DECORATIVE CUSHION MASSAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A decorative cushion includes a relatively rigid, e.g., foam, inner core and a relatively soft filled portion comprising fill material enclosed in a flexible cover. The filled portion is positioned adjacent a first end of the inner core and may have a compressibility level that is less a compressibility level of the inner core. The first end of the inner core may have a concave contour, and the filled portion may mount or seat in the contour. A first cushion cover is sized for fully receiving the inner core and the filled portion and configured to maintain the position of the filled portion relative to the inner core. A second, decorative cushion cover is sized for fully receiving the first cushion cover containing the inner core and the filled portion. An electric massage unit may be mounted to the inner core at a location spaced from the filled portion. The inner core provides support to the user, while the filled portion allows cushion to be decoratively arranged by the user.

Claims

1. A decorative cushion, comprising: a relatively rigid inner core; a relatively soft filled portion comprising fill material enclosed in a flexible cover, the filled portion positioned adjacent a first end of the inner core and having a compressibility level that is less a compressibility level of the inner core; a first cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the inner core and the filled portion and to maintain the position of the filled portion relative to the inner core.

2. A decorative cushion as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first cushion cover includes a closeable opening to permit manual insertion of the inner core and filled portion within the first cushion cover.

3. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, further comprising a second cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the first cushion cover containing the inner core and the filled portion, the second cushion cover including a closeable opening to permit insertion of the first cushion cover contain the inner core and the filled portion.

4. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, further comprising an electric massage unit mounted to the inner core.

5. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, wherein said inner core has a dual foam structure, comprising: (a) a first foam section formed as a unitary piece; and (b) a second foam section formed as unitary piece fixedly secured to the first foam section, the second foam section including an aperture and being disposed at a location spaced from the filled portion; and an electric massage unit configured to provide massage movement, the electric massage unit secured to the second foam section within the aperture.

6. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, wherein the fill material comprises at least one of a natural fill and a synthetic fill.

7. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the inner core has a concave contour.

8. A decorative cushion according to claim 7, wherein the concave contour is generally V-shaped.

9. A decorative cushion according to claim 7, wherein the concave contour is curved.

10. A decorative cushion according to claim 1, wherein the inner core comprises a foam material.

11. A decorative cushion comprising: a relatively rigid inner foam core; a relatively soft filled portion comprising fill material enclosed in a flexible cover, the filled portion positioned adjacent a first end of the inner foam core; an electric massage unit configured to provide massage movement, the electrical massage unit secured to the foam core at a location spaced from the filled portion; and a cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the inner foam core, the filled portion, and the massage unit so as to maintain the position of the filled portion relative to the inner foam core.

12. A decorative cushion according to claim 11, wherein the cushion cover includes a closeable opening to permit manual of the inner foam core, the filled portion, and the massage unit within said cushion cover.

13. A decorative massage cushion according to claim 11, further comprising a second cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the cushion cover containing said inner foam core, the filled portion and the massage unit.

14. A decorative cushion according to claim 11, wherein the inner foam core has a dual foam structure, comprising: (1) a first foam section formed as a unitary piece; and (2) a second foam section formed as unitary piece fixedly secured to the first foam section, the second foam section having an aperture for receiving the massage unit and a compressibility level that is different than a compressibility level of the first foam section.

15. A decorative cushion according to claim 11, wherein the fill material comprises at least one of a natural fill and a synthetic fill.

16. A decorative cushion according to claim 11, wherein the first end of the inner core has a concave contour.

17. A decorative cushion according to claim 16, wherein the concave contour is generally V-shaped.

18. A decorative cushion according to claim 16, wherein the concave contour is curved.

19. A decorative cushion comprising: a relatively rigid inner foam core having an end formed as a concave contour; a relatively soft filled portion comprising fill material enclosed in a flexible cover, the filled portion positioned in the concave contour of the inner foam core; an electric massage unit configured to provide massage movement, the electrical massage unit secured to the inner foam core at a location spaced from the filled portion; a first cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the inner foam core, the filled portion, and the massage unit so as to maintain the position of the filled portion relative to the inner foam core; and a second cushion cover of a size for fully receiving the first cushion cover containing said inner foam core, the filled portion, and the massage unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a massage cushion according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an inner core of the massage cushion of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the inner core of FIG. 2A.

[0018] FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H illustrate a massage compartment or pouch and a massage unit which is placed in the compartment, and together both are placed into the inner core of the massage cushion of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the inner core of FIG. 2A which is partially covered with an inner cover.

[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the inner cover of FIG. 3A which fully covers the inner core of FIG. 2A.

[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the inner core of FIG. 2A, together with the inner cover of FIG. 3B in a closed position, which is partially covered with an outer cover.

[0022] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the massage cushion of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4C illustrates a holding band 44 sewn in the outer cover of the massage cushion of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial top view of the outer cover of FIG. 4A and more particularly, the lower left corner of the backside of the outer cover.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial top view of the outer cover of FIG. 5, folded upon itself to reveal the lower left corner of the inner cover of FIG. 2A.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the inner cover of FIG. 3B, folded upon itself to reveal the corner of the inner core of FIG. 2A.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the outer cover of FIG. 5 shown empty and in a flat position.

[0028] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate a massage cushion which incorporates a filled portion in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D illustrate a method for decoratively arranging a massage cushion of the type shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C.

[0030] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a decorative cushion which incorporates a filled portion in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0032] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments are shown. Embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are examples of the invention, which has the full scope indicated by the language of the claims. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a massage cushion 11 is constructed generally rectangular in shape having a bottom edge 13, a top edge 15, a right side edge 17 and a left side edge 19. A massage unit (not shown) is housed within massage cushion 11 and provides a kneading type massage movement, referred to as a Shiatsu massage movement. The massage movement occurs at the back side 85 of the cushion where the user places his or her neck and shoulders, for example.

[0035] As an example, massage cushion 11 may be 18 inches long, 18 inches wide and 7 inches deep. Other configurations and dimensions may be used.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an inner core 23 is the primary component of cushion 11. Inner core 23 includes a first core section 25 having an outer dimension to dictate the shape of cushion 11, and has a second core section 27 to hold a massage unit 29 into a fixed position relative to inner core 23.

[0037] First core section 25 is made as a single unitary piece of a first compressible foam material. The foam material measures a hardness of between 20-30 degrees using a Durometer scale. For example, the foam material is polyurethane. First core section 25 has a consistent level of compressibility throughout its shape and has a firmness of 38 IFD. The degree of compressibility provides comfort to the user, as well as a soft pillow-like support and feel to the cushion.

[0038] Second core section 27 (FIG. 2B) is made as a single unitary piece of a second compressible foam material, which also is made from polyurethane, e.g., 38 LX-C (Normal Urethane). Second core section 27 is located in an aperture 31 (FIG. 2B) formed in the lower one-third portion 33 of the three one-third portions 33, 35, 37 of first core section 25. Aperture 31 is positioned in the lower one-third portion 33 of inner core 23. Aperture 31 is of a size to receive second core section 27 so that it fits snugly within first core section 25. First core section 25 may be compressed to expand aperture 31 somewhat in order to receive second core section 27 in a tight fixed fashion.

[0039] Massage unit 29 may be secured to second core section 27 by polyurethane glue or any other suitable means. The compressible material of second core section 27 is more firm in compressibility than the compressible material of first core section 25, such that massage unit 29 is held fixed relative to the second core section 27. Second core section 27 is shaped so as to receive massage unit 29 and so as to allow its kneading components to rotate freely. In addition, second core section 27 aids in positioning unit 29 so as to provide massage action to back side 85 of the cushion.

[0040] Massage unit 29 may be, for example, a kneading massage unit of the type illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0010544. Massage unit 29 may include two massage ball bodies 39 and two massage ball bodies 41 (referred to herein as Shiatsu balls). Massage ball bodies 39, 41 are driven to rotate and so to be used to knead and massage a human body. Massage ball bodies 39, 41 are rotated in reverse directions to one another (e.g., clockwise for bodies 39 and counterclockwise for bodies 41). Further, a timer (not shown) may be used to automatically switch the directions of rotation of the massage ball bodies after a predetermined time period. For example, after sixty seconds, bodies 39 may switch to rotate counterclockwise and bodies 41 may switch to rotate clockwise; then after another sixty seconds, bodies 39 may switch back to rotate clockwise and bodies 41 may switch back to rotate counterclockwise. Such a switching of rotational direction provides a pleasant effect to the user. The timer may include a program stored on an electronic chip which is accessed by a controller for driving bodies 39, 41. In addition, a thermal effect on the user may be generated by a heating element (not shown) which thermoelectrically heats massage ball bodies 39, 41. The two massage ball bodies 39 may be configured to different outer surface sizes (volumes) Likewise, the two massage ball bodies 41 may be configured to different outer surface sizes. The user may thus feel the gradational strength of the massage ball bodies. Other conventional types of massage devices may be used in the massage unit 29, as will suggest itself.

[0041] Massage unit 29 includes a disconnectable power supply cord 43 which connects massage unit 29 to a source of electricity for powering the unit. Power supply cord 43 extends outwardly from massage unit 29 and is of a length to extend outside of the perimeter area of cushion 11. Cord 43 terminates in an electrical connector 45 which is mateable with another electrical connector (not shown) of a second power cord (also not shown). Power may be supplied directly from the second power cord to massage unit 29 via cord 43. As will suggest itself, alternatively, electrical connector 45 may be a conventional wall plug that may be plugged into a conventional electrical wall outlet.

[0042] A pair of passageways 47, 49 may be formed or cut into respectively first core section 25 and second core section 27 of the compressible foam material. Passageways 47, 49 provide a trough or channel to receive power supply cord 43, and thus keep cord 43 away from the outer top surface of core sections 25, 27.

[0043] Alternatively, a battery (not shown) may be used to power massage unit 29 instead of electricity through cord 43. Thus, cord 43 can be avoided. Alternatively, cord 43 may be used with a rechargeable battery to supply electricity for recharging of the battery. After the battery is charged, cord 43 may be removed.

[0044] Massage unit 29 also includes a ON/OFF switch 51 and an associated connection cord 53. Cord 53 extends outwardly from massage unit 29 allowing ON/OFF switch 51 to be positioned at a convenient place for user actuation. ON/OFF switch 51 operates to turn massage unit 29 ON or OFF, as described more fully herein. A passageway 55 may be formed or cut into the compressible foam material of second core section 27 to provide a channel to receive cord 53, and thus keep cord 53 away from the outer top surface of core section 27.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2C, a massage unit compartment or pouch 131 is provided in another embodiment. Pouch 131 is shaped and is of a size to receive and contain massage unit 29. The massage unit 29 may fit snugly within the massage unit pouch 131, such that, for example, no adhesive is required to hold the massage unit 29 in place within pouch 131.

[0046] Pouch 131 may be constructed as a separate unit. In addition, pouch 131 may be sewn into a position on an inner cover 61 (described hereinafter) which receives the inner core 23. Alternatively, pouch 131 may be constructed to include a portion 132 of inner cover 61, and so firmly locate pouch 131 relative to inner core 23.

[0047] Pouch 131 is openable along at least a portion of one of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism 133 having a zipper head 135 and a pair of zipper tracks 137. Pouch 131 may be formed of cloth mesh material, for example, 100% polyester, and may be of a solid beige color. Such a cloth mesh material may be made from nylon material, for example. Such a cloth mesh material may assist with dissipating heat generated from the massage unit 29. The massage unit pouch 131 provides additional support to hold the massage unit 29 in place relative to the inner core.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2D-2G, massage unit 29 is placed within massage unit pouch 131 (FIGS. 2D, 2E) and then pouch 131 is zipped closed retaining unit 29 within pouch 131 (FIGS. 2E, 2F). As shown in FIG. 2F, power cord 43 and connection cord 53 protrude from a hole 139 formed in pouch 131. Finally, as shown in FIG. 2G, pouch 131 containing unit 29 is placed into an aperture or cavity 32 formed in first core section 25. Cavity 32 may have a shape, as shown, similar to the shape of unit 29. Thus, second core section 27 may not be used. Alternatively, aperture 32 may be formed in second core section 27 (FIG. 2). Core section 27 may provide expansion to aperture 32 allowing it to act as a sponge cavity so that pouch 131 fits snugly within cavity 32. The walls of cavity 32 hold pouch 131 containing massage unit 29 in place without need for glue or other adhesive. The mesh pouch provides additional support to hold the massage unit in place and prevents the massage unit from falling out of position while resting in cavity 32.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and FIG. 2H, inner core 23 is insertable within, and received by inner cover 61. Inner cover 61 has the shape of cushion 11 and is openable along three of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism 63 comprised of a zipper head 65 and a pair of zipper tracks 67. Zipper tracks 67 extend along the lower portions of the two sides of inner cover 61 and along the bottom side of inner cover 61, as shown in FIG. 3B. Zipper tracks 67 may instead be placed at the upper portions of the two sides of the inner cover 61 and along the top side of inner cover 61. Thus, locating the zipper tracks 67 at the upper portion of the inner cover 61 may prevent any interference between zipper tracks 67 and zipper tracks 79 (FIG. 4B) of an outer cover 73, described below. Inner cover 61 is shown open in FIG. 3A and shown closed in FIG. 3B. Inner cover 61 may be formed of cloth material, for example, 100% polyester and may have a solid beige color. Such a cloth material may be made from nylon material, for example.

[0050] When zipper closure mechanism 63 is open fully (as shown in FIG. 3A), inner core 23 may be inserted within inner cover 61. Once inner core 23 is received into inner cover 61, inner cover 61 may be closed by zipper closure mechanism 63 (as shown in FIG. 3B). Power supply cord 43 is positioned so as to extend out through the zipper opening at a location 69 where zipper tracks 67 end. Thus, zipper head 65 will end its movement to close the inner cover immediately adjacent to cord 43 at location 69. Should tracks 67 be located at the upper portion of inner cover 61, zipper head 65 will likewise end its movement to close the inner cover at location 69. ON/OFF switch 51 is secured to the underside surface 71 (as shown in FIG. 3A) of inner cover 61, as more fully described hereinafter.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3B, zipper head 65 includes a small pull handle. However, inner cover 61may be constructed to prevent or discourage removal of inner cover 61 from inner core 23. For example, zipper head 65 may be turned over so as to travel with respect to the inside of the cover and the pull handle may be removed from the zipper head. The inner cover thus protects the inner components of the cushion as well as it protects the user from easily gaining access to the inner components. The inner core also protects an outer cover 73, described hereinafter, from wear and tear (friction) from massage unit 29.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, inner core 23 (not shown) when covered with inner cover 61 (FIG. 4A) is inserted within and received by outer cover 73. Outer cover 73 has the shape of the cushion 11 and is openable along three of its sides by a zipper closure mechanism 75 comprised of a zipper head 77 and a pair of zipper tracks 79. Zipper tracks 79 extend along the lower portions of the sides of outer cover 73 and along the bottom of outer cover 73. Outer cover 73 is shown open in FIG. 4A and shown closed in FIG. 4B. Outer cover 73 may be formed of cloth material, e.g., cotton, and carries a decorative pattern 81 on its front side 83 and is only colored white on its back side 85. Such cloth material would be fabric used on conventional decorative pillows found on high quality living room furniture.

[0053] Zipper closure mechanism 75 runs along part of the right side edge 17 (FIG. 1), the bottom edge 13 (FIG. 1) and part of the left side edge 19 (FIG. 1). When the zipper closure mechanism 75 of outer cover 73 is open fully (as shown in FIG. 4A), the inner core 23 (which is covered with inner cover 61) may be inserted within outer cover 73. Once inner core 23 (covered with inner cover 61) is inserted, outer cover 73 may be closed by the zipper closure mechanism 75. Power supply cord 43 is positioned so as to extend out through the zipper opening at a position 87 (FIG. 4B) where zipper tracks 79 end. As shown in FIG. 4C, an elastic band 44 may be sewn adjacent to zipper opening and adjacent to position 87 in order to hold electrical connector 45 (with its extended portion of power supply cord 43) and contain electrical connector 45 from dangling or flopping. Band 44 is rectangular in shape folded and having its two ends sewn to the zipper cover interface 80. ON/OFF switch 51 (not shown in FIG. 4A) is secured relative to the underside surface 89 of outer cover 73, as described hereinafter.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, decorative pattern 81 may be printed, embroidered, sewn or otherwise secured to front side 83 of outer cover 73. Decorative pattern 81 may be a fancy, high quality design found on conventional decorative cushions. Back side 85 of cushion 11 is without decoration and is only a solid color. Front side 83 and back side 85 may be of one piece of material, or alternatively be connected together along their four sides 13, 15, 17 and 19 by a seam or stitching 70 (FIG. 4B) and by zipper tracks 79. Zipper tracks 79 are disposed along the bottom edge 13 and partially along each of side edges 17, 19 of cushion 11, similar to the inner cover zipper closure mechanism 63 shown in FIG. 3B.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, the backside 85 of outer cover 73 includes a decorative icon 91. As shown in FIG. 5, icon 91 has a circle shape, and may be formed of a separate piece of material sewn to the back side 85. Alternatively, icon 91 may be a shape that is directly stitched or embroidered onto outer cover 73. It is shown somewhat enlarged in FIG. 8, but may have a diameter slightly larger than that of a hand thumb.

[0056] Icon 91 is located in the lower left corner of outer cover 73 (FIG. 8) as viewed from the back side. The user presses firmly against icon 91 with his or her thumb in order to activate ON/OFF switch 51 (FIG. 2A). This action of pressing against icon 91 closes switch 51, and thus turns ON the massage unit, or else the action deactivates ON/OFF switch 51 by opening switch 51 and thus turns OFF the massage unit. When massage unit 29 is ON, pressing icon 91 causes the massage unit to turn OFF. When massage unit 29 is OFF, pressing icon 91 causes the massage unit to turn ON.

[0057] In addition, heat may be applied from inside the massage cushion by a heater (not shown), e.g., a metal heating wire or blade, which receives electrical power via power supply cord 43. The heater may turn ON when the massage unit is activated by the pressing of icon 91.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, outer cover 73 is shown pulled back onto itself to reveal underside surface 89 of outer cover 73. Secured onto underside surface 89 is an attachment ring 93. Attachment ring 93 is positioned directly beneath icon 91 (which is located on the backside 85 of outer cover 73). Attachment ring 93 is formed as one component of a Velcro attachment device (having hooks-and-loop material). That is, attachment ring 93 is formed from either one of the two Velcro components: typically two plastic sheets, one sheet covered with tiny loops and the other sheet covered with tiny flexible hooks, which two components adhere together when the components are pressed together. Ring 93 is circular in shape and is sewn to the underside surface 89 via thread stitches 95 which trace a circular pattern. Stitches 95 in a circular pattern are also shown on the backside 85, in FIG. 5, surrounding icon 91.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, another attachment ring 97 is secured to top surface 99 of inner cover 61. Attachment ring 97 is formed as a Velcro hooks-and-loop material component, the opposite to component of ring 93 so as to adheringly mate with ring 93. Ring 97 is circular in shape and of the same size as ring 93, and is sewn to inner cover 61 by stitches 101. Attachment ring 97 is located at a position on inner cover 61 so as to align with attachment ring 93 when the outer cover 73 is closed over inner cover 61. The two attachment rings 93, 97 mate together and attached to one another via the Velcro structure so as to maintain icon 91 securely positioned relative to inner cover 61, i.e., relative to the position of sewn-on ring 97.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, inner cover 61 is shown pulled back onto itself to reveal the underside surface 71 of inner cover 61. Secured onto underside surface 71 and vertically beneath the attachment ring 97 (FIG. 6) is another attachment ring 105. Attachment ring 105 is formed as a Velcro hooks-and-loop material component. Ring 105 is sewn to underside surface 71 of inner cover 61 via thread stitches 101 which trace a circular pattern. Thread stitches 101 in its circular pattern are also shown sewn on the ring 97 in FIG. 6, as well. Stitches 101 secure both attachment rings 97, 105 to inner cover 61.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, ON/OFF switch 51 includes an ON/OFF button 107 mounted to a button support structure 109 (which contains a conventional electrical switch) and a circular base 111. Switch 51 is positioned against underside surface 71 of inner cover 61 and into a square shaped area generally designated by reference numeral 103. Area 103 is defined by a square aperture 113 being formed in attachment ring 105. Square shaped aperture 113 conforms to the square shaped top surface of button support structure 109 allowing the button support structure 109 to seat within square shaped aperture 113.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 6, a square shaped aperture 115 (FIG. 6) may be formed in attachment ring 93 to allow the button support structure 109 to seat also within square shaped aperture area 115. Such a positioning aligns ON/OFF button 107 with decorative icon 91 (FIG. 5). The aperture 116 of ring 97 may be circular, or other shape, of a size sufficient to allow button support structure 109 to seat into aperture 115.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 7, an attachment ring 117 is made of a Velcro hooks-and-loop material and includes a central aperture 119 which is of a size to receive electrical wires 121, 123 from the ON/OFF switch 51. Ring 117 is of a size for mating with attachment ring 105 to hold and secure ON/OFF switch 51 in position against square shaped area 103. Circular base 111 of switch 51 is of a diameter larger than central aperture 119 so that attachment ring 117 holds switch 51 firmly in place and against area 103. Wires 121, 123 form cord 53 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) and feed into inner core 23 and connect to massage unit 29.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 1, in addition to decorative pattern 81 on the front side 83 of outer cover 73, outer cover 73 may also include pointy ears 125, as shown in FIG. 1, at each of the upper corners of cushion 11. Because the zipper opening of outer cover 73 is located at the bottom of cushion 11, the fabric material at the top of outer cover 73 may be configured in a fashionable structure, e.g., to provide pointy ears 125. In addition, extra fabric material may be allotted to outer cover 73 in the area adjacent to the massage unit so as to allow outer cover 73 to easily slip over the covered massage unit and thereafter be easily zipped closed. Further, stitched designs may mold the front side of the outer cover in fanciful shapes, as for example, a central diamond shape or other shape centrally located on the cushion. Further, inner core 23 may be molded to a particular shape that is visually evident from viewing of outer cover 73; the outer cover may be held tight against the inner core so as to provide a similar shape or an affected shape, to outer cover 73.

[0065] Cushion 11 has a wide-range application in terms of providing massage by virtue of positioning massage unit 29 at the bottom section of inner core 23. For example, massage unit 29 is capable of providing full-range neck massage to the user lying on top of the massage cushion. As another example, the massage cushion may be reversely positioned to provide massage to lower back areas of the human user. Further, the user may position the cushion in a location the user wishes in order to relieve minor aches and pains.

[0066] In addition, inner cover 61 need not be used in certain embodiments. Instead, outer cover 73 alone may directly receive the inner core 23 and directly receive attachment ring 117 of FIG. 7 and instead of attachment ring 97 of FIG. 6.

[0067] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate a massage cushion 23B in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. The massage pillow 23B is constructed so that it can be shaped into a V or a wedge shape, e.g., by a user performing a karate-type chop. While such karate chop shaping has been performed on conventional decorative pillows, a massage pillow has a relatively hard inner foam core (to provide rigid structure for the massage unit) and thus prevents the cushion from being shaped in a V or wedge configuration.

[0068] The massage cushion 23B shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C may be constructed generally in accordance with the massage cushion 23 described above. Accordingly, where appropriate the same reference numbers have been used to identify like components.

[0069] The massage cushion 23B generally includes a relatively rigid core section 25B, a relatively soft filled section or portion 900, an inner cover 61 (see FIG. 9C), and an outer cover 73 (see, e.g, FIG. 10A). According to aspects of at least one embodiment, the filled portion 900 comprises a filling material (not shown) enclosed in a flexible case 902. As will be appreciated, the filled portion 900 may use a variety of fill materials including, for example, a natural fill such as down and/or waterfowl feathers, a gel fiber, a synthetic polyester fiber, wool fiber, or natural shredded rubber. The case 902 may be constructed of a suitable material such as cotton or polyester sheeting, for example. In order to retain its shape, the material used for the case 902 may be a heavier material than is used to construct the inner cover 61. The case 902 may be constructed of down resistant and/or down proof fabric(s). In some embodiments, 100% polyester with a fabric density of 220T, 75D or 150D, for example. In certain other embodiments, the case 902 may be constructed of 100% Cotton sheeting with 40s thread count or other similar 230T density Cotton/Polyester blend fabric, for example.

[0070] The filled portion 900 is positioned at one end, e.g., an upper end 904, of the core section 25B. The upper end of the core section 25B may include a concave-shaped contour 906 configured to receive the filled portion 900. In the illustrated embodiment, the contour 906 is curved. The contour 906 could take other shapes, however, such as a V-shape, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the filled portion 900 rests on top of the contour 906. Alternatively, a mechanism could be provided for securing the filled portion 900 to the core section 25B. For example, the case 902 could include an elastic band or skirt (not shown) sized to mount around the contoured end 904 of the core section 25B to secure the filled 900 to the core section 25B.

[0071] The inner cover 61 is sized to receive and retain the inner core section 25B and filled portion 900. The inner cover 61 has the shape of cushion 11 and is openable by a zipper mechanism 63 to allow the inner cover 61 to be positioned over the core section 25B and filled portion 900. With the core section 25B and filled portion 900 positioned in the inner cover 61, the zipper mechanism 63 may be closed to retain the core section 25B and filled portion 900 within the inner cover 61 and in position relative to one another. The subassembly of the inner cover, core section 25B, and filled portion may then be inserted within and received by the outer cover 73. The outer cover 73 has the shape of the cushion and is openable by a zipper mechanism 75 to allow the subassembly (inner cover 61, core section 25B and filled portion 900) to be inserted into the outer cover 73.

[0072] A massage cushion 23B is so constructed that it provides a relatively stiff lower portion 906 to provide support to the user and the massage unit 29, along with a relatively soft upper portion 910 that allows a user to decoratively shape the cushion 23B, e.g., by adding a more distinctive V or wedge shape at the top center of the pillow, as is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C. In this regard, FIG. 10A illustrates the massage cushion 23B before decorative shaping; FIGS. 10B and 10C illustrate a user shaping the upper portion of the massage cushion 23B and FIG. 10D shows the massage pillow with the resulting V or wedge shape.

[0073] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide non-massaging cushion that has a relatively stiff portion, e.g., for support, and a relatively soft portion, e.g., for decorative purposes. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, an embodiment of such a non-massage cushion 23C may generally include foam core 25B, filled portion 900, inner cover 61 and outer cover 73. The cushion 23C may be constructed generally as outlined above, except that the second core section 27, massage unit 29, and related components may be eliminated. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments the foam core section 25C does not include the aperture 31.

[0074] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore, the appended claims that define the true spirit and scope of the invention.