ADJUSTABLE SLEEP PILLOW

Abstract

An adjustable sleep pillow capable of customizing height and angle is disclosed. The pillow includes a first panel and a second panel having a pillow interior to receive foam. The pillow includes first straps and second straps extending from an inner side of the first panel. The pillow includes first strap openings and second strap openings at the second panel. The pillow includes female members positioned at an outer side and at the top of the second panel. The first straps and the second straps draw through and emerge from the first strap openings and the second strap openings, respectively and connect to the female members to adjust the height and inclination of the pillow. The height and inclination are customized to the specific height and angle that works for a user's anatomy to create an open airway.

Claims

1. An adjustable sleep pillow, comprising: a first panel; a second panel, wherein said second panel connects to said first panel, and wherein said first panel and said second panel form a pillow interior to receive foam; first straps extending from an inner side of said first panel facing said second panel; second straps extending from said inner side of said first panel facing said second panel; first strap openings and second strap openings formed at said second panel; and first female members and second female members positioned at an outer side and at the top of said second panel, wherein said first straps draw through and emerge from said first strap openings and connect to said first female members, wherein said first straps compress said foam underneath and adjust the height of a first portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said first straps position, wherein said second straps draw through and emerge from said second strap openings and connect to said second female members, and wherein said second straps compress said foam underneath and adjust an inclination of a second portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said second straps position.

2. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said first straps position at the center of said first panel.

3. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said second straps position closer to a lower edge of said first panel.

4. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 2, wherein said first strap openings at said second panel align with said first straps at said first panel.

5. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 3, wherein said second strap openings at said second panel align with said second straps at said first panel.

6. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said first straps position in a row and have same length.

7. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said second straps position in a row and have varied length.

8. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said second straps position in a row and have length in an incremental manner.

9. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, further comprises a pillow cover, wherein said pillow cover receives said adjustable sleep pillow.

10. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 9, wherein said pillow cover is made of a high-grade hypoallergenic cotton.

11. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein each of said first straps and said second straps comprise markings allowing said adjustable sleep pillow to achieve the height and inclination needed.

12. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 1, wherein said first straps and said second straps, and said first female members and said second female members operate in a hook and loop mechanism.

13. An adjustable sleep pillow, comprising: a first panel; a second panel, wherein said second panel connects to said first panel, and wherein said first panel and said second panel form a pillow interior to receive foam; first straps extending from an inner side of said first panel facing said second panel, wherein said first straps position in a row and have same length; second straps extending from said inner side of said first panel facing said second panel, wherein said second straps position in a row and have varied length; first strap openings and second strap openings formed at said second panel; first female members and second strap openings positioned at an outer side and at the top of said second panel, wherein said first straps draw through and emerge from said first strap openings and connect to said first female members, wherein said first straps compress said foam underneath and adjust the height of a first portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said first straps position, wherein said second straps draw through and emerge from said second strap openings and connect to said second female members, and wherein said second straps compress said foam underneath and adjust an inclination of a second portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said second straps position.

14. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 13, wherein said first straps position at the center of said first panel.

15. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 13, wherein said second straps position closer to a lower edge of said first panel.

16. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 13, further comprises a pillow cover, wherein said pillow cover receives said adjustable sleep pillow.

17. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 16, wherein said pillow cover is made of a high-grade hypoallergenic cotton.

18. The adjustable sleep pillow of claim 13, wherein each of said first straps and said second straps comprises markings allowing said adjustable sleep pillow to achieve the height and inclination needed.

19. A method of providing an adjustable sleep pillow, said method comprising the steps of: providing a first panel; providing a second panel, said second panel connecting said first panel, said first panel and said second panel forming a pillow interior for receiving foam; providing first straps extending from an inner side of said first panel facing said second panel; providing second straps extending from said inner side of said first panel facing said second panel; providing first strap openings and second strap openings at said second panel; providing first female members and second female members positioned at an outer side and at the top of said second panel, drawing said first straps through said first strap openings such that said first straps emerge from said first strap openings and connect to said first female members, said first straps compress said foam underneath and adjust the height of a first portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said first straps position; and drawing said second straps through said second strap openings such that said second straps emerge from said second strap openings and connect to said second female members, said second straps compress said foam underneath and adjust an inclination of a second portion of said adjustable sleep pillow where said second straps position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a pillow cover for receiving said adjustable sleep pillow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the FIGURES and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which an adjustable sleep pillow positions in a pillow cover upon which a user rests his/her head, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the pillow aligned with the pillow cover, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the pillow, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a first panel of the pillow, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a first strap, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates the feature of first straps having same length, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a second strap, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the feature of second straps having length in an incremental manner, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the first panel having a foam, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a second panel of the pillow, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the pillow having straps drawn through strap openings provided at the second panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the pillow having straps connected to the female members for adjusting the height and angle of the pillow, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates rectangular foam pieces, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates the rectangular foam pieces positioned under user's head, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term exemplary used throughout this description means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed adjustable sleep pillow. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed adjustable sleep pillow.

[0031] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0032] Although the present invention provides a description of an adjustable sleep pillow, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the adjustable sleep pillow. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] Various features and embodiments of an adjustable sleep pillow are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGUREs (FIGS.) 1-14.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which an adjustable sleep pillow 12 positions in a pillow cover 14 upon which a user 16 rests his/her head 17, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For ease of reference, adjustable sleep pillow 12 is referred to as pillow 12 hereinafter. FIG. 2 shows pillow 12 aligned with pillow cover 14. In one example, pillow 12 can be used as a standalone component, whereby user 16 sleeps on it directly. In another example, pillow 12 inserts in pillow cover 14 and user 16 rests his/her head 17 contacting pillow cover 14, as shown in FIG. 1. Pillow cover 14 includes a cover body 18 with a first part 20 and a second part 22. First part 20 indicates a top part and second part 22 indicates a bottom part, or vice versa. Cover body 18 includes a pillow receiving area 24 formed between first part 20 and second part 22. In other words, pillow receiving area 24 indicates an interior of cover body 18 formed therein for receiving pillow 12. First panel 20 presents elements 26 at first part 20 with a zipper slider 28 for accessing or restricting pillow receiving area 24 in order to insert or remove pillow 12 from pillow cover 14.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of pillow 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Pillow 12 includes a first end 30, a second end 32, a first side 34, a second side 36, a top end 38 and a bottom end 40. First end 30 indicates a front end and second end 32 indicates a rear end, or vice versa. First side 34 indicates a right side and second side 36 indicates a left side, or vice versa. Pillow 12 includes a first panel 42 and a second panel 44, each made of a soft fabric or any other suitable material. First panel 42 positions at bottom end 40 and second panel 44 positions at top end 38. As such, first panel 42 indicates a bottom panel facing bottom end 40 and second panel 44 indicates a top panel facing top end 38. Each of first panel 42 and second panel 44 comes in a relatively concave configuration forming a pillow interior 46 and together take convex shape to form a pillow body 48. In other words, first panel 42 and second panel 44 when connected together form pillow body 48, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the feature of first panel 42 is explained, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As specified above, first panel 42 comes in a relatively concave configuration. In one embodiment, first panel 42 includes a plurality of first straps 50. FIG. 4 shows a top view of first panel 42 having plurality of first straps 50. First straps 50 indicate male members e.g., straps having hooks in hook and loop mechanism. First straps 50 are made up of soft material such that user 16 does not feel them when lying on pillow 12, or over pillow cover 14 having pillow 12. First straps 50 extend from a first liner 62 positioned on first panel 42. First liner 52 positions at substantially center portion of first panel 42. First straps 50 are configured to extend upwards i.e., towards top end 38 to be drawn through first strap openings 80 formed at second panel 44. In one example, first liner 52 indicates a fabric used to connect first straps 50 to first panel 42. In another example, first liner 52 indicates a seam on first panel 42 connecting first straps 50. In one example, first straps 50 include two or more straps. In one example, first straps 50 include five (5) straps 50 extending from first panel 42 positioned in a series at same or varied distance from one another. FIG. 5 shows the feature of first strap 50. In accordance with one embodiment, each first strap 50 includes first markings 54 for aiding user 16 to adjust the length of first strap 50. In one example, first straps 50 have same length as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0038] Further, pillow 12 includes second straps 60, as shown in FIG. 3. Second straps 60 indicate male members e.g., straps having hooks in hook and loop mechanism. Second straps 60 are made up of soft material such that user 16 does not feel them when lying on pillow 12, or over pillow cover 14 having pillow 12. Second straps 60 extend from a second liner 62 positioned on first panel 42. Second liner 62 positions at about 4 inches from the bottom/distal/lower end of first panel 42. Second straps 60 are configured to extend upwards from first panel 42 to be drawn through second strap openings 82 formed at second panel 44. In one example, second straps 60 include two or more straps. In one example, second straps 60 include five (5) straps 60 extending from first panel 42 positioned at same or varied distance from one another. FIG. 7 shows the feature of second strap 60. In accordance with one embodiment, each second strap 60 includes second markings 64 for aiding user 16 to adjust the length of second strap 60. In one example, second straps 60 have varied length as illustrated in FIG. 8. In one example, second straps 60 have length in an incremental manner in that right most strap 60 has a shorter length and adjacent strap 60 has a slightly longer length than the right most strap 60 until the end of remaining straps 60. Alternatively, second straps 60 having different lengths are positioned in a random manner depending on the need.

[0039] In one example, pillow interior 46 receives foam or foam pieces 70. FIG. 9 shows the feature of first panel 42 having foam 70 in pillow interior 46, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A person skilled in the art understands that when first panel 42 and second panel 44 connect, foam 70 firmly sits in pillow interior 46 and provides required cushion for user 16. In the present invention, foam 70 has a specific Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). As known, the ILD determines the exact firmness of the foam. The lowest ILD values show the softest and most cushioning foams, as they require the fewest pounds to be compressed. ILDs in the high-20s to the mid-40s generally mean the foam is firmer. These foam types are firmer than the lower-ILD types. The measurement also changes based on the thickness of the foam measured. In the present invention, foam 70 is a mix of three specific levels of ILD. In one example, foam 70 includes 30% Polyurethane foam having a foam density of 1.2 pounds (lbs.) with a ILD of 33 (medium firm). In another example, foam 70 includes 25% High density foam having a foam density of 1.9 lbs. with a ILD of 36 (medium firm). In another example, foam 70 includes 20% High density foam having a foam density 1.9 with a ILD of 44 (firm). In another example, foam 70 includes 5% High density foam having a foam density 1.9 with a ILD of 55 (extra firm). In yet another example, foam 70 includes 10% memory foam having a foam density 3-5 lbs. with a ILD of 15 (soft). In yet another example, foam 70 includes 10% memory foam having a foam density 3-5 lbs. with a ILD of 10 (vey soft). The above combinations have been developed for comfort and stamina maintaining height. Foam 70 has a compressive set percentage of 10% indicating that foam 70 returns to its original state after it has been compressed. The 10% compressive set percentage allows foam 70 to regain its original shape with the application of moderate heat from a standard clothes dryer for 20 minutes.

[0040] In the present invention, foam 70 is presented in 3 different sizes and 4 different shapes which is filled by mixing them together prior to stuffing in pillow 12. In one example, foam 70 has 25% largest size pieces of 1.5-2-inch, and 50% square and 50% triangles shaped pieces. In another example, foam 70 has 40% mid-sized pieces of 0.5-1.5-inch, and 50% squares and 50% triangles shaped basically triangles. In another example, foam 70 has 25% small pieces inch and smaller in size no specific shape. Alternatively, foam pieces 70 have straight edges and with no rounded pieces.

[0041] Further, pillow 12 includes first strap openings 80 and second first strap openings 82 at second panel 44 (facing top end 38), as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 10 shows a top view of second panel 44 having first strap openings 80 and second strap openings 82. First strap openings 80 and second first strap openings 82 indicate small buttonhole sized openings on the top of pillow 12 i.e., at second panel 44. As can be seen from FIG. 10, (five) first strap openings 80 are provided in a row and (five) second strap openings 82 are provided in a row at second panel 44. First strap openings 80 are aligned to receive first straps 50 extending from first panel 42. Similarly, second strap openings 82 are aligned to receive second straps 60 extending from first panel 42.

[0042] In addition, pillow 12 includes first female members 90 and second female members 92. FIG. 10 shows a top view of second panel 44 having first female members 90 and second female members 92. In one example, first female members 90 position above first strap openings 80. Further, second female members 92 position below second strap openings 82. It should be understood that first female members 90 and second female members 92 are positioned at the outside and at the top of pillow 12 i.e., second panel 44. A person skilled in the art understands that two or more first female members 90 and two or more second female members 92 can be provided depending on the need without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, first female members 90 and second female members 92 are provided in the same number of first straps 50 and second straps 60, respectively.

[0043] Now referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the operation of pillow 12 to adjust the height and angle to the specific height and angle that works for user's 16 anatomy to create an open airway is explained, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 3, first panel 42 (back of pillow inside) includes two rows of first straps 50 and second straps 60. First straps 50 are drawn through first strap openings 80 and second straps 60 are drawn through second strap openings 82 such that they emerge from top end 38 of second panel 44, as shown in FIG. 11. Subsequently, one or more first straps 50 connect to first female members 90 and/or one or more second straps 60 connect to second female members 92, as shown in FIG. 12. Here, straps 50, 60 act as male members and connect to female members 90, 92 to adjust the height and angle of pillow 12.

[0044] In the present invention, pulling first straps 50 and connecting to first female members 90 at a specific part lowers or raises the height of pillow 12 at that specific part. Similarly, pulling second straps 60 and connecting to second female members 92 at a specific part adjusts the angle of pillow 12 at that specific part. Specifically, when first straps 50 and/or second straps 60 are pulled, foam 70 underneath them gets compressed lowering the height of pillow 12 in that area. Second straps 60 positioned at 4 inches from the lower edge of pillow 12 and having varied height help to adjust the angle in increments of inches. As specified above, each of first straps 50 and second straps 60 have markings 54, 64. In one example, markings 54, 64 are provided in inch measurements to achieve accurate height and incline. In one embodiment, first straps 50 positioned at substantially center of pillow 12 help to adjust the height of head 17. Further, second straps 60 positioned at 4 inches from the lower edge of pillow 12 help to adjust the incline/angle of pillow 12. By selectively adjusting first straps 50 and second straps 60, pillow 12 can be customized for each user 16. Optionally, first straps 50 and/or second straps 60 connected to first female members 90 or second female members 92 selectively to adjust the height or angle of pillow 12 depending on the need.

[0045] In one example, a measurement apparatus (not shown) is designed with rectangular pieces of foam that are graduated in size and curved at the end to mimic the shape of pillow 12. FIG. 13 shows rectangular foam pieces 94, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Rectangular foam pieces 94 fit under the user's head 17 while they are reclining. Rectangular foam pieces 94 come in inch thickness allowing a doctor to add and remove them easily while he/she figures out the proper height needed for user 16. Rectangular foam pieces 94 are made to slide on a plastic axis that keeps them aligned. FIG. 14 shows rectangular foam pieces 94 positioned under user's head 17. Sliding rectangular foam pieces 94 allows the doctor to measure height and slope necessary to achieve an open airway.

[0046] The pillow 12 is configured to fit into pillow cover 14, as shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 2). As specified above, pillow 12 inserts in pillow receiving area 24 of pillow cover 14 and zipper slider 28 is used to retain pillow 12 in place. In one example, cover body 18 is made of a high-grade hypoallergenic cotton for best comfort. In one example, cover body 18 consists of a two-ply with a synthetic layer of filler in between so that user 16 does not feel the adjustable straps 50, 60 of pillow 12 placed inside pillow cover 14.

[0047] The presently disclosed adjustable sleep pillow provides several advantages over the prior art. The pillow includes straps that allow the height and angle to be customized to the specific height and angle that works for the user's anatomy to create an open airway. The adjustable straps allow the pillow to be customized for each user to achieve the correct open-air position. The adjustable straps allow for constant adjustments as the user's anatomy may change through weight change. The adjustable sleep pillow i.e., inner pillow is filled with a mixed foam of shapes that support stamina of height throughout the night, regardless of the heaviness of the head.

[0048] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the adjustable sleep pillow can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed adjustable sleep pillow.

[0049] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[0050] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0051] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.