FEEDING AND SUPPORT PILLOW
A feeding and support pillow for babies includes a pillow cover containing filling material. The pillow generally defines a frame around a central open region, where the frame has first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal members. The distal end of the fourth longitudinal member is discontinuous with the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member. The fourth longitudinal member can be converted between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fourth longitudinal member is generally coplanar with the first, second, and third longitudinal members. In the second position, the fourth longitudinal member is pivoted to extend transversely to the first, second, and third longitudinal members. In the second position, the pillow is constructed to extend around the user's waist with the fourth longitudinal member extending up the user's back.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pillows and more specifically to a feeding and support pillow for babies.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For centuries, traditional pillows have been used to provide comfort and support to users while sleeping or relaxing. Traditional pillows include a fabric liner filled with a cushioning material such as, for example, goose down, feathers, foam, polyester fill, etc. Traditional pillows are often configured to be rectangular or circular in shape. These traditional basic shapes may be used for a wide variety of applications. Certain traditional pillows, however, have alternative shapes that are customized for more specific applications. For example, curved neck pillows provide support for airline travelers and lumbar support pillows reduce back pain for vehicle drivers.
One embodiment of a neck-support pillow is designed for use during flights or while riding in cars. The neck pillow has a horseshoe shape with first and second arms extending transversely from a neck portion. The neck pillow defines an opening sized for a person's neck. In use, the neck portion of the pillow is positioned along the back of the user's neck where it generally abuts and provides support to the occipital region of the head. The first and second arms extend around the lateral portions of the user's neck between the user's ears and shoulders. The first and second arms extend forward over the user's collarbone region.
One pillow designed specifically for use with infants is an infant feeding and support pillow such as the Boppy® pillow produced by Boppy International. The Boppy® infant feeding and support pillow has a C-shape. In one use, an infant may be placed in an open central region defined by the C while being partially surrounded by cushioning. As used in this way, the pillow acts as a partial barrier that gently restrains the infant from crawling away into unsafe areas. In another use, the Boppy® pillow may be placed around the waist of a mother with the curve of the C shape extending along the mother's belly and sides. In this use, the C-shaped feeding pillow provides a cushioned surface on the mother's lap to support the baby while breastfeeding or bottle feeding the infant. The pillow elevates the infant relative to the height the infant would have had when positioned on the mother's lap. This elevated position supports the infant at a comfortable height for breastfeeding without the need for additional support by the mother's arms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONUnfortunately, deficiencies exist with the above-described pillows. Neck support pillows define an opening sized to extend around one's neck and are incapable of being positioned around one's waist. Neck pillows could not be used to provide back support or feed an infant because the general size of the pillow, the length of the arms, and the diameter of the opening are not sized to do so.
Nursing a baby can put a lot of strain on a mother's arms and back. No nursing pillow currently available provides integrated back support. C-shaped infant feeding and support pillows do not provide back support to the user because the arms of the C shape do not extend around the body to the user's back. When the user sits on an open floor or with the user's back against a wall, the C-shape of prior art feeding pillows does not extend sufficiently to provide back support to the user. Therefore the user would need to use a second pillow to provide back support in a sitting position, particularly when the user is seated on the floor.
Also, the C-shape of prior art pillows provides only limited protection to a baby. One side of the pillow is open, therefore leaving an open route to escape the protection of the pillow.
In contrast to pillows of the prior art, the present invention provides an improved infant feeding and support pillow with arms that extend to meet each other and define a central open area encircled by portions of the pillow. Accordingly, the pillow provides a well for the baby that is completely or nearly enclosed on all sides by the pillow. The well is also sized to extend around an adult user's waist with an end of one arm extending upward along the user's back. The pillow of the present invention supports the baby during feeding, but also provides back support to the user and a place for the user to comfortably rest her arms.
A feeding and support pillow has a pillow cover containing filling material where the pillow generally defines a rectangular frame around a central open region sized to receive a user's waist. A first longitudinal member has a first proximal end portion and extending to a first distal end portion. A second longitudinal member has a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extends to a second distal end portion. A third longitudinal member has a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extending to a third distal end portion. A fourth longitudinal member has a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extending to a fourth distal end. The fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal members define the frame. The pillow is convertible between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fourth longitudinal member is substantially coplanar with the other three members of the rectangular frame. In the second position, the fourth longitudinal member extends transverse to a plane defined by the first, second, and third longitudinal members.
For example, in the second position, the fourth longitudinal member extends upward substantially perpendicular to the first, second, and third longitudinal members. When the fourth longitudinal member is in the second (transverse) position and the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member is pivoted towards the third corner region to substantially define a triangle with the first, second, and third longitudinal members, the resulting central open region enclosed by the first, second, and third longitudinal members has a circumference sufficient to encircle the waist of an adult user.
In another embodiment, the pillow includes a releasable connecting strap having a first strap end connected to the first proximal end portion and a second strap end connected to the third corner region. In some embodiments, the strap has a releasable fastening device between the first strap end and the second strap end.
In some embodiments, the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position. For example, the central open region is oval and has a major axis extending between the second corner region and the first proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member.
In some embodiments, the frame is a rectangular frame.
In one embodiment, the distal end portion of the fourth longitudinal member overlaps the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member when the fourth longitudinal member is in the first (coplanar) position.
In some embodiments, the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member substantially define a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface.
In some embodiments, an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is square or rectangular. In other embodiments, an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is arcuate. For example, in one embodiment, each of the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member are arcuate. In another embodiment, the first corner region and the second corner region are rounded.
In another embodiment, the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position. In some embodiments, the central open region defines a D shape when the pillow is in the second position.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of supporting an infant. The method includes providing a pillow cover containing filling material where the pillow has four longitudinal members defining a rectangular frame around a central open region and where the fourth longitudinal member is discontinuous with the first longitudinal member. For example, a first longitudinal member has a first proximal end portion and extends along a first axis to a first distal end portion; a second longitudinal member has a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extends to a second distal end portion along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a third longitudinal member has a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extends to a third distal end portion along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis; and a fourth longitudinal member has a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extends to a fourth distal end portion along a fourth axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion.
The method also includes positioning the pillow around an user in a seated position with a waist of the user occupying the central open region and the first corner region on a lap of the user; pivoting the fourth longitudinal member to extend upward along the user's back; moving the first proximal end portion towards the third corner region, thereby constricting the central open region around the user's waist; and positioning a baby on the first corner region in front of the user.
In another embodiment, the method includes connecting a strap between the first proximal end portion and the third corner region.
In some embodiments, the seated position is on an open floor. In other embodiments, the seated position is on a floor adjacent a wall, where the step of pivoting the fourth longitudinal member includes positioning the fourth longitudinal member between a back of the user and the wall.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the photos of
In one embodiment as shown in
Pillow 100 has a first longitudinal member 110 extending along a first axis 112 between a proximal end portion 110a and a distal end portion 110b. Proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110 terminates at proximal end 116.
A second longitudinal member 120 extends along a second axis 122 substantially perpendicular to first axis 112 and has a proximal end portion 120a and a distal end portion 120b. Second longitudinal member 120 is continuous with and connects to first longitudinal member 110 at a first corner region 124 where distal end portion 110b of first longitudinal member 110 meets proximal end portion 120a of second longitudinal member 120.
A third longitudinal member 130 extends along a third axis 132 that is substantially perpendicular to second axis 122 and/or substantially parallel to first axis 112. Third longitudinal member 130 has a proximal end portion 130a and a distal end portion 130b. Third longitudinal member 130 is continuous with and connects to second longitudinal member 120 at a second corner region 134 where distal end portion 120b of second longitudinal member meets proximal end portion 130a of third longitudinal member.
A fourth longitudinal member 140 extends substantially along a fourth axis 142 that is approximately parallel to second axis 122 and approximately perpendicular to one or both of first axis 112 and third axis 132. Fourth longitudinal member has a proximal end portion 140a and a distal end portion 140b. Fourth longitudinal member is continuous with and connects to third longitudinal member 130 at a third corner region 144 where distal end portion 130b of third longitudinal member 130 meets proximal end portion 140a of fourth longitudinal member 140. Second end portion 140b of fourth longitudinal member 140 extends towards proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110 and terminates at distal end 148. In one embodiment, distal end 148 of fourth longitudinal member 140 is closely adjacent, abuts, or overlaps, proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110 when pillow 100 is positioned with all of longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 substantially in one plane (i.e., coplanar) as shown in the plan view of
Pillow 100 has an outside perimeter 160 as viewed in the plan view of
First longitudinal member 110, second longitudinal member 120, third longitudinal member 130, and fourth longitudinal member 140 generally define a rectangular frame around a central open region or well 150 with a circular or elliptical shape. In one embodiment, well 150 has an elliptical shape with a major axis 152 and a minor axis 154, where major axis 152 is generally oriented to extend through second corner region 134 and proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110. Minor axis is oriented to extend through first corner region 124 and third corner region 144. As such, well 150 is optimally shaped to encircle the user's waist when first corner region 124 is positioned in front of the user's body and perhaps supported on the user's lap. In other embodiments, well 150 has a rectangular, diamond, hexagonal, ellipsoid, or other geometric shape. In some embodiments, well 150 has a shape with a major dimension (e.g., diameter, side, etc.) that is oriented at about 45° to first axis 112 and to second axis 122.
When all of longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 substantially in one plane, well 150 is completely or nearly enclosed along its well perimeter 150a by longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140. “Completely enclosed” means distal end portion 140b of fourth longitudinal member 140 abuts or overlaps proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110. Stated differently, well 150 shown in plan view of pillow 100 (e.g., as viewed in
Turning now to
Fourth longitudinal member 140 is convertible between a first position (shown in
During use, fourth longitudinal member 140 is maintained in the second position and proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110 may be drawn towards third corner region 144 to reduce the size of central open region 150 to tighten pillow 100 around the user's waist. Optionally, proximal end portion 110a of first longitudinal member 110 is releasably fastened to third corner region 144, such as along bottom surface 100b or outside perimeter 160.
Referring now to
When first end portion 114 is drawn into contact with or to be closely adjacent to third corner region 144, well 150 has well perimeter 150a (shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
In contrast to prior art designs, support provided to user's arms 18, 20 by pillow 100 is greatly enhanced. Also, first corner region 124 provides a larger area for feeding older infants and toddlers. Since some children breastfeed well into the toddler years, pillow 100 has an increased area on first corner region 124 for these children. Additionally, pillow 100 wrapping around the user 10 from the back allows pillow 100 to be used with older babies 15 with the user 10 in a sitting position.
Referring now to
In
Examples of filling material include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, natural latex rubber foam, memory foam, polyester fiberfill (e.g., micro denier fiber fill), cotton, beads (e.g., polystyrene beads), beans, cotton, wool, feathers, and the like. In one embodiment, pillow filling material is removable from pillow cover 102 for ease of washing pillow cover 102. In another embodiment, pillow cover 102 is reversible. Optionally, a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener strip, or other closure device is sewn along outside perimeter 160 and may be used to open and close the unsewn portion in the pillow cover 102. Optionally, to provide a pillow with increased thickness, a strip of fabric may be sewn between top and bottom fabric pieces, where the strip of fabric forms the sidewall of pillow cover 102 along the outside perimeter 160 of the pillow as viewed in plan view.
In use, pillow 100 allows a baby 15 to be placed in a variety of comfortable positions in a safe manner for tummy time, play, or resting, such as shown in
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A feeding and support pillow comprising:
- a pillow cover containing filling material and comprising: a first longitudinal member having a first proximal end portion and extending to a first distal end portion; a second longitudinal member having a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extending to a second distal end portion; a third longitudinal member having a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extending to a third distal end portion; and a fourth longitudinal member having a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extending to a fourth distal end portion; wherein the fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member, and the fourth longitudinal member generally define a frame around a central open region sized to accept an user's waist; and wherein when the pillow is convertible between a first position in which the fourth longitudinal member extends towards the first proximal end portion, and a second position in which the fourth longitudinal member extends transverse to first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member.
2. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, further comprising an connecting strap having a first strap end connected to the first proximal end portion and a second strap end connected to the third corner region.
3. The feeding and support pillow of claim 2 further comprising a releasable fastening device between the first strap end and the second strap end.
4. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is rectangular.
5. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is arcuate.
6. The feeding and support pillow of claim 5, wherein each of the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member are arcuate.
7. The feeding and support pillow of claim 5, wherein the first corner region and the second corner region are rounded.
8. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position.
9. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein the central open region defines a D shape when the pillow is in the second position.
10. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, where the frame generally has a rectangular shape.
11. A method of supporting a baby comprising:
- providing a pillow cover containing filling material and comprising: a first longitudinal member extending from a first proximal end portion to a first distal end portion; a second longitudinal member having a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extending to a second distal end portion; a third longitudinal member having a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extending to a third distal end portion; and a fourth longitudinal member having a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extending to a fourth distal end portion; wherein the fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member, and the fourth longitudinal member generally define a frame around a central open region sized to accept an user's waist;
- positioning the pillow around an user in a seated position with a waist of the user occupying the central open region and the first corner region on a lap of the user;
- pivoting the fourth longitudinal member to extend upward along the user's back;
- moving the first proximal end portion towards the third corner region, thereby constricting the central open region around the user's waist; and
- positioning a baby on the first corner region in front of the user.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising connecting a strap between the first proximal end portion and the third corner region.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the seated position is on an open floor.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the seated position is on a floor adjacent a wall and wherein the step of pivoting the fourth longitudinal member includes positioning the fourth longitudinal member between a back of the user and the wall.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 28, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2016
Inventors: Michelle Barsosky (Hoschton, GA), Jason Barsosky (Hoschton, GA)
Application Number: 15/082,010