Abstract:
An elongated angular multiple position body pillow embodying an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto, the terminal ends of each arm being provided with one half of a fabric tie which fabric ties, when brought into contact with one another, cause the pillow to be temporarily fixed in a semi-toroidal shape, the elongated angular multiple position body pillow being adapted to support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated position, reclining with her back elevated, or nursing an infant.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an elongated angular multiple position body pillow. More particularly, the present invention is an elongated angular pillow having three sections as follows: an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, and two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto to provide a plurality of positions to support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated position, with her back elevated, with her legs elevated, or nursing an infant, the ends of each arm being provided with one half of a fabric “tie” so that, when brought into contact with one another, the “ties” affixed to the arms may be tied together and hold the pillow in a semi-toroidal shape.  
         [0003]     2. Prior Art  
         [0004]     There are a number of patents that show or relate to body pillows and support devices. Although the field of art relating to curved, sectional support pillows having an enlarged central section is crowded, it is believed to be novel to provide an elongated angular body pillow having an enlarged central section provided with a curved top portion and a substantially straight base and a first end and a second end, with an arm extending longitudinally from the first end and second end of the enlarged central section, each arm being adjustable to create greater support to a user, each arm being provided with a tie at the respective end thereof to facilitate a secure means of positioning the elongated angular body pillow in a semi-toroidal embodiment or releasing the body pillow into a full-length embodiment to permit a plurality of positions for optimal comfort and convenience for a user. A preliminary patentability search was conducted on this invention and the following listed references were uncovered in the search.  
                                                       Patent No.   Inventor   Issue Date                           Des. 365,241   Braden et al.   Dec. 19, 1995           D453,653 S   Tunnell   Feb. 19, 2002           4,173,048   Varaney   Nov. 6, 1979           4,624,021   Hofstetter   Nov. 25, 1986           4,731,890   Roberts   Mar. 22, 1988           5,097,551   Smith   Mar. 24, 1992           5,519,906   Fanto-Chan   May 28, 1996           5,987,674   Schaffner et al.   Nov. 23, 1999           6,052,848   Kelly   Apr. 25, 2000           6,088,854   Brownrigg   Jul. 18, 2000           6,466,164B1   Leach   Dec. 31, 2002           6,601,252B1   Leach   Aug. 5, 2003           6,708,354B1   Carter et al.   Mar. 23, 2004           6,751,817   Leach   Jun. 22, 2004           6,463,608B1   Moe   Oct. 15, 2002           5,987,990   Akey   Nov. 9, 1999           5,519,906   Fanto-Chan   May 28, 1996           6,052,848   Kelly   Apr. 25, 2000           5,664,271   Bellavance   Sep. 9, 1997           5,269,323   Krouskop   Dec. 14, 1993           5,154,649   Pender   Oct. 13, 1992           5,097,551   Smith   Mar. 24, 1992           4,794,657   Avery   Jan. 3, 1989           4,754,510   King   Jul. 5, 1988           4,624,021   Hofstetter   Nov. 25, 1986           4,506,396   Ritchie, Jr., et al.   Mar. 26, 1985           Des. 377,881   Watt   Feb. 11, 1997           Des. 365,241   Braden, et al.   Dec. 19, 1995           Des. 308,788   Boehm   Jun. 26, 1990           Des. 230,804   Lijewski   Mar. 19, 1974                      
 
 The above patents are not considered to be particularly pertinent to the present invention. 
 
         [0005]     Moe U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,608 discloses a multi-purpose pillow with hand warming muff comprising a C-shaped pillow provided with a toggle and loop at terminal ends thereof so that the ends may be connected to keep the pillow in place around the user. When the pillow is fastened at the back of the user, a hand warmer which is sewn into the main portion of the pillow may be employed by the user slipping his or her hands through open ends on either side of the hand warmer. The Moe patent does not appear to be extendable to a substantially straight position whereby the body of a user in a reclining or sleeping position could be accommodated.  
         [0006]     Akey U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,990 discloses a comfort maternity pillow comprising a rectangular pillow having two arms extending therefrom to form a sort of pear shape having a central opening therein.  
         [0007]     Fanto-Chan U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,906 discloses a horseshoe shaped pillow having two legs extending therefrom, the terminal ends of the legs being provided with a hook-and-loop type fastener to connect to one another.  
         [0008]     Kelly U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,848 discloses an elongated U-shaped pillow which may be of various lengths and the shape of which is easily adjustable for a variety of uses.  
         [0009]     Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,551 discloses a segmented, elongated body pillow having a channel through which a user&#39;s arm may be received.  
         [0010]     Hofstetter U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,021 discloses a cushion-like support for separating the legs of a user while resting and adapted to prevent a user from rolling forward.  
         [0011]     Roberts U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,890 is a pillow adapted for use by nursing mothers which pillow is disposed at a right angle and does not adjust to achieve the features of the present invention.  
         [0012]     Schaffner U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,674 recites a ergonomic pillow designed accommodate the head and limbs of a user without repositioning of the pillow. The Schaffner pillow is of uniform thickness throughout and specifically obviates repositioning or adjustment of the pillow.  
         [0013]     Brownrigg U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,854 appears to be a long thin pillow that can be positioned in a variety of ways, but it appears to be uniform shape throughout and cannot achieve the functionality that is critical to the present invention.  
         [0014]     Carter, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,354B1 recites a dial pillow assembly for use by a nursing mother when lying on her side. This pillow has no central portion similar to that set forth in the present invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     An elongated angular multiple position body pillow comprising an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, and two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto, the pillow having an outer edge and an inner edge, a first arm having a non-terminal end connected to a center section and a terminal end provided with a first half of a tie, a center section having a substantially straight base along the outer edge of the center section and a curved top portion along the inner edge thereof, a second arm having a non-terminal end connected to the center section and a terminal end provided with a second half of a tie, the first arm and second arm being substantially symmetrical, the first and second halves of the ties being adapted to engage each other to secure the pillow in a semi-toroidal shape if desired, the pillow being disposed to lie in a full length substantially flat position when the first and second half of the ties are not engaged. The pillow has a length of approximately eighty (80) inches from the first terminal end of the first arm along the outer edge of the pillow to the second terminal end of the pillow, a length of approximately sixty-eight (68) inches from the first terminal end of the first arm of the pillow along the inner edge of the pillow to the second terminal end, the substantially curved top portion of the center section along the inner edge thereof has a length of approximately thirty (30) inches, and the first arm and second arm have a length of approximately nineteen (19) inches, respectively. The terminal end of the first arm and the terminal end of the second arm have an approximate length of fourteen (14) inches and terminate in a beveled edge, the first arm and the second arm having a width, at the widest points thereof, of seventeen (17) inches, the enlarged center section having a width, at the widest point thereof, of twenty-two (22) inches, the curved top portion of the enlarged center section terminating in a beveled edge. The first arm of the pillow connects to the enlarged center section at the non-terminal end of the first arm at an angle of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees, and the second arm of the pillow connects to the enlarged center section at the non-terminal end of the second arm at an angle of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees when the elongated angular multiple position body pillow is disposed in the full length substantially flat position. The pillow is of sufficient length to accommodate an adult user and is adapted to extend beyond the length of an average adult user to provide full body support when disposed in the full length substantially flat position. When the ties are engaged and the pillow is disposed in the semi-toroidal position, the pillow is adapted to provide elevational support for the back of the user, the legs of the user, or to encircle the waist of the user to create a pillow support for the user and proper positioning for a nursing infant.  
         [0016]     The elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention is intended to permit a plurality of positioning options to facilitate cushioning support for an adult user, and particularly a pregnant female user, at various stages of pregnancy and post-pregnancy as a support pillow and a nursing pillow, alternatively. The elongated angular multiple position body pillow may be provided with a removable fabric cover to facilitate ease of laundering. A smaller version of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow, having a reduction in all dimensions by thirty percent (30%) is further contemplated for use by children. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view showing the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention in the extended form.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention wherein the arms of the pillow have been brought together and secured by the ties attached at the ends thereof.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention wherein the contoured central section is received along the front upper torso of a user, the user&#39;s head being received on a first arm of the pillow, the user&#39;s leg extending across the contoured central section and being received on a second arm of the pillow, and the user&#39;s arm being received across the contoured central section of the pillow.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  but wherein the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention has been reversed in its position such that the contoured central section faces away from the user and the outer portion of the central section is received against the upper front torso of the user, the user&#39;s head being received on a first arm of the pillow, the user&#39;s leg extending across the outer portion of the central section and being received on a second arm of the pillow, and the user&#39;s arm being received across the first arm of the pillow.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention wherein the contoured central section is received against the back of a user, the user&#39;s head being received on a first arm of the pillow, and the second arm of the pillow being received between the legs of the user.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention wherein the first arm and second arm of the pillow have been brought together and tied at their respective ends to achieve a semi-toroidal position, the contoured central section of the pillow faces downward (not visible in this embodiment), the tied ends of the first and second arms of the pillow are received against the buttocks of a user, and the legs of the user are received over the outer portion of the central section.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  but wherein the pillow has been turned such that the contoured central section of the pillow faces downward (not visible in this embodiment), the tied ends of the first arm and second arm of the pillow are received against the buttocks of a user, and the back of the user is received against the outer portion of the central section.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention wherein the first end and second end of the pillow have been brought together and tied to achieve a semi-toroidal position, the contoured central section of the pillow faces upward and is received against the back of a user in a seated position, such as on a bed, the first end and second end of the pillow being received under the arms of the user, the first and second ends being brought together and tied to achieve a semi-toroidal position at the front of the user, and an infant being received on one arm of the pillow.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]     Referring to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  comprising an outer edge  12 , an inner edge  14 , a first terminal end  24 , a second terminal end  26 , the outer edge  12  having a length of approximately eighty (80) inches from the first terminal end  24  to the second terminal end  26 . The pillow  10  is further comprised of a first arm  16  and a second arm  18 , the first arm  16  and second arm  18  each having a terminal end,  24  and  26 , respectively, and a non-terminal end attaching to an enlarged center section  34  having a curved top portion  20  and a substantially straight base  22 , the inner edge  14  of the pillow  10  has a length of approximately sixty-eight (68) inches. The first arm  16  and second arm  18  attach to the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34  at an angle of approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees to provide optimal contact with the body of a user (not shown in this figure). The first arm  16  and second arm  18  each have a length of approximately nineteen (19) inches, respectively, the first terminal end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second terminal end  26  of the second arm  18  have an approximate length of fourteen (14) inches and terminate in a beveled edge or seam  32 , the first arm  16  and the second arm  18  having a width, at the widest points thereof, of seventeen (17) inches, the enlarged center section  34  has a width, at the widest point thereof, of twenty-two (22) inches, the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34  along the inner edge thereof has a length of approximately thirty (30) inches and terminates in a beveled edge or seam  32  so as to be comfortably received against the back or torso of a user (not shown in this figure). The first terminal end  24  of the first arm  16  is provided with a first tie  28  and the second terminal end  26  of the second arm  18  is provided with a second tie  30 , the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other to secure the pillow  10  in a semi-toroidal shape if desired (see  FIG. 2 ), the pillow  10  is disposed to lie in a full length substantially flat position when the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are not engaged. The elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  may be configured for use by a child by reducing the dimensions of the pillow by thirty percent (30%). In the child pillow embodiment, the pillow  10  comprises a first arm  16  and a second arm  18 , the first arm  16  and second arm  18  each having a terminal end,  24  and  26 , respectively, and a non-terminal end attaching to an enlarged center section  34  having a curved top portion  20  and a substantially straight base  22 , the inner edge  14  of the pillow  10  has a length of approximately forty-eight (48) inches, and an outer edge  12  having a length of approximately sixty (60) inches from the first terminal end  24  to the second terminal end  26 . The first arm  16  and second arm  18  attach to the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34  at an angle of approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees to provide optimal contact with the body of a user (not shown in this figure). The first arm  16  and second arm  18  each have a length of approximately fourteen (14) inches, respectively, the first terminal end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second terminal end  26  of the second arm  18  have an approximate length of ten (10) inches and terminate in a beveled edge or seam  32 , the first arm  16  and the second arm  18  having a width, at the widest points thereof, of twelve (12) inches, the enlarged center section  34  has a width, at the widest point thereof, of sixteen (16) inches, the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34  along the inner edge thereof has a length of approximately twenty-one (21) inches and terminates in a beveled edge or seam  32  so as to be comfortably received against the back or torso of a user (not shown in this figure). The first terminal end  24  of the first arm  16  is provided with a first tie  28  and the second terminal end  26  of the second arm  18  is provided with a second tie  30 , the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other to secure the pillow  10  in a semi-toroidal shape if desired (see  FIG. 2 ), the pillow  10  is disposed to lie in a full length substantially flat position when the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are not engaged.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention in a semi-toroidal embodiment. The semi-toroidal shape is achieved by drawing the first end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second end  26  of the second arm  18  toward one another until the first end  24  and the second end  26  are adjacent one another and the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are brought into alignment. The first tie  28  and the second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other by tying and, once tied, the pillow  10  is secured in a semi-toroidal shape which can fit around the torso of a user (see  FIG. 8 ) or which can be used to support the user in various positions (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) As will hereinafter appear, the pillow  10 , engaged in the semi-toroidal position, may be placed with the curved top portion  30  in the uppermost position to provide support to the back of a user (not shown in this figure) or, alternatively, with the substantially straight base  22  in the uppermost position to provide support for the legs of a user (not shown in this figure). When the curved top portion  30  is in the uppermost position, the curved top portion  30  creates a raised elevated angular surface support to accommodate the back of a user as will hereinafter appear. When the substantially straight base  22  is in the uppermost position (see  FIG. 7 ), the substantially straight base  22  provides a flat elevated angular surface to accommodate the back, legs, or torso of the user. The angle achieved by placing the curved top portion  30  in the uppermost position is slightly steeper than the angle achieved by placing the substantially straight base  22  in the uppermost position, thereby providing the user with additional positioning options for optimal comfort.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention employed by a female user  40  with the user  40  lying on her side. The curved top portion (not numbered in this figure) of the enlarged center section  34  is received against the torso  44  of the user  40 , with the beveled edge or seam (not numbered in this figure) of the curved top portion tucked beneath the torso  44  and belly (not numbered) of the user  40 , with the user&#39;s head  46  resting on top of the first arm  16 , the second arm  18  of the pillow  10  is received between the user&#39;s legs  48 , and the enlarged center section  34  is received between the user&#39;s arms  42 . The angle of the first arm  16  and the second arm  18  of the pillow  10  with relation to the enlarged center section  34  are adapted to fit the contours of the user  40  in the extended form.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3 , except that the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention is turned such that the curved top portion  20  faces away from the user  40 . The substantially straight base (not numbered in this figure) of the enlarged center section  34  is received against the torso  44  of the user  40 , with the beveled edge or seam (not numbered in this figure) of the substantially straight base tucked beneath the torso  44  and belly (not numbered) of the user  40 , with the user&#39;s head  46  resting on top of the first arm  16 , the second arm  18  of the pillow  10  is received between the user&#39;s legs  48 , and the enlarged center section  34  is received between the user&#39;s arms  42 . In this embodiment, the angle of the first arm  16  and the second arm  18  of the pillow  10  with relation to the enlarged center section  34  may be retained in their original extended position or, alternatively, pulled toward the user  40  to create a sensation of snugness.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention with the curved top portion (not numbered in this figure) of the enlarged center section  34  received against the back (not numbered) and torso  44  of the user  40  with the beveled edge or seam (not numbered in this figure) of the curved top portion tucked beneath the torso  44  and back of the user  40 , with the user&#39;s head  46  resting on top of the first arm  16 , the second end  26  of the second arm (not numbered in this figure) of the pillow  10  is received between the user&#39;s legs  48 , and the first end  24  of the first arm  16  is received between the user&#39;s arms  42 . While the angle of the first arm  16  and the second arm  18  of the pillow  10  with relation to the enlarged center section  34  are adapted to fit the contours of the user  40  in the extended form, by pulling the first arm  16  and the second arm (not numbered in this figure) toward the user  40 , the curved top portion of the enlarged center section  34  is caused to be brought into closer contact with the torso  44  of the user  40  to create greater support and a sensation of snugness. By pulling either the first arm  16  or second arm (not numbered in this figure) individually toward the user, a portion of the enlarged center section  34  corresponding with the arm being adjusted will be brought into closer contact with the user&#39;s torso  44  independent the arm not being adjusted.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention in a semi-toroidal embodiment. As set forth in  FIG. 2 , the semi-toroidal shape is achieved by drawing the first end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second end  26  of the second arm  18  toward one another until the first end  24  and the second end  26  are adjacent one another and the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are brought into alignment. The first tie  28  and the second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other by tying and, once tied, the pillow  10  is secured in a semi-toroidal shape, in this embodiment with the substantially straight base  22  in the uppermost position. The beveled edge or seam  32  along the first end  24  and the second end  26  are received beneath the buttocks (not numbered) and torso  44  of the user  40 , with the user&#39;s legs  48  extending over the substantially straight base  22  of the enlarged center section  34 , the knees (not numbered) of the user  40  being received over the substantially straight base  22  to elevate the user&#39;s legs  48  in a bended-knee position. The user&#39;s arms  42  rest against the first arm  16  and second arm (not numbered in this figure) of the pillow  10 . In this embodiment, the user&#39;s head is received on a separate pillow (not numbered) or may alternatively be received on a flat surface.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention in a semi-toroidal embodiment. As set forth in  FIG. 2 , the semi-toroidal shape is achieved by drawing the first end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second end  26  of the second arm  18  toward one another until the first end  24  and the second end  26  are adjacent one another and the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are brought into alignment. The first tie  28  and the second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other by tying and, once tied, the pillow  10  is secured in a semi-toroidal shape, in this embodiment with the curved top portion  20  in the uppermost position. The beveled edge or seam  32  along the first end  24  and the second end  26  are received beneath the buttocks (not numbered) of the user  40 , with the user&#39;s torso  44  and arms  42  resting against the first arm  16  and second arm  18  of the pillow  10  and the user&#39;s head  46  resting against the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34 , the legs  48  of the user  40  not coming into direct contact with the pillow  10  in this embodiment.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows the elongated angular multiple position body pillow  10  of the present invention in a semi-toroidal embodiment. As set forth in  FIG. 2 , the semi-toroidal shape is achieved by drawing the first end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second end  26  of the second arm  18  toward one another until the first end  24  and the second end  26  are adjacent one another and the first tie  28  and second tie  30  are brought into alignment. The first tie  28  and the second tie  30  are adapted to engage each other by tying and, once tied, the pillow  10  is secured in a semi-toroidal shape, in this embodiment with the curved top portion  20  in the uppermost position. In this embodiment, the torso  44  of the user  40  is received within the well created by the engagement of the first tie  28  with the second tie  30  with the curved top portion  20  of the enlarged center section  34  being received against the back (not numbered) of the user  40  to support her in a seated position. The beveled edge or seam  32  along the first end  24  of the first arm  16  and the second end  26  of the second arm  18  are received beneath the user&#39;s arms  42  so as to provide support for an infant  50  in the nursing or cradled position.  
         [0033]     While  FIGS. 1 through 8 , inclusive, depict the various positions which may be achieved with the elongated angular multiple position body pillow of the present invention, it should be apparent that other and further modifications of the present invention, apart from those shown or suggested herein, maybe made within the spirit and scope of this invention.