U.S. patent application number 15/394961 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for pillow.
The applicant listed for this patent is A-B-B-A Upholstering Foam & Futons, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kevin JOHNSON.
Application Number | 20180184820 15/394961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62708581 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180184820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOHNSON; Kevin |
July 5, 2018 |
PILLOW
Abstract
A pillow includes an outer pillow cover and a plurality of
inserts. The outer pillow cover has a first face panel, a second
face panel, and a resiliently compressible layer. The inserts are
configured to be disposed within the outer pillow cover. At least
two of the inserts having at least one of different thicknesses and
firmness. Each of the inserts has a cutout formed between a first
side portion and a second side portions. The cutouts of the inserts
define an upper body receiving area. The upper body receiving area
together with the adjustable height of the pillow allows the pillow
to essentially nestle a side-sleeper's neck and shoulder, front and
back of their upper torso. With this pillow, the user essentially
lies "in" the pillow rather than merely "on" the pillow.
Inventors: |
JOHNSON; Kevin;
(Gaithersburg, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
A-B-B-A Upholstering Foam & Futons, Inc. |
Gaithersburg |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62708581 |
Appl. No.: |
15/394961 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/109 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A pillow comprising: an outer pillow cover having a first face
panel defining a first side of the outer pillow cover, a second
face panel defining a second side of the outer pillow cover that is
opposite of the first side, a side panel interconnecting the first
and second face panels, and a compressible layer fixedly attached
to an inside surface of the first face panel that is an inside
surface of the outer pillow cover, an outer seam attaching the
first face panel, the side panel and the compressible layer to each
other; and a plurality of inserts being configured to be disposed
within the outer pillow cover, at least two of the inserts having
different thicknesses, each of the inserts having a cutout formed
between a first side portion and a second side portions, the
cutouts of the inserts defining an upper body receiving area that
is dimensioned to nestle a side-sleeper's neck, shoulder and front
and back of the side-sleeper's upper torso.
2. (canceled)
3. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the outer pillow cover
has rounded peripheral edges curving in a depthwise direction while
the inserts are disposed inside of the outer pillow cover.
4. The pillow according to claim 3, wherein the side panel further
includes boxing that defines the rounded peripheral edges.
5. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the compressible layer
is made of a porous foam material that is configured for specific
heat transfer properties.
6. The pillow according to claim 5, wherein the compressible layer
includes a polyethylene terephthalate material.
7. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the outer pillow cover
is made of stretchable material.
8. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area is configured to receive a user's upper body such
that the first and second side portions nestles the upper body
portion that is received therein.
9. The pillow according to claim 1, further comprising an inner
pillow cover configured to enclose the inserts and be enclosed by
the outer pillow cover when the pillow is in an assembled
state.
10. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area has a substantially U-shaped periphery.
11. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area becomes wider as the upper body receiving area
approaches an outermost periphery of the pillow with the upper body
receiving area ranging from 7 to 13 centimeters in a widthwise
direction of the pillow at an inside section of the upper body
receiving area and ranging from 22 to 32 centimeters at an outside
section of the upper body receiving area in the widthwise direction
of the pillow.
12. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area has a cutout dimension ranging from 10 centimeters
to 15 centimeters in a widthwise direction of the pillow such that
upper body receiving area is configured to provide a cradling
effect for a user during use.
13. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area has a maximum cutout dimension ranging from 22 to 32
centimeters as measured in a lengthwise direction of the
pillow.
14. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the upper body
receiving area is dimensioned with respect to an overall length of
the pillow as measured in a lengthwise direction of the pillow such
that a ratio of the overall length of the pillow to a maximum
cutout dimension as measured in a widthwise direction of the pillow
is approximately 2.07.
15. The pillow according to claim 14, wherein the upper body
receiving area is dimensioned in the lengthwise direction of the
pillow such that the upper body receiving area becomes wider as the
upper body receiving area approaches an outermost periphery of the
pillow.
16. The pillow according to claim 15, wherein the upper body
receiving area is dimensioned in the lengthwise direction of the
pillow such that a ratio of an outside cutout dimension as measured
in the lengthwise direction of the pillow to an inside cutout
dimension as measured in the lengthwise direction of the pillow is
approximately 1.65.
17. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
inserts includes indicia indicative of a physical property
thereof.
18. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the indicia include
color to indicate of the physical property.
19. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein a maximum thickness of
each of the insert has a range from 19 millimeters to 39
millimeters.
20. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
inserts includes a plurality of pores.
21. The pillow according to claim 20, wherein the pores are sized
up to approximately 26 millimeters wide.
22. An outer pillow cover for a pillow comprising: a first face
panel; a second face panel; and a closure mechanism disposed
between the first and second face panels, the first and second face
panels being shaped to define an upper body receiving area that is
dimensioned to nestle a side-sleeper's neck, shoulder and front and
back of the side-sleeper's upper torso.
23. A pillow comprising: a first wing portion; a second wing
portion; and a center portion interconnecting the first and second
wing portions, the first and second wing portions and the center
portion defining an upper body receiving area that is dimensioned
with respect to an overall length of the pillow as measured in a
lengthwise direction of the pillow such that a ratio of the overall
length of the pillow to a maximum cutout dimension as measured in a
widthwise direction of the pillow is approximately 2.07.
24. The pillow according to claim 23, wherein the upper body
receiving area is dimensioned in the lengthwise direction of the
pillow such that the upper body receiving area becomes wider as the
upper body receiving area approaches an outermost periphery of the
pillow.
25. The pillow according to claim 24, wherein the upper body
receiving area is dimensioned in the lengthwise direction of the
pillow such that a ratio of an outside cutout dimension as measured
in the lengthwise direction of the pillow to an inside cutout
dimension as measured in the lengthwise direction of the pillow is
approximately 1.65.
26. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the outer pillow cover
further includes an inner panel that is fixedly attached to the
compressible layer and the first face panel by the outer seam such
that the compressible layer is sandwiched between the inner panel
and the first face panel.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a pillow. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a pillow kit that
can be assembled to form an adjustable pillow having an adjustable
height and which essentially "nestle" the side-sleeper's neck and
shoulder and front and back of the sleeper's upper torso. This is a
pillow in which the user essentially lies "in" rather than
"on".
Background Information
[0002] It has been known that pillows can be used to help avoid
back, neck and shoulder pain. In particular, pillows can be shaped
or have contours to accommodate a user's upper body during sleep or
rest. Additionally, some pillows include memory foam compositions
such as polyurethane and other materials that facilitate heat
transfer or heat retention. For example, pillows can include
cooling gel that provide a cooling effect for the user as needed or
desired. Moreover, some pillows are adjustable by including
removable inserts such that the user can adjust the height of the
pillow in accordance with user preference, an ideal configuration
being one in which the user's head and cervical spine are held in
parallel alignment with the remaining spine when lying in a prone
position, to facilitate musculoskeletal relaxation during sleep or
rest.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to some research, it has been found that most
people sleep on their side. Thus, one object of the present
invention is to provide a pillow that is especially suitable for
people that sleep on their side. Basically, this object is achieved
by providing a pillow with a U-shape or C-shape) such that its
curvature provides an upper body receiving area that affords a
tactile and/or swaddling sensation to the user.
[0004] In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of
the present disclosure is to provide a pillow having an outer
pillow cover and a plurality of uniquely shaped inserts composed of
a customizable combination of supporting materials exhibiting
different physical properties including but not limited to
firmness, compressibility, heat capacity and transfer, and
thickness. The outer pillow cover has a first face panel, a second
face panel, and a resiliently compressible layer of a material
which traps air to enhance its plushness, and heat storing or
transferring properties. The inserts are configured to be disposed
within the outer pillow cover. At least two of the inserts have
different thicknesses. Each of the inserts has a cutout formed
between a first side portion and a second side portions. The
cutouts of the inserts define an upper body receiving area.
[0005] In view of the state of the known technology, another aspect
of the present disclosure is to provide an outer pillow cover
having a first face panel, a second face panel, a closure mechanism
disposed between the first and second face panel, and a
compressible layer attached to a surface of the first face
panel.
[0006] In view of the state of the known technology, another aspect
of the present disclosure is to provide a pillow having a first
wing portion, a second wing portion and a center portion. The
center portion interconnects the first and second wing portions.
The first and second side portions and the center portion define an
upper body receiving area that is dimensioned with respect to an
overall length of the pillow as measured in a lengthwise direction
of the pillow such that a ratio of the overall length of the pillow
to a maximum cutout dimension as measured in a widthwise direction
of the pillow is approximately 2.07 as explained hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The attached drawings, which form a part of this original
disclosure, will now be briefly discussed.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pillow that is
assembled by a pillow kit in accordance with one illustrated
embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the pillow illustrated
in FIG. 1 with a shoulder of a user disposed in an upper body
receiving area of the pillow and prior to the user's head resting
on the pillow.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pillow illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a zipper closure of the outer pillow cover
opened to show inserts used in the pillow. In this embodiment, the
closure of the outer pillow cover is located in the front of the
pillow, while in another preferred embodiment the closure is
instead located on the rear of the assembled pillow.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
pillow illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with the outer pillow cover
unstitched and lifted to show a compressible layer of the outer
pillow cover.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow kit
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 with an optional inner pillow cover. In
this embodiment, the closure of the optional inner pillow cover is
located in the front of the pillow, while in another preferred
embodiment the closure is instead located on the rear of the
assembled pillow.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the stacked inserts of
the pillow kit illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first insert of the pillow kit
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0016] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, a pillow kit 10 is
assembled to form a pillow 12 in accordance with an illustrated
embodiment. As seen in FIG. 3, the pillow kit 10 essentially
comprises an outer pillow cover 14 and a plurality of inserts I1 to
I7 with different physical properties. As further seen in FIG. 5,
optionally, the pillow kit 10 can further include an inner pillow
cover 16. The inserts I1 to I7 are configured to be stacked and
inserted into the outer pillow cover 14 or, when an inner pillow
cover is included, into the inner pillow cover which is then
further encased within the outer pillow cover. The outer pillow
cover 14, the inner pillow cover 16 (optional) and the inserts I1
to I7 are configured to be assembled to form an assembled state of
the pillow 12, as shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the pillow 12 is an
adjustable pillow that can be adjusted in height and firmness as
well in other ways to meet a user's desires as explained below.
[0017] In the assembled state, the inserts I1 to I7 are stacked and
enclosed by at least the outer pillow cover 14. The pillow 12 of
the illustrated embodiment is configured to have an end
user-customizable height H that is based on the number of the
inserts I1 to I7 utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, while
seven of the inserts I1 to I7 are illustrated, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the pillow
kit 10 can include a variety of numbers of inserts, as needed
and/or desired, depending upon the upper body dimensions of the
end-user or the firmness or compressibility of the resting surface
(e.g. mattress) on which the end-user rests with this pillow. Also,
while all seven of the inserts I1 to I7 are illustrated as part of
the pillow 12, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the pillow 12 can be assembled with any
selected various number of the inserts I1 to I7 to customize the
height H in accordance with user preference. At least some of the
inserts I1 to I7 of the pillow kit 10 have different thicknesses
and are made of different materials, with different physical
properties, as will be further discussed below. Of course, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
some of the inserts I1 to I7 can be the same thickness and/or the
same material. As explained below, the pillow kit 10 further
preferably includes a cooling layer, such as a cooling gel insert,
that affects the heat transferability of the pillow 12. Thus, a
surface firmness of the pillow 12 and a degree of heat capacity or
heat transfer are also customizable as the user can determine the
insert that is to be used as a surface insert, which is the top
insert of the pillow 12. The pillow kit 10 of the illustrated
embodiment can also include instructions for use in the form of a
manual or an audiovisual work.
[0018] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the inserts I1 to I7
includes a body receiving cutout G1-G7, respectively. The pillow 12
has an upper body receiving area 20, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3,
that is defined by the outer pillow cover 14 and the cutouts G1-G7
of the inserts I1 to I7 in the assembled state. In the illustrated
embodiment, the upper body receiving area 20 includes an area
extending in a widthwise direction W, a lengthwise direction L and
in a depthwise direction D as seen in FIG. 3. In the illustrated
embodiment, the periphery of the upper body receiving area 20 is
substantially U-shaped. In an uncompressed state, the pillow 12 has
essentially flat upper and lower surfaces in the assembled pillow,
and the side surface extends essentially perpendicular between the
upper and lower surfaces with a rounded curvature at its edging
where the depth dimension meets the upper or lower surfaces of the
assembled pillow. The side surface of the pillow that defines the
upper body receiving area 20 in the assembled pillow also has a
certain unique curvature in its widthwise direction W and its
lengthwise direction L that provides for a desirable tactile and
compressive sensation in the user's shoulder and scapular region,
trapezius region, pectoral region and the lateral muscle groups in
the user's back. Also, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer
pillow cover 14 has rounded peripheral edges curving in the
depthwise direction D while the inserts I1 to I7 are disposed
inside of the outer pillow cover 14.
[0019] Preferably, as best seen in FIG. 2, the height H (i.e., the
depthwise direction D) of the pillow 12 can be adjusted such that
the user's neck is properly aligned in parallel with the user's
spine when the upper body A (e.g., a shoulder) of the user is
received in the upper body receiving area 20. The upper body
receiving area 20 is configured to provide tactile stimulation to a
user by cradling the user's upper body A during use. Specifically,
the upper body receiving area 20 is designed so that the pillow 12
lies under the user's head and neck and around the user's shoulder
and the muscle groups of the upper front/side/back of the upper
torso. In this way, the upper body receiving area 20 is configured
to cradle or nestle the user's neck, upper back, as well as the top
and front of back surfaces of the user's shoulder. This nestling by
the pillow 12 creates a snug tactile sensation for the user at
these areas. In particular, the upper body receiving area 20 is
designed to provide tactile stimulation against the scapular
region, the trapezius region, the pectoral region and the lateral
muscle groups in the user's back. That is, in the illustrated
embodiment, the upper body receiving area 20 is configured to make
contact with these areas of the user's body during use. The pillow
12 having the upper body receiving area 20 is further designed to
allow the user to bend their neck "forward and backward" in order
to move their head in an unrestricted fashion forward or backward.
This construction of the pillow 12 enhances the comfortability of
this pillow when the user is lying in the upper body receiving area
20.
[0020] The outer pillow cover 14 will now be discussed. The outer
pillow cover 14 includes a zipper 22 that is a closure mechanism to
selectively add and/or remove one or more of the inserts I1 to I7.
In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper 22 is illustrated as
being located at a front portion 23 of the outer pillow cover 14.
However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that the zipper 22 can be located at a variety of
different locations on the outer pillow cover 14, such as, in a
preferred embodiment, along a rear portion 24. It will also be
apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the
zipper 22 can be replaced with any other type of closure mechanism
such as buttons, hook and loop fasteners, ties, or overlapping
flaps to enable the outer pillow cover 14 to open and close for
providing easy access to the inserts within the assembled pillow.
In any case, the outer pillow cover 14 is openable and closeable so
that the inserts I1 to I7 can be accessed and assembled or
removed.
[0021] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer
pillow cover 14 has a side panel or boxing 26, a first face panel
28 and a second face panel 30, as best seen in FIG. 1. The boxing
26 is typically made of two or more pieces of fabric, while the
first and second face panels 28 and 30 are each typically a single
sheet of fabric. The boxing 26 is preferably made of a stretchable
material so that the outer pillow cover 14 can snuggly fit
different numbers of the inserts I1 to I7. In other words, by the
boxing 26 being stretchable, the inserts I1 to I7 are held tightly
against each other to eliminate slippage of one insert over an
adjacent one. Also by the boxing 26 being stretchable, it ensures
that the user does not feel excessive fabric bulk when lying on the
pillow 12 when one or more of the inserts I1 to I7 have been
removed. The boxing 26 interconnects the first and second face
panels 28 and 30, and includes the zipper 22. The pieces of fabric
of the boxing 26 are sewn together with the zipper 22 sewn onto a
front section of the boxing 26 in a conventional manner. Similarly,
the first and second face panels 28 and 30 are sewn to the boxing
26 in a conventional manner. The first and second face panels 28
and 30 are oppositely facing surfaces of the outer pillow cover 14
that can contact a user's face during use. Thus, a user can sleep
on either of the first or second face panels 28 and 30.
[0022] Preferably, the boxing 26, the first face panel 28 and the
second face panel 30 are all made from the same material. To aid in
snuggly fitting the outer pillow cover 14 over the inserts I1 to
I7, one or more of the boxing 26, the first face panel 28 and the
second face panel 30 are formed of a stretchable material.
Preferably, the first and second face panels 28 and 30 are made of
a stretchable material that is the same as the boxing 26. The
stretchable material of fabric of the boxing 26 preferably allows
for three to seven inches of stretching in at least the depthwise
direction D so that the outer pillow cover 14 snuggly fits three
inches of inserts to seven inches of inserts. That is, the boxing
26 is made of a material that is stretchable to at least one and a
half times the original dimension, and more preferably at least
twice the original dimension. The first and second face panels 28
and 30 preferably has similar elastic properties. Here, the boxing
26 and each of the first and second face panels 28 and 30 of the
outer pillow cover 14 are made of a fabric that is easily washable
and is a porous, breathable material.
[0023] Preferably, the boxing 26 and each of the first and second
face panels 28 and 30 are each composed of a soft fabric that is
capable of absorbing fluid such as a terrycloth material.
Preferably this soft fabric is capable of repelling liquid water
while allowing water vapor to pass through, such that it transfers
moisture away from the inner inserts of the fully assembled pillow
while blocking water and perspiration from entering the inside of
the outer pillow cover. Also, for example, the boxing 26 and each
of the panels 28 and 30 can be made of a material such as Gore-Tex.
A terrycloth material is a fabric with raised uncut loops of thread
covering at least one of its surfaces. More preferably, the boxing
26 and each of the first and second face panels 28 and 30 are a
French Terry fabric with its inner side being flat, while the outer
side has raised uncut loops. The terrycloth material preferably
contains a cotton-polyester mix with elastane (Lycra.RTM.).
Preferably, the terrycloth material has a feel like a bathing towel
that is one-sixteenth of an inch to three-sixteenths of an inch
(0.16 centimeters to 0.48 centimeters) thick. The terrycloth
material preferably has an even pile that is configured to provide
plush feeling to the user. Of course, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that the boxing 26 and each of the first and
second face panels 28 and 30 can be composed of a variety of
natural and synthetic fibers and materials including, but not
limited to a cotton material (e.g., muslin) and/or a microfiber
material (e.g., microfiber or mini-microfiber). In the case of a
microfiber material, the fabric has synthetic fibers with fibers
finer than one denier or decitex/thread. The microfiber material
can be made from polyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon, Kevlar.RTM.,
Nomex.RTM., Trogamid.RTM.), or a combination of polyester,
polyamide, and polypropylene (Prolen.RTM.).
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the first face panel 28 includes a
compressible layer 32, which is a resilient compressible layer in
the illustrated embodiment. The term "compressible layer" as used
herein refers to a layer that is at least 50% compressible in a
thickness direction from its original undeformed state. The
compressible layer 32 is sewn onto an inside surface of the first
face panel 28 of the outer pillow cover 14. More specifically, an
inner panel 33 is sewn to the first face panel 28 with the
compressible layer 32 sandwiched between the first face panel 28
and the inner panel 33. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the compressible
layer 32 is fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) to the inside surface of
the first face panel 28 by sewing the boxing 26, the first face
panel 28, the compressible layer 32 and the inner panel 33 together
to form an outer seam S1 of the outer pillow cover 14. The first
face panel 28, the compressible layer 32 and the inner panel 33 are
further sewn together to define a second seam S2 that is hidden
when the zipper 22 of the outer pillow cover 14 is closed. Thus,
the outer pillow cover 14 is sandwiched between the inside surface
of the outer pillow cover 14 and the inner layer 33.
[0025] The compressible layer 32 is preferably composed of an airy,
fibrous and breathable material such as a polyester fiberfill or
materials with similar properties. By providing an airy, fibrous
and breathable material (moisture-wicking fabric), air is trapped
in the compressible layer 32 which helps to afford certain
desirable heat transfer properties. Thus, preferably, the
compressible layer 32 is selected from a material which facilitates
heat transfer to make for a cooler feeling pillow, and/or which
retards heat transfer to make for a warmer feeling pillow. For
example, the polyester fiberfill is preferably a polyethylene
terephthalate material such as a bonded Dacron.RTM. polyester
fiberfill in sheet form.
[0026] The compressible layer 32 is configured to be plush and to
provide a plush sensation to the user sleeping on the first face
panel 28. Preferably, the compressible layer 32 has a thickness of
19 millimeters to 26 millimeters so that the compressible layer 32
provides an airy and fibrous effect to the first face panel 28. The
compressible layer 32 can also facilitate heat transfer emitted by
the user towards the inserts I1 to I7. The second face panel 30 of
the outer pillow cover 14 does not include the compressible layer
32 or the like. The second face panel 30 is configured to be smooth
to the touch and provide a clinical sensation (look and or feel) to
the user. By having the second face panel 30 constructed with a
different material from the first face panel 28 and/or without the
compressible layer 32, the user can decide whether to sleep either
on the first face panel 28 (Dacron.RTM. containing side of the
pillow 12) or on the second face panel 30.
[0027] As seen in FIG. 5, if used, the inner pillow cover 16 is
disposed between the outer pillow cover 14 and the inserts I1 to I7
in the assembled state of the pillow 12. The outer pillow cover 14
and the inner pillow cover 16 have shapes corresponding to shapes
of the inserts I1 to I7. The inner pillow cover 16 is loose-fitting
around the inserts I1 to I7 when the pillow kit 10 is in the
assembled state to facilitate user adjustment of the inserts I1 to
I7. Using the inner pillow cover 16 facilitates removal and
reinsertion of the assembled inserts from the outer pillow cover 14
as a single unit, when adjusting either the order or total number
of inserts to be present in the assembled pillow. The outer pillow
cover 14 is adjustable to enable a snug fit over the inserts I1 to
I7 and the inner pillow cover 16 (if used).
[0028] The inner cover 16 is preferably a non-stretchable layer
that fits loosely over the inserts I1 to I7 in the assembled state
to facilitate adjustment of the inserts I1 to I7. The inner pillow
cover 16 includes fabric that is composed of at least cotton. Thus,
the inner pillow cover 16 is preferably a porous layer, which, for
example, can be made of muslin. The inner pillow cover 16 is
openable by a zipper 36 that is illustrated as being located on a
front portion of the inner pillow cover 16. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the zipper 36
can be located at a variety of different locations on the inner
pillow cover 16. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the
art from this disclosure that the zipper 36 can be replaced with
any other type of closure mechanisms such as buttons or lock and
loop fasteners to enable the inner pillow cover 16 to open and
close.
[0029] The inserts I1 to I7 will now be discussed with reference to
FIGS. 5 to 7. As illustrated, all of the inserts I1 to I7 are
similarly shaped while the thicknesses of the inserts I1 to I7 can
be different. Basically, the inserts I1 to I7 are made of various
foam or gel materials, in their preferred embodiments. In other
words, the inserts I1 to I7 can each be considered as either a foam
layer or a gel layer. However, the inserts I1 to I7 are not limited
to foam or gel layers. In any case, the inserts I1 to I7 can be
selectively arranged by the user in any desired order, or may not
be used if desired.
[0030] Each of the inserts I1 to I7 has a first side or wing
portion I1A-I7A, a second side or wing portion I1B-I7B and a center
portion C1-C7, respectively. The first side portion I1A-I7A, the
second side portion I1B-I7B and the center portion C1-C7 are
arranged to define the cutout G1-G7, respectively. The boundaries
between first and second side portions I1A and I1B and the center
portion C1 of the first insert I1 are depicted by the dashed lines
on FIG. 7. The corresponding portions of the second to seventh
inserts I2-I7 are delineated similarly, while not shown for
simplicity. The cutouts G1-G7 are located between the first and
second side portions I1A-I7A and I1B-I7B, respectively. As stated
previously, in the assembled state, the cutouts G1-G7 of the
inserts I1 to I7 define the upper body receiving area 20 of the
pillow 12.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 7, the shape of the upper body
receiving area 20 will now be discussed in more detail. The shape
of the upper body receiving area 20 is dictated by the cutouts
G1-G7 of the assembled inserts I1 to I7 that are contained in the
outer pillow cover 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts
G1-G7 of the inserts I1 to I7 are all identical. The depthwise
dimension of the upper body receiving area 20 is determined by
which ones of the inserts I1 to I7 are contained in the outer
pillow cover 14. The side surfaces of each of the cutouts G1-G7
includes a center section E1, a pair of lateral sections E2, and
curved end sections E3. The center section E1 also includes a pair
of curved sections E1A and E1B that are interconnected with the
lateral sections E2, respectively. As best seen in FIG. 2, the
upper body A of the user is configured to be placed between the
cutouts G1-G7 of the assembled inserts I1 to I7 during use such
that the lateral sides E2 of the cutouts G1-G7 provide a cradling
effect and a tactile stimulation for the user. The user's head is
configured to be placed at a middle area of the pillow 12 located
above upper body receiving area 20. While the upper and lower
border edges formed between the side surfaces of each of the
inserts I1 to I7 and each of the upper and lower faces of the
inserts I1 to I7 are sharp corners, the top and bottom ones of the
inserts I1 to I7 that are stacked within the outer pillow cover 14
become curved from compressive force of the stretchable material of
the boxing 26. Thus, the pillow 12 in the assembled state has
rounded peripheral edges that curving in a depthwise direction from
first and second face panels 28 and 30 to the boxing 26 while
selected ones of the inserts I1 to I7 are disposed inside of the
outer pillow cover 14. The upper body receiving area 20 is
dimensioned in the lengthwise direction of the pillow 12 such that
the upper body receiving area 20 becomes wider as the upper body
receiving area 20 approaches an outermost periphery (i.e., an
outline of the pillow 20 without considering the upper body
receiving area 20) of the pillow 20.
[0032] As previously stated, while the thicknesses of the inserts
I1 to I7 can be different, all of the inserts I1 to I7 otherwise
have substantially identical outer peripheral dimensions. Thus, for
simplicity, the following description will reference the first
insert I1 only with reference to FIG. 7. The first insert I1 has a
longitudinal length L1 of approximately 58 centimeters. The first
insert I1 has a width L2 of approximately 33 centimeters. The first
cutout G1 preferably has a U-shaped peripheral surface that extends
in the widthwise direction W from a base edge B of the insert I1
along the lateral sections E2 towards the center section E1. The
first cutout G1 has a cutout dimension L3 ranging from 10 to 15
centimeters, more preferably 12.5 centimeters. The cutout dimension
L3 is measured from the center section E1 of the first cutout G1 to
the base edge B of the first insert I1. The first cutout G1 has a
maximum cutout dimension L4 ranging from 22 centimeters to 32
centimeters, and more preferably 28 centimeters for an average
adult. The maximum cutout dimension L4 is measured as a distance
between the curved end sections E3 of the first cutout G1. The
first cutout G1 has an inside cutout dimension L5 ranging from
approximately 7 to 13 centimeters, and more preferably 10
centimeters for an average adult. The inside cutout dimension L5 is
measured as a space located between adjacent to the curved sections
E1A and E1B. The first cutout G1 has an intermediate cutout
dimension L6 of approximately 15 to 18 centimeters, and more
preferably 17 centimeters for an average adult. The intermediate
cutout dimension L6 is measured as a length between the lateral
sides E2. In the illustrated embodiment, a preferred ratio R of the
longitudinal length L1 of the pillow 12 to a maximum cutout
dimension L4 of the upper body receiving area is approximately 2.6
(i.e., R1=L1/L4=2.07). A preferred ratio of the maximum cutout
dimension L4 of the upper body receiving area 20 to the inside
cutout dimension L5 of the upper body receiving area 20 is
approximately 1.7 (i.e., R2=L4/L5=1.65).
[0033] As previously stated, the inserts I1 to I7 can be made of
different types of material. In the illustrated embodiment, the
inserts I1 to I7 include foam and gel inserts. Preferably, the foam
inserts are polyurethane inserts with at least some having
different compressibility properties. Moreover, at least one of the
inserts I1 to I7 is a memory foam (i.e., a viscoelastic foam),
which is polyurethane with added chemicals, increasing its
viscosity and density. Memory foam is also referred to as
gel-memory foam and polyurethane foam. Memory foam reacts to body
heat and pressure, allowing it mold to your neck and head in
seconds while also returning back to its original shape once heat
and pressure is removed. For example, the memory foam insert(s),
the inserts can be made of two-pound, three-pound or four-pound
foam. The inserts I1 to I7 of the illustrated embodiment include at
least one gel insert and at least one polyurethane insert. Thus, at
least one of the inserts I1 to I7 is viscoelastic. The gel insert
can be made from silicone or polyurethane materials. By nature the
gel insert is neither a solid, nor a liquid, and its substance
provides the benefit of body temperature regulation. It is used
more and more in mattresses and pillows for its cooling properties
as well as its ability to offer wonderful pressure relief. The gel
insert can comprise a crosslinked and unfoamed polyurethane resin,
and has an Asker F hardness of 10 or greater and 50 or less.
Because the itself has a shape conservation property and
elasticity, when it is used in a pillow, the head region can be
held and cooled with a shape fitting the shape of the nape and head
thereby imposing no strain to the body.
[0034] As stated, at least of some the thicknesses of the inserts
I1 to I7 are preferably different. However, some of the inserts I1
to I7 can have the same thickness. In the illustrated embodiment,
preferably, at least two of the inserts I1 to I7 have different
thicknesses. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, a maximum
thickness of each insert is approximately 26 millimeters. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pillow kit 10 includes first, second,
third, fourth and fifth inserts I1-I5 that are approximately 26
millimeters thick and are polyurethane inserts. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the first,
second, third, fourth and fifth inserts I1-I5 can be polyurethane
foam inserts having different densities and other physical
properties. In the illustrated embodiment, preferably, at least two
of the inserts I1 to I5 have different densities to provide
different degrees of compressibility. In the illustrated
embodiment, sixth insert I6 is 12.5 millimeters thick that is a
polyurethane insert. In the illustrated embodiment, the sixth
insert I6 is configured for fine adjustment of the pillow 12. In
the illustrated embodiment, the seventh insert I7 of the pillow kit
10 is 19 millimeters thick, and is a gel memory foam insert. The
seventh insert I7 functions as a cooling member that affects the
heat transferability of the pillow 12.
[0035] As shown, at least one of the inserts I1 to I7 includes a
plurality of pores to further facilitate heat transfer among the
inserts I1 to I7. In the illustrated embodiment, while only the
insert is illustrated as having the pores, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that any one of the
inserts I1 to I7 can include pores. Thus, each of the inserts I1 to
I7 can include a plurality of pores. Preferably, the pores are
sized up to approximately 12.5 millimeters wide and 12.5
millimeters in depth. It will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from this disclosure that the pores can have varying sizes and
dimensions and that the sizes can vary with each insert or each
insert can include pores of varying sizes.
[0036] Additionally, it is also preferable that each insert I1 to
I7 includes indicia indicative of a physical property of the
corresponding insert. For example, the indicia can be indicative of
the density or thickness of the corresponding insert so that these
properties can be readily apparent to a user during use. The
indicia can include color such that the inserts I1 to I7 are dyed
different colors to indicate the density or thickness. Thus, the
indicia include color. Alternatively, the inserts I1 to I7 can be
dyed a similar color having different shades or have different
colored patterns such as speckles corresponding to the coarseness
or the firmness of the inserts I1 to I7. For example, the first to
fifth inserts I1-I5 be different shades of a particular color to
indicate different densities or thickness of the polyurethane. As
seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, the inserts I1 to I7 are illustrated as
having different patterns which correspond to indicia. Of course,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that a variety of indicia can be used such as icons,
symbols, text, color, etc.
GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS
[0037] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components and groups. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to
describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a
pillow kit. Also the terms of degree such as "substantially",
"about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an amount of
deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not
significantly changed.
[0038] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The functions
of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The
structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in
another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be
present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature
which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with
other features, also should be considered a separate description of
further inventions by the applicant, including the structural
and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the
foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present
invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *