NURSING PILLOW SYSTEM COMPRISING AN EXPANDABLE PRIVACY SHIELD

Abstract

A nursing pillow system for providing privacy coverage for a user and a baby during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The system includes an expandable privacy shield which provides at least partial coverage to both the user and baby. The expandable privacy shield substrate may be removed for washing and the entire expandable privacy shield may be placed in the closed position and stored in an integrated pocket in the nursing pillow system. Other features such as pockets, a plastic hook to connect toys, an elastic band, zippers, a rigid placement member, and a hook and latch substrate may be included to increase comfort and utility of the system.

Claims

1. A nursing pillow system, comprising: a nursing pillow, defining an outer perimeter opposite a user; and an expandable privacy shield, the expandable privacy shield comprising: 1) at least two spines; wherein the spines are attached to each other by a substrate; and 2) an attachment means for attaching the expandable privacy shield to at least one surface of the nursing pillow; wherein the expandable privacy shield is configured to cover at least a portion of a user and a baby when in use.

2. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the spines are configured to allow the expandable privacy shield to move between open and collapsed positions.

3. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the expandable privacy shield is dome-shaped.

4. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a breathable material cover.

5. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is removeable from the spines.

6. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is machine washable.

7. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket.

8. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, further comprising a pocket that the expandable privacy shield folds into when not opened.

9. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, further comprising a plastic hook attached to the interior of the substrate.

10. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a pocket and wherein the pocket comprises a mechanical closure to secure the pocket.

11. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a pocket and wherein the pocket is removably attached to the substrate.

12. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a zipper.

13. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a hook and latch substrate.

14. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a rigid placement member.

15. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a buckle that is secured around the user and an elastic band that is attached to the substrate.

16. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the expandable privacy shield is attached to each end of the nursing pillow and substantially covers an outer perimeter of the nursing pillow.

17. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the at least two spines telescope to expand in length.

18. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the at least two spines fold in at least two places.

19. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the at least two spines are parallel to the nursing pillow and the user.

20. The nursing pillow system of claim 1, wherein the at least two spines are perpendicular to the nursing pillow and the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sublabel is associated with a reference numeral and follows a hyphen to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sublabel, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the nursing pillow system having a nursing pillow with an attached expandable privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the nursing pillow system having a nursing pillow with an attached expandable privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the nursing pillow system showing a nursing pillow with an attached expandable privacy shield in relation to the user and an attached belt to be secured around the waist of the user in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of the nursing pillow system showing the exterior of the expandable privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of a nursing pillow with a pocket in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of a nursing pillow with another pocket in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the nursing pillow system showing the exterior of the expandable privacy shield in relation to the user.

[0022] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the nursing privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a first folded nursing privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of a second folded nursing privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 6D is a side perspective view of a final folded nursing privacy shield in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following description and examples illustrate preferred embodiments of the present technology in detail. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and modifications of this technology that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, the description of a preferred embodiment should not be deemed to limit the scope of the present technology. Furthermore, the drawings are not limited to the scale shown for parts and although some parts, when folded, are shown as flat, they may be convex or concave.

[0027] Embodiments of a nursing pillow system 100 are described in FIGS. 1-6. The embodiments shown address multiple aspects of the problems nursing mothers face when trying to nurse a baby comfortably and effectively. One problem nursing mothers face is a lack of privacy. The nursing pillow system 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 includes an expandable privacy shield 108 that allows for at least partial coverage of both the user 110 and the baby (not shown) when in the open position. The expandable privacy shield 108 when in the closed position may be stored in an attached storage pocket 116A as shown in FIG. 4A or 116B as shown in FIG. 4B. Additionally, the expandable privacy shield 108 is made of a substrate 104 that connects at least two reinforcing spines 103. The plurality of spines 103 provides the expandable privacy shield 108 with a dome-shaped structure 113 that allows space for the user 110 and the baby to nurse comfortably without the need to touch or hold up the expandable privacy shield 108. The substrate 104 of the expandable privacy shield 108 is comprised of fabric, plastic material, mesh material, breathable material, stretchable material, or a combination thereof. The nursing pillow system 100 solves both the privacy and comfortability issues nursing mothers face. As depicted in FIG. 1, the nursing pillow 101 in the nursing pillow system 100 generally has a horseshoe shape, having a middle portion 106 and two arms 107. The middle portion 106 of the nursing pillow and the two arms 107 form a horseshoe shape with an opening and space between the two arms 107. The horseshoe shape allows the user 110 of the nursing pillow system 100, to position themselves such that when their torso is facing the outer edge 102 of the nursing pillow system and their torso is inside the horseshoe shape facing the middle section 106 of the nursing pillow, the arms 107 of the nursing pillow wrap around the body of the user 110. By wrapping around the body of the user 110, the nursing pillow 101 allows the user 110 to lay the baby in a variety of positions relative to the body of the user 110 to aid the nursing process. This allows the user 110 to select the most comfortable and efficient position for themselves and the baby.

[0028] Some embodiments of the nursing pillow system 100 may have one or more removable covers 111 for the nurse pillow 101 component itself. The nursing pillow system may include not only a nursing pillow 101 but also a back pillow or bolster (not shown). The back pillow and bolster included in some embodiments may also have removable covers. Additionally, the one or more removable covers 111 of the nursing pillow 101 may serve as the platform to which other features such as a bolster, belt, elastic band, and pocket may attach. The one or more nursing pillow covers 111 allow for cleanliness as they can easily be removed for washing and drying. The at least one removable cover 111 allows the user to customize the nursing pillow 101 by choosing removable covers 111 of different fabric types and design preferences, such as a specific color or pattern that may be replaced as desired.

[0029] In some embodiments, the nursing pillow 101 provides a broad middle section 106 which supports the weight of the body and provides a surface upon which the baby can lay. The middle section 106 may be sufficiently wide to allow the infant to comfortably rest on the nursing pillow 101. As shown in FIG. 1, the middle section 106 of the nursing pillow 101 can be of varying widths and thicknesses dependent upon user 110 preference.

[0030] Expandable Privacy Shield. As depicted in FIGS. 1-6, the nursing pillow system 100 includes an expandable privacy shield 108 that provides at least partial coverage to both the user 110 and the baby when the expandable privacy shield 108 is in the open position. As depicted in FIG. 1 the nursing pillow system 100 features a nursing pillow 101 with an outer perimeter 112 that is positioned opposite of the user. FIG. 3 shows the user 110 positioned opposite from the outer perimeter 112 created by the nursing pillow 101. FIG. 1 also depicts the expandable privacy shield 108 featured in the nursing pillow system 100. The expandable privacy shield 108 as shown in FIG. 1 includes at least two spines 103 attached to each other by a substrate 104. The plurality of spines 103 provides the expandable privacy shield 108 with a dome-shaped structure 113 that allows space for the user 110 and the baby to nurse comfortably without the need to touch or hold up the expandable privacy shield 108. The substrate 104 of the expandable privacy shield 108 is comprised of any type of fabric, plastic material, mesh material, breathable material, stretchable material, UV protective material, waterproof material, opaque material, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the expandable privacy shield 108 includes an attachment means for attaching the expandable privacy shield 108 to at least one surface of the nursing pillow 101. The attachment means may be an elastic band sewn into a bottom portion of the expandable privacy shield, so that the elastic band may be stretched around and under the outer perimeter of the nursing pillow 101, as shown in FIG. 1. It is also contemplated that a more complex system for attachment may be included, such as a portion of the expandable privacy shield that wraps around the nursing pillow 101 and is secured by a zipper, a button, a snap, or other known means. The expandable privacy shield 108 is configured to provide at least partial coverage to the user 110 and the baby when in the open position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0031] As depicted in FIGS. 1-6 the expandable privacy shield 108 can move between an open and closed position. FIGS. 1-6A depict the expandable privacy shield 108 in the open position. When in the open position, the expandable privacy shield 108 forms a dome-shaped configuration 113 to allow the user 110 and the baby to comfortably use the technology without the need to hold up or touch the expandable privacy shield 108 when in use.

[0032] When in the open position, the expandable privacy shield 108 is free standing allow the user 110 and the baby to focus on nursing rather than holding the expandable privacy shield 108. The plurality of spines 103 creates the necessary rigidity and corresponding dome-shaped structure 113 of the expandable privacy shield 108. The side perspective of the dome-shaped structure 113 is depicted in FIG. 2. The dome-shaped structure 113 creates an open space for the user 110 and the resting baby to nurse comfortably with at least partial privacy.

[0033] The dome-shaped structure may then be folded in on itself as shown in FIG. 6B, folded again as shown in FIG. 6C, and folded a final time as shown in FIG. 6D. The folding of the dome-shaped structure allows the structure to be stored easily, such as in an integral pocket as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In some aspects, telescoping spines, as described herein, allow for a substantially flat folded structure. In other embodiments, the spines may not allow for completely flat folding but still allow for the structure to be rolled up or otherwise folded or compacted.

[0034] The expandable privacy shield 108 includes a plurality of spines 103, at least two, and a substrate 104 that connects the spines 103. The substrate 104 of the expandable privacy shield 108 is comprised of any type of fabric, plastic material, mesh material, breathable material, stretchable material, UV protective material, waterproof material, opaque material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the substrate 104 is removable from the spines 103 allowing the user 110 to implement substrates 104 of different material compositions for various purposes. Removability of the substrate 104 from the spines 103 allows for washability and provides the user 110 the ability to change out the substrate based on fabric type or fabric design preference.

[0035] In embodiments where the substrate 104 is removable, the substrate 104 material may be suitable for machine washing. The optionality of a machine-washable substrate provides the user 110 with the convenience of utilizing a washing machine to wash the removable substrate and dry the removable substrate without attachment to the spines 103 or the nursing pillow 101. As the substrate 104 is removable, the user 110 may have various substrates 104 in differing material types and design patterns that can be substituted based on preference or during the washing and drying process. The nursing pillow system 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1-6 may include a pocket 116A or 116B that the expandable privacy shield 108 folds into after being reverted into the closed position. The storage pocket 116A or 116B provides convenience for the user 110 as the expandable privacy shield 108 can be stored inside the storage pocket during times of non-use. The storage pocket 116A or 116B for the expandable privacy shield 108 allows the nursing pillow system 100 to be self-containing and remain as a complete system during storage and transportation periods. As shown, the storage pocket may be closed with a snap as shown by 116A, by a zipper as shown in 116B, or by other means, such as an oversized flap, a magnet, elastic, or other means.

[0036] In some embodiments, the nursing pillow system 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-6 includes a plastic hook (not shown) attached to the interior surface 114, as shown in FIG. 1, of the substrate 104. The plastic hook provides a means of attachment for various objects including bottles, toys, towels, pacifiers, teething instruments, etc. By allowing the user 110 to attach an object to the interior surface 114 of the substrate 104, the user 110 can provide the baby with entertainment or an item of necessity such as a teething instrument or pacifier. In some aspects, a loop may be included (not shown) at any position on the nursing pillow system 100, to allow attachment of a hook and various objects.

[0037] In other implementations of the technology, expandable privacy shield 108 includes at least one pocket (other than for storage of the shield). The pocket or pockets may be located on either the interior surface 114, shown in FIG. 1, or exterior surface 115, shown in FIG. 2, of the substrate 104. The pocket or pockets may feature a mechanical closure to secure the pocket and the contents of the pocket. A single pocket or plurality of pockets enhances the usability of the technology and allows for the storage of various items directly within the nursing pillow system 100. Such pockets may even negate the need for a separate diaper bag.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pocket or pockets may be removable from the substrate 104. In instances where the pocket or pockets are removable, the pocket or pockets may be attached to the substrate 104 with either a mechanical connection or a connection made of Velcro or Velcro equivalents. Mechanical connections may be either a zipper, a series of snaps, a series of hooks and latches, a series of buckles, a series of any other type of mechanical fastener, or a combination thereof. The removable pocket or pockets may be made of the same material as the substrate 104 or may be made of any other material suitable for use.

[0039] The nursing pillow system 100, comprises a means of attachment for attaching the expandable privacy shield 108 to at least one surface of the nursing pillow 100. In some embodiments the means of attachment comprises a zipper, in some embodiments it comprises a hook and latch substrate, and in some embodiments, it comprises a rigid placement member. In all embodiments, some form of attachment means exists and the means of attachment between the expandable privacy shied 108 and the nursing pillow 101 is not inclusive of the means specifically mentioned. The means of attachment between the expandable privacy shield 108 and the nursing pillow 101 create the fully integrated nursing pillow system 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the attachment means comprises a buckle 105 as depicted in FIG. 1 in combination with an elastic band 109 that is attached to the substrate 104 and expands around the waist of the user 110. The relation of the elastic band 109, expanded around the waist of the user 110 and attached with the buckle 105 is shown in FIG. 3. In no embodiment does the attachment means include a strap, hole, or loop that goes around the neck of the user 110. It is contemplated, however, that a strap or other carrying device may be attached to the shield 108, to allow for easy carrying.

[0041] In some configurations, the expandable privacy shield 108 is attached to each arm (end) 116 of the nursing pillow 101, and substantially covers the outer perimeter 112 of the nursing pillow 101. By attaching the expandable privacy shield 108 to each end 116 of the nursing pillow 101 and substantially covering the outer perimeter 112 of the nursing pillow 101, coverage is provided for the user 110 and the resting baby.

[0042] The nursing pillow system 100, includes an expandable privacy shield 108 that at a minimum includes two spines 103. In some configurations, the expandable privacy shield 108 features a minimum of at least four spines 103. Dependent upon the substrate 104 material or fabric, increasing the number of spines 103 can lead to greater rigidity of the dome-shaped structure 113.

[0043] In some instances, the spines 103 telescope to expand in length. The telescoping feature of the spines 103 enables movement between the open and closed positions. The telescoping feature of the spines 103 also allows for more compact storage.

[0044] In other configurations, the spines 103 fold in at least two places. The folding feature of the spines allows for more compact storage and total collapse of the dome-shaped structure 113.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment featured in FIGS. 1-6 the spines 103, are positioned perpendicular to the nursing pillow 101 and the user 110. In other configurations, the spines 103, may be positioned parallel to the nursing pillow 101 and the user 110. In some other configurations, the spines may for a spiderweb-like shape branching out from a centralized point proximate to the outer perimeter 112 of the nursing pillow 101 and expanding in an outward array towards the user 110.

[0046] The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it covers all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

[0047] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0048] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a process includes a plurality of such processes, and so forth.

[0049] Also, the words comprise, comprising, include, including, and includes when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.