Nursing Pillow with Cover-Up

The present disclosure relates generally to nursing pillows. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a nursing pillow with a cover-up.

Nursing a newborn can play a significant role in ensuring the child's healthy growth. Nursing is linked to numerous aspects of a child's development, such as balanced eye development brought about by a child's ability to look at his mother when nursed, a stronger bond between a mother and child, and the proper development of the child's mouth and tongue muscles, which can reduce the likelihood of speech problems.

Despite these benefits, breastfeeding can be a challenging procedure that requires maintaining the baby's head and body weight while positioning the infant to correctly latch on to the breast for feeding. Furthermore, these feeding sessions might last longer than an hour, requiring the mother to provide the baby with prolonged, appropriate support for the baby's body and head. The strain of having to feed an infant in a public setting might make this effort much more difficult. Slings, carriers, arm supports, pillows, and other nursing aids have often been used to address these challenges. Although these have been helpful to moms, concerns about privacy, ease of use, and comfort for both mother and baby have only been partially addressed.

The present disclosure is directed to a nursing pillow with an attached or attachable cover-up. The present disclosure is also directed to a pillow cover for a nursing pillow, where the pillow cover includes the attached or attachable cover-up. In one embodiment, the cover-up can be selectively stored in a pocket that extends along an outer part of the pillow cover. At least part of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pillow cover, whether permanently or removably. In use, the cover-up can be deployed from the pocket for use, then stowed again in the pocket after use.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.

Example embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in.illustrates a top view of an infant feeding pillowwith a pillow coverand filling material(not shown in) disposed in an inside volume of the pillow cover, according to one embodiment. The pillow coverhas an arcuate shape with a first armand a second arm. A central axiscan be a center line of pillow coveras viewed from above, where the central axisextends between the first armand second armsuch that the first and second arms,are generally symmetrical about the central axis, in some embodiments. The first armand second armmay connect to form a complete or mostly complete annulus where endsof each arm,are discontinuous and the arms,extend around a central open region. The pillow coverincludes an opening (not visible) that is selectively closable with a fastener, such as a zipper.

In some embodiments, the first armand the second armare separated by and connected via a longitudinal base portionbetween them. For example, the base portionextends crosswise to the central axissuch that the first armextends transversely from a first end regionof the base portionand the second armextends transversely from a second end regionof the base portion. In use, the base portionis arranged in front of the user with arms,extending around the user's waist. The base portionis generally suitable to support an infant, whether by itself or in combination with portions of the first armand/or second arm. In this example, the base portion, the first arm, and the second armcombine to form an arcuate shaped structure that extends around the open region. In some embodiments, the base portioncan have a length from zero to twelve inches or more between the arms,. For example, some embodiments of the pillowextend the base portionin order to accommodate a user of larger waist size. The base portioncan be continuous with the first armand second armso as to be indistinguishable as a separate portion from arms,. As shown in the example of, each arm,extends from the base portionto endsthat are closely adjacent to one another and so that the arms,encircle the open region.

As viewed from above, infant feeding pillowpreferably has a U-shape a crescent shape, or the shape of a discontinuous annulus having endsof arms,that abut or nearly abut. Other shapes are acceptable, such as an oval, kidney-shape, and the like. The open regioncan have a circular, pear, teardrop, triangular, diamond, ovoid, or some other shape as viewed from above.

First armhas a distal end portionthat is opposite of first end regionof base portion. First armhas first outside edgeand first inside edge. Second armhas a distal end portionthat is opposite of second end regionof base portion. Second armhas second outside edgeand second inside edge. First inside edgeis laterally separated from second inside edgeby open regionof diameter D. In some embodiments, diameter D is a constant value, such as when open regionhas a circular shape; in other embodiments, D increases and/or decreases due to the open regionhaving a non-circular shape. In some embodiments, first outside edgeof first armcan be but is not required to be circumferentially parallel to first inside edge. Similarly, second outside edgecan be but is not required to be circumferentially parallel to second inside edge

In some embodiments, distal end portionof first armand distal end portionof the second armextend towards each other to further define the open region. At rest, the distal end portionof first armand distal end portionof second armmay contact each other, or they may be separated by a gap. First inside edgeof first arm, second inside edgeof second arm, and opening base marginalong base portionare preferably curved to give open regiona substantially circular shape, in some embodiments.

The pillow covercan be provided as a stand-alone item that is ready to be filled with filling materialor it can be provided in an assembled form complete with filling materialin the interior volume. Examples of filling materialinclude a single piece or a collection of pieces of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, natural latex rubber foam, memory foam, polyester fiberfill (e.g., micro denier fiber fill), cotton, beads (e.g., polystyrene beads), beans, cotton, wool, feathers, and the like. In one embodiment, the filling materialis removable from pillow coverfor ease of washing pillow cover. In some embodiments, the filling materialcan be contained within a filling cover, such as a sack or inner pillow form, that is configured to be installed inside of the pillow cover, for example.

illustrate a top and front perspective view and a top and rear perspective view, respectively, of an infant feeding pillow, in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to as noted above, the infant feeding pillowincludes a pillow coverthat defines an interior volumefilled with (or that can be filled with) filling material. The pillow coverhas a top surfacewhere an object, such as an infant, can be placed, and a bottom surface. Note, however, that the top surfaceand bottom surfacemay be interchangeable for different applications, and the terms “top” and “bottom” are used herein for convenience of describing embodiments of the infant feeding pillow. Accordingly, the terms “top” and “bottom” do not limit the infant feeding pillowto a particular orientation. In some embodiments, the top surfacemay support the weight of the infant. This top surfacemay be sufficiently wide to support an infantduring breastfeeding. Additionally, this top surfacecan be spaced sufficiently above the bottom surface(e.g., by filling material) to enable the userto set the pillowon her lapand to have the top surfaceat a comfortable height relative to her breasts to enable breastfeeding without further adjustment of the feeding pillow.

In some embodiments, the feeding pillow, and hence pillow cover, has an inner perimeterwith an arcuate shape that partly defines the open region. For example, the inner perimeterincludes the first inside edge, opening base margin, and second inside edge(shown in). This shape enables the userto position herself such that when her torso(shown in) is located inside the open regionwith arms,of the feeding pillowextending around the waist of the userso that the torsofaces the inner perimeterand the armsandof the feeding pillowwrap around the sides of her body. The pillow coverhas an outer perimeterthat is generally curved and includes the back edge, the first outside edge, and the second outside edge

As shown in, the pillowdefines an opening(e.g., a first opening) along the outer perimeter. The openingcan be selectively opened and closed using a fastener, such as a zipper, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other suitable fastener. In this example, the fasteneris a zipper that extends approximately half-way around the outer perimeterand is shown closed.

Referring now to, a top, side, and rear perspective view shows a feeding pillowwith the fastener(e.g., a zipper) in a partially open position that enables access to the inside of the pillowvia the first opening. In this example, the pillow coverdefines a pocketthat is sized and configured to receive a cover-upin a stowed position, such as shown in. In some embodiments, the cover-up, when not in use, may be stored in the pocket. In some embodiments, the first openingmay also allow for the filling materialto be inserted or removed from the interior volume of the pillow cover. Various techniques can be used to define the first opening, including simply including a slit at any location along the outer perimeterand installing the fasteneralong that slit. Additionally, the first openingcan extend horizontally along all or part of the outer perimeter. For example, the first opening, and hence fastener, can extend from 10% to 90% of the outer perimeter, depending on the dimensions and shape of the cover-up. The first openingis typically centered on the central axis(shown in), but this is not required in all embodiments.

Note that the pillow coverneed not define a pocketin all embodiments. For example, the cover-upcan be attached to an inside of the pillow coverand deployed through the opening. After use, the cover-upcan be stowed in the interior volume of the pillow cover, which can be a volume shared with the pillow stuffing material.

shows a cross-sectional view of a pillowas viewed along line A-A in. In this example, the pocketor sac is defined by attaching a panelto the inside surfaceof the pillow cover, thereby defining the pocketinside of the pillow coverbetween the paneland the material of the pillow coveralong the outer perimeter. The panelcan be considered part of the pillow cover. Here, the pocketcan be accessed via the first opening. The panelis positioned to overlap the first openingso that when the first openingis open, the cover-upcan be stowed in or deployed from the pocket.

In some embodiments, the paneldefines a second openingthat extends horizontally along the paneland is arranged to allow access to the interior volumeof the pillow cover. The second openingtypically is aligned along the first opening, but this is not required in all embodiments. The second openingenables access to the interior volume of the pillow cover, such as for installing or removing the filling material. In some embodiments, the second openingcan be defined by leaving part of the panel(e.g., a top or bottom margin) unattached to inside surfaceof the pillow cover. However, it will be appreciated that other techniques may be used to define the second opening, including defining a slit at any location along the panel. In some embodiments, the second openingmay not be closable. In alternative embodiments, the second openingincludes a second fastener, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fastener, so that the user can open and close the second openingas needed.

The panelhas an outside surfaceand an inside surface. Here, the pocketis defined between the outside surfaceof the paneland the inside surfaceof the pillow cover. The volume and dimension of pocketcan be selected so as to be sufficient to enable stowing the cover-upin the pocket. The interior volume of the pocketcan be defined based on the horizontal length of the panel. For instance, the panelcan have a length that is equal to or greater than the length of the first opening. In some embodiments, the panelextends beyond ends of the first opening. In this example, the cover-upattaches to the panelinside the pocketand can be deployed through the first openingdefined by the pillow cover.

, illustrates a cross-sectional view of an infant feeding pillowas viewed along line A-A of, in accordance with another embodiment. In this example, the pocketis constructed by attaching the panelto an outside surfaceof the pillow coverto define the pocketbetween the paneland the pillow cover, where the panelis part of the pillow cover, defines the first opening, and overlaps the second opening. The first openingextends horizontally along the paneland is generally aligned with the second opening, which is defined along the material of the pillow cover. Accordingly, the first openingenables access into the pocket, which is defined between the inside surfaceof the paneland the outside surfaceof the pillow cover. The second openingcan be defined in various ways as noted above and enables access into the interior volume of the pillow cover. In some embodiments, the second openingmay not be fixed closed, such as when the second openingis formed by overlapping pieces of fabric that can be spread apart to open the second opening. In alternative embodiments, the second openingmay include a second fastener, such as a zipper, to selectively open and close the second opening. Other fasteners may include ties, clips, buttons, a hook and loop fastener material, and the like. Note that in this embodiment, the first openingmay be referred to as an inner opening and the second openingmay be referred to as an outer opening. In this example, the cover-upattaches to the material of the pillow coverinside the pocketand can be deployed through the first openingin the panel.

The dimensions and volume of the pocketcan be selected to accommodate the cover-upand other items, such as discussed above. When the panelis on the outside of the pillow cover, the paneltypically extends beyond the length of the first opening, which is accessible inside of the pocket. In this example, the first openingand second openingare both located at or near a midline about halfway between the top surfaceand the bottom surfaceof the pillow cover. In other embodiments, one or both of the first openingand second openingcan have other positions, such being positioned closer to the top surfaceor bottom surface. Also, the first and second openings,are shown as extending along one another; however, the first openingcan be spaced vertically from the second openingin some embodiments as deemed appropriate for access into the pocketand/or into the interior volume of the pillow cover. For example, the first openingand second openingcan be positioned at a location that allows easy access to the inside of the pocketand into the interior volumeof the pillow. Such configuration permits access to the filling materialthrough the first openingand the second opening. The removal of the filling materialenables the pillow coverto be separated from the filling materialfor laundering.

illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a pillowwith a cover-up, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cover-upis shown deployed from the first opening, which is open. The first openingcan be closed or opened using the first fastener, here shown as a zipper. A panelcan be seen through the first opening, where the paneldefines a pocketbetween the pillow coverand the panel. As noted above, the cover-upcan be stored in the pocketwhen not in use. The panelfurther defines a second openingwith a second fastener, which is also shown open in this example. The user may access the interior volumeof the pillow coverto remove or replace the filling material, for example. The pillow coverand cover-upcan be made of any suitable pliable material, including cotton, wool, and polyester.

A bottom endof the cover-upis attached permanently and/or removably inside the first opening. For example, the bottom endcan be secured to the panelor to an inside of the pillow cover, such as by a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fastener, stitching, or other suitable means or combination of such means. All or part of the bottom endcan be secured by permanent (e.g., stitching or glue) and/or non-permanent means (e.g., buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fastener, or zipper). In some embodiments, the cover-upgenerally has a triangular shape, such as shown here, where the bottom endgenerally follows the outer perimeterof the pillow. The bottom endof the cover-upis attached to the panelat a location above the second openingso that when deployed, the second openingand second fastenerare visible. In other embodiments, the bottom endis attached at a location below the second openingso that the second openingand second fastenerare concealed when the cover-upis deployed for use, such as shown in. In this example, the cover-updefines a neck openingsized to slip over a user's head. Here, the neck openingis a closed loop formed by strapsthat extend from an upper end portionof the cover-up. The strapscan be tied together or fastened together with a clasp or buckle, for example, to form an openable closed loop around the user's neck, for example. In other embodiments, the neck openingis permanently closed loop.

illustrates a top and rear perspective view of a pillowwith a cover-up, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cover-upis shown deployed from the first opening, which is open. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the first openingcan be closed or opened using the first fastener, here shown as a zipper. A panelcan be seen through the first opening, where the paneldefines a pocketbetween the pillow coverand the panel. The panelfurther defines a second openingwith a second fastener, which is shown closed in this example. The user may access the interior volume(not visible in) of the pillow coverto remove or replace the filling material, for example.

A part of the bottom endof the cover-upis attached to the panelinside the pocket. In this example, a middle portionof the bottom endis permanently attached to the panelby stitching, and side portionsof the bottom endare removably attached to the pillow coveror panelwhen deployed for use. In other embodiment, the middle portioncan be removably attached, such as using a zipper, snaps, buttons, or other suitable fastener. Here, buttons are used to secure the side portionsof the cover-upto the pillow coverduring use. In this example, the middle portionof the cover-upextends from the bodyof the cover-up, similar to a tongue, thereby defining a distinct middle portion. In other embodiments, the middle portionis collinear with or merely curves downward from the body. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

When moving the cover-upshown infrom the deployed position to the stored position, side portionscan be folded inward to overlay the middle portion, then the cover-upcan be folded, rolled, or bunched together for storage in the pocket. In such way, the length of the first fastenercan be reduced. For example, the first fastenercan have a length commensurate in size with the middle portionof the cover-up, or it can be longer or shorter than the middle portionas deemed appropriate for ease of use and taking into consideration manufacturing cost and other factors, for example. Similarly, a side portioncan be attached in the pocketwith the remainder of the bottom endunattached in the stowed position.

illustrates a front perspective view of a feeding pillowwith a cover-upshown in a partially deployed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the bottom endof the cover-upincludes a middle portionthat is formed like a tongue that extends downward from the bodyof the cover-up. Side portionseach define one or more first fastener part (e.g., a button hole as shown here) for attachment to a corresponding second fastener part(e.g., a button as shown here) on the pillow cover. Thus, during use, the cover-upcan be deployed from the pocket(not visible in) and the first fastener partsattached to corresponding second fastener partson the pillow cover, so that the bottom endof the cover upextends along the outer perimeterof the pillow coverand provides privacy to the infant on the pillow. Although only one pair of fastener parts/are shown on each side portionof the cover-up, more can be used. In alternate embodiments, a zipper or strip of hook-and-loop fastener can be used so that most or all of the bottom endof the cover-up is attached to the pillow coverduring use.

illustrates a rear perspective view of a feeding pillowwith a cover-upshown in a deployed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the bottom endof the cover-upincludes a middle portionthat is formed like a tongue that extends downward from the bodyof the cover-up. The middle portionis attached on the inside of the pocket, which is defined between a paneland the pillow cover. Side portionsare attached to the outside of the pillow coverusing buttons. Here, buttons and button holes are first and second fastener parts, respectively. Similar to embodiments discussed above, during use the cover-upcan be deployed from the pocketand the first fastener partson the pillow cover attach to corresponding second fastener partson the cover-up, or vice versa, so that the bottom endof the cover upextends along the outer perimeterof the pillow coverand provides privacy to the infant on the pillow. In alternate embodiments, a zipper or strip of hook-and-loop fastener can be used so that most or all of the bottom endof the cover-up is attached to the pillow coverduring use.

illustrates a rear perspective view of a feeding pillowin use by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the feeding pillowis supported on the user's lapwith the cover-updeployed. Strap(s)extend in a loop around the user's neck so that the cover-upprovides a private area for breastfeeding an infant.

illustrates a front perspective view of a feeding pillowwith a cover-upin a deployed position and with an infanton the pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the feeding pillowincludes an optional strapconnecting endsof the first and second arms,. The strapincludes first and second portions,that can be connected together, such as by tying or use of a fastener. Here, one end of each of the first and second strap portions,extends through a respective strap openingin the pillow coverand is connected to an inside of the pillow cover. As such, the strap portions,can be stowed inside the pillow coverby pushing each portion of the strapthrough a respective strap opening. The connectorcan be a buckle, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or other suitable fastener. When the connectoris provided, the strap openingscan be sized for passage of the respective portion of the fastener, in accordance with some embodiments. In its connected state, such as shown in, the strapaids in maintaining the endsadjacent to one another or in contact with another, as deemed appropriate by the user. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

Example 1 is a nursing pillow, comprising a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end. The pillow cover defines an outer perimeter and an interior volume. The pillow cover defines an opening that extends along the outer perimeter and includes a fastener configured to selectively maintain the opening in a closed state. A cover-up has a bottom end attached to an inside of the pillow cover, where the cover-up is sized and configured to be stored in the pillow cover and deployable from the first opening for use.

Example 2 includes the nursing pillow of Example 1, where the pillow cover includes a panel attached to an inside of the pillow cover to define a pocket between the pillow cover and the panel, the pocket sized to store the cover-up.

Example 3 includes the nursing pillow of Example 2, where the panel defines a second opening to the interior volume of the pillow cover.

Example 4 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing Examples, where the opening extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.

Example 5 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples, where only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached to the inside of the pillow cover.

Example 6 includes the nursing pillow of Example 5, where the portion of the bottom end is a middle portion.

Example 7 includes the nursing pillow of Example 6, where the middle portion is permanently attached inside the pocket.

Example 8 includes the nursing pillow of Example 6, where the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket, such as by a zipper, buttons, or hook-and-loop fastener.

Example 9 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Examples 5-8, where a remainder of the bottom end of the cover-up includes one or more first fastener portions each configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.

Example 10 includes the nursing pillow of Example 9, where the corresponding second fastener portion includes a corresponding second fastener portion located adjacent each arm end.

Example 11 includes the nursing pillow of any of the foregoing examples, where the cover-up defines a closed loop sized and configured to extend around a user's neck during use.

Example 12 includes the nursing pillow of any of Examples 1-10, where the cover-up includes straps configured to be fastened together to define a loop around a user's neck during use.

Example 13 is a nursing pillow comprising a pillow cover generally defining a discontinuous annular shape with a first arm and a second arm each extending from a base portion around a central open region to a respective arm end, where the pillow cover has a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter, and defines an interior volume, and where the pillow cover defines a first opening to the interior volume. A panel is secured to an outside of the pillow cover to define a pocket between the panel and the pillow cover, where the panel overlaps the first opening and defines a second opening having a fastener configured to selectively maintain the second opening in a closed position. A cover-up has a bottom end attached to the panel or the pillow cover at a location inside the pocket, where the cover-up sized and configured to be stored in the pocket and deployable from the first opening for use.

Example 14 includes the nursing pillow of Example 13, where the second opening extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.

Example 15 includes the nursing pillow of Example 13 or 14, where only a portion of the bottom end of the cover-up is attached inside the pocket.

Example 16 includes the nursing pillow of Example 15, where the portion is a middle portion.

Example 17 includes the nursing pillow of Example 16, where the middle portion is removably attached inside the pocket.

Example 18 includes the nursing pillow of any one of Example 16 or 17, where each side portion of the bottom end of the cover-up includes one or more first fastener portion configured for engaging a corresponding second fastener portion on an outside of the pillow cover.