Patent Publication Number: US-11039699-B1

Title: Therapeutic pillow assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/221,817 entitled “Multi-Use Therapeutic Pillow,” filed Sep. 22, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pillows and, more particularly but without limitation, to pillows for therapeutic positioning of the head and upper body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with this description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings merely illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal perspective view of an adult male reclining in a therapeutic pillow assembly made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pillow assembly is shown with the tilt pillow angled upwardly to support the head and shoulders of the user while his arms rest on the arms of the pillow assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the pillow assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the pillow assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side perspective view of the pillow with the tilt pillow folded forward and resting on the top surface of the main section of the body pillow. 
         FIG. 5  is a right frontal perspective view of a user reclining in the pillow assembly configured as shown in  FIG. 4  with his head resting on the tilt pillow and his upper body in the body receiving space between the pillow arms. 
         FIG. 6  is a right frontal perspective view of a user lying on his left side in the pillow assembly configured as shown in  FIG. 4  with his head resting on the tilt pillow and his upper body in the body receiving space between the pillow arms. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, fragmented side view of the pillow assembly with the tilt pillow folded under the bottom surface of the main section of the body pillow. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the pillow assembly with the tilt pillow folded forward and resting on the top surface of the main section of the body pillow, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and illustrating the storage pouch for the tilt pillow. 
         FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly illustrating the first step in the process of stowing the emptied pillow cover of the tilt pillow. The pillow insert has been removed and the cover is spread out in preparation for folding. 
         FIG. 9B  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly illustrating the second step in the process of stowing the emptied pillow cover of the tilt pillow. The right side of the pillow cover is being folded inwardly. 
         FIG. 9C  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly illustrating the third step in the process of stowing the emptied pillow cover of the tilt pillow. The left side of the pillow cover is being folded inwardly on the right side. 
         FIG. 9D  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly illustrating the fourth step in the process of stowing the emptied pillow cover of the tilt pillow. The far end of the folded pillow cover is being folded inwardly. 
         FIG. 9E  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly illustrating the fifth step in the process of stowing the emptied pillow cover of the tilt pillow. The collapsed pillow cover is being lifted to insert it through the zippered opening in the storage pouch. 
         FIG. 9F  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly showing the collapsed pillow cover almost completely enclosed in the storage pouch. 
         FIG. 9G  is a rear perspective view of the pillow assembly showing the closed storage pouch with the folded tilt pillow cover inside. 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a user in a back lying position on the pillow assembly with the tilt pillow insert removed and the cover pouch folded under the main section of the body pillow. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the main body pillow showing the gusset panel on the inner perimeter. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged, fragmented, perspective view of the gusset panel around the inner perimeter of the body pillow. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Body pillows enjoy increasing popularity among consumers. While one major use is to provide back and belly support for expectant mothers, many others use body pillows for supporting the head and upper body while sleeping or reclining. The present invention provides a therapeutic pillow that is especially useful for alleviating the discomfort of acid reflux disease and to aid in proper positioning for persons who suffer from sleep apnea and/or are wearing CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) masks. 
     Sleep apnea is caused by several different factors and requires the person suffering from it to sleep in an elevated position. Side sleeping is preferred due to the muscular relaxation that happens in sleep. Causes of sleep apnea include greater than normal relaxation of the throat and tongue muscles while sleeping. An enlarged tongue or tonsils may cause or contribute to sleep apnea. Being overweight can lead to increased thickness of the wall of the windpipe, narrowing the air passage through the windpipe. Still further, the bone structure of the head and neck may create a smaller than normal airway through the mouth and throat. 
     There are several risk factors associated with sleep apnea. The aging process limits the brain signals&#39; ability to keep the throat muscles stiff during sleep. Thus, the airway is more likely to narrow or collapse. Heart disorders, such as congestive heart failure, create a greater chance of central sleep apnea. Use of narcotic pain medications, such as opioid medications, especially long-acting ones such as methadone, may increase the risk of central sleep apnea. Still further, a stroke may lead to a greater risk of central sleep apnea or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. 
     Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the tonsils, the side walls of the throat, and the tongue. When the muscles relax, the airway narrows or closes during inhalation, leading to reduced air intake and reduced oxygen absorption. Sensing reduced oxygen in the blood, the brain triggers arousal from sleep to clear the airway. The individual may make a snorting, choking, or gasping sound. This pattern can repeat itself five to thirty times an hour, or more, throughout the night, although the episodes are so brief that the individual may have no waking memory of them. These frequent disruptions impair the ability to achieve deep, restful sleep, which in turn leads to drowsiness during waking hours. 
     Sleep apnea is often treated with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) which involves the use of an oxygen mask. The mask must be fitted snugly and is connected to an air hose. Though the application of CPAP provides relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea, the oxygen mask and hose is annoying and uncomfortable for many users. 
     The therapeutic pillow assembly of the present invention has a repositionable and removable tilt pillow to elevate the user&#39;s head and shoulders as needed during sleep. This may allow the user to wear the CPAP device without making any other special sleep provisions, as the tilt pillow can be folded forward or backwards, or can be removed completely, if desired. Also, because of the hinged or tilt feature, while lying on his side, the user can slip an arm under the tilt pillow when flipped forward and caress the larger U-shaped body pillow. The user can also reverse directions and place the elevated portion under the hips for other medical issues making it very versatile when elevation or other comfort positions are recommended or preferred. The tilt pillow can be completely removed when only the body pillow is needed. 
     Turning now to the drawings in general and to  FIG. 1  in particular, there is shown therein a multi-use therapeutic pillow assembly made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and designated generally by the reference numeral  10 . The pillow assembly  10  generally comprises a first body pillow  12  and a second tilt pillow  14 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a user in a semi-reclining or reading position with the tilt pillow angled upwardly to support the head and shoulders of the user while his arms rest on the arms of the body pillow. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a most preferred embodiment of the inventive pillow assembly will be described. The first or body pillow  12  comprises a main section  20  having a top surface  22  ( FIG. 2 ), a bottom surface  24  ( FIG. 3 ), and an outer edge  26  between the top and bottom surfaces. The main section  20  has a first end  30  and a second end  32  and defines a longitudinal axis X 1  ( FIG. 2 ) extending between the first and second ends. In this embodiment, the body pillow  12  also comprises a first arm  34  extending a distance from the first end  30  of the main section  20 , and a second arm  36  extending a distance from the second end  32  of the main section. Each of the arms  34  and  36  has a free end  38  and  40 , respectively. Most preferably, the first and second arms  34  and  36  are integral with or continuous with the main section  20  to provide an integrally formed body pillow. For this reason, the first and second ends  30  and  32  of the main section are indicated by dashed lines. However, the body pillow may have no arms, or may have only one arm. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first and second arms  34  and  36  of the body pillow  12  extend at an angle in the same direction from the main section  20  to form a body receiving space  42 . Although not essential, the first and second arms  34  and  36  may be of equal length and symmetrically shaped. More preferably, each of the first and second arms  34  and  36  may form an outward curve relative to the body receiving space  42 , thereby forming a C-shaped configuration. As used herein, the term “U-shaped” encompasses a shape comprising two elongate arm forming a V or U shape when the pillow is in a resting position. As used herein, “resting position” refers to the position and shape the pillow  10  naturally assumes when no tension or pressure is exerted on any part of it. “U-shaped” does not require that the arms are the same length or that the arms are parallel. The term “C-shaped” denotes a U-shape in which the arms are curved rather than straight and is included in the meaning of the broader term “U-shaped.” 
     While the size of the body pillow  12  may vary, it is ideally sized so that, when the user is reclining in the body receiving space  42  with his head resting on the top surface  22  of the main section  20  with the top of his head adjacent the outer edge  26  of the main section and with his arms extended along the sides of his torso, as seen in  FIG. 5  for example, the free ends  38  and  40  of first and second arms  34  and  36  are adjacent the user&#39;s forearms. Of course, the body pillow may be made in a range of sizes to accommodate adults and children of different heights. 
     The pillow assembly  12  of the present invention is amenable to various constructions. In a particularly preferred construction, the body pillow  12  comprises a cover  12   a  and a pillow insert  12   b  with the pillow cover being shaped to fittingly receive the pillow insert, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As used herein, “fittingly receive,” when used in reference to the pillow covers and inserts, means that the pillow cover is sized and shaped to create an enclosure that conforms closely to the shape of the insert. While the dimensions of the enclosure formed by the cover may be slightly larger than the dimensions of the insert, to facilitate inserting the insert and removing it, the general size and shape will be the same. 
     In most instances, the cover  12   a  will include an access opening with a closure of some sort so that the cover is removable for cleaning, repair, or replacement. In the embodiment shown, a zipper  50  defines the access opening. However, any suitable closure mechanism may be used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, or by ties, or snaps, or buttons, or hooks, and so forth. The size and position of the zipper  50  may vary. In this embodiment, the zipper  50  is positioned around the outer perimeter of the body pillow. In a simple construction, the cover  12   a  will be made by sewing together the peripheral edges of two similarly shaped fabric pieces, and the zipper  50  is conveniently located along the peripheral seam  52 , as indicated in  FIG. 7 . 
     Using an additional panel of fabric, one or both of the free ends  38  and  40  may be provided with an accessory pocket  54   a  and  54   b , as seen best in  FIG. 2 . The pockets  54   a  and  54   b  are convenient for holding a remote control “RC” ( FIG. 1 ) for a television or ceiling fan, for example, an inhaler, a cell phone, or any other object that the user may want to have within arm&#39;s reach while resting. As shown and described, in the preferred embodiment, where the body pillow  12  is U-shaped, an ideal location for such pockets is on the free ends  38  and  40  of the arms  34  and  36 , though the pockets  54   a  and  54   b  may be located elsewhere or eliminated entirely. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a preferred second or tilt pillow  14  will be explained. The specific size and shape of the tilt pillow  14  may vary. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the tilt pillow  14  is fan-shaped. Alternately, the tilt pillow  14  may be differently shaped, such as round, oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or diamond shaped, among others. 
     The tilt pillow  14  has first and second ends  56  and  58  and an attachment edge  60  ( FIG. 2 ) along the first end. Thus, the second pillow  14  defines a longitudinal axis X 2  ( FIG. 2 ) extending between the first and second ends  56  and  58 . The attachment edge  60  is joined to the outer edge  26  of the main section  20  of the first pillow  12  at a joint, designated generally at  62 . 
     Now it will be seen that the longitudinal axis X 2  of the second pillow  14  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X 1  of the main section  20  of the first pillow  12 , and that the second pillow is movable pivotally about the joint  62  to a range of positions relative to the main section of the first pillow. The range of positions includes a first position and a second position. In the first position, seen in  FIG. 4 , the tilt pillow  14  is positioned on the top surface  22  of the main section  20  of the body pillow  12 , and in the second position, seen in  FIG. 7 , the tilt pillow is positioned under the bottom surface  24  of the main section of the body pillow. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the tilt pillow  14  further comprises first and second side edges  70  and  72  extending between the first and second ends  56  and  58 . To form a desired fan shape, the first and second side edges  70  and  72  may be straight and may diverge from the first end  56  of the tilt pillow, and the second end  58  may define an outwardly curved edge. 
     As with the body pillow  12 , the tilt pillow  14  comprises a removable cover  14   a  and a pillow insert  14   b , with the pillow cover being shaped to fittingly receive the pillow insert. As before, “fittingly receive,” when used in reference to the pillow covers and inserts, means that the pillow cover is sized and shaped to create an enclosure that conforms closely to the shape of the insert. While the dimensions of the enclosure formed by the cover may be slightly larger than dimensions of the insert, to facilitate inserting the insert and removing it, the general size and shape will be the same. 
     In most instances, the cover  14   a  will include an access opening with a closure of some sort so that the cover is removable for cleaning, repair or replacement. In the embodiment shown, a zipper  74  defines the access opening. However, any suitable closure mechanism may be used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, or by ties, or snaps, or buttons, or hooks, and so forth. The size and position of the zipper  74  may vary. In this embodiment, the zipper  74  is positioned along one of the first and second side edges  70  and  72 , such as the side edge  70 . In a simple construction, the cover  14   a  will be made by sewing the peripheral edges of two similarly shaped fabric pieces, and the zipper  74  may be conveniently located in the peripheral seam  76 . 
     For optimum versatility, the tilt pillow insert  14   b  may be removable. To that end, pillow assembly  10  may further comprise a storage pouch  80 . The location of the pouch  80  may vary, but it is advantageous to attach the pouch to the body pillow  12  and more preferably to the body pillow cover  12   a . The size and shape of the pouch  80  may vary, but it may be a simple rectangular compartment having an attachment edge  82  ( FIG. 3 ) sewn into the seam  52  of body pillow cover  12   a  and adjacent the hinge  62 . The pouch  80  is sized to receive the pillow cover  14   a  of the tilt pillow  14  when the tilt pillow insert  12   b  is removed and the pillow cover  12   a  is collapsed into a folded or rolled configuration, as will be explained hereafter. 
     In the embodiment shown, a zipper  84  (see also  FIG. 9G ) defines the access opening. However, any suitable closure mechanism may be used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, or by ties, or snaps, or buttons, or hooks, and so forth. The size and position of the zipper  84  may vary. In the exemplary embodiment, the zipper  84  extends along the inside surface of the pouch  80 , as described in more detail below. In the most preferred practice of this invention, it is desirable to attach the attachment edge  82  of the pouch  80  with the first end of the pillow cover  14   b  together inside the seam  52  of the body pillow cover  12   a , as this facilitates insertion of the tilt pillow cover  14   a  inside the pouch  80 , as will become apparent. 
     Each of the pillow inserts  12   b  and  14   b  comprises compressible, resilient material. In a preferred embodiment, each of the inserts  12   b  and  14   b  comprises a fabric enclosure (not shown) filled with a compressible, resilient material. The fabric enclosure material may be any suitable fabric, including but not limited to waterproof nylon, flannel, muslin, or elastic fabrics, such as spandex or cotton-spandex blends. Presently, a polyester/cotton blend is preferred. The compressible, resilient material may be solid or loose. For example, a preferred loose filler is polyester fiberfill. Other suitable fillers include down feathers, memory foam, polystyrene pellets. In some instances, the inserts  12   b  and  14   b  may comprise inflatable bladders or solid foam carved to the desired shape. 
     Most preferably, the pillow cover assembly—the body pillow cover  12   a , the tilt pillow cover  14   a , and the pouch  80 —is unitary, that is, all these components are permanently attached to each other as by stitching. This prevents one of the components from becoming separated and lost. 
     Having described the preferred embodiment of the pillow assembly  10 , its use now will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4-10 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a user in a reading or study position. The user is in a semi-reclining position with his lower body in the body receiving space  42  of the body pillow  12  and his head and shoulders leaning back on the tilt pillow  14 , which is in an angled position. The pillow assembly  10  in this arrangement typically will be used in bed or on another flat surface that has an adjacent vertical surface (not show), such as a headboard or wall to support the tilt pillow  14 . 
     Another beneficial position for the pillow assembly  10  is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In this position, the tilt pillow  14  is folded over onto the top surface  22  of the main section  20  of the body pillow  12 . This position provides a double pillow for the users head. The user may enjoy this position when lying in a supine position, as seen in  FIG. 5 , or when side-lying, as seen in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrates yet another position, in which the tilt pillow  14  is folder underneath the bottom surface  24  of the main section  20  of the body pillow  12 . This position also provides a double pillow for the users head. The user may enjoy this position when lying in a supine position or when side-lying.  FIG. 8  illustrates the position of the pouch  80  when the pillow assembly  10  is in this configuration. 
     As indicated, in some cases, the user may prefer not to use the tilt pillow  14 .  FIGS. 9A-9G  illustrate how the tilt pillow cover  14   a  can be stowed away in the pouch  80  after the pillow insert  14   b  ( FIG. 3 ) has been removed through the zipper  74 . First, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the tilt pillow cover  14   a  is flattened. Then, the right side of the cover  14   a  is folded in over the center, as shown in  FIG. 9B . Then, the left side of the cover  14   a  is folded in on the left side, as shown in  FIG. 9C .  FIG. 9D  shows how the longitudinally folded cover  14   a  is then folded or rolled up into a fully collapsed position, shown in  FIG. 9E . Then, the collapsed cover  14   a  is stuffed into the pouch  80  through the zipper  84 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 9G , the zipper  84  is closed.  FIG. 10  shows a user in a supine position with his head resting on the main section  20  of the body pillow  12 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show an advantageous feature that may be included in the construction of the body pillow  12 . Instead of simply sewing together the peripheral edges of the top and bottom fabric pieces, the inner perimeter comprising the curve portion of the body receiving space  42  may be provided with a short vertical panel or gusset  90 . The ends  92  and  94  of the gusset  90  may taper to a point a distance down the inner perimeter of the arms  34  and  36 . This may provide increased comfort to an individual reclining in the body receiving space, especially when in a side-lying position. 
     The embodiments shown and described above are exemplary. Many details are often found in the art and, therefore, many such details are neither shown nor described herein. It is not claimed that all of the details, parts, elements, or steps described and shown herein are newly invented. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts, within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad meaning of the terms in the attached claims. The description and drawings of the specific embodiments herein do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but rather provide non-limiting examples of how to use and make the invention. Likewise, the abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims.