Multi-Position Pillow with Head, Neck, and Upper-Body Support

Abstract

A support pillow configured to support the head, neck, and upper body of a user, particularly when the user is in an upright seated position. The support pillow includes a neck-supporting portion configured to extend around the user’s neck and to support the head and neck of the user. An elongate support portion extends downwardly from the neck-supporting portion and provides structural support and stability to the pillow during use. The elongate support portion may be engaged by the user or supported by a surface to assist in stabilizing the head, neck, and upper body. The support pillow accommodates forward and lateral movement of the user’s head without requiring attachment to a chair, headrest, or restraint, and may be used in seated, reclined, or resting positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to cushions and pillows, and more particularly to a multi-position support pillow configured to provide head, neck, and upper-body support for a user in seated, reclined, or resting positions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cushions and pillows are commonly used to provide comfort and support during rest, travel, and relaxation. In many seated or upright scenarios, however, existing pillows fail to adequately support the head and upper body when a user relaxes or falls asleep. In particular, insufficient forward and downward support often allows the head and torso to slump forward, resulting in discomfort, disrupted rest, and potential strain to the neck and spine.

[0003] Conventional neck pillows typically concentrate bulk behind the neck while leaving an open region at the front. This configuration can push the neck forward while failing to provide support beneath the chin, permitting the head to tilt downward toward the chest. Such movement may cause repetitive head nodding, instability, and reduced comfort, especially during prolonged periods in a seated position.

[0004] Many existing pillow designs also depend on surrounding structures for support, such as seat backs, headrests, or other external surfaces. When seats do not recline adequately, the user's head is positioned forward of the headrest and lacks support, causing the head to drop forward. In environments where reclining is limited, these designs may shift out of position, provide inconsistent support, or require additional restraints or attachments. Such features can be cumbersome to use and may limit the adaptability of the pillow across different seating arrangements or resting environments.

[0005] Other known solutions provide support primarily in a single direction or on one side of the head, offering limited accommodation for natural head movement or changes in user posture. Additionally, many pillows lack sufficient structural stability to maintain effective support when used in an upright or semi-upright position. As a result, existing designs often fail to provide coordinated support for the head, neck, and upper body within a single, adaptable structure.

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for a support pillow capable of providing stable, multi-directional support to the head, neck, and upper body across a range of user positions, including seated, reclined, and resting configurations, without reliance on complex attachments or external support structures.

[0007] Some prior art designs require the pillow to rest on the user's lap or thighs to function properly, limiting their use to seated positions where a lap surface is available. Such designs cannot be effectively used while standing or when a stable lap surface is unavailable. Additionally, these lap-dependent designs may shift or lose effectiveness if the user changes position or if the lap surface is unavailable or unstable.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of a multi-position pillow configured to support the head, neck, and upper body of a user.

[0009] The pillow is configured to support the head, neck, and upper body of a user, particularly, but not exclusively, when the user is in an upright seated position. The pillow stabilizes the head and neck to reduce forward head nodding and lateral head movement when the user is resting or sleeping.

[0010] When used in an upright seated position, the pillow is positioned around the user’s neck beneath the chin. The pillow provides support at the front and sides of the neck to resist forward and sideways movement of the head, thereby reducing head nodding and upper-body slumping during relaxation or sleep.

[0011] The pillow is formed as a single, unitary structure comprising two primary functional portions. A neck-supporting portion is configured as an open-ended, ring-shaped structure that extends around the user’s neck. The neck-supporting portion is sized and shaped to support the head and neck and includes bilateral side regions for lateral support. A rear region of the neck-supporting portion tapers at the back of the neck to reduce bulk, thereby avoiding forward pressure on the head and allowing comfortable use against a seat back or other resting surface. The open-ended configuration allows the pillow to be easily positioned on and removed from the neck via the front.

[0012] The pillow further includes an elongate support portion extending downwardly from the neck-supporting portion. The elongate support portion provides structural support to the neck-supporting portion and contributes to stabilization of the user’s head and upper body. During use, the elongate support portion may be supported by the user's arms, hands, body, lap, a seat, or another surface. The user may engage or hold the elongate support portion to increase stability and comfort, without the need for attachments, restraints, or setup.

[0013] The pillow accommodates changes in head position without requiring the user to select a particular side before relaxing, and is configured to support the head when tilted to either side or when the head moves forward. While particularly suited for use during travel or other seated activities, the pillow may also be used in other sitting, reclined, or resting positions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following description is provided to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention may be practiced without limitation to the specific details described herein. Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.General Structure

[0015] The support pillow is configured as a unitary, single-piece structure designed to support the head, neck, and upper body of a user, particularly when the user is in an upright seated position. The pillow includes a neck-supporting portion and an elongate support portion extending downwardly from the neck-supporting portion. The configuration of these portions enables stabilization of the head and neck to reduce forward head nodding and lateral head movement during rest or sleep.

[0016] The neck-supporting portion is configured as an open-ended, ring-shaped structure adapted to extend around the user’s neck. The neck-supporting portion includes bilateral side regions configured to support the head and neck when the user’s head tilts laterally to either side. A rear region of the neck-supporting portion tapers at the back of the neck to reduce bulk, thereby avoiding forward pressure on the head and allowing comfortable use against a seat back or other resting surface. The open-ended configuration allows the pillow to be easily positioned on and removed from the neck via the front.

[0017] A forward region of the neck-supporting portion is positioned beneath the chin during use and is configured to resist forward head nodding when the user’s head moves forward.

[0018] The elongate support portion extends downwardly from the neck-supporting portion and provides structural support and stability to the pillow. During use, the elongate support portion may be supported by the user's arms, hands, body, lap, a seat, or another surface. The user may engage or hold the elongate support portion to increase stability and comfort. Contact with a lap or seating surface may enhance stability but is not required for the pillow to provide effective head and neck support.Materials and Construction

[0019] The pillow may be formed from a variety of materials suitable for providing structural integrity and user comfort. The outer shell may be constructed from fabric, textile materials, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. The interior of the pillow may include filling materials such as fiberfill, foam, beads, kapok, inflatable air chambers, or other materials capable of maintaining shape while providing support and comfort.

[0020] The pillow may be formed from a single material or from multiple materials combined to achieve desired firmness, flexibility, or durability characteristics.Covers and Accessories

[0021] In certain embodiments, the pillow includes a removable outer cover formed from fabric or other suitable materials to enhance comfort, appearance, or cleanability. The cover may include pockets for holding personal items such as phones, earbuds, or sleep masks.

[0022] A storage bag or carrying strap may be provided to facilitate transport and storage of the pillow. Such straps may be removable or integrated into the pillow or cover.Alternative Embodiments

[0023] In certain embodiments, the elongate support portion may include an internal cavity or

[0024] storage compartment configured to receive personal items such as clothing, blankets, or other travel accessories. The cavity may be accessible through an opening, allowing items to be stored within the elongate support portion during use or transport. When configured as a hollow structure, the pillow may be compressed or rolled for compact storage when not in use.

[0025] In alternative embodiments, the pillow may be configured as an inflatable structure, allowing for compact storage and portability. The inflatable embodiment may include one or more air valves for inflation and deflation and may be formed from durable, airtight materials.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the pillow may include one or more straps configured to support or engage the user's arms while holding the elongate support portion, enhancing stability and comfort during use. The straps may be adjustable and formed from soft, durable materials.

[0027] Additional optional features may be incorporated into the pillow or its cover, including but not limited to memory foam or gel inserts, heating or cooling elements, massage mechanisms, lighting elements, audio components, or device-support rests. These features are optional and may be included individually or in combination without altering the fundamental structure of the pillow.Use and Versatility

[0028] While the pillow is particularly suited for use in upright seated positions, the structure of the pillow permits use in additional positions, including reclined or resting orientations. The pillow accommodates changes in head position without requiring the user to select a particular side before use and provides support when the head tilts laterally or moves forward.

[0029] The support pillow may be used while standing, sitting, or reclining. Unlike pillows that depend on lap support, the elongate support portion may be held or engaged by the user's arms or torso, allowing the pillow to function effectively without requiring a seating surface or lap. This configuration permits use in a variety of environments and positions, including while standing in queues, waiting in transit terminals, or in other situations where lap support is unavailable or impractical. When lap support is available, the elongate support portion may rest on the user's lap to provide additional stability, but such support is not required for effective operation.

[0030] In addition to the primary configuration in which the neck-supporting portion extends around the user's neck, the pillow may be used in alternate orientations. The user's face may rest within the hollow of the neck-supporting portion while lying prone, on the side, or in other reclined positions, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The pillow may also be positioned behind the user's back to provide lumbar support while seated, placed under the arms or between the legs for positional support, or oriented in other configurations to suit the user's comfort preferences and support needs.

[0031] The versatile structure of the pillow, comprising the neck-supporting portion and the elongate support portion, permits a wide range of uses and positions beyond those specifically illustrated in the drawings. The pillow may be adapted to various travel, rest, and relaxation scenarios without requiring modification to its fundamental structure.Variations and Modifications

[0032] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a support pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the support pillow shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates material pattern pieces used for constructing a neck-supporting portion of the support pillow of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the placement and correspondence of the material pattern pieces of FIG. 3 as assembled to form the neck-supporting portion of the support pillow of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an elongate support portion of the support pillow shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the support pillow in use by a user in an upright seated position.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates the support pillow in use in a plurality of different positions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a support pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pillow includes a neck-supporting portion (1) and an elongate support portion (2) extending downwardly therefrom. In this embodiment, the pillow is constructed with a fabric outer layer filled with a resilient filling material.

[0041] The neck-supporting portion (1) is configured as an open-ended, ring-shaped structure adapted to extend around a user's neck. A tapered opening (8) is positioned at the rear of the neck-supporting portion to reduce bulk at the back of the neck. The tapered opening (8) allows the rear region to conform comfortably to the contour of the user's neck while avoiding forward pressure that might push the user's head forward, particularly when the pillow is used against a seat back or headrest. The neck-supporting portion includes side regions of generally uniform thickness to permit the user's head to rest comfortably on either side. A forward region of the neck-supporting portion is positioned beneath the chin during use to resist forward head nodding and to support the head and neck.

[0042] The neck-supporting portion (1) may be constructed with seams (10) oriented generally perpendicular to the circumference of a neck opening (7), thereby avoiding stitching along an inner edge of the neck opening. It should be understood that seam placement relates to comfort and construction and is not required for the functional operation of the pillow. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one method of construction.

[0043] The elongate support portion (2) extends downwardly from the neck-supporting portion (1) and is preferably formed as part of a unitary structure with the neck-supporting portion. The elongate support portion provides structural support and stability to the pillow and may be engaged by the user's arms, hands, body, lap, seat, or another support surface during use. The elongate support portion may be formed with a generally cylindrical or tapered shape and with a firmness selected to support the head, neck, and upper body.

[0044] At the junction between the neck-supporting portion (1) and the elongate support portion (2), the pillow flares outward to form the open-ended ring shape, providing sufficient cushioning for the head and neck without constraining movement.

[0045] In one embodiment, the pillow may have approximate dimensions including a length of about 28 inches, a width of the elongate support portion of about 5 inches, and a width of the neck-supporting portion of about 12 inches. A neck opening may have a circumference of approximately 15 inches. These dimensions are provided by way of example only, and other sizes and proportions may be used.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the pillow, showing the relative thickness of the elongate support portion (2) and the tapered configuration near the neck opening (7), which reduces bulk behind the neck while maintaining support.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates material pattern pieces configured to form the neck-supporting portion (1). The pattern pieces are shaped to create the bilateral side regions, the forward region, and the tapered rear region when assembled.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates the assembled neck-supporting portion (1) formed from the pattern pieces shown in FIG. 3. The assembled structure shows the neck opening (7) and seams (10) oriented perpendicular to the circumference of the neck opening. The open-ended, ring-shaped configuration allows the pillow to be positioned around the user's neck from the front. Other construction methods may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the elongate support portion (2) in an uncompressed state, showing the substantially cylindrical shape and internal filling material.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates the pillow in use by a user in an upright seated position. The neck-supporting portion (1) supports the user's head and neck while the elongate support portion (2) is engaged and held by the user to enhance stability.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates various configurations for using the pillow in different resting positions.

[0052] Position (11) shows the pillow in use while seated in a chair, with the user leaning to one side. The user's face rests within the hollow of the neck-supporting portion (1), with the side of the face positioned where the neck opening (7) would normally receive the user's neck. The elongate support portion (2) extends downward alongside the user's body, providing lateral support in this alternate configuration.

[0053] Position (12) shows the pillow supporting the user while lying in a prone position on their stomach. The user's face rests on its side within the hollow of the neck-supporting portion (1), with the user's arm cradling and supporting the pillow. The user's head is supported by the pillow while the elongate support portion (2) extends alongside the user's body rather than beneath it.

[0054] Position (13) shows the pillow in use while the user is lying on their side. Similar to position (12), the user's face rests within the hollow of the neck-supporting portion (1), with the elongate support portion (2) positioned alongside the user's body to provide lateral support.

[0055] Position (14) shows the pillow in use while the user is lying on their side with the neck-supporting portion (1) positioned around the user's neck as intended in the primary configuration. The elongate support portion (2) extends along the user's torso, providing support in a reclined lateral position.

[0056] Position (15) shows the pillow in use while the user is seated. The user's hands cup and support the bottom of the elongate support portion (2), demonstrating the self-supporting capability of the pillow when held by the user without requiring lap or seating surface support. The neck-supporting portion (1) cradles the user's head and neck.

[0057] The pillow accommodates changes in head position and body orientation, and may be used in the primary neck-encircling configuration or in alternate configurations where the user's face rests within the hollow of the neck-supporting portion.

[0058] It should be understood that the positions illustrated in FIG. 7 are representative examples only. The pillow may be used in additional configurations and orientations not specifically illustrated, including but not limited to use as lumbar support when positioned behind the user's back, use as arm or leg support, or other positions suited to the user's comfort and support needs.

Claims

<seg-con>1. A support pillow < / seg-con><seg-trans>comprising:
< / seg-trans>a neck-supporting portion configured to extend around the user’s neck and to support the head and neck of the user; and 
an elongate support portion extending downwardly from the neck-supporting portion, wherein the elongate support portion provides structural support to the neck-supporting portion and is engageable by the user or a supporting surface to stabilize the head, neck, and upper body of the user during use.

2. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the neck-supporting portion is configured as an open-ended, ring-shaped structure adapted to extend around the user’s neck.

3. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the neck-supporting portion includes a rear region having reduced bulk relative to side regions, such that the pillow does not push the user’s head forward from behind during use.

4. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the neck-supporting portion includes bilateral side regions configured to support the head and neck when the user’s head tilts laterally to either side.

5. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the neck-supporting portion includes a forward region configured to engage beneath the user’s chin to resist forward head nodding.

6. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the elongate support portion is configured to be held or engaged by the user’s arms or torso to increase stability during use.

7. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the elongate support portion may be supported by a user’s lap, a seating surface, or another external support surface during use.

8. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the neck-supporting portion and the elongate support portion are formed as a unitary, single-piece structure.

9. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow includes a removable outer cover.

10. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the support pillow is inflatable.

11. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the elongate support portion includes a substantially cylindrical shape.

12. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the support pillow is configured to support the head and neck of the user in an upright seated position without requiring attachment to a chair, headrest, or restraint.

13. The support pillow of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap configured to support or engage a user’s arms while the elongate support portion is held or engaged during use.

14. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the elongate support portion includes an internal cavity configured to receive personal items for storage.

15. The support pillow of claim 1, wherein the elongate support portion is configured to be held or engaged by the user's arms or torso to stabilize the head, neck, and upper body without requiring support from a lap or seating surface during use.

16. The support pillow of claim 2, wherein the neck-supporting portion includes bilateral side regions configured to support the head and neck when the user's head tilts laterally to either side, a forward region configured to engage beneath the user's chin to resist forward head nodding, and a rear region having reduced bulk relative to the side regions.

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