CA2099545A1 - Adjustable cervical support pillow - Google Patents
Adjustable cervical support pillowInfo
- Publication number
- CA2099545A1 CA2099545A1 CA 2099545 CA2099545A CA2099545A1 CA 2099545 A1 CA2099545 A1 CA 2099545A1 CA 2099545 CA2099545 CA 2099545 CA 2099545 A CA2099545 A CA 2099545A CA 2099545 A1 CA2099545 A1 CA 2099545A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bladder
- support pillow
- pillow according
- cervical support
- adjustable cervical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/10—Pillows
- A47G9/1081—Pillows comprising a neck support, e.g. a neck roll
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
- A61G7/072—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests for the head only
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G2009/003—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows with inflatable members
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1013—Lifting of patients by
- A61G7/1021—Inflatable cushions
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Bedding Items (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An adjustable pillow is comprised of a pad with a bolster portion formed along one edge thereof. A bladder is disposed in the bolster portion so that the bolster portion is adjustable in the degree of support by inflation or deflation thereof. In one embodiment the pillow is provided with two or more bolster portions. In another embodiment the bolster portion is provided with two bladders.
An adjustable pillow is comprised of a pad with a bolster portion formed along one edge thereof. A bladder is disposed in the bolster portion so that the bolster portion is adjustable in the degree of support by inflation or deflation thereof. In one embodiment the pillow is provided with two or more bolster portions. In another embodiment the bolster portion is provided with two bladders.
Description
2099~45 The present invention relates to cervical support pillows and, in particular, to cervical support pillows adjustable in firmness and size.
Many neck and head-related aches and pains are caused or exacerbated by poor positioning of the head during sleep. Neck pain may occur when vertebrae are placed in a position that overstretches the surrounding ligaments and other soft tissue which support the discs separating the vertebrae. Overstretching of the ligaments may be caused by an external force, for example an accident or a contact sport, which places a sudden severe strain on the neck, or by postural stress, which places less severe strain on the neck over a longer period of time (McKenzie, R. Treat Your own Neck Spinal Publications New Zealand, Waikanae, New Zealand, 83 pp., 1983).
Conventional pillows are usually too firm, too soft, too thin or overstuffed. When a pillow is too firm or overstuffed, the head is usually raised too high thereby putting a strain on the back of the neck. Lying on the side can also cause problems as the cervical vertebrae are overextended on the lower side of the neck and are compacted on the upper side of the neck. When a pillow is too thin or too soft, there is often not enough support under the neck so that the head is protruded relative to the neck, resulting in overstretching of ligaments in the neck region.
Accordingly, one of the problems with conventional pillows is that, whether the pillow is too firm or too soft, the cervical vertebrae can be misaligned.
Such a sleeping poeition can cause headache, stiff neck and shoulder and back pain. As such, poor positioning of the head during sleep can have an adverse affect on a person's performance or well-being throughout the following day.
The person may suffer from a sore neck, headache and fatigue. The problem is compounded in the case of a person already suffering from an injury to the neck, head or shoulders.
209954~ ~
\
Ideally, a pillow should provide supp~rt so that the head and therefore the neck is held in substantially the same alignment of the spine, as occurs when a person is standing upright. The pillow should provide support to both the head and the neck while being contoured to the curve of the neck, without unduly tilting the head up or down. By sleeping in a position whereby the vertebrae are held in alignment so that the ligaments about the vertebrae are not overextended, the occurrences of headache, stiff neck and shoulder and back pain can be significantly reduced.
A number of pillow~ have been designed in an effort to reduce or overcome strain on the neck during sleep. One type is formed of a substantially rectangular pad of polyurethane foam contoured with a raised cylindrical portion formed at one end thereof. There is no adjustment of the size and firmness offered by the one cylindrical portion. Examples of such pillows are those available from Hermell Products, Inc., Bloomfield, Connecticut, U.S.A. and Duro-Med Industries, Inc., Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Another type of pillow is a polyurethane pillow having a raised cylindrical portion foxmed at both ends of a rectangular pad (Best Orthopedic Products, Hickory, North Carolina, U.S.A.). The raised portions are of two difrerent sizes so that the user can choose the end that is the preferable size for his neck.
These pillows are formed of a single type of material, most commonly polyurethane foam, and of a uniform density. While the two raised cylindrical portions offer some adjustment in size, the pillows are limited to these two positions of adjustment. Further, there is no adjustment available in the firmness provided.
Core Products International Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. has attempted to improve ths situation by providing a pillow formed with a core insert of high-density foam for extra firmness. Pillows having cores which offer different degrees of firmness are available.
- 209~4~
For example, one DOUBLE CORE PI~LOW has one medium and one firm core and another DOUBLE CORE PILLOW has one firm and one extra firm core.
While the pillows described above may provide some relief for people suffering from head or neck ache caused by an uncomfortable sleeping position, the pillows are not suitable for every person. Moreover, a person may find that a pillow is effective in one position, for example when lying on his back, but ineffective in another position, for example when lying on his side. Furthermore, for hygienic reasons, pillows cannot be returned to the store after use if found not to provide the proper degree of support. A person looking for a better pillow may spend a lot of money in an effort to find a pillow which provides appropriate support.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pillow which provides support for the neck and allows for a wide range of adjustment of the firmness and size of the support pillow.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first bladder, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a bolster having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a bladder disposed in the interior of the bolster, and means for inflating or deflating the bladder, whereby the support provided by the bolster is adjustable before, during or after use.
:
209954~
.
- 4 :
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to ;~
support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, first and second bladders disposed in the interior of :
the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first and second bladders, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable :
pillow having a bladder disposed in a bolster portion;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of an air bladder of the pillow of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable ~ :
pillow provided with a layer of padding;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow having two bolster portions, each having a bladder disposed therein;
Flguro S is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow comprised of a bolster having a bladder disposed .
therein;
Figure 6 is a side eleYational view of an adjustable pillow having a bolster portion with two bladders disposed therein; and ~;~
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow having two bolster portions and a unitary bladder provided in the bolster portions and the interior of the pillow. . .
Referring to Figure 1, a pillow 10 of the present invention has a pad 12 formed with a bolster portion 14 along one longitudinal edge thereof. The bolster portion 14 is formed with a hole 15 extending therethrough. A
bladder 16 is disposed in the hole 15 of the bolster portion 14.
The pad 12 illustrated in Figure 1 is generally rectangular and of a uniform thickness. The bolster portion 14 is formed so that the side adjacent the pad 12 slopes downwardly thereto at an angle of approximately 90.
The bladder 16 disposed in the bolster portion 14 is cylindrical.
The bladder 16 permits adjustment of the degree of firmness offered by the bolster portion 14 and of the size of the bolster portion 14 by regulation of the pressure of the fluid, for example air, in~ide the bladd~r 16. The pressure inside the bladder 16 can be adjusted by a valve and cap assembly (not shown) inflated by the mouth of a person. Alternatively, the pressure in the bladder 16 can be adjusted by an inflation device 17. For example, the inflation device 17 may be a simple pump comprising a bulb 18, or other device, and tubing 20 for connection to a valve 22 located at one end of the bladder 16, as shown more clearly in Figure 2. The inflation device 17 permits inflation and/or deflation of the bladder 16 to be effected to any desired degree of firmness and size either before a person rests his head on the pillow 10 or while n situ.
Alternatively, the inflation device 17 may be an electric pump with a controller (not shown).
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the bulb 18 could be detachable and the valve 22 could be designed to prevent the escape of fluid, such as air, from the bladder 16 to maintain the inflated condition of the bladder 16.
The pillow 10 may be formed o~ at least one of foam, cotton batting, feathers, kapok, HOLLOFIL~ and any other suitable natural or synthetic fiber. Hereinafter, any reference to foam as a material of construction of the pillow 10 will be understood to include one or more of the above-mentioned materials.
Referring now to Figure 3, the pad 12 is formed with a layer of padding 24 of soft material, for example, at least one of kapok, down, polyester fill, cotton batting, and a different density of foam. The layer of padding 24 may also comprise gel, water or air. In the ~': . '.' !i .. . ~ .' ~ .. '. ~S~
209954~
embodiment shown in Figure 3, the layer of padding 24 is disposed on top of the pad 12. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the layer of padding 24 could be provided in the interior of the pad 12.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the pad 12 and the layer of padding 24 results in a pillow 10 which is not of uniform thickness, as is the pad 12 of Figure 1. The bolster portion 14 and the layer of padding 24 slopes gradually into the center portion of the pad 12 with an angle of approximately 20. The pillow lO then has a gentle upward slope to provide support at the top of the head. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the contour illustrated in Figure 3 could also be achieved in the pad 12 itself without the use of the layer of padding 24.
Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the pillow 10 is formed with a bolster portion 14 along each longitudinal edge thereof.
The second bolster portion 14 may be provided with a second hole 15 and a second bladder 16 as shown in Figure 4.
Alternatively, the second bolster portion 14 is formed without a bladder 16 disposed therein.
The second bolster portion 14 can be used to provide support at the top of the head or to offer a wider range of size and firmness of the bolster portions 14. The bolster portions 14 could be of the same size when inflated to the same dsgree. Alternatively, the two bolster portions 14 are of mutually different sizes, as illustrated in Figure 4. The different sizes of bolster portions 14 may be effected by using two bladders 16 of the same size inserted into bolster portions 14 having different I thicknesses of ~oam or by inserting two bladders 16 of I different sizes into bolster portions 14 of the same or different thicknesses of foam. Both bolster portions 14 could be formed with bladders 16 disposed in holes 15 extending therethrough, or a single bladder 16 and its associated infiation device 17 could simply be inserted into the hole 15 in the bolster portion 14 of choice. The ~' ::
2099~5 -unused bolster portion 14 (the bolster portion 14 without the bladder 16) may collapse slightly with the weight of the head but would still offer support for the top of the head.
5Alternatively, all four sides of the pillow 10 may be formed with bolster portions 14 to offer an e~en broader range of size and/or firmness. As well, the provision of four bclster portions 14 can be used to keep the head in one position and to prevent the head from 10moving from side to side during sleep.
Referring now to Figure 5, the pillow 10 is formed, in this embodiment, exclusively with a bolster portion 14 having a bladder 16 provided therein.
The pillow 10 can be made from a single block of 15foam, using conventional cutting equipment to produce a contoured shape, followed by hollowing out the hole 15 or a slit for the bladder 16. Alternatively, the pillow 10 could be for~ed in a mold to provide the hole 15 for the bladder 16. The pillow 10 could be formed of layers of 20different densities of foam which are, for example, glued together. The pillow 10 could also be formed by reconstruction of foam chips or waste foam products.
Preferably, the bladder 16 is designed to allow for the valve 22 of the bladder 16 to be adaptable in 25accordance with the preference of the user. For example, the bladder 16 can be removed and inserted into the opposite end of the hole 15 in the bolster portion 14 for left- or right-hand operation. In another embodiment the bladder 16 could be adapted at both ends with valves 22 for 30connection of the inflation device 17.
Preferably, the pillow 10 is dimensioned to fit inside a standard pillow case. For example, the pillow 10 could be 16~ inches long, 23 inches wide, 4 inches high at the bolster portion 14 and 2 inches high at the pad 12.
35The bladder 16 could be formed, for example, with a fully inflated diameter of 2 inches so that the bolster portion 14 can be adjusted up to 6 inches high. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the dimensions 2099~4~
.
can be determined by a particular application, for example, for a travel pillow, a baby pillow or a child's pillow.
A person using the pillow 10 of the present invention can lie on his side or on his back with his head resting on the pad 12 with the bolster portion 14 positioned under the natural curve of his neck. The person would then use the bulb 18 of the inflation device 17 to inflate the bladder 16 inside the bolster portion 14 to the desired degree of firmness and to the desired size. If the person later changed to another sleeping position and found that the degree of support was not appropriate, he could inflate or deflate the bladder 16 using the bulb 18 to the new degree of support. With such a simple device to change the pressure inside the bladder 16, the person would not have to be fully awake to adjust the pressure. Moreover, the person does not have to lift his head from the pillow 10 to adjust the pressure of the bladder 16. In addition, of course, desired adjustment can be undertaken by a third party, with minimal disturbance to an injured or sleeping person.
While the pad 12 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 is substantially rectangular in shape, the pad 12 could be ~ormed in a variety of other shapes including circles, triangles, squares, etc. The bladder 16 is illustrated as being cylindrical, however, the bladder 16 could also be elliptical in cross-section, for example, with the major axis extending upwardly.
In Fiqure 1, the bolster portion 14 i5 formed so that the side adjacent the pad 12 slopes downwardly thereto at an angle of approximately 90. In Figures 3 and 4, the bolster portion 14 slopes gradually downwards with an angle of approximately 20 towards the center of the pad 12. The bolster portion 14 could be formed with an angle ranging from about 10 to 90.
Referring now to Figure 6, the slope of the bolster portion 14, with respect to the pad 12, is adjustable by the provision of a second bladder 16 in the same bolster portion 14. Such a pillow 10 offers 209954~
g adjustment in size, firmness and slope. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the two bladders 16 could be fo~med as one bladder 16 with two independent valves 22.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the bladder 16 of a pillow 10 extends from one bolster portion 14 through the pad 12 to the second bolster portion 14. In this embodiment, the bladder is formed as a unitary bladder. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a unitary bladder could be utilized in a pillow 10 having a single bolster portion 14, as shown in Figure 1, to also provide a bladder 16 in the pad 12, or in a pillow 10 have bolster portions 14 on all sides of the pillow 10, with or without the provision of a bladder 16 in the pad 12. A unitary bladder 16 could also be adapted for the embodiment shown in Figure 6 with a separate chamber for one of the bladders 16 in the bolster portion 14.
Many neck and head-related aches and pains are caused or exacerbated by poor positioning of the head during sleep. Neck pain may occur when vertebrae are placed in a position that overstretches the surrounding ligaments and other soft tissue which support the discs separating the vertebrae. Overstretching of the ligaments may be caused by an external force, for example an accident or a contact sport, which places a sudden severe strain on the neck, or by postural stress, which places less severe strain on the neck over a longer period of time (McKenzie, R. Treat Your own Neck Spinal Publications New Zealand, Waikanae, New Zealand, 83 pp., 1983).
Conventional pillows are usually too firm, too soft, too thin or overstuffed. When a pillow is too firm or overstuffed, the head is usually raised too high thereby putting a strain on the back of the neck. Lying on the side can also cause problems as the cervical vertebrae are overextended on the lower side of the neck and are compacted on the upper side of the neck. When a pillow is too thin or too soft, there is often not enough support under the neck so that the head is protruded relative to the neck, resulting in overstretching of ligaments in the neck region.
Accordingly, one of the problems with conventional pillows is that, whether the pillow is too firm or too soft, the cervical vertebrae can be misaligned.
Such a sleeping poeition can cause headache, stiff neck and shoulder and back pain. As such, poor positioning of the head during sleep can have an adverse affect on a person's performance or well-being throughout the following day.
The person may suffer from a sore neck, headache and fatigue. The problem is compounded in the case of a person already suffering from an injury to the neck, head or shoulders.
209954~ ~
\
Ideally, a pillow should provide supp~rt so that the head and therefore the neck is held in substantially the same alignment of the spine, as occurs when a person is standing upright. The pillow should provide support to both the head and the neck while being contoured to the curve of the neck, without unduly tilting the head up or down. By sleeping in a position whereby the vertebrae are held in alignment so that the ligaments about the vertebrae are not overextended, the occurrences of headache, stiff neck and shoulder and back pain can be significantly reduced.
A number of pillow~ have been designed in an effort to reduce or overcome strain on the neck during sleep. One type is formed of a substantially rectangular pad of polyurethane foam contoured with a raised cylindrical portion formed at one end thereof. There is no adjustment of the size and firmness offered by the one cylindrical portion. Examples of such pillows are those available from Hermell Products, Inc., Bloomfield, Connecticut, U.S.A. and Duro-Med Industries, Inc., Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Another type of pillow is a polyurethane pillow having a raised cylindrical portion foxmed at both ends of a rectangular pad (Best Orthopedic Products, Hickory, North Carolina, U.S.A.). The raised portions are of two difrerent sizes so that the user can choose the end that is the preferable size for his neck.
These pillows are formed of a single type of material, most commonly polyurethane foam, and of a uniform density. While the two raised cylindrical portions offer some adjustment in size, the pillows are limited to these two positions of adjustment. Further, there is no adjustment available in the firmness provided.
Core Products International Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. has attempted to improve ths situation by providing a pillow formed with a core insert of high-density foam for extra firmness. Pillows having cores which offer different degrees of firmness are available.
- 209~4~
For example, one DOUBLE CORE PI~LOW has one medium and one firm core and another DOUBLE CORE PILLOW has one firm and one extra firm core.
While the pillows described above may provide some relief for people suffering from head or neck ache caused by an uncomfortable sleeping position, the pillows are not suitable for every person. Moreover, a person may find that a pillow is effective in one position, for example when lying on his back, but ineffective in another position, for example when lying on his side. Furthermore, for hygienic reasons, pillows cannot be returned to the store after use if found not to provide the proper degree of support. A person looking for a better pillow may spend a lot of money in an effort to find a pillow which provides appropriate support.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pillow which provides support for the neck and allows for a wide range of adjustment of the firmness and size of the support pillow.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first bladder, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a bolster having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a bladder disposed in the interior of the bolster, and means for inflating or deflating the bladder, whereby the support provided by the bolster is adjustable before, during or after use.
:
209954~
.
- 4 :
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to ;~
support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, first and second bladders disposed in the interior of :
the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first and second bladders, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable :
pillow having a bladder disposed in a bolster portion;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of an air bladder of the pillow of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable ~ :
pillow provided with a layer of padding;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow having two bolster portions, each having a bladder disposed therein;
Flguro S is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow comprised of a bolster having a bladder disposed .
therein;
Figure 6 is a side eleYational view of an adjustable pillow having a bolster portion with two bladders disposed therein; and ~;~
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable pillow having two bolster portions and a unitary bladder provided in the bolster portions and the interior of the pillow. . .
Referring to Figure 1, a pillow 10 of the present invention has a pad 12 formed with a bolster portion 14 along one longitudinal edge thereof. The bolster portion 14 is formed with a hole 15 extending therethrough. A
bladder 16 is disposed in the hole 15 of the bolster portion 14.
The pad 12 illustrated in Figure 1 is generally rectangular and of a uniform thickness. The bolster portion 14 is formed so that the side adjacent the pad 12 slopes downwardly thereto at an angle of approximately 90.
The bladder 16 disposed in the bolster portion 14 is cylindrical.
The bladder 16 permits adjustment of the degree of firmness offered by the bolster portion 14 and of the size of the bolster portion 14 by regulation of the pressure of the fluid, for example air, in~ide the bladd~r 16. The pressure inside the bladder 16 can be adjusted by a valve and cap assembly (not shown) inflated by the mouth of a person. Alternatively, the pressure in the bladder 16 can be adjusted by an inflation device 17. For example, the inflation device 17 may be a simple pump comprising a bulb 18, or other device, and tubing 20 for connection to a valve 22 located at one end of the bladder 16, as shown more clearly in Figure 2. The inflation device 17 permits inflation and/or deflation of the bladder 16 to be effected to any desired degree of firmness and size either before a person rests his head on the pillow 10 or while n situ.
Alternatively, the inflation device 17 may be an electric pump with a controller (not shown).
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the bulb 18 could be detachable and the valve 22 could be designed to prevent the escape of fluid, such as air, from the bladder 16 to maintain the inflated condition of the bladder 16.
The pillow 10 may be formed o~ at least one of foam, cotton batting, feathers, kapok, HOLLOFIL~ and any other suitable natural or synthetic fiber. Hereinafter, any reference to foam as a material of construction of the pillow 10 will be understood to include one or more of the above-mentioned materials.
Referring now to Figure 3, the pad 12 is formed with a layer of padding 24 of soft material, for example, at least one of kapok, down, polyester fill, cotton batting, and a different density of foam. The layer of padding 24 may also comprise gel, water or air. In the ~': . '.' !i .. . ~ .' ~ .. '. ~S~
209954~
embodiment shown in Figure 3, the layer of padding 24 is disposed on top of the pad 12. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the layer of padding 24 could be provided in the interior of the pad 12.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the pad 12 and the layer of padding 24 results in a pillow 10 which is not of uniform thickness, as is the pad 12 of Figure 1. The bolster portion 14 and the layer of padding 24 slopes gradually into the center portion of the pad 12 with an angle of approximately 20. The pillow lO then has a gentle upward slope to provide support at the top of the head. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the contour illustrated in Figure 3 could also be achieved in the pad 12 itself without the use of the layer of padding 24.
Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the pillow 10 is formed with a bolster portion 14 along each longitudinal edge thereof.
The second bolster portion 14 may be provided with a second hole 15 and a second bladder 16 as shown in Figure 4.
Alternatively, the second bolster portion 14 is formed without a bladder 16 disposed therein.
The second bolster portion 14 can be used to provide support at the top of the head or to offer a wider range of size and firmness of the bolster portions 14. The bolster portions 14 could be of the same size when inflated to the same dsgree. Alternatively, the two bolster portions 14 are of mutually different sizes, as illustrated in Figure 4. The different sizes of bolster portions 14 may be effected by using two bladders 16 of the same size inserted into bolster portions 14 having different I thicknesses of ~oam or by inserting two bladders 16 of I different sizes into bolster portions 14 of the same or different thicknesses of foam. Both bolster portions 14 could be formed with bladders 16 disposed in holes 15 extending therethrough, or a single bladder 16 and its associated infiation device 17 could simply be inserted into the hole 15 in the bolster portion 14 of choice. The ~' ::
2099~5 -unused bolster portion 14 (the bolster portion 14 without the bladder 16) may collapse slightly with the weight of the head but would still offer support for the top of the head.
5Alternatively, all four sides of the pillow 10 may be formed with bolster portions 14 to offer an e~en broader range of size and/or firmness. As well, the provision of four bclster portions 14 can be used to keep the head in one position and to prevent the head from 10moving from side to side during sleep.
Referring now to Figure 5, the pillow 10 is formed, in this embodiment, exclusively with a bolster portion 14 having a bladder 16 provided therein.
The pillow 10 can be made from a single block of 15foam, using conventional cutting equipment to produce a contoured shape, followed by hollowing out the hole 15 or a slit for the bladder 16. Alternatively, the pillow 10 could be for~ed in a mold to provide the hole 15 for the bladder 16. The pillow 10 could be formed of layers of 20different densities of foam which are, for example, glued together. The pillow 10 could also be formed by reconstruction of foam chips or waste foam products.
Preferably, the bladder 16 is designed to allow for the valve 22 of the bladder 16 to be adaptable in 25accordance with the preference of the user. For example, the bladder 16 can be removed and inserted into the opposite end of the hole 15 in the bolster portion 14 for left- or right-hand operation. In another embodiment the bladder 16 could be adapted at both ends with valves 22 for 30connection of the inflation device 17.
Preferably, the pillow 10 is dimensioned to fit inside a standard pillow case. For example, the pillow 10 could be 16~ inches long, 23 inches wide, 4 inches high at the bolster portion 14 and 2 inches high at the pad 12.
35The bladder 16 could be formed, for example, with a fully inflated diameter of 2 inches so that the bolster portion 14 can be adjusted up to 6 inches high. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the dimensions 2099~4~
.
can be determined by a particular application, for example, for a travel pillow, a baby pillow or a child's pillow.
A person using the pillow 10 of the present invention can lie on his side or on his back with his head resting on the pad 12 with the bolster portion 14 positioned under the natural curve of his neck. The person would then use the bulb 18 of the inflation device 17 to inflate the bladder 16 inside the bolster portion 14 to the desired degree of firmness and to the desired size. If the person later changed to another sleeping position and found that the degree of support was not appropriate, he could inflate or deflate the bladder 16 using the bulb 18 to the new degree of support. With such a simple device to change the pressure inside the bladder 16, the person would not have to be fully awake to adjust the pressure. Moreover, the person does not have to lift his head from the pillow 10 to adjust the pressure of the bladder 16. In addition, of course, desired adjustment can be undertaken by a third party, with minimal disturbance to an injured or sleeping person.
While the pad 12 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 is substantially rectangular in shape, the pad 12 could be ~ormed in a variety of other shapes including circles, triangles, squares, etc. The bladder 16 is illustrated as being cylindrical, however, the bladder 16 could also be elliptical in cross-section, for example, with the major axis extending upwardly.
In Fiqure 1, the bolster portion 14 i5 formed so that the side adjacent the pad 12 slopes downwardly thereto at an angle of approximately 90. In Figures 3 and 4, the bolster portion 14 slopes gradually downwards with an angle of approximately 20 towards the center of the pad 12. The bolster portion 14 could be formed with an angle ranging from about 10 to 90.
Referring now to Figure 6, the slope of the bolster portion 14, with respect to the pad 12, is adjustable by the provision of a second bladder 16 in the same bolster portion 14. Such a pillow 10 offers 209954~
g adjustment in size, firmness and slope. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the two bladders 16 could be fo~med as one bladder 16 with two independent valves 22.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the bladder 16 of a pillow 10 extends from one bolster portion 14 through the pad 12 to the second bolster portion 14. In this embodiment, the bladder is formed as a unitary bladder. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a unitary bladder could be utilized in a pillow 10 having a single bolster portion 14, as shown in Figure 1, to also provide a bladder 16 in the pad 12, or in a pillow 10 have bolster portions 14 on all sides of the pillow 10, with or without the provision of a bladder 16 in the pad 12. A unitary bladder 16 could also be adapted for the embodiment shown in Figure 6 with a separate chamber for one of the bladders 16 in the bolster portion 14.
Claims (35)
1. An adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first bladder, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
2. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladder is a pump connectable to the bladder.
3. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 2, wherein the bladder is provided with means for connecting the pump at both ends of the bladder.
4. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 3, wherein the means for connecting the pump is a non-return valve, whereby when the pump is disconnected the bladder remains inflated.
5. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 2, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladder is a valve and cap assembly.
6. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 1, wherein a second bolster portion is formed along another edge of the pad.
7. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 6, wherein the second bolster portion is formed along the opposite edge of the pad to the first bolster portion.
8. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second bolster portion is of different dimensions than the first bolster portion.
9. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a second bladder is provided in the interior of the second bolster portion.
10. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 9, wherein the second bladder is of different dimensions than the first bladder.
11. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow is provided with a layer of padding material.
12. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 11, wherein the layer of padding material is formed of at least one of kapok, down, cotton batting, polyester fill, foam, gel, water and air.
13. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 1, wherein two bladders are disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion.
14. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 1, wherein the first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion extends into the pad.
15. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion extends into the interior of the second bolster portion.
16. An adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a bolster having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, a bladder disposed in the interior of the bolster, and means for inflating or deflating the bladder, whereby the support provided by the bolster is adjustable before, during or after use.
17. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 16, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladder is a pump connectable to the bladder.
18. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 17, wherein the bladder is provided with a non-return valve, whereby when the pump is disconnected the bladder remains inflated.
19. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 17, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladder is a valve and cap assembly.
20. An adjustable cervical support pillow comprising, a pad of a thickness and density to support and cushion the head, a first bolster portion formed along one edge of the pad, the first bolster portion having a diameter to substantially fit the contour of the neck, first and second bladders disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion, and means for inflating or deflating the first and second bladders, whereby the support provided by the first bolster portion is adjustable before, during or after use.
21. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 20, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladders is a pump connectable to the bladders.
22. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the bladders are provided with means for connecting the pump at both ends of the bladders.
23. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 22, wherein the means for connecting the pump is a non-return valve, whereby when the pump is disconnected the bladders remain inflated.
24. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 21, wherein the means for inflating or deflating the bladders is a valve and cap assembly.
25. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 20, wherein a second bolster portion is formed along another edge of the pad.
26. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 25, wherein the second bolster portion is formed along the opposite edge of the rectangular pad to the first bolster portion.
27. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the second bolster portion is of different dimensions than the first bolster portion.
28. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 25 or 26, wherein a third bladder is provided in the interior of the second bolster portion.
29. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 28, wherein a fourth bladder is provided adjacent the third bladder in the interior of the second bolster portion.
30. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 28, wherein the third bladder is of different dimensions than the first and second bladders.
31. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 20, wherein the pillow is provided with a layer of padding material.
32. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 31, wherein the layer of padding material is formed of at least one of kapok, down, cotton batting, polyester fill, foam, gel, water and air.
33. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 20, wherein the first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion extends into the pad.
34. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 33, wherein the second bladder is a separate chamber in the first bladder.
35. An adjustable cervical support pillow according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the first bladder disposed in the interior of the first bolster portion extends into the interior of the second bolster portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2099545 CA2099545A1 (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1993-07-02 | Adjustable cervical support pillow |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2099545 CA2099545A1 (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1993-07-02 | Adjustable cervical support pillow |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2099545A1 true CA2099545A1 (en) | 1995-01-03 |
Family
ID=4151873
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2099545 Abandoned CA2099545A1 (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1993-07-02 | Adjustable cervical support pillow |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2099545A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1999009869A1 (en) | 1997-08-21 | 1999-03-04 | Huntleigh Technology Plc | Medical apparatus for relief of pain |
| WO1999037188A1 (en) | 1998-01-20 | 1999-07-29 | Priolo Gino P | Adjustable therapeutic pillow |
| WO2003039325A2 (en) | 2001-11-07 | 2003-05-15 | Andrew David Gardner | Medical apparatus for relief of pain |
| WO2024066126A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | 范广 | Air pouch structure of inflatable pillow and inflatable pillow |
| WO2024066125A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | 范广 | Inflatable pillow structure |
-
1993
- 1993-07-02 CA CA 2099545 patent/CA2099545A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1999009869A1 (en) | 1997-08-21 | 1999-03-04 | Huntleigh Technology Plc | Medical apparatus for relief of pain |
| WO1999037188A1 (en) | 1998-01-20 | 1999-07-29 | Priolo Gino P | Adjustable therapeutic pillow |
| WO2003039325A2 (en) | 2001-11-07 | 2003-05-15 | Andrew David Gardner | Medical apparatus for relief of pain |
| WO2024066126A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | 范广 | Air pouch structure of inflatable pillow and inflatable pillow |
| WO2024066125A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | 范广 | Inflatable pillow structure |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1260631A (en) | Air mattress | |
| US4805603A (en) | Inflatable cervical traction pillow | |
| US5987675A (en) | Spinal support and stretch pillow system | |
| US5910080A (en) | Therapeutic bedding pad | |
| US5809597A (en) | Inflatable body support | |
| US5671492A (en) | Contoured asymmetrical mattress | |
| US5642543A (en) | Adjustable ergonomic pillow | |
| US7578015B1 (en) | Inflatable neck support | |
| US5163194A (en) | Adjustable cervical pillow | |
| US5201761A (en) | Device and method for reducing lumbar lordosis while supine and supporting the lumbar curve when seated | |
| US5113539A (en) | Adjustable firmness coil spring mattress with inflatable tubes | |
| US6490743B1 (en) | Orthopaedic pillow cover | |
| US5129115A (en) | Method of prefilling and supporting person on fluid filled body support system | |
| US20040068799A1 (en) | Cervical spine rehabilitation system | |
| US20050172412A1 (en) | Inflatable device for adjusting the support and comfort of a mattress | |
| CA2309367C (en) | A built-up air cushion | |
| US5797153A (en) | Orthopedic body pillow | |
| US6546579B1 (en) | Conforming air and foam support device | |
| US5426798A (en) | Resting support particularly adapted for prone sleeping | |
| US5490717A (en) | Lotus seat | |
| CA2099545A1 (en) | Adjustable cervical support pillow | |
| US20040029484A1 (en) | Breast supporter | |
| US5497519A (en) | Orthopedic body pillow | |
| US20020079731A1 (en) | Therapeutic lounge chair and method therefor | |
| EP0757899B1 (en) | Mattress with adjustment of the firmness |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |