Patent Description:
This invention relates generally to the field of pillows. In particular, the invention relates to nursing and feeding pillows. In some embodiments, such pillows are provided with various attachments to facilitate positioning of a baby on the pillow.

Over the years, a variety of support pillows have found commercial acceptance. One exemplary support pillow is the Boppy® pillow, marketed by The Boppy Company. Various forms of this pillow are described in <CIT><CIT><CIT>and <CIT>, among others. <CIT> discloses a multipurpose support pillow. The pillow is generally apostrophe-shaped and can be placed and adjusted along any part of the body to provide the desired comfort and support useful for countless applications. <CIT> discloses a nursing pillow comprising loops at the ends to be tied together in order to achieve a better hold on a mother and also as a pillow for storage. <CIT> discloses a support pillow with a shape and construction that makes the support pillow particularly useful in situations in which it is necessary or desirable to have a support surface near the body of a user. <CIT> discloses a multifunctional breast-feeding cushion, which is designed to be inclined so that a height of a cushion part is lowered from the front to the rear. Accordingly, when an infant is placed on the cushion part, the infant is naturally close to the breast of a nursing mother so that the infant can be breast-fed in a comfortable posture.

One general aspect includes a compact nursing pillow. The compact nursing pillow includes a pillow body including two end regions and an outer region and an inner region that extend between the two end regions, where a first end region of the two end regions has a first width and a second end region of the two end regions has a second width, the first width greater than the second width, the inner region and outer region are each curved to define a comma shape having a head at the first end region and a tail at the second end region. The inner region is curved with a first curvature and first apex of curvature and the outer region is curved with a second curvature and a second apex of curvature, with the second curvature greater than the first curvature and the first apex of curvature positioned nearer the second end region than the second apex of curvature. A thickness of the pillow body increases from the second end region to the first end region. The compact nursing pillow also includes a first securing member attached to the first end region at a first location and a second securing member attached to the second end region at a second location.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The second end region may have a thickness in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (one to three inches) and a width in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (one to three inches). The first end region may have a thickness in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (three to seven inches). The inner region may be configured to fit around an arm of a user. The first securing member and the second securing member each include a tie, the first securing member and the second securing member securable together to maintain a shape and position of the pillow body relative to a user. The first apex of curvature may be offset from the construction line at a first distance in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). The second apex of curvature may be offset from the construction line at a second distance in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). The first location may be offset from the intersection of the construction line and the first end region by at least <NUM> (one inch) and the second location may be offset from the intersection of the construction line and the second end region by at least <NUM> (one inch). The pillow body may include a storage pocket. The pillow body may also include a cover and a removable cushion that fits within the cover. The pillow body may have a first configuration with the first end region and the second end region not in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are free and a second configuration with the first end region and the second end region in contact with each other when the first securing member and the second securing member are coupled together.

Another general aspect includes a compact nursing pillow. The compact nursing pillow includes a body having a curved shape, the body including two surface panels, each having a comma shape with a first end region tapering to a second end region with a curved inner edge and a curved outer edge connecting the first end region to the second end region, the curved inner edge and the curved outer edge curved in a first direction with the curved outer edge having a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the curved inner edge, each surface panel defining a surface of the curved shape, the curved shape configured to fit partially around a user and also configured to curve into a compact configuration when the first end region and the second end region are brought in contact, and a side panel coupled to each of the two surface panels to enclose a volume within the body. The side panel has a first width at a first end adjacent the first end region of the two surface panels and a second width at a second end adj acent the second end region of the two surface panels, the first width greater than the second width. The compact nursing pillow also includes a first securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at a first location and a second securing member connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at a second location.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The first securing member and the second securing member may each include a tie formed of a four-way stretch material. The first securing member and the second securing member may each include a hook and loop fastener. The first securing member may be connected to the side panel adjacent the first end region at the first location offset from the tip of the first end region includes the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region. The first securing member may couple to the body at a first location offset from the construction line by at least <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The second securing member may be connected to the side panel adjacent the second end region at the second location offset from the tip of the second end region includes the first location being offset from a construction line tangent to the tip of the first end region and to the tip of the second end region. The second securing member may couple to the body at a second location offset from the construction line by at least <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The body may include a jersey knit fabric. The body may include a storage pocket configured to receive the first and second securing members when not in use.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:.

These embodiments are only exemplary of the present invention. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification.

The compact nursing pillows described herein may be particularly useful when the user is in a sitting position so that the pillow may be held across the user's lap or around the side of the user. One or more straps may be connected to the ends of the pillow arms and extend around the user's waist to help hold the pillow to the user, especially when the user stands or moves around in a chair or couch.

The compact nursing pillows are configured such that they conform to the shape of essentially any waist by having ends that terminate at the user's side. The compact nursing pillows also help the user to be positioned in an ergonomically correct orientation while nursing or feeding the baby. Another feature is that the compact nursing pillows may be sized to fit around a seated user while also being large enough to properly support the baby. The pillow may also have sides that are shaped or contoured in such a way that permits the pillow to nestle close to the user while resting comfortably on the user's lap or under the user's arm, such as when feeding. The pillow may have a comma shape and/or the shape of a curved teardrop. The comma shape may have an elongated body that tapers in a curved manner from a head end to a tail end. The tail end is that end which, in normal position to a user, tapers from the head end toward the portion which faces the user's torso or arm or leg. The tail end may be pointed, curved or blunted. Thus, in some embodiments, the edges of an upper surface of the pillow body approximate two curvilinear lines that intersect at a point at the tail end. In some embodiments, the edges of the pillow body approximate two curvilinear arcs that approach one another and then intersect only as the arcs abruptly curve toward one another to form a blunt end of the tail end. The pillow may curve in a first direction while also tapering from the head end to the tail end. The pillow may also taper in a second direction, such as a thickness of the pillow from the head end to the tail end. In some embodiments, the pillow may both taper and curve from the head end to the tail end. The curved shape of the pillow enables the pillow to conform to a variety of user sizes, be readily packed into a compact configuration for travel, and still provide a sufficient support surface for a baby. The tapered shape of the pillow provides sloping surfaces that elevates the baby's back and head to facilitate nursing.

The body of the pillow described herein may conveniently be described in terms of a head region and a tail region, even though the pillow may be used in any orientation. The head region has a larger rounded end while the tail region has a tapered narrower end. The pillow may be described as having an apostrophe or kidney bean shape with a curved inner surface and a curved outer surface, the curved inner surface configured to nestle against a torso, arm, or leg of a user, in addition to any other surfaces. The pillow may be stored in a compact configuration by securing devices, such as ties, to bring the head end and the tail end together, thereby increasing the curvature of the curved inner surface.

The pillow described herein may be configured so that the head end is larger in size than the tail end. The head end may be larger in surface area, width, and/or height than the tail end. This arrangement enables the pillow to provide variable adjustable heights of cushioning for positioning a baby relative to a user and providing a variable width of cushioning for different use cases. The pillow may be positioned around a torso or arm of a user and rotated until the height of a baby resting on the pillow is at a desired height, for example to aid with nursing the baby.

The compact nursing pillow may be configured to have the following dimensions, it being appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to only such sizes. To describe the dimensions, the pillow have an inner curve with an apex defined as the greatest distance from a line drawn between the edges of the head end and the tail end on the curved inner surface. In this manner, the apex defines an amount of curvature of the curved inner surface. The apex may be at a distance of between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches), and more preferably from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the imaginary line connecting the inner surface at the head end and the tail end such that the apex of the curvature provides the furthest distance from the imaginary line to the furthest point on the curve. The apex may be positioned approximately halfway between the head end and the tail end, for example at a distance in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the head end and the tail end, respectively. The apex may be biased or offset towards the tail end, such that the curvature of the curved inner surface is biased towards the tail end, for example with a distance from the apex to the head end being in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) while the apex is in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the tail end. The total length of the pillow from the head end to the tail end may be in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The curved outer surface of the pillow may share a similar apex or may have a different apex. The curved outer surface has a larger curvature than the curved inner surface such that the curved surfaces are not parallel to one another, and results in the teardrop shape tapering from the head end to the tail end. This size enables the pillow to rest against a torso of a user and support a baby while also enabling the pillow to wrap entirely around an arm or leg of a user.

The compact nursing pillow may further be defined by a width and a height, the width measured across a face of the pillow and a height measured across the thickness between a top and a bottom face. The width and the height of the pillow may vary over the length of the pillow, between the head end and the tail end, for example with a greater width and height at the head end than at the tail end. The width of the head end, across the top surface may be in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) while the width at the tail end may be in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). At the apex, the width may be in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). At the head end, the pillow may have a height from the top surface to the bottom surface in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). At the tail end the height may be in a range from about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). At the apex, the height may be in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

As described herein, the compact nursing pillows may include various securing schemes to secure the pillow to the user. According to the invention, the pillows include ties for securing the pillow to a user. When not in use, the pillow can be rolled up and the ties used to hold the pillow in the compact shape. The pillow body also includes side panels that are used to help hold its shape. These features and improvements may increase the ease of carrying or traveling with a nursing pillow while also providing additional functional benefits over typical nursing pillows.

In use, the compact nursing pillow may be used in one of several configurations that enable different uses to provide comfort and support to a baby. The compact nursing pillow may be used with the curved inner surface fit around a torso of a user, for example to support all or a portion of a baby while nursing. The pillow may also fit with the curved inner surface against an arm or leg of the user, with the pillow wrapped around the arm or the leg and secured to the user with the securing scheme, such as ties. The ties may also wrap around the torso of the user. The securing scheme may enable the pillow to be positioned and maintained in position, for example to ensure the desired height of the pillow supporting a head of the baby is maintained. Additionally, the pillow may be in a compact configuration or an open configuration, in the compact configuration, the securing scheme is used to bring the head end and the tail end together, causing the footprint of the pillow to reduce and bring the pillow into a compact volume. The securing scheme may be used to compress the pillow filling, for example as ties are tied tightly together the pillow may compress and therefore occupy a smaller volume, for more convenient transportation. Upon releasing the securing scheme, the pillow may be in the open configuration, with the head end and the tail end separated by a distance in a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

<FIG> depict various views of a further embodiment of a compact nursing pillow <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> is shown having ties <NUM> with a break <NUM> in the length of the ties <NUM> for clarity. The ties <NUM> are shown in a full length embodiment in <FIG>. The ties <NUM> have a length of between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and may preferably have a length in a range of between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches) for wrapping around a body of a user, for example around a torso or arm of a user. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> also includes a body <NUM> that serves as a pillow.

The body <NUM> is defined by two surface panels <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM>, and a second side panel <NUM>. The first side panel <NUM> and the second side panel <NUM> may be a single side panel that wraps around the edge of body <NUM> in some examples. The body <NUM> is filled with a pillow or cushioning material, such as a stuffing or removable cushion. The surface panels <NUM> are joined to the first side panel <NUM> and the second side panel <NUM> at seams <NUM> and <NUM>.

The body <NUM> tapers in multiple directions from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. For example, in a first direction, which may be a thickness, the body <NUM> may taper from a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> (three to seven inches) at the first end <NUM> to a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> (one to three inches) at the second end <NUM>. The body <NUM> also tapers in a second direction, such as width, from the first end <NUM> having a width of between <NUM> to <NUM> (four to ten inches) to the second end <NUM> having a width of between <NUM> to <NUM> (one to four inches). The taper from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> may be continuous, such that the width and/or thickness gradually tapers at an even rate or may taper at a varying rate to result in different profiles for the curved shape of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> having varying widths and/or thicknesses enables varying positioning for the pillow to support a baby in different positions, providing cushioning that is customizable and adjustable to a desired fit.

The shape of body <NUM> enables the pillow <NUM> to fit around a torso, arm, or leg of a user and provide a cushioning platform for resting a baby on in various orientations. The curvature of the pillow <NUM> enables the pillow <NUM> to naturally curve and fit around the user and also provides for simple packaging of the pillow <NUM>, but curling the pillow <NUM> into a tighter curl and securing with ties <NUM> to maintain the pillow <NUM> in a compact shape convenient for travel and/or storage that occupies less space than the pillow <NUM> in an open configuration. In the stored configuration the pillow <NUM> may fit easily within a large purse or carry bag with other items.

The body <NUM> is shown tapering in thickness from the narrow end to the thick end. The thick end may be the same end as the wide end of the body <NUM> described above. The body <NUM> may taper from a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> (one to three inches) to a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> (four to eight inches). The varying thickness may serve to provide variable heights at which to support the head of a nursing child, to adjust the child to a comfortable height. This may be accomplished by rotating the compact nursing pillow <NUM> with respect to the wearer and the baby until a desired height is reached.

The taper of body <NUM> may be accomplished by tapering a shape of the surface panels <NUM> as well as the side panels <NUM> and <NUM>. With the tapers established by the shape of the panels, the body <NUM> may be filled with a cushioning material in an even manner, with even filling throughout. In some examples the filling of the body <NUM> may have varying cushioning or density such that, for example, the narrower second end <NUM> may be firmer than the wider first end <NUM>. In some examples the first end <NUM> may be firmer than the second end <NUM>.

The body <NUM> has a comma shape, curved and tapering from a wide first end to a narrow second end as described above with respect to <FIG>. Between the narrow end and the wide end the body <NUM> may have a constant reduction in width or may reduce in width at a varying rate, such as to result in a curved taper. The narrow end of the body <NUM> may have a width of up to <NUM> (four inches). The wide end of the body <NUM> may have a width of between <NUM> to <NUM> (four to ten inches). Additionally, body <NUM> is curved or curled to form a "U"- shape. The "U"-shape of the body <NUM> may enable the body <NUM> to fit around a torso of a wearer. In addition, the "U"-shape of the body <NUM> in combination with the taper enables the body <NUM> to be deformed into a compact shape, such as for travel. The deformed shape may be maintained by tying the ends of the fabric ties <NUM> together to secure the fabric ties <NUM> together and maintain the body <NUM> in the compact form.

As shown in <FIG>, the comma shape of the body <NUM> may be defined based on construction lines to define a curvature of the body <NUM> when in an uncompressed state. A first construction line <NUM> extends along a length of the body <NUM> and contacts the body at the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, providing a defining edge from which other dimensions may be defined. As described herein, the body <NUM> may have a length from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> in a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The inner curvature, defined by the second side panel <NUM>, may be offset, at a greatest distance or apex, from the first construction line <NUM> as shown by second construction line <NUM>. The second construction line <NUM> defines a curvature of the inner side of the body, with the apex at the distant end of the second construction line <NUM> from the first construction line <NUM>. A distance from second construction line to the apex of the inner curvature may be in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). As shown, the inner curvature may not be symmetric about the second construction line <NUM>, though in some examples the inner curvature may be symmetric and may follow a geometric curve such as a parabolic curve. The inner curvature may have a first radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of the outer curvature. The inner curvature may have a radius of curvature in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and the outer curvature may have a radius of curvature in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The outer curvature of the body <NUM> may be defined similarly to the inner curvature, with an apex of the first side panel <NUM> defined at an end of the third construction line <NUM> distant from the first construction line <NUM>. The third construction line <NUM> may define a distance from the apex of the first side panel <NUM> in an uncompressed state to the first construction line <NUM> in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or in some examples in a range of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The outer curvature is not symmetric about the third construction line <NUM>, though may be in some examples.

The apex of the outer curvature may be located at a midpoint between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The apex of the inner curvature is offset towards the second end <NUM> due to the tapered comma shape of the body <NUM>. Because the second end of the body <NUM> is narrower than the first end, the inner curvature will be offset towards the narrower end. In some examples, a horizontal location of the apex of the inner and outer curvatures may be at a same location along the first construction line <NUM>. In some examples, the horizontal location of the apex of the inner curvature may be at a distance of about <NUM> (½ inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the horizontal location of the apex of the outer curvature.

The body <NUM> may include an outer shell with a fill material contained therein. The outer shell may be constructed with a material such as a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, velvet, chiffon and the like. Such fabrics permit the outer shell of the body <NUM> to be firmly stuffed with fill materials. The cover may be formed of one or more panels sewn or stitched together. The internal side panel, on the inside of the "U"-shape, may include a gusset to provide shape and structure to the cover and maintain the curvature in the shape described above. Although the pieces may be sewn together, other techniques may also be used, such as by using glue, lacing, staples, snaps and the like. In some examples, the cover may include other features, such as various stitching patterns that may be used to alter the shape of the body <NUM>. For example, the body <NUM> could include a slight recess where the baby's head may rest.

The body <NUM> may be filled with a fill material, such as a hypoallergenic polyester filling. Examples of materials that may be used include polyester fibers, foamed materials, and the like. One method for filling the cover with a fill material is described in <CIT>. In some examples, the body <NUM> may be filled with a removable pillow. The removable pillow may be waterproof, water-resistant, washable, and filled with the fill material. In some examples, the removable pillow may be impermeable while the cover forming the body <NUM> is woven, this may be advantageous for medical purposes such as in hospitals where the cover of body <NUM> is disposable and the removable pillow may be re-used as it is impermeable and sanitary. The pillow may be encased by a cover separate from the body <NUM>. The cover of the pillow as well as the body <NUM> is constructed of a material that is compliant while generally not stretchable. Examples of such fabrics include cotton, polyesters, poly-cotton blends, or other pliant conforming fabrics. The fill material is firmly and tightly packed into the cover, such that the cover with the fill material provides a self-supporting pillow body, i.e., the compact nursing pillow <NUM> retains its shape without any sagging or drooping of the ends when held at a medial region. The tightly packed fill material also provides the pillow with firmness in the sense that it will undergo only slight elastic deformation (as compared to a conventional pillow) when an object (such as a person's arms or elbows) is rested on the body <NUM>. Other fill materials that could be used include natural or synthetic fibers, synthetic beads, feathers, foam, and organic granular fill materials such as husks and seeds and the like.

In some examples, the fill material may include a stacked set of cushioning materials, such as an air-spacer fill. The air-spacer fill may include a mesh material that provides a cushion by having a compressible thickness. The air-spacer fill may be an air mesh or other such material that is layered within the body <NUM> to reach the desired thickness and fill of the body <NUM>.

The ties <NUM> couple to the body <NUM> at locations <NUM>. Locations <NUM> may include a storage pocket, for tucking the ties <NUM> away when not in use. Locations <NUM> may be at a terminal end of the body <NUM> and are offset from an end of the body <NUM>. Following the curvature of the body <NUM>, when the edge of body <NUM> reaches a terminal point, where the perimeter of the body <NUM> ceases advancing away from the center of the body <NUM> and returns towards the center of the body <NUM>. In some examples, locations <NUM> may be offset towards an outer edge of body <NUM> from the terminal point. With the locations <NUM> offset towards the outer curved surface defined by panel <NUM>, the ties <NUM> draw the body <NUM> into a smaller shape when secured than if the ties <NUM> are connected at the terminal point or offset towards the inner surface defined by panel <NUM>.

The ties <NUM> are located offset from a peak or tip of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The offset from the tip of each end enables the ties <NUM> to draw the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> closer together in a stored configuration and thereby reduce the overall size of the pillow when in the stored configuration. As illustrated in <FIG>, the locations <NUM> are offset and illustrated as defined relative to the first construction line <NUM>. The first location <NUM> of the tie <NUM> at the first end <NUM> is offset, as shown by construction line <NUM> from a point of the first end <NUM> that contacts the first construction line <NUM>. The second location <NUM> of the tie <NUM> at the second end <NUM> is likewise offset from the point of the second end <NUM> that contacts the first construction line <NUM> as illustrated by construction line <NUM>. The horizontal location of the locations <NUM> may be determined based on a desired length of offset from the first construction line <NUM>, such as defined by the length of construction lines <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the horizontal position of locations <NUM> may be determined by first determining that the construction lines <NUM> and <NUM> will provide a set distance, such as <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The distance may be in a range of <NUM> (¼ inch) to about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The horizontal location of locations <NUM> is then set based on where ties <NUM> connect to provide the desired offset distance. The offset distance provides for the ties <NUM> to draw the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> together to reduce the size of the pillow <NUM>. The offset location of the ties <NUM> enables the ties to be tied together and tightened to compress the pillow <NUM>, specifically by compressing the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> together as the ties <NUM> are tightened.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> similar to the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. For convenience of discussion, components that are similar to those described in connection with <FIG> will be repeated in the following figures. Hence, pillow <NUM> is constructed of a pillow body <NUM>. Fabric ties <NUM> extend from ends of body <NUM>, although in some embodiments other securing mechanisms could be used. Although shown connecting at the ends of the body <NUM>, in some examples, the fabric ties <NUM> may connect to the body <NUM> at other locations. The fabric ties <NUM> are long enough to extend around a wearer and tie together to secure the compact nursing pillow <NUM> to the wearer. In some examples, the ties may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> inches) in width and <NUM> to <NUM> (twelve to thirty-six inches) in length. The fabric ties <NUM> may be formed of a fabric material. Examples of materials that may be used for fabric ties <NUM> include cotton fabrics, polyester fabrics, cotton/poly blends, jersey knit, and the like. The fabric ties may extend from or connect to a seam of the body <NUM> for strength and reinforcement of the connection between the fabric ties <NUM> and the body <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the pillows described herein may use a variety of securing arrangements to couple the pillow body to the user. As an example not forming part of the invention, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a belt closure. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body described above with respect to <FIG>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a first belt segment <NUM> and a second belt segment <NUM>. The first belt segment <NUM> includes a first half of a belt or snap closure while the second belt segment <NUM> includes a second snap closure that mates with the first to connect and secure the first belt segment <NUM> and the second belt segment <NUM>. The first belt segment <NUM> and the second belt segment <NUM> may both be length adjustable to account for different sizes of wearers as well as different uses and configurations. In some examples the snap closure may be replaced with other releasable securing devices such as buttons, peg and hole attachments, and the like.

As another example not forming part of the invention, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with an overlapping hook and loop fastener belt. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body described above with respect to <FIG>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a first belt segment <NUM> and a second belt segment <NUM>. The first belt segment <NUM> includes a first portion of a hook and loop fastener while the second belt segment <NUM> includes a second portion of a hook and loop fastener. The first portion of the hook and loop fastener secures to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener to secure the belt of the compact nursing pillow <NUM>.

In a further example not forming part of the invention, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a single belt <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body described above with respect to <FIG>. The single belt <NUM> has a first component of a hook and loop fastener attached thereto, at the end of the single belt <NUM>. The single belt <NUM> may be of a length of between <NUM> and <NUM> (eight and thirty-six inches). The first component of the hook and loop fastener secures to the body <NUM>. A side component or panel of the body <NUM> includes or may be formed of a second component of the hook and loop fastener to connect to the single belt <NUM> to secure the body <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with removable ties <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> with the fabric ties <NUM> connected to different ends of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be the same body described above with respect to <FIG>. Though shown connecting at the ends of the body <NUM>, in some examples, the ties <NUM> may connect to the body <NUM> at other locations. The ties <NUM> are long enough to extend around a wearer and tie together to secure the compact nursing pillow <NUM> to the wearer. In some examples, the ties may be in a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in width and <NUM> to <NUM> (twelve to thirty-six inches) in length. The ties <NUM> are removable from the body <NUM>. The ties <NUM> may connect to the body with a number of different releasable connections such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, ties, buckles, zipper systems, and the like. The ties <NUM> may be secure to the body <NUM> to secure the body <NUM> in place, for example while in use as a nursing pillow. in some examples, the ties <NUM> may be removable to enable additional uses or to store the ties <NUM> for transportation so they do not tangle or become snagged while traveling.

The pillows described herein may optionally include one or more storage pockets located at various positions on the pillow body. For example, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a side pocket for belt storage. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>. The ties <NUM> of <FIG>, and any other ties <NUM> shown herein may be stored in a pocket <NUM> positioned on the body <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> is shown positioned on a side wall of the body <NUM>, though it may be positioned at any location on the body <NUM>. There may be a second pocket on another side of the body <NUM>, for example near the second tie <NUM>.

As another example, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a storage pocket <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>. The storage pocket <NUM> is shown on a side wall of the body <NUM>, at a medial portion of the body <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> may be positioned at any location on the body <NUM>. There may be additional storage pockets <NUM> in other locations. The storage pocket <NUM> may be several cm in length and width and suitable for stowing objects such as a cellphone, pacifier, or other such personal objects.

As a further example, <FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with an internal compartment <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, although it will be appreciated that other internal compartment shapes and locations could be used similar to those described herein. The internal compartment <NUM> extends into the center of body <NUM> and may occupy up to the entire footprint of the body <NUM>. An opening to access the internal compartment <NUM> may be on the side of the body <NUM> as shown or may be positioned on the top or bottom of the body. There may be additional internal compartments <NUM> within the body. The internal compartment <NUM> may include a waterproof lining and insulation, for example to insulate a cold bottle or a warm bottle and protect the pillow from leaks or spills. In the case of an insulate internal compartment <NUM>, the pillow may provide additional insulation around the objects within the internal compartment <NUM>. The internal compartment <NUM> may be several cm in length and width and suitable for stowing objects such as a cellphone, pacifier, or other such objects in addition to the bottle as described above. In some examples, the internal compartment <NUM> may be positioned at or near the top or bottom surface of the body <NUM> and receive a heating or cooling pad to provide warming or cooling to a user while using or wearing the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. In some examples, the internal compartment may extend between two internal pillows within the body <NUM> or in between layers of air spacer filler described above.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with an attachment rail <NUM> for accessories. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, although it will be appreciated that other attachment rails could be used similar to those described herein. The attachment rail <NUM> provide the ability for one or more slidable attachments to be movably coupled to the pillow body. The slidable attachments slide along any position of rail <NUM> and may be constructed of various shapes, often including a slot or opening to allow various peripheral items, such as pacifiers, bibs, towels, toys, or other such objects to be attached to the slidable attachments. In the way, an item may be slidably coupled to the pillow body <NUM> by simply coupling it to one of the slidable attachments. An example of an attachment rail <NUM> may include the toy attachment systems described with respect to <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. The attachment point <NUM> is positioned on the exterior curved surface of the body <NUM> though it may be positioned in other locations, such as the sides or ends of body <NUM>. At the exterior edge of the body <NUM> or the ends of body <NUM>, toys or other objects secured to the attachment point <NUM> may not interfere with the wearer.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with an attached nursing cover <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and ties <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> and ties <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, although it will be appreciated that other nursing and cover devices could be used similar to those described herein. The nursing cover <NUM> connects to, or is sewn to a seam of the body <NUM> to provide strength to the attachment point. The nursing cover <NUM> may include straps, shoulder loops, neck loops, or other such devices to maintain the nursing cover <NUM> in place while nursing. The nursing cover <NUM> may stow within a pocket, such as the pockets described above when not in use. In some examples, the nursing cover <NUM> may be removable from the body <NUM> when not in use. The nursing cover <NUM> and body <NUM> may include a zipper attachment, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, or other such attachment means to secure the nursing cover <NUM> to the body <NUM>. The nursing cover <NUM> may be formed of a fabric material that is breathable while visually opaque.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a pull-out storage bag <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and ties <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> and ties <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, although it will be appreciated that other storage bags and compartments could be used similar to those described herein. The body <NUM> includes a storage bag <NUM> that stows into a pocket formed in body <NUM>, such as internal compartment <NUM> of <FIG>. The storage bag <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the body <NUM> or may be formed of a stretchy material, such as a jersey knit. The storage bag <NUM> may contain the entire compact nursing pillow <NUM> within the storage bag <NUM>. The storage bag <NUM> may be secured to or be separate from the body <NUM>. The size and shape of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> enables the pillow to be compactly stored within the storage bag as the compact nursing pillow <NUM> can be tightly packed when curled to fit within a relatively smaller volume than when in an open configuration. The small size of the pillow when in the compact configuration enables the pillow to be easily transported and stored in a small bag such as the storage bag or within another bag such as a purse or diaper bag. The storage bag may be turned inside out to store the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. The storage bag <NUM> may protect the compact nursing pillow <NUM> while stored.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM> with a carry handle <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and ties <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> and ties <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, although it will be appreciated that other handles and/or carrying attachments could be used similar to those described herein. The carry handle <NUM> may be used to carry the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. The carry handle <NUM> is shown on the side of body <NUM>, though in some examples, the carry handle <NUM> may be located in other positions on the body <NUM>. The carry handle <NUM> may be detachable at one or both ends, and may be used to secure the compact nursing pillow <NUM> to other objects, such as a bag while traveling.

<FIG> depicts a compact nursing pillow <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and ties <NUM> that may be the same body <NUM> and ties <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> depict various ways in which compact nursing pillow <NUM> may be worn by a user <NUM>. In <FIG> a first manner <NUM> is shown for using the compact nursing pillow <NUM>, in <FIG> a second manner <NUM> of using the compact nursing pillow <NUM> is shown. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> is secured around the torso of the user <NUM>. The narrow thickness of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> is positioned at the front of the user in <FIG> while the thick end of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> is positioned at the front of the user in <FIG>. The varying thickness of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> provides varying heights for the head of the baby while nursing. Additionally, the remainder of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> may curve around the side and back of the user <NUM> and provide support for an arm, elbow, or back of the user <NUM>. Due to the tapered shape of the comma shape of the body of the compact nursing pillow <NUM>, the user <NUM> may position the pillow <NUM> to provide an adjustable support height for the baby. The comma shape of the pillow <NUM> also enables the pillow <NUM> to accommodate a wide variety of uses and users <NUM>, such as users having a tall torso who may need the pillow <NUM> to support the baby at a greater height than a user <NUM> with a relatively shorter torso while nursing. The different thicknesses and widths over the length of the comma shape of the pillow <NUM> enable this adjustability for supporting a baby and also enable compact storage of the pillow <NUM> when the ends of the pillow are brought together into a compact configuration.

<FIG> depict a further use of compact nursing pillow <NUM>. In <FIG>, in a first manner <NUM>, pillow <NUM> is tied into a compact configuration and placed on an arm of a user <NUM>. In <FIG>, the pillow <NUM> is shown in a second manner <NUM> around the arm of the user <NUM>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> is held in the compact configuration by ties <NUM> which are secured together. The ties <NUM> may be wrapped around the compact nursing pillow <NUM> before tying. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> may be worn on the arm of a user <NUM> while nursing, for example with the head of the baby placed on the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. In this configuration the varying width of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> provides a range of heights at which the head of the baby may be supported for comfort of the user <NUM>.

<FIG> depict examples <NUM> and <NUM> of when compact nursing pillow <NUM> is worn around the waist of a user <NUM>. The user <NUM> is shown seated, wearing the compact nursing pillow <NUM> similar to the configuration shown in <FIG> above. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> is secured around the torso of the user <NUM> while seated. The narrow thickness of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> is positioned at one lateral side of the user <NUM>. The varying thickness of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> provides varying heights for supporting the baby <NUM> while nursing. The baby <NUM> is shown in <FIG> resting with its torso on a thicker portion of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> as compared with the narrow thickness at the side of user <NUM>. Because the compact nursing pillow has the comma shape that tapers from a first end to a second end, the user <NUM> may rotate the pillow <NUM> around their torso to provide a desired support height for the baby <NUM>, for example while nursing. The shape enables the pillow <NUM> to fit most users <NUM> of a variety of sizes and also provides for a convenient travel configuration enabled by the ability of the pillow <NUM> to curl into a compact shape with the first end and the second end of the pillow <NUM> in contact. In use, the user <NUM> may initially position the pillow <NUM> to support the baby <NUM> but desire to have the baby's head at a higher or lower height for ease of nursing the baby <NUM>. The user <NUM> may rotate the pillow <NUM> around their torso until the thickness of the pillow <NUM> provides a desired height for nursing the baby <NUM>. Additionally, the remainder of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> curves around the front and opposite side of the user <NUM> and provides support for an arm, elbow, or back of the user <NUM>. In some examples, the compact nursing pillow <NUM> may be positioned in other arrangements around the user <NUM> to provide support to different parts of the user <NUM> and/or baby <NUM>. For example, the baby <NUM> may be turned one hundred and eighty degrees from the configuration shown in <FIG> such that the baby <NUM> is positioned relatively lower for nursing.

<FIG> depict examples <NUM> and <NUM> of compact nursing pillow <NUM> worn around the arm of a user <NUM>. The configuration may be similar to that described above with respect to <FIG>. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> is held in the compact configuration by ties <NUM> which are secured together. The ties <NUM> may be wrapped around the compact nursing pillow <NUM> before tying in some examples. The compact nursing pillow <NUM> may be worn on the arm of a user <NUM> while nursing, for example with the head of the baby <NUM> placed on the compact nursing pillow <NUM>. In this configuration the varying width of the compact nursing pillow <NUM> provides a range of heights at which the head of the baby may be supported for comfort of the user <NUM>. For example, by rotating the compact nursing pillow <NUM> around the arm of the user <NUM>, the head of the baby <NUM> will be supported at varying heights due to the varying width of the compact nursing pillow <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A compact nursing pillow (<NUM>), comprising:
a pillow body (<NUM>) comprising two end regions (<NUM>, <NUM>), and an outer region and an inner region that extend between the two end regions (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein a first end region (<NUM>) of the two end regions (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a first width and a second end region of the two end regions (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a second width, the first width greater than the second width, the inner region and outer region are each curved to define a comma shape having a head at the first end region (<NUM>) and a tail at the second end region (<NUM>), the inner region is curved with a first curvature and first apex of curvature and the outer region is curved with a second curvature and a second apex of curvature, with the second curvature greater than the first curvature and the first apex of curvature positioned nearer the second end region (<NUM>) than the second apex of curvature, and wherein a thickness of the pillow body increases from the second end region (<NUM>) to the first end region (<NUM>); characterized in
a first securing member (<NUM>) attached to the first end region (<NUM>) at a first location (<NUM>), wherein the first securing member (<NUM>) has a length of between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and is offset from a tip of the first end region (<NUM>); and
a second securing member (<NUM>) attached to the second end region (<NUM>) at a second location (<NUM>), wherein the second securing member (<NUM>) has a length of between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and is offset from a tip of the second end region (<NUM>);
wherein the first securing member (<NUM>) and the second securing member (<NUM>) each comprises a tie, the first securing member (<NUM>) and the second securing member (<NUM>) securable together to maintain a shape and position of the pillow body (<NUM>) relative to a user.