Side sleeping pillow

Abstract

A specialized pillow is provided adapted for a woman's body and having a structure that allows rest with the body lying one's side. A linearly elongated ventral cushion support is provided bilaterally symmetric about a vertical centerline along the coronal plane. A right attachment harness connects with a left attachment harness to circumscribe a user's torso and allow for the ventral cushion support to be positioned against a user's chest along the sternum.

Claims

1. A side sleeping support pillow comprising: a ventral cushion support having an elongated body with a convex distal edge and a linear proximal edge, the body being bilaterally symmetric about a vertical centerline and having an hourglass-like shape along a coronal plane; the ventral cushion support having a medial contour comprising first and second opposed concave surfaces on left and right sides respectively, each concave surface configured to provide cushioning support to medial surfaces of a user's breasts; wherein the ventral cushion support has an overall width and an innermost width at the medial contour, the innermost width being less than the overall width; an open-cell foam inner body encased within a low-friction outer sheath; a first attachment harness extending from an upper end of the ventral cushion support; and a second attachment harness extending from a lower end of the ventral cushion support; wherein the first and second attachment harnesses are configured to adjustably circumscribe a user's torso to position the ventral cushion support against the user's sternum between the user's breasts; wherein the ventral cushion support has a supportive depth of at least three inches between the concave surfaces; and wherein the first and second attachment harnesses comprise elastic straps with adjustable fasteners to accommodate various torso sizes while maintaining a snug fit.

2. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, wherein the open-cell foam inner body has an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) between 10-40, specifically chosen to provide optimal support and comfort for a user's breasts during side sleeping while preventing wrinkles in the cleavage area.

3. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, wherein the low-friction outer sheath is formed of silk or satin.

4. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath comprises a separable seam with a reclosable fastener allowing removal of the inner foam body.

5. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, wherein the ventral cushion support has an overall length and a medial contour length, the medial contour length being less than the overall length.

6. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, wherein the first attachment harness is configured to circumscribe a user's upper torso above the breasts and the second attachment harness is configured to circumscribe the user's torso below the breasts.

7. A method of using the side sleeping support pillow of claim 1, comprising: positioning the ventral cushion support against a user's sternum between the user's breasts; securing the first attachment harness around the user's upper torso above the breasts; and securing the second attachment harness around the user's torso below the breasts.

8. A side sleeping support pillow specifically adapted for a user's anatomy, comprising: a linearly elongated ventral cushion support being bilaterally symmetric about a vertical centerline along a coronal plane; a medial contour section along the ventral cushion support having first and second concave surfaces on opposing sides, each configured to provide cushioning and support to medial surfaces of the user's breasts; the ventral cushion support having a supportive depth of at least three inches between the concave surfaces; a first attachment harness extending from an upper portion of the ventral cushion support, configured to circumscribe the user's upper torso above the breasts; a second attachment harness extending from a lower portion of the ventral cushion support, configured to circumscribe the user's torso below the breasts; and an open-cell foam inner body encased within a low-friction outer sheath; wherein the ventral cushion support has an overall width at its widest point and an innermost width at the medial contour, the innermost width being at least half the overall width; wherein the first and second attachment harnesses comprise adjustable elastic straps configured to provide a snug fit while allowing for user movement during sleep; and wherein the open-cell foam inner body has an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) between 15 and 30, optimized for providing both firmness and comfort for side sleeping.

9. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 8, wherein the first attachment harness includes adjustable fasteners to accommodate various torso sizes.

10. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 8, wherein the outer sheath comprises a reclosable seam with a fastener that allows removal of the inner foam body for cleaning or replacement.

11. A method of using the side sleeping support pillow of claim 8, comprising: positioning the ventral cushion support against the user's sternum between the breasts; securing the first attachment harness around the user's upper torso above the breasts; securing the second attachment harness around the user's torso below the breasts; adjusting the position of the concave surfaces to provide support to the medial surfaces of the breasts while sleeping in a side-lying position.

12. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 8, wherein the first attachment harness includes adjustable fasteners to accommodate various torso sizes.

13. The side sleeping support pillow of claim 8, wherein the second attachment harness is positioned to avoid contact with sensitive areas of the user's body, providing enhanced comfort during long durations of side sleeping.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a side sleeping pillow according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;

(4) FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof, the right side being a mirror image;

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

(6) FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration showing the sleeping pillow of the present invention in a typical use as a side sleeping support;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a side sleeping pillow according to a first alternate configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view thereof;

(9) FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view thereof; and

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an elongated ventral cushion support 12 without attachment harness 20 as used according to the first alternate configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(11) The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. It should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

(12) It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word means and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

(13) The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

(14) Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, a side sleeping support, generally noted as 10, is provided as a specialized pillow suited for a woman's body. A generally linearly elongated ventral cushion support 12 is provided bilaterally symmetric about a vertical centerline CL. The symmetric shape along the coronal plane is of slight, generally hourglass-like shape, forming a medial contour 14 having a first slight concave surface 16 on a left side contra lateral to a second slight contour surface 18 on a right side. A top attachment harness 20 extending from the upper end 22, and is adapted to circumscribe a user's upper torso, above the breasts and around the back while directed under the arms. A bottom attachment harness 24 extending from a bottom end 26 similarly circumscribes a user's torso, below the breasts and around the back. The interconnecting attachment harnesses 20, 24 are used to circumscribe a user's torso and allow for the ventral cushion support 12 to be positioned against a user's chest along the sternum.

(15) The ventral support cushion 12 has an overall width W1, and the medial contour 14 forms an innermost width W2 forming a slightly rounded biconic shape with each concave surface 16, 18 providing a cushioning and support surface to medial surfaces of the user's breasts. To provide such support, it is envisioned that the cushion 12 would further have a generally supportive depth D to provide at least several inches of supportive material. In order to conform to the female anatomy and to adapt to the intended use, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention width W1 is greater than width W2. According to another aspect of the present invention, width W2 is greater than or equal to more than half the width W1. Further, medial counter section 14 has an overall length L1 that is a fraction of the overall length L2 of the ventral cushion support 12. In order to conform to the female anatomy and to adapt to the intended use, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention length L2 is greater or equal to the length L1. According to another aspect of the present invention, length L2 is greater than or equal to twice the length L1.

(16) As best shown in conjunction FIG. 4, the ventral cushion support 12 is formed of an open foam inner body 30 encased in an outer sheath 32. The outer sheath 32 is best formed of silk, satin or similar low-friction material such as to form a release surface inside, at the foam outer surface 40, as well as at the sheath outer surface 42 where it will contact the user's body, clothing or bedding. Optionally, a separable seam 50 using a reclosable fastener such as a slide fastener, hook and loop fastener or other type of closure may be incorporated such that the inner foam member 30 is removable and the sheath 40 can be replaceable or easily washable.

(17) In addition to the geometric limitations of a supportive depth D providing at least several inches of supportive material, the foam is selected having an effective ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) or IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) of between 10-40 IFD/ILD and a shore hardness of between 40-80 degrees. The second attachment harness is positioned to avoid contact with sensitive areas of the user's body, such as under the breasts and along the ribcage, providing enhanced comfort during long durations of side sleeping. Sensitive areas may include areas prone to chafing, irritation, or discomfort when in prolonged contact with straps or fasteners.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

(18) As best shown in conjunction with FIG. 5, in operation the ventral support cushion 12 is positioned along a user's sternum, against the body with the medial contour positioned between a user's breasts. With this configuration, the breasts are gently separated and resist being compressed when a user moves to a side sleeping position. Thus, a woman's body is prevented for having external strain or stress applied to the skin during sleep to avoid discomfort, stretching, wrinkles and other unpleasant effects that may result when a female is positioned on her side during sleep. The breasts remain in a natural position and are prevented from causing discomfort, pain or irritation when the user positions herself during sleep.

(19) It is understood that the above described pillow may be provided in different sizes, with particular reference to height and width, in order to fit different breast sizes and chest widths. One such alternate configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is best shown in conjunction with FIG. 6 through FIG. 9.

(20) The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

(21) The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is in no way to be limited only by any adverse inference under the rulings of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US 17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), or other similar caselaw or subsequent precedent should not be made if any future claims are added or amended subsequent to this Patent Application.