Patent Publication Number: US-2022232989-A1

Title: Pillow Divider Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/142,202, which was filed on Jan. 27, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pillow divider device primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one base, at least one vertical wall member and at least one cover. In the preferred embodiment, the base is triangular in shape and the vertical wall member is rectangular in shape. The vertical wall member may be inseparably or removably attached to the top surface of the base. The base and vertical wall member are further enclosed by an outer surface. The base may also have at least one weight or can be filled with water such that it becomes stable and difficult to move. The device can be placed between two partners who are sleeping, wherein the shape of the base and vertical wall member prevent any air exhaled by one partner from contacting the other partner. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Most partners in a relationship sleep in the same bed. When one partner or both partners must wear a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea, residual exhaust air from the CPAP face mask may contact the other sleeping partner during sleep and disturb said partner. This excess air can be such a disturbance that the other partner cannot sleep as he or she may be continuously woken up by the air hitting the face and/or body. In order to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP from contacting him or her, the partner that does not wear the CPAP mask may attempt to place pillows between him or herself and the partner who does wear the CPAP mask to block any exhaust air from the mask. However, this is a less-than-desirable solution, as pillows take up a significant amount of space on a bed, and also must be constantly adjusted as they move out of position easily. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a pillow divider device that prevents exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed, wherein the device does not take up a significant amount of space on a bed. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pillow divider device that prevents exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed, wherein the device does not need to be constantly adjusted and does not move out of position easily. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pillow divider device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one base, at least one vertical wall member and at least one cover. In the preferred embodiment, the base is triangular in shape and the vertical wall member is rectangular in shape. The vertical wall member may be inseparably or removably attached to the top surface of the base. The base and vertical wall member are further enclosed by an outer surface. The base may also have at least one weight or can be filled with a weighted material such that it becomes stable and difficult to move. During use, the device can be placed between two partners who are sleeping wherein the shape of the base and vertical wall member prevent any air exhaled by one partner from contacting the other partner. 
     In this manner, the pillow divider device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed. Further, the device does not take up a significant amount of space on a bed, does not need to be constantly adjusted and does not move out of position easily. As a result, the pillow divider device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of blocking exhaust air from a CPAP mask from hitting a partner that is not wearing the mask while both partners are in bed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pillow divider device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one base, at least one vertical wall member and at least one cover. In various embodiments of the device, the base and vertical wall member may be any shape and size known in the art. However, in the preferred embodiment the base is generally triangular in shape and the vertical wall member is rectangular in shape. The base is comprised of a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, an angled front surface, an angled rear surface and a pair of generally parallel side surfaces. The vertical wall member is comprised of a front surface and generally parallel rear surface, a pair of side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface that rests on the top surface of the base. In one embodiment, the base and vertical wall member may be one continuous piece. However, in another embodiment the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the vertical wall member is further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the bottom surface to removably attach to the top surface. The base and vertical member may also be manufactured from any material known in the art, but are both preferably manufactured from a padded, foam material that is rigid. 
     The body is further comprised of a cover that encloses the base and vertical wall member. In differing embodiments, the cover may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that is further preferably waterproof and may also have an anti-bacterial coating. The cover may also have at least one fastener that secures the cover around the base and vertical wall member. The cover may also be any color and comprised of a plurality of indicia. 
     In one embodiment of the device, the base may have at least one weight within the base. The weight provides stability to the base such that it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. In an alternative embodiment, the base is hollow and has an interior cavity that can be filled with a weighted material via a valve. In this manner, a base can be filled with the desired amount of weighted material to add weight to the base and ensure it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. 
     When in use, the device is preferably positioned between a first partner and a second partner, wherein one or both partners may also be wearing a CPAP mask. In this manner, the base and vertical wall deflects any air exhaled from the mask worn by (for example) a second partner from contacting the first partner. Instead, the air is directed over the first partner. 
     Accordingly, the pillow divider device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed. While doing so, the device also does not take up a significant amount of space on a bed, does not need to be constantly adjusted and does not move out of position easily. In this manner, the pillow divider device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of blocking exhaust air from a CPAP mask from hitting a partner that is not wearing the mask while in bed. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a pillow divider device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pillow divider device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pillow divider device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a pillow divider device that prevents exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed, wherein the device does not take up a significant amount of space on a bed. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pillow divider device that prevents exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed, wherein the device does not need to be constantly adjusted and does not move out of position easily. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a pillow divider device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one base, at least one vertical wall member and at least one cover. In various embodiments of the device, the base and vertical wall member may be any shape and size known in the art. However, in the preferred embodiment the base is generally triangular in shape and the vertical wall member is rectangular in shape. The base is comprised of a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, an angled front surface, an angled rear surface and a pair of generally parallel side surfaces. The vertical wall member is comprised of a front surface and generally parallel rear surface, a pair of side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface that rests on the top surface of the base. The base and vertical wall member may be one continuous piece or two separable pieces such that the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the vertical wall member is further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the bottom surface to removably attach to the top surface. The base and vertical member may also be manufactured from any material known in the art, but are both preferably manufactured from a padded, foam material that is rigid. 
     The body is further comprised of a cover that encloses the base and vertical wall member. The cover may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that is further preferably waterproof and may also have an anti-bacterial coating. The cover may also have at least one fastener that secures the cover around the base and vertical wall member. The cover may also be any color and comprised of a plurality of indicia. 
     In one embodiment of the device, the base may have at least one weight within the base. The weight provides stability to the base such that it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. In an alternative embodiment, the base is hollow and has an interior cavity that can be filled with weighted material via a valve. In this manner, a base can be filled with the desired amount of material to add weight to the base and ensure it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. 
     When in use, the device is preferably positioned between a first partner and a second partner, wherein one or both partners may wear a CPAP mask. In this manner, the base and vertical wall deflects any air exhaled from the mask worn by (for example) a second partner from contacting the first partner. Instead, the air is directed over the first partner. 
     Accordingly, the pillow divider device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to prevent exhaust air from a CPAP mask of one partner from contacting another partner when both partners are in bed. While doing so, the device also does not take up a significant amount of space on a bed and does not need to be constantly adjusted and does not move out of position easily. In this manner, the pillow divider device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of blocking exhaust air from a CPAP mask from hitting a partner that is not wearing the mask while in bed that are known in the art. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a pillow divider device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device  100  is primarily comprised of a body  110  that is further comprised of at least one base  120 , at least one vertical wall member  130 , and an outer surface  150 . In various embodiments of the device  100 , the base  120  and vertical wall member  130  may be any shape and size known in the art. However, in the preferred embodiment the base  120  is generally triangular in shape and has a flat top surface  124 , a flat bottom surface  125 , an angled front surface  121 , an angled rear surface  122  and a pair of generally parallel side surfaces  123 . The vertical wall member  130  is preferably rectangular in shape and is comprised of a front surface  131  and generally parallel rear surface  132 , a pair of side surfaces  133 , a top surface  134 , and a bottom surface  135  that rests on the top surface  124  of the base  120 . 
     In one embodiment, the base  120  and vertical wall member  130  may be inseparable such that the body  110  is one continuous piece. However, in another embodiment the top surface  124  of the base  120  and the bottom surface  135  of the vertical wall member  130  are further comprised of at least one fastener  140  that allows the bottom surface  135  to removably attach to the top surface  124 . In differing embodiments, the fastener  140  may be any fastener known in the art such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, zipper, magnet, snap-button, ties, etc. The base  120  and vertical member  130  may also be manufactured from any pillow material known in the art, but are both preferably manufactured from a padded, foam material that is rigid. 
     The body  110  is further comprised of an outer surface  150  that encloses the base  120  and vertical wall member  130 . In differing embodiments, the outer surface  150  may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art such as, but not limited to, a vinyl, leather, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc. Said material is further preferably waterproof and may also have an anti-bacterial coating. The cover  150  may also have at least one fastener  160  that secures the cover  150  around the base  120  and vertical wall member  130 . The fastener  140  may be any fastener known in the art such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, zipper, magnet, snap-button, ties, etc. The cover  150  may also be any color and comprised of a plurality of indicia  152  such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. 
     In one embodiment of the device  100 , the base  120  may have at least one weight  170  within the base  120 . The weight  170  provides stability to the base  120  such that it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. In various embodiments, the weight  170  may be any amount of weight and may also be removable or non-removable. In an alternative embodiment, the base  120  is hollow and has an interior cavity  190  that can be filled with weighted material via a valve  180 . In this manner, a base  120  can be filled with the desired amount of weighted material add weight to the base  120  and ensure it cannot topple over or be moved easily during use. In the preferred embodiment, the weighted material is weighted beads or similar substance of the like. 
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  illustrate perspective views of one potential embodiment of a pillow divider device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. When in use, the device  100  is preferably positioned between a first partner  10  and a second partner  20 , wherein one or both partners  10 ,  20  may wear a CPAP mask  22 . In this manner, the base  120  and vertical wall  130  deflect an air  30  exhaled from the mask  22  worn by (for example) a second partner  20  from contacting the first partner  10 . Instead, the air  30  is directed over the first partner  10 . Therefore, the first partner  10  is not disturbed by the air  30 . 
     In order to further secure the device  100  during use, one side surface  123 ,  133  of the device  100  may further be comprised of at least one fastener  200 . The fastener  200  may be any fastener known in the art, but is preferably a hook fastener. The fastener  200  may further be fixedly or removably attached to the side surface  123 ,  133 . The device  100  is also comprised of at least one additional fastener  200  that may be any fastener known in the art, but is preferably a loop fastener. Said fastener  200  further has an adhesive bottom surface  202  such that the fastener  200  can be removably secured to a headboard  40 . In this manner, the fastener  200  of the side surface  123 ,  133  can be secured to the fastener  200  of the headboard  40  to secure the device  100  to the headboard  40  and further prevent any movement of the device  100 . 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “pillow divider device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the pillow divider device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the pillow divider device  100  of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the pillow divider device  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pillow divider device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pillow divider device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the pillow divider device  100  may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.