PILLOW SYSTEM

Abstract

A support pillow system for maintaining a hairstyle is provided consisting of a deformable cylindrical neck support pillow and a shoulder support pillow. The system is placed on a sleeping surface to support both the neck of the person when sleeping and the shoulder. The diameter and length of the cylinder shaped neck support pillow cooperate to position the pillow on the shoulder support pillow to hold the position of the neck support pillow so that the hairstyle is not damaged by contact with the sleeping surface or the shoulder support pillow.

Claims

1. A pillow system comprising a neck pillow and a shoulder support pillow.

2. A method of supporting the head of a person while sleeping comprising, providing a sleeping surface for the support of a person while sleeping, providing a pillow system having a separable neck pillow and a separable shoulder support pillow according to claim 1, positioning the shoulder support pillow underneath a person to be located generally between the shoulder and the head of the person, and positioning the neck support pillow on the shoulder support pillow to support the neck and place the head in an elevate position above the sleeping surface and the shoulder support surface, avoiding contact.

3. In a kit for providing a pillow wherein the improvement comprises a neck support pillow system according to claim 1

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the assembled pillow system with the neck support pillow present on the upper surface of the shoulder support pillow.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the cylindrical neck support pillow.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a person with a short hairstyle on an assembled pillow system having a neck support pillow on the upper side of the shoulder support pillow positioned on a sleeping surface.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a person with a short hairstyle on an assembled pillow system having a neck support pillow on the upper side of the shoulder support pillow positioned on a sleeping surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Referencing FIG. 1, the pillow system (1) is shown resting on a sleeping surface (2). The pillow system (1) consists of a movable neck support pillow (3) and a shoulder support pillow (4). The pillow system is placed on the sleeping surface (2) to align with the head of the person when sleeping.

[0014] Referencing FIG. 2, the roughly cylindrical neck support pillow (3) is shown with a diameter dimensioned to support the neck of a person when asleep and a length sufficient to position the pillow on the shoulder support pillow.

[0015] Referencing FIG. 3, a top view of a person, when asleep, properly positioned on the pillow system with the neck pillow (3) place under and supporting the person's neck and the shoulder supporting pillow in contact and the shoulder supporting pillow is in contact with the person's shoulder. The subject's hair is not in contact with the sleeping surface (2) or the shoulder pillow (4) due to the diameter (height) of the neck support pillow (3).

[0016] Referencing FIG. 4, a side view of a person, when asleep, properly positioned on the pillow system with the neck pillow (3) place under and supporting the person's neck and the shoulder supporting pillow in contact and the shoulder supporting pillow in contact with the person's shoulder. The subject's hair is not in contact with the sleeping surface (2) or the shoulder pillow (4) due to the diameter (height) of the neck support pillow (3).

Operation

[0017] The pillow can be prepared from commercially available materials. The shoulder supporting pillow is a conventional pillow. The smaller neck supporting pillow is roughly cylindrical. Typically, a length of about 21 inches and a width of about 7½ inches. The perimeter is about 16 inches. This length can be sufficient to conform with that of the supporting conventional pillow. The diameter provides sufficient height to avoid contact with the sleeping surface when combined with the height of the conventional pillow. The diameter of the pillow is also sufficient to provide continuous support of the neck of a person when sleeping. (The difference in length between the neck support pillow and the conventional pillow can be 7 inches.)

[0018] It is expected that dimensions will vary depending on the size of the individual and hair length. With that in mind, the dimensions used should achieve a head elevation sufficient to avoid contact of the styled hair with the sleeping surface and the conventional pillow surface. The maintenance of the hair style is achieved by avoiding surface contact and any resultant friction resulting from the movement of the subject during sleep. Shorter hair styles simplify the system requirements and design.

[0019] The cylindrical pillow shown in the figures was prepared from the following materials: [0020] Cover Material [0021] Jersey Knit [0022] Color [0023] Navy [0024] Fabric Type [0025] 96% Polyester 4% Spandex [0026] Filler Material-Poly-Fil Extra-Loft quilt [0027] Brand [0028] Fairfield [0029] 100% Polyester batting.

[0030] The use of the present invention allows one to maintain his/her hair style while sleeping. There is a high degree of flexibility in its operation. The methodology is straight forward and employs a minimum number element. A conventional pillow can be used as the shoulder support pillow. The underlying principle is the use of a roughly cylindrical neck support pillow of sufficient size to comfortably support the neck of the sleeping person so that combined height of the neck support pillow and the shoulder support pillow elevates the head of the person so that hair does not come in contact with the sleeping surface (bed) and the height of the neck support pillow is sufficient to avoid hair contact with the shoulder support pillow. Less contact obviously prolongs hairstyle “life”.

[0031] The relative dimensions of the roughly cylindrical diameter and length can stabilize the position of the neck pillow when placed—friction. There is a balance to maintained. The use of surface materials having less friction, e.g. statin, minimize hair entanglements and damage to the hairstyle. Stability is also improved through the use of denser fill material. There is a balance here to since deformability and comfort are desired.

[0032] The method of supporting the head of a person includes the steps of providing a sleeping surface for the support of a person and providing a pillow system having a separable neck pillow and a separable shoulder support pillow. The shoulder support pillow can be a conventional pillow. The shoulder support pillow is positioned underneath a person to be located generally between the shoulder and the head of the person. The neck support pillow is positioned on the shoulder support pillow so that neck is fully supported. The height of the neck support pillow is sufficient to elevate the head so that the hairstyle is above both the sleeping surface and the shoulder support surface. ct.

[0033] The support pillows can be packaged as a system in a kit form. Size relative sizes and heights can be matched based on size to facilitate use. Taller subject populations can be distinguished from others.

[0034] Instructions can be included to facilitate product acceptance and usage.

[0035] While the invention has been described with an emphasis on preferred embodiments, it will be obvious that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used, and that it is intended that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically designed herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.