U.S. patent application number 12/893244 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for pillow having structurally varying core and cover.
Invention is credited to Roger A. Sramek.
Application Number | 20120073057 12/893244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869145 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120073057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sramek; Roger A. |
March 29, 2012 |
PILLOW HAVING STRUCTURALLY VARYING CORE AND COVER
Abstract
A pillow for supporting the head of a reclining body. The pillow
has a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the
length and width and the pillow has a cover formed of a soft
material for encasing the core. The cover imparts a soft feeling to
the head on the pillow and distributes the weight of the head over
the core. The core and the cover are displaced by the head as a
function of the displacement parameters of the core so that the
pillow functions to control the alignment of the head in a
comfortable sleeping position while maintaining natural neck and
head alignment.
Inventors: |
Sramek; Roger A.; (Tiburon,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45869145 |
Appl. No.: |
12/893244 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/645 ;
5/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/109 20130101;
A47G 2009/1018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/645 ;
5/636 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A47C 20/02 20060101 A47C020/02 |
Claims
1. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a
mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a
pillow thickness comprising, a core having core variable
displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow
width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the
head in a non-distorting aligned position, a cover having a cover
chamber containing a fill where the cover chamber has a chamber
thickness forming a portion of the pillow thickness, where the fill
has fill displacement parameters and where the core is located
within a core opening formed by the cover so that the cover encases
the core, and whereby the cover imparts a soft feeling to the head
supported by the pillow and whereby the core and the cover are
displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters
to support the head in the non-distorting aligned position.
2. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the fill displacement parameters
are substantially softer than the core displacement parameters.
3. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the fill is one or more of
synthetic and natural fibers.
4. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core is foam having a
plurality of holes located to provide t the core variable
displacement parameters.
5. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the core has a central region
including a single hole.
6. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the core has a central region
including one or more of said holes for aligning with the head and
has two side regions offset from said central region for aligning
with an ear of said head when the head is in a side-lying
position.
7. The pillow of claim 6 wherein said side regions each include two
holes.
8. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the central region of said core is
formed by a foam layer having a volume where fifty percent or more
of the volume is constituted by holes.
9. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core includes one or more
layers of foam including said core variable displacement
parameters.
10. The pillow of claim 9 wherein said one or more layers are of
uniform thickness.
11. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core includes a plurality of
layers of foam wherein at least one of said layers includes said
core variable displacement parameters and wherein said cover
includes an opening whereby one or more of said layers can be
removed to modify the pillow displacement parameters.
12. The pillow of claim 10 wherein said opening is provided by a
zipper in said cover.
13. The pillow of claim 1 where the core has a central region
formed with a first wall and a second wall where the first and
second walls extend in the direction of the length where the
central region has a central ILD and the walls have a wall ILD
whereby the neck of the reclining body is supported by and extends
over one of said walls allowing the head to depress into the
central region.
14. The pillow of claim 13 where the first wall has a greater width
than the second wall whereby the head when extending over the first
wall has greater support than when extending over the second
wall.
15. The pillow of claim 1 where the chamber includes two or more
compartments.
16. The pillow of claim 15 where a first compartment is on a top of
the pillow and a second compartment is on a bottom of the
pillow.
17. The pillow of claim 16 where the first compartment has a first
volume for receiving a first quantity of fill and where the second
compartment has a second volume for receiving a second quantity of
fill where the first volume and the first quantity of fill are
greater than the second volume and the second quantity of fill,
respectively.
18. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on
a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and
a pillow thickness comprising, a core having a substantially
uniform thickness and including a plurality of holes providing core
variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the
pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for
supporting the head in a nondistorting aligned position, the core
including a central region and a first region on one side of the
central region and a second region on another side of the central
region, a cover having a chamber for receiving a fill where the
chamber has a chamber thickness forming a substantial portion of
the pillow thickness, where the fill has fill displacement
parameters substantially softer than the core variable displacement
parameters and where the core is located within a core opening so
that the cover encases the core, and whereby the cover imparts a
soft feeling to the head supported by the pillow and whereby the
core and the cover are displaced by the head as a function of the
displacement parameters to support the head in the non-distorting
aligned position.
19. The pillow of claim 18 where the fill is one or more of
synthetic and natural fibers.
20. The pillow of claim 18 where the central region is formed with
a first wall and a second wall where the first and second walls
extend in the direction of the length where the central region has
a central ILD and the walls have a wall ILD whereby the neck of the
reclining body is supported by and extends over one of said walls
allowing the head to depress into the central region and where the
first wall has a greater width than the second wall whereby the
head when extending over the first wall has greater support than
when extending over the second wall.
21. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on
a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and
a pillow thickness and where the mattress has a mattress length, a
mattress width and a mattress thickness where the mattress includes
mattress variable displacement parameters along the mattress length
and the mattress width in the direction of the mattress thickness
for supporting the body in a non-distorting aligned position
comprising, a core having core variable displacement parameters
along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of
the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a non-distorting
aligned position when located on the mattress with the length of
the pillow perpendicular to the length of the mattress, said core
variable displacement parameters tailored to match the mattress
variable displacement parameters for alignment of the head and
other parts of the body, a cover having a cover chamber containing
a fill where the cover chamber has a chamber thickness forming a
substantial portion of the pillow thickness, where the fill has
fill displacement parameters and where the core is located within a
core opening formed by the cover so that the cover encases the
core, and whereby the cover imparts a soft feeling to the head
supported by the pillow and whereby the core and the cover are
displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters
to support the head in the aligned position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to pillows for use on a bed to
support a head for sleeping and more particularly, to improved
pillows having therapeutic and cosmetic properties and that enhance
the quality of sleep.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Standard solid-bodied pillows in common use for many years
have a number of limitations. The downward force caused by the
weight of a person's head on tissue and facial skin in contact with
solid bodied pillows is considerable, causing local stretching,
cessation of capillary blood flow and deformation of the skin. Over
a period of years these factors accelerate wrinkling of the skin,
contributing to the visible effects of aging.
[0003] Similarly, the outer surfaces of the ears are crushed by the
weight of the head when a person using a pillow lies to the side,
contributing to cessation of capillary blood flow and the incidence
of bacterial and fungal ear infections, morning wax deafness, ear
ache and gradual deformation and wrinkling of the pinna.
[0004] In addition, standard pillows provide uneven support to the
head and neck, causing muscular strain of the neck and back, and
causing general night unrest. Sleepers adopt a side or face down
position during sleep in an effort to conform to the support points
of a pillow, spending disproportionately little time sleeping in a
supine position. This tendency can accelerate degeneration of the
spine associated with aging, particularly in the neck region.
Indeed, neck injury commonly results from improper support while
sleeping. Similarly, in an attempt to match personal anatomy to a
pillow, many people adopt unnatural sleeping positions with arms
and hands used to provide head support, which leads to discomfort
and joint degeneration, and even arthritis, in the hands, elbows
and shoulders.
[0005] Although a variety of pillow sizes and shapes are available,
they often do not match an individual's anatomy and natural sleep
habits. In an attempt to address some of these deficiencies,
various pillow designs have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380
entitled ADJUSTABLE CERVICAL PILLOW WITH DEPRESSIONS FOR A USER'S
EAR invented by Roger A. Sramek, one of the inventors of the
present invention, discloses a pillow which reduces the incidence
of morning wrinkles and permanent skin wrinkling, which prevents
ear compression and which provides anatomically correct cervical
and head support. That pillow supports the head and neck of a
person and includes a resilient pillow body with an
adjustable-height head rest. The head rest includes a central
depression in the pillow body and a plurality of head-height
adjustment shims which fit into the central depression. The pillow
body has a resilient upper portion with a plurality of depressions
on a top face for receiving the person's ears.
[0006] While U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 is close to setting a standard
for the ideal pillow, that pillow has a non-standard appearance
resulting from a contoured shape and a narrow width. That pillow
was made from urethane foam and other resilient man-made and
natural materials that provided firm and aligned support and vastly
improved the quality of sleep.
[0007] Since normally everyone spends a large percentage of
everyday sleeping, the quality of sleep is important to a person's
good health and enjoyment of life. Comfortable pillows and beds are
important in establishing restful sleep. During sleep, a healthy
person typically passes through five levels of sleep which include
stages I-IV and which additionally includes a REM (Rapid Eye
Movement) sleep stage. Stages I and II are the lightest sleep and
stages III and IV are the deepest. The REM stage is that level in
which sleepers dream and receive the mental health benefits
attendant dreaming. All levels of sleep are important, but stages
III and IV are the deepest and most physically restful sleep, when,
for example, human growth hormone is secreted. Normal sleep is
cyclic passing through the stages from I to IV and back from IV to
I and into and out of REM. This sleep cycle is repeated a number of
times over a normal sleep period, but can be disrupted due, for
example, to body discomfort.
[0008] Restfulness and the quality of sleep are dependent upon the
comfort of sleepers. When sleepers become uncomfortable, they move
to relieve the discomfort and the resulting moves are a normal part
of sleep. When sleepers move, they frequently change to lighter
levels of sleep (stage I or II) or awaken. The more discomfort
sleepers feel, the more they will move and the more time they will
spend in lighter and less restful sleep. Good sleeping is normally
associated with a low number of body shifts during the sleep
period. Shifts due to discomfort caused by beds or pillows are a
significant cause of poor sleep quality. On conventional sleep
surfaces, most people experience about forty major postural body
shifts in the course of a night's sleep. Poor sleepers experience
about sixty percent more major shifts than good sleepers. While
some shifts during a sleep period are beneficial, the quality of
sleep can be greatly improved for many by reducing the number of
shifts caused by discomfort.
[0009] There are two major causes of bed-induced shifting, and
particularly pillow-induced shifting, which cause poor sleep. As it
relates to the head and pillow, the first major cause of shifting
is the buildup of pressures on parts of the head and the second
major cause of shifting is poor neck/head alignment. Considering
the first major cause of shifting, the buildup of pressures results
from prolonged lying in the same position and from pillows which
are too thick or too hard. High compression tends to restrict
capillary blood flow which is recognized by the body, after a
period of time, as discomfort. The pressure threshold which causes
a discontinuance of capillary blood flow is called the ischemic
pressure. The ischemic pressure is normally considered to be
approximately thirty mmHg. The discontinuance of capillary blood
flow is observable as a red spot on the skin. After pressure is
applied, a red spot on the skin is a precursor to tissue damage.
When parts of the body are subjected to pressures above the
ischemic threshold, discomfort results and, hence, a person shifts
to remove the discomfort and threat to tissue damage. For some
people, the ears are particularly sensitive to such pressure.
[0010] Considering the second major cause of shifting, poor body
alignment results from bending of the vertebral column of the body.
As it relates to the head and pillow, such bending is typically
caused by poorly functioning mattresses and pillows that cause
unwanted improper and distorting alignment of the neck and head in
one or more sleeping positions. Proper supine (back-lying) position
means that the occiput of the head (the protruding back part of the
head) comes to rest nearly at the same level as the shoulders so
that the head and neck are not in an extended or bowed position
while at the same time, a proper amount of support is provided to
the neck with its natural curvature. For a pillow that provides
sleep comfort, a neutral anatomic position is achieved and the
natural alignment is evidenced by the chin and brow being at about
the same height. When these positions are not achieved, a
distorting and unnatural alignment occurs causing discomfort. When
these positions are achieved, the head and neck are in a
non-distorting aligned position that provides good sleep
comfort.
[0011] Natural, non-distorting alignment allows the neck functions
including those of the nerves, tissues, arteries, and the breathing
tube (oropharynx and hypopharynx) to perform optimally. Natural
alignment also reduces stress and reduces compression on the neck
muscles and nerves and thus reduces pain and stiffness.
[0012] Many pillows have a high concentration of fill in the middle
of the pillow, or are otherwise too firm or too thick, and
therefore promote extended flexion of the neck so that the head
position is extended beyond natural alignment into distorted
alignment. This extended head position often impairs breathing and
other neck functions leading to worsened snoring and to neck,
shoulder and back pain. Also, the extended head position causes
wrinkling across the neck and chin. The result is a distorting
alignment causing discomfort and other unwanted consequences.
[0013] In addition to head and body alignment, pillows also have
properties that affect cosmetic qualities of skin. The skin,
particularly in women wanting delicate and smooth skin features, is
susceptible to wrinkling Facial tissue is particularly susceptible
to wrinkling and worsens with aging. Repeated compression of the
facial flesh, for example when side-sleeping on a conventional
pillow, forms nocturnal creases on each side of the mouth and
wrinkling about the upper lip occurs. Ideal pillows as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 tend to tighten the facial skin during
sleep and hence tend to reduce pillow-induced wrinkling
[0014] Many purchasers and merchants have come to expect pillows to
have other "standard properties". For example, an expectation is
that pillows will have standard sizes for use on standard
mattresses such as King, Queen, Double and so forth with dimensions
that match existing pillow case sizes. While these "standard
properties" do not necessarily add to the suitability of a pillow
for sleeping, they nonetheless can be important for widespread
commercial acceptance of pillows.
[0015] A number of additional "attributes" are also important for
commercial acceptance of pillows. A pillow design desirably meets
the needs of a large percentage of the population. The greatest
demand is for pillows used on beds that sleep two people side by
side. The number of stocking numbers required for a pillow product
line is desirably low so that distribution and sale are
efficient.
[0016] Developments in the parameters of and manufacturing
capabilities for foam and other materials (including beads, seeds
and husks) have provided new components for pillows that can be
used to better approach the technical parameters required for an
ideal pillow at economical costs and which can be manufactured with
expected "standard properties" and with the "attributes" for
pillows that are desired by the public.
[0017] In the present specification the term "foam" is used in a
generic sense to include all substances that trap many gas bubbles
in a solid, for example, synthetic and natural rubber, latex,
elastomer and polyurethane among others.
[0018] The physical properties of pillow materials include among
others Density, Hardness, Tensile Strength, Indentation Load
Deflection, Compression Load Deflection, Initial Softness Ratio,
Resilience (Elasticity), Compression Modulus, Hysteresis and
Durability/Lifetime. These physical properties are described as
follows.
[0019] Hardness is the resistance against pressure.
[0020] Density is the mass per unit volume. Hardness and density
are interrelated. When density increases, hardness tends to
increase. Generally for lower density materials, a growing loss in
hardness arises after repeated loading.
[0021] Tensile Strength is the measure of the resistance against
stretching and changes in tensile strength are measured as Tensile
% and changes in length after applying a tensile force are measured
as Elongation %.
[0022] Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a hardness measurement
defined in the ISO 2439 standard. ILD in the standard is defined as
the force that is required to compress material a percentage of its
original thickness, that is, compressed 25%, 40% and 60% from its
original thickness (using in the standard a circular plate of 322
cm.sup.2). These ILD's are designated ILD25%, ILD40% and ILD60%
[0023] Compression Load Deflection (CLD) is a hardness measurement
defined in the ISO 3386 standard. CLD is defined as the
counterpressure (force per surface) in Pascal when the core
material is pressed in 25% with a stamp where 1 kPA (kilopascal)
equals 10 g/cm.sup.2 (grams per square centimeter), Compression Set
75%.
[0024] Initial Softness Ratio (ISR) is a hardness measurement
defined as the ratio of ILD65%/ILD5%. This measurement somewhat
correlates to the initial perception of a person about the comfort
of a mattress.
[0025] Resilience (Elasticity) is an elasticity measurement defined
in the ASTM 3574 standard. Resilience/Elasticity is measured by the
"ball-rebound" test where a steel ball is dropped from a height
onto the mattress core and the rebound of the ball is measured as a
% of a predetermined height.
[0026] Compression Modulus (Sag Factor) is a compression
measurement defined in the ISO 2439 standard. This sag factor is
defined as the ratio of ILD65% to ILD25%. The sag factor somewhat
correlates with the perception of a person as to whether the
mattress supports the body with more uniform alignment.
[0027] Hysteresis is a measurement of the load deformation curve of
the load surface. The hysteresis curve is determined by loading and
de-loading of a mattress core. A circular plate of 355 mm diameter
is used to gradually build a force up to a maximum of 1000 Newtons.
The hysteresis represents the amount of energy that is absorbed by
the material during loading/de-loading. The higher the absorption
of energy by a mattress core, the more strength/energy is required
by a person to change position on the mattress. Mattress cores
which are too soft, have a low hysteresis which results in higher
energy requirements for a person changing position on the mattress
core. A low hysteresis value generally results in poor sleeping
quality.
[0028] Durability/Lifetime is a measurement defined in one method
by the EN 1957 standard. In this method, a weight of 1400 Newton is
rolled 30,000 times up and down on the mattress core. Afterwards
the height (Elevation), hardness, ILD and elasticity of the core
are measured. This process is repeated once again and the results
are compared with the original values and recorded as a as a %
retention. The average incline of the hardness is determined at 210
N, 275 N and 340 N in the load deformation curve. Another
measurement is defined by the ISO 3385 (DIN 5374) standard. In this
method, a foam sample of 40.times.40 cm forced with a weight of 750
N for 80,000 times at 70 strokes per minute. Afterwards, the loss
of height and the hardness are compared with the original values
again as a % retention. Tear is another durability parameter
measured in pounds per linear inch (pli) and indicates the energy
required to pull a sample apart.
[0029] In consideration of the above background, there is a need
for improved pillows that better approach the properties of ideal
pillows and that can be economically manufactured utilizing the
available physical properties of materials while satisfying the
public expectations and demands for pillows.
SUMMARY
[0030] The present invention is a pillow for supporting the head of
a reclining body. The pillow has a core formed with variable
displacement parameters along the length and width and the pillow
has a cover formed of a soft material for encasing the core. The
cover imparts a soft feeling to the head on the pillow and
distributes the weight of the head over the core. The core and the
cover are displaced by the head as a function of the displacement
parameters of the cover and the core so that the pillow functions
to control the alignment of the head in a non-distorting aligned
position for comfortable sleeping.
[0031] The core preferable is constructed of foam and the cover
preferable is constructed with a fill of down, fiber, pulverized
foam fills or other similar soft material. The pillow is
constructed in different variations of thickness and firmness and
cooperates with a mattress to provide comfort that enhances the
quality of sleep.
[0032] The core in preferred embodiments is formed of one or more
foam panels having a structure that creates the variable
displacement parameters along the length and width of the pillow.
While the overall exterior shape of the pillow appears regular and
smooth, like conventional pillows, the internal structure is
variable and is displaced in a beneficial manner under the weight
of a head.
[0033] The core is constructed to have a firm area (higher ILD)
near a longer edge of the pillow and a softer (lower ILD) central
region. The firm area is for alignment under the neck and provides
neck support for comfortable supine and other position sleeping.
The softer central region adjacent the firm area allows the head to
be positioned in a neutral anatomic position with natural alignment
evidenced by the chin and brow being at about the same height above
the mattress surface. In the supine position, gravity acts to draw
the tissues back from the centerline of the face as to reduce
creases and wrinkles
[0034] The core is constructed to have firm areas (higher ILD's) on
either side of the softer (lower ILD) central region. These firm
areas on either side of the softer central region provide firmer
support on the side of the head for side-sleeping. During side
sleeping, the weight of the head causes a minor load on the tissues
proximal to the centerline of the face, that is, the area on each
side of the mouth and on the lips. With the firm area on the side
of the soft area, the head is gently drawn forward by the action of
gravity, causing a drawing back of the cheek and neutralization of
the stresses on or about the mouth and hence functions to reduce
deep creasing and wrinkling in that region. The core is constructed
to position the head and neck to avoid improper head/neck
positioning. Improper head/neck positioning results in the
reduction in airway patency, snoring and sleep apnea. For side
sleeping, the soft facial tissue is drawn backward so as to open
the nasal vestibule.
[0035] The pillow cover in one or more preferred embodiments
includes internal compartments for receiving and holding a soft
fill, such as down, around the core. Typically a fastener such as a
zipper is present along one or more sides of the pillow cover to
enable the core to be easily inserted and removed from the cover.
The core is therefore easily exchanged with different cores, to
achieve different sleep qualities as may be preferred by a user.
Also, core removal allows the pillow cover to be laundered without
subjecting the core to the laundry environment.
[0036] Different asymmetrical relationships are present in certain
embodiments to allow a user to select which side or edge of the
pillow is most comfortable.
[0037] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a pillow having a normal shape and appearance
within a partially cut away pillow case.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the pillow of FIG. 1
with the internal structure including the core shown within the
cover.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a front section view of the cover of the
pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a section view of an alternate embodiment of
the cover of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed
and where the cover material is thicker on one side (top) of the
core opening than the other side (bottom).
[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a core formed of an inner soft
region surrounded by an outer firmer region.
[0043] FIG. 6 depicts an end view of the core of FIG. 5.
[0044] FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an alternate embodiment the
core of FIG. 5.
[0045] FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a core formed of an inner soft
region, an intermediate firmer region surrounding the inner soft
region an outer softer region surrounding the intermediate
region.
[0046] FIG. 9 depicts an end view of the core of FIG. 8.
[0047] FIG. 10 depicts an alternate front section view of the cover
of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed where the
cover includes baffles for keeping the cover material uniformly
distributed about the core.
[0048] FIG. 11 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center oval hole for a head between firmer regions along
the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer
regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional oval
holes (including ear holes) for softness between the firmer regions
and the edges along the width.
[0049] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of a pillow with the core
of FIG. 11 within the cover and with the internal structure
revealed.
[0050] FIG. 13 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center rectangular hole for a head between firmer regions
along the edges of the length for neck support and created by
firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with
additional rectangular holes (including ear holes) for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.
[0051] FIG. 14 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG.
13.
[0052] FIG. 15 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region
formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with
additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width.
[0053] FIG. 16 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG.
15.
[0054] FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region
formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with
additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width and created by slots
surrounding the center region for relieving tensile forces created
by a head and by slots around holes for ears to provide softness
for ears.
[0055] FIG. 18 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17
for a core of 3 inch thickness.
[0056] FIG. 19 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17
for a core of 2 inch thickness.
[0057] FIG. 20 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17
for a core of 1 inch thickness.
[0058] FIG. 21 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes
surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head
between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and
created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.
[0059] FIG. 22 depicts an end sectional view of the core of FIG.
21.
[0060] FIG. 23 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of
circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides
between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width, created
by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears and created by
softening holes around the perimeter.
[0061] FIG. 24 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23
taken along the length and through the center region and ear
holes.
[0062] FIG. 25 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23
taken along the width and through the center region.
[0063] FIG. 26 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23
taken along the width and through the ear holes.
[0064] FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes
surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with
additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes
for side lying placement of ears.
[0065] FIG. 28 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 27
taken along the length and through the center region and ear
holes.
[0066] FIG. 29 depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and
through the center region and ear holes and showing a hollowed-out
section from both the top and bottom surfaces in the head
region.
[0067] FIG. 30 depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and
through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two
layers of foam having different compression parameters and with
openings extending through both layers.
[0068] FIG. 31A depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and
through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two
layers of foam having different compression parameters and with
openings (holes) extending through only one of the layers.
[0069] FIG. 31B depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and
through the center region and ear holes and being formed of
multiple layers of foam having different compression parameters and
with openings (holes) extending through only the top layer.
[0070] FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes
surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head
between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and
created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.
[0071] FIG. 33 depicts a top view of a core having variable
displacement parameters in the length and width directions created
by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of
circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides
and additionally at each of the corners between firmer regions
along the edges of the length for neck support and created by
firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with
additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes
for side lying placement of ears where the ear holes are within a
larger oval cut.
[0072] FIG. 34 depicts a female in a back-lying position with the
pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and
neck alignment.
[0073] FIG. 35 depicts a female in a side-lying position with the
pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and
neck alignment.
[0074] FIG. 36 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the
pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and
neck alignment.
[0075] FIG. 37 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the
pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and
neck alignment.
[0076] FIG. 38 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the
pillow operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of
natural alignment.
[0077] FIG. 39 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the
pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.
[0078] FIG. 40 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the
pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment but with a
slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and
reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.
[0079] FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional end view of a pillow with
a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with
the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where
the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole
of the core.
[0080] FIG. 42 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same
pillow as in FIG. 41 with a cover and core and with a female in a
side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and
neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the head
behind the ear hole of the core.
[0081] FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow with
a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with
the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where
the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole
of the core.
[0082] FIG. 44 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow as in FIG. 43 with a cover and core and with a female in a
side-lying position, in the opposite direction as in FIG. 43, with
the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where
the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole
of the core.
[0083] FIG. 45 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow as in FIG. 44 with a cover and core and with a female midway
between a side-lying position and a back-lying position, with the
pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.
[0084] FIG. 46 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow as in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 with a cover and core and with a
female in a back-lying position, with the pillow maintaining
natural head and neck alignment.
[0085] FIG. 47 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow as in FIG. 44, FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 with a cover and core and
with a female in a side-lying position with the face toward the
center of the pillow and with the pillow maintaining natural head
and neck alignment.
[0086] FIG. 48 depicts a top view of a pillow with a core having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center hole for a head between firmer regions
along the edges of the length for neck support and created by
firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with
additional holes (including ear holes) for softness between the
firmer regions and the edges along the width.
[0087] FIG. 49 depicts an end view of a thin core embodiment of the
core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0088] FIG. 50 depicts a front view of a thin core embodiment of
the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0089] FIG. 51 depicts a front view of an alternate thicker core
embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0090] FIG. 52 depicts a front view of a thick core embodiment of
the core in the pillow of FIG. 48 formed by a combination of the
cores of FIG. 50 and FIG. 51.
[0091] FIG. 53 depicts an isometric view of a thick core of the
FIG. 52 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0092] FIG. 54 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core of
the FIG. 52 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0093] FIG. 55 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core of
the FIG. 51 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0094] FIG. 56 depicts a front sectional view of a thin core of the
FIG. 50 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.
[0095] FIG. 57 depicts a front sectional view of another core of
the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.
[0096] FIG. 58 depicts a front sectional view of another core of
the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.
[0097] FIG. 59 depicts a front sectional view of another core of
the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.
[0098] FIG. 60 depicts a front sectional view of another core of
the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.
[0099] FIG. 61 depicts a front sectional view of another core of
the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.
[0100] FIG. 62 depicts a front sectional view of the core of FIG.
61 within a cover of a pillow and supporting a side lying head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0101] In FIG. 1, pillow 10 externally has a normal shape and
appearance and fits within a conventional pillow case 8.
Internally, the pillow 10 has a structurally varying core 12. A
zipper 14 or other fastening device is provided, in some
embodiments, so as to provide an opening for access to the internal
parts including core 12 of the pillow 10.
[0102] In FIG. 2, the pillow 10 of FIG. 1 is shown and includes the
core 12 encased within a core opening 6 formed by the cover 11. The
core 12 is made of structurally varying foam and includes varying
displacement parameters. The cover 11 surrounds the core 12 and the
zipper 14 provides an opening for internal access. Typically,
zipper 14 extends along two of the four sides of the pillow 10.
[0103] In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pillow 10 is for supporting and
positioning a head and neck of a reclining body (see FIG. 34
through FIG. 47) on a mattress (see FIG. 34 through FIG. 37) where
the pillow 10 has a pillow length, P.sub.T, a pillow width,
P.sub.W, and a pillow thickness, P.sub.T. The pillow 10 includes a
foam core 12 having core variable displacement parameters (see FIG.
5 through FIG. 33) along the pillow length and the pillow width in
the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the neck and
head in a non-distorting aligned position. The pillow 10 includes a
cover 11 forming a core opening 13 for receiving the core 12 so
that the cover encases the core. The cover includes a chamber 4
containing a fill 3. The chamber 4 has a chamber thickness, C.sub.T
(C.sub.T1 and C.sub.T2), forming a substantial portion of the
pillow thickness, W.sub.T. The fill 3 has fill displacement
parameters substantially softer than the core variable displacement
parameters. Therefore, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and otherwise in the
present invention, the cover 11 of the pillow 10 imparts a soft
feeling to the head and the foam core 12 is displaced by the head,
acting through the cover 11, as a function of the core variable
displacement parameters to support the head and neck in the
non-distorting aligned position.
[0104] FIG. 3 depicts a front section view of the cover 11 of the
pillow 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed leaving a core
opening 13. The core opening 13 has a width, W.sub.C, and a height,
H.sub.C, and the cover 11 has a width, W.sub.P, and a height,
H.sub.P. The cover 11 is fastened around the core opening 12' and
the zipper 14 provides internal access to the core opening 12'.
[0105] FIG. 4 depicts a section view of an alternate embodiment of
the cover 11 of the pillow of FIG. 1 (for clarity, the core is
removed leaving a core opening 13). The core opening 13 in one
embodiment has a length, L.sub.C, of 24 inches, and a thickness,
T.sub.C, of 3 inches and the cover 11 has a length, L.sub.P, of 26
inches and a thickness, T.sub.P, of 24 inches where the cover
chamber 4-1 is thicker with a measurement, C.sub.T1, of 3 inches on
one side of the core opening 13 than the cover chamber 4-2 with a
measurement, C.sub.T2, of 1 inch on the other side of the core
opening 13. The asymmetry created by the 1 inch and 3 inch
dimensions creates a pillow that presents a different feel and
different displacement parameters to the head of a sleeper as a
function of which side (1 inch side or 3 inches side) of the pillow
is up on the mattress to receive the head.
[0106] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.5 formed of an
inner (central) soft region 15-2 surrounded by an outer firmer
region 15-1. The region 15-1 includes one or more holes 15-3 for
modifying by softening the displacement parameters of the outer
region 15-1. In a typical embodiment, the region 15-2 measures 11
inches by 10 inches and the outer region 15-1 measures 20 inches by
14 inches. The core 12.sub.5 is one embodiment of a core formed
with variable displacement parameters along the length and width as
created by the soft region 15-2 surrounded by the outer firmer
region 15-1 with holes 15.sub.3.
[0107] FIG. 6 depicts an end view of a 3 inch core 12.sub.5 of FIG.
5 with the soft region 15-2 surrounded by the outer firmer region
15-1. The transition between region 15-2 and region 15-1 is gradual
with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a sharp feeling
to a sleeper for greater comfort.
[0108] FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an alternate embodiment a 2
inch core 12.sub.5 of FIG. 5 where the outer edged of outer region
15.sub.7-1 of FIG. 7 is bull-nosed or otherwise rounded to soften
the edge as might be felt by a sleeper's head on a pillow. The
transition between region 15.sub.7-2 and region 15.sub.7-1 is
gradual with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a sharp
feeling to a sleeper for greater comfort.
[0109] FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.8 formed of an
inner soft region 15.sub.8-3, an intermediate firmer region
15.sub.8-2 surrounding the inner soft region 15.sub.8-3 and an
outer softer region 15.sub.8-1 surrounding the intermediate region
15.sub.8-2. The outer softer region 15.sub.8-1 includes a plurality
of holes 15.sub.8-4 for modifying by softening the displacement
parameters of the outer region 15.sub.8-1. The core 12.sub.8 is one
embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement parameters
along the length and width as created by the inner soft region
15.sub.8-3, the intermediate firmer region 15.sub.8-2 surrounding
the inner soft region 15.sub.8-3 and the outer softer region
15.sub.8-1 surrounding the intermediate region 15.sub.8-2.
[0110] FIG. 9 depicts an end view of the core 12.sub.8 of FIG. 8.
In one embodiment, the inner soft region 15.sub.8-3 is 9 inches,
the intermediate region 15.sub.8-2 is 12 inches and the outer
softer region 15.sub.8-1 is 14 inches shown in FIG. 9 as measured
on the end.
[0111] FIG. 10 depicts an alternate front section view of the cover
of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed where the
cover chamber includes compartments for keeping the cover fill
material uniformly distributed about the core. Baffles extending
across the chamber create the compartments 11.sub.10-1,
11.sub.10-2, 11.sub.10-3, 11.sub.10-4, 11.sub.10-5, 11.sub.10-6,
11.sub.10-7, 11.sub.10-9, 11.sub.10-10, 11.sub.10-11 and
11.sub.10-12.
[0112] FIG. 11 depicts a top sectional view of a pillow 10.sub.11
having a core 12.sub.11 having variable displacement parameters in
the length and width directions created by a soft center oval hole
16.sub.11-3 for a head between firmer regions along the edges of
the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either
side of the soft center hole with additional oval holes (including
ear holes 16.sub.11-3, 16.sub.11-4, 16.sub.11-6 and 16.sub.11-7 and
including side holes 16.sub.11-1 and 16.sub.11-5) for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. In the
embodiment of FIG. 11, the pillow measures 30 inches by 20 inches.
The core 12.sub.11 is one embodiment of a core formed with variable
displacement parameters along the length and width as created by
the inner hole 16.sub.11-3, the ear holes 16.sub.11-3, 16.sub.11-4,
16.sub.11-6 and 16.sub.11-7 and the side holes 16.sub.11-1 and
16.sub.11-5.
[0113] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the pillow 10.sub.11
with the core 12.sub.11 of FIG. 11 within the cover 11.sub.11 and
with the internal structure revealed by broken lines.
[0114] FIG. 13 depicts a top sectional view of a core 12.sub.13
having variable displacement parameters in the length and width
directions created by a center rectangular hole 16.sub.13-3 for
receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the
length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either
side of the center rectangular hole 16.sub.13-3 with additional
rectangular holes (including ear holes 16.sub.13-3, 16.sub.13-4,
16.sub.13-6 and 16.sub.13-7 and including side holes 16.sub.13-1
and 16.sub.13-5) for softness between the firmer regions and the
edges along the width. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the core
12.sub.13 measures 24 inches by 16 inches. The core 12.sub.13 is
one embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement
parameters along the length and width as created by the inner hole
1613-3, the ear holes 16.sub.13-3, 16.sub.13-4, 16.sub.13-6 and
16.sub.13-7 and the side holes 16.sub.13-1 and 16.sub.13-5.
[0115] FIG. 14 depicts a front section view taken along section
line 14-14' of the core of FIG. 13. The rectangular holes
16.sub.13-1, 16.sub.13-7, 16.sub.13-3, 16.sub.13-6 and 16.sub.13-5
extend all the way through the core 12.sub.13. The core 12.sub.13
is surrounded by the cover 11.sub.13.
[0116] FIG. 15 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.15 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft
center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes 16-5, 16-6,
16-7, 16-8 and 16-9 for receiving a head between firmer regions
along the edges of the length for neck support and created by
firmer regions on either side of the center region with additional
rows of circular holes 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, and 16-4 and 16-10, 16-11,
16-12, and 16-13 for softness between the firmer regions and the
edges along the width. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the central
region of the foam core 12.sub.15 is formed by a foam layer having
a volume where fifty percent or more of the volume is constituted
by the circular holes 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8 and 16-9.
[0117] FIG. 16 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.15
taken along section line 16-16' of FIG. 15. The core 12.sub.15
measures 1 inch and is of uniform thickness.
[0118] FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.17 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft
center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head
between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and
created by slots surrounding the center region for relieving
tensile forces created by a head and by slots around holes for ears
to provide softness for ears. FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core
12.sub.17 having variable displacement parameters in the length and
width directions created by half holes 16.sub.17-14 around the
perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows
of circular holes 16.sub.17-4, 16.sub.17-5, 16.sub.17-6,
16.sub.17-7 and 16.sub.17-8 for receiving a head between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the center region. Additional
rows of circular holes 16.sub.17-1, 16.sub.17-2, 16.sub.17-3, and
16.sub.17-9 and 16.sub.17-10 and 16.sub.17-11 provide for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. Slots 19,
including slots 19.sub.17-1, 16.sub.17-2 and 16.sub.17-3 in the
upper left ear region, relieve stress in the ear regions. Slots
20.sub.17-1, 20.sub.17-2, 20.sub.17-3, and 20.sub.17-4 relieve
stress around the center region rows of circular holes 16.sub.17-4,
16.sub.17-5, 16.sub.17-6, 16.sub.17-7 and 16.sub.17-8. Also, in
FIG. 17, the foam core 12.sub.17 has a central region including the
circular holes 16.sub.17-4, 16.sub.17-5, 16.sub.17-6, 16.sub.17-7
and 16.sub.17-8 and formed with a first wall of approximately 3
inches running parallel to the score 20.sub.17-1 and extending to
the half-circle edge, and a second wall of approximately 2 inches
running parallel to the score 20.sub.17-3 and extending to the
half-circle edge where the first and second walls extend in the
direction of the length. The central region has a central ILD and
the walls have a wall ILD where the central ILD is less than the
wall ILD because of the holes. The neck of a reclining body is
supported by and extends over one of the walls allowing the head to
depress into the central region.
[0119] FIG. 18 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.17,
taken along section line 18-18' of FIG. 17, that is 3 inches
thick.
[0120] FIG. 19 depicts a front section view of the core 12'.sub.17,
taken along section line 18-18' of FIG. 17, that is 2 inches
thick.
[0121] FIG. 20 depicts a front section view of the core
12''.sub.17, taken along section line 18-18' of FIG. 17, that is 1
inch thick.
[0122] FIG. 21 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.21 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular
holes 16.sub.21-3 surrounded by tension relieving slots on four
sides for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the
length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either
side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular
holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along
the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of
ears. FIG. 21 depicts a top sectional view of a core 12.sub.21
having variable displacement parameters in the length and width
directions created by a center rectangular hole 16.sub.21-3 for
receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the
length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either
side of the center rectangular hole 16.sub.21-3. Additional holes
(including ear holes 26.sub.21-2, 16.sub.21-4, 16.sub.21-6 and
16.sub.21-8, including side holes 16.sub.21-1 and 16.sub.21-5 and
including side holes 16.sub.21-9 and 16.sub.21-10) for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the length and
width.
[0123] FIG. 22 depicts a front section view, taken along section
line 22-22' of FIG. 21, of the core 12.sub.21 of FIG. 21.
[0124] FIG. 23 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.23 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows
of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four
sides between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness,
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width, are
created by four ear holes for side lying alignment of ears and
accompanied by softening holes around the perimeter.
[0125] FIG. 24 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.23
of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 24-24' of FIG. 23 that
extends for the length and through the center region and ear
holes.
[0126] FIG. 25 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.23
of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 25-25' of FIG. 23 that
extends for the width and through the center region.
[0127] FIG. 26 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.23
of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 26-26' of FIG. 23 that
extends for the width through the center region and ear holes.
[0128] FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.27 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular
holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between
firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and
created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region.
Additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes
for side lying placement of ears.
[0129] FIG. 28 depicts a front section view of the core 12.sub.27
of FIG. 27 taken along the section line 28-28' of FIG. 27 and
extending over the length and through the center region and ear
holes.
[0130] FIG. 29 depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core 12.sub.27 of FIG. 27 taken along the length
and through the center region and ear holes and showing a
hollowed-out section from both the top and bottom surfaces in the
central head region.
[0131] FIG. 30 depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core 12.sub.27 of FIG. 27 taken along the length
and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two
layers of foam having the same or different compression parameters
and with openings aligned and extending through both layers.
[0132] FIG. 31A depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core 12.sub.27 of FIG. 27 taken along the length
and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two
layers of foam having the same or different compression parameters
and with openings extending through only one of the layers.
[0133] FIG. 31B depicts a front section view of an alternate
embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and
through the center region and ear holes and being formed of
multiple layers of foam having different compression parameters and
with openings (holes) extending through only the top layer. The
core 12.sub.31 has bottom layers 16.sub.31-1 and 16.sub.31-2 which
are arranged on the sides core 12.sub.31 to provide an opening
16.sub.31-3. The opening 16.sub.31-3 allows the top layer to
depress under the weight of a head and neck and thereby facilitates
the head in assuming a non-distorting position in the manner
described in connection with FIG. 40. The bottom layers 16.sub.31-1
and 16.sub.31-2 in one embodiment are foams with differing ILDs and
in still other embodiments are a single layer made of a single
foam.
[0134] FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.32 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular
holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a
head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck
support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft
center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness
between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and
created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.
[0135] FIG. 33 depicts a top view of a core 12.sub.33 having
variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions
created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows
of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four
sides and additionally at each of the corners between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region.
Additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer
regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes
for side lying placement of ears where the ear holes are within a
larger oval cut. In FIG. 33, the soft center region hexagons, or
the entire center region, in some alternate embodiments a filled
with a soft gel.
[0136] FIG. 34 depicts a female body 36 in a back-lying position
with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain
natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned
position.
[0137] FIG. 35 depicts a female body 36 in a side-lying position
with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain
natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned
position.
[0138] FIG. 36 depicts a male body 35 in a back-lying position with
the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural
head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
[0139] FIG. 37 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with
the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain natural
head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
[0140] While the pillow 10 in any of the FIG. 34 through FIG. 37
examples may be used on any surface or with any mattress, ideally
mattress 57 has mattress variable displacement parameters for
fostering body alignment. Mattresses with mattress variable
displacement parameters are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,036,172 and 6,807,698. In FIG. 34 through FIG. 37, the
mattress length is across the page, the mattress thickness is
vertical with the page and the mattress width is normal to the
page. The mattress 57 includes mattress variable displacement
parameters along the mattress length and the mattress width in the
direction of the mattress thickness for supporting the body in a
non-distorting aligned position. The pillow 10 has a foam core as
described in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 33 having core
variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the
pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for
supporting the head in anon-distorting aligned position when
located on the mattress 57 with the length of the pillow 10
perpendicular to the length of the mattress 57, and with the core
variable displacement parameters tailored to match the mattress
variable displacement parameters for alignment of the head and the
body. For example, when the shoulder region of the mattress 57
includes a displacement parameter for lowering the shoulder of a
back-lying reclining body for alignment of the spinal area of the
body, the angles of the neck and head on the body tend to be
modified and distorted from proper alignment for ideal non-snoring
and free air passage. With such mattresses, the pillow 10 is
tailored to have a complimentary ILD (different from an ILD that
would be used for a mattress without mattress variable displacement
parameters) whereby the rotation of the head into the core is
accentuated to provide a more ideal sleeping combination. The
combination of a pillow and a mattress each having tailored
variable displacement parameters tends to provide an ideal sleeping
environment.
[0141] FIG. 38 depicts a male body 35 in a back-lying position with
the pillow 10 operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of
natural alignment in a distorting position.
[0142] FIG. 39 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with
the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a
non-distorting aligned position.
[0143] FIG. 40 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with
the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a
non-distorting aligned position and with a slight downward
extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or
eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.
[0144] FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional end view of a pillow 10
with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a
side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and
neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and where the
section is taken to show the ear aligned over the ear hole of the
core 12.
[0145] FIG. 42 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same
pillow 10 as in FIG. 41 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a
female body 36 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10
maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting
aligned position and where the section is taken to show the head
behind the ear hole of the core 12.
[0146] FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow 10
with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female in a side-lying
position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck
alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and where the
section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of
the core 12. Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG. 43
encourages the head to be rotated at an angle of approximately
8.degree. from the horizontal.
[0147] FIG. 44 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow 10 as in FIG. 43 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a
female body 36 in a side-lying position, in the opposite direction
as in FIG. 43, with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck
alignment in a nondistorting aligned position and where the section
is taken to show the ear aligned over the ear hole of the core 12.
Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG. 44 encourages the
head to be rotated at an angle of approximately 8.degree. from the
horizontal.
[0148] FIG. 45 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow 10 as in FIG. 44 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a
female midway between a side-lying position and a back-lying
position, with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck
alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
[0149] FIG. 46 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow 10 as in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 with a cover 11 and core 12 and
with a female body 36 in a back-lying position, with the pillow 10
maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting
aligned position.
[0150] FIG. 47 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same
pillow 10 as in FIG. 44, FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 with a cover 11 and
core 12 and with a female body 36 in a side-lying position with the
face toward the center of the pillow 10 and with the pillow 10
maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting
aligned position. Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG.
47 encourages the head to be rotated at an angle of approximately
8.degree. from the horizontal.
[0151] FIG. 48 depicts a top view of a pillow 10 with a core 12
having variable displacement parameters in the length and width
directions created by a soft center hole for a head between firmer
regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created
by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with
additional holes (including ear holes) for softness between the
firmer regions and the edges along the width.
[0152] FIG. 48 depicts a top sectional view of a pillow 10.sub.48
having a core 12.sub.48 having variable displacement parameters in
the length and width directions created by a center hole
16.sub.48-3 for a head. The center hole 16.sub.48-3 is between
firmer regions of 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches along the edges of the
length for neck support. The center hole 16.sub.48-3 also has
firmer regions on either side with additional holes (including ear
holes 16.sub.48-3, 16.sub.48-4, 16.sub.48-6 and 16.sub.48-7 and
including side holes 16.sub.48-1 and 16.sub.48-5). The ear holes
16.sub.48-3, 16.sub.48-4, 16.sub.48-6 and 16.sub.48-7 provide for
softness for receiving an ear with a side-lying head. The side
holes 16.sub.48-1 and 16.sub.48-5 provide softness near the edges
of the pillow. In the embodiment of FIG. 48, the pillow 10.sub.48
measures 28 inches by 18 inches and the core 12.sub.48 measures 24
inches by 14 inches.
[0153] FIG. 49 depicts an end view of a thin core 12.sub.48-1 that
is one embodiment of the core 12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48.
In a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the
transition between core 12.sub.48 and the center region 16.sub.48-3
is gradual with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a
sharp feeling to a sleeper for greater comfort.
[0154] FIG. 50 depicts a front view of the thin core 12.sub.48-1
that is one embodiment of the core 12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG.
48. The thin core 12.sub.48-1 is 1 inch thick.
[0155] FIG. 51 depicts a front view of an alternate thicker core
12.sub.48-2 that is another embodiment of the core 12.sub.48 in the
pillow of FIG. 48. The thicker core 12.sub.48-2 is 2 inches
thick.
[0156] FIG. 52 depicts a front view of a thick core 12.sub.52 that
is one embodiment of the core 12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48
formed by a combination of the cores 12.sub.48-1 and 12.sub.48-2 of
FIG. 50 and FIG. 51. The thick core 12.sub.52 as a combination of
the cores 12.sub.48-1 and 12.sub.48-2 is 3 inches thick.
[0157] FIG. 53 depicts an isometric view of a pillow 10.sub.53
having a thick core 12.sub.52 of the FIG. 52 type that is an
embodiment of the core 12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48. The
zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12.sub.52 to be
easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11.sub.53.
[0158] FIG. 54 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core
12.sub.52 of the FIG. 52 type that is an embodiment of the core
12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 54, the cover 1153
includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of
down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that
is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The
zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12.sub.52 to be
easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11.sub.53.
[0159] FIG. 55 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core
12.sub.48-2 of the FIG. 51 type that is an embodiment of the core
12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 55, the cover 11.sub.53
includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of
down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that
is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The
zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12.sub.52 to be
easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11.sub.53.
[0160] FIG. 56 depicts a front sectional view of a thin core
12.sub.48-1 of the FIG. 50 type that is an embodiment of the core
12.sub.48 in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 56, the cover 11.sub.53
includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of
down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that
is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The
zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12.sub.48-1 to
be easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11.sub.53.
[0161] The embodiments of FIG. 54, FIG. 55 and FIG. 56 each
typically have the same amount of down or other fill and hence the
pillows 10.sub.53, 10.sub.55 and 10.sub.56 have the feel of firm,
intermediate and soft, respectively.
[0162] FIG. 57 depicts a front sectional view of another core
12.sub.57 of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The
core 12.sub.57 includes a body 12.sub.57-1 having ear wells
16.sub.57-1 and 16.sub.57-2 toward the sides and a shallower
central region. The central region includes a cavity 16.sub.57-3 in
the center. The shallower central region and cavity 16.sub.57-3
function to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the
region 16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the
reclined head in FIG. 40. The body 12.sub.57-1 is foam or other
soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a
body.
[0163] FIG. 58 depicts a front sectional view of another core
12.sub.58 of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The
core 12.sub.58 includes a body having a body top 12.sub.58-1 and a
body bottom 12.sub.58-2. The body top 12.sub.58-1 and body bottom
12.sub.58-2 have ear wells 16.sub.58-1 and 16.sub.58-2 toward the
sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions
to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region
16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined
head in FIG. 40. The body top 12.sub.58-1 and the body bottom
12.sub.58-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for
supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top
12.sub.58-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12.sub.58-2 is a
memory foam.
[0164] FIG. 59 depicts a front sectional view of another core
12.sub.59 of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The
core 12.sub.59 includes a body 12.sub.59-1 having ear wells
16.sub.59-1 and 16.sub.59-2 toward the sides and a shallower
central region. The central region includes a cavity 16.sub.59-3 in
the center. The shallower central region and cavity 16.sub.59-3
function to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the
region 16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the
reclined head in FIG. 40. The body 12.sub.59-1 is foam or other
soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body.
The outer edges of the body 12.sub.59-1 are rounded to help rotate
a side lying head in an 8.degree. degree angle relative to
horizontal as shown for example in FIG. 43.
[0165] FIG. 60 depicts a front sectional view of another core
12.sub.60 of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The
core 12.sub.60 includes a body having a body top 12.sub.60-1 and a
body bottom 12.sub.60-2. The body top 12.sub.60-1 and body bottom
12.sub.60-2 have ear wells 16.sub.60-1 and 16.sub.60-2 toward the
sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions
to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region
16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined
head in FIG. 40. The body top 12.sub.60-1 and the body bottom
12.sub.60-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for
supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top
12.sub.60-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12.sub.60-2 is a
memory foam.
[0166] FIG. 61 depicts a front sectional view of another core
12.sub.61 of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The
core 12.sub.61 includes a body having a body top 12.sub.61-1 and a
body bottom 12.sub.61-2. The body top 12.sub.61-1 and body bottom
12.sub.61-2 have ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and 16.sub.61-2 toward the
sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions
to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region
16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined
head in FIG. 40. The body top 12.sub.61-1 and the body bottom
12.sub.61-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for
supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top
12.sub.61-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12.sub.61-2 is a
memory foam. The core 12.sub.61 includes a cover layer 12.sub.61-4
that extends over the body top 12.sub.61-1 and the ear wells
16.sub.61-1 and 16.sub.61-2. The cover layer 12.sub.61-4 tends to
soften the ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and 16.sub.61-2.
[0167] FIG. 62 depicts a front sectional view of the core 12.sub.61
of FIG. 61 within a cover 11 of a pillow 12 and supporting a side
lying head 36. The core 12.sub.61 includes a body having a body top
12.sub.61-1 and a body bottom 12.sub.61-2. The body top 12.sub.61-1
and body bottom 12.sub.61-2 have ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and
16.sub.61-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The
central region functions to recline the head of a body in the same
manner as the region 16.sub.48-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as
shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body top 12.sub.61-1 and
the body bottom 12.sub.61-2 are foam or other soft material
comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. In one
example, the body top 12.sub.61-1 is a latex foam and the body
bottom 12.sub.61-2 is a memory foam. The core 12.sub.61 includes a
cover layer 12.sub.61-4 that extends over the body top 12.sub.61-1
and the ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and 16.sub.61-2. The cover layer
12.sub.61-4 tends to soften the ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and
16.sub.61-2 and together with the cover 11 allow the ear of a side
lying head 36 to gracefully find the ear wells 16.sub.61-1 and
16.sub.61-2. The rounded end of the body top 12.sub.61-1 tends to
encourage the head 36 to rotate at an angle of about 8.degree. in a
non-distorting aligned position.
[0168] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *