Abstract:
This invention relates generally to a body pillow and support system. Due to the need for additional support, pregnant women often encounter difficulty sleeping. The support pregnant women typically need is not just for their head, but for their abdomen, back and/or legs. Many pregnant women find themselves hot or cold as well as hot on one part of their body and cold on a different part of their body. All of these conditions are usually met by the pregnant woman finding several pillows and stuffing those same pillows all around her when she is trying to get some rest. This invention also is useful for a diverse group of people who need soft support to rest or recuperate and is not limited to women who are pregnant.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a body pillow and support system. Currently available pillows typically support one or two portions of the body. Additionally, common pillows are difficult to configure and do not retain a desired configuration after a user relaxes and falls asleep. As a result, support initially provided by manually manipulating a pillow is lost during sleep impeding the ability to achieve a restful sleep. In particular, pregnant women frequently encounter difficulty sleeping due to the need for additional support and poor air circulation around standard bedding. To compensate for conditions related to pregnancy, pregnant women frequently use several pillows to provide the necessary support and comfort when seeking rest. However, support obtained from using several pillows also increases the insulating effect of a person&#39;s body thereby increasing the overall feeling of being hot a person may experience. 
     To overcome these problems, the present invention provides a “body pillow” which assists pregnant women and others requiring additional support to obtain rest and sleep. The pillow, which acts as a support system throughout pregnancy, is particularly useful during the second and third trimesters of a pregnancy. In addition to providing support for the user&#39;s head, abdomen, back and legs, the current invention also provides improved air circulation about the user&#39;s body providing reduced thermal loading on the body while continuing to provide support. One significant benefit of the present invention for a pregnant woman is the support for her legs and abdomen while providing a ventilation area between her legs. Further, the unique shape of the invention and its versatility make it an ideal candidate for numerous other uses including, but not limited to, use by children, obese people, elderly people needing support or less painful means of resting, osteoporosis patients, groin or rectal area surgery patients and people suffering from respiratory illnesses requiring them to sleep upright or in a reclined position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The body pillow and body support system of present invention comprises a pillow having the general configuration of a question mark. In one preferred embodiment, the current invention provides a pillow comprising a curved head segment having a radius of curvature in a first direction. Additionally, the pillow includes a generally straight lower segment joined to the curved head segment by a transitional segment. The transitional segment has a radius of curvature in a second direction. Additionally, the curved head segment preferably carries a terminal end having a radius of curvature in the first direction which is smaller than the radius of curvature of said curved head. Further, the terminal end preferably carries at least one tab adapted to secure said terminal end to the generally straight lower end, the curved head segment or the transitional segment. 
     In another embodiment, the current invention provides a pillow, comprising a curved head segment having a radius of curvature in a first direction. The curved head segment is joined to a lower segment by a transitional segment. The transitional segment has a radius of curvature in a second direction. Additionally, the lower segment carries an inner contour and outer contour on its inner and outer perimeters. Preferably, the inner contour is generally centrally located on the inner perimeter of the lower segment and the outer contour is located on the lower one-third of said lower segment. 
     In another embodiment, the current invention provides a pillow, comprising a curved head segment having a radius of curvature in a first direction. Preferably, the curved head segment terminates with a terminal segment having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the head. The curved head segment is joined to a lower segment by a transitional segment. The transitional segment has a radius of curvature in a second direction. Additionally, the lower segment carries an inner contour and outer contour on its inner and outer perimeters. Preferably, the inner contour is generally centrally located on the inner perimeter of the lower segment and the outer contour is located on the lower one-third of said lower segment. The pillow further comprises a form fitted cover carrying at least one pocket and at least one tab suitable for securing the terminal segment of the curved head to the transitional segment or lower segment of the pillow. When not in use, the tab is storable in the pocket. 
     In a preferred method of use, a circle is formed by attaching the tab(s) of the pillow around the lower segment or the transitional segment of the pillow. This circle is a well of variable size, depending on the position of the tab(s). The tab(s) may be positioned at one of several locations on the body of the pillow, but it is anticipated that the tab(s) will be predominately positioned about the transitional segment of the pillow or the lower segment of the pillow. The size of the circle is adjusted by moving the tab(s) along the length of the lower segment or the transitional segment of the pillow. Placing the tab(s) higher the along the lower segment on into the transitional segment, the tighter the circle that is formed. Once a circle is formed, usage of the pillow is varied and only limited by the imagination of the person using it, but several unique and specific uses are described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG.  1 —Front view of invention with tab in a stowed position. 
       FIG.  2 —Back view of invention with the tab in a stowed position. 
       FIG.  3 —Front view of the invention with the tab wrapped around the pillow structure. 
       FIG.  4 —Back view of the invention with the tab wrapped around the pillow structure. 
       FIG.  5 —Side view of the invention depicting a person using the pillow for head, abdominal and leg support. 
       FIG.  6 —Top view of the invention depicting a person using the pillow for leg support, leg ventilation and abdominal support when the pillow is configured for a small circle. 
       FIG.  7 —Top view of the invention depicting a person using the pillow for leg support, leg ventilation and abdominal support when the pillow is configured for a large circle. 
       FIG.  8 —Front view of the invention configured with the circle against a flat, vertical surface and the lower segment perpendicularly extending out from the flat, vertical surface by creating a bend in the pillow at the attachment point of the tab(s) along the pillow structure. 
       FIG.  9 —Side view of the invention depicting a person using the pillow for back support and resting their arm on their left side along the lower segment of the body of the pillow. 
       FIG.  10 —Side view of the invention depicting a person using the pillow for back support and holding an infant with the lower segment pulled across the user&#39;s lap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the current invention provides a full body pillow  10  including a removable or permanently fixed pillow cover  50 . Pillow  10  and cover  50  have the general configuration of a question mark.  FIG. 1  depicts a view of a front side  60  of pillow  10 . The unique configuration of pillow  10  provides support for both the front and the back of the user&#39;s body. The support is provided by the combination of several elements that include a lower segment  12  of the question mark shape, inner and outer contours  14 ,  16  located respectively on the inner and outer perimeters  18 ,  20  of lower segment  12 , inner and outer radii  24 ,  26  of a generally C-shaped circle segment  28 , and the optional but preferred terminal segment  30  (or upper end). The circle segment  28  includes a terminal end  28   a  and a nonterminal end  28   b , the terminal segment  30  extending from the terminal end. The lower segment  12  has a terminal end (or lower end)  12   a  and a nonterminal end  12   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 , lower segment  12  and circle segment  28  are joined by transitional segment  34  joining the nonterminal end  12   b  of the lower segment to the nonterminal end  28   b  of the circle segment. Thus, the lower segment  12  and the transitional segment  34  form an elongate body  68  extending from the nonterminal end  28   b  of the circle segment  28 . 
     Pillow  10  is capable of being manipulated or configured into different shapes. When used as a body pillow, the generally question mark configuration provides support to the head and neck regardless of whether the user is facing segments  12  and  34  of pillow  10  or facing away from segments  12  and  34 . Depending upon which way the person is facing, the opposite side of the body is also supported by either the circle segment  28  or segments  12  and  34 . 
     Inner contour  14  is designed to be a functional protrusion along inner perimeter  18 . Outer contour  16  is designed to be a functional protrusion along outer perimeter  20 . Inner contour  14  is formed by sewing a protruding variation in the seam (not shown) of inner perimeter  18  seam wherein the smooth nature of inner perimeter  18  is changed to force a portion of pillow  10  to form inner contour  14 . Techniques for forming inner contour  14  are well known to those skilled in the art. Inner contour  14  functions as a support device to the user of pillow  10  in most of the configurations for use described herein. The main function of inner contour  14  is for inner contour  14  to be positioned under part of the body of the user to provide support. This action forces the body to rotate the opposite direction from inner contour  14  while providing support to the particular body part of the user. In the preferred embodiment, a pregnant woman would have her abdominal area supported by inner contour  14  which lifts and supports the abdominal area thereby reducing pressure on other parts of her body such as her back. Inner contour  14  may be located on lower segment  12 , transitional segment  34  or may extend over portions of both segments  12  and  34 . In the preferred embodiment, inner contour  14  is located on segment  12  near transitional segment  34 . Outer contour  16  is formed similarly to inner contour  14  except that outer contour  16  is placed lower on lower segment  12  along outer perimeter  20 . Preferably, outer contour  16  is on the lower one-third of lower segment  12 . Outer contour  16  provides similar support to the body as inner contour  14 . However, outer contour  16  optionally functions as an attachment point for tab(s)  36  when forming large circle  44 . 
     In general, a person facing segments  12  and  34  will place their lower arm under pillow  10 . When used in this manner, terminal segment  30  pushes into the upper back of the user providing back support while segments  12 ,  28  and  34  provide front torso and head support. Additionally, inner contour  14  located on inner perimeter  18  of pillow  10  typically extends through the abdominal region of the user. Thus, inner perimeter  18  tucks under the abdomen providing gentle support reducing fatigue and undue strain. Lower segment  12  is available to be tucked between the user&#39;s legs or knees providing additional support for the individual and permitting air circulation between the legs. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , terminal segment  30  preferably carries at least one strap or tab  36 . Preferably, tab  36  is incorporated into cover  50 . Tab  36  has a length sufficient to permit wrapping around lower segment  12 , transitional segment  34  or the opposite side of circular segment  28 , preferably forming a loop that is slidable along the length of the lower segment  12 , transitional segment  34  or the opposite side of circular segment  28 . Thus, tab  36  secures terminal segment  30  to the main body of pillow  10  to form the desired circle  44 . 
     More preferably, terminal segment  30  carries at least two tabs  36  which are stored within a pouch  40 . Preferably, pouch  40  is incorporated into cover  50  in the area corresponding to terminal segment  30 .  FIG. 3  depicts the un-stowed position of pouch  40  and tab(s)  36 . As such, when pouch  40  is pulled open it flips to front side  60  of pillow  10  and collapses into a state wherein a seam  42  is smooth against cover  50 .  FIG. 2  depicts pouch  40  with tab(s)  36  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) in the stowed configuration on a backside  62  of pillow  10 . In the preferred embodiment, tabs  36  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) are prepared from the same material as cover  50 . 
     To improve the comfort of pillow  10 ; tab(s)  36  optionally include a suitable batting material  70  thereby providing a thin layer of padding and firmness. Further, tabs(s)  36  carry connectors such as, but not limited to, hook and loop connectors, fabric ties, zippers, buttons and/or snaps suitable for securing tab(s)  36  around or to segments  12 ,  34  or the opposite side of segment  28 . One skilled in the art will recognize that various arrangements may be provided to secure tab(s)  36  to one another or pillow  10  in a manner that will produce the desired configurations detailed herein. 
     Tab(s)  36  provide the user of pillow  10  with the ability to configure pillow  10  in a multitude of useful positions tailored to the user&#39;s individual needs. For example, in one configuration the user lies upon the part of the pillow where tab(s)  36  are secured about segments  12 ,  34  or the opposite of segment  28 . In this arrangement, the user&#39;s lower arm passes through the resulting circle  44  and rests under pillow  10 . Further, in this configuration, circular segment  28  combined with terminal segment  30  force the person&#39;s upper body to roll towards segments  12 ,  34  and the opposite side of segment  28  resulting in increased support of the abdomen while providing support to the upper back of the person. This configuration also forces inner contour  14  to be pulled into the person&#39;s abdomen thereby providing support to the abdomen by adding a slight opposing pressure or force function from inner contour  14  and the combination of segments  12 ,  34  and the opposite side of segment  28  to the person&#39;s abdomen, greatly increasing the overall support and comfort of the person using the invention. 
     The resulting pressure or force function provided by inner contour  14  is one of the distinct benefits of pillow  10 . Positioning of tab(s)  36  dictates the amount of pressure or force. Placing tab(s)  36  at a higher location on segment  34  or on the opposite side of segment  28  reduces pressure brought to bear on the user&#39;s abdomen. The inverse is also true in that the lower the placement of tab(s)  36  on segment  12  or  34 , the greater the pressure brought to bear on the abdomen of the user. The same effect can be created by not attaching tab(s)  36  around the pillow. This configuration places less of the pillow structure under the person using pillow  10  thereby increasing the pressure of the top portion on their upper body. Both configurations utilize segment  12  to provide support to the legs. 
     As discussed above, use of tab(s)  36  about segments  12 ,  34  and the opposite side of segment  28  forms circle  44 . Note: for the purposes of this disclosure, the preferred embodiment utilizes two tabs  36  and is described herein with reference to two tabs  36 . However, the current invention will also perform satisfactorily with a single tab  36  which must have a length sufficient to wrap around and attach to itself. Alternatively, single tab  36  may attach directly to pillow  10 . 
     Adjustment of the size of circle  44  is provided by securing tabs  36  at various locations along segments  12 ,  34  and the opposite side of segment  28 . Thus, placing tabs  36  high on segment  34  or the opposite side of circular segment  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , produces a tight, small circle  44 . This configuration allows more flexibility in lower segment  12  of the pillow. When tab(s)  36  are placed midway on segment  12  close to inner contour  14  a moderately sized or medium circle  44  is formed. Due to the improved abdominal support and increased comfort provided by a medium size circle  44  most users will likely place tab(s)  36  near inner contour  14 . The medium circle  44  configuration reduces the flexibility of lower segment  12  and increases the force applied by lower segment  12  of pillow  10  to the user&#39;s abdomen. When tab(s)  36  are placed low on lower segment  12  of pillow  10  a wide or large circle  44  configuration is formed. Tab(s)  36  are typically placed below outer contour  16  to obtain this variant. Large circle  44  configuration places the user&#39;s abdomen inside of circle  44  with their head and shoulders. This variant allows the person to rest with nearly complete support all around the upper body while pulling lower segment  12  of the pillow in tightly to the abdomen. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a person using pillow  10  to support their head, neck, abdomen and legs. In this configuration, inner contour  14  provides abdominal support while her legs are supported by lower segment  12 . Using this particular configuration or similar variants, a person may alleviate the problem encountered by the pillow putting too much pressure on the person&#39;s ear. A person desiring reduced pressure on their ear employs pillow  10  as seen in  FIG. 5 . As depicted the head does not rest completely upon circular segment  28 . Rather the person simply places the upper most part of their head on the middle of circle segment  28  thereby allowing their ear to be suspended in the well area of circle  44  thereby avoiding pressure from pillow  10  and circle segment  28 . When used in this fashion, pillow  10  and circle segment  28  roll up around the edges to provide greater support for the neck area. 
     Pillow  10  of the current invention may also be used in alternative configurations. For example,  FIG. 6  shows a person using pillow  10  inverted with circle  44  and segments  28  and  30  placed between their legs to provide support and ventilation. In this configuration, lower segment  12  is pulled into the body either by use of tab(s)  36  or by the person wrapping their arms around lower segment  12 . When circle  44 , with or without tab(s)  36 , is between the person&#39;s legs, it creates an air pocket. When properly positioned, tab(s)  36  reduce the size of circle  44  thereby providing the user with improved abdominal area support resulting from tab(s)  36  increasing pressure upon the abdomen. Alternatively, repositioning tab(s)  36  as seen in  FIG. 7  increases the size of circle  44 , thereby providing greater ventilation for the person around and in between their legs due to a greater capacity for air to circulate. The configuration depicted in  FIG. 7 , supports a user&#39;s legs while allowing air circulation around the legs thereby alleviating a common problem experienced by pregnant women. Thus,  FIGS. 6 and 7  demonstrate that altering the location of tab(s)  36  provides the ability to adjust the size of circle  44  and the amount of air circulation in and around the legs of the user. 
     It is a long-standing problem for the mother to be able to rest comfortably while nursing her new infant. This invention has solved that problem by facilitating numerous configurations where both the mother and infant are positioned in a restive state that is also secure enough to keep the infant from rolling away or being accidentally crushed by the mother. In the preferred embodiment using tab(s)  36 , the mother lies on pillow  10  facing lower segment  12 . She is then able to rest the infant on inner perimeter  18  of lower segment  12  such that the infant naturally rolls toward her and is able to nurse. Alternatively, the mother lies on pillow  10  with her back to lower segment  12  and the infant is cradled within circle  44 . 
     The invention may further be used as a nursing aid or provide support for someone in a sitting or reclining position. As seen in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , a mother or person desiring support can place circle  44  behind their back with or without tab(s)  36  connected and lean up against a solid surface such as a wall or bed headboard.  FIG. 8  shows the invention in a configuration where circle  44  is placed parallel against flat, vertical surface  100  and lower segment  12  is bent at the juncture formed when tab(s)  36  are connected to form circle  44 . In this configuration lower segment  12  extends perpendicular to flat, vertical surface  100 . The configuration of pillow  10  in  FIG. 8  is identical to  FIG. 9  except there is not a person in  FIG. 8 . As seen in the configuration of  FIG. 9 , lower segment  12  may be placed along side the body as an arm rest or, as seen in  FIG. 10  lower segment  12  may be pulled across the lap of the user to provide a support area for nursing. The configuration of lower segment  12  in an arm rest configuration results in reducing pressure on the elbow, forearm and wrist thereby providing comfort to those suffering carpal tunnel syndrome or any other wrist or hand injury requiring elevation. When lower segment  12  is pulled across the lap it may also be used for any lap related activity such as reading, writing, computer use or other activity requiring support. In this configuration the user has the option of putting circle  44  partly behind them anywhere along their back, neck or head while lower segment  12  lies beside them or across their lap, depending upon whether the desire is for lower back, middle back or neck support. In alternative configuration (not shown) a mother will place lower segment  12  behind her back while leaning up against a solid surface by wrapping circle segment  28  and terminal segment  30  around her waist. Use of pillow  10  in this manner allows the mother to create a place were the infant is naturally cradled in her lap at an appropriate height for nursing. Advantageously when used in this manner, pillow  10  will roll the infant toward the mother. Additionally, lower segment  12  supports the mother&#39;s back. Proper positioning of pillow  10  will also support the mother&#39;s upper back, neck and head. 
     In the configurations found in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , individuals using pillow  10  are able to obtain support for their back in the reclining or supine positions. Individuals suffering the effects of osteoporosis, acid reflux disease, respiratory ailments or other maladies whereby there is a need to rest in a sitting or reclining position, reducing back pain or easily pained back bone structures, will be able to use pillow  10  as previously described to obtain supportive relief. Circle  44  provides a well wherein the spine of the user has less pressure applied against it thereby increasing the overall comfort and support seen by the user. Support is varied for users by increasing or decreasing the size of circle  44  by moving tab(s)  36 . 
     Pillow  10  may also be used to provide support for a person following an injury or surgery in the groin or buttocks area. Often these individuals cannot sit directly on a solid surface even if it were padded. However, when pillow  10  is configured with a tight or small circle  44  the user may sit on pillow  10  surface without placing pressure on the sensitive areas. 
     Still further, pillow  10  may be used to reduce pressure on the lower back while supporting the legs. In this configuration, the user places their buttocks next to pillow  10  with their legs across lower segment  12  and their feet touching the floor on the other side of lower segment  12 . In this position the user&#39;s knees are bent. Alternatively, a person can use a similar approach to support the entire length of a leg by having lower segment  12  traverse the entire leg. This configuration still relieves pressure on the lower back and it reduces the pressure on the legs. This alternate configuration also provides elevation for the user&#39;s legs. Yet another configuration allows the user person to lie down with circle  44  under their legs functioning similar to when lower segment  12  is perpendicular to the legs. In still yet another configuration the person may sit in small circle  44  with lower segment  12  providing support to their legs when it is stretched out in the direction the person is facing. 
     Due to frequent usage pillow  10  will eventually require cleaning. Thus in a preferred embodiment, pillow cover  50  is removable to permit laundering. One embodiment providing an easily removable cover  50  is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment pillow cover  50  is put on and removed by opening and closing flap  54  on backside  62  of the pillow  10 . Because the use of pillow  10  is for restful purposes it is important that flap  54  have a soft, durable seam  56  sewn around outer edge  58 . Placement of flap  54  is shown to be high on lower segment  12  which facilitates removal and replacement of pillow cover  50  in a manner easily understood by the user of the product. Preferably, flap  54  bisects lower segment  12  from inner perimeter  18  seam to outer perimeter  20  seam with seam  56  overlapping pillow cover  50  by at least the width of the seam. In the preferred embodiment seam  56  overlaps pillow cover  50  by at least two inches. However, any flap structure or flap-like structure facilitating removal of pillow cover  50  is contemplated as part of this invention and is known to those skilled in the art. 
     Alternatively, pillow cover  50  may be removably secured as part of pillow  10  in lieu of flap  54  by any conventional device such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop connection or a zipper connection placed along inner perimeter  18  seam or outer perimeter  20  seam. Additionally, flap  54  may be replaced with or may include a hook and loop connection or a zipper connection. Further, flap  54  or one of the alternative connections may be located at any convenient location on pillow  10 . 
     Although the current invention is directed towards women who are pregnant, the distinct shape of the invention and its versatility make it an ideal candidate for any user requiring support along their torso in order to achieve restful sleep. Overweight and obese people may see the same benefits as pregnant women. People with back problems may use it to lie on or to support their legs as they lay down flattening their back. Additionally individuals with severe respiratory problems frequently sleep sitting up or in a steeply vertical position would be able to employ this invention to provide comfort. It is envisioned there will be a variety of sizes of this invention to include sizes appropriate for children, small adults, medium adults and large adults. 
     Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for the purpose of the present disclosure, changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and the performance of steps can be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.