Abstract:
An orthopedic pillow designed to address the limitations in current available shoulder pillows. An orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges; a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/480,756, filed May 25, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A person lying in a lateral decubitus position, such as, for example, during a surgical procedure or during sleep, exerts strain on the person&#39;s shoulder joint. Prior art pillows and positioning devices claim to relieve such shoulder strain by supporting the head and neck, but in doing so place the person&#39;s arm in a poor physiologic position or a forced or limited position. Such prior art pillows and positioning devices do not provide lateral support of the torso or allow for variable positioning of the shoulder for the best possible relief of shoulder impingement and pain. Additionally, such prior art pillows and positioning devices do not reduce joint reactive forces while providing lateral support for the torso and maximum number of effective arm positions. For example, certain prior art pillows force the person&#39;s arm under the pillow, which impinges the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa beneath the acromion. Other prior art pillows have an attached head piece and a basic non-contoured pillow wedge to support the torso and limited adaption to different size body habitus, which does not lessen the pressure upon the shoulder. 
         [0003]    For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide an improved orthopedic shoulder pillow. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure includes disclosure of an orthopedic pillow designed to address the limitations in current available shoulder pillows. In at least one embodiment, an orthopedic pillow or the present disclosure used in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure provides contoured lateral support of a person&#39;s torso of various sizes and allows for various sleeping positions while also allowing variable arm positions, all in a compact portable size. 
         [0005]    In at least one embodiment, an orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure comprises a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges; a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface. In at least one such embodiment, the contoured upper surface comprises two convex surfaces and a concave surface. In at least one such embodiment, the concave surface the contoured upper surface is between the convex surfaces the contoured upper surface. In at least one such embodiment, the orthopedic pillow comprises a compressible material. In at least one such embodiment, when the compressible material is under pressure it compresses, and when the pressure is relieved the compressible material returns to substantially its original shape. In at least one such embodiment, the compressible material comprises a urethane foam. In at least one such embodiment, the first end surface extends from the bottom surface to a lesser extent than the second end surface extends from the bottom surface. In at least one embodiment, an orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure comprises a collapsible air bladder. In at least one such embodiment, a compressible material surrounds the collapsible air bladder 
         [0006]    The present disclosure includes disclosure of an orthopedic pillow system. In at least one embodiment, an orthopedic pillow system according to the present disclosure comprises a first orthopedic pillow, the first orthopedic pillow comprising a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface; and a second orthopedic pillow, the second orthopedic pillow comprising a top surface bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins, a first end face intersecting with the leading margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface, a second end face intersecting with the trailing margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface, a first side face intersecting with the first side margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface, and a second side face intersecting with the second side margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface; wherein the bottom surface of the first orthopedic pillow is in contact with the top surface of the second orthopedic pillow. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure includes disclosure of methods of alleviating shoulder joint strain. In at least one embodiment, a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain comprises the step of inserting an orthopedic pillow under a torso of a person lying in a lateral decubitus position, the orthopedic pillow comprising: a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge, and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge, and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface, wherein the first end extends from the bottom surface to a lesser extent than the second end, and wherein the second end is adjacent the person&#39;s axilla. In at least one such embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain, the contoured upper surface of the orthopedic pillow comprises two convex surfaces and a concave surface, and the person&#39;s torso is in contact with the concave surface. In at least one such embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain, the concave surface of the orthopedic pillow is between the convex surfaces. In at least one such embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain, the orthopedic pillow is constructed of a compressible material. In at least one such embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain, when the compressible material is under pressure it compresses, and when the pressure is relieved the compressible material returns to substantially its original shape. In at least one such embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain, the compressible material comprises a urethane foam. In at least one embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain wherein an orthopedic pillow comprises a collapsible air bladder, the method comprises the step of inflating the collapsible air bladder. 
         [0008]    In at least one embodiment, a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain comprises the step of inserting an orthopedic pillow under a torso of a person lying in a lateral decubitus position, the orthopedic pillow comprising a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge, and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge, and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface, wherein the first end extends from the bottom surface to a lesser extent than the second end, and wherein the second end is adjacent the person&#39;s axilla; and inserting a second orthopedic pillow under the first orthopedic pillow, the second orthopedic pillow comprising a top surface bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins; a first end face intersecting with the leading margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface; a second end face intersecting with the trailing margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface; a first side face intersecting with the first side margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface; and a second side face intersecting with the second side margin and oriented perpendicular to the top surface. In at least one embodiment of a method of alleviating shoulder joint strain wherein a second orthopedic pillow comprises a collapsible air bladder, the method comprises the step of inflating the collapsible air bladder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows an end view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows an end view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows an end view of an orthopedic pillow used in combination with a secondary pillow, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded end view of an orthopedic pillow in combination with a secondary pillow, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6B  shows an exploded side view of an orthopedic pillow in combination with a secondary pillow, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure arranged in relation to a traditional head pillow; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure arranged in relation to a traditional head pillow, when in use by an adult user. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
         [0019]    The present disclosure includes disclosure of an orthopedic pillow designed to decrease shoulder joint forces when a person is lying in the lateral decubitus position and also the prone position. An orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure provides for placement of the shoulder in a position whereby the structures within the shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa, are not impinged upon. Furthermore, an orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure provides lateral support for the torso and a broad contact surface area to elevate pressure points. Such a pillow allows a person to use their own head pillow of choice to support their head. 
         [0020]    In at least one embodiment, an orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure is a contoured wedge pillow that supports the chest and back in a comfortable physiologic position and provides for relief of shoulder joint forces. It reduces the pressure exhibited upon the shoulder for side sleepers and prone sleepers and allows for placement of the arm and shoulder in a variety of comfortable positions. An orthopedic pillow according to the present disclosure helps relieve shoulder pain in side sleepers with conditions such as rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tear, bursitis of the shoulder, arthritic conditions of the shoulder and frozen shoulder, and also reduces pressure on the nerves traveling to the arm through the axilla. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a first end view of an exemplary embodiment of orthopedic pillow  10  according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , orthopedic pillow  10  comprises first end  11 , convex surfaces  12  and  14 , concave surface  16 , edges  30  and  32 , and bottom surface  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , bottom surface  18  is substantially flat. Edges  30  and  32  extend upwardly from bottom surface  18 . Edges  30  and  32  curve to form convex surfaces  12  and  14  at opposite ends of orthopedic pillow  10 . Concave surface  16  exists between convex surfaces  12  and  14  of orthopedic pillow  10 . 
         [0022]    In at least one embodiment, orthopedic pillow  10  is comprised of a urethane foam material. However, other embodiments of orthopedic pillow  10  may be comprised of different materials, including, but not limited to, a low resilience foam, a semi-resilient foam, a visco-elastic foam, or other cushioned material. In at least one embodiment, orthopedic pillow  10  is comprised of a collapsible air bladder surrounded by a urethane foam material or other compressible material. In such an embodiment, in preparation for use the collapsible air bladder is filled with air, such as, for example, through an integrated nozzle or valve. After use, the air may be released from the collapsible air bladder, allowing the collapsible air bladder to reduce in size. An orthopedic pillow  10  according to such an embodiment may be more easily stored and/or transported than an orthopedic pillow  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is constructed completely of a foam material or other compressible material. 
         [0023]    In at least one embodiment, first end  11  at the lowest point of concave surface  16  is approximately 1.5 inches in height, however the height of first end  11  at the lowest point of concave surface  16  may be greater than or less than 1.5 inches in various embodiments. In at least one embodiment, the distance between edges  30  and  32  is approximately 14 inches, however the distance between edges  30  and  32  may be greater than or less than 14 inches in various embodiments. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second end view of the exemplary embodiment of orthopedic pillow  10  according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , orthopedic pillow  10  comprises second end  13 , convex surfaces  12  and  14 , concave surface  16 , edges  30  and  32 , and bottom surface  18 . In at least one embodiment, second end  13  at the lowest point of concave surface  16  is approximately 3.5 inches in height, however the height of second end  13  at the lowest point of concave surface  16  may be greater than or less than 3.5 inches in various embodiments. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure where orthopedic pillow  10  is used in conjunction with secondary pillow  20 , with orthopedic pillow  10  shown from the perspective of first end  11 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of such an embodiment, with orthopedic pillow  10  shown from the perspective of second end  13 . In at least one such embodiment, secondary pillow  20  is hexahedral in shape and includes sides  24 ,  25 ,  28 , and  29 , top surface  22 , and bottom surface  26 . In at least one embodiment of secondary pillow  20 , bottom surface  26  and top surface  22  are rectangular in shape. In at least one embodiment, top surface  22  has substantially the same dimensions as bottom surface  18  of orthopedic pillow  10 . In at least one embodiment, secondary pillow  20  measures approximately one inch in height. 
         [0026]    In at least one embodiment, secondary pillow  20  is comprised of a urethane foam material. However, other embodiments of secondary pillow  20  may be comprised of different materials, including, but not limited to, a low resilience foam, a semi-resilient foam, a visco-elastic foam, or other cushioned material. In at least one embodiment, secondary pillow  20  is comprised of a collapsible air bladder surrounded by a urethane foam material or other compressible material. In such an embodiment, in preparation for use the collapsible air bladder is filled with air, such as, for example, through an integrated nozzle or valve. After use, the air may be released from the collapsible air bladder, allowing the collapsible air bladder to reduce in size. A secondary pillow  20  according to such an embodiment may be more easily stored and/or transported than a secondary pillow  20  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is constructed completely of a foam material or other compressible material. 
         [0027]    In a typical deployment, top surface  22  of secondary pillow  20  sits directly below bottom surface  18  of orthopedic pillow  10  in an aligned configuration, to increase the overall thickness of the pillow assembly in order to provide additional support for a user. In such a deployment, the bottom surface  18  of orthopedic pillow  10  aligns with top surface  22  of secondary pillow  20 . Top surface  22  of secondary pillow  20  may be adhered to bottom surface  18  of orthopedic pillow  10  to deter movement of orthopedic pillow  10  during use. For example, orthopedic pillow  10  and secondary pillow  20  may be secured together using an adhesive or other bonding method, such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners or other forms of fasteners. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of orthopedic pillow  10  according to the present disclosure, with orthopedic pillow  10  shown from the perspective of side  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in at least one embodiment, first edge  11  has a lower profile than second edge  13 , causing orthopedic pillow  10  to take on a wedge shape. In at least one embodiment, the distance between first edge  11  and second edge  13  is approximately 14 inches however the distance between first edge  11  and second edge  13  may be greater than or less than 14 inches in various embodiments. Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , in at least one embodiment the contours of convex surfaces  12  and  14  and concave surface  16  are substantially constant as orthopedic pillow  10  gradually thickens from first edge  11  to second edge  13 . In other embodiments, the relative dimensions of certain features of orthopedic pillow  10  may change from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . For example, convex surfaces  12  and  14  may each decrease in height from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . Similarly, concave surface  16  may decrease in depth from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of orthopedic pillow  10  according to the present disclosure, with orthopedic pillow  10  shown from the perspective of side  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , in at least one embodiment, first edge  11  has a lower profile than second edge  13 , causing orthopedic pillow  10  to take on a wedge shape. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A , the thickness of orthopedic pillow  10  is substantially constant for a short distance inward from second edge  13 , shown by reference numeral  36  in  FIG. 6A . Although not shown in  FIG. 6A , in at least one embodiment the contours of convex surfaces  12  and  14  and concave surface  16  are substantially constant from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . In other embodiments, the relative dimensions of certain features of orthopedic pillow  10  may change from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . For example, convex surfaces  12  and  14  may each decrease in height from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . Similarly, concave surface  16  may decrease in depth from first edge  11  to the second edge  13 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 6B  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the present disclosure where orthopedic pillow  10  is used in conjunction with secondary pillow  20 , with orthopedic pillow  10  shown from the perspective of side  30 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a typical use of an embodiment of orthopedic pillow  10  according to the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 7 , orthopedic pillow  10  is arranged in relation to a head pillow  52  of a type know in the art. As shown in  FIG. 7 , orthopedic pillow  10  and traditional head pillow  52  are configured with space  54  between them.  FIG. 8  shows orthopedic pillow  10  and head pillow  52  in use by user  56 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , orthopedic pillow  10  provides lateral support for the torso of user  56 , and traditional head pillow  52  may be used simultaneously to support the head of user  56 . First edge  11  of orthopedic pillow  10  may be positioned near the waist of user  56 . Concave surface  16  creates a cupping shape that provides contour support across the body of the user while lying in the lateral decubitus and prone positions. When used as shown in  FIG. 8 , orthopedic pillow  10  reduces the pressure exerted on the shoulder of user  56  while allowing user  56  to also use traditional head pillow  52 . 
         [0032]    While this disclosure has been described as having a preferred design, the apparatuses according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.