Head Support Pillow

The present invention claims priority to a U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/638,546 entitled Head Support Pillow filed on Apr. 25, 2024 disclosure of which is included herein in its entirety by reference.

The disclosure relates generally to the field of pillow, and specifically and not by way of limitation, some embodiments are related to pillows that may support a person's head and neck from the back and at least one side.

Conventional pillows possess various shapes and configurations, yet share a fundamental construction comprising a textile outer shell enclosing fill materials. These fill materials typically consist of synthetic polymer fibers, natural fillings such as down or feathers, viscoelastic memory foam, shredded foam, or molded latex. While designed to provide a soft resting surface, these pillows often lack the requisite structural integrity and contouring necessary to effectively support the natural curvature of the cervical spine. Consequently, users frequently encounter issues with neck alignment during sleep or resting meditation, including discomfort or chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Conventional ergonomic pillows provide support without compression.

Furthermore, many conventional and ergonomic pillows primarily prioritize comfort and aesthetics, offering limited or no features aimed at enhancing sensory isolation. In diverse environments including shared living spaces, urban settings, or during travel external noise disrupts rest and diminishes sleep quality. Standard pillows typically do not incorporate any form of acoustic insulation or integrated audio features, compelling users to depend on separate accessories such as earplugs or headphones, which may present comfort or practicality issues during sleep.

A growing demand exists for multifunctional pillows that integrate both physical support and sensory control. Specifically, the need arises for a pillow that amalgamates ergonomic structural design to cradle and support the head and neck with acoustic features that mitigate ambient noise. This may encompass the incorporation of sound-absorbing materials within the pillow's construction and/or embedded speakers designed to emit white noise, calming audio, or guided meditation tracks. Such a pillow would serve as a valuable solution for individuals with sleep disorders, those sensitive to noise, or individuals requiring sensory regulation for relaxation.

In an embodiment, a head support pillow is disclosed. The pillow is configured to cradle a person's head from the back and sides when in use. The pillow includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion, each having a defined firmness and optionally including softer inner regions to enhance comfort. The cylindrical portions are connected by a bridge portion or connection section that is constructed to be more compressible than the cylindrical portions. In some embodiments, the top layer or portion of the bridge may include an interior filling of a softer material, which may be the same as or different from that used in the bottom layer of the bridge or the cylindrical portions. In certain embodiments, the bridge is configured with a tapered profile, having a narrower top surface and a wider bottom surface. The bridge may also be suspended slightly above the support surface (e.g., bed or floor), leaving a gap that allows the user's head to settle downward into the space. The suspended configuration enhances the cradling effect while maintaining elevation and support for the neck and base of the skull.

In an embodiment, when a user's head is placed on the bridge portion, the downward pressure causes the top portions of the first and second cylindrical portions to rotate or pivot inward toward each other. The responsive movement results in the inwardly facing surfaces of the top portions of the cylinders to move against the sides of the user's head and allows for a cradling effect at the bridge portion that that enhances head and neck support by adapting to the user's anatomy and weight. The lower lobes of the cylindrical portions may move slightly outward, forming a stable base of support. Additionally, the pillow structure may include externally mounted pockets disposed on the outer surfaces of each cylindrical portion. The pockets may be positioned and dimensioned to hold devices such as speakers, cooling units, or other comfort-enhancing accessories, enhancing functionality during travel or rest. The pockets are strategically positioned so as not to interfere with the comfort or primary support function of the pillow.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not all-inclusive. 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 principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the disclosed subject matter.

The figures and the following description describe certain embodiments by way of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures to indicate similar or like functionality.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

The figures and the following description describe certain embodiments by way of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures to indicate similar or like functionality.

illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a head support pillow, shown in both a side-by-side top perspective view and an exploded perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure comprises multiple components designed to provide ergonomic head and neck support, as well as accommodate comfort-enhancing or audio-integrated features. The exploded view illustrates the internal construction and assembly of the pillow, including the cylindrical side portions and the central bridge support.

The pillow includes a first cylindrical portionand a second cylindrical portion. The portions are positioned at opposing ends of the pillow and may be substantially similar in size, shape, and material composition. In some embodiments, the first cylindrical portionand second cylindrical portionmay differ in dimension, cross-sectional geometry, or softness. The term “cylindrical,” as used herein, should be interpreted broadly to encompass various geometric cross-sections, including circular, square, hexagonal, pentagonal, or other polygonal forms. The cylindrical portions may also feature rounded, flattened or squared-off regions to enhance stability, fit, or comfort. In the embodiment shown, the cylinders have differing shape and contour above the surface of the bridge than below the bridge, allowing for more inward movement of the upper cylinders (or lobes) during use while the lower lobes rotate slightly outward.

The cylindrical portionsandare connected by a bridge or connection segment, that portion of the connection segment which spans the lateral gap between the opposing cylindrical portionsandis the bridgewhich has an upper surface and a lower surface. In the embodiment shown, the upper surface of the bridge which comes in contact with the back of the user's head and neck during use is wider than the bottom surface of the bridge. The bridgemay include an interior filling composed of a softer material, enhancing comfort and allowing controlled deformation during use. The bridgeis configured to couple the lateral midpoint of one face of the first cylindrical portionto the lateral midpoint of the opposing face of the second cylindrical portion. The configuration maintains a generally fixed spatial relationship between the two cylindrical portions while allowing the bridge to provide structural support to the neck and head.

In certain embodiments, the bridge portionis configured such that its top surface is narrower than its bottom surface. This trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry contributes to a differential mechanical response during use. Specifically, when a user's head is placed on the bridge, the downward force compresses the bridge vertically and causes the upper regions of the adjacent cylindrical portions to pivot or rotate inward. This movement brings the inwardly facing upper surfaces of the cylindrical portions into contact with the sides of the user's head, providing cradling support.

The lower portions of the cylindrical elements, referred to herein as cylinder lobesextend beneath the bridge and serve as support legs for resting on a support surface such as a bed or floor. The lobes comprise outwardly facing surfaces on each lateral side of the pillow and inwardly facing surfaces beneath the bridge. During compression, the lobes displace outward, enhancing lateral stability.

Further, in this embodiment, the bridgeis suspended above the support surface when the pillow is at rest, forming a vertical gap between the lower surface of the bridge and the support surface (e.g., a mattress or floor). The suspended configuration allows the head of the user to press down into the gap during use, enabling the pillow to cradle the head more deeply and providing ergonomic support without obstructing breathing or vision. The configuration distinguishes the design from conventional U-shaped or bridge-type pillows in which the bridge rests directly on the support surface and does not offer the same dynamic cradling response.

That portion of the connection segment, referred to as the bridge, includes an interior filling composed of a softer material than the cylindrical portions. This softer fill enhances comfort and provides a degree of controlled deformation. The bridgeis configured to couple the midpoint of one lateral face of the first cylindrical portionto the midpoint of the opposing face of the second cylindrical portion, thereby maintaining relatively a fixed yet internally rotating spatial relationship between the two cylindrical portions while enabling the bridge to rest comfortably against the neck, upper back, or shoulders of the user. It should be noted that the structural connection segment can span underneath the bridge from one end of the pillow to the other, as shown in. This allows for increased structural support of the bridgeas well as controlled flexion of the cradling effect described below during use.

Each cylindrical portion may include integrated or embedded pocketsand. The first cylindrical portionincludes a first exterior pocketwhile the second cylindrical portionincludes a second exterior pocket. A third pocketmay be positioned on the opposite lateral side of the first cylindrical portion, mirroring pocketIn the embodiment illustrated, the pockets are positioned on the inwardly facing surfaces of the upper portions of the cylindrical structure regions which are configured to come into contact with the sides of the user's head during use. This placement allows any inserted components, such as speakers or therapeutic elements, to directly interface with the user's head or neck. In alternative embodiments, the size, shape, or placement of the pockets may vary.

The exploded view infurther illustrates the exemplary internal assembly of the currently presented embodiment of the pillow Each cylindrical portion may comprise an inner pillow core surrounded by a fabric or mesh lining. The inner core may be constructed from a variety of materials known in the industry, including but not limited to memory foam, polyurethane foam, and gel-infused foam. In some embodiments, the core may consist of multiple layers of differing materials, each selected for specific characteristics such as texture, density, stiffness, or flexibility, to optimize comfort, support, and adaptability during use. These layered constructions can allow for graduated compression, targeted pressure relief, or other tailored support functionalities. The lining may be configured with seams or enclosures to facilitate insertion or removal of padding materials. The ends of each cylindrical portion are joined to the bridge sectionand are secured to maintain the overall structure.

A zippermay be integrated along a seam of the lining, including potentially within the bridge portion. The zipperallows access to the interior of the pillow for maintenance, cleaning, or adjustment of internal components. In some embodiments, there may be two coverings, an interior lining that covers the fill or foam structure of the pillow and which contains the pockets, and an outer covering made for comfort and contact with the user and which can be washed or switched out. In this alternative embodiment with two coverings, the zipper would be located on the exterior covering and the interior lining may or may not have a zipper or other opening mechanism. In the embodiment shown in, there is just one covering which includes the pockets and the zipper. In the alternative embodiment, not shown, the zipper may also facilitate the placement or replacement of audio elements, therapeutic inserts, or other functional devices within the integrated pockets. While a zipper is shown in the illustrated embodiment, an alternative access point may be provided. Further, alternative closure mechanisms may be utilized as known and understood in the industry, including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, magnets, or other releasable fastening means. The purpose of an access point in the illustrated embodiment is to permit insertion, removal, or rearrangement of internal materials such as layered fill, foam, gel, or modular insert components, allowing the user to customize the firmness, support, or added features of the pillow. The purpose of the access point in the alternative covering is to allow the outer covering to be removed so that it may be washed and to allow access to the pockets of the inner lining to reposition or otherwise access the audio components or other inserted items therein.

In some embodiments, the bridge portionis designed with a top surface that is wider than the bottom surface, creating a tapered cross-section that promotes rotational movement of the connected cylindrical portions. The geometry, along with the selected material elasticity and stiffness, enhances the pillow's ability to cradle the user's head. When downward pressure is applied to the bridge, the inward-facing upper regions of the cylindrical portions rotate inward toward the user's head, while the lower, outward-facing lobes of the cylinders displace slightly outward, forming a triangular pedestal for added lateral stability. While in many embodiments the bridge is suspended above the support surface, certain configurations allow for partial contact between the bottom of the bridge and the support surface when the pillow is under load, without compromising the elevation and ergonomic support of the head and neck. This structural adaptability contributes to the pillow's ability to maintain supportive performance across varying user positions and pressures.

The cylindrical portionmay include an internal structure or lining enclosure to an access point for inserting or adjusting the internal fill material such as memory foam, polyester fiberfill, or another cushioning medium. In some embodiments, the pocketdescribed inmay be embedded in or beneath the surface. As described previously, the cylindrical portionmay include a softer fill material designed for user comfort, especially when placed against the head or neck.

a perspective view of the second cylindrical portionof the head support pillow, is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical portionis covered with an exterior fabric lining includes a soft, and stretchable material. The surface is smooth and contoured, maintaining a generally cylindrical shape with slightly squared or softened edges.

The cylindrical portionincludes a rectangular side pocketintegrated into the exterior surface. This pocket is formed from the same or a similar material as the cylindrical body, maintaining aesthetic and tactile consistency. In some embodiments, pocketis configured to house electronic components such as speakers, electrical vibration modules, or thermal units for heating or cooling purposes. The embedded design allows such devices to be positioned close to the user's body for optimal sensory engagement whether auditory, vibrational, or thermal while preserving user comfort.

The pocketmay also provide a ready access point for user-operated control features, including but not limited to speaker volume knobs, vibration intensity selectors, or temperature regulation switches.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the access pocket may be utilized for adjusting the structural dynamics of the pillow itself. For example, mechanisms for modifying the tension or flexibility of the central bridge segmentmay be housed within the pocket, allowing the user to tighten or loosen the bridge using mechanical means known in the art such as drawstrings, elastic cinching systems, or ratcheting adjustments. This functionality enables a customizable fit and further enhances the pillow's adaptability to different user anatomies or support preferences.

The second cylindrical portion, as shown in, mirrors the first cylindrical portionillustrated in. Although the two portions are similar in shape and size, in some embodiments, they may be differentiated to accommodate asymmetrical functionalities or design preferences. Their relative symmetry, however, promotes balanced support and alignment when the pillow is used to cradle the head, neck, or other parts of the user's body.

is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a head support pillowis illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a pair of opposing cylindrical support portions joined by a bridge section.

The first cylindrical portionand the second cylindrical portionare positioned on opposite ends of the structure, each having a generally rounded or oval cross-sectional profile. The portions are designed to provide lateral support, such as for the sides of a head or neck of a user during use. The cylindrical portions may be formed of a combination of soft and firm fill materials, to achieve the desired level of comfort and support.

The cylindrical portionsandare connected by a bridge or connection segment, that portion of the connection segment which spans the lateral gap between the opposing cylindrical portionsandis the bridgewhich has an upper surface and a lower surface. In the embodiment shown, the upper surface of the bridge which comes in contact with the back of the user's head and neck during use is wider than the bottom surface of the bridge. The bridgemay include an interior filling consisting of or including layers of foam of differing density, thickness and elasticity. The top surface or layer of the bridgeis generally made of a softer material than the bottom layer of the bridge to enhance comfort while allowing controlled deformation during use. In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the same density of foam may be used for top and bottom layers or a single layer may be utilized with a softer pad or material on top. Further, in alternative embodiments, other materials such as sheets of plastic, nylon sheeting or other bendable or elastic materials known in the industry may be utilized to provide additional support and connection with the cylinders. As shown, the bridgeis configured to couple the lateral midpoint of one face of the first cylindrical portionto the lateral midpoint of the opposing face of the second cylindrical portion. The configuration maintains a generally fixed spatial relationship between the two cylindrical portions while allowing the bridge to provide structural support to the neck and head.

The lower portions of the cylindrical elements, referred to herein as cylinder lobesextend beneath the bridge and serve as support legs for resting on a support surface such as a bed or floor. The lobes comprise outwardly facing surfaces on each lateral side of the pillow and inwardly facing surfaces beneath the bridge. During compression, the lobes displace outward, enhancing lateral stability.

Extending outwardly from the sides of the cylindrical portions and positioned adjacent to the bridge portion are pocketsandrespectively. The pockets are integrally affixed to the exterior surface of the cylindrical portions. The orientation ofandsuggests a functional symmetry, supporting adjustability or bilateral use.

According to this embodiment further includes the pocketaffixed to an outer surface of the second cylindrical portion. The pocket may be constructed from elastic or stretchable material to accommodate various shapes and sizes.

Additionally, a zipperis integrated along a seam of the lining or the connection segment. The zipperpermits access to the pillow's interior for maintenance, cleaning, or customization.

is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a head support pillowis illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical portions,are positioned at opposing ends of the device and may be substantially similar in size, shape, and material composition. Alternatively, the cylindrical portions may vary in one or more of dimension, cross-sectional geometry, or softness. Exemplary dimensions are provided to show relative sizing of components of the pillowembodiment shown. Differing shading is meant to represent layers of materials having different firmness, elasticity or softness.

The first and second cylindrical portions,are interconnected by a bridge or connection segment. The bridgemechanically couples a lateral face of the first cylindrical portionto a lateral face of the second cylindrical portion, maintaining a fixed spatial relationship between them. In one embodiment, the bridgeincludes an interior filling that is softer than the material of the cylindrical portions, thereby improving user comfort and allowing dynamic deformation under load.

The bridgeexhibits dimensions that are proportionally smaller than the cylindrical portions,in both height and thickness. As depicted in, the bridge has a vertical thickness of approximately 4 inches, which is less than half of the total vertical extent (approximately 11 inches) of the pillow assembly. Horizontally, the bridge spans approximatelyinches between the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portions, ensuring a sufficient gap for neck placement while maintaining lateral support.

The reduced vertical dimension and relative slenderness of the bridgeallow it to flex under pressure, facilitating inward rotation of the upper regions of the cylindrical portions,to cradle the user's head. Concurrently, outward displacement of the lower regions enhances lateral stability. The configuration optimizes the ergonomic function of the pillow device, accommodating a range of head and neck sizes while improving overall user comfort and support.

In the example shown, the overall width of the pillow device is approximately 23 inches, with each cylindrical portion having a diameter of approximately 6 inches. The bridgethereby provides a compliant, supportive connection that complements the structure and functionality of the cylindrical portions.

illustrates a top view and an end view of the head support pillow in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The views provide dimensional and structural clarification of certain features, including accessory pockets and attachment structures.

The top view illustrates the genera layout of the pillow in its flattened or resting configuration. The top view shows the spatial relationship between the first cylindrical portion, second cylindrical portion, and the connectioninterconnecting the two. Positioned along the length of the cylindrical portions are pocketsand, which are affixed along the outer surfaces of each cylindrical section. The pockets may serve as attachment or mounting features, potentially designed to hold supplemental components such as straps, fasteners, or adjustable inserts. The alignment ofandalso suggests symmetry in their placement, supporting consistent functionality on both sides of the pillow.

Adjacent to the top view is the end view provides additional structural and dimensional details, specifically related to pocket. The pocket is centrally located on the exterior face of one of the second cylindrical portionas previously referenced in. The pocket may be formed of elastic or stretchable fabric, allowing it to securely retain the inserted object while conforming to the curved shape of the cylindrical pillow portion.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first cylindrical portionand the second cylindrical portionincludes a softer portion and a firmer portion. For example,illustrates a soft portion and a firmer portion of one of the cylindrical portions, or, in the example shown, layers of foam. The softer portion is delineated by a darker shading and the firmer portion with a lighter shading. Examples of softer foam include high grade memory foam or foam of similar densities and elasticity. Examples of the firmer foam include foam that is stiffer or denser than memory foam to provide more structural strength but is otherwise of appropriate density and elasticity to allow the bridge portion to bend and support a cradling effect on the back of the head and neck of the user during use. As mentioned above with respect to the bridge, other materials such as sheeted plastic or nylon that also maintain appropriate elasticity and bendability may be utilized to ensure controlled movement while adding structural support. Generally, the other cylindrical portion may be similarly broken into a softer portion and a firmer portion. typically, the softer portion and the firmer portion denotes qualities of filling material within the cylindrical portions and bridge which would be in relative contact with the user during use, rather than properties of an exterior portion of the pillow which require more structural integrity to maintain support the pillow while elastic enough to allow proper rotation and cradling as discussed further in this specification. In an example embodiment, the bridge may also include a foam material or an interior filling that may be of a softer material to form a softer portion for cradling the user's head and neck. In an example, the softer material may be the same material used in the softer portion of one or more of the cylindrical portions. It will be understood, however, that the softer material that may be used within the connection maybe softer relative to the firmer material but not as soft as the softer material. In other words, it is not required that the same fill material be used in the connection. In one example embodiment, memory foam or natural and/or organic latex could be used for the connection or bridge. Furthermore, in some embodiments the same fill material may be used throughout. For example, the fill material may be considered soft, medium, or firm, or any other rating used for pillow fill material. It should be understood that the reference to “connection” includes the bridge portion which extends between the cylinders but also that portion of the materials, as shown, which extend through the bridge into the core of the opposing cylinders. As shown in the example embodiment of, the firmer foam extends from one side of the pillow to the other and below and supporting the top layer of the bridge.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, or the bridge portioncomprises an air cool gel. In some example embodiments both the first cylindrical portionand the second cylindrical portionmay include an air cool gel, natural and/or organic latex, feathers, down, or other appropriate materials. In another example embodiment the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the bridge portionmay all include an air cool gel. In another example embodiment the bridge may include and air cool gel. In an example embodiment, a portion of the cylinder which may face the person's face may be softer and more breathable. In other words, a portion of the cylinder which may be intended to face the person's face may be softer and more breathable. The portion that may be in contact with the bed may be denser and more rigid so that it retains its structure. In other words, the portion that may be intended to be in contact with the support surface (such as a bed or floor) may be denser and more rigid so that it retains its structure. For example, the portion that may be intended to be in contact with the bed may be a memory or regular foam, a denser organic latex, or simply a more densely stuffed pillow in some examples.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, or the bridgecomprises an open-cell structure. In some example embodiments both the first cylindrical portionand the second cylindrical portionmay include an open-cell structure. In another example embodiment the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the bridge portionmay all include an open-cell structure. In another example embodiment the bridge portionmay include an open-cell structure.

illustrate a sequence of views demonstrating the functional behavior of an exemplary embodiment of a head support pillowduring use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figures collectively represent key stages of user interaction with the pillow, including initial positioning, application of downward force, and responsive compression of the pillow structure. The sequence provides a unified depiction of the dynamic support mechanism by which the cylindrical side portionsandare drawn inward toward the user's head, thereby enhancing ergonomic comfort and lateral stabilization. The integrated views emphasize the central role of the connection portion or bridge, which deforms under load to facilitate inward pivoting of the side cylinder components whereby the inwardly facing surface of the upper portions of the cylinder press against the sides of the user's head.

In the, a top-down view shows the user's head aligned for placement onto the pillow. The head support pillowcomprises a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion, and a central connection portion referred to herein as the bridge. The cylindrical portions are positioned at opposite ends of the bridge and are configured to engage the sides of the user's head during use

In the, the user's head has made contact with the bridge portion, triggering the compression mechanism. Downward force applied by the user's head deforms the bridge, causing the cylindrical portionsandto rotate and pivot inward. The arrows indicate the responsive motion: the upper, inward-facing portions of the cylinders move closer together, while the lower lobes move slightly outward. The responsive behavior results in lateral pressure that conforms to the sides of the user's head, providing a cradling effect.

The bridge portionmay be constructed from layers of foam or other fill material with differing densities to provide for a softer feel at the top surface where it comes in contact with the back of the user's head and neck and relatively denser or more sturdy foam or fill materials that support the bottom of the bridge and connect with the opposing cylinders. As shown, the top surface (or layer) of the bridge is narrower than the bottom surface (or layer) to incorporate specific geometry to stabilize the overall structure during use and to allow for controlled flexure and movement of the bridge during use. The unique configuration enables the pillow to provide responsive compression without requiring mechanical parts or external adjustments.