Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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NURSING AND INFANT SUPPORT PILLOW
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Non-Provisional Patent Application
Serial No.
14/515,422 filed October 15, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
62/000,422
filed May 19, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/891,340
filed October
15, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject disclosure relates generally to the field of pillows, and
in particular
to pillows that may be used to support various items. More specifically, the
invention
relates to pillows that may rest on a user's lap to help support a nursing
infant.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pillows have a wide variety of uses. For example, pillows are used
almost
universally when sleeping to support the head. However, pillows and/or other
cushions
may also be for a variety of other uses, such as to support an infant during
breast
feeding.
[0004] Unfortunately, conventional pillows and/or boosters have not been
suitable for
use with nursing infants.
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SUMMARY
[0004a] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
support pillow, comprising: a curved cushion body comprising a top surface, a
bottom
surface, a midsection, a first curved end section on a first side of the
midsection and
a second curved end section on a second side of the midsection; and a curved
padded pillow top configured to fasten on the top surface of the cushion body,
the
curved padded pillow top comprising a midportion, a first curved end portion
attached
to a first side of the midportion via a first hinge and a second curved end
portion
attached to a second side of the midportion via a second hinge, wherein the
first
curved end portion is configured to fold onto a first portion of a surface of
the
midportion via the first hinge and the second curved end portion is configured
to fold
onto a second portion of the surface of the midportion via the second hinge.
[0004b] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided
a support pillow, comprising: a cushion base comprising a curved shape; and a
pillow
top comprising the curved shape and configured to attach to a top surface of
the
cushion base, the pillow top further comprising having a midsection, a first
end
section on a first side of the midsection and a second end section on a second
side of
the midsection, wherein at least one of the first end section or the second
end section
is configured to fold onto a portion of a surface of the midsection of the
pillow top to
form at least one three layer portion.
[0004c] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a nursing and infant support pillow, comprising: a cushion having a
midsection, a first end section and a second end section; and a pillow top
having a
midsection, a first foldable end and a second foldable end, wherein a bottom
surface
of the pillow top is fastened to a top surface of the cushion, wherein the
first foldable
end is configured to fold onto a first portion of a surface of the midsection
via a first
hinge disposed between the first foldable end and the midsection to form a
first three
layer structure.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in
detail,
wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or
steps, with
reference to the following figures, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary nursing pillow according to the subject
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the nursing pillow.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the nursing pillow
having a
cushion base and a padded pillow top.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the nursing pillow.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the nursing pillow.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the nursing pillow.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates the nursing pillow having a first end section folded
up.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates the nursing pillow having a second end section
folded up.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates the nursing pillow having the first and second end
sections
folded up.
[0015] FIG. 10 depicts the nursing pillow with the padded pillow top folded
upwardly to
show a connection with the cushion base.
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates the nursing pillow when held in a user's lap to
support an
infant.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows another exemplary nursing pillow according to the subject
disclosure.
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[0018] FIG. 13 depicts a front perspective view of the nursing pillow in FIG.
12.
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the nursing pillow
having a
cushion base, a padded pillow top and a strap.
[0020] FIG. 15 shows the nursing pillow in with the padded pillow top lifted
upwardly to
show a connection with the cushion base.
[0021] FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the nursing pillow.
[0022] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the nursing pillow.
[0023] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the nursing pillow.
[0024] FIG. 19 depicts the nursing pillow having a first foldable end section
folded
down.
[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates the nursing pillow having a second foldable end
section
folded down.
[0026] FIG. 21 shows the nursing pillow when held in a user's lap to support
an infant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described
in
greater detail with reference to the figures.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary support pillow 100 in use. The support
pillow
100 is constructed of a cushion base 10 and a padded pillow top 30. The
cushion base
and the padded pillow top 30 are similar in shape and construction and
resemble the
shape of a kidney bean or half moon.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the cushion base 10 having a cushion body 12. The cushion
body 12 includes a midsection 14 and two end sections 16 and 18. The two end
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sections 16 and 18 terminate in curved ends 20 and 22. The height of
midsection 14
may lessen along end sections 16 and 18, or may be substantially consistent
throughout the cushion base 10.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an exploded front perspective view of the padded pillow
top 30
separated from the cushion base 10. The padded pillow top 30 having a pillow
body 32,
which includes a midsection 34 and two end sections 36 and 38. The two end
sections
36 and 38 terminate in curved ends 40 and 42.
[0031] The cushion body 12 may be constructed of a filler material (not shown)
that is
surrounded by a cushion cover 24. Similarly, the padded pillow top 30 may be
constructed of a filler material (not shown) that is surrounded by a pillow
cover 44. The
covers 24, 44 may be any type of fabric such as cotton, nylon, LYCRA, denim,
polyester
or any other suitable material. For example, various natural and/or man-made
fabrics
may be employed, such as knits and woven fabrics selected from at least one of
a light
weight, medium weight, and/or heavy weight fabric and/or other suitable
material fabric.
The covers 24, 44 can also be made from a light, stretchable material, such as
elasticized cotton, muslin, fleece, blended materials and/or other suitable
material.
Other materials may include the use of organic and/or unbleached materials
which are
suitable for infant care. The cushion cover 24 may be of the same material as
the pillow
cover 44, or the covers 24, 44 may take any number of combinations of suitable
materials.
[0032] Alternatively, the covers 24, 44 may be made from sheet material. Many
fabrics known in the art may be used depending on the desired characteristics
such as
elasticity, warmth, weight, breathability, stain resistance, absence of
allergens, visual
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appeal and other factors. The covers 24, 44 may be made of a single or
multiple layer
material or parts of different materials. Flexible, non-fabric materials may
also be used
to provide special characteristics. Likewise, the various materials may be
made of the
same or different material weight.
[0033] Furthermore, various examples of filler materials that may be used
include, but
are not limited to: a resilient, compression resistant, hypoallergenic
material, such as
polyester fibers, foam, cotton, and/or any other suitable soft compressible
material. The
filler material may be stuffed inside covers 24, 44 to provide sufficient
firmness so that
cushion base 10 the padded pillow top 30 generally do not sag or droop when
held at
either midsection 14, 34. The filler material used in the cushion base 10 may
also be
different from the filler material used in the padded pillow top 30 to vary
the firmness of
each. This also provides sufficient firmness so that an item, object, baby or
the like is
supported without significant deflection or indentation of cushion body 12 or
padded
pillow top 30.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the support pillow 100. In one aspect, the
support
pillow 100 comprises a cushion body 10 that is gently curved. The amount of
curvature
is selected so that the end sections 36, 38 of the support pillow 100 are
spaced enough
apart to permit the support pillow 100 to be placed around individuals having
a variety of
different size torso's. The amount of curvature may be defined in terms of an
"average"
radius of curvature. This dimension represents the radius that is generated if
an arc is
drawn between a center point of the cushion body 10 and the two end sections
36, 38.
Because the support pillow 100 may not be fashioned according to a true
geometric arc,
the term "average" is used to indicate it is merely an approximation. Hence,
the support
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pillow 100 may be curved according to a true arc or other suitable type of
geometric
curvature. Further, the support pillow 100 may have a wide variety of shapes
and other
design features including rounded or curved edges or ends, tapered sides or
ends,
patterned edges, sloping or curved sections and the like.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the support pillow 100. The padded
pillow top
30 may include a seam 45 which forms a gap 46 between the midsection 34 and
the
end section 36. Similarly, the padded pillow top 30 may include a seam 47
which forms
a gap 48 between the midsection 34 and the end section 38.
[0036] The padded pillow top 30 may be constructed of three different
portions, i.e.,
the midsection 34, and the two end sections 36, 38. The three portions may be
completely separated or substantially separated but connected at hinge points
aligned
at the seams 45, 47. The cover 44 may be constructed to house the three
portions
separately albeit capable of providing a hinge support at the seams 45, 47 as
will be
shown in detail later. The seams 45, 47 may connect the midsection 34 to the
end
sections 36, 38 by connecting a bottom portion 44a of the cover 44 to a top
portion 44b.
However, other techniques could be used as well. For example, a zipper, snaps,
and/or
any other suitable method may also be used instead of the seams 45, 47.
[0037] The hinge points aligned at the seams 45, 47 may lie flush with a top
surface
33a of the padded pillow top 30, as shown in FIG. 5, or a bottom surface 33b
of the
padded pillow top 30 as will later be discussed. The gaps 46, 48 may therefore
separate the midsection 34 and the end section 36, 38 from the opposing
surface to the
seam 45, 47. Conversely, the seams 45, 47 may be formed in a range from the
top
surface 33a to the bottom surface 33b. For example, the seam 45, 47 may be
located
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at a midpoint between the top and bottom surfaces 33a, 33b and therefore the
gaps 46,
48 would be disposed on either side of the seams 45, 47.
[0038] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate various configurations of the support pillow 100.
FIG. 6
shows a side view of the support pillow 100, wherein the end section 38 of the
padded
pillow top 30 is resting against the cushion body 10. As shown in FIGS. 7-9,
the end
sections 36, 38 can fold back upward, towards the midsection 34 to effectively
create at
least one three layer portion 50, 52 of the support pillow 100 consisting of
the cushion
base 10, the midsection 34 and one of the end sections 36, 38 respectively.
The three
layer portion 50, 52 may be formed from either end section 36, 38,
respectively, shown
in FIGS. 7-8, or both as shown in FIG. 9.
[0039] The advantage of providing the three layer portions 50, 52 is to enable
the
infant feeding on a mother's teat to be propped up to a comfortable head
height position
so that the mother does not have to prop the infant's head up with their arm
or hand
during breast feeding. Holding the infant's head up can become tiresome to the
mother.
Providing the double layered pillow effect allows the nursing mother freedom
of her
hand to perform other tasks such as adjusting her breast or caressing the
infant during
the nursing process, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] The various configurations and flexibility provided by the support
pillow 100
allow it to be used for a variety of different uses, such as with children,
teenagers and
adults of various sizes. For example, when sitting down, the support pillow
100 would
generally conform to the user's stomach and wrap around her sides. End
sections 36
and 38 taper to permit them to fit between the arms of a chair and the user's
side. By
adjusting which configuration the support pillow 100 is in, the user may
adjust a height
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of the top surface of the support pillow 100 relative to the user. For
example, if the
support pillow 100 is being used to nurse an infant, the location of the top
surface may
be varied such that it is positioned at an optimal height. In addition, a
user's arms or
elbows may also rest on the padded pillow top 30 to hold an item at about eye
level. By.
also having ends 20 and 22 wrap around the user's side, this contour
facilitates
supporting of the user's arms or elbows. Since the user can adjust both end
sections
36, 38, they can easily switch which side of the user's body the baby is
facing and
adjust where the user's arms or elbows are resting.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts the padded pillow top 30 connected to the cushion base
10 at a
center seam 55. The padded pillow top 30 may be folded in half at the center
seam 55
such that the end section 38 rests against the end section 36 to form an
additional
configuration. The center seam 55 may connect the padded pillow top 30 to the
cushion base 10 through stitching, however a zipper, snaps, or any other
suitable
position or method may also be used.
[0042] Although not shown, it will be appreciated that other features may be
added to
the support pillow 100. For example, various toys or other items may be
attached to or
surrounded above the support pillow 100 as described in any of the references
incorporated herein. Also a strap may extend between ends 20 and 22 to help
hold the
support pillow 100 about a user. As other examples, one or more pockets or
other =
attachment members (such as straps) may be attached to the support pillow 100
to hold
a variety of items, such as described in the above-noted references. As some
specific examples, the pockets may be used to hold bottles, toys, burping
cloths, and
the like. Support pillow 100 may also have one or more handles to help
transport the
=
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pillow. Such handles may be similar to those described in the above-noted
references. Still further, the support pillow 100 may have a head member (such
as
an animal head) attached anywhere along the pillow, such as at one end.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows the support pillow 100 resting on the lap of a user. Here
a baby
is shown supported on top of the support pillow 100 while being fed or nursed.
In this
position, midsection 14 rests on the user's lap while end sections 16 and 18
wrap
around the user's sides. The user has her arm placed between the midsection 34
of the
padded pillow top 30 and the end section 18 of the cushion base 10 to provide
further
support to prop up the baby's head. The end section 38 is folded back against
the
midsection 34 to provide the baby's head support while the baby rests on top
of the
padded pillow portion. In this way, if the baby's head needed to be lifted
higher, this .
may be accomplished by changing the configuration of the support pillow 100.
[0044] Further, it will be appreciated that a variety of other uses for
support pillow 100
exist. These may include, for example, as a back support, as a traditional
pillow for the
head, to prop up a baby or child, as a seat cushion or the like. As another
example, the
pillow may be used to support the legs or hips. For example, when a person is
lying on.
his or her back, the pillow may be placed between the user's legs or knees and
the
ground. This permit's the person's legs to be propped up. As a further
example, the
pillow may be placed between the person's legs or knees while the person is
lying on
his or her side. As still another example, the pillow may be used as a back or
front
support when the person is lying on his or her side. For instance, for a
pregnant woman,
the pillow could be placed between the mother's stomach and the ground to help
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support the stomach. Other examples of how such a pillow may be used are
described.
in any of the above-noted references.
[0045] FIGS. 12-21 depict another exemplary support pillow 200 according to
the
subject disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates the support pillow 200 constructed of
a cushion
base 110 and a padded pillow top 130. The support pillow also has a strap 150
which
connects the cushion base 110 to the padded pillow top 130.
[0046] FIGS. 13-14 show the padded pillow top 130 having a pillow body 132 and
two
foldable ends 136, 138. FIG. 14 further depicts the strap 150 connected to a
midsection
114 of the cushion base 110. The strap 150 may be connected to atop surface of
the
cushion base 110, or similarly may be connected to a bottom surface of the
padded
pillow top 130.
[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates in greater detail the strap 150 connecting the
cushion base
110 to the padded pillow top 130. The strap 150 comprises a first half 150a, a
second
half 150b, stitching 155 and a fixing or fastening mechanism 158. The second
half
150b of the strap 150 may be connected to the cushion base 110 through the
stitching
155 which runs parallel to the strap 150 and terminates at an inner and outer
edge of
=
the cushion body 110. The strap 150 may also connect to the cushion base 110
or
padded pillow top 130 through other various stitching patterns, VELCRO ,
snaps,
zippers, or other suitable methods of fixing the strap 150 to the support
pillow 200.
[0048] The first half 150a of the strap 150 extends from the second half
150b, though
a one piece sleeve 152 and terminates in the fastening mechanism 158. The
sleeve
152 is attached to the padded pillow top 130 by stitching 156 which runs along
lateral "
edges of the sleeve 152. This creates a pocket 153 which holds the strap 150
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length. The sleeve 152 may also comprise slits 154 which help facilitate
pulling the
strap 150 through the pocket 153. The user can pull the strap 150 into the
pocket 153,
then out of the pocket 153 through the slit 154, then back into the pocket 153
though
another slit 154 and finally out of the pocket 153.
[0049] The fastening mechanism 158 is located on both ends of the strap 150
and
connect the first half 150a to the second half 150b to form a closed loop. The
fastening
mechanism 158 can be one or more hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO O),
metal
snaps, plastic snaps, buttons and button holes, zippers, sewn magnets arranged
for
magnetic attraction and closure, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism
in
accordance with this subject disclosure. Furthermore, the fastening mechanism
158
may be located on the outer side of the support pillow 200 (as shown in FIG.
15). This
would allow the user to easily and comfortably release the fastening mechanism
158
while the having the support pillow 200 on their lap. However, it is to be
understood that
the fastening mechanism 158 may also be located on an inner side of the
support pillow
200 as well.
[0050] Furthermore, the padded pillow top 130 may be flipped over such that
the
sleeve 152 is facing upwards, away from the support pillow 200. In this
configuration,
the strap 150 would pass over the padded pillow 130 first before entering the
pocket
153. This would allow the foldable ends 136, 138 to fold upwards, away from
the
cushion base 110, as opposed to towards the cushion base 110. Similarly, the
sleeve
152 may be placed on both sides of the padded pillow 130. This increases the
number
of possible configurations of the support pillow 200, as will be discussed in
greater detail
below.
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[0051] FIGS. 16-18 further illustrate various pan views of the support pillow
200. FIG.
17 shows the cushion base having a padded top portion 113 and a cushion body
112.
In addition, the padded pillow top 30 may include seams 145, 147 which form
gaps 146,
148 between the midsection 134 and the two foldable ends 136, 138. In such a
manner, the padded pillow top 130 may be constructed into three portions,
i.e., the
midsection 134 and the two foldable ends 136, 138. Each foldable end 136, 138
may
be capable of rotating about a hinge support created by the seams 145, 147, as
will be
shown in detail later. The seams 145, 147 may be located on the bottom of the
padded
pillow top 130 as shown in FIG. 17, but also may be reversed so they are
located on the
top of the padded pillow top 130 to increase the number of different
configurations the
support pillow 200 can take.
[0052] The hinge supports created by the seams 145, 147 may lie flush with a
bottom
surface 133b of the padded pillow top 130. The gaps 146, 148 may therefore
separate
the midsection 134 and the end section 136, 138 from the opposing surface to
the seam
145, 147.
[0053] FIGS. 19-21 depict various configurations of the support pillow 200
wherein the
foldable ends 136, 138 are adjusted to rest between the padded pillow top 130
and the
cushion base 110. Tucking the foldable ends 136, 138 inward, towards the
cushion
base 110 effectively creates at least one three layer portion 160 of the
support pillow
200 consisting of the cushion base 110, the midsection 134 and one of the
foldable
ends 136, 138. Furthermore, if the padded pillow top 130 is reversed such that
the
sleeve 156 is facing away from the cushion base 110, then the foldable ends
136, 138
would fold away from the cushion base to form the three layer portion 160.
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[0054] This gives the user or care taker all of the same advantages and uses
previously discussed. As shown in FIG. 21, tucking the foldable end 138 under
the
midsection 134 allows the care taker to elevate the baby's head. The care
taker may
also rest her arm underneath the foldable end 138 to lift the baby's head
further if
needed.
[0055] The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory
purposes
and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be
recognized by
those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the
above
described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of
the
invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the
particular
embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and
changes
within the scope of the invention.
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