SLEEP SUPPORT SYSTEM
A pillow includes a substantially flat base portion; a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion; a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and a top portion formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.
The present invention relates to resting equipment, and more specifically to a pillow apparatus for promoting certain sleeping postures.
People sleep in many different positions, and often change positions throughout the night. For various reasons people prefer or are instructed to sleep in certain positions. One such position is sleeping on their back. Sleeping on a person's back can inhibit the appearance and growth of under eye circles or bags which sometime form under a person's eyes while sleeping and may also promote other health benefits.
SUMMARYA pillow includes a substantially flat base portion; a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion; a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and a top portion formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.
A method of forming a pillow includes integrally forming a pillow with a flat base and a top that is slanted from the sides toward the center to form a v-shaped cross-section.
Base 12 is substantially flat and rectangular. First and second sides 14a and 14b and top and bottom vertical sides 16a, 16b extend perpendicular from base 12. Horizontal plane 20a connects first side 14a to slanted plane 22a. Horizontal plane 20b connects second side 14b to slanted plane 22b.
Pillow dimensions shown are pillow width PW, pillow height PH, pillow length PL, pillow top flat portion length PT, pillow height at v-center PVH, and pillow angle PA. Dimensions can be pillow width PW of 304.8 mm (12 inches), pillow height PH of 152.4 mm (6 inches), pillow length PL of 431.7 mm (17 inches), pillow top flat portion length PT of 12.7 mm (0.5 inches), pillow height at v-center PVH of 76.2 mm (3 inches) and pillow angle PA of 21 degrees. Dimensions given are for example purposes only and may be varied depending on system requirements. For example, what a pillow angle PA could vary between 18 degrees to 23 degrees.
Pillow 10 is integrally formed from one piece of foam or other materials which would be suitable for cushioning the head of a user and firm enough to provide support, including but not limited to gels, polymers and open or closed cellular structures. The foam used can be memory foam, which molds to the shape pressing against it. The method of forming pillow can involve using a mold to shape the foam and/or cutting the foam to have the proper shape and dimensions.
Back support cushion 24 can slide into one end of portion 38 to fit securely within portion 38. Back support cushion 24 can be secured into portion 38 through sewing, buttoning or other means if desired. Cushion cover 34 can be made out of various fabrics and textiles, including cotton, silk, flannel or other natural or synthetic materials. Dimensions and arrangement of portions 38 for holding back support cushions 24 are shown for example purposes only, and can be varied according to requirements and desires. For example, only one back support cushion 24 may be desired, and thus, cover 34 would only contain one portion 38 for holding back support cushion 24.
Back support cushions 24 fit into back support cushion cover 34. Back support cushion cover 34 wraps around mattress 40. Head pillows 10 sit on mattress 40. Persons lay with their head cradled in the v-portion of head pillow 10. Back support cushion 24 props up person from the side to further support a preferred sleeping arrangement.
As mentioned above, sleeping on one's side or stomach can result in under-eye bags due to fluid pooling in that area as you sleep. This look is undesirable to many, who are forced to use makeup and other various devices to attempt to hide these bags. Sleeping on one's back or at an angle where head is substantially tilted upwards can help reduce or eliminate these bags. This is because sleeping on the back allows the fluid which collects to form the bags to drain throughout the night. Head pillow 10 with v-shaped top and back support cushion 24 help to promote sleeping on the back through supporting a person's head and body to substantially stay in the position for sleeping on one's back. Support cushion cover 34 wraps around mattress 40, tucking under it, to ensure that back support cushions 24 stay at the proper place for promoting back sleeping.
To some people, sleeping on one's back is uncomfortable and undesirable. Pillow 10 and/or support cushion 24 can promote sleeping at such an angle that it is not uncomfortable and is still sufficient for draining fluid from under-eye area while sleeping. Pillow 10 with slanted sides 22a and 22b is shaped and angled such that it promotes the proper angle for fluid drainage, thus reducing or eliminating bags formed during sleep by supporting both the head and body of a person using the invention.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments encompassed, suggested or envisioned by the description herein.
Claims
1. A pillow comprising:
- a substantially flat base portion;
- a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion;
- a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and
- a resting surface formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.
2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the planes meet equidistant from the first side and second side.
3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the two planes each slant at the same angle from horizontal.
4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material.
5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the foam material is a memory foam.
6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the top portion has a V-shaped cross-section.
7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises:
- a first horizontal plane connecting the first slanted plane to the first side; and
- a second horizontal plane connecting the second slanted plane to the second side.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second slanted planes are at an angle of 18 degrees to 23 degrees from horizontal.
9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein height of each of the first and second sides is 152.4 mm (6 inches).
10. An integrally formed pillow for promoting angled or back sleeping, the pillow comprising:
- a rectangular flat base section; and
- a top section which is angled toward the center to form a V-shaped cross section.
11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow is angled with first and second slanted planes.
12. The pillow of claim 11, wherein each of the slanted planes are angled at least 18 degrees from horizontal.
13. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the center of the V-shaped cross section is about 76.2 mm (3 inches) from the base.
14. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow further comprises:
- first and second horizontal planes connecting to the angled top section.
15. The pillow of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second horizontal planes extend 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) from a first and a second side before connecting to the angled top section.
16. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material.
17. A method of forming a pillow comprising:
- integrally forming a pillow with a flat base and a top that is slanted from the sides toward the center to form a v-shaped cross-section.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed using a mold.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed and then cut down to form the top into the v-shaped cross-section.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material. Dimension
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
Inventor: Michael Maliszewski (Eden Prairie, MN)
Application Number: 13/748,713
International Classification: A47G 9/10 (20060101);