Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and systems for a sleep device that includes a core having a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. A first padded surface covers the top portion of the core, and a second padded surface covers the bottom portion of the core. The top side is generally linear and extends to a first end and a second end on either side of the top side, a first side extends downwardly from the first end and a second side extends downwardly from a second end, the first end and second end extends downwardly to a bottom side, wherein the bottom side contains two-spaced apart knobs and centrally located cavity between the two spaced-apart knobs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present patent application/patent claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/167,586, filed on May 28, 2015, and entitled “SLEEP DISK,” the contents of which are incorporated in full by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a device for keeping bedding material away from the face of an individual sleeping, while allowing the individual to breathe unobstructed and for freer breathing, and more generally relates to a sleep device for engaging the side of a user&#39;s head, allowing the bone structure to provide support for a shield to protect the face without putting undo pressure on the ear, and to keep bedding away from the face of the user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Obstruction of the breathing passages occurs when a person is sleeping on their side, the most common position, and a pillow or other bedding distorts the normal shape and structure of the face. This causes a collapse of the airways on the side of the face against the pillow and greatly reduces the body ability to take in oxygen. 
         [0004]    Optimizing the intake of oxygen while a person is asleep is essential to good health. Oxygen facilitates the healthy regeneration of all of the body&#39;s mussels and organs including and most importantly the brain. 
         [0005]    Snoring can also occur when air cannot freely move through the nose during sleep. Snoring is an indicator of obstructed breathing and is often caused by the narrowing of the airway, either from poor sleep posture or the distortion of the soft tissue in the face or throat. The poor posture or distortion of the soft tissue of the face restricts or narrows the airway and creates the need to breathe thru the mouth, drying out the tissue in the throat causing snoring. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need for a device that is easy to use and effective in allowing for freer breathing. The present invention solves this need with a lightweight, easy to use, and effective device to prevent obstruction of the breathing passages in the soft tissue of the face. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a core having a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. A first padded surface covers the top portion of the core, and a second padded surface covers the bottom portion of the core. The top side is generally linear and extends to a first end and a second end on either side of the top side, a first side extends downwardly from the first end and a second side extends downwardly from a second end, the first side and second side extends downwardly to a bottom side, wherein the bottom side contains two-spaced apart knobs and centrally located cavity between the two spaced-apart knobs. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a top portion and a bottom portion for placement adjacent the face of a user for preventing bedding from contacting the user&#39;s face during sleeping. 
         [0009]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a top side that extends to a first side and a second side, the first side extends downwardly to a bottom side and the second side extends downwardly to the bottom side. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a bottom side that includes two spaced-apart knobs and a cavity disposed between the two spaced-apart knobs. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sleep device includes a first foam layer engaged to a top portion of the sleep device and a second foam layer engaged to the bottom portion of the sleep device. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes a core composed of HDPE. 
         [0014]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes a first foamed layer composed of HDPE and a second foamed layer composed of foamed HDPE or other acceptable padding, such as polyurethane foam. 
         [0015]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes polyester batting material. 
         [0016]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes two spaced-apart knobs that are arcuate shaped. 
         [0017]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes a length between about 2 inches to about 10 inches. 
         [0018]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes a first padded surface and a second padded surface that is about ¼ inch thick. 
         [0019]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing bedding from contacting the face of a user that includes providing a sleep device with a core having a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. The sleep device is placed on bedding or pillow of a bed, and a user&#39;s cheek is placed on the top portion of the sleep device. 
         [0020]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sleep device includes placing the user&#39;s ear within the cavity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the sleep device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the sleep device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an example of the sleep device in use; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the sleep device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sleep device on a pillow; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
         [0029]    Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
         [0030]    Referring now specifically to the figures, a sleep device  10  that aids in preventing bedding material, such as sheets, pillows, and blankets, away from a user&#39;s face during sleeping is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The sleep device  10  engages the side of a user&#39;s head, allowing the bone structure to provide support for a shield to protect the face without putting undo pressure on the ear, and at the same time preventing bedding material from obstructing a user&#39;s face during sleeping. The sleep device  10  provides for easier breathing during deep sleep cycles. 
         [0031]    An exemplary embodiment of a sleep device  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The sleep device  10  basically comprises a central portion  12  for contacting the cheek of the user. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the central portion  12  is, in operation of use of the present invention, placed against a portion of the individual and, in its preferred use against the cheek of the individual. Attached to and extending from the central portion  12  are two outwardly extending knobs  14  and  16 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, these knobs  14 ,  16  are substantially uninterrupted extensions of the central portion  12 . The knobs  14 ,  16  are separated by a generally concentrically shaped cavity  18  for placing and receiving the ear of a user. The cavity  18  is an open space between the two knobs  14 ,  16  for the user to place his/her ear while his/her cheek is resting on the central portion  12  of the device  10 . 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the sleep device  10  generally has a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. The top side is generally flat and extends in one direction to a corner between the top side and the first side and in the other direction to a corner between the top side and the second side. The corners between the top side and first side and top side and second side are generally rounded without a point. The first side and second side extends generally downward from the corner of the top side to the knobs  14 ,  16 . The bottom side consists of the knobs  14 ,  16  and cavity  18 . 
         [0033]    The preferred dimensions of the sleep device  10  are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, it should be noted other dimensions may be utilized. For example, the length of the sleep device may be between about 2 inches to about 10 inches, preferably between about 4 inches to about 9 inches, and more preferably about 8 inches. The distance between A-A, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may be between about 1 inch to about 6 inches, preferably between about 2 inches to about 5 inches, and more preferably about 4⅛ inches. The radius of curvature of the corners is between about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, and preferably about 1 inch. 
         [0034]    The radius of curvature of the cavity  18  is between about 0.1 inch and 3 inches, preferably between about 0.2 inches and 2 inches, and more preferably 1 13/32″. The radius of curvature of the knobs  14 ,  16  have various radii of curvature throughout its length. The first part of the knob  14 ,  16  that transitions from the first side or second side to the knob has a radius of curvature of between about 1 inch and 6 inches, preferably between about 2 inches and 5 inches, and more preferably 4 inches. The radius of curvature at the outermost portion of the knob  14 ,  16  is between about 0.5 inch to about 4.5 inches, preferably about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, and more preferably 1 13/32 inches. The radius of curvature for the portion of the knob  14 ,  16  between the outermost portion of the knob  14 ,  16  to the cavity  18  is between about 0.1 inches to about 4 inches, more preferably between about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, and more preferably about 1 inch. The width of the device  10  is preferably between about 4 inches and about 8 inches, more preferably between about 5 inches and about 7 inches, most preferably about 6 17/32 inches. 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the sleep device  10  has a core  20 , preferably composed of HDPE (high density polyethylene), and the core  20  is enclosed in a first layer of foam  22  (or first padded layer), such as an HDPE padded foam, and a second layer of foam  24  (or second padded layer), such as a polyurethane foam. The second layer of foam  24  is engaged to a polyester batting material  26 . In this arrangement, the top portion is the polyester batting material  26  and the bottom portion is the first layer of foam  22 . In one embodiment, the first layer of foam  22  is preferably between about 0.1 inch to about 1 inch thick, and more preferably about ¼ inch thick. The core  20  is preferably between about 0.01 inch to about 1 inch thick, and more preferably about 1/16 inch thick. The second layer of foam  24  is preferably between about 0.1 inch to about 1 inch thick, and more preferably about ¼ inch thick. The polyester batting material  26  is preferably between about 0.01 inch to about 1 inch thick, and more preferably about 1/16 inch thick. The core  20 , first layer of foam  22 , second layer of foam  24 , and polyester batting material  26  are retained together by an adhesive, fastener, or the like. Any other suitable material that is semi-rigid may be utilized as the core, instead of an HDPE core. Additionally, any suitable material that is padded or foamed may be utilized as the first padded layer or second padded layer to provide a cushion for the user. In another alternative embodiment, the sleep device  10  just contains a core without any padding covering the core. The first layer of foam  22 , second layer of foam  24 , and polyester batting material  26  may have the same shape as the core  20 . 
         [0036]    The core  20  may contain a plurality or ribs or spacers engaging the top side to the bottom side. In this embodiment, air is able to pass through spaces within the ribs or spacers. 
         [0037]    In use, the sleep device  10  is laid upon a pillow or mattress. The sleep device  10  prevents the pillow or bedding from exerting pressure on the side of the face, resulting in the collapse of breathing passages and unsetting the jaw, while at the same time allowing the ear to rest comfortably against the bedding. The device  10  restricts the pillow or bedding from contacting the user&#39;s face, nose, or mouth. The device  10  discourages mouth breathing, resulting in less snoring, by keeping the nasal passages open and allowing the jaw to remain comfortably closed. Even though the sleep device  10  discourages mouth breathing, it allows the body to receive a sufficient flow of oxygen. 
         [0038]    In another alternative embodiment, the device  10  may be a single injection molded part instead of having multiple pieces. The device  10 , by way of the core  20  may have different levels of rigidity. The levels of rigidity will be based upon a user&#39;s preference and color coded accordingly. The rigidity may span from being semi-rigid to rigid. By way of example only, the color red could be used to indicate the most rigid device  10 , and progress through green, yellow, blue, and orange, whereby orange would indicate the less rigid device  10 . 
         [0039]    The key features of the sleep device  10  are:
   i. light   ii. thin   iii. one size fits all   iv, works with any shape, size, or filled pillow   v. simple to use   vi. easy to sanitize   vii. hypoallergenic   viii. easy to pack and take with you   ix. keeps face away from pillow others have slept on previously   x. economical   
 
         [0050]    The key benefits of the sleep device  10  are:
   i. unobstructed breathing while sleeping   ii. better sleep   iii. less snoring   iv. higher oxygen levels while asleep   v. use the sleep device anywhere   vi. works on either the left or right side of the user   vii. allows the user to breath clean air   
 
         [0058]    The device  10  may be enclosed in an outer case or covering. The covering has an end that allows the device  10  to be easily inserted into the case and removed from the case. The case includes a cavity for retaining the device and an open end that is closeable through a fastening device, such as a zipper, buttons, and the like. Additionally, a pocket may be positioned on a pillowcase, for allowing the device  10  to be inserted and retained within the pillowcase for use by a user. 
         [0059]    In another alternative embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the sleep device  110  contains a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side. The first side is generally convexly shaped, and the second side includes the two knobs  114 ,  116  and the cavity  118 . The uppermost portion  128  of the first side, is generally the area where a person&#39;s nose and check is located and the first side extends downwardly in both directions on either side of the uppermost portion  128 . A portion of the first side extends towards a user&#39;s forehead and behind the forehead, and the other portion of the first side extends towards a user&#39;s jaw. The user&#39;s ear is received within the cavity  118  and the end of the knob  114  is positioned adjacent the top of the ear, and the knob  116  is positioned adjacent the ear lobe. 
         [0060]    The preferred dimensions of the sleep device  110  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, it should be noted other dimensions may be utilized. For example, the length of the sleep device may be between about 2 inches to about 10 inches (including all points in-between), preferably between about 4 inches to about 9 inches (including all points in-between), and more preferably about 8 inches. The distance between A-A, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may be between about 1 inch to about 6 inches (including all points in-between), preferably between about 2 inches to about 5 inches (including all points in-between), and more preferably about 3 31/32 inches. The distance between C-C may be between about 1 inch to about 5 inches (including all points in-between), preferably between about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches (including all points in-between), and more preferably about 2 13/32 inches. 
         [0061]    The sleep device  110  may be composed of a core  120 , enclosed in a first layer of foam  122  and a second layer of foam  124 . By way of example only, the core  120  may be semi-rigid and composed of HDPE and the first piece and second piece of padded foam  122 ,  124  are a foamed HDPE. However, any other suitable material that is semi-rigid may be utilized as the core  120 . Additionally, any suitable material that is padded or foamed may be utilized as the exterior to provide a cushion for the user. In another alternative embodiment, the sleep device  110  just contains a core without any padding covering the core. 
         [0062]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.