Self-Inflating Pellow and thereof

Abstract

A self-inflating-pillow with an exterior casing, a hollow interior, and an inflatable bladder within the hollow interior. The bladder is integrally connected to a valve which when opened allows air to flow into and out of the bladder thereby inflating and deflating the bladder respective, and by extension inflating and deflating the pillow as well.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provision application 62/651,890 entitled “Self-Inflating Pillow and Method Thereof” filed in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on Apr. 3, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a pillow, and more particularly to a self-inflating pillow wherein users can control the thickness (i.e. the elevation of their head), firmness, and degree of neck support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 depict the interior of the pillow in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3-4 depict the preferred method of use of the valve of the pillow in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts the pillow in use in a partially deflated position in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6-7 depict proper spine alignment of the spine in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts the pillow in use in a completely inflated position in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-10 depict the interior and bladder of the pillow in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 depicts the pillow in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts just the bladder (a) and valve (b). FIG. 13 depicts the bladder partially inserted into the exterior pillow casing (c).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a pillow having an exterior casing (I) and a hollow interior (II). Preferably, the exterior casing of the pillow is comprised of memory foam, polyester, or other bedding material, or combination of materials suitable for supporting the head and neck during sleep. The pillow is substantially rectangular and includes at least one side having a zippered closure, FIG. 2 (III), for allowing access to the hollow interior. In other embodiments, one or more sides may be removably closed by hook and loop or other like fastener. Preferably, at complete inflation, the pillow is approximately 18 inches by 21.4 inches, with a thickness at the substantial center of the pillow approximately 7.3 inches. In yet other embodiments, the size and shape of the pillow may be altered to accommodate a variety of different type sleepers and intended uses.

The pillow includes a bladder (IV) housed within the hollow interior. The bladder is capable of being manually inflated and deflated with air. Preferably, the bladder is made of plastic, fabric, or other suitable material for inflating and deflating. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, when inflated, the bladder expands to measure approximately 3.4 inches at its center. When deflated, the bladder contracts to measure approximately 1.5 inches at its center. When removed from the hollow interior of the pillow, the bladder can deflate to a substantially flat position, however, when positioned within the interior of the pillow the bladder is only capable of deflating partially to approximately 1.5 inches in thickness. In other embodiments, the degree of inflation and deflation may be adjusted to suitably accommodate various pillow sizes and intended uses.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the bladder attached to a valve (V). The valve is integrally coupled to the bladder and extends out through the exterior casing of the pillow in order to be controlled by the user. The valve controls the flow of air into and out of the bladder. The default position of the valve is closed, allowing no air exchange, such that the bladder remains at the desired level of inflation. The valve includes a large button for controlling the flow of air. When the button is depressed by the user, the valve opens and allows air to flow into the bladder. When the button is released by the user, the valve closes and air can no longer enter the bladder. The valve and bladder include a safety control switch, or other like component, which prohibits the bladder from over inflating and exploding, such that a user can press the button on the valve for as long as desired and only a predetermined amount of air will fill the bladder, after which, the valve will no longer allow air to flow into the bladder. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the valve is on the side of the pillow and therefore not felt under a user's head while they are sleeping on the pillow. While in use, the valve is hidden inside a pillow case.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate steps of the preferred method of use. In particular, a user can control both the depth and firmness of the pillow. To deflate the bladder and decrease the level of firmness, a user presses the button on the valve with one hand and uses the other hand to apply pressure to the exterior casing of the pillow. This causes the release of air outwardly from the valve and the bladder to contract. Once the bladder reaches the desired level of firmness, the user stops pressing the button and air is no longer able to flow in or out of the bladder and the pillow may be used as normal. While contained within the interior of the pillow, the bladder never fully deflates since the material of the outer casing prevents complete deflation of the bladder, as such, the pillow always provides a base line level of support and firmness.

When the pillow is partially deflated, the pillow is softer in the center and also substantially thinner in thickness. This provides support to the user's head and neck without being raised too high. Additionally, when partially deflate, the pillow provides greater support to the user's neck, as can be seen in FIG. 5. More particularly, weight from the user's head applies pressure to the pillow and a partially deflated bladder allows the user's head to sink in slightly at the center of the pillow where the bladder is contained. This forces air within the bladder outwardly toward edges of the pillow, thereby creating a higher thickness and additional support at the user's neck. FIG. 6 illustrates the pillow of the present invention in use wherein a user is in one of the sleep positions most recommended by sleep and medical professionals as it results in less neck and back strain and results in a properly aligned spine during sleep. The present invention provides for great flexibility in firmness such that the thickness and firmness level can be adjusted to accommodate comfortability and needs of different users.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate proper spine alignment when the present invention is utilized. In the present invention, the pillow is capable of supporting a properly aligned spine when the user is lying on their side or back.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user lying on the pillow when the pillow is fully inflated. In order to fully inflate the pillow, the user simply depresses the button on the valve and allows air to enter the bladder for several seconds. The user can selectively depress the button until the desired level of thickness or firmness is achieved. FIG. 8 shows a pillow having a fully inflated bladder, wherein the pillow is at its maximum firmness and the user's head is elevated. As is shown, the pillow still provides neck support as pressure is applied by the head to the center of the pillow and bladder and air is forced outwardly within the bladder toward the edges of the pillow. When fully inflated, the neck will arch to a lesser degree than when the pillow is not fully inflated.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the pillow is self-inflating via the valve. When the user merely presses the button of the valve, air-intake occurs naturally to quickly inflate the bladder to a point of atmospheric equilibrium. The self-inflation feature of the present invention is attained from the combination of valve and material used in the construction of the pillow casing. As FIG. 10 illustrates, the material, preferably foam, provides a cavity for housing the deflated bladder. In the present invention, the casing includes an upper layer and lower layer of material, preferably foam, each of which retain an arched shape. The bladder will inflate to fill the cavity, to the maximum extent of the bladder. Preferably, the upper and lower layers of foam are approximately 2.5 inches thick. Preferably, the foam selected will retain the shape of the user's head and neck for a period of time, preferably approximately 15 seconds, after the head and neck are removed from the pillow. In other embodiments, the upper and lower layers may be made from different materials in varying sizes. In yet other embodiments, additional layers may be included. In yet other embodiments, fewer layers may be included.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one example of the illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.

Claims

1. A new self-inflating pillow comprising:

a. A pillow having an exterior casing comprised of any bedding material or combination of materials suitable for supporting the head and neck of a person sleeping;

b. Said exterior casing further comprising an upper portion intended to face upwards towards the person sleeping and a lower portion intended to face towards the bed or other surface upon which the person is sleeping;

c. Said pillow further comprising a hollow interior between said upper portion and said lower portion of said exterior casing;

d. A bladder capable of being inflated and deflated and further capable of substantially retaining a desired level of inflation without unintended loss or unintended gain of level of inflation; said bladder being comprised of plastic or any fabric capable of being inflated and deflated and further capable of substantially retaining a desired level of inflation without unintended loss or unintended gain of level of inflation;

e. A valve integrally coupled to the bladder; said valve being capable of allowing air to flow into and out of the bladder when said valve is in an open position; and said valve being capable of preventing the flow of air into and out of the bladder when said valve is in a closed position;

f. Said bladder being removably located inside the hollow interior of the pillow.

2. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 1 wherein the material that the exterior casing is comprised of comprises memory foam.

3. The self-inflating pillow of claim 1 wherein the material that the exterior casing is comprised of comprises polyester.

4. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 1 wherein default position of the valve is closed and activating the valve opens it permitting the flow of air into and out of the bladder.

5. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 1 wherein by the user opening the valve, inward air flow occurs naturally to inflate the pillow; and deflation occurs by applying pressure to the outside of the pillow while the valve is in n open position to cause outward air flow.

6. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 1 further comprising a safety control switch or other like component which prevents the bladder from over inflating and exploding, such that when the valve is in the open, the amount of air that flows in will not be above a predetermined maximum.

7. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 1 further wherein the exterior casing is open on at least one side such that the hollow interior and bladder are accessible.

8. The self-inflating-pillow of claim 7 wherein any sides in the exterior casing that are open to allow access to the hollow interior and the bladder are capable of being closed by zipper, hook and loop or other life fastener.

9. A method of using a using a self-inflating-pillow comprising:

a. Opening a valve to permit airflow into and out of a bladder contained within a hollow interior of the pillow;

b. Permitting air to flow either into or out of the bladder until a desired amount of air has flowed either into or out of the bladder and the bladder reaches a desired inflation level;

c. Closing the valve to maintain the inflation level;

d. Optionally testing the inflation level by resting the users head on the pillow;

e. Optionally repeating steps a, b, c, and d until the user is content with the inflation level of the pillow.