SLIDING LEG PILLOW

Abstract

A thigh supporting pillow includes a thigh sleeve, a wedge-shaped pillow, and one or more attachments for securing the pillow to the sleeve. The sleeve may be a continuous band or a sheet that may be rolled around a thigh. The pillow may be a foam pillow, inflatable pillow or a pillow slip encasing supportive filler material (e.g., down, polyester, buckwheat or plastic particles). The wedge shaped pillow fits between a wearer's crotch and thigh without reaching the knees. The pillow maintains proper alignment of the hips while side-sleeping.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Nonprovisional Application 61626218 filed Sep. 23, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to sleeping, and, more particularly, to an orthopedic product comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow configured for positioning against a wearer's crotch and between thighs to facilitate proper hip and spine alignment while sleeping on a side.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many orthopedic pillows for use during sleeping have been devised to alleviate musculoskeletal pain by cradling body parts of a sleeper while in a supine or side laying position. Many such pillows comprise a contoured body constructed of foam which is placed under the user's head and neck to stabilize the cervical spine. Other body-length pillows are designed to reside under more than one region, supporting head, neck, thorax and lumbar regions. Other pillows are configured to be pinched between or beneath knees and ankles, which can create pressure concentrations and abrasions, especially at prominent protruding features of knees and ankles.

[0004] Many people sleep on their sides. Side sleeping may help reduce incidences of snoring, sleep apnea, and is considered the most comfortable by many pregnant women. One problem with side sleeping is that much of the body's weight is carried by the shoulder which can produce neck stiffness and shoulder pain. Another problem is that side sleeping suspends the middle of one's body (i.e., thorax) between a shoulder and hip, causing spinal stress. Yet another often overlooked problem with sleeping on one's side is musculoskeletal stress at one's hips and lumbar region. The weight and downward pull of the elevated leg pivots the hips askew and, thereby, induces appreciable stress in the he iiliotibial tract, acetabulofemoral joint, and sacroiliac joints.

[0005] What is needed is a comfortable hip support that remains in position during sleep, maintains thigh spacing for proper hip alignment and relief of musculoskeletal stress, does not constrain movement or interfere with sleep in any position, and does not result in stress concentrations or abrasions.

[0006] The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a thigh supporting pillow assembly includes a sleeve sized to receive a thigh of a wearer. The sleeve has a hollow frustum shape with a distal opening, a proximal opening opposite the distal opening, and a central longitudinal axis extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening. The distal opening has a first diameter and the proximal opening has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The first diameter is about 0.6 to 0.9 times the distal diameter. The length of the sleeve, measured from the center of the proximal opening to the center of the distal opening, is less than the distance from a crotch of the wearer to a knee of the wearer. A thigh supporting pillow is attached to the sleeve. The pillow is a hexahedron with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The longitudinal axis of the thigh supporting pillow is coplanar with the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The distal end of the thigh supporting pillow is adjacent to the distal opening of the sleeve. The proximal end of the thigh supporting pillow is adjacent to the proximal opening of the sleeve. The distal end has a first width and the proximal end has a second width. The second width is less than the first width. The length of the thigh supporting pillow, measured from the distal end to the proximal end, is less than the length of the sleeve. An attachment secures the thigh supporting pillow to the sleeve. The sleeve may include a continuous band of nonslip resilient material that is stretchable circumferentially.

[0008] The pillow may be a foam cushion or an inflatable bladder with an oral inflation valve. An oral inflation valve may include a valve stem, a resilient flap valve, a cap, and a hinge connecting the cap to the valve stem. The pillow may be releasably attached to the sleeve with a hook and loop fastener or some other means of attachment.

[0009] The pillow has a first width that is about 1.5 to 3.0 times the opposite second width, with the first width being about 3 to 5 inches, and the length of the thigh supporting pillow being about 7 to 10 inches.

[0010] In another embodiment, the sleeve is a sheet of flexible textile fabric wrapped into a hollow frustum shape. A plurality of straps extending from the sheet and a plurality of buckles extending from the plurality of straps maintain the sheet in the hollow frustum shape around a wearer's thigh.

[0011] In another embodiment, a pillowcase is attached to the sleeve and configured to receive the thigh supporting pillow. The pillowcase includes an opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received. The pillowcase may include a closure over the opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase. A magnet or hook and loop fasteners may be provided to secure the pillow in the pillowcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a profile view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0016] FIG. 4 is a profile section view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0017] FIG. 5 is a profile view of an exemplary inflatable wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary inflatable wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary inflatable wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with a pillow case and a removed wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0021] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with a pillow case and a removed wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0022] FIG. 10 is a profile view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow attached by a hook and loop fastener according to principles of the invention; and

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve and a wedge shaped pillow attachable by a hook and loop fastener according to principles of the invention; and

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic view of a supine person wearing an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view of a side-sleeping person wearing an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving wrap with a pillow sleeve and a removed wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention; and

[0027] FIG. 15 is a profile view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving wrap and a wedge shaped pillow attachable by hook and loop fastener according to principles of the invention; and

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving wrap and a wedge shaped pillow in a pillowcase stitched onto the wrap according to principles of the invention.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the specific components, configurations, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions as shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A thigh supporting pillow according to principles of the invention is an assembly (i.e., "pillow assembly") comprised of several components, including a thigh sleeve 105, a wedge-shaped pillow 140, and one or more attachments for securing the pillow 140 to the sleeve 105. The sleeve may be a continuous band 135, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, or a sheet that may be rolled around a thigh 200, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The pillow may be a foam pillow, inflatable pillow or a pillow slip encasing supportive filler material (e.g., down, polyester, buckwheat or plastic particles). In the case of a foam pillow, any type of commercially available cushioning foam suitable for human contact may be utilized. Nonlimiting examples include polyurethane foam and low-resilience polyurethane foam.

[0031] The pillow is wedge shaped and configured to fit between a wearer's crotch and thigh, with a narrow proximal end and a wider distal end. The crotch is the bottom of the pelvis, the region of the body where the legs join the torso, and includes the groin and genitals. The groin areas are the two creases at the junction of the torso with the legs, on either side of the pubic area. It is also known as the medial (adductor) compartment of the thigh. It is in this compartment of the thigh that the proximal end of the pillow rests.

[0032] FIGS. 1 to 4 conceptually illustrate an exemplary thigh supporting pillow assembly 100 comprising a thigh receiving sleeve 135 and a wedge shaped pillow in a zippered pillow case 110, according to principles of the invention. The assembly 100 includes an elongate sleeve 105 of textile material 135 having sufficient stretchability to be easily drawn over and resiliently engage and cover the thigh of the wearer. The sleeve 105 may be formed of seamless weft knit fabric with inlaid elastic fibers to provide substantial circumferential stretchability. As shown, end openings 125, 130 in the sleeve 105 are turned under and stitched, or double stitched, to avoid end fraying and provide a smooth edge at the openings to facilitate sliding the support onto and off a leg and thigh. The sleeve 105 is breathable, i.e., porous to air.

[0033] Circumferential resiliency of the sleeve produces a slight compressive force that surrounds and supports the engaged thigh. The direction of stretch is oriented to allow the sleeve 105 to expand radially about the thigh. The sleeve 105 is sized so that when it is drawn over the thigh it is placed in a slightly stretched condition.

[0034] The sleeve 105 can be configured (e.g., sized) to accommodate thighs of different sizes and to allow the sleeves to be tightened or loosened around the wearer's thighs for a comfortable fit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the sleeve 105 tapers, having a hollow frustum shape. A wide opening 125 (e.g., 25 inch circumference) known as the proximal opening, corresponds to a proximal portion of a wearer's thigh. A narrower opening 130 (e.g., 18 inch circumference) known as the distal opening is opposite the proximal opening 125 and corresponds to the distal portion of a wearer's thigh. The distance from the proximal opening 125 to the distal opening is about 10 inches, in an exemplary embodiment. The aforementioned dimensions are nonlimiting examples for a pillow assembly 100 for use by an adult. Actual sizes may vary, without departing from the scope of the invention, to accommodate various physiques and preferences. However, in all cases, a tapered sleeve or wrap is preferred, as such a shape more closely conforms to the shape of the wearer's thigh.

[0035] A non-slip band 126, 131 is provided along the inner circumference at the periphery of each opening 125, 130 of the sleeve 105. The non-slip 126, 131 band may be comprised of a polymeric compound (e.g., cured silicone rubber elastomer, polyester or nylon) adhered or stitched to the surface of the fabric in a band-like pattern adjacent to the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the bands 126, 131 are resilient to provide substantial circumferential stretchability. The non-slip band 126, 131 helps to ensure that the assembly 100 remains in proper position on a wearer's thigh when slid into place, even during movement and flexure of the thigh.

[0036] The non-slip bands are wide enough to provide appreciable traction. The width of each band 126, 131 may be about 1/4 inch to 1 inch; though the invention is not limited to bands of such widths. Narrower and wider non-slip bands 126, 131 come within the scope of the invention.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, a pillowcase 110 is attached to the sleeve 105 with its longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 105. The pillowcase 110 is wedge-shaped, like the pillow 140 that it contains. The wider and taller side 115 of the pillowcase is the distal end, and is positioned adjacent to the distal opening 130. The narrower and shorter side 112 of the pillowcase is the proximal end, and is positioned adjacent to the proximal opening 125. The pillow case 110 may be removably or permanently attached using stitching, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other form of fastener suitable for wearable fabric applications. The pillowcase 110 includes a plurality of panels 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. Optionally a bottom panel is provided. However, the sleeve 105 may serve as the bottom panel. The panels are preferably comprised of a flexible fabric or other flexible material that is comfortable when pressed against a wearer's skin for a prolonged period of time. Thus, materials that exhibit good breathability are preferred. Panels may be integrally formed or attached together such as by stitching.

[0038] As used herein, a hook-and-loop fastener is comprised of two components--two lineal fabric strips or webs which are attached (e.g., sewn, adhered, etc.) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. Tiny hook-like elements extend from the attaching surface of one web. Hairy loop-like elements extend from the attaching surface of the opposite web. When the two attaching surfaces are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. The attached pieces can be separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart. Thus, the hook and loop fasteners provide a releasable attachment. A nonlimiting example of a hook-and-loop fastener is Velcro® hook and loop fasteners available through Velcro USA, Inc.

[0039] The pillowcase 110, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, includes a slit opening with a closure. The exemplary pillowcase 110 closure is a zipper closure 118, such as zipper manufactured by YKK Corporation of America, of Atlanta, Ga. The zipper closure 118 is disposed about the outer edge of a side panel 113. The zipper closure 118 may be formed as an invisible zipper, which conceals the teeth of the zipper behind the panel material or behind a pair of parallel abutting fabric hems 120, 122. Such a zipper configuration covers the zipper teeth and thus avoids zipper to skin contact, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The zipper closure 118 provides access to an interior compartment into which a wedge shaped pillow 140 is inserted.

[0040] However, this embodiment of the invention is not limited to pillowcases with a zipper closure. Instead, pillowcases with an opening (e.g., a slit opening or an open end) and pillowcases with closable openings using other types of closures (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, buttons, straps, flaps, snaps or ties) may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, various views of an exemplary inflatable wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an inflatable pillow 140 comprised of a plurality of flexible panels to form an air bladder and an inflation nozzle 147 is removably encased within the pillowcase 105. The panels 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 and 146 comprise six sides of a wedge-shaped hexahedron, as conceptually illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. By way of example and not limitation, w₁ may be about 1.5 to 3.0 times w₂; h₁ may be about 1.0 to 3.0 times h₂. In an exemplary embodiment, w₁ is about 4 inches and w₂ is about 2 inches; h₁ is about 2 inches and h₂ is either about 2 inches or 1 inch, and length (l) is about 7 to 10, preferably 8, inches. In all embodiments, the width w₁ of the proximal side 145 is appreciably greater than the width w₂ of the distal side 142.

[0042] In some alternate embodiments, the pillow 140 may be permanently encased by the pillowcase 105. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without a cover. Such an embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0043] Preferably, no pump is required to inflate pillow 140. Rather, a user can instead blow into an oral inflation valve 147 to inflate the pillow 140. The inflated pillow 140 is easily deflated. The valve 147 may include a valve stem, a resilient flap valve, a cap, a hinge connecting the cap to the valve stem. The flap valve may be opened by pinching action or urging the flap open by applying pressure against the flap. This configuration prevents air from escaping when the cap is off the valve stem.

[0044] The inflatable pillow may be made of flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) sheets, or textile-reinforced PVC/urethane plastic, or rubber, or some other flexible air-impermeable sheet material that is suitable for use in a pillow. The deflated pillow can be rolled up or folded and carried or stored relatively easily. For air-tight connections, high frequency welding or glue may be used to attach separate panels together and create a smooth whole air-tight pillow 140. It is preferred that the corners of the inflatable pillow 140 are rounded (i.e., having a radius--being filleted edges) and that the inflatable pillow 140, or at least the outer surface of the inflatable pillow 140, is manufactured of or includes a material that is soft or cushioned to provide comfort and safety for the wearer.

[0045] The wedge-shaped configuration allows a user to easily position the proximal end of the pillow against the wearer's crotch while the pillow supports the wearer's thighs in spaced relation. Advantageously, the unique shape does not interfere with changing positions while sleeping. A wearer may turn from a side sleeping position, as conceptually illustrated in FIG. 13 to a supine position as conceptually illustrated in FIG. 12, without interference from the pillow, because no portion of the pillow projects outwardly beyond the thighs.

[0046] FIGS. 8 and 9 conceptually illustrate an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with an open-ended pillowcase 155 and a removed wedge shaped pillow 140 that can be slid through the open end 160 into the pillowcase 155 according to principles of the invention. To prevent accidental dislodgment of the pillow 140, the pillow 140 and pillowcase 155 may be equipped with mating hook and loop fasteners. For example, the proximal end 142 of the pillow 140 may have one portion of a hook and loop fastener 150, while the interior side of the proximal end of the pillowcase 155 may be equipped with a mating hook and loop fastener component 151. Thus, when the pillow 140 is pushed into the case 155, the hook and loop fasteners 150, 151 will become engaged and resist dislodgment of the pillow 140 from the case 155 until the pillow 140 is firmly pulled from the case 155.

[0047] Other means for securing the pillow 140 in the case 155, such as one or more straps or flaps over the opening, magnets, and the like, may be employed. Illustratively, element 150 may represent a permanent magnet affixed to the proximal end 142 of the pillow 140. Element 151 within the case 155 may be a material (e.g., another magnet or a ferrous metal) to which the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted. A small inconspicuous magnet and magnetically attracted element may be used, which would be sufficient to secure the pillow in the case, without providing and discomfort to a wearer. In another embodiment, the magnet is affixed on the interior side of the proximal end panel 142 of the pillow.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the pillowcase 155 may be sized small enough to allow the pillow 140 to be stuffed in the pillowcase 155, yet resist dislodgment through friction. In this embodiment, the friction between the exterior surfaces of the pillow 140 and the contacted interior surfaces of the pillowcase 155.

[0049] FIGS. 10 and 11 conceptually illustrate an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve 105 and a wedge shaped pillow 140 attached by mating hook and loop fasteners 165, 170 according to principles of the invention. In this embodiment, the pillow may be contained in a pillowcase, which has a hook and loop fastening strip. Alternatively, the fastening strip may be attached directly to the pillow. The fastening strip is attached to the panel that abuts the sleeve 105 when the pillow is attached to the sleeve. A mating hook and loop fastening strip is provided on the sleeve. The fastening strips are aligned with the longitudinal axes of the pillow and sleeve, respectively. The strips are similarly sized for convenient alignment and mating engagement.

[0050] FIGS. 12 and 13 conceptually illustrate is a person wearing an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving sleeve with a wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention. More specifically, FIGS. 12 and 13 show the pillow in use in supine and side-sleeping positions. As shown, the sleeve 105 surrounds a portion of the wearer's left thigh with the proximal end of the pillow against the user's crotch. Thus, as shown, when lying in a side-sleeping position, the thighs are separated and legs are supported in a more comfortable sleeping position. This configuration maintains correct alignment of the hips and spine and relieves pressure from the lumbar and hip muscles.

[0051] A pillow assembly according to principles of the invention also avoids pressure on opposed knee surfaces. Rather than create contact with the protruding medial and lateral features of the opposed knee joints, a pillow according to principles of the invention distributes stress along the fleshy thighs of the wearer. As the pillow does not extend to a user's knees, pressure and friction is avoided at the prominent aspects of the opposed medial and lateral sides of the knee joints. Avoiding pressure between knees increases comfort by avoiding areas of stress concentration and abrasion.

[0052] A pillow assembly according to principles of the invention does not restrict a wearer. A wearer is free to roll, flex and bend her legs at the thigh and knees, and spread her legs apart, without interference and without abrasion. The wearer may change positions while sleeping without resistance from the pillow assembly. The wearer may transition from a side-sleeping position to a supine position or any other position, without interference by the pillow assembly.

[0053] FIGS. 14 and 15 conceptually illustrate an alternative exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving wrap with a pillow sleeve or hook and loop fastener and a removed wedge shaped pillow according to principles of the invention. The wrap 200 surrounds a portion of a wearer's thigh. Fasteners, such as buckles and belts secure the wrap around the wearer's thigh. In the illustrated embodiment, side release buckles adjustably attached to webbing are provided to secure the wrap around the wearer's thigh. The buckles include a pair of male buckle members 225, 230 and a pair of female buckle members 235, 240. Each male buckle member includes a pair of spring arms, each having a retaining catch that terminates at the front end. Each female buckle member has side holes which hold and secure the catches of the two spring arms of the corresponding male buckle member. As an alternative to side release buckles, other adjustable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners (as shown in FIG. 16) and ties may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The straps 205, 210, 215, 220 are comprised of strong woven webbing, which can be made of natural fibers, such as cotton or flax, or synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester. The webbing may be flat or tubular. At least one of each aligned sets of straps should be adjustable. In the illustrated example, straps 205 and 210 are adjustable, to allow sizing for a particular thigh.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 16, a perspective view of an exemplary thigh supporting pillow comprising a thigh receiving wrap 200 and a wedge shaped pillow in a pillowcase 110 stitched onto the wrap 200 according to principles of the invention is shown. A plurality of mating hook-and-loop fastener straps 245, 250, 255, 260 are provided to secure the wrap around the wearer's thigh. The number and configuration of the straps 245, 250, 255, 260 may vary without departing from this embodiment of the invention, so long as the straps are capable of securing the wrap around the wearer's thigh in a hollow frustum-like shape.

[0055] While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A thigh supporting pillow assembly comprising a sleeve sized to receive a thigh of a wearer, said sleeve having a hollow frustum shape with a distal opening, a proximal opening opposite the distal opening, and a central longitudinal axis extending from said proximal opening to said distal opening, said distal opening having a first diameter and said proximal opening having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, a length of the sleeve measured from the center of the proximal opening to the center of the distal opening being less than a distance from a crotch of the wearer to a knee of the wearer, and a thigh supporting pillow attached to the sleeve, said pillow being a hexahedron with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end, the longitudinal axis of the thigh supporting pillow being coplanar with the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve, the distal end of the thigh supporting pillow being adjacent to the distal opening of the sleeve, and the proximal end of the thigh supporting pillow being adjacent to the proximal opening of the sleeve, and the distal end having a first width and the proximal end having a second width, and said second width being less than the first width, and a length of the thigh supporting pillow measured from the distal end to the proximal end being less than the length of the sleeve, and an attachment attaching the thigh supporting pillow to the sleeve.

2. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, said sleeve comprising a continuous band.

3. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, said sleeve comprising a resilient material that is stretchable circumferentially.

4. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, said first diameter being about 0.6 to 0.9 times the second diameter.

5. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, said sleeve further comprising an inner surface, an outer surface and a continuous nonslip band attached to the inner surface of said sleeve, said nonslip band comprising a resilient elastomer.

6. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, said sleeve comprising a sheet of flexible textile fabric wrapped into a hollow frustum shape, a plurality of straps extending from the sheet and a plurality of hook and loop fastening elements attached to said straps, said hook and loop fastening elements releasably coupling the plurality of straps to maintain the sheet in the hollow frustum shape.

7. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the attachment comprising a pillowcase attached to the sleeve and configured to receive the thigh supporting pillow, said pillowcase including an opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase.

8. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the attachment comprising a pillowcase attached to the sleeve and configured to receive the thigh supporting pillow, said pillowcase including an opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase.

9. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 8, the pillowcase further including a closure over the opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase.

10. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 8, the thigh supporting pillow including a first hook and loop fastener strip, and the pillowcase including an interior surface with a second hook and loop fastener strip configured to releasably engage the first hook and loop fastener strip when the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase.

11. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the attachment comprising a first hook and loop fastener strip attached to the sleeve and a second hook and loop fastener strip attached to the thigh supporting pillow and configured to releasably engage the first hook and loop fastener strip when the thigh supporting pillow is placed upon the sleeve with the first hook and loop fastener strip pressed against the second hook and loop fastener strip.

12. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the thigh supporting pillow comprising a foam cushion.

13. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the thigh supporting pillow comprising an inflatable bladder and an oral inflation valve fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder.

14. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 13, the oral inflation valve including a valve stem, a resilient flap valve, a cap, and a hinge connecting the cap to the valve stem.

15. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a pillowcase containing the inflatable bladder.

16. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 13, the inflatable bladder comprising a plurality of air impermeable panels joined together to form a hexahedron shape when inflated, with six side panels and rounded corners between abutting side panels.

17. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the first width being about 1.5 to 3.0 times the second width.

18. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 17, the first width being about 3 to 5 inches.

19. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 18, the length of the thigh supporting pillow being about 7 to 10 inches.

20. The thigh supporting pillow assembly according to claim 1, the attachment comprising a pillowcase attached to the sleeve and configured to receive the thigh supporting pillow, said pillowcase including an opening through which the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase; a first magnet attached to the thigh supporting pillow, and the pillowcase including an interior surface with a magnetically attracted element configured to releasably engage the first magnet when the thigh supporting pillow is received in the pillowcase.

Images