Patent ID: 12207749

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The features and advantages of example embodiments of the invention presented herein are directed to new systems, devices and methods for aiding comfort during rest and relaxation while lying in the prone position are provided, including a new type of pillow aiding human users in lying in the prone position, which are now described herein. These and other aspects will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings. This description is not intended to limit the application to the embodiments presented herein, which are only examples of the virtually unlimited possible embodiments falling within the scope of the present application. In fact, after reading the following description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the following example embodiments in alternative embodiments, including any possible order, number or other arrangement of components and subcomponents (the following orders, components, subcomponents and/or relationships being non-limiting).

Embodiments of systems, devices and methods for aiding comfort during rest and relaxation while lying in the prone position in accordance with some aspects set forth in this Specification are depicted inFIGS.1-9. The following is a list of defined components and/or aspects and reference numbers therefor, as used throughout the figures:

ReferenceNo.Component100prone lying enhancement pillow101human user103face (of human user 101)105outer area (of human user 101′s face 103)107central area (of human user 101′s face 103)109forehead (of human user 101)111sides (of human user 101′s face 103)113compliant yet supportive cushion115uncovered areas (of human user 101′s forehead 109)117floor-facing surface (of pronelying enhancement pillow 100)119ancillary lower extensions(of prone lying enhancement pillow 100)121lower tips (of prone lying enhancement pillow 100)123eye area (of human user 101′s face 103)125Temple (of human user 101′s face 103)127sinus area (of human user 101′s face 103)129central open area (of prone lying enhancement pillow 100)131central channel (of prone lying enhancement pillow 100)200prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)201visible portion (prone lyingenhancement pillow 200′s U-shape)203floor205head (of human user 101)207prone position209perimetric fitment (of prone lying enhancementpillow 200 to human user′s face 103)211force vector illustrating arrow(of weight and other downward pressurefrom human user′s face 103)213face-and forehead-facing surface(of prone lying enhancement pillow 200)215compressed configuration(of prone lying enhancement pillow 200)217normal directional force arrow (from floor 203)219neck (of human user 101)300prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)301interfacing surface303multiple levels (of topological features 305)305topological features 305 (of interfacing surface 301)307concave area(s) (of interfacing surface 301)309angled and contoured bevel (of concave area 307)400prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)401interfacing surface403concave area (of interfacing surface 401)405angled and contoured bevel (of concave area 403)407locally raised areas409eye and temple pressure relief areas411elongated sides (of prone lying enhancement pillow 400)500prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)501central open channel (of pronelying enhancement pillow 500)600prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)700prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)800prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)900prone lying enhancement pillow (alternative embodiment)

FIG.1is a bottom view drawing of an example prone lying enhancement pillow100shown in use aiding a human user101in lying in the prone position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. As can be seen in the figure, in some embodiments, prone lying enhancement pillow100is, at least generally, U-shaped. Unlike most other U-shaped pillows, however, the shape of prone lying enhancement pillow100is configured to aid in lying in a prone position by having a perimetric fitment to a human user's face, such as example human user101's face103. As used in the present application, a “perimetric fitment to a human user's face” means that an aspect of the pillow interfaces with an outer area of the human user's face, such as example outer area105of human user101's face, while the human user lays in the prone position. In some such embodiments, such a perimetric fitment is approximately and/or partially perimetric, or at least surrounding a central area, such as example central area107, of the human user's face.

In some such embodiments, an aspect(s) of the pillow touches and interfaces with the forehead, such as example human user101's forehead109, and outer sides, such as example sides111, of the human face. And, in some embodiments, such an aspect(s) includes a compliant yet supportive cushion113that hugs outer contours of the human face. In some embodiments, such an aspect(s) includes a surface of the pillow (not visible in the present figure) facing the user's forehead, which, in some such embodiments, covers a majority of the user's forehead (such as example human user101's forehead109) when in use, as pictured. In some embodiments, the contours are especially closely-fitted on or about the temples of the human face, and provide beneficial acupressure at those pressure points, reducing fatigue and sinus pressure. However, in some embodiments, supportive cushion113does not cover or contact all of the human user's forehead. In some such embodiments, at least some uncovered areas115remain uncovered, and, in some such embodiments, the human user may shift cushion113, e.g., up or down vertically on her or his face, to more comfortably fit prone lying enhancement pillow100to the human user's face. In some such embodiments, the surface of the pillow facing the user's forehead may include different levels and/or amounts of cushioning and support. And, in some such embodiments, by so shifting cushion113and interfacing such different levels with different features of her or his forehead and/or face, the human user may also alter the amount by which her or his face and head, such as example human user101's face103, is raised from a ground, floor or other surface (not pictured in the present figure) on which a floor-facing surface117is laid.

In some embodiments, a pillow in accordance with aspects of this application is about 5 inches wide by 6 inches in length. However, in some embodiments, the length of such a pillow (measured along the length of a human face placed into it, as pictured below), may be shorter than its width. However, in some embodiments, which are preferred, the width and length of such a pillow may be the same, or approximately the same (e.g., 6 inches by 6 inches, or 5 inches by 5 inches).

In some embodiments, ancillary lower extensions119are included in prone lying enhancement pillow100. In some such embodiments, ancillary lower extensions119are located at and/or form a part of lower tips121of prone lying enhancement pillow100. And, in some embodiments, ancillary lower extensions119include concavities on surfaces thereof facing the user's face (not pictured in the present figure). In some such embodiments, such concavities relieve pressure on or about the user's eye areas, temples and/or sinus areas, such as example eye area123, example temple125, and example sinus area127, as pictured.

In any event, owing at least in part to the above-discussed perimetric fitment to a human user's face, in some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow100includes a central open area129which, when the pillow is in use, is located at or about the human user's nose, mouth and/or eyes, and/or a central area, such as example central area107, of the human user's face in some embodiments. In some embodiments, central open area129may be, or include, a cove, at or about the location of a user's nose and/or mouth when fitted properly to a user's face, as pictured. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow100also includes a central channel131, through which airflow is maintained to and from central open area129, even when example prone lying enhancement pillow100is in use, aiding a human user in lying in the prone position, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In some such embodiments, the user's nose and/or mouth remains suspended above, and clear of, a surface on which prone lying enhancement pillow100is laid, within such a central open area, when so properly fitted, as pictured. And, In some embodiments, a more complex network of breathability passageways may be included, in addition to central open area129.

In some embodiments, an air filtering material (e.g., a mesh) may be included, in a material at or about central open area129, covering the user's face, or nose and/or mouth, to filter particles, chemicals or other things from entering the user's airway (not pictured).

It should be noted that the number, location(s) and arrangement(s) of any of the components discussed above, and elsewhere herein, may vary widely in different embodiments of the invention, the embodiments specifically set forth and pictured in this application being only exemplary of the virtually unlimited numbers, locations and arrangements falling within the scope of the inventions set forth herein, as will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

FIG.2is a side view drawing of an example prone lying enhancement pillow200, shown in use by the same example human user101, discussed above, in reference toFIG.1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow200may be the same as or at least similar in nature to the example prone lying enhancement pillow100, also discussed above, in reference toFIG.1. And, as with example prone lying enhancement pillow100, in some embodiments, prone lying enhancement pillow200is at least generally U-shaped (although that at least generally U-shaped aspect may not be fully seen, only a limited visible portion201of the U-shape being now visible in the present perspective of the figure). As shown in the present figure, user101has placed prone lying enhancement pillow200against an example floor203, and placed human user101's head205face-down into it, in accordance with some embodiments. More specifically, as pictured, user101has placed floor-facing surface117against floor203, laid down in a prone position207, and inserted her face103into a central, open area of the pillow (not visible in the present figure, but the same as or similar in nature to central, open area129, discussed above). In so doing, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the prone lying enhancement pillow (in this case, prone lying enhancement pillow200) has a perimetric fitment209to a human user's face103. In some embodiments, in so using prone lying enhancement pillow200, the pillow reacts to weight from human user101's head205and other downward pressure from human user's face103, which are shown by force vector illustrating arrow211, against the face- and forehead-facing surface213of the pillow facing the user's forehead109, in some embodiments, by entering a compressed configuration215. In such a compressed configuration215, the prone lying enhancement pillow200generally shortens in elevation (in the perpendicular direction, illustrated by example normal directional force arrow217, off of the floor203, under that weight and pressure). It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the normal directional forces indicated by normal directional force arrow217are equal to, and exactly oppose in scale and direction, the weight from human user101's head205and other downward pressure from human user's face103, as discussed above. However, owing to firm, yet comfortable and supportive cushioning component(s) of prone lying enhancement pillow200, as discussed further below, prone lying enhancement pillow200resists further compression, maintaining, or at least substantially maintaining, the compressed configuration215pictured.

In the compressed configuration215, as pictured, prone lying enhancement pillow200supports human user101's head205in a position aiding in producing a neutral position of human user101's neck219and spine (not pictured, but within human user's neck219), meaning that human user101's neck is not, or not substantially, in a state of flexion, extension, lateral bending or rotation. In some embodiments, such a neutral position of human user101's neck219and spine may be in a slight state of flexion, extension, lateral bending and/or rotation, but not by more than ten (10) degrees of flexion, extension, lateral bending and/or rotation. In some embodiments, such a neutral position of human user101's neck219and spine is not in a state of flexion or extension by more than ten (10) degrees. In some embodiments, such a neutral position of human user101's neck219and spine is not in a state of flexion or extension by more than about ten (10) degrees.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, prone lying enhancement pillow200and/or the firm, yet comfortable and supportive cushioning component(s) present within prone lying enhancement pillow200, may include a wide variety of suitable material(s). For example, in some embodiments, such material(s) include a memory foam and/or a high density, small cell foam, which reacts to weight from human user101's head211and other downward pressure against the forehead-facing surface213, as discussed above, by compressing and conforming to the contours of human user101's face103, including forehead109.

However, in some embodiments, prone lying enhancement pillow200is subject to compression under that weight from human user101's head211and other downward pressure against the forehead-facing surface213, as discussed above, to a limited degree. In other words, the compression of prone lying enhancement pillow200, under the weight from human user101's head211and other downward pressure against the forehead-facing surface213, as discussed above, occurs in a limited range (e.g., with a maximum degree of compression at, or at about, the compressed configuration215pictured).

In some embodiments, prone lying enhancement pillow200and/or the firm, yet comfortable and supportive cushioning component(s) present within prone lying enhancement pillow200, includes more than one material. In some embodiments, the firm, yet comfortable and supportive cushioning component(s) include an internal cushioning matrix.

Some embodiments of the pillow include cushioning including a suitably resilient, yet soft material(s), with limited compliance, to allow for the above-described support and compressed configuration215). In some embodiments, such cushioning includes high-density foam (such as a memory foam). In some embodiments, such a material(s) is, or includes a polyester foam (e.g., a polyester memory foam) with about a 100% recovery rate. In some embodiments, such a material(s) is or includes a small-cell, polyurethane foam of a high density is used. In some embodiments, such a material(s) is or includes a medium firm density and/or a sufficient compression rate to support a user's face while maintaining the central open area129and central channel131, discussed above. For example, in some embodiments, the cushioning matrix of the pillow has an Indentation Force Deflection (“compression rating” or “IFD”) of somewhere in the range of 12-75 pounds (to compress the cushioning matrix 25%). However, preferably, in some embodiments, the cushioning matrix of the pillow has a compression rating in the range of 35-50 pounds, where a 12″ Long×12″ Wide×1″ thick foam pillow cushioning piece is used as the cushioning matrix, or, in some alternative embodiments, where a 5″ Long×5″ Wide×2″ thick foam pillow cushioning piece is used as the cushioning matrix. However, in some embodiments the cushioning matrix of the pillow has a compression rating of 44 pounds, which is preferred to some other values within that range. Even more preferably, in some embodiments, the cushioning matrix of the pillow has a compression rating of 45 pounds. In some embodiments, the density of the cushioning is at least about 2.8 pounds per cubic foot, where polyurethane foam is used as the cushioning matrix, or considerably higher, in some such embodiments.

In some embodiments, the pillow is personalized in shape, to follow the contours of an individual's face.

In some embodiments, the pillow includes additional material(s), such as a material selected from any or all of the following: Bamboo, a nylon (e.g., recycled nylon), neoprene, a moisture-wicking material, linen, silk, chambray, cotton, a micro modal material and viscose.

It should be understood that, although certain suitable material(s) for certain example prone lying enhancement pillow embodiments have been set forth above, for illustrative purposes, the inventions set forth in the present application are of course not limited by those specific examples, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the inventions set forth herein. A wide variety of alternative, suitable materials, and combinations thereof, being virtually unlimited and impossible or impractical to innumerate herein, are also within the scope of the invention, as will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

FIG.3is a three-quarter perspective view of another example prone lying enhancement pillow300, in accordance with some embodiments. As with other example prone lying enhancement pillows discussed in the present application, in some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow300includes an interfacing surface301that faces a human user's forehead, and/or other portions of the user's face, when in use. And, in some such embodiments, such an interfacing surface covers a majority of the human user's forehead, as it is placed against it, when in use. However, in some such embodiments, such a surface does not cover all of the human user's forehead, allowing the user to shift the location of her or his face against the surface. And, in some embodiments, the interfacing surface301includes multiple levels303of topological features305, each having different elevations from a floor on which a side opposite from the interfacing surface is placed. In some such embodiments, such multiple levels of topological features allow the user to alter the elevation of her or his head when using prone lying enhancement pillow300, and thereby alter and select the angle of her or his neck (i.e., the angle of flexion and/or extension) to her or his liking. In some embodiments, such an interfacing surface includes a concave area(s)307of the pillow that touches and interfaces differently with specific contours of the human face. In some such embodiments, such a concave area includes an angled and contoured bevel309with a complementary fitment to a human user's face.

For example, in some embodiments, such an interfacing surface and concave area touches and interfaces with a majority of the user's forehead, thereby providing support and selective pressure to the user's forehead, and less pressure on other areas of the user's face, even if touching and interfacing with such other areas, owing to such concave area(s)307.

FIG.4is a side view of another example prone lying enhancement pillow400, taken from a side of the pillow opposite from the side placed against the floor when in use, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow400may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-3. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow400has at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-3, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

Among other aspects, as discussed above, in some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow400includes an interfacing surface401that faces a human user's forehead, and/or other portions of the user's face, when in use, which may be the same as, or similar in nature to the interfacing surface301, discussed above. And, in some embodiments, such an interfacing surface includes a concave area403of the pillow that touches and interfaces differently with specific contours of the human face.

In some such embodiments, such a concave area includes an angled and contoured bevel, such as that shown as example angled and contoured bevel405, having a complementary fitment to a human user's face, which may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example angled and contoured bevel309, discussed above, in some embodiments. In addition, in some embodiments, ridges or other locally raised areas, such as the examples shown as example locally raised areas407, may also be present within concave area403, to create greater support and force against pressure points of a user's face, when placed against it, while in use. And, conversely, in some such embodiments, concave area403may include one or more areas of greater depth and/or concavity, such as examples shown as example eye and temple pressure relief areas409, which correspond with the location of a user's eyes and/or temples when using example prone lying enhancement pillow400, in some embodiments.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, prone lying enhancement pillow400includes elongated sides411that form a crescent shape. However, in some embodiments, such elongated sides are straighter, descending along in a straight line vertically, or approximately vertically, in shape similar to that shown for prone lying enhancement pillow100, discussed above.

Overall, in some embodiments, such an interfacing surface touches and interfaces with a majority of the user's forehead. And, in some embodiments, such an interfacing surface provides support and selective pressure to the user's forehead, and less pressure on other areas of the user's face, even if touching and interfacing with such other areas.

FIG.5is another side view of another example prone lying enhancement pillow500, taken from a side of the pillow facing the central open channel501, which may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the central channel131discussed above, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow500may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-4. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow500has at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-4, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

FIG.6is a top view drawing of another example prone lying enhancement pillow600, taken from a side of the pillow opposite the central open channel discussed above, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow600may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-5. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow600has at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-5, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

FIG.7is a left, side view drawing of another example prone lying enhancement pillow700, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow700may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-6, above. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow700has all, or at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-6, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

FIG.8is a right, side view drawing of another example prone lying enhancement pillow800, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow800may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-7, above. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow800has all, or at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-7, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

FIG.9is a bottom view drawing of another example prone lying enhancement pillow900(take from the same perspective as shown inFIG.1, above, with respect to example prone lying enhancement pillow100), in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow900may be the same as, or similar in nature to, the example prone lying enhancement pillow shown with respect toFIGS.1-8, above. In some embodiments, example prone lying enhancement pillow900has all, or at least some of the same components as shown inFIGS.1-8, above, in accordance with some additional embodiments of the present application.

In some embodiments, the prone lying enhancement pillows discussed in the present application are coupled with a custom-fitted tote bag, or other carrying bag, to enhance portability of the prone lying enhancement pillows. For example, in some embodiments, such a custom carrying bag is made of smooth nylon and/or includes structural members arranged in a honeycomb pattern, which, in some embodiments, enhances breathability of the tote and speeds drying. Some embodiments include a fastener (such as a zipper), for safely securing the pillow inside the custom carrying bag, which is all machine washable and safe.

It should be understood that the above components, steps, and number and order of components and steps, is exemplary only of certain embodiments set forth in this application, and are not intended to limit the application in any way. In fact, virtually unlimited alternative orders, numbers, instances of the above steps and components, in addition with countless additional and alternative steps may be performed, within the scope of the present application and inventions herein, as will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Although the example of a prone lying enhancement pillow including certain specified material(s), such as a memory foam and/or a high density, small cell foam, has been provided, it should be understood that any suitable alternative form of cushioning material may be used, instead of, or in addition to, such a memory foam and/or high density, small cell foam material, in various embodiments, while carrying out aspects of the present inventions, as will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.