Abstract:
A tubular-shaped, circulation-enhancing pillow or cushion device worn on any part of upper or lower extremities as a rest and/or sleep aid. The device may include a semi ridged, yet flexible and resilient tubular core, a soft fabric elastic liner and an outer cushioned tension wrap. The device may allow one to instinctively change sleeping postures, while remaining asleep or while resting, whether laying in a supine, prone, side or upright position. The device may isolate the part of an extremity that would otherwise have a tendency to become numb, achy or “fall asleep” due to pressure exerted from above by one&#39;s resting head, torso, knee, ankle, or other overlying body part, while at the same time act as a pillow or cushion to the overlying body part at rest.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/522,084, filed Aug. 12, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional application is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes said above-referenced provisional application. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     1. The Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present disclosure relates generally to cushioning devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to pillows or cushions that may be worn as sleeves over arm or leg extremities.  
         [0005]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0006]     There has been proposed a multitude of devices with the objective of improving a person&#39;s comfort while at rest or sleep. Diverse and often contradictory devices have been devised and proposed. A host of mattresses, ornamental, therapeutic, and cervical pillows, supportive cushions, and other devices are known relating to the physical comfort of a person at sleep or rest.  
         [0007]     Most of these devices claim to enhance the sleeping experience by imposing a specific, often ridged, sleep posture. However, to an extent, they each fail to provide for the normal and regular occurrence that, as reported by researchers, adult subjects change their position of sleep between 3 and 36 times per night. This change of position frequently places an arm or shoulder underneath the head or part of the torso, impeding the normal circulation of blood in the arms and causing them to “fall asleep” or become numb. Similarly, pressure from an upper leg may cause a lower leg, knee or ankle to become numb by impeding its normal circulation of blood. Some of the known prior art devices to date, seek to prevent or limit the normal and regular change in sleep postures, resulting in people fighting against or abandoning these “sleep aids” during their sleep.  
         [0008]     Most therapeutic and cervical pillows focus on the position of the head and neck when sleeping, thereby forcing the sleeper into a supine, unmovable position. Other pillows accommodate a side sleeping posture and attempt to enhance arm and shoulder circulation by carving channels into the pillow itself thus limiting or isolating contact with the head or torso, which would impede extremity circulation. Such a method, however, forces the person into a restricted, fixed posture and hampers the normal and routine changes in sleep posture.  
         [0009]     Some devices known in the art include open frame pillow and head support systems which may address arm circulation issues and accommodate some sleep posture changes. However, such systems relegate the person&#39;s posture to a few structured positions within, and sometimes against, the framework of the support structure.  
         [0010]     Other known cushioning devices include block-like pillows which accommodate arm circulation and changing positions, but are often dependent upon reconfiguring the cushions to a self imposed ridged sleep posture, presenting the drawback of being impossible to reconfigure while sleeping.  
         [0011]     Still other devices known in the art provide for elevating one or both arms, but do not address the circulation restriction problem of an arm lying beneath the head or torso.  
         [0012]     Other known cushioning devices provide an ergonomic pillow assembly utilized to provide relaxing comfort and rest to a person having an upper torso problem with pain through the head, neck, and spinal regions. Such devices may provide for normal arm circulation, but like other devices, may disadvantageously impose a very specific sleep posture.  
         [0013]     Accordingly, several features and advantages of the present disclosure are provided to enhance a person&#39;s comfort during sleep, or while at rest, giving them the freedom to move extremities at will, without depriving the protected (sleeved) portions of the extremities of vascular flow or circulation and without forcing a preconceived and inflexible “sleep posture”.  
         [0014]     An additional feature of the present disclosure is that the device may be used as a companion pillow while resting or sleeping in a “cuddle posture,” where one person is in the supine position with an arm stretched out perpendicular to the body to enable the head of another person to use the arm as a pillow.  
         [0015]     Another feature of the present disclosure is to use the assembled device as a unique support pillow under the back of the neck (cervical spine) when sleeping in the supine position. This may make for an ideal small portable pillow, which may also be useful in traveling, backpacking or camping.  
         [0016]     Another feature of the present disclosure is to provide a device that may fit over one&#39;s knee to take the place of, or augment a pillow, frequently placed between the knees while laying horizontally on one&#39;s side, commonly used to relieve back strain or discomfort. The added advantage being that the lower knee&#39;s circulation (in a horizontal plane) may not be impeded by the upper knee or leg. Nor, if used singularly (without a conventional pillow) would there be a need to re-adjust the conventional pillow&#39;s position when changing sleep posture.  
         [0017]     Another feature of the present device is to allow medical magnets to be incorporated within the device for pain therapy.  
         [0018]     Also, the present device may be used as a sun bathing aid. Many sunbathers strive for an even tan on the sides of their body as well as their front and back. Worn over the arm, underneath the body, on or above the biceps muscle, the head can comfortably be placed on the device, acting as a cushion for the head. Since the body, primarily the head, may be covering the device there may be no interference from the device in blocking the rays of the sun. Additionally, since the materials used to construct the device may absorb very little water, suntan oil or other substances and can be easily cleaned, neither the device&#39;s function or its aesthetics may be materially compromised.  
         [0019]     Another feature of the present disclosure is that the device may be worn at any location on either the upper or lower extremities as a protection guard worn during sports activities to help cushion and disperse the effect of an impact. Since the device can be virtually sized for any part of the upper or lower extremities, and the stretchable liner may allow the device to easily slip to the desired position on the arm or leg, yet retain its place at the desired position, it may be ideal for a quick on/off protection guard.  
         [0020]     Still another feature of the present disclosure is that the device may be configured as a tapered cylinder, with a wider circumference to fit over the shoulder and a smaller circumference to bear against the upper arm. This device may include a cut out for under the arm, allowing the wider circumference to fit higher over the shoulder.  
         [0021]     Another feature of the present disclosure is that the device may be sized to fit around the wrist and worn as a support aid for the wrist and hand while keyboarding or other similar activity to help prevent or lessen the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome, wherein the sleeved wrist could rest on an object and maintain normal circulation.  
         [0022]     It will also be understood that another feature of the present disclosure is that the present device may be constructed of a material that may be quite buoyant. Accordingly, the device may be used as a non-inflatable, partial flotation appliance worn high over the biceps muscles of each arm or around each thigh of the legs, or both, to improve the buoyancy of the body and minimize or eliminate treading water, or as an aid in learning to swim, or for water sport activities.  
         [0023]     In accordance with the present disclosure, a sleeve cushion or pillow may comprise an adjustable semi-flexible cylindrical core, encased by a woven or knitted fabric liner and wrapped around the external circumference with a flexible cushion. The device may enable normal circulation to any portion of an upper or lower extremity that would otherwise be compromised by the weight of one&#39;s head, torso, or other body part bearing down, while providing a pillow-like effect for the overlying bearing body part.  
         [0024]     The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the present disclosure. The present disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein.  
         [0025]     The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]     The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cushioning device made in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a core of the cushioning device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a liner of the cushioning device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the liner of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a wrap of the cushioning device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a liner placed partially on a core;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the core of  FIG. 6  fastened in a loop;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is an additional perspective view of the core and liner of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the core and liner of  FIG. 8 , with the liner being stretched over the core with fingers placed in one side of a “grasping hole” of the liner;  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the core and liner of  FIG. 8 , with the liner being stretched over the core beyond the step shown in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the core and liner of  FIG. 8 , with the liner completely encompassing the core;  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the core and liner of  FIG. 8 , with the liner completely encompassing the core, demonstrating a smaller diameter of the lined core;  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the cushioning device in one of several different possible uses;  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the cushioning device in another of several different possible uses;  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the cushioning device in yet an additional use of several different possible uses; and  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of one embodiment of a package used to store and ship the device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0043]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the illustrative embodiments portrayed 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 the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.  
         [0044]     Before the present structure and methods regarding a circulation enhancing pillow or cushion are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.  
         [0045]     It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, as used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.  
         [0046]     As referred to herein, the term “loop” shall be construed broadly to include various shapes, including round and non-round shapes, and shall not be limited to closed shapes such that the loop may have a beginning and an end.  
         [0047]     The term “semi-rigid” as used herein shall be construed broadly to include materials that have adequate strength or rigidity to support a body member without collapsing, yet the materials are flexible to form a loop and deflect under the force of the body member.  
         [0048]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view is shown of one embodiment of a cushioning device, indicated generally at  10 . The cushioning device may include a core  12 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 , a liner  14  for covering the core  12 , and a wrap  16  including a cushioning material for covering the liner  14 .  
         [0049]     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the core  12  may provide a combination of the proper rigidity to the cushioning device  10  to assure that the cushioning device  10  may not easily collapse over the extremity or body member on which it is worn, thus aiding proper circulation, yet the core  12  may be flexible enough such that it will be comfortable to rest on with the head, torso or overlying extremity. The core  12  may also be resilient such that the core  12  may be able to flex repeatedly without breaking. The core  12  may therefore be configured to form a loop for receiving a body member therethrough. It will be understood that the term “core” as used herein shall not be limiting in terms of size, shape or configuration.  
         [0050]     The liner  14  may be made of a woven or knitted fabric incorporating nylon or polypropylene and elastane, for example, to provide for enough elasticity to stretch around and enclose the core  12  and also provide a wick effect to absorb perspiration and accommodate airflow between the extremity and the core  12 . The wrap  16  may function to suppress any expansion of the core  12  and the inner diameter of the liner  14 , and may act as a cushion for providing comfort to the body part which may be applying a downward force against the device  10 .  
         [0051]     One exemplary material choice for constructing the core  12  may be polyethylene. The polyethylene material may be formed as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet material with a density rating of 0.95 and a thickness of 0.057 inches (plus or minus 5%) die cut or stamped out 3.25 inches wide by 24 inches in length overall, for example. It will be understood, however, that the core  12  may be formed of other materials having different properties and dimensions within the scope of the present disclosure.  
         [0052]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , one end of the core  12  may have cutouts  18 , of 1.25 inches×1.25 inches, for example, from both edges of width of the core  12 , thereby forming a tongue  20 . The tongue  20  may measure 0.75 inches in width and may project 1.25 inches in length. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may have cutouts  18  and tongues  20  of other dimensions, or some embodiments may not have cutouts  18  or tongues. The tongues  20  may be configured to bend and fit into a slot  22  formed in the core  12 . One embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of slots  22 , such as thirteen slots  22 , which may be centered on the core  12 , and sized 0.85 inches×0.12 inches and spaced in 1 inch increments from the end of the core  12  opposite the tongue  20 . The slots  22  may have a typical radius of 0.04 inches, for example. Each of the outside corners  24  of the core  12  may have a typical radius of 0.13 inches, for example. The core  12  may be formed from a sheet of material through a single process by a custom made punch or die. Accordingly, the features of the core, including the length and width as well as the cutouts  18  leaving the tongue  20 , the slots  22  and rounded corners  24  can be easily formed. It will be appreciated that the core  12  and the features of the core  12  may have other dimensions, and that other embodiments may not include all the features discussed above, or the core  12  may have additional features. Moreover, the core  12  may be formed using different techniques within the scope of the present disclosure.  
         [0053]     In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tongue  20  may be inserted into a slot  22  on an interior or concave side of a loop formed by the core  12 . Accordingly excess portions of the core  12  may wrap around an outside of the loop and slide freely, thus avoiding, to a significant extent, a double wall effect and increased stiffness that would otherwise take place if the excess core material were fastened to the loop and not allowed to slide. This arrangement may provide a more flexible loop. It will be understood, however, that as the size of the loop is reduced, the loop formed by the core  12  may become more rigid. However, additional windings of the cushioning wrap  16  are possible with smaller sized loops such that the device  10  may continue to provide a suitable cushion even in small diameter configurations of the device  10 .  
         [0054]     One embodiment of the core  12  may be formed of an HDPE material which, when extruded, may have a matt finish and have a “corona” treatment, or other such treatment to ensure that any ink silk screening, foil or heat-stamping of any logos, trademarks, instructions or numerical references, adhere to the core  12 . The printing or stamping of such references can be accomplished in the same or separate operation as the stamp-out of the HDPE material. Alternatively, the core  12  can be cut out by hand or machined, or an infinite combination of cut and/or machined and/or punched and/or stamped processes.  
         [0055]     Alternatively, the core  12  may be formed of any other material that can be repeatedly bent without fracturing and provide for similar flexibility and rigidity characteristics as the HDPE referenced above, such as, metal, vinyl, nylon, rubber, various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, various plasticized materials, cardboard, paper, plastic or composite bands, for example.  
         [0056]     Moreover, other embodiments of the core  12  may employ a variety of alternative fastening systems which may use suitable materials such as magnetic or stiff adhesive tape, cut for proper size and flexibility, or any variety of clips, clamps or fastening mechanisms, for example.  
         [0057]     It will also be understood that in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the core  12  may be a fixed (non-adjustable) cylindrical band. Such core  12  may be composed of metal, plastic or composite pipe sections, woven wire mesh, wire or stiffening slats imbedded into a molding media forming a circular band or of high density foam, for example.  
         [0058]     The liner  14 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , may be constructed of materials that may provide enough elasticity to stretch around and enclose the core  12  at its maximum diameter adjustment, and yet not unduly sag when the diameter of the core  12  is in its smallest configuration. The material may be soft to the touch so as to provide comfort against the skin. Also, the liner  14  may provide a “wick effect” to absorb any perspiration produced from the skin. Additionally, the liner  14  may have the appropriate tension and weave sufficient to allow for the flow of air between skin of the extremity and the core  12 . Once the liner  14  encompasses the core  12 , the liner  14  may provide a smaller, yet flexible inner diameter  25 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , allowing an extremity to be placed through the inside diameter  25  of the liner clad core  12  such that the liner&#39;s tension and fabric enables the device  10  to retain its position wherever placed on the extremity. One exemplary embodiment of the liner  14  may be formed of a woven, stretchable fabric blend consisting of 70% nylon and 30% elastane, for example. The material may be woven so that it may be capable of stretching to 300%, for example, of original size without damage in both length and width. The fabric may be formed and knitted into a tube shape and when removed from the manufacturing knitting cylinder, the knitted tube may have an inside diameter of 1.9 inches, for example. One embodiment of the liner  14  may be sized such that a thickness of an inner wall plus an outer wall of the woven or knitted tube of the liner  14  may be nominally 3/16 inches, for example. The fabric tube material may be cut approximately 9 inches in length and if required, turned so the softest surface of the fabric may be facing outside. The tube may then be folded in half lengthwise such that the tube ends may be aligned and overlap each other so the ends of the tube can be joined together, such as by sewing or serging, to form a hollow ring. The tube may be joined all around the liner  14  with the exception of an opening or grasping hole  26 . One embodiment of the grasping hole  26  may be sized approximately 1.3 inches (plus or minus 0.1 inches), for example. The joining or serging process may be configured to ensure that threads at the edges of the opening  26 , the portion that prevents the tube from connecting continuously, do not become unstitched during stretching and use.  
         [0059]     Alternative embodiments of the liner  14  may include stretchable nylon, elastic, polypropylene, cotton or any other yarn or fabric that may be sufficiently stretchable both longitudinally and latitudinally to fit over the core  12  at maximum adjustment, and yet be taut with no undue sagging when the core  12  is adjusted to the minimum diameter. Moreover, a desirable characteristic of the material for the liner may be that it may be contact compatible with skin. As an example, the liner  14  may be made from a woven blend of fabric made from 95% polypropylene and 5% spandex. Due to the different stretching characteristics of this woven blend, however, the opening  26  may be increased in size measuring from 1.75 inches to 2 inches, for example. Similarly, dimensional changes may need to be calculated to accommodate any given stretchable blend of fabric.  
         [0060]     In addition to the core  12  and the liner  14 , one embodiment of the device  10  may also include an outer tension wrap  16 . The wrap  16  may function to prevent the core  12  from expanding to a larger diameter or ellipse, suppress lateral movement of the opening  26  in the liner  14 , and act as a cushion providing comfort to an overlying body part applying downward force against the device  10 . Additionally, the wrap  16  may serve to act as a fine tuning adjustment, regulating the degree of flexibility/stiffness of the underlying core  12 , depending upon how tightly the wrap  16  is wrapped.  FIGS. 1 and 5 , illustrate a wrap  16 , which may be made from 4 mm polychloroprene, laminated by a hook compatible fabric on the top side and nylon backing on the underneath side. The wrap  16  may measure 3.5 inches wide and 23 inches in length and may have a radius of 2.07 inches on each end, for example. This laminated polychloroprene may be fastened by Velcro® or other brand hook and loop fabric to accommodate a variety of core  12  diameters. The “hook” material  28  may be sewn on the nylon (underneath) side of the loop fabric  30 , facing downward, such that when the laminated polychloroprene is stretched around the core  12  and liner  14  to the desired tension and the wrap  16  completes a revolution, the wrap  16  may attach onto itself. Wrapping the outer tension wrap  16  loosely may enhance flexibility and decrease rigidity to the assembled device  10 , whereas wrapping it with more tension may have the opposite effect.  
         [0061]     Alternative configurations of the outer tension wrap may involve a number of foam like, fabric clad materials either open cell or closed cell, capable of stretching around the core  12  and liner  14 . Such alternative materials may include ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene foam, latex foam products, flexible polyurethane (memory foams), chiorprene rubber, styrene butediene, flexible polyether and polyester polyurethane. Likewise, the wrap  16  may be constructed of a dynamic or static air bladder wrap or flexible gel cell material, or any other suitable material known in the art.  
         [0062]     Assembly of the cushioning device  10  will now be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 1 and 6 - 12 . Progressive assembly of the device  10  is shown  FIGS. 6-12 , whereas the completed assembly of the device  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0063]     The device  10  may be provided to users in a partially assembled condition with the liner  14  slipped over the core  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . It will also be understood that the device  10  may be provided to users completely unassembled, or completely assembled. For sizing to fit over an arm, the user may hold the core  12  under his/her arm and with his/her free hand, bend the tongue portion  20  around the arm and align with a desired slot  22 , such as the slot  22  representing the smallest possible diameter and then expand the diameter by two slots, for example. The slots  22 , may be numbered, such as  0 - 12  for reference, for example. The user may make a mental note of the slot reference number, remove the core  12  from the arm and then slide the tongue  20  out through the selected slot  22  and wrap the excess portion of the core  12  around the outside, sliding the liner  14  over the loose end to hold the core  12  in a coiled configuration. The user may then insert his/her fingers from both hands in the small opening  26  on the outside of the liner  14  (see  FIG. 9 ) and clamping the core  12  together with thumbs (see  FIG. 10 ), pull the liner  14  until it substantially completely encompasses the core  12  (see  FIG. 11 ). The liner  14  may then be stretched over the core  12  evenly making a “doughnut” shape, and the user may pull the edges of the opening  26 , to make the opening  26  as small as possible. Finally, the wrap  16  may be stretched around the circumference of the liner clad core  12  with the desired tension, and fastened to itself by virtue of the hook-loop fastening system, as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0064]     Sizing to fit over a forearm, wrist, ankle, knee or other parts of an arm or leg may be accomplished in much the same way. The plurality of slots  22  on the core  12 , the elastic liner  14 , and the outer tension wrap  16  may accommodate inside diameters incrementally for various sizes, ranging from approximately 3 to 7 inches, for example.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIG. 13 , which shows a perspective view of the cushioning device  10  in one of several different possible uses, an extremity or body member such as the arm, may be placed in the loop formed by the device  10 . The liner  14  may be used to hold the device  10  in place on the body member, and a user&#39;s head, for example, may be placed on the cushioning device  10 . The core  12  within the cushioning device  10  may deflect and the wrap  16  may also provide a soft support for the user&#39;s head.  
         [0066]     It will be understood that the present disclosure may provide numerous advantages. For example, the design and materials employed in the device  10  may enable a user to adjust the device  10  to virtually any part of an arm or leg extremity ranging from less than approximately 3 inches in diameter to up to 7 inches, for example. The device  10  may also be dimensioned to accommodate smaller or larger dimensions as well. The device  10  may be easily assembled in just a few non-complicated steps requiring the mere use of hands. The materials chosen for the liner  14  may not only have the elasticity to stretch over the size range of the device  10 , but may be pleasant to be in contact with the skin, promoting air circulation and also acting as a wick in absorbing any perspiration. Additionally, the liner  14  may be sized so that its tension allows the liner  14  to slide over the arm or leg extremity, yet the liner  14  may allow the device  10  to stay in place without another attaching apparatus. The material chosen for the core  12 , with the specific density, resilience, thickness and size, when adjusted properly, may provide for uninterrupted circulation of an extremity that would otherwise be restricted by that portion of the body bearing down on the extremity while the user is at sleep or rest. Yet the core  12  may not be unduly ridged to become uncomfortable for the overlying body part. The material chosen for the outer tension wrap  16  may provide a maximum cushion effect, yet its longitudinal elasticity and fastening system may allow one to “fine-tune” the device  10  for the desired rigidity and flexibility.  
         [0067]     An additional embodiment for use of the cushioning device  10  is to use the device  10  as a unique support pillow to be placed under the back of the neck (cervical spine) when sleeping in the supine position or when sitting in an upright position when leaning against a tall back rest or other vertical object, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this configuration, the device  10  may be normally configured to a small diameter to fit the curvature of the cervical spine. This embodiment may be especially useful when traveling in confined spaces, or the device  10  may be used as a primary pillow when camping or hiking. It will be understood that the device  10  may be provided in various different widths, and that the device  10  having an increased width may be desirable for some purposes, such as for use as a primary pillow when camping or hiking.  
         [0068]     Another embodiment of use for the device  10  is that the device  10  may be used as a sun bathing aid. Many sunbathers strive for an even tan on the sides of their body as well as their front and back. The device  10  may be worn over the arm, on or above the biceps muscle, such that the head can comfortably be placed on the device  10  and the device  10  may act as a cushion for the head. Since the body, such as the head, may be covering the device  10  there may be no interference from the device  10  in blocking the rays of the sun. Additionally, since the material used to construct the device  10  may absorb very little water or suntan oil and can be easily cleaned, neither the device&#39;s function or its aesthetics may be materially compromised.  
         [0069]     Another embodiment of the device  10  may incorporate medical magnets for pain therapy. This may be accomplished using a flexible strip of medical magnets incorporated beneath the outer tension wrap  16  of the device  10 , or between the core  12  and the outermost liner  14  layer. Such incorporation may not substantially impede the comfort of the device  10 , nor its ability to allow for normal circulation, yet the medical magnetic field will pass through the core  12  and onto that portion of the extremity desired. Adjusted properly, the device  10  may hold the medical magnetic field in place at the chosen location.  
         [0070]     A further embodiment of the device  10  may be sized to fit around the wrist and worn as a support aid for the wrist and hand while keyboarding or other similar activity to help prevent or lessen the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome, wherein the sleeved wrist could rest on an object and maintain normal circulation in the wrist and hand.  
         [0071]     Yet an additional embodiment of the device  10  may be worn at any location on either the upper or lower extremities as a light-weight protection guard worn during sports activities to help cushion and disperse the effect of an impact. Since the device  10  can be virtually sized for any part of the upper or lower extremities, and the stretchable liner  14  may allow it to easily slip to the desired position on the arm or leg, yet retain its place at the desired position, the device  10  may be ideal for a quick on/off protection guard.  
         [0072]     Another embodiment of the device  10  may include a modification in the width of the core  12  to include a broader dimension to accommodate the size of a shoulder. In this configuration the core  12  may include a tapered cylinder appearance, with the wider circumference to fit over the shoulder and the smaller circumference to bear against the upper arm, which would, in turn, hold the device  10  in place. This configuration may include a cut out for under the arm, allowing the wider circumference to fit higher over the shoulder and give enhanced circulation characteristics for the vascular system of the shoulder region.  
         [0073]     Another use of the device  10 , since both the outer tension wrap  16  and core  12  may be quite buoyant, is to use the device  10  as a partial flotation appliance worn high over the biceps muscles of each arm or around each thigh of the legs, or both, to improve the buoyancy of the body and minimize or eliminate treading water, or as an aid in learning to swim, or for water sport activities.  
         [0074]     It will also be understood that the device  10  may be used by inserting one hand through the device  10 , or both hands through the device  10  at opposing ends such that the device  10  may be used as a pillow for resting one&#39;s head on a desk while sitting, for example. Moreover, the device  10  may be placed on the lower ankle to support a leg while crossing legs while feet are on an ottoman or footstool, for example, as shown in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0075]     Another use for the device  10  may be as a companion pillow while resting or sleeping in a “cuddle posture,” where one person is in the supine position with an arm stretched out perpendicular to the body to enable the head of another person to use the arm as a pillow. As with other uses, the device  10  may ensure normal circulation to the wearer&#39;s arm, but, in this case, the device  10  may provide for a pillow or cushion effect for the companion&#39;s head. In the event the wearer elects to rest or sleep in a side position while still providing an outstretched arm for the companion to rest upon, one device  10  can be worn high on the arm protecting and cushioning that portion of the extremity, and a second device  10  can be worn on the forearm or wrist ensuring circulation to the lower portion of the extremity, while at the same time, providing an improved cushion for the companion. As with other cases, the circulation-enhancing sleeve device  10  may be used as the only pillow or cushion, or may be used in tandem with a conventional pillow or pillows directly on top of the device  10 .  
         [0076]     Accordingly, it will be understood that the circulation-enhancing sleeve device  10  may provide the first known comfort device, which acts like a pillow in one respect, yet provides for normal, continuous circulation when worn over an arm or leg, and moves effortlessly with the person during each movement, or ever-changing sleep postures.  
         [0077]     Another feature of the present disclosure is that the device  10  may be easily assembled or disassembled such that the device may be easily packaged and shipped to customers. In one embodiment, the device  10  may be stored or shipped to customers in a package  32 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The package  32  may be a long flat paper package, formed of 0.02 inch thick white coated box stock, for example, having dimensions configured to receive the core  12  and wrap  16  when the core  12  and wrap  16  are arranged in a flat configuration. For example, one embodiment of the package may be dimensioned approximately twenty-four inches long by 5.5 inches wide. However, it will be appreciated that the package  32  may be formed of other materials and have any other dimensions suitable for containing or shipping the device  10 . For example, other embodiments of the package  32  may be formed of a transparent or translucent material such that the device  10  may be visible through the package  32 .  
         [0078]     Although the description above contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently disclosed embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the method of adjustability, fastening, as well as a variety of substitute components may be valid substitutes for the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, it will be understood that some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used without the liner  14 . Other embodiments may be used without the wrap  16 . Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include cushioning material integral with the core  12  or liner  14 , and other embodiments may include the liner  14  integral with the core  12  or the wrap  16 .  
         [0079]     It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for forming a loop, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for forming a loop which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a means for forming a loop, including those structures, apparatus or systems for forming a loop which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Any structure or structures which function the same as, or equivalently to, a means for forming a loop falls within the scope of this element.  
         [0080]     It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for lining a loop, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for lining a loop which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a means for lining a loop, including those structures, apparatus or systems for lining a loop which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Any structure or structures which function the same as, or equivalently to, a means for lining a loop falls within the scope of this element.  
         [0081]     It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for cushioning, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for cushioning which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a means for cushioning, including those structures, apparatus or systems for cushioning which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Any structure or structures which function the same as, or equivalently to, a means for cushioning falls within the scope of this element.  
         [0082]     It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for supporting a cushioning material in a loop, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for supporting which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a means for supporting a cushioning material in a loop, including those structures, apparatus or systems for supporting a cushioning material in a loop which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Any structure or structures which function the same as, or equivalently to, a means for supporting a cushioning material in a loop falls within the scope of this element.  
         [0083]     In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a useful method of cushioning a body member may include the steps of: 
        (a) providing a cushioning device having an adjustable loop size for receiving the body member therethrough; and     (b) inserting the body member through the loop such that when the cushioning device covers a portion of a body member and pressure is applied to the cushioning device, the cushioning device supports the pressure to allow circulation of blood in the body member.        
 
         [0086]     Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the present disclosure. For example, it is a feature of the present disclosure to provide a cushioning device that is simple in design and manufacture, and economical to purchase. Another feature of the present disclosure is to provide such a cushioning device that may be adjustable to fit on the vast majority of user&#39;s extremities. It is a further feature of the present disclosure, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a cushioning device that is easy to assemble and adjust. It is another feature of the present disclosure to provide a cushioning device that slides effortlessly over a selected area of either upper or lower extremities. It is a further feature of the present disclosure to provide a cushioning device that may be comfortable to wear, allowing the device to maintain a desired position while providing ample air circulation. It is an additional feature of the present disclosure to provide a cushioning device that may be easily maintained and cleaned. It is another feature of the present disclosure to provide a cushioning device that can be used for numerous purposes, such as a light-weight athletic guard, a small cervix pillow, a portable pillow for hiking or camping, for use in providing comfortable support while sunbathing, or for providing a flotation device.  
         [0087]     In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.  
         [0088]     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.