CA2487522A1 - Contour adjusting pillow - Google Patents

Contour adjusting pillow Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2487522A1
CA2487522A1 CA002487522A CA2487522A CA2487522A1 CA 2487522 A1 CA2487522 A1 CA 2487522A1 CA 002487522 A CA002487522 A CA 002487522A CA 2487522 A CA2487522 A CA 2487522A CA 2487522 A1 CA2487522 A1 CA 2487522A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
pillow
user
section
pair
spaced apart
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002487522A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alexander Taylor Coutts
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2487522A1 publication Critical patent/CA2487522A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10Pillows

Abstract

An apparatus for resting a head of a user during sleep has a layer of closed cell foam disposed over a layer of open cell foam. A section of the apparatus that resembles a quarter moon in shape is removed to allow space for a head and shoulders of a user to better engage with the pillow sufficient to retain the user in a position of cooperation with the pillow. A pair of spaced-apart parallel cuts is provided from one end of the pillow to a depth of approximately two-thirds of the pillow to provide three hinged portions that are adapted to accommodate a portion of an arm or hand of the user that may be inserted under the pillow.

Description

Contour Adjusting Pillow BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention, in general relates to pillows and, more particularly, to pillows that contain different densities of foam.
Pillows are well known and are used to elevate a head during sleep or rest. By elevating the head, pillows keep the spinal column aligned and help promote sleep without irritation.
The search for an ideal pillow has included a variety of fill materials and shapes. Earlier, goose down was regarded as a superior material. Today, it is generally believed to provide less than optimum support.
Various density foams are also used. The problem with any one given density of foam is that if adequate lift is provided, it tends to feel too stiff and if a softer fill material is selected so that it feels acceptable inadequate lift is then provided.

Accordingly, state of the art pillow design has included the use of dual density types of foam material, While this is the current state of the art, there is still a difficulty in adjusting the pillow for optimum comfort and fit.
This is because the contour of the head and shoulders is such that a person tends to shift (i.e., roll) off of the pillow during sleep. If a person rolls out of cooperation with a well designed pillow, the person experiences a transition from a well conceived sleep position to one of essentially no support and the person may awake feeling considerable physical discomfort and as if he or she had a poor rest or sleep.
It is therefore desirable to embed a person in a pillow in such a manner that the person tends to stay in cooperation with the pillow for the entire night or at least the bulk of it. The word "night" is used to indicate the time allotted for sleep or rest and can of course be during daylight hours for those who sleep during the day.
Also, prior designs do not adequately take into account the arms of the person sleeping. For many people, they prefer to insert an arm underneath a portion of the pillow during sleep. Prior art designs of pillows, especially foam and dual density types of foam pillows, do not readily accommodate an arm underneath. A pressure point is created by the hand or arm that also tends to elevate the entire pillow. Stress is also placed upon the arm or hand, resulting in possible poor circulation.
Accordingly, there exists today a need for a contour adjusting pillow that helps to ameliorate the above-mentioned difficulties.
Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device.
2. nescription of Prior Art:
Pillows are, in general, known. For example, a dual density type of pillow is marketed on the Internet at www.contourcloud.com at telephone number 800 950-0230.
While the structural arrangements of the above described devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a contour adjusting pillow that is comfortable to sleep or rest on.
It is also an important abject of the invention to provide a contour adjusting pillow that helps to retain a person in cooperation with the pillow during sleep (unconsciousness).
Another object of the invention is to provide a contour adjusting pillow that helps prevent a person from rolling out of a position of cooperation with the pillow during sleep.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a contour adjusting pillow that adjusts for a hand that is placed under the pillow.
Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a contour adjusting pillow that adjusts for a portion of an arm that is placed under the pillow.
Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a contour adjusting pillow that adjusts for a portion of an arm and a hand that are placed under the pillow.
Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide a contour adjusting pillow that does not excessively elevate any portion of the pillow if either a portion of an arm or hand are placed underneath the pillow.
Briefly, a contour adjusting pillow that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a closed cell foam on top over a layer of open cell. An arc.uate portion is removed to allow space for a head and shoulders to engage the pillow. A pair of spaced-apart parallel cuts is provided from one end of the pillow to a depth of approximately two-thirds of the pillow to accommodate a portion of an arm or hand that may be inserted under the pillow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of a PRIOR ART pillow.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of the PRIOR ART pillow of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a contour adjusting pillow.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a modified contour adjusting pillow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is shown, a PRIOR ART
type of pillow, identified in general by the reference numeral 5. An upper layer of a closed cell 6 high density of foam is disposed over a lower layer of an open cell 8 lower density type of foam. The closed cell foam 6 adapts to the shape of the head while the open cell foam 8 provides a softer, suppler base.
Referring now to FIG. 3 is shown, a contour adjusting pillow, identified in general by the reference numeral 10.
The contour adjusting pillow may include the dual density closed cell foam 6 over the open cell foam 8 of the prior art or it may include any single density of foam or even a triple layering of various densities of foam as may be desired.
The pillow 10 includes a first side 12 that is intended to abut the shoulders of a user (not shown). An opposite second side 14 is intended to be disposed away from the shoulders. If the pillow 10 includes an asymmetrical configuration, either of the longer sides of a generally rectangular shaped pillow 10 may be used as the first side 12.
Beginning on the first side 12, an arcuate cut 16 is provided into the pillow 10. The arcuate cut 16 begins on the first side 12 near a first edge 18 and extends inward in an arc, reversing direction, and then back out to the first side 12 near a second opposite edge 20.

A section is removed, identified in general by the reference numeral 22. The section 22 includes a flat portion of the first side 12 and corresponds with the curvature of the arcuate cut 16 for the rest of its shape. The section 22 generally resembles a "quarter moon" in plan view.
The space left by removal of the section 22 allows a user (not shown) to embed himself or herself deeper into the pillow 10. A space is thereby provided that is adapted to accept a portion of the shoulders and upper torso area of the user within the overall rectangular outline of the pillow 10.
Accordingly, the user is retained in the pillow 10 during sleep and the pillow 10 itself provides restraint that helps to keep the user from rolling out of a position of cooperation with the pillow 10 during the night.
A first cut 24 extends from one side of the arcuate cut 16 parallel with the first edge 18 toward the second side 14 but not reaching it. The length of the first cut 24 is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the overall length of the first edge 18.
s A second cut 26 is similarly provided that extends from the opposite side of the arcuate cut 16 parallel with the second edge 20 toward the second side 14 a depth that is equal to the first cut 24.
Together, the first cut 24 and the second cut 26 provide a segmenting of the pillow 10 into three portions, identified as 28, 30, and 32 that are hinged to the section that is near the second side 26 at a depth where the first and second cuts 24, 26 end. Any of the three portions 28, 30, 32 are able to pivot upward with respect to the remaining portions 28-32 if a hand or portion of an arm (not shown) is inserted under the pillow 10. This relieves stress upon the arm or hand and it also prevents raising of the pillow 10 an undesirable amount for sleep.
Accordingly, the user is retained in a position of cooperation with the pillow 10 and is also able to comfortably place a hand or portion of the arm or both underneath the pillow 10 without adversely affecting the positioning and functioning of the pillow 10.
Referring now to FIG. 4, is shown a modified contour adjusting pillow, identified by the reference numeral 40.
The modified pillow 40 is similar to the pillow 10 except the first and second cuts 24, 26 are eliminated and replaced by a modified first cut 42 and a modified second cut 44.
The modified first cut 42 extends from the second side 14 toward the arcuate cut 16 as does the spaced-apart parallel modified second cut 44. Both the modified first and second cuts 42, 44 do not reach the arcuate cut 16. Three modified portions are provided 46, 48, 50 that are also independently hinged with respect to a remaining portion of the modified pillow 40 at a location where the modified cuts 42, 44 end.
Any of the modified portions 46-50 can elevate to accommodate the arm or hand of the user, as was previously described for the portions 28-32 of the pillow 10. The difference is whether the hinge area is disposed nearest the first side 12 (the pillow 10) or nearest the second side 14 (the modified pillow 40). Both versions provide the benefits herein described.
The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.
What is claimed is:

Claims (7)

1. An improved pillow of the type having a foam core, wherein the improvement comprises:
removing a section of said pillow on a side that is adapted for placement proximate a user, said section including a flat edge on said side proximate a user and an arcuate inner shape and wherein said section extends entirely through said pillow, wherein a space provided by the absence of said section is adapted to receive a portion of an upper torso of said user.
2. An improved pillow of the type having a foam core, wherein the improvement comprises:
providing a pair of spaced apart cuts through said pillow that extend from a first side of said pillow into said pillow for a predetermined distance.
3. The improved pillow of claim 2 further comprising removing a section of said pillow on a side that is adapted for placement proximate a user, said section including a flat edge on said side proximate a user and an arcuate inner shape and wherein said section extends entirely through said pillow, wherein a space provided by the absence of said section is adapted to receive a portion of an upper torso of said user and wherein each of said pair of spaced apart cuts begins at said arcuate inner shape and extends a predetermined distance toward an opposite side of said pillow.
4. The improved pillow of claim 2 further comprising removing a section of said pillow on a side that is adapted for placement proximate a user, said section including a flat edge on said side proximate a user and an arcuate inner shape and wherein said section extends entirely through said pillow, wherein a space provided by the absence of said section is adapted to receive a portion of an upper torso of said user and wherein each of said pair of spaced apart cuts begins at on an opposite side of said pillow from said side and wherein each of said pair of spaced apart cuts extends a predetermined distance toward arcuate inner shape of said pillow.
5. An improved pillow of the type having a layer of closed cell foam over a layer of open cell foam, wherein the improvement comprises:
(a) removing a section of said pillow on a side that is adapted for placement proximate a user, said section including a flat edge on said side proximate a user and an arcuate inner shape and wherein said section extends entirely through said pillow, wherein a space that is provided by the absence of said section is adapted to receive a portion of an upper torso of said user; and (b) providing a pair of spaced apart cuts through said pillow that extend into said pillow for a predetermined distance.
6. The improved pillow of claim 5 wherein said pair of spaced apart cuts each begins at said arcuate inner shape and extends toward an opposite side.
7. The improved pillow of claim 5 wherein said pair of spaced apart cuts each begin at an opposite side of said pillow and extend a predetermined distance toward said side that is adapted for placement proximate a user.
CA002487522A 2003-12-23 2004-11-15 Contour adjusting pillow Abandoned CA2487522A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/745,849 US6976280B2 (en) 2003-12-23 2003-12-23 Contour adjusting pillow
US10/745,849 2003-12-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2487522A1 true CA2487522A1 (en) 2005-06-23

Family

ID=34679191

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002487522A Abandoned CA2487522A1 (en) 2003-12-23 2004-11-15 Contour adjusting pillow

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6976280B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2487522A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7467432B2 (en) * 2007-04-13 2008-12-23 Pacific Coast Feather Company Pillow with central spaced internal baffles
US20110048429A1 (en) * 2009-09-02 2011-03-03 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Patient Positioning Apparatus
US8276227B2 (en) * 2009-12-23 2012-10-02 Pileggi Vincent J Multi-adjustable pillow
US20130312190A1 (en) * 2012-05-25 2013-11-28 Christopher Bieniek Orthopedic shoulder pillow
US9138087B2 (en) * 2014-02-07 2015-09-22 Latitude Innovations Universal prone/supine pillow

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2795802A (en) * 1954-06-21 1957-06-18 Leslie C Myers Pillow
US3243828A (en) * 1963-10-28 1966-04-05 Thad B Mccarty Cervical pillow
US3757364A (en) * 1972-03-31 1973-09-11 J Downing Sleeping pillow
US5033137A (en) * 1987-08-12 1991-07-23 John Pedrow Orthopedic pillow with groove for spine
USD388648S (en) * 1996-02-12 1998-01-06 Patricia Ann Bates Face saving pillow design
US5937460A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-08-17 Humphries; Bruce A. Cervical pillow having adjustable height and side cushions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20050132496A1 (en) 2005-06-23
US6976280B2 (en) 2005-12-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2232020C (en) Therapeutic sleeping pillow
EP1377192B1 (en) A mattress
US5642543A (en) Adjustable ergonomic pillow
US7203983B1 (en) Pillow
US6182312B1 (en) Orthopedic head and neck support pillow that requires no break-in period
US6915539B2 (en) Pillow
EP0959745B1 (en) Pillow
US6154903A (en) Body rest structures
US5644809A (en) Cervical pillow
US20020020022A1 (en) Modular maternity mattress system
US20060253986A1 (en) Pillow construction
US20060064819A1 (en) Reversible orthopedic memory foam pillow
US6226817B1 (en) Pillow construction
US6336236B1 (en) Snuggle pillow
KR20070098544A (en) Elastic pillow body
US6976280B2 (en) Contour adjusting pillow
US20050257320A1 (en) Therapeutic memory foam pillow
US6902537B1 (en) Upper body support device
US6484336B1 (en) Orthopedic side sleeper comfort pillow and method
WO1998007358A1 (en) Pillow
JP2000350649A (en) Pillow
JP3047525U (en) Bedding aids
CN211269783U (en) Health-care pillow
CN218551887U (en) Mattress capable of self-regulating local hardness and height
CN218246658U (en) Partitioned pillow core and pillow

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead