PILLOW STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A pillow or body support system is disclosed that includes a body having a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section located between the first and second sections, and where the first and second section are configured and adapted to be less compressible than the middle section. The first end section, the second end section, and the middle section of the pillow are formed of compressible foam and the cross-sectional shape of the first and second end sections along their width is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the middle section along its width. The thickness of the first end section, the second end section, and the middle section in an embodiment varies along their width.

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosure generally relates to pillows or body support systems to support and comfort the human anatomy.

All sorts of pillows have been developed to support the human anatomy including for example pillows for the head, neck, and back. Pillows have been developed for supporting the neck while sitting, the back while sitting, and the head and neck while lying down, e.g., a bed-time pillow. Pillows have also been developed for sitting on.

The known pillows, however, have not provided the desired support for the human back while sitting upright, particularly for pregnant women, and thus have not reduced or alleviated the discomfort experienced by pregnant women. Also, the needs of the working pregnant women have not been adequately addressed. The disclosed pillow, body support or cushioning system has particular application to the needs of the pregnant women as they function and undertake their daily activities.

It is an object of the disclosed pillow or body support system to provide proper back support while sitting upright, particularly for pregnant women while sitting upright. These and other objects will become apparent from the disclosure and description of the pillow and/or body support system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The purpose and advantages of the pillow including its structure, construction and design will be set forth in, and be apparent from, the drawings, description, and claims that follow. The summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding of the pillow, its structure and method of use, and not with an intent to limit the disclosure or the invention. It should be understood that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any embodiment can be utilized separately, or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment. In accordance with the present disclosure, variations and modifications may be made to the pillow to achieve different effects.

The present disclosure is directed to a new improved pillow, body support system, and/or cushioning system for supporting and/or comforting the human anatomy and in one or more embodiments supporting and/or comforting pregnant woman. It will be appreciated that the improved pillow is user friendly, cost effective, optimally structured and designed, and durable. It will be appreciated that the pillow is easily and efficiently manufactured. It will be further appreciated that the new and improved pillow is of durable and reliable construction. It will also be appreciated that the new and improved pillow provides support to the human anatomy, particularly to the back while sitting upright, for example, in a chair, and particularly for pregnant women to make them more comfortable.

It will be appreciated that the new and improved pillow has multiple uses beyond back support and can be utilized to support a pregnant woman while lying down as well as while sitting upright. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the new and improved pillow in one or more embodiment is portable thereby allowing the pillow to be used for travel by pregnant women. The following attributes will become clarified and set forth by the disclosure herein.

In one or more embodiments a pillow for supporting the human anatomy is disclosed where the pillow includes a body having a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section located between the first and second sections, and where the first and second section are configured and adapted to be less compressible than the middle section. In an aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the first and second end sections along their width is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the middle section along its width. The thickness of the first end section, the second end section, and the middle section in an embodiment varies along their width. According to an aspect, the first end section, the second end section, and the middle section of the pillow are formed of compressible foam, and in an embodiment the first and second end sections are configured as substantially solid pieces of foam.

Each of the first and second end sections in one or more embodiments of the pillow is formed of multiple substantially solid pieces of compressible foam, and in an embodiment, the middle section is formed of one or more solid pieces of compressible foam. According to at least one embodiment, the middle section is formed of compressible foam configured and adapted to at least partially surround a hollow chamber. The pillow preferably also includes a covering, preferably a fabric covering, at least partially surrounding the body of the pillow, and the covering preferably has pockets to receive at least one of the group consisting of heating elements, cooling elements, and combinations thereof.

The body of the pillow is preferably is shaped as at least one of the following group consisting of a rounded triangle, an American football, a rugby ball, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the pillow has a front side surface and a second side surface where the front side surface has a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the second side surface. The end sections and the middle section of the body of the pillow in one or more embodiments have a cross section that is generally triangular shape with rounded corners and a bowed hypotenuse. The width of the middle section in an aspect is larger than the width of the end sections, and in a different aspect, the width of the middle section is approximately the width of each of the end sections. In an embodiment, each end section has a width that is as small as about one (1) inch wide to as large as about four (4) inches wide, and the middle section has a width that is as small as about three (3) inches wide to as large as about ten (10) inches wide. The body in an aspect, has a maximum height of about 3 inches to about 6 inches, a width of about 8 inches to about 20 inches, and a length of about 6 inches to about 16 inches.

In one or more embodiments, each of the end sections is formed of foam having a compressibility that ranges from about 30 to about 40 ILD pounds, and the middle section is formed of foam having a compressibility that ranges from about 8 to about 25 ILD pounds. In an embodiment, the middle section is formed of memory foam and the end sections are formed of open cell foam.

A pillow for supporting the human anatomy according to an embodiment has a body having a first outer end section formed of one or more solid pieces of foam, a second outer end section formed of one or more solid pieces of foam, and a middle section positioned between the first and section and the second end section, the middle section formed of one or more solid pieces of memory foam. The pillow further includes a cover positioned over the body. The memory foam forming the middle section preferably is more compressible than the foam forming both the first end section and the second end section, and the middle section is configured and adapted preferably to be more compressible than both the first and second end sections. In one or more embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the end sections and the middle section is the same.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of a pillow in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which may form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects, features, and embodiments of the pillow, as disclosed herein will be better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided. Embodiments are provided in the drawings for the purposes of illustrating aspects, features and/or various embodiments of the pillow, but the claims should not be limited to the precise arrangement, structures, systems, assemblies, subassemblies, embodiments, features, aspects, and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, systems, assemblies, subassemblies, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, systems, assemblies, subassemblies, features, embodiments, aspects, and/or devices. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the claims, but are merely presented to illustrate and describe various embodiments, aspects, and features of the pillow, to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the pillow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pillow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a different embodiment of a pillow showing a cross-section of the middle portion.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the pillow of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a backside perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a front side perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 4.

The same reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of a pillow, and its method of operation and use. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the different and numerous embodiments of the pillow, and its method of operation and use may be practiced without these specific details, and the claims and invention should not be limited to the embodiments, assemblies, subassemblies, or the specified features or details specifically described and shown herein. The description provided herein is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and in circumstances, well-known methods, procedures, manufacturing techniques, components, and/or assemblies have not been described in detail so as not to obscure other aspects, or features of the pillow.

Accordingly, it will be readily understood that the components, aspects, features, elements, assemblies, subassemblies, and components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations in addition to the described embodiments. It is to be understood that the pillow may be used with many additions, substitutions, or modifications of form, structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and/or components which may be particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The following descriptions are intended only by way of example, and simply illustrate certain selected embodiments of a pillow. For example, while the pillow is shown and described in examples with particular reference to its use in connection with supporting pregnant women, and in particular the back of a pregnant woman while sitting upright, it should be understood that the pillow will have other applications as well, such as, for example, as neck and lower abdomen support. In addition, while the detailed description in many examples is generally directed to a pillow that has features beneficial for use by pregnant woman, it will be appreciated that the disclosure and teachings have other applications. The invention shall be set forth by the claims which should be broadly construed to cover a pillow and/or body support system, unless otherwise clearly indicated to be more narrowly construed to exclude or limit embodiments, elements and/or features of the pillow and/or body support system.

Throughout the present application, reference numbers are used to indicate a generic element or feature of the pillow, and/or body support system. The same reference number may be used to indicate elements or features that are not identical in form, shape, structure, etc., yet which provide similar functions or benefits. Additional reference characters (such as letters, primes, or superscripts, as opposed to numbers) may be used to differentiate similar elements or features from one another. It should be understood that for ease of description the disclosure does not always refer to or list all the components or features of the pillow, and/or body support system, and that a singular reference to an element, member, or structure, e.g., a singular reference to an end section or middle section, may be a reference to one or more such elements, unless the context indicates otherwise.

In the following description of various embodiments of the pillow, and/or body support system, it will be appreciated that all directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, side, longitudinal, front, rear, back, top, bottom, above, below, outer, inner, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, interior, exterior, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure unless indicated otherwise in the claims, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use in this disclosure. Features described with respect to one embodiment typically may be applied to another embodiment, whether or not explicitly indicated.

Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings may vary.

It will be noted in the various figures that the apparatus (device), system and/or method relates to a pillow for comforting the human anatomy, and in one or more embodiments is structured, shaped and configured to support and comfort the human anatomy while sitting upright. With reference to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, preferred embodiments of the new and improved pillow for supporting and comforting the human anatomy, and more particularly structured and configured to comfort pregnant women embodying, disclosing, and teaching various concepts and principles is discussed. The pillow of FIGS. 1-3 in an embodiment is particularly configured to support pregnant women while sitting upright, while it also has use to support a pregnant women's belly while lying down. The pillow has other applications for women who are pregnant, as well as applications for women who are not pregnant, and for men.

The pillow 10 has a first outer end section 20, a second outer end section 30, and a middle region, section, or portion 50 located between the end sections 20 and 30. The first end section 20 is positioned adjacent to, alongside of, and preferably in contact with a first side of the middle section 50. The second end section 30 is positioned adjacent to, alongside of, and preferably in contact with a second opposite side of the middle section 50. The first and second end sections 20, 30 can be joined, connected, or attached to the middle section 50, for example, by gluing or other techniques. In embodiments, the end sections 20, 30 and middle sections 50 can be fixedly connected, while in alternative embodiments the end sections 20, 30 and middle section 50 can be loosely positioned and moveable with respect to each other.

The first and second end sections 20, 30 are configured to be stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 50. The first end section 20 may be forming of a single piece or multiple pieces, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is formed of two pieces or components 22 and 24 that are positioned adjacent, alongside of, and preferably in contact with each other. The second end section 30 may also be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 is formed of two pieces or components 32 and 34 that are positioned adjacent, alongside of, and preferably in contact with each other. The pieces 22, 24 that form the first end section 20 and the pieces 32, 34 that form the end section 30, can be joined, connected, or attached together, preferably fixedly connected together, although they can also be loosely positioned and moveable.

The first end section 20 and second end section 30 are formed of compressible foam, and in one or more embodiments are formed of one or more solid, or substantially solid, pieces of foam. The first end section 20 and second end section 30 of the pillow 10 may have the same or substantially the same stiffness and compressibility, and in one or more embodiments may be formed of the same, or substantially the same, compressible foam. In one or more embodiments the first end section 20 may have a different stiffness and compressibility than the section end section 30. In an embodiment where the first end section 20 has a different stiffness and compressibility than the second end section 30, at least one of and preferably both the first and second end sections 20, 30 are stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 50.

In one or more embodiments, the end piece 22 has a different stiffness and compressibility than the intermediate piece 24, and preferably the end piece 22 is stiffer and less compressible than the intermediate piece 24. In an embodiment where both pieces 22 and 24 are of different stiffness, at least one and preferably all the pieces forming the end section 20 are stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 50.

In one or more embodiments, the end piece 34 has a different stiffness and compressibility than the intermediate piece 32, and preferably the end piece 34 is stiffer and less compressible than the intermediate piece 32. In an embodiment, where both pieces 32 and 34 are of different stiffness, at least one and preferably all the pieces forming the end section 30 are stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 50. In one or more embodiments, where end section 20 is of different stiffness and compressibility than end section 30, the end section 20 and the end section 30 are both stiffer and less compressible than the middle section. End piece 22, intermediate piece 24, intermediate piece 32, and end piece 34, in one or more embodiments, are each stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 50.

The middle section 50 may be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces of substantially solid, compressible foam, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 is formed of two adjacent side-by-side pieces 52 and 54. Middle section may be formed of more than one or two pieces, and the pieces forming the middle section may be configured other than as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

As indicated above, the middle section 50 preferably is softer and more compressible than the end sections 20, 30. The pieces forming the middle section 50, e.g., pieces 52, 54, may have the same compressibility or one or more pieces may be more compressible than one or more of the other pieces forming the middle section. In an embodiment, the middle section 50 may be forming of three adjacent pieces that are arranged and positioned side-by-side with the two outer pieces being stiffer and less compressible than the middle/intermediate piece.

The end sections 20, 30, in one or more embodiments, are formed of an open cell foam, and/or in one or more aspects, the foam has a compressibility that is within a range of about 30 to about 40 ILD pounds. Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is the amount of force (in pounds) it takes to compress a foam sample one inch or 25% using a circular metal indenter where the foam sample is 4 inches thick, 15 inches wide and 15 inches long. In a preferred embodiment, the end sections 20, 30 are formed of foam having a compressibility that is within a range of about 34 to about 38 ILD pounds, more preferably 35 to 37 ILD pounds. In one or more embodiments, the foam for the end sections has a density that is within a range of about 1.0 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot, more preferably between about 1.2 to about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot, and more preferably about 1.3 pounds per cubic foot. In one or more embodiments, the end sections are formed of a poly foam having a density of 1.3 pounds per cubic foot and a compression rate of 36 ILD pounds sold by the Foam Factory, Macomb, Mich. Other foams are contemplated for use in the end sections, and the end sections can be formed of one or more types of foams.

The middle section 50, in one or more embodiments, is formed of foam, and/or in one or more aspects, the foam has a stiffness or compressibility within the range of about 8 to about 25 ILD pounds. In preferred embodiments, the middle section is formed of foam having a compressibility within the range of 10 to 18 ILD pounds, more preferably 13 to 15 ILD pounds. In one or more embodiments the middle section 50 is formed of memory foam, and in an example is formed of a 3 pound Visco Saver memory foam having a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot and a compression of 14±4 ILD pounds sold by the Foam Factory. Other memory foams and types of foams are contemplated for use in the middle section.

The pillow 10 in one or more embodiments has a maximum thickness 62 within the range of about 2.5 inches to about 6 inches, more preferably about 4 inches to about 5 inches, and more preferably in an embodiment about 4.5 inches thick. The thickness 62 of pillow 10 varies along its length 64. The pillow 10 has a length 64 in one or more embodiments, within the range of about 8 inches to about 14 inches, more preferably about 10 inches to about 11.5 inches, and in an embodiment about 10.75 inches long. In one or more embodiments, the pillow 10 has a width 66 within the range of about 8 to about 14 inches wide, more preferably about 11 inches to about 15 inches wide, more preferably about 12 inches wide.

In one or more embodiments the end sections 20, 30 have a width 72, 74 respectively that are within the range of about 2 inches to 5 inches wide, more preferably about 4 inches wide. The end sections 20, 30 preferably have the same width 72, 74. In an embodiment the width 76 of the middle section 50 is about 3 inches to about 6 inches wide, more preferably about 4 inches wide. In an embodiment, the width 75 of the middle section 50 is the same as, or substantially the same as the width 72, 74 of at least one of the end sections 20, 30, preferably the same or substantially the same width as each of the end sections 20, 30. In an embodiment, the width 75 of the middle section 50 is about 4 inches, and the width of each of the end sections is about 4 inches for a total width 66 of the pillow 10 of about 12 inches.

The shape of the pillow in an embodiment is configured to support the lower back of a person while sitting upright, particularly provide support and comfort to the lower back of a pregnant women sitting upright in, for example, a chair. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the pillow 10 has a front or top side 80 and a back or bottom side 90. The front side 90 in use is typically contacted by the back of a person while sitting upright, whereas the back side 80 in use is typically contacted by the chair. It is contemplated that in use both the front side 80 and the back side 90 both are contacted by a user, for example, when pillow 10 is used between the legs of a person.

The front side 80 of pillow 10 in an embodiment is curved, and in one or more aspects, the front side 80 has a radius of curvature R₁ in the range of about four (4) inches to about nine (9) inches more preferably a range of about five (5) inches to about seven (7) inches, more preferably about 6.5 inches. The back side 90 in an embodiment is also curved, and in one or more aspects, the radius of curvature R₂ of the back side 90 is in the range of about eight (8) inches to about thirteen (13) inches, more preferably about 10.5 inches. The back side 90 in an aspect has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the front side 80, and in an embodiment, the back side 90 may be flat or substantially flat. In one or more embodiments, the front side 80 and back side 90 may be curved as a partial ellipse or parabola. The edges 76, 78 where the front side 80 meets the back side 90 are rounded, and in one or more embodiments may have a radius of curvature R₃, R₄ of about 0.5 inches.

The shape of the pillow 10 of FIGS. 1-3 as seen from the side surface 68 is generally shaped similar to an American football or rugby ball. In one or more embodiments, front side 80 having curved surface 81 had a maximum height or thickness 61 from the center line 65 to surface 81 in the range of about 2.0 inches to about 3.5 inches, more preferably a height or thickness 61 from the centerline 65 to the outer surface 81 in a range of about 2.5 inches to about 3.0 inches, more preferably about 2.8 inches. In one or more embodiments, back side 90 having curved surface 91 has a maximum height or thickness 63 from the centerline 65 to surface 91 in the range of about 1 inch to about 2 inches, more preferably about 1.6 inches. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pillow 10 has a uniform cross-sectional shape, preferably a generally American football shape, along its width 66, the end sections 20, 30 are not larger or thicker than the middle section, and/or the outer sections 20, 30 do not contain wings. The end sections 20, 30 do not have a different cross-sectional shape along their width 72, 74 than the middle section 50 along its width 75.

With reference to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 4-7, an alternative embodiment of a new and improved pillow for supporting and comforting the human anatomy, and more particularly structured and configured to comfort pregnant women embodying, disclosing, and teaching various concepts and principles is discussed. The pillow of FIGS. 4-7, in an embodiment, is particularly configured and adapted to support pregnant women while sitting upright, while it also has use to support a pregnant women's belly while lying down. The pillow has other applications for pregnant women, as well as applications for women who are not pregnant, and for men.

The pillow 110 has a first outer end section 120, a second end outer section 130 and a middle section or portion 150 located between the end sections 120 and 130. The first outer end section 120 is positioned adjacent to, alongside of, and preferably in contact with the middle section 150. The second outer end section 130 is positioned adjacent to, alongside of, and preferably in contact with middle section 150. The first end section 120 in an embodiment can be joined, connected, or attached to middle section 150, and/or the second end section 130 in an embodiment can be joined, connected, or attached to the middle section 150. In an embodiment, the first and second end sections 120, 130 are fixedly connected directly to the middle section 150, although in alternative embodiments the end sections 120, 130 and middle section 150 are loose and moveable with respect to each other. The first and second end sections 120, 130 are configured to be stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 150. The first end section 120 may be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 is formed of a single piece or component 122. The second end section 130 may also be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7 end section 130 is formed of one piece or component 132.

The first end section 120 and second end section 130 are formed of compressible foam, and in one or more embodiments are formed of one or more solid or substantially solid pieces of foam. The first end section 120 and second section 130 of the pillow 110 may have the same, or substantially the same, stiffness and compressibility, and in one or more embodiments may be formed of the same, or substantially the same, compressible foam. In one or more embodiments, the first end section 120 may have a different stiffness and compressibility than the section end section 130. In an embodiment where the first end section 120 has a different stiffness and compressibility than the second end section 130, at least one and preferably both the first and second end sections 120, 130 are stiffer and less compressible than the middle section 150. In one or more embodiments, where end section 120 is of different stiffness and compressibility than end section 130, the end section 120 and the end section 130 are both stiffer and less compressible than the middle section.

The middle section 150 is formed of a solid or substantially solid, compressible foam, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7 is formed as a layer of foam that at least partially, and more preferably completely, surrounds a hollow chamber 155 as seen in FIG. 4. Middle section 150 may be formed of one or more pieces. The middle section 150 may be formed of the same foam as the end sections, but owing to its configuration, for example the inclusion of the hollow chamber 155, the middle section 150 preferably is softer and more compressible than at least one of, and preferably both of, the end sections 120, 130. The foam pieces forming the middle section 150 may also be formed of foam that is stiffer and less compressible than the foam from which the end sections 120, 130 are formed, but owing to the configuration and structure of middle section 150, e.g., the formation of the chamber 155, the middle section 150 is preferably more compressible than at least one of the end sections 120, 130, preferably more compressible than both of the end sections 120, 130. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the middle section 150 is formed as a layer of compressible foam having a thickness that is shaped to form a hollow core 155. For example, a two inch layer of compressible foam is wrapped and joined at its ends to form a hollow chamber 155.

In another embodiment, the middle section 150 may be formed of a first layer of foam having a first compressibility, and a second layer of foam having a second compressibility that is wrapped about the first layer of foam, and which may or may not have the chamber 155, where the middle section 150 is softer and more compressible than the end sections 120, 130. Other designs, constructions, and structures for having the middle section 150 be softer and more compressible than the end sections 120, 130 are contemplated. For example, the middle section can be formed of multiple layers of foam of varying compressibility where the different layers can have spaces there between.

The end sections 120, 130, in one or more embodiments, are formed of an open cell foam, and/or in one or more aspects, the foam has a compressibility that is within a range of about 30 to about 40 ILD pounds. In a preferred embodiment, the end sections 120, 130 are formed of foam having a compressibility that is within a range of about 34 to about 38 ILD pounds, more preferably 35 to 37 ILD pounds. In one or more embodiments, the foam for the end sections 120, 130 has a density that is within a range of about 1.0 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot, more preferably between about 1.2 to about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot, and more preferably about 1.3 pounds per cubic foot. In one or more embodiments, the end sections 120, 130 in the pillow 110 of FIGS. 4-5 are formed of a poly foam having a density of 1.3 pounds per cubic foot and a compression rate of 36 ILD pounds sold by the Foam Factory. Other foams are contemplated for use in the end sections 20, 30, and the end sections 120, 130 can be formed of one or more types of foams.

The middle section 150, in one or more embodiments, is formed of an open cell foam, and/or in one or more aspects, the foam has the same stiffness or compressibility of the end sections. In one or more embodiments, the foam forming the middle section 150 is the same or substantially the same as the foam forming the end sections 120, 130 stated above. In alternative embodiments, middle section 150 may be formed of memory foams, and other types of foams are contemplated for use in the middle section 150.

The pillow 110 in one or more embodiments has a maximum thickness 162 within the range of about 2.5 inches to about 6 inches, more preferably about 4 inches to about 5 inches, and more preferably, in an embodiment, about 4.5 inches thick. The thickness 162 of the pillow 110 varies along its length 164. The pillow 110 has a length 164 in one or more embodiments, within the range of about 8 inches to about 14 inches, more preferably about 10 inches to about 11.5 inches, and in an embodiment about 10.75 inches long. In one or more embodiments, the pillow 110 has a width 166 within the range of about 7 to about 14 inches wide, more preferably about 9 inches to about 11 inches wide, more preferably about 10 inches wide.

In one or more embodiments the end sections 120, 130 have a width 172, 174 respectively that are within the range of about 1 inches to 3 inches wide, more preferably about 2 inches wide. The end sections 120, 130 preferably have the same width 72, 74. In an embodiment, the width 175 of the middle section 150 is about 4 inches to about 8 inches wide, more preferably about 6 inches wide. In an embodiment, the width 175 of the middle section 150 is larger than the width 172, 174 of at least one of the end sections 120, 130, preferably larger than each of the end sections 120, 130, and in an embodiment larger than the combined width of both of the end sections 120, 130. In an embodiment, the width 175 of the middle section 150 is about 6 inches, and the width 172, 174 of each of the end sections is about 2 inches for a total width 166 of the pillow 110 of about 10 inches.

The shape of the pillow in an embodiment is configured to support the lower back of a person while sitting upright, particularly provide support and comfort to the lower back of a pregnant women sitting upright in, for example, a chair. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the pillow 110 has a front or top side 180 and a back or bottom side 190. The shape of the pillow 110 as viewed from the end side surface 168 shown in FIG. 5 has a cross-section that is uniform along its width 166. That is the outer end sections 120, 130 have the same cross-sectional shape along their width 172, 174 as the middle section 150 along its width 175. The end sections 120, 130 do not have wings and are not a different cross-sectional shape than the middle section 150.

The pillow 110 in FIG. 5 is generally triangular-shaped. The pillow 110 in FIG. 5 may be considered generally triangular shaped having two legs 182, 184 connected by rounded apex 185 with a bowed hypotenuse. The front side 180 in use is generally contacted by the person while the back side 190 is contacted by the chair. There are instances where it is contemplated that both sides 180 and 190 will be contacted by the user. The front side 180 has two generally flat or slightly bowed surfaces 182, 184 that are connected at a rounded apex 185. The apex 185 may be a rounded section with a radius of curvature of about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches. The back side 190 in an embodiment is curved or slightly bowed, and in one or more aspects, the radius of curvature of the back side 190 is greater than 12 inches. In an embodiment, the back side 190 may be flat or substantially flat. The edges 176, 178 where the front side 180 meets the back side 190 are rounded, and may have a radius of curvature of about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch.

The pillow 110 may have an alternative construction and structure where the middle section includes a solid core piece 155 formed of any material having a first compressibility, and a second outer piece or layer at least partially wrapped around, preferably fully encircling, the core piece 155, where the outer layer/piece is formed of a foam having a second compressibility. In one or more embodiments with such a core structure, the compressibility of the at least partial outer layer/piece is more compressible than at least one of and preferably both of the outer end sections 120, 130, and in one or more aspects, both the core piece 155 and the outer layer piece of the middle section 150 are more compressible than at least one of and preferably both of the outer end sections 120, 130. In an embodiment, the compressibility of the core piece 155 of the middle section 150 may be less compressible than one or both of the end sections 120, 130, and the overall compressibility of the middle section 150 may be less compressible than the compressibility of the end sections 120, 130, where the outer layer/piece is more compressible than the end sections 120, 130.

The pillow in one or more embodiments will include a covering over the body. For example, pillow 10 and pillow 110 can each have a covering 40, 140 respectively, as shown in FIGS. 6-7. The covering 40, 140 is preferably formed of fabric, and in one or more embodiments may be a stretchable fabric. In one or more embodiments the covering may be a polyester plush fabric. It is also contemplated that the fabric may be substantially non-stretchable. The covering in one or more embodiments may include fire resistant or retardant materials, and/or coatings and sprays. The covering may have an opening to receive the body of the pillow, and the covering may have a mechanism, such as for example, a zipper, Velcro, clasp, etc., to close the opening. In one or more embodiments, the covering may have one or more pockets 42, 142 to hold cooling or heating inserts or elements. A pocket 42, 142 may be formed on the front side 80, 180, or the back side 90, 190 of the pillow 10, 110. The pocket may be any desired shape, such as, for example round, rectangular, or square shaped to name just a few examples. The pocket may include a vinyl pouch to hold a hot or cold gel pack. The pocket has an opening to receive the hot or cold pack, and may also have a closure mechanism for the opening.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the pillow and body support system, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the system includes variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation known to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pillow, and/or body support member has many applications, may be implemented in various manners and, as such is not to be limited by the foregoing embodiments and examples, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention. While fundamental features of the invention have been shown and described in exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments of the architectural covering may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into a single embodiment. The locations of particular elements, for example, the pockets for heating and/or cooling elements, may be altered. Alternate embodiments are possible that have features in addition to those described herein or may have less than all the features described. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.

In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements, features, or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or method steps may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit, element, or piece. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may advantageously be combined, and their inclusion individually in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc., do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs or characters in the disclosure and/or claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

The foregoing description has broad application. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. A pillow for supporting the human anatomy, the pillow comprising:

a body having a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section located between the first and second sections,

wherein the first and second section are configured and adapted to be less compressible than the middle section.

2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first and second end sections along their width is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the middle section along its width.

3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first end section, the second end section, and the middle section varies along their width.

4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first end section, the second end section, and the middle section are formed of compressible foam.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first and second end sections are configured as substantially solid pieces of foam.

6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second end sections is formed of multiple substantially solid pieces of compressible foam.

7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the middle section is formed of one or more solid pieces of compressible foam.

8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the middle section is formed of compressible foam configured and adapted to at least partially surround a hollow chamber.

9. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising a cover at least partially surrounding the body of the pillow.

10. The pillow of claim 9, wherein the covering has pockets to receive at least one of the group consisting of heating elements, cooling elements, and combinations thereof.

11. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body is shaped as at least one of the following group consisting of a rounded triangle, and an American football.

12. The pillow of claim 1, comprising a front side surface and a second side surface where the front side surface has a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the second side surface.

13. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the end sections and the middle section of the body have a cross section that is generally triangular shape with rounded corners and a bowed hypotenuse.

14. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the width of the middle section is larger than the width of the end sections.

15. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the width of the middle section is approximately the width of each of the end sections.

16. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each end section has a width that is as small as about one (1) inch wide to as large as about four (4) inches wide, and the middle section has a width that is as small as about three (3) inches wide to as large as about ten (10) inches wide.

17. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each of the end sections is formed of foam having a compressibility that ranges from about 30 to about 40 ILD pounds, and the middle section is formed of foam having a compressibility that ranges from about 8 to about 25 ILD pounds.

18. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the middle section is formed of memory foam and the end sections are formed of open cell foam.

19. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the body has a maximum height of about 3 inches to about 6 inches, a width of about 8 inches to about 20 inches, and a length of about 6 inches to about 16 inches.

20. A pillow for supporting the human anatomy, the pillow comprising:

a body having a first outer end section formed of one or more solid pieces of foam, a second outer end section formed of one or more solid pieces of foam, and a middle section positioned between the first and section and the second end section, the middle section formed of one or more solid pieces of memory foam; and

a cover positioned over the body,

wherein the memory foam forming the middle section is more compressible than the foam forming both the first end section and the second end section, and the middle section is configured and adapted to be more compressible than both the first and second end sections.