U.S. patent application number 12/006357 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for adjustable pillow.
Invention is credited to W. Gene Cretsinger.
Application Number | 20080155753 12/006357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39581905 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080155753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cretsinger; W. Gene |
July 3, 2008 |
Adjustable pillow
Abstract
An adjustable pillow comprising a support surface for receiving
and supporting at least a part of a human body and forming a
plurality of apertures there through for providing air circulation
and substantial washability and at least one foldable channel. The
foldable channel is a recess in the support surface about which the
support surface generally folds is disclosed. The plurality of
apertures provides efficient conduits through which air and water
may flow while the pillow is folded along a foldable channel or
unfolded.
Inventors: |
Cretsinger; W. Gene; (Cedar
Rapids, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUITER SWANTZ PC LLO
14301 FNB PARKWAY, SUITE 220
OMAHA
NE
68154
US
|
Family ID: |
39581905 |
Appl. No.: |
12/006357 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60878324 |
Jan 3, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/640 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101;
A47G 9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/640 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. An adjustable pillow, comprising: a cushion material including a
first support surface and a second support surface, wherein the
first support surface defines a plurality of apertures for
ventilating the first support surface, the first support surface
further defining a first channel for folding the adjustable pillow,
the second support surface defining a plurality of apertures for
ventilating the second support surface, and the cushion material
defining a plurality of apertures extending through the cushion
material, the first support surface, and the second support surface
for ventilating the cushion material.
2. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the second support
surface further defines a second channel for folding the adjustable
pillow.
3. The adjustable pillow of claim 2, wherein the second channel is
substantially parallel to the first channel.
4. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the cushion material
has a thickness of between approximately 1 to 3 inches.
5. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the cushion material
comprises a pliable material.
6. The adjustable pillow of claim 5, wherein the cushion material
comprises at least one of a foam construction, latex, natural
fibers, or synthetic fibers.
7. The adjustable pillow of claim 6, wherein the cushion material
comprises a foam construction of at least one of open cell
construction, closed cell construction, small cell construction,
foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether foam.
8. The adjustable pillow of claim 6, wherein the cushion material
further comprises a protective coating applied to at least one of
the first support surface or the second support surface.
9. An adjustable pillow, comprising: a first support surface; a
second support surface opposite the first support surface; a
cushion material disposed between the first support surface and the
second support surface for providing a cushion body; a foldable
channel in at least one of the first support surface and the second
support surface, providing an axis about which at least a portion
of the at least one of the first support surface and the second
support surface generally folds; and a plurality of apertures
extending between the first support surface and the second support
surface, the plurality of apertures providing a conduit for
ventilating the first support surface and the second support
surface, wherein the foldable channel forms a contour in the at
least one of the first support surface and the second support
surface.
10. The adjustable pillow of claim 9, wherein the plurality of
apertures further extends through the foldable channel.
11. The adjustable pillow of claim 9, where the cushion material
comprises a pliable material.
12. The adjustable pillow of claim 11, wherein the cushion material
comprises at least one of a foam construction, latex, natural
fibers, or synthetic fibers.
13. The adjustable pillow of claim 12, wherein the cushion material
comprises a foam construction of at least one of open cell
construction, closed cell construction, small cell construction,
foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether foam.
14. The adjustable pillow of claim 12, wherein the cushion material
further comprises a protective coating applied to at least one of
the first support surface, the second support surface, or the
cushion material.
15. The adjustable pillow of claim 9, wherein the cushion body is
approximately 3 inches thick.
16. The adjustable pillow of claim 9, wherein the cushion material
disposed between the foldable channel and one of a group consisting
of a second foldable channel, the first support surface, and the
second support surface is at least approximately 1 inch thick.
17. An adjustable pillow, comprising: a first portion defining a
plurality of apertures for ventilating the first portion; and a
second portion interconnected with the first portion, wherein the
second portion defines a channel about which the first portion
substantially folds, the first portion and the second portion
comprising a foam construction of at least one of open cell
construction, closed cell construction, small cell construction,
foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether.
18. The adjustable pillow of claim 17, wherein the second portion
defines a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels
providing a fold about which the first portion rotates.
19. The adjustable pillow of claim 17, wherein the second portion
further defines of plurality of apertures for ventilating the
second portion.
20. The adjustable pillow of claim 17, wherein the second portion
has a thickness of between approximately 1 to 3 inches, and the
first portion has a thickness of at least approximately 3 inches.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/878,324 filed
Jan. 3, 2007. Said U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/878,324
filed Jan. 3, 2007 is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
pillows, and more particularly to an adjustable pillow providing
desirable comfort, air circulation, and maintenance
characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Pillows are often utilized by individuals to properly
support and align the head and neck while resting in a prone,
seated, or other position. Pillows generally comprise a soft,
comfortable material enclosed within a flexible material to support
a body part, generally the head. However, conventional pillow
materials and designs pose problems for the user. The standard
tubular shape design does not allow significant spatial
adjustments, causing many users to fold the pillow or redistribute
the interior material by "fluffing" the pillow. Spatial
adjustability is often desirable for accommodating multiples uses
of the pillow (e.g., in a chair, in bed, on the floor, etc.), for
providing comfort for individuals who frequently reposition
themselves while sleeping, and for supporting other parts of the
body (e.g., between the legs). Folding standard pillows is often
undesirable, resulting in general packing and firming of the
interior material. Additionally, some interior materials produce
undesirable reaction forces, when the material strains to revert to
its original, steady state shape. Redistributing the internal
material may accelerate the firming process, causing the pillow to
become uncomfortable more quickly and may provide poor spinal
alignment.
[0004] Conventional pillows utilizing common materials, such as
foam, cotton, wool, alpaca, down, and the like, also tend to lose
softness and collect undesirable substances such as dirt, sweat,
oils, skin cells, dust mites, and other microorganisms. Most common
materials are not satisfactorily washable, thereby leaving the
undesirable substances within the pillow. Some synthetic materials
are washable, but when used in a standard pillow design, suffer
from a lack of desirable adjustability. Materials that do not wash
and dry properly are subject to mold, bacteria, and other microbial
growths. These growths pose potential allergenic risks and other
health concerns.
[0005] Many pillows comprise a foam material to provide support and
comfort. Foam pillows generally comprise either a solid uniform
foam or a chopped foam material. Solid uniform foam material is
generally three to four inch thick pieces that compress under the
weight of a user, but provide no substantial air circulation. When
air circulation is limited, the pillow may become unduly warm at
the point where the head and neck rest on the pillow. As a result,
increased amounts of sweat may be absorbed by the foam material.
Additionally, solid uniform foam material has a memory in its
composition, creating a tendency to continuously return to its
unused, steady state position. Thus, when a user folds the pillow,
the foam pushes back against the user creating restless sleep or
discomfort. Chopped foam material alleviates some of the reactive
forces involved when foam tends to return to its unused, steady
state position. However, chopped foam still suffers from an
undesirable amount of limited air circulation. In general, foam
tends to collect undesirable substances such as dirt, sweat, oils,
skin cells, dust mites, and other microorganisms, which are
allergenic hazards to some users. Solid uniform foam cannot be
thoroughly washed and dried, while chopped foam pieces wash and dry
more completely than solid uniform foam pieces.
[0006] Memory foam is another commonly used pillow material. Memory
foam pillows are of a small cell construction (e.g., open-cell) and
are even more memory strong than conventional foam pillows. Memory
foam may also include temperature sensitivity characteristics,
referred to as visco-elastic foam, which dictates the firmness of
the material across a temperature gradient. Memory foam may tend to
soften and compress over time, depending on the foam density,
limiting the life expectancy of the pillow. Further, since memory
foam is utilized in solid uniform configurations, it is difficult
to satisfactorily wash and dry the material.
[0007] Other pillow materials include feathers, down, and feather
composites. While feathers may be soft and comfortable, some
feather material can pose high allergenic risks. However, even
feather composites, down, and hypo-allergenic feather material pose
clumping problems, are unwashable, and accumulate sloughed skin
cells, microorganisms, and the like.
[0008] Therefore, there remains the need for a pillow that provides
desirable comfort, can be adjusted to suit a user's needs, is
properly washable, and provides desirable air circulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
adjustable pillow. In a first aspect of the present invention, the
adjustable pillow comprises a cushion material including a first
support surface and a second support surface. The first support
surface defines a plurality of apertures for ventilating the first
support surface, the first support surface further defining a first
channel for folding the adjustable pillow, the second support
surface defining a plurality of apertures for ventilating the
second support surface, and the cushion material defining a
plurality of apertures extending through the cushion material, the
first support surface, and the second support surface for
ventilating the cushion material.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention the adjustable
pillow comprises a first support surface, a second support surface
opposite the first support surface, a cushion material disposed
between the first support surface and the second support surface
for providing a cushion body, a foldable channel in at least one of
the first support surface and the second support surface, providing
an axis about which at least a portion of the at least one of the
first support surface and the second support surface generally
folds, and a plurality of apertures extending between the first
support surface and the second support surface, the plurality of
apertures providing a conduit for ventilating the first support
surface and the second support surface. The foldable channel forms
a contour in the at least one of the first support surface and the
second support surface.
[0011] In a further aspect of the invention, the adjustable pillow
comprises a first portion defining a plurality of apertures for
ventilating the first portion, and a second portion interconnected
with the first portion. The second portion defines a channel about
which the first portion substantially folds, the first portion and
the second portion comprising a foam construction of at least one
of open cell construction, closed cell construction, small cell
construction, foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the
invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are
incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification,
illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the
general description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable pillow,
according to a present embodiment of the intention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the adjustable pillow
illustrated in FIG. 1; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the adjustable pillow
illustrated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an adjustable pillow 102
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
depicted. In one specific embodiment, the adjustable pillow 102
comprises a generally rectangular shape defined by opposing support
surfaces 104 and 106, opposing first and second panels 108 and 110,
and opposing third and fourth panels 112 and 114. In another
embodiment, the first and second panels 108 and 110 are longer than
the third and fourth panels 112 and 114, resulting in a rectangular
adjustable pillow 102. The dimensions of the adjustable pillow 102
may be accordingly modified to approximate the sizes and shapes of
current pillows in the art (e.g., standard, queen, king, etc.) or
to satisfy consumer expectations and desires. It will be
appreciated that the present invention encompasses multiple
structural shapes and is not limited to rectangular embodiments.
For instance, the present invention may further comprise a
generally circular, triangular, square, or elliptical shape, in
addition to other shapes and sizes known in the art.
[0019] Opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 provide a surface upon
which a user may rest their head, neck, legs, knees, or other body
part or parts. Opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 are positioned
sufficiently apart relative from each other such that a material
may be inserted between opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 to
provide structural support and cushion to the adjustable pillow
102. The material between opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 may
be referred to as a cushion body. Opposing support surfaces 104 and
106 and the cushion body may be formed from a soft and pliable
material, for instance, of a foam construction, such as an open
cell construction, a closed cell construction, a small cell
construction (i.e., memory foam), foam rubber, polyurethane foam,
polyether foam or a comparable foam product and the like.
Similarly, opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 and the cushion
body may be formed from latex, natural fibers, synthetic fibers or
other synthetic material, or any other material sufficient to
provide substantial and desirable support to a body part. Exemplary
natural fibers include cotton, linen, alpaca, wool, silk, and the
like. Exemplary synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic
fibers, and the like. In one specific embodiment, opposing support
surfaces 104 and 106 and the cushion body are formed of a soft and
supportive closed cell foam, which may be sealed with a protective
coating to prevent water absorption and to enhance washability. The
term "washability" refers to the propensity for cleanliness and
reverting to an original form during a standard washing and drying
cycle or otherwise when subjected to common detergents, bleaches,
and water, and subsequently dried. In one embodiment, washability
is enhanced via reducing the amount of foreign substances adhered
to and absorbed by the pillow material, such as by using a
protective coating applied to the pillow material. However, a
material may remain washable (i.e., retain washability) even when
saturated with foreign substances.
[0020] The adjustable pillow 102 further includes at least one
foldable channel 116. In a present embodiment of the current
invention, the adjustable pillow 102 includes four foldable
channels approximately perpendicularly arranged along the length
and width of both opposing support surfaces 104 and 106, as shown
in FIG. 2. The foldable channels 116 may be incorporated as
recesses in opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 about which the
adjustable pillow 102 may fold. A foldable channel 116 on one of
opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 may correspond to another
foldable channel 116 on the other of opposing support surfaces 104
and 106 such that the material between the foldable channels is
relatively thin for ease of folding. For example, where the cushion
body may have a thickness of approximately 3 inches, the material
between foldable channels 116 located on both of opposing support
surfaces 104 and 106 may transition to a thickness of at least
approximately 1 inch. An exemplary transition is depicted in FIG.
3. While the adjustable pillow 102 may be constructed from
relatively soft and pliable materials and therefore may fold along
a number of axes, foldable channels 116 permit ease of folding with
reduced tendency for the pillow material to apply undesirable
reaction forces against a body part as the material tends to revert
to its steady state position. The decreased pillow material
thickness at the foldable channels 116 may aid in reducing the
tendency to exert undesirable reaction forces. Thus, while the
adjustable pillow 102 is folded along the foldable channel 116, the
adjustable pillow 102 has a reduced tendency and strength to unfold
when in a folded position. Therefore, the current invention
provides a convenient design that allows a user to manipulate the
adjustable pillow 102 into various heights and shapes while
maintaining a comfortable surface area. Varying the thickness of
the cushion body and the location of the foldable channels 116
enables flexibility in adjustable pillow 102 shape and
user-preferred comfort when folded and unfolded.
[0021] Additionally, the foldable channels 116 provide a user with
a contoured surface on opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 as a
result of the thickness differential between the foldable channels
116 and the material between opposing support surfaces 104 and 106.
The contour surface configuration may be altered further into a
desirable shape via folding the adjustable pillow 102 along the
foldable channels 116 or by folding the pliable support structure
material. A user may rest their head directly onto a foldable
channel 116 when the adjustable pillow 102 is in an unfolded state
and still maintain a relaxing experience. When the adjustable
pillow 102 is in an unfolded state (such as that depicted in FIGS.
1-3), the foldable channels 116 provide a support surface which may
be suspended above the surface upon which the adjustable pillow 102
is located. For instance, the recess of a foldable channel 116 on
one or both of opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 may create a
gap 118 between opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 and the
surface upon which the adjustable pillow 102 is positioned. When an
amount of pressure is applied to the foldable channel 116, such as
the pressure from a body part resting on the foldable channel 116,
the pressure may cause the foldable channel 116 to contact the
surface upon which the adjustable pillow 102 is located. The
support surface surrounding the foldable channel 116 may then
contour around the pressure source, e.g., the body part.
[0022] Opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 define a plurality of
apertures 120 there-through, wherein the plurality of apertures 120
extend through opposing support surfaces 104 and 106 and the
material between opposing support surfaces 104 and 106. In one
embodiment, the plurality of apertures 120 forms an approximately
perforated structure in the adjustable pillow 102. The plurality of
apertures 120 enables substantial air circulation within and around
the adjustable pillow 102 by providing essentially unrestricted
pathways or conduits through which air may pass. As a result the
substantial air circulation, the adjustable pillow 102 may provide
a cooler resting surface than conventional pillows, thereby
creating user comfort and potentially reducing an amount of
perspiration introduced to and absorbed by the pillow. Further, the
plurality of apertures 120 provides opposing support surfaces 104
and 106 and the material between opposing support surfaces 104 and
106 increased surface area with which detergents, water, and air
may contact during a washing and drying cycle. As a result, the
adjustable pillow features enhanced washability as compared to
current pillow designs, since the plurality of apertures 120
provides efficient conduits for air and water. Additionally, a
sealant may be used on the pillow material, including the surfaces
of the plurality of apertures, which would further aid the removal
of hydrophobic/non-aqueous foreign substances, such as oil secreted
by the skin. Desirably, the sealant does not substantially impair
the pliability or comfort of the pillow material. Opposing support
surfaces 104 and 106 may form the plurality of apertures 120
according to various structural designs, including polygon grids,
honeycombs, slotted curved openings, irregular shapes, amorphous
distributions, and combinations thereof. In a current embodiment of
the present invention, the aperture layout is structured to provide
substantially uniform air circulation through the adjustable pillow
102 in addition to providing structural support for receiving and
supporting body parts, such as the head, neck, legs, and the
like.
[0023] The foldable channels 116 may be formed as recesses within
opposing support surfaces 104 and 106, and as a result, may also
include the plurality of apertures 120. Therefore the foldable
channels 116 also may comprise a generally perforated structure. A
uniform distribution of apertures may be desirable, such that when
the adjustable pillow 102 is folded along a foldable channel 116,
the aperture structure correspondingly may overlap itself. For
example, where the plurality of apertures 120 exhibits a uniform
honeycombed structure, the honeycombed apertures may accordingly
overlap each other upon folding the adjustable pillow 102 along an
axis formed along a foldable channel 116. However, with a
substantial distribution of apertures, a uniform distribution of
apertures may be unnecessary to provide substantial air
circulation, since even while folded; air may have a significant
pathway through the entire pillow structure. Thus, the air
circulation may be substantially effective, even while the
adjustable pillow 102 is in a folded position.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
adjustable pillow 102 comprises a cushion material including a
first support surface and a second support surface. The first
support surface defines a plurality of apertures for ventilating
the first support surface. The first support surface further
defines a first channel for folding the adjustable pillow 102. The
second support surface defines a plurality of apertures for
ventilating the second support surface. The cushion material
defines a plurality of apertures extending through the cushion
material, the first support surface, and the second support surface
for ventilating the cushion material. The second surface may
further define a second channel for folding the adjustable pillow
102. For example, the second channel may be substantially parallel
to the first channel. In a particular embodiment, the cushion
material is a pliable material of a thickness of between
approximately 1 to 3 inches. The cushion material may comprise may
be of other thicknesses to accommodate different sizes and shapes
of the adjustable pillow 102. The cushion material may comprise at
least one of a foam construction, latex, natural fibers, or
synthetic fibers. The foam construction may include at least one of
open cell construction, closed cell construction, small cell
construction, foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether foam.
Further, the cushion material may include a protective coating.
[0025] In a further embodiment, the adjustable pillow 102 comprises
a first portion defining a plurality of apertures for ventilating
the first portion, and a second portion interconnected with the
first portion. The second portion defines a channel about which the
first portion substantially folds. The first portion and the second
portion comprise a foam construction of at least one of open cell
construction, closed cell construction, small cell construction,
foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or polyether. The second portion
may define more than one channel that provides a fold about which
the first portion rotates. In a specific embodiment, the second
portion defines two sets of two channels, wherein the channels are
approximately perpendicularly arranged, with each set of channels
approximately parallel to, and mirrored by, the other set of
channels, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. However, it is understood that
other channel configurations may be implemented without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The second
portion may further define a plurality of apertures for ventilating
the second portion. The first portion may have a thickness of at
least approximately 3 inches, whereas the second portion may have a
thickness of between approximately 1 and 3 inches. An exemplary
transition of the second portion is depicted in FIG. 3.
[0026] It is believed that the present invention and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing
description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be
made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components
thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.
The form herein before described being merely an explanatory
embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the following claims to
encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *