to portions of sleepwear adjacent the lower or upper back of wearer. This particular embodiment serves to assist with alignment of the back when supine or with minimizing sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Other embodiments include placing the pads at different locations up and down inner sections of the legs. For example, pads may be placed along the thigh instead of or in addition to the knee region. The pads may also be spaced longitudinally from one another as well. Also, additional pads may be used at differing locations to accommodate individual needs.

The pads 20, 22 of the present invention are formed from firm, yet resilient foam materials that provide support while providing some conformance to the shape of the wearer. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pads 20 include slits or notches 30, 32, 34, 36 formed in the side of the pad adjacent the leg of the wearer. These slits allow the pad to conform to the shape of the wearer's leg much easier as shown in FIG. 7 than a typical firm pad. This provides greater comfort to the wearer which increases the ability to sleep.

Another embodiment of the pads 20, 22 use a gel material for at least part of the pad. The gel, particularly as it warms from the body heat of the wearer, shapes to the shape of the wearer's body. This also increases the ability to sleep and increases the comfort to the wearer.

Another embodiment of the pads of the present invention include washable down. The down settles against the body of the wearer and forms about the body. This increases the comfort to the wearer as well as increasing the ability to sleep. The washability of the down allows the sleepwear to be easily laundered without the need to remove the pad.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention permanently affixes the pads to the sleepwear. This ensures that the pads will stay aligned and not move about during the sleep or attempts to sleep of the wearer. The pads may be sewn to the sleepwear, inserted into compartments with are sealed by sewing or other mechanisms, or adhesively affixed to the sleepwear. The pads may also include hook and loop fabric that allows it to be securely affixed while removed when not needed.

The sleepwear may also include elastic on the waist 12 or a fastening mechanism to minimize the movement of the sleepwear during sleep or body movement. The bottoms of the legs 14, 16 may also include elastic, hemming, hook and loop fasteners or other types of mechanism to prevent the legs from riding upwards during sleep or body movement. These help keep the pads appropriately located during use.

The sleepwear also has benefit for those individuals who are in post surgery recovery and need to ensure that their recovering body parts are properly supported. Other individuals who suffer from chronic pain such as arthritis in the knees or ankles may receive benefit from the sleepwear supporting their legs in a comfortable manner. Some individuals who may have chronic soreness or abnormal body parts may also benefit from the sleepwear of the present invention. There are also many individuals who do not suffer from any condition but receive comfort from the use of pillows between their legs may also receive similar comfort from the sleepwear of the present invention.

Another particular application for the sleepwear of the present invention is for use by women during pregnancy. It is often difficult to find a comfortable position that will support the extended abdomen. The pads of the sleepwear will not only provide support, particular when sleeping on the side, but the ability of the pads to conform to the body shape provides additional support and comfort.

The pads may also be used for other purposes as well, such as with sports or work clothing where pads may be of value.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are considered to within the scope of the claimed inventions. The above descriptions are intended only for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for promoting beneficial sleep, said system comprising:

a pair of sleepwear pants having a first leg and a second leg;

a first pad secured to said first leg in a location adjacent to the knee portion of said first leg;

a second pad secured to said second leg in a location adjacent to the knee portion of said sleepwear pants; and

said first and second pads formed of materials designed to conform to the body of the wearer.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said location of said first pad is adjacent the inner seam of said first leg adjacent to the knee portion of said first leg; and

said location of said second pad is adjacent the inner seam of said second leg adjacent to the knee portion of said second leg so that said first pad and second pad are in contact with one another as the wearer is lying in a side position to align the legs of the wearer during sleep.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said location of said first pad extends from about the center of the front of the knee of said first leg around the inseam of said first leg and to about the center of the back of the knee of said first leg; and

said location of said second pad is extends from about the center of the front of the knee of said second leg around the inseam of said second leg and to about the center of the back of the knee of said second leg so that said first pad and second pad are in contact with one another as the wearer is lying in a side position to align the legs of the wearer during sleep.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said location of said first pad extends behind the knee of said first leg; and

said location of said second pad extends behind the knee of said second leg so that said first pad and second pad support the legs of the wearer while the wearer is in a supine position to align the legs of the wearer during sleep.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said location of said first pad extends around the knee of said first leg; and

said location of said second pad is extends around the knee of said first leg so that said first pad and second pad are in contact with one another as the wearer is lying in a side position and support the legs of the wearer as the wearer is lying in a supine position to align the legs of the wearer during sleep.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said location of said first pad is adjacent the inner seam of said first leg adjacent to the thigh portion of said first leg;

said location of said second pad is adjacent the inner seam of said second leg adjacent to the thigh portion of said second leg so that said first pad and second pad are in contact with one another as the wearer is lying in a side position to align the legs of the wearer during sleep.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said first pad is permanently affixed to said first leg and said second pad is permanently affixed to said second leg.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said first pad is sewn to said first leg and said second pad is sewn to said second leg.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said first pad is adhesively secured to said first leg and said second pad is adhesively secured to said second leg.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said first pad is secured to said first leg by hook and loop fasteners and said second pad is secured to said second leg by hook and loop fasteners.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pads are formed of a resilient foam material.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pads are formed from a resilient material; and

said resilient material includes notches formed therein to allow said first and second pads to conform to the shape of the body of the wearer.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pads are formed from a gel material that shapes to the body of the wearer as heat from the body warms said gel.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pads are formed from down materials to conform to the shape of the body of the wearer.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pads are formed from a hypoallergenic material.