BREAST PROTECTION BODY SUPPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

A system including a torso support for a user in a prone position protects the user's breasts from compressive forces. The torso support has a length corresponding to an approximate distance from the upper abdomen to shoulders of a user. Cavities are provided to receive breasts. A portion of the pillow adjacent the abdomen is cut away to provide a recess for a user's rib cage. An upper surface of the torso support may be canted at an angle to approximate an angle at which a user's upper body tilts with respect to a horizontal support surface. A fabric cover for the torso support includes a sleeve in registration with each breast cavity. The sleeve may be closed at to a lower end adjacent a bottom of each breast cavity. The system may further comprise a head cushion that mates with the torso support to fit efficiently in a carrying case.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present subject matter relates to a system including a support pillow for supporting a user in a prone position and protecting the user's breasts from compressive forces.

2. Related Art

Women have occasion to be in a prone position on surfaces having varying degrees of rigidity. For example, a woman may be positioned on a table while receiving a therapeutic body massage. Compressive forces apply pressure to the woman's breasts. Some pressure is caused by body weight. Significant pressure may be created by vertical force applied to the back during a massage. Such pressure may cause discomfort. Discomfort will be especially pronounced in women with large breasts, e.g., whose bra cup size is D or DD.

In the case of women with breast implants, damage may be a concern as well as discomfort. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 300,000 American women had breast augmentation in 2004. This is up from 100,000 in 1997. Consequently, accommodating needs of breast implant patients is of increasing importance.

For the past decade, breast implants have been primarily of one or two types, a saline-filled breast implant or a silicone-filled breast implant. While reliability of such implants has increased over the years, they are still subject to damage. According to S. L. Brown, M. S. Middleton, W. A. Berg, M. S. Soo, G. Pennello, Prevalence of Rupture of Silicone Gel Breast Implants Revealed on MR Imaging In A Population Of Women In Birmingham, Ala., Am. J. Roentgenal, 2000; 175:1057-1064, a study conducted by United States Food and Drug Administration scientists found that, among “satisfied” women who had not sought to have their implants removed, most had at least 1 broken implant within 15 years. Another study found that nearly half of silicone implants fail within ten years and three-quarters rupture in 20 years. Marotta, et al., Silicone Gel Breast Implant Failure and Frequency of Additional Surgeries: Analysis of 35 Studies Reporting Examination of More than 8000 Explants, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 199; 48(3): 354-64. Breakage is more obvious with saline implants, because they usually deflate quickly. Silicone implants may leak slowly, so that a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is needed to determine if it is broken.

It is in the interest of a woman with implants to minimize stress on the implants. Rupture of implants have an increased risk of bursting when subjected to compression.

A number of prior art devices have been provided for minimizing pressure on breasts when a woman is in a prone position. U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,768 discloses a cushion support to be placed on a bed or other horizontal support surface which allows a woman to lie or sleep in a face-down position without exerting pressure on the breasts. The cushion support includes an elongated block of foam material, the front section of which is horizontally oriented and supports the upper rib cage and the sternum of the user, and a wedge-shaped lower section which supports the torso of the user. Vertically oriented arcuate recesses are provided to accommodate the breasts. This patent states that the breasts of the user depend into recesses, and are thereby suspended perpendicularly downward from the body without coming into contact with the support surface of the cushion support itself. This arrangement leaves breasts unsupported and subject to the forces of gravity. Discomfort to large-breasted women may result.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,061 discloses a female anatomical mattress including a generally rectangular body supporting structure. The body supporting structure has a pair of side walls with a continuous central section. An upper panel of the structure has a generally rectangular cavity that extends downwardly therefrom and toward the lower panel. The rectangular cavity can only accommodate breasts whose size does not exceed the depth of the cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,682 discloses a contoured pillow for supporting a torso particularly designed as a therapeutic pillow for use after surgical procedures such as breast enlargements. The pillow is placed above the breasts and below the neck. The shoulders are elevated, and no support is provided for the torso of the breasts.

Unites States Published Patent Application No. 2005/0034238 discloses a contoured, slanted body support designed to provide for proper alignment of a body. However, the manufacturing specifications are complex compared to other prior art supports. Further, the support is not as conveniently transportable from a home to a massage therapist, e.g., as a nominal tote bag carried by a woman.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2004/0029484 discloses a breast supporter which can be worn or held to a person's breast to provide protection and comfort, and particularly to reduce discomfort during or following breast implant surgery. The breast supporter can provide one or more depressions or cups for resting of breasts, wherein the breast supporter can be inflatable, and wherein the size of a depression or cup or opening is adjustable. However, each embodiment illustrates a parallelepiped having an outer periphery for surrounding breasts and a cavity or cavities within the periphery. There is no consideration of interaction of the support with a woman's torso. Consequently, while the breasts are protected, the back may be thrust into an uncomfortable position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,689 discloses a shoulder support system with a breast stress reliever for a chiropractic or medical massage table. While stress on breasts may be reduced, stress on the biceps is significantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention a system including a torso support cushion or pillow for supporting a user in a prone position and protecting the user's breasts from compressive forces is provided. The torso support pillow is provided to support a chest of a user. Opposite horizontally displaced ends of the pillow at locations closer to the shoulders and the abdomen respectively are referred to as first and second ends. Cavities are provided to receive breasts. A portion of the torso support pillow adjacent the second end is cut away to provide a recess for receiving a user's rib cage. Additionally, a plane approximately coincident with an upper surface of the torso support pillow may be tilted by an angle a, and decrease in thickness toward the second end.

The torso support pillow may have various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, a torso support pillow for supporting and protecting a user's breast implants when in a prone position is provided. Such a torso support pillow may comprise a base, an upper surface comprising a resilient material angled relative to the base, and at least two recesses in the upper surface configured to receive the user's breasts, the recesses transversely positioned to one another. An abdominal recess configured to receive an abdominal section of the user's body may be formed at an edge of the upper surface

The recesses may be various shapes to receive the user's breasts. For example, the recesses may be cylindrical, circular, arcuate or various other shapes. The upper surface may be angled upward from a rear wall to a front wall of the torso support pillow such that the upper surface has a reduced height at the abdominal recess. This provides angled support to the user's torso which naturally pivots at the user's pelvis or waist.

The torso support pillow may comprise one or more materials. For example, the torso support pillow may have a body comprising a lower layer of a first material and an upper layer of a distinct second material. The different characteristics of the materials may provide different support for a user. It is contemplated that a layer of padding material may be on top of the upper surface of the torso support pillow. A to protective cover may surround the torso support pillow. The protective cover may have a sleeve in registration with each of the recesses to be received therein.

In a further preferred form, a fabric cover is provided for the torso support pillow including a sleeve in registration with each breast cavity. The sleeve may be closed at a lower end adjacent a bottom of each breast cavity. Each sleeve may be longer than the depth of a breast cavity, providing a cushion of bunched fabric at the bottom of a cavity.

In yet a further form, the torso support pillow interacts with a carrying case to facilitate portability of the pillow so that the user may conveniently take her pillow to a variety of locations. Locations may include a doctor's office, health spa massage facility or travel destinations.

A breast protection system for reducing pressure or strain on a user's breast implants is also provided herein. In one or more embodiments, the breast protection system provides reduction in pressure or strain at the user's breast implants when the user is in a prone position. In general, the breast protection system includes a torso support pillow or pillow, and may include a head cushion for supporting a user's head while using the torso support pillow.

For example, a head cushion comprising at least two portions may be provided. Each of the portions may be removably stored in one of the recesses of the torso support pillow. The portions of the head cushion may also have a peripheral shape matching the at least two recesses to nest therein. This allows the head cushion to be stored in the torso support pillow for convenient storage and transport. It is noted that one of the portions may have one or more reliefs therein to receive one or more facial features of the user.

In another exemplary embodiment, a breast protection system for supporting a user's breasts may comprise a torso support pillow and a head cushion. The torso support pillow may comprise a body comprising a base and an upper surface and one or more recesses in the upper surface for receiving one or more breasts of a user. The body may be formed from one or more resilient materials. It is noted that the torso support pillow may optionally have a therapeutic magnet.

The head cushion may comprise one or more reliefs configured to receive one or more facial features of the user. At least a portion of the head cushion may be configured to nest within at least one of the recesses.

A carrying case may be included in the breast protection system as well. The head cushion and the torso support pillow may be shaped to nest to form a rectangular parallelepiped. The carrying case may be fitted to the rectangular parallelepiped.

The torso support pillow may have a protective cover. The protective cover may surround the torso support pillow and have a sleeve in registration with each of the one or more recesses to be received therein. A second cover surrounding the first cover may also be provided. The second cover may have a comfortable and/or decorative surface and be removable for washing.

Various methods of protecting a user's breast implants are disclosed herein as well. For instance, one such method comprises providing a torso support pillow having an angled upper surface, providing one or more recesses in the upper surface of the torso support pillow to receive one or more of the user's breasts, and providing an abdominal recess at an edge of the upper surface to accept a portion of the user's torso. The weight of the user's torso can then be supported with the torso support pillow to reduce strain on the user's breast implants.

The method may also include providing a head cushion having one or more reliefs to receive one or more facial features of the user and supporting the weight of the user's head with the head cushion. At least a first portion of the head cushion may be placed within at least one of the recesses to store the head cushion within the torso support pillow. The torso support pillow may be covered with a cover to protect the torso support pillow as part of the method.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following to figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a user interacting with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of one form of cushion included in the support unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a cushion cover taken along line 5-5 of FIGS. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of components of a transportable system including cushion according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of the system of FIG. 7 in configuration for transport;

FIG. 9 is a cross section of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a head cushion; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a torso support and head cushion assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user 1 utilizing a breast protection system 2 comprising an embodiment of the present invention in an application environment 3. In this illustration, the application environment 3 includes a massage table 4 having an upper surface 5. In a massage scenario, significant compressive forces may be applied to the user 1 by a massage therapist. The breast protection system 2 in a preferred form is readily transportable. A user 1 may transport her own breast support 2 to any application environment 3 and not be concerned with hygiene issues concerning the use of a breast support 2 which is also used by others.

The user 1 comprises a lower body 10, torso 12, a head 14 and a back 18. First and second breasts 15 and 16 depend from the torso 12. When receiving massage therapy, the user 1 will often be in a prone position in which the breasts 15 and 16 contact the upper surface 5 of the massage table 4. As part of massage therapy, a therapist applies force to selected parts of the user 1. Force applied to a back 18 of the user 1 will result in compression of the user 1. Force applied to a back 18 of the user 1 will result in compression of the user 1 between hands of the massage therapist and the massage table 4.

Massage therapists are trained so as to avoid causing harm to users and to minimize discomfort. However, even when a massage therapist employs all due care and only a proper amount of force for a particular therapy, large-breasted women or women who are nursing may experience discomfort even when the same therapy would result in little or no discomfort to a small-breasted woman. Additionally, harm may result to a user 1 having breast implants. Each time significant compressive forces are applied through a torso 12 to the breasts 15 and 16, breast implants therein are compressed. A breast implant generally comprises a flexible layer enclosing liquid or semi-solid material. When the implant is compressed, pressure therein increases. Consequently, tensile force is applied to the flexible layer. The tensile force causes strain. Many breast implants can tolerate the effects of a finite amount of stress. When a yield point is reached, the flexible layer falls, and the breast implant ruptures. The breast protection system 2 eliminates or minimizes adverse effects of compressive forces applied to the breasts 15 and 16.

The breast protection system 2 comprises a torso support 20. In general and as will be described further below, the torso support 20 may be a cushion or pillow configured to support the user's torso while reducing weight or pressure on the user's breasts. The breast protection system 2 may also comprise a head cushion 24. The torso support 20 may also be used with other forms of headrest, such as conventional pillows. The torso support 20 will have a preferred axial extent generally corresponding to a distance from the upper abdomen of the user 1 to the shoulders. Of course, users 1 will vary in height. Therefore, the axial dimension of the torso support 20 may have a value selected to have the preferred axial extent for a range of heights of users 1. Also, the torso support 20 may be provided in a range of sizes such as small, medium and large. Each size accommodates users 1 having a range of heights in the vicinity of a selected center height.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one form of a cushion 30 that may be used to form the torso support 20. A cover 80 for the torso support 20, described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 below, preferably surrounds the cushion 30. The cushion 30 is preferably constructed of foam rubber. The foam rubber may comprise a material having a firmness selected from a wide range of durometer values. One preferred value corresponds to the hardness of a “firm” bedroom pillow. The cushion 30 has a rectangular horizontal cross-section. First and second transversely displaced sidewalls 32 and 34 are spaced by a distance to allow a majority of users 1 to fit on the cushion 30. A nominal spacing is 24 inches. The sidewalls 32 and 34 may be to planar, but need not be. The sidewalls 32 and 34 may be parallel and vertical. The designation vertical is used as a comparative orientation to indicate that the sidewalls 32 and 34 may be perpendicular to a base 36 of the cushion 30. The cushion 30 further comprises front and rear walls 40 and 42 which may also be planar and perpendicular to the base 36, and an upper surface 44. In the present illustration, the direction of front to rear is a direction from the head of a user 1 toward the feet.

The upper surface 44 may be flat or undulating or otherwise non-planar. The upper surface 44 will typically slope downwardly from the front wall 40 to the rear wall 42, but may be non-sloping (i.e., parallel to the base 36) in some embodiments. The upper surface 44 and the rear wall 42 may intersect at an edge 45. An upper surface plane 46 may comprise a plane coextensive with the upper surface 44 or having a “best fit” to the upper surface 44. The upper surface plane 46 is used to describe the slope of the upper surface 44. The upper surface plane 46 is disposed at an angle a with respect to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may, for example, comprise a plane coincident with the base 36 of the cushion 30 or with the massage table upper surface 5. Generally, the base 36 and a table's upper surface 5 or other supporting surface will be coplanar. Providing a slope for the upper surface plane 46 is preferable since the torso of a user 1 will not readily be disposed parallel to the table upper surface 5.

The torso 12 of the user 1 is essentially pivoted at the user 1's pelvis. Consequently, the torso 12 must tilt with respect to upper surface 5 of the massage table 4. The user's back 18 cannot readily move parallel with respect to the massage table 4. By providing a canted upper surface 44, the cushion 30 allows for a natural disposition of the torso 12. The breast protection system 2 thus allows the user 1 to be protected while not requiring the user's body to bend to an uncomfortable position. If the upper surface 44 were horizontal, the torso 12 would engage the edge 45 prior to engaging the rest of the upper surface 44. Force exerted by the torso 2 at the rear wall 42 would be greater than at the front wall 40. Consequently, the rear of the cushion 30 would be more compressed than the front of the cushion 30. Therefore the cushion 30 will undergo greater compression at the rear wall 42 than at the front wall 40. The full range of compressibility of the cushion 30 at the rear wall 42 is no longer available. This limits the range of vertically downward force that may be applied to the torso 12 before the cushion 30 “bottoms out” and ceases to protect the breasts 15 and 16 from compression. Therefore, the angle a is selected to dispose the torso 12 to rest naturally and comfortably, substantially parallel to the upper surface 44.

The cushion 30 has first and second recesses 50 and 52. The recesses 50 and 52 receive the breasts 15 and 16 respectively. In a preferred form, the recesses 50 and 52 are cylindrical. The recess 50 has a vertical wall 54 and a flat base 56. The recess 52 has a vertical wall 58 and a flat base 60. The dimension of the recesses 50 and 52 is selected to provide clearance for smaller breasts, and to be filled by larger breasts. Larger breasts 15 and 16 bear against the recesses 50 and 52. There will be some compression of the breasts 15 and 16 from weight due to engagement with surfaces for the cushion 30. Since the cushion 30 is elastomeric, compressive forces applied to the breasts 15 and 16 are largely absorbed. Therefore discomfort to the breasts or stress on layers of implants is held to an acceptable level.

For further comfort of the user 1, an abdomen recess 66 is provided which is cut into the edge 45 of the cushion 30. In a preferred form, the recess 66 has a spherical contour. Alternatively, the recess 66 may comprise a number of other contours, such as a cylindrical or parabolic contour. The width of the recess 66, i.e., a distance between its intersections with the edge 45, is selected to correspond to an average width of a user 1 for which the size range of the cushion 30 is designed. Provision of the recess 66 facilitates its interface of the torso 12 with the upper surface 44 of the cushion 30.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion 30 taken along lines 3-3 of

FIG. 2. It can be seen that the upper surface 44 may support an upper layer, such as a padded, textured, or other layer that. It is contemplated that a layer of soft material, such as a fluffy, fuzzy, or similar material may be on the upper surface 44 to give it a softened feel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 the upper surface 44 comprises a layer formed from a matrix of projections 70. The projections 70 are preferably molded into the cushion 30 to project from the upper surface 44. The projections 70 may conveniently have a shape comprising a solid of rotation or be pyramidal. Cross sections could comprise a triangle or a parabola shape. It is not necessary for the to projections 70 to be tapered in an upward vertical direction. However, such a taper will facilitate ease in manufacture. Upper vertical extremities of the projections 70 define a ventilated upper surface 72. The upper surface 72 comprises a contour defined by upper ends of each projection 70. The projections 70 allow for further cushioning of the torso 12 as well as for a degree of air circulation between the user 1 and the cushion 30. Projections 10 may also be provided extending from the surfaces 56 and 60 of the recesses 50 and 52 respectively.

The cushion 30 may be constructed of many different forms of resilient material, including resilient material formed with natural and/or synthetic material. Injection molding may be used for certain forms of rubber or plastic. Such an embodiment is suitable for high-volume production. In low volume production, cushions 30 may be assembled by cutting and fastening component parts into designed shape. Some suitable materials include, sponge, foam rubber, memory foam, and other resilient materials. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the cushion 30 comprises a lower layer 74 and an upper layer 76. In one or more embodiments, the lower layer 74 and upper layer 76 may be formed from different materials. For example, the lower layer 74 may be one type of foam rubber while the upper layer 76 is another type of foam rubber. As another example, the lower layer 74 may be foam rubber while the upper layer 76 is memory foam. It is contemplated that more than two layers may be provided. This saves on costs for more expensive materials by only requiring one layer to be formed from the more expensive materials. In addition, the different layers provide different support to a user 1. For example, the lower layer to 74 may be harder than the upper layer 76 or vice versa, to provide different types/levels of support. In one embodiment, the upper layer 76 is softer than the lower layer 74 to better conform to a user 1. In such embodiment, the harder lower layer 74 ensures adequate padded support is provided below the user.

The cushion 30 may be manufactured in multiple layers for ease of manufacturing. For example, as shown the lower layer 74 is a solid piece, while the upper layer 76 has cylindrical apertures formed therein to define the recesses 50 and 52. The lower layer 74 and the upper layer 76 may be secured to each other with adhesive or otherwise attached together. The cushion 30 may be resolved into any number of subunits to be joined together. In this manner, difficult or impossible steps with respect to shaping of a foam rubber may be avoided. It is noted that some embodiments of the cushion 30 may have more than two layers such as to ease manufacturing or to provide different amounts of padding/stiffness.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a torso support 20. FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along the lines of 5-5 of FIG. 4 of a torso support 20 having an outer cover 80 and an inner cover 100 surrounding the cushion 30. The outer cover 80 may conveniently have a loose fit around the inner cover 100. The inner cover 100 preferably will have a relatively close fit with the cushion 30. While it is preferred to use of an outer and inner cover 80 and 100, either a single covered or no cover may be utilized. The use of two covers facilitates providing an aesthetically attractive, protected, and easy to clean breast protection system 2.

The outer cover 80 may be selected based on a number of criteria of which may include ornamental design, comfort of the user 1 or physical characteristics of the material such as absorbency or elasticity. The inner cover 100 is used in a manner similar to a mattress cover. The inner cover 100 provides a washable surface surrounding the cushion 30. Additionally, the inner cover 100 may absorb moisture which would other wise penetrate the cushion 30 and may further protect the cushion 30 from perspiration. The inner cover 100 may conveniently be made of cotton or out of a blended material to provide a hypoallergenic shield surrounding cushion 30. Generally, the inner cover 100 will be made of launderable material, although other materials may be used. The outer cover 80 will generally be selected for its finish and its appearance, and may be made from launderable, hand washable or dry cleanable material.

The outer cover 80 includes outer pockets 82 and 84 which may be received in pockets of the outer cover 100 described below or directly in the recesses 50 and 52 respectively of the cushion 30. The outer cover 80 has a front end 86. The front end 86 of the outer cover 80 is adjacent the front wall 40 of the cushion 30 (FIG. 2). In order to provide for removability of the outer cover 80, closure means 85, in the present illustration a zipper, are provided. The closure means in the present illustration is conveniently formed in the end 86, and may also extend to opposite sides 92 and 94 of the outer cover 80. It is most convenient to insert and remove a cushion 30 with respect to the outer cover 80 through a largest dimension. Therefore the end 86 is preferably adjacent the larges wall of the cushion 30. However, the closure means 86, may be provided in other portions of the outer cover 60. Other closure means 86, for example hook and loop fasteners, buttons or snaps, may be provided.

As also seen in FIG. 5, the outer cover 80 comprises an upper piece 90 and a lower piece 92 joined at a seam 94. The upper and lower places 90 and 92 may have dimensions sufficiently large to surround the cushion 30 loosely. The upper and lower pieces 90 and 92 need not have a particular shape. Alternatively, the upper and lower pieces 90 and 92 may be fitted to the cushion 30. Any tailoring technique may be used to shape the outer cover 80 to be fitted to the cushion 30. For example, each of the upper and lower pieces 90 and 92 may each comprise a plurality of panels shaped so that the outer cover 80 will conform to the shape of the cover 30. In a further alternative form, the outer cover 80 may be made of a stretch material.

The pocket 84 comprises a sleeve 95 joined to a circular aperture 96 in the outer cover 80 at a seam 97. A lower end of the sleeve 88 is joined to a circular insert 98. The circular insert 96 may comprise a material similar to that of the outer cover 80 or the sleeve 88. Alternatively, the circular insert 96 may be chosen to have a diameter such that the circular insert 96 may be conveniently press fit into the recess 54. In another embodiment, the pocket 84 could comprise a unitary sock. Fastening means would need to be used if it is desired to secure the pocket 82 to the cushion 30. The pocket 82 (FIG. 4) similarly comprises a sleeve 102 secured at an upper end to an aperture 104 in the outer cover 80 and at a lower end to a circular insert 106. The apertures 94 and 104 are preferably selected to have the same diameters and same spacing as the breast-receiving recesses 50 and 52.

The inner cover 100 includes inner pockets 122 (FIGS. 4) and 124 (FIG. 5) positioned to be in registration with the recesses 50 and 52 respectively. The inner cover 100 has a front end. 126. The front end 126 of the inner cover 120 is adjacent to front wall 40 of the cushion 30 (FIG. 2). In order to provide for removability of the inner cover 100, closure means 128, in the present illustration a zipper, are provided. The closure means 126 in the present illustration is conveniently formed in the front end 126, and may also extend to adjoining sides of the inner cover 100. It is most convenient to insert and remove a cushion 30 with respect to the inner cover 100 through a largest dimension. Therefore the end 126 is preferably adjacent the larges wall of the cushion 30. However, the closure means 128 may be provided in other portions of the inner cover 100, as seen in FIG. 6. Other closure means 128, for example buttons or snaps, may be provided.

The inner cover 100 may, if desired, be made in a manner similar to the outer cover 80. The inner pockets 122 and 124 may comprises sleeves or unitary, sock-like recesses. The inner pockets 122 and 124 are preferably selected to have the same center-to-center spacing as the breast-receiving recesses 50 and 52. The inner pockets to 122 and 124 are dimensioned to fit in the breast-receiving recesses 50 and 52 and to received the outer pockets 82 and 84 respectively.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further form of the outer cover 80. In the present illustration, a utility pocket 150 is formed on a side of the outer cover 80. A clip 152 may also be provided to hold a towel or other article used in connection with exercise or massage. A fastener 154 may have a link 156 connected thereto in order to provide for a connection between the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24. First and second accessory pockets 163 and 164 may also be provided on selected sections of the outer cover 80 to accommodate a desired function. For example, one desired function may be magnetic field therapy. In such an embodiment, first and second magnets 167 and 168 may be positioned in the first and second accessory pockets 163 and 164 respectively.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective illustrations of a transportable system 160 in a disassembled state and an assembled state respectively. The transportable system 160 includes a torso support 20 according to FIG. 1. A user 1 may wish to carry the breast support system 2 to any of a number of locations. In the present illustration, the transportable system 160 comprises a torso support 20, a head cushion 24 and a carrying case 170. The carrying case 170 may comprise a rectangular parallelepiped. If desired, novelty shapes could be provided. The carrying case 170 has an upper flap 172 joined to a rectangular body 174 at a seam 176. A closure member 178 preferably comprises a zipper extending along three of four sides of the rectangular to body 174. A first handle 180 and a second handle 182 are provided for a user to either grasp with a hand or put the handles 180 and 182 over a shoulder.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24 are shown in a preferred relative disposition with each other. The torso support 20 and the head cushion 24 are placed so that the difference between combined linear dimensions of the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24 in one degree of freedom and the longest dimension of the torso support 20 or the head cushion 24 in a perpendicular degree of freedom in minimized In other words, to the extent possible, an approximation of a cube is provided. Consequently, volume of a given carrying case 170 may be minimized for a particular breast support system 2.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the head cushion 24 is beneficial in that it supports the user's head 14 when the user is lying face down on the cushion 30. Since the cushion 30 elevates the user's torso 12, the head cushion 24 may be used to support the user's head 14 at a similar elevated position so that the user's head may be aligned with the user's torso. This improves comfort when the user 1 is utilizing the cushion 30. In addition, it prevents the user 1 from having to hold her head at an elevated position when using the cushion 30.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary head cushion 24. As compared to a to traditional pillow, the head cushion 24 is advantageous in that it is configured to match the height or elevation of the user 1 when the user is on the cushion 30. In addition, traditional pillows are generally not resilient and do not provide a supporting structure but rather provide a pad upon which to rest one's head. The head cushion 24 provides a structure which both elevates and supports a user's head 14. In one or more embodiments, the head cushion 24 may be formed with resilient material that has a particular shape and size. Unlike a traditional pillow, the head cushion 24 of these embodiments would not typically comprise loose fill held within a soft container (e.g., pillow case). In this manner, the head cushion 24 can provide a shaped structure that comfortably supports a user's head 14.

As shown in FIG. 10 for example, the head cushion 24 may have one or more reliefs in its surface to reduce pressure on the user's head 14. As shown for example, the head cushion 24 has two curved recesses 188,190 formed in its top surface. The user 1 may align the recesses 188,190 with her facial features, such as her nose and/or eyes. The recesses 188,190 provide space for such features thus reducing pressure thereon and increasing user comfort. Also the space provided by the recesses 188,190 prevent the head cushion 24 from blocking airflow to and from a user's mouth, nose, or both. This is highly advantageous because the user will typically utilize the breast protection system 2 face down.

It is noted that the recesses 188,190 may be various shapes and sizes that provide one or more pressure relieving spaces for the user's facial features. The “+” shape configuration of the recesses 188,190 in FIG. 10 allow the head cushion 24 to be rotated and still align with the user's nose and/or eyes. Other shapes and configurations are contemplated as well. For example, the head cushion 24 may have a central depression or recess cut out from its top end, such as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, only a single recess may be provided, such as to accommodate the user's nose. It is contemplated that the recesses may be customized to a particular user 1. For instance recesses may be formed in the head cushion 24 according to match the facial features of a particular user.

The head cushion 24 may have various shapes. In FIG. 2 for example, the head cushion has an elliptical shape like that of an egg. However, other circular, rectangular, curved, and/or polygonal shapes are possible. Typically, the head cushion's peripheral shape will match that of the recesses 50,52 of the cushion 30. This allows the head cushion 24 to be stored in the recesses 50,52 when not in use, such as shown in FIG. 11. This is advantageous in that it reduces space utilization and produces a more compact configuration that may be easily transported. In addition, inserting the head cushion 24 into the recesses 50,52 helps preserve their shape especially if the cushion 30 is not used for longer periods of time.

Referring back to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the head cushion 24 may be formed in multiple pieces or portions. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the head cushion 24 comprises an upper portion 184 and a lower portions 186. These portions 184,186 may be detached and reattached from/to one another. to For example, the portions 184,186 may be separated so that they may be inserted into individual recesses 50,52 of the cushion 30 for storage. The portions 184,186 may then be removed from the cushion 30 and used to form a head cushion 24, when desired. Each of the portions 184,186 may have a similar peripheral shape, such as shown. Alternatively or in addition, the mating surfaces or structures of the portions 184,186 may have similar shapes or structures which engage one another. In this manner, the portions 184,186 may engage one another to form a head cushion 24.

It is contemplated that one or more fasteners may be used to secure the portions 184,186 to one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 a strap 192 may be provided to ties or lash the portions 184,186 together. The strap 192 may be elastic or stretchable so as to collapse around the portions 184,186, holding them together. The strap 192 may also be non-elastic (but typically flexible). In such embodiments, the resilient material of the portions 184,186 may be compressed and inserted into the strap 192 and then allowed to expand within the strap. The portions 184,186 may be removed by compressing them again and removing them from the strap 192.

The strap 192 may be positioned at various locations. As shown for example, the strap 192 is within a recess 190. This helps hold the strap 192 in position. It is noted that multiple straps could be used. For example, a second strap could be within recess 188 in the embodiment of FIG. 10. It is contemplated that the lower portion 186 may have one or more recesses as well, such as to help hold the strap 192 in position.

The portions 184,186 may be secured together with other fasteners. For example, the mating surfaces may have fasteners, such as buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or magnets to hold the portions 184,186 together. Alternatively or in addition, as described above, the mating surfaces may be shaped (like 3 dimensional puzzle pieces) to securely engage one another.

The height of each portion 184,186 may be configured such that, when connected together, the head cushion 24 formed by the portions supports the user's head 14 at the same or similar elevation as the user's upper body is supported by the cushion 30. For example, each portion 184,186 may be half the height or substantially half the height of the cushion 30 in some embodiments. If desired the height of the head cushion 24 may be raised or lowered relative to that of the cushion 30. In such cases, the height of the portions 184,186 may be raised or lowered accordingly.

It is contemplated that the head cushion 24 could have more than two portions. For example, at least one of the portions 184,186 may comprise a plurality of layers. This is beneficial in that it permits a user to select the height of the overall head cushion 24 by including or not including particular layers. In addition, it is contemplated that one or more of these layers could be left in the recesses 50,52 of the cushion to provide bottom support for the user's breasts. The layers may be removably attached to one another, such as described above with regard to the fasteners of the head cushion 24.

The present subject matter being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be modified or varied in many ways. Such modifications and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A torso support pillow for supporting and protecting a user's breast implants when in a prone position, the torso support pillow comprising:

a base;

an upper surface angled relative to the base, the upper surface comprising a resilient material;

at least two recesses in the upper surface configured to receive the user's breasts, the recesses transversely positioned to one another;

to an abdominal recess configured to receive an abdominal section of the user's body, the abdominal recess formed at an edge of the upper surface

2. The torso support pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least two recesses are cylindrical.

3. The torso support pillow of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is angled upward from a rear wall to a front wall of the torso support pillow such that the upper surface has a reduced height at the abdominal recess.

4. The torso support pillow of claim 1 further comprising a body between the base and the upper surface, the body comprising a lower layer of a first material and an upper layer of a distinct second material.

5. The torso support pillow of claim 1 further comprising a layer of padding material on top of the upper surface.

6. The torso support pillow of claim 1, further comprising a head cushion comprising at least two portions, each of the at least two portions removably stored in one of the at least two recesses and having a peripheral shape matching the at least two recesses.

7. The torso support pillow of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the at least two to portions has one or more reliefs therein to receive one or more facial features of the user.

8. The torso support pillow of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover surrounding the torso support pillow, the protective cover having a sleeve in registration with each of the at least two recesses to be received therein.

9. A breast protection system for supporting a user's breasts comprising:

a torso support pillow comprising: a body comprising a base and an upper surface, the body formed from one or more resilient materials; one or more recesses in the upper surface for receiving one or more breasts of a user; and

a head cushion comprising: one or more reliefs configured to receive one or more facial features of the user.

10. The torso support pillow of claim 9, wherein the upper surface is angled upward from a first end to a second end of the torso support pillow.

11. The torso support pillow of claim 9 further comprising an abdominal recess at an edge of the upper surface configured to receive a torso area of the user's body.

12. The torso support pillow of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the head cushion is configured to nest within at least one of the one or more recesses.

13. The torso support pillow of claim 12, further comprising a carrying case and wherein the head cushion and the torso support pillow are shaped to nest to form a rectangular parallelepiped and in which the carrying case is fitted to the rectangular parallelepiped.

14. The torso support pillow of claim 9, further comprising a protective cover surrounding the torso support pillow, the protective cover having a sleeve in registration with each of the one or more recesses to be received therein.

15. The torso support pillow of claim 14, further comprising a second cover surrounding the first cover, the second cover being removable for washing.

16. The torso support pillow of claim 9, wherein the torso support pillow has a therapeutic magnet.

17. A method of protecting a user's breast implants comprising:

providing a torso support pillow having an angled upper surface;

providing one or more recesses in the upper surface of the torso support pillow to receive one or more of the user's breasts;

providing an abdominal recess at an edge of the upper surface to accept a portion of the user's torso; and

supporting the weight of the user's torso with the torso support pillow to reduce strain on the user's breast implants.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a head cushion having one or more reliefs to receive one or more facial features of the user and supporting the weight of the user's head with the head cushion.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising placing at least a first portion of the head cushion within at least one of the one or more recesses to store the head cushion within the torso support pillow.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising covering the torso support pillow with a cover to protect the torso support pillow.