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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. A pillow comprising:
a) a central section having a plurality of petal sections radiating from
said central section, forming recesses between any two adjacent said petal
sections, said petal sections being spaced in relation to each other such
that at least one recess formed is substantially opposite said central
portion from another recess, said petal sections and said central section
being of different resilience and;
b) said central section being small enough to fit between the side of a
person's tilted head and shoulder region, allowing the head to be held by
two petal sections, supporting the jaw line and temple, while the shoulder
region is cradled in the opposite recess between adjacent petal sections,
thereby preventing movement of the pillow.
2. A pillow comprising:
a) a central section having a plurality of petal sections radiating from
said central section, forming recesses between any two adjacent said petal
sections, said petal sections being spaced in relation to each other such
that at least one recess formed is substantially opposite said central
portion from another recess, and;
b) wherein said central section is small enough to fit between the side of
a person's tilted head and shoulder region, allowing the head to be held
by two petal sections, supporting the jaw line and temple, while the
shoulder region is cradled in the opposite recess between adjacent petal
sections, thereby preventing movement of the pillow, said pillow further
including fill material selected from the group consisting of down,
synthetic fiber fill and resin treated polyester fiber and resin treated
polyester fiber fill.
3. A pillow comprising:
a) a central section having a plurality of petal sections radiating from
said central section, forming recesses between any two adjacent said petal
sections, said petal sections being spaced in relation to each other such
that at least one recess formed is substantially opposite said central
portion from another recess, said pillow including a covering made of
fabric having a satin weave and;
b) wherein said central section is small enough to fit between the side of
a person's tilted head and shoulder region, allowing the head to be held
by two petal sections, supporting the jaw line and temple, while the
shoulder region is cradled in the opposite recess between adjacent petal
sections, thereby preventing movement of the pillow. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
This field of invention relates to various pillows designed as aids in
reducing sleep-induced creasing of the skin of the face and neck during
sleep, and which also promote restful, comfortable sleep, thereby
contributing to an overall promotion of healthy, beautiful skin.
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Many pillows have been designed to aid in comfortable, supportive
cushioning of the face and neck and which claim to minimize creasing of
the delicate skin of the face and neck (thereby slowing/lessening the
appearance of wrinkles).
Although many such pillow designs exist which may be suitable for some
individuals, they fail to take into account or adapt to the variety of
physical characteristics which exist (size and shape of physiognomy, as
well as individual sleep styles/needs). Some are limited by their fixed,
static shapes, being made out of foam in somewhat rigid forms. These
appear rather orthopedic or clinical in appearance. Others fall under the
category of "neck pillows" and provide special support of the neck, while
others are comprised of certain coverings or contain certain fill
materials which aid in limiting or reducing creasing of the skin. Many of
these pillows attempt to aid in this purpose, but are somewhat limited in
adapting to the naturally occurring movements of the individual during the
course of sleep or rest.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the various existing
pillow designs presently available, several objects and advantages of the
present design are:
a) to conform to a variety of positions needed in the course of resting or
sleeping, due to both its resiliency and shape.
b) to provide a unique "cradling" support of the jawbone and side forehead
area when sleeper is on his/her side, and to provide this automatically
when sleeper turns from one side to the other during the course of
sleeping;
c) to provide an open section within a supported area for those individuals
recovering from various types of reconstructive and/or cosmetic surgery of
the face. This is possible due to the petal sections which allow for the
injured or recovering areas to remain free of surface pressure, as the
petal "arms" will support the surrounding tissue only.
d) to adapt, due to the unique shape consisting of several "petal" sections
surrounding a small pillow center, to the requirements of both yielding
and supporting various parts of the face, head and neck during sleep,
simultaneously providing support where needed and yielding or conforming
where needed for those parts of the face, head and neck that come in
contact with the "petals";
e) to provide an immediate surface area, due to its washable satin
covering, which is conducive to not creasing delicate facial skin, thereby
aiding in preventing wrinkles generated by repeated pressing of the face
during sleep;
f) to provide a restful, comfortable shape for a variety of positions due
in part to the fill material, which is a combination of any natural fibers
commonly used as fill material in pillows, resin-treated polyester fiber,
or, depending upon preference, 100% resin treated polyester fiber fill.
All of the above contribute to the promotion of a restful, relaxed state
for reclining or sleeping. In addition, the pillow is ideally suited for:
i) traveling, as it can be used in automobiles, airplanes, etc., and its
small size makes it convenient to pack.
ii) use by children, due to its flexible form and whimsical flower shape,
iii) pregnant or nursing women, elderly, institutionalized patients or
invalids, anyone requiring comfort and the added bonus of attractiveness
in stressful times of illness, recovery, etc. It can be used as a
decorative item aside from its practical use, being attractive when
displayed on a bed, singly or in numbers, in a child's bedroom, etc.
iv) use in combination with other pillows, depending on the preference for
thickness, cushioning etc.
v) use for providing cushioning of the lower limbs and back, feet, etc.,
not being limited to use only under the head and neck area.
DRAWING FIGURES
In the drawings, like designations refer to like parts throughout.
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the pillow as seen from the front.
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the pillow as seen from the back.
FIG. 3 shows a first preferred embodiment of the pillow, with a lateral
view of a person lying on the pillow as it supports the jawbone and side
of forehead.
FIG. 4 shows a second preferred embodiment with the pillow used as a neck
pillow, with a lateral view of a person lying on their back with the
pillow (on its side) under the neck.
FIG. 5 shows a third preferred embodiment with the pillow lying flat, and
the person lying on their back with the pillow creating a "nest" to cradle
the head.
FIG. 6 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the pillow, with the pillow
placed on its side, so that there is additional thickness for cushioning
the head, and a lateral view of the person reclining on one side, with one
arm raised under the center section of the pillow.
FIG. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of the pillow, with the pillow
placed on its side for additional thickness, and the person reclining on
one side with an arm behind the pillow, the face being supported by the
petal sections.
FIG. 8 shows a cross section of both the center and petal sections,
indicating the fill material used in those sections.
FIG. 9 is a view of the pillow as seen from the front, showing the washable
satin (or the like) removable pillow case which has a nylon zipper (or
other appropriate fasteners) on one side; said zipper is shown in a
partially open position.
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Reference Numerals in Drawings
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10 cotton outer covering of pillow
12 fill material (down, resin-treated polyester fiber, or any
appropriate materials ordinarily used in pillows, with a
firmer concentration of fill material in the petal sections
and less density of fill material in the center section.
14 petals (with firmer support)
16 center section (softer support)
18 section fasteners, drawstrings, or the like, which are
secured in place.
20 closure (zipper, VELCRO .RTM. hook-and-loop, or
other appropriate fastener)
22 closure flap
24 removable pillowcase
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DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1 TO 7
FIGS. 1 and 2 show the front and back of the pillow respectively. FIGS. 3
through 6 show typical embodiments of the pillow as follows: FIG. 3 shows
how the pillow effectively cradles the head when the person is reclining
on one side. The firmer support afforded by the petal sections support the
side of forehead and chin/jawbone area, while the softer support of the
middle section creates a "nest", while the delicate facial tissues are not
pressed directly against any surface. FIG. 4 shows another embodiment; the
person here is lying on their back, with the pillow, placed on its side,
providing a support for the neck. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment; this
with the person again on their back, the pillow this time is lying flat,
creating a "nest" which effectively cradles the head. FIG. 6 shows the
person lying on one side, with the pillow on its side, creating a thicker
cushion for the head, 1 again the firmer petal sections coupled with the
softer center section create a nest area which supports the head. FIG. 7
shows the pillow placed on one side and the person reclining on one side
with one arm raised behind the pillow, the face being supported by the
petals. FIG. 8 is a cross section of one of the petals of the pillow,
showing the fill material used. This may be suited to the individual's
preference; the pillow can either be filled with a blend of natural goose
down and resin treated polyester fibers, or, should there be an allergy to
natural fibers, or for any other reason, the fill material can be made
with all synthetic fiber fill. FIG. 9 shows a view of the pillow as seen
from the front, including its removable washable satin pillow case, shown
with the zipper closure partially open.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
A number of advantages can be seen, from the description above, of the
pillow's superior usefulness in a variety of embodiments.
It embodies a unique shape, designed to cradle and support the body in a
variety of ways.
It is small, malleable, and therefore ideally suited for travel and use in
a variety of situations.
It is very pleasing and attractive, therefore making it ideal as a
decorative object in addition to its usefulness.
It is suitable for use by pregnant or nursing women, elderly, children,
institutionalized and/or convalescing patients or invalids, in short
anyone requiring comfort with the added bonus of attractiveness.
It can be used in combination with other pillows, depending on the
preference for thickness, color combinations, etc.
The removable, washable satin (or similar material) cover further enhances
the qualities of the pillow which do not promote creasing of the skin
during sleep, (which creasing leads to wrinkling of the facial skin). This
removable case has been tailored to accommodate the contours of the pillow
and contribute to its appearance as well as functionality.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely
providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of
the pillow. For example, it can be used in a variety of other positions
and ways, depending upon the preference of the user.
Thus the scope of the pillow should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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