SUPPORT PILLOW

Abstract

A support pillow is disclosed. The support pillow may include an exterior support structure. The exterior support apparatus may include an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow. The exterior support apparatus may include an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface. The exterior support apparatus may include an upper surface. The exterior support apparatus may include a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure. The support pillow may include an interior hole, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to pillows and, more particularly, to pillows used for additional support when sleeping.

BACKGROUND

Side sleeping may alleviate many issues that people experience when sleeping on their back (e.g., lessened snoring and improved breathing). Additionally, side sleeping may have additional health benefits unavailable in other sleeping positions (e.g., stomach or back). The benefits of side sleeping may increase with age. However, some people require additional support when side sleeping. For example, comfort may be increased by placing a pillow between the legs when side sleeping. However, common pillows are not designed for such an application. Further, pillows designed to add support when side sleeping may be too large, may get too hot during use, can be difficult to clean, and/or may make it difficult to change positions during the night. Therefore, it would be desirable to create a support pillow curing the above deficiencies.

SUMMARY

A support pillow is disclosed. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an upper surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole.

A support pillow is disclosed. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an upper surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole. In embodiments, the support pillow includes one or more vents, extending radially from the interior hole to the exterior surface of the support pillow.

A support pillow is disclosed. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes an upper surface. In embodiments, the exterior support structure includes a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure. In embodiments, the support pillow includes an exterior support structure an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole. In embodiments, the support pillow includes one or more vents, extending radially from the interior hole to the exterior surface of the support pillow. In embodiments, the support pillow includes a cover for the support pillow, wherein the cover is configured to completely surround the inner surface, the exterior surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the support pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a support pillow with vents, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a view of a support pillow without vents, lying flat, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a view of a pillow support pillow without vents, standing on its edge, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a support pillow, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of a support pillow, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the support pillow in use, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details may be set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

A support pillow for use during side sleeping is disclosed. While this disclosure focuses primarily on the support pillow's use in side sleeping, it should be noted the support pillow is not limited to side sleeping and may be used in any other application. The support pillow may be used to align a user's legs in an optimal position for side sleeping. The support pillow may also cause a space to be formed between a user's legs. This space may increase air flow and keep the user cooler.

FIGS. 1-3B show various embodiments and views of a support pillow 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the support pillow 100 may be round. However, the support pillow 100 need not be round and may be any shape.

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a support pillow 100 with vents 114, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

In embodiments, the center of the support pillow 100 may also have an interior hole 102, which may be the same shape or a different shape than the support pillow 100. Portions of the support pillow 100 may also be tapered (e.g., chamfered or rounded) in order to prevent the support pillow 100 from having pointed edges. The interior hole 102 may also be tapered in the same way as the exterior of the support pillow 100. In this way, some embodiments of the support pillow 100 may be donut-shaped (e.g., a round support pillow 100, a round interior hole 102, and rounded edges). However, it should be noted that the support pillow 100 may take on any other shape (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc.). Further, the interior hole 102 may also be any shape, either the same shape or a different shape than the shape of the support pillow 100.

The interior hole 102 may allow for better air movement around the pillow, thus keeping a user cooler when sleeping. Further, the interior hole 102 may also create a natural space for the user's knees to be located during use of the support pillow 100. In this way, the interior hole 102 may be used to align a user's legs for an optimal sleeping position. The interior hole 102 may further alleviate or reduce pressure on the knees that may be present when not using the support pillow 100.

The support pillow 100 may include an exterior support structure 104. The exterior support structure may include an exterior surface 106 and an inner surface 108. The exterior surface 106 may define a perimeter of the support pillow 100. In this way, the exterior surface 106 may define the shape of the support pillow 100. The inner surface 108 may be located concentrically within the exterior surface 106. Further, the inner surface 108 may define the interior hole 102 (e.g., define a shape and/or perimeter of the interior hole 102).

The exterior support 104 structure may further include an upper surface 110 and a lower surface 112. The upper surface 110 and the lower surface 112 may be located opposite each other.

Further, at least a portion of the upper surface 110 and/or the lower surface 112 may be tapered inwardly towards the interior hole 102. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper surface 110 and/or the lower surface 112 may be tapered outwardly towards the exterior surface 106.

In embodiments, the exterior surface 106, the inner surface 108, the upper surface 110, and the lower surface 112 are joined to form the exterior support structure 104. The exterior support structure 104 may be a single solid body. It should be noted that the exterior surface 106, the inner surface 108, the upper surface 110, and the lower surface 112 need not be entirely discrete surfaces but may correspond to regions of the support pillow 100.

The support pillow 100 may also be of any thickness. For example, a thicker support pillow 100 may increase the space between legs and increase air flow. At the same time, a thinner support pillow 100 may provide a more natural separation of the legs, and thus more comfortable sleep.

The support pillow 100 may also be textured. For example, a texture on the exterior of the support pillow 100 may increase friction between the user's legs, which may better keep the support pillow 100 in place while sleeping. Further, a texture on the support pillow 100 may also make the support pillow 100 more comfortable for the user (e.g., the texture of the support pillow 100 feels better against the user's skin than with no texture). In embodiments, at least one of the interior surface 108, the exterior surface 106, the upper surface 110, or the lower surface 112 of the support pillow comprises a textured surface.

In some embodiments, the support pillow 100 may include one or more vents 114. The vents 114 may extend radially outwards from the interior hole 102 and be radially spaced about the support pillow 100. The vents 114 may be spaced evenly about the support pillow 100. For example, there may be six vents 114 on the support pillow 100. However, there may be more than six vents 114 or less than six vents 114. The vents 114 may extend all the way from the interior hole 102 to the exterior surface 106 or a portion of the way from the interior hole 102 to the exterior surface 106. These vents 114 may be cut into the upper surface 110 and/or the bottom surface 112 of the support pillow 100. The vents 114 may increase air flow around the support pillow 100. For example, in certain circumstances, it may be advantageous for the support pillow 100 to have vents 114 on both sides (e.g., to increase air flow). In other circumstances, it may be desirable to have vents 114 on only one side. The vents 114 may be cut into the support pillow 100 with any shape (e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped, or rectangular-shaped).

In some embodiments, the support pillow 100 does not include vents 114. It is contemplated that not placing vents 114 on surfaces of the support pillow 100 may increase the strength and/or durability of the support pillow 100.

The support pillow 100 may be made of a padded material. The padded material may be any material suitable for use as a pillow (e.g., memory foam, foam, latex, gel, or the like). For example, the support pillow 100 may be made of a soft foam. The foam may allow the support pillow 100 to be deformed when in use by the user and then return to its original shape after use. Further, the foam may be porous, which may also increase the breathability of the support pillow 100. Certain types of foam may also be waterproof and/or resistant to mold and mildew. The foam may also provide a lightweight option that allows a user to adjust the support pillow's 100 position more easily and/or change what side they are sleeping on without having to remove the support pillow 100. By way of another example, the padded material may be rubber.

The support pillow 100 may also be formed from a single piece of material. Having the support pillow 100 formed from a single piece of material may increase strength and/or durability of the support pillow 100 by eliminating stress concentration points or seams that may break. Further, the support pillow 100 having no extra parts may also reduce places where dirt may accumulate, thus helping the support pillow 100 stay clean.

The support pillow 100 may be configured to space the legs of a user. For example, this may occur when at least a portion of knees of a user are aligned with the interior hole 102 at the upper surface 106 and the lower surface 108.

FIG. 2A illustrates a view of a support pillow 100 without vents 114, lying flat, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates a view of a pillow support pillow 100 without vents 114, standing on its edge, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

The support pillow 100 may also have a cover 202. The cover 202 may include a texture (e.g., a textured outer layer). The cover 202 may also prevent the interior of the support pillow 100 (e.g., a foam interior) from getting dirty. The cover 202 may be made from any material suitable for use as a pillow cover (e.g., a washable material).

The cover 202 may be configured to completely surround the inner surface 108, the exterior surface 106, the upper surface 110, and the lower surface 112 of the support pillow 100.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a support pillow 100, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure. For example, in FIG. 3A, the vents 114 of the support pillow 100 do not extend to the exterior surface 106.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of a support pillow 100, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure. For example, FIB. 3B shows both the upper surface 110 and the lower surface 112 tapered inward towards the interior hole 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the support pillow 100 in use, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure.

The support pillow 100 may be configured to space the legs of a user 402. For example, this may occur when at least a portion of knees 404 of a user 402 are aligned with the interior hole 102 at the upper surface 106 and the lower surface 108. Further, the support pillow 100 may be configured to align the legs of a user 402. For example, this may occur when at least a portion of knees 404 of a user 402 are aligned with the interior hole 102 at the upper surface 106 and the lower surface 108.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, such steps may be carried out in any desired order and two or more of the steps may be carried out simultaneously with one another. Two or more of the steps disclosed herein may be combined in a single step, and in some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be carried out as two or more sub-steps. Further, other steps or sub-steps may be carried in addition to, or as substitutes to one or more of the steps disclosed herein.

Although inventive concepts have been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the claims. Components illustrated and described herein are merely examples of a system/device and components that may be used to implement embodiments of the inventive concepts and may be replaced with other devices and components without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples unless otherwise specified in the claims.

Claims

1. A support pillow comprising:

an exterior support structure, comprising: an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow; an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface; an upper surface; and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure; and

an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole.

2. The support pillow of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more vents, extending radially from the interior hole to the exterior surface of the support pillow.

3. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the one or more vents comprise six vents.

4. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the one or more vents are located on one of the upper surface or the lower surface.

5. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the one or more vents are located on each of the upper surface and the lower surface.

6. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the one or more vents are one of V-shaped, U-shaped, or rectangular-shaped.

7. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow is made from a padded material.

8. The support pillow of claim 7, wherein the padded material is one of rubber or foam.

9. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow further comprises:

a cover for the support pillow, wherein the cover is configured to completely surround the inner surface, the exterior surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the support pillow.

10. The support pillow of claim 9, wherein the cover includes a textured outer layer.

11. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow is configured to space the legs of a user when at least a portion of knees of the user are aligned with the interior hole at the upper surface and the lower surface.

12. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow is configured to align the legs of a user when at least a portion of knees of the user are aligned with the interior hole at the upper surface and the lower surface.

13. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of at least one of the exterior surface or the inner surface is circular.

14. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the one or more vents provide air flow around the support pillow.

15. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner surface, the exterior surface, the upper surface, or the lower surface of the support pillow comprises a textured surface.

16. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface tapered to the interior hole comprises both the upper surface or the lower surface tapered to the interior hole.

17. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein at least a portion at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered outwardly towards the exterior surface.

18. A support pillow comprising:

an exterior support structure, comprising: an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow; an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface; an upper surface; and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure;

an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole; and

one or more vents, extending radially from the interior hole to the exterior surface of the support pillow.

19. A support pillow comprising:

an exterior support structure, comprising: an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines a perimeter of the support pillow; an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is located concentrically within the exterior surface; an upper surface; and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are located opposite of each other, wherein the exterior surface, the inner surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface are joined to form a solid body of the exterior support structure;

an interior hole, wherein the interior hole is defined by the inner surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface is tapered inwardly towards the interior hole;

one or more vents, extending radially from the interior hole to the exterior surface of the support pillow; and

a cover for the support pillow, wherein the cover is configured to completely surround the inner surface, the exterior surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the support pillow.

20. The support pillow of claim 19, wherein the cover is configured to match the contour of the one or more vents.