AU2008200183B2 - Comfort pillow - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Tempur World, LLC Invention Title: COMFORT PILLOW The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to us: 00 0 COMFORT PILLOW c Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/383,169 filed on May 24, 2002, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

00 Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to pillows or cushions, and more particularly to a pillow 00 Sor cushion for therapeutic use.

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Background of the Invention The neck of a person lying in a supine or sidelying position is often out of alignment with the person's spine. This is commonly the case when the person's neck is supported by a pillow or multiple pillows such that the neck lies at an angle defined by the deflected height of the pillow(s), and this angle is typically not co-planar with the spine. The deflected height of the pillow is closely related to its stiffness, which is conventionally provided by filling material disposed within a fabric covering.

Conventional filling material can include feathers, cotton, or a synthetic filler.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a pillow comprising: a sleeve defining an internal cavity; and a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material enclosed within the cavity.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a pillow comprising: a first layer of material; and a second layer of material, the first and second layers of material coupled together to form a cavity therebetween; wherein a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material is positioned between the first and second layers and is enclosed within the cavity.

N:\Niclbournc\Cases\Paocnt\5S000-55999\P55079AU I \Spccis\P55079.AU.1 Spvcificalion 2008-I-9doc 14/01/08

I

00 O In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of C manufacturing a pillow comprising: C coupling a first peripheral edge of a first panel of material to a second peripheral edge of a second panel of material; and s enclosing a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material between and c within the first and second panels of material.

00 SIn accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a pillow 00 comprising: a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity; and a plurality of loose pieces of filler material substantially enclosed within the cavity.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a pillow comprising: a first layer of viscoelastic material; and a second layer ofviscoelastic material, the first and second layers coupled together to form a cavity therebetween; wherein a plurality of loose pieces of filler material is positioned between the first and second layers and is enclosed within the cavity.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a pillow comprising: coupling a first peripheral edge of a first panel of viscoelastic material to a second peripheral edge of a second panel of viscoelastic material; and enclosing a plurality of loose pieces of filler material between and within the first and second panels ofviscoelastic material.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a pillow embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.

N \Melboumc\Cnscs\Patcnt\5S5OOO55999\PS579AU. 1\Specis\P55079.AU. I Spccification 2008.1 9.doc 14/01/08 00 O Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood KN that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the ac arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and c terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as 0 limiting.

c Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 00 SFIGS. 1-3 illustrate a pillow 10 of the present invention having a sleeve construction C 10 formed of multiple layers. The pillow 10 comprises a filler material 14 disposed between layers of viscoelastic foam 18. The viscoelastic foam layers 18 possess specific thermally responsive properties which cause the pillow 10 to conform to the shape of the portion of a person's body that contacts the pillow 10. The viscoelastic foam layers 18 have a lower stiffness or hardness at an elevated temperature as compared to the stiffness at a cooler temperature. Conversely, conventional pillow filler materials typically have a constant stiffness with respect to a changing temperature. The body heat of the person acts to soften the portion of the pillow 10 in contact with the body, while the portion of the pillow 10 not contacting the body remains more firm. As a result, the pillow 10 embodying the present invention allows for greater comfort over a conventional pillow by accommodating each user's body form.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is granulated, or shredded, viscoelastic foam having a density of about 85 kg/m 3 However, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for an average weight pillow 10, for example, can be between about 30 and about 140 kg/m 3 Further, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for a light-weight pillow 10, for example, can be less than about 40 kg/m 3 Likewise, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for a heavy-weight pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 130 kg/m 3 Alternatively, the granulated viscoelastic foam utilized as the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10. In addition, a suitable viscoelastic foam filler material 14 possesses an indentation load N:/MelboumcN\Cass\PatenX55000-55999\P55079.AU. I \Specis\P55079.AU.I Specification 2008-I -9.doc 14/01/08 00 0 deflection, or "ILD," of 65% between 100-500 N loading, and a maximum

C

rebound according to the test procedure governed by the ASTM-D-1564 standard.

The granulated filler material 14 can be made up of recycled, virgin, or scrap viscoelastic material. The granulated filler material 14 may consist of pieces of a nominal length, or the granulated filler material 14 may consist of pieces of varying 00 lengths. For example, granulated filler material 14 may have a nominal length of about S1.3 cm. Also, granulated filler material 14 may consist of varying lengths between N about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. The granulated filler material 14 can be as short as 0.3 Scm and as long as 4 cm., or the filler material 14 can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the granulated filler material 14 is comprised of 16-20% having a length longer than 2 cm, 38-42% having a length between 1 and 2 cm, and 38-42% of the pieces shorter than 1 cm. Significant cost savings and waste reduction can be realized by using scrap or recycled filler material 14 rather than virgin filler material 14. The viscoelastic foam used as the filler material 14 is made from a polyurethane foam material, however, the filler material 14 can be made from any other viscoelastic polymer material that exhibits similar thermally-responsive properties.

The composition of the filler material 14 can be varied to alter the characteristics of the pillow 10 and the cost of the pillow 10. In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is a combination of granulated viscoelastic foam and a fibre material. The fibre material can be made from any kind of textile, such as an organic textile (cotton) or a synthetic textile, which is often less expensive than viscoelastic foam. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibre material has a density of about 1 g/cm 3 However, a suitable density for the fibre material for an average weight pillow 10, for example, is 0.1- 2 g/cm 3 Further, a suitable density for the fibre material for a light-weight pillow 10, for example, can be less than about 0.3 g/cm 3 Likewise, a suitable density for the fibre material for a heavy-weight pillow for example, can be greater than about 1.8 cm 3 Alternatively, the fibre material utilized in combination with the granulated viscoelastic foam as the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow N:\lclboume\Cases\Patcnl\55000.55999\P55079AU.I\Specis\P55079.AU.I Spccification 2008-.I9.doc 14/01/08 00 O In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of Sabout 50% fibre material, while the remaining composition includes the granulated c viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of fibre material in the filler material 14 for an average-cost pillow 10, for example, can be between about 20% and about Further, a suitable range of fibre material in the filler material 14 for a more expensive Cc pillow 10, for example, can be more than about 30% of the filler material 14. Likewise, oO 0 a suitable range of fibre material in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14.

00 SIn yet another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is a combination of granulated viscoelastic foam and polystyrene balls, which are often less expensive than viscoelastic foam. The filler material 14 of this embodiment can also include an organic or synthetic fibre material depending on the desired characteristics of the pillow 10. The polystyrene balls may consist of balls of a nominal diameter, or the polystyrene balls may consist of balls of varying diameters. For example, the polystyrene balls may have a nominal diameter of about 5mm. Also, the polystyrene balls may consist of varying diameters between about 1 mm and about 10 mm. The polystyrene balls can also be as small as 0.5 mm and as long as 20mm, or the polystyrene balls can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of about 50% polystyrene balls, while the remaining composition includes the granulated viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for an average-cost pillow 10, for example, can be between about 20% and about Further, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for a more expensive pillow 10, for example, can be less than about 30% of the filler material 14.

Likewise, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 can also include granulated highly-elastic foam in addition to the granulated viscoelastic foam.

S000-5599P5S079.AU. I\Spccis\P5079A U.I Spccificalion 2008-19.c1o 14/01/08 00 O HE foam is often less expensive than viscoelastic foam, thus yielding a potentially less Sexpensive pillow 10. The filler material can be comprised of any single filler described Ctabove or any combination of the fillers. Alternatively, the filler material 14 can also include any conventional materials, such as feathers, granulated cotton, cotton fibres, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 includes HE foam having a density of about 35 kg/m 3 However, a suitable density for the HE foam 00 for an average weight pillow 10, for example, can be between about 20 and about 3 Further, a suitable density for the HE foam for a lightweight pillow 10, for 00 example, can be less than about 25 kg/m 3 Likewise, a suitable density for the HE foam 010 for a heavyweight pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 45 kg/m 3 Alternatively, the HE foam utilized in the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow The granulated HE foam may consist of pieces of a nominal length, or the granulated HE foam may consist of pieces of varying lengths. For example, the granulated HE foam may have a nominal length of about 1.3 cm. Also, the granulated HE foam may consist of varying lengths between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. The granulated HE foam can be as short as 0.3 cm and as long as 4 cm, or the granulated HE foam can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the granulated HE foam is comprised of 16- 20% having a length longer than 2 cm, 38-42% having a length between 1 and 2 cm, and 38-42% of the pieces shorter than 1 cm.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of about 50% granulated HE foam, while the remaining composition includes the granulated viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of HE foam in the filler material 14 for an average cost pillow 10, for example, is 20% 80%. Further, a suitable range of granulated HE foam in the filler material 14 for a more expensive pillow 10, for example, can be less than about 30% of the filler material 14. Likewise, a suitable range of granulated HE foam in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14.

N AMclboume\Cases\PanIcn\55000-55999\P55079.AU.\SpecisXP5579.AU. I Specificaton 2008*I-9.doc 14101/08 00 O As previously mentioned, the filler material 14 is disposed between layers of N viscoelastic foam 18. In one embodiment of the present invention, the layers of g3 ¢c viscoelastic foam 18 have a density of about 85 kg/m 3 However, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for an average weight pillow 10, for example, can be between about 30 and about 140 kg/m 3 Further, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a lightweight pillow 10, for example, can be less than about Skg/m 3 Likewise, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a Sheavyweight pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 130 kg/m 3 OO Alternatively, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow The layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are preferably about 10 mm thick and have thermally-responsive properties similar to the granulated viscoelastic foam of the filler material 14. Likewise, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for an average weight pillow 10, for example, can be between about 5 mm and 15 mm.

However, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a lightweight pillow 10, for example, can be less than about 7mm. Further, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a heavyweight pillow 10, for example, can be greater than about 13 mm. The layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are made from a polyurethane foam material, however, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 can be made from any other viscoelastic polymer material that exhibits similar thermally-responsive properties.

The overall stiffness or hardness of the pillow 10 is dependent on the stiffness of the individual viscoelastic foam layers 18 and the filler material 14. As such, the overall stiffness or hardness of the pillow 10 maybe affected by varying the stiffness of the individual viscoelastic foam layers 18 and/or the filler material 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, reinforcing fabric layers 22 are positioned on the outside of the layers of viscoelastic foam 18. The reinforcing fabric 22 acts as an anchor for stitches 26 that secure together the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 and the layers of viscoelastic foam 18. Without the reinforcing fabric layers 22, the viscoelastic foam layers 18, N:\Mecboume\Cases\Patc,,\55000.55999\P55079AU. I \Spccis\P55079AU. Specification 2008-1-9.dc 14/01108 00 O which are less durable than the layers of reinforcing fabric 22, would have to directly C anchor the stitches 26 such that the filler material 14 is secured between the viscoelastic c foam layers 18. In a pillow having this construction (not shown), the viscoelastic foam layers 18 would likely tear near the stitches 26 as a result of normal use of the pillow.

Further, if the viscoelastic foam layers 18 were to tear, then the filler material 14 would Cc spill out. Therefore, the reinforcing fabric layers 22 provide a measure of durability to 00 0the pillow 10. The reinforcing fabric 22 is preferably made from a durable material, such as a cotton/polyester blend.

00 A cover 30 surrounds and encases the pillow 10, and conforms to the shape of the pillow 10. The cover 30 is preferably made from a durable and washable fabric material, such as a cotton/polyester blend. As shown in FIG. I, a slot 34 extends across the cover 30 along the cover's edge. The pillow 10 may be inserted into the cover through the slot 34. The pillow 10 may also be removed from the cover 30 through the slot 34 to facilitate cleaning of the cover 30. The slot 34 is resealable to close the cover 30 around the pillow 10 and to open the cover 30 for removing the pillow 10. A closure device is used to open and close the slot 34. In the preferred embodiment, the closure device is a zipper 38, although the closure device could also comprise snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, overlapping flaps, laces, or other similar fasteners.

During manufacture, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are sewn together with the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 to form a sleeve or casing having an open end, wherein the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 comprise the inner layers of the casing and the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 comprise the outer layers of the casing. The filler material 14 is then inserted through the open end of the casing until the desired amount of filler material 14 is reached within the casing. The open end is then sewn closed, thereby encasing the filler material 14 within the casing and defining a pillow 10. The pillow is then inserted within the cover 30 and the cover 30 is closed by the zipper 38.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an N.\Mclboumc\Cse\Parcnt\55000SS999PS79.AU. I \Specis\P55079.AU. I Spcificaiion 2008-I-9.duc 14/01/08 inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

00 00 N:\Mcbounme\Cascs'Patnt\5OOO-5S999\P5O79.AU. \Spccis\PS5579.AJ.I Spccification 2008 19.dc 14/01108

Claims (39)

1. 2. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the 00 sleeve. 00
2. 3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the sleeve is obtained.
3. 4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises first and second panels of material joined together at peripheral seams to define the internal cavity. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density between about 30 kg/m 3 and about 140 kg/m 3
4. 6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density of about 85 kg/m 3
5. 7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm.
6. 8. The pillow of claim 7, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm.
7. 9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about I cm and about 2 cm. N:\velboume Cases\Paent\55OOO.Sqq9\PS5O79AU.A \Specis\P5079 AU I Specifcntion 2008-1-9.doc 14/01/08 00 O 11. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of C loose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm.
8. 12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of balls. 00 5 13. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic Sfoam. 0
9. 14. A pillow comprising: O CN a first layer of material; and a second layer of material, the first and second layers of material coupled together to form a cavity therebetween; wherein a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material is positioned between the first and second layers and is enclosed within the cavity. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the first and second layers of material are part of the same piece of material.
10. 16. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the first and second layers of material are sewn together.
11. 17. The pillow of claim 14, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the first and second layers of material and the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material.
12. 18. The pillow of claim 17, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the first and second layers of material is obtained.
13. 19. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density between about 30 kg/m 3 and about 140 kg/m 3 N:\MclboumeN\Cases\Paen\55000-55999\P5O79.AU.I\Specis\P55079AU.1 Specification 2O8I.-9.doc 14/01/08 00 The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density of about 85 kg/m 3 S21. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. 00 5 22. The pillow of claim 21, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic Sfiller material has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm. 00
14. 23. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of C loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm.
15. 24. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about 1 cm and about 2 cm. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm.
16. 26. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of balls. s1 27. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic foam.
17. 28. A method of manufacturing a pillow comprising: coupling a first peripheral edge of a first panel of material to a second peripheral edge of a second panel of material; and enclosing a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material between and within the first and second panels of material.
18. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein coupling the first peripheral edge to the second peripheral edge comprises coupling peripheral edges of a single piece of material. N:\letbounie\Cascs Paten\55000.5S999\p55079AU I\Spccis\1'S5079AU. I Spcciication 2008-I-9.doc 14/01/08 00 The method of claim 28, further comprising inserting the plurality of loose pieces ofviscoelastic filler material between the first and second panels after coupling the first peripheral edge to the second peripheral edge.
19. 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising inserting the panels of material and 5 the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material into a cover with a resealable 00 Sslot and sealing the slot to keep the material within the cover. 0 00 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising shredding viscoelastic material into Sindividual lengths to form the filler material.
20. 33. A pillow comprising: a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity; and a plurality of loose pieces of filler material substantially enclosed within the cavity.
21. 34. The pillow of claim 33, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the sleeve.
22. 35. The pillow of claim 34, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the sleeve is obtained.
23. 36. The pillow of claim 33, wherein the sleeve comprises first and second panels of material joined together at peripheral seams to define the internal cavity.
24. 37. The pillow of claim 33, wherein the viscoelastic sleeve has a density between about 30 kg/m 3 and about 140 kg/m 3
25. 38. The pillow of claim 33, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of filler material has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm.
26. 39. The pillow of claim 38, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of filler material has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm. N:\MclboumeCass\PatpI\5000-SS999\P55O79.AU. I'SpecisPS5O79AU.1 Spccifcation 2008-1-9doc 14/01/08 The pillow of claim 33, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of N loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm.
27. 41. The pillow of claim 33, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about 1 cm and about 2 cm. 00 5 42. The pillow of claim 33, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of Sloose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm. 00 S43. The pillow of claim 33, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of N balls.
28. 44. The pillow of claim 33, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic foam. A pillow comprising: a first layer of viscoelastic material; and a second layer of viscoelastic material, the first and second layers coupled together to form a cavity therebetween; s1 wherein a plurality of loose pieces of filler material is positioned between the first and second layers and is enclosed within the cavity.
29. 46. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the first and second layers of viscoelastic material are part of the same piece of material.
30. 47. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the first and second layers of viscoelastic material are sewn together.
31. 48. The pillow of claim 45, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the first and second layers of viscoelastic material and the plurality of loose pieces of filler material. N \Melbume\Cases\Patent\5S000-55999\15S79AU.I\SpccjskP55079AU I Spccification 2008-I-9.doc 14101/08 I 00
32. 49. The pillow of claim 46, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the first and second layers ofviscoelastic material is obtained. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the viscoelastic material of the first and second layers has a density between about 30 kg/m 3 and about 140 kg/m 3 00 5 51. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of filler material 0 has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. 00 S52. The pillow of claim 51, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of filler material N has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm.
33. 53. The pillow of claim 45, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm.
34. 54. The pillow of claim 45, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about 1 cm and about 2 cm. The pillow of claim 45, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm.
35. 56. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of balls.
36. 57. The pillow of claim 45, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic foam.
37. 58. A method of manufacturing a pillow comprising: coupling a first peripheral edge of a first panel of viscoelastic material to a second peripheral edge of a second panel of viscoelastic material; and enclosing a plurality of loose pieces of filler material between and within the first and second panels ofviscoelastic material. N:\Melbounc\CaseskPatent\55OOO.55999\1P55O79 A. I Spccis\PS5079.AU. Specification 2008.1-9.doc 14101/08 00 o 59. The method of claim 58, wherein coupling the first peripheral edge to the N second peripheral edge comprises coupling peripheral edges of a single piece of C material. The method of claim 58, further comprising inserting the plurality of loose pieces of filler material between the first and second panels after coupling the first 00 peripheral edge to the second peripheral edge. C
38. 61. The method of claim 58, further comprising inserting the panels of viscoelastic material and the plurality of loose pieces of filler material into a cover with a resealable c slot and sealing the slot to keep the material within the cover.
39. 62. The method of claim 58, further comprising shredding material into individual lengths to form the filler material. N:\MlelboumeXCascs\PatenPSt 000*55999\PS S79.AU. I \Specis\P55079AU. I Specificnlion 2008- I9.doc 14/01/08