Contourable inflatable orthopedic pillow

Abstract

A pillow that includes an inflatable bladder surrounded by a resilient layer. The bladder may be inflated to various levels to achieve a desired level of orthopedic support. In some embodiments of the invention, the pillow may include an outer comfort layer of softer material than the firm inner core. Optionally, an integral hand pump may be included on the pillow for inflation purposes.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY[0001] Applicant claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 199,587 filed on Apr. 25, 2000 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 216,021 filed on Jul. 3, 2000.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to the field of cushions of all types, particularly but not limited to cushions for beds, such as head pillows and mattresses, and furniture, including the main cushions for sitting and lying as well as the loose cushions and pillows associated with some types of furniture. Those skilled in the art will recognize the myriad of applications for the cushions of the invention.[0004] 2. Background Art[0005] There is considerable prior art in the field of ergonomic, orthopedic or contoured pillows and cushions. The objective of the prior art devices is to support the head and neck during sleep in a position that is similar to the position of the head and neck in a standing or sitting person during waking hours. To that end...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The pillows of the invention in their various embodiments address these needs. In its non-inflated form, one embodiment of the invention is completely flat like a standard foam pillow. It uses an exceptionally simple, single chamber flat-welded bladder that is very inexpensive to produce and install. It can be adjusted by inflation to any degree of bulbousness from completely flat to fully orthopedic, thus allowing the user to either set it permanently at the desired degree or to gradually increase the bulbousness as he or she gets used to having an orthopedic pillow. It allows different users to set the degree of bulbousness to their own preference or their own body's needs. The construction is simple and takes little labor, and the materials are inexpensive, thus allowing the pillow to be made at low relative cost. This orthopedic pillow of the invention can be flipped over and used on either side.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, orthopedic pillows are still in only limited use.

Their cost is generally higher than for non-orthopedic pillows, especially those orthopedic pillows containing inflatable bladders.

The bladder configurations of prior art pillows are all complex in nature, significantly adding to the cost.

None of the highly-shaped orthopedic pillows of the prior art address the need for a pillow that is adjustable in shape in the range from flat to fully contoured.

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