GB2516618A

GB2516618A - Apparatus and method for rating pillows

Info

Publication number: GB2516618A
Application number: GB1310547.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bob Moryoussef; Garry Jackson
Original assignee: COMFY QUILTS Ltd
Current assignee: COMFY QUILTS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-13
Filing date: 2013-06-13
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Also published as: GB201310547D0

Abstract

An apparatus for quantifying the resistance, rebound or durability of a pillow 1 comprises a frame 9, a movable mass 2 for compressing at least a part of the pillow, and a height measurement device 3, 6, 7. Movement of the mass under gravity causes depression of the pillow. To measure pillow resistance the height of the pillow is first measured and then when the mass is placed on the pillow and the pillow heights compared. Rebound of the pillow is determined by measuring the height of the pillow once the mass is removed and comparing that to the original height. Pillow durability is determined by repeated mass loading of the pillow and comparing a final rebound height to the original height.

Description

Aiparatus and Method for Rating Pillows The present invention relates to an apparatus for quan'tifying the resistance, rebound and/or durability of a pillow, and methods of quanti'ing such resistance, rebound and durability.

It is known to grade pillow resistance using descriptive terms such as firm' or soft', but such gradings are not objectively derived and can vary widely across different manufacturers. Therefore, such gradings do not provide users with reliable information regarding pillow resistance, rebound and durability. It is therefore desirable to find more reliable methods of testing the resistance, rebound and durability of a pillow, and an apparatus for reliably performing such test methods.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for quantif'ing the resistance, rebound or durability of a pillow, the apparatus compnsing: -a frame; a mass for compressing at least apart of the pillow; and a measurement device; wherein the mass is moveable in the frame, and wherein movement of the mass under gravity causes depression of the pillow.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of quantif'ing the resistance of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H of a pillow above a surface S; placing a mass on top of the pillow and measuring the height Hm of the mass above the surface S; and comparing the heights H and Hm to provide a differential iii height which relates to arating.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of quantifying the rebound of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H of a pillow above a surface S; placing a mass on top of the piHow, subsequently removing the mass, and measuring the height Hr of the pillow above the surface once is has rebounded; and comparing ihe heights H and Hr to provide a differential in height which relates to a rebound rating.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a -method of quantifying the durability of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H of a pillow above a surface S, placing a mass on top of the pillow, subsequently removing the mass, then replacing and removing the mass a predetermined number of times, measuring the height Hd of the pillow above the surface once it has rebounded; and comparing the heights H and Hd to provide a differential in height which relates to a durability rating.

The present invention gives rise to reliable and reproducible values which are indicative of the resistance, rebound and durability of a pillow.

A pillow's resistance can be quantified according to the present invention by first lying the pillow on a surface, 5, on one of its faces, as it would be when in use. When in this position, the pillow's maximum height, H, above the surface can be measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or an electronic measurement apparatus.

A mass, vertically moveable within a frame, is placed on top of the pillow. The weight of the mass causes the mass to move, under gravity, vertically down the frame and deform the pillow, such that the mass comes to rest at a height Hm above the surface, S. The height, H, of the mass above the surface S, is measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or an electronic measurement apparatus.

Comparison of height Elm with height R (e.g. by way of x 100 to give height loss %) gives nse to a rating, preferably a ratmg number.

-This rating number can for example be between 1 and 10. The conversion scale used can be the conversion scale shown in Table 2 of Example 1.

A pillow's rebound can be quantified according to the present invention by first lying the pillow on a surface, 5, on one of its faces, as it would be when in use. When in this position, the pillow's maximum height, H, above the surface can be measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or an electronic measurement apparatus.

A mass, vertically moveable within a frame, is placed on top of the pillow. The weight of the mass causes the mass to move, under gravity, vertically down the frame and deform the pillow, such that the mass comes to rest at a height Elm, above the surface, S. The mass is then removed from the top of the pillow, allowing the pillow to rebound to a new maximum height, Hr. The new maximum height, r, of the pillow above the surface S, is measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or an eiébtronic measurement apparatus.

Comparison of height Tim with height Hr. for example by way of ftp -Kr Hp to give initial rebound height loss %, gives rise to a rating, preferably a rating number, e.g. of between 1 and 10. The conversation scale used can be analogous to that shown in Table 2 of Example 1.

A pillow's durability can be quantified according to the present invention by first lying the pillow on a surface, S, on one of its faces, as it would be when in use. When in this position, the pillow's maximum height, H, above the surface can be measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or an electronic measurement apparatus.

A mass, vertically moveable within a frame, is placed on top of the pillow. The * weight of the mass causes the mass to move, under gravity, vertically down the frame and -deform the pillow, such that the mass comes to rest at a height, Hm above the surface, S. The mass is then removed from the top of the pillow, allowing the pillow to rebound to a new maximum height, Hr. The mass is then replaced on top of the pillow and allowed to deform the pillow, and then is subsequently removed before being replaced again, repeatedly for a predetermined number of cycles. Typically about 1000 cycles are performed, although anything from for example 800-1600 cycles is envisaged.

Preferably the application and removal of the mass is motorised andlor the cycles occur over a predetermined time frame. The maximum rebound height after the predetermined number of cycles, Jim, is measured using a measurement device such as a ruler or electronic measurement apparatus.

Comparison of height IJm with height H, for example by way of Up Urn to give final rebound height loss %, gives rise to a rating, preferably a rating number, e.g. of between 1 and 10. The conversion scale used cambe analogous to that shown in Table 2 of Example 1.

In all aspects of the invention, the mass preferably comprises an approximate human head-shaped profile. Such a profile is intended to cause a similar depression to that caused by a pillow user's head and therefore alternative approximate shapes are also envisaged.

The apparatus may also compr se an indicator for providing measurements on the measurement device. The indicator may be resting on, or secured, to the mass. Any indicator that is present may also be moveable within the frame.

The weight of the mass has an effect on the amount of pillow depression and is typically in the range of 3lcg to 6kg, preferably about 5kg, most preferably about 4.7kg.

-The surface area of the mass in contact with the pillow will also have an effect on the amount of pillow depression that occurs, and the surface area is typically between 2300cm2 and 2500cm2, preferably about 2400cm2. Typically the surface area in contact with the pillow is a two or three dimensional approximation of a human head shape although other shapes are also envisaged.

Preferably the mass and/or indicator are vertically movable along at least one slot in the frame. Typically the frame comprises at least two, preferably three, most preferably four, substantially vertical walls. When four walls are present, they are preferably arranged at approximately right angles to one another, to form an open ended box. Preferably at least one, or more preferably each, of the substantially vertical walls comprises a slot. Preferably at least one, or each, slot is open at a top end but closed at a bottom end. Typically the bottom end of a slot is between 4 and 5in from the bottom of the frame and this usually ensures that the top of the pillow sits'ab5ve the bottom of the slot. The frame is typically transparent, for example made of plastic or glass. Preferably any indicator comprises a substantially horizontal plate. Such a plate can comprise tabs which extend through the slots in the frame, in order to guide the plate and maintain its horizontal orientation as it moves up and down. Preferably the indicator also comprises at least one (preferably 2, 3 or 4) pointer(s) which points to values on the measurement scale(s) in order to determine any of heights Hm Hr and/or Tn order that the present invention may be more readily understood, a specific embodiment thereof will now be descnbed by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figure 1, which shows a side view of an apparatus according to claim 1.

Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a transparent plastic frame 9 and a mass 2 moveable vertically within the frame. An indicator 3 comprising a horizontal plate 4 rests on the mass 2 and is likewise inoveable within the frame 9. A tab 5 bearing a pointer 6 extends from the plate through a blind slot 8 in a wall of the frame. The pointer points to a measurement scale 7.

In use, a pillow I is placed in the frame beneath the mass 2 and indicator 3 resting on top of it. A reading of the pointer 6 on the scale 7 is then taken, and this reading is noted as Em. This value can then be compared to the original maximum height of the pillow, H, in order to generate a resistance rating. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum rebound height Hr can be measured once the mass 2 is removed, andlor the rebound height after a number of cyles, Hm, can be measured.

Table 1 shows the resistance (He) and rebound (H1) values obtained for a selection of pillows when tested using the apparatus of Figure 1, along with their corresponding resistance ratings as calculated using the conversions shown itiTible 2. To ensure that all pillows tested were similarly prepared prior to testing, all pillows were placed on a flat surface free of packaging for a minimum of 48 hours within an air conditioned room set at 20°C (± 2°C) and 65% humidity (± 5%).

Table 1:

Test CQ Stock Pillow H H,,, H1,-Up -Hm Firmness Firmness Hr Hr-H, lip -Hr sample Code Description (mm) Tull) hlm X 100 Rating Grade cnui (mm) x 100 No. (mm) Hp (height loss %) (initial rebound height loss %) 1 40180 Ultra bounce 198 128 70 35.3535 4 Soft 188 10 5.0505 (600gram _________ ______________ filling) _____ _____ _______ ____________________ ___________ ___________ ______ ______ ___________________ 2 379649 (35ogram 160 90 70 43.7500 3 Soft 150 10 6.2500 _________ ______________ filling) _____ _____ _______ ____________________ ____________ ___________ ______ ______ ___________________ 3 150164 (Ssogram 190 125 65 34.2105 4 Soft 178 12 63158 _______ ___________ filling) ____ ____ _____ ________________ _________ _________ _____ _____ _______________ 4 201055 Memoryfoam 118 115 3 2.5424 10 ExtraFirm 118 0 0.0000 _________ ______________ (block) _____ _____ _______ ____________________ ____________ ___________ ______ ______ ___________________ 378628 Wilkinson 180 122 58 32.2222 4 Soft 172 8 4.4444 Premium 6 346900 Memory Foam 158 120 38 24.0506 6 Medium 155 3 1.8987 __________ _______________ Core ______ ______ _______ ______________________ _____________ ____________ _______ _______ _____________________ 7 150710 Airflow 185 120 65 35.1351 4 Soft 175 10:5.4054 8 342221 Latex Reflex 105 95 10 9.5238 9 Extra Firm 105 0 P.0000 9 373722 Ultimate 210 138 72 34.2857 4 Soft 198 12 5.7143 ________ _____________ Quilted Jumbo _____ _____ ______ ___________________ ___________ __________ ______ ______ __________________ P1039912d JLP Duck 155 95 60 38.7097 3 Soft 135 20 12.9032 ________ flip Feather (Snug) _____ _____ ______ ___________________ ___________ __________ ______ ______ __________________ 11 379311 SN Goose 168 110 58 34.5238 4 Soft 145 23 13.6905 __________ _______________ feather ______ ______ _______ ______________________ _____________ ____________ _______ _______ _____________________ 12 259491 Finesse Pillow 190 130 60 31.5789 4 Soft 178 12 6.3158 13 361590 Memory Foam 195 148 47 24.1026 6 Medium 178 17 8.7179 _______ ___________ Crumb ____ _____ _____ ________________ _________ _________ _____ _____ _______________ 14 150129 Pocket Sprung 200 145 55 2.7.5000 5 Medium 194 6 3.0000

Table 2:

Pillow Firmness Rating Conversion Chart Height Loss % Firmness Rating Firmness (x100) Grade Hp Oto4.99% 10

_______________ ___________________ EXTRA

5to9.99% FIRM lOtol5.99% 8

________________ ____________________ FIRM

lOto2l.99% 7 22 to 25.99% 6

______________ _________________ MEDIUM

-26 to 30.99% 5 31to35.99% 4

______________ _________________ SOFT

36 to 44.99% 3 to 54.99% 2

_____________ ________________ EXTRA

55% and above 1

SOFT

It is to be understood that the above described embodiment is by way of illustration only.

Many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for quantifying the resistance, rebound or durability of a pillow, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a mass for compressing at least a part of the pillow; and a measurement device; wherein the mass is moveable in the frame, and wherein movement of the mass under gravity causes depression of the pillow.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein apparatus additionally comprises an. indicator, and the indicator and/or the mass are moveable along at least one vertical slot in the frame.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame comprises four vertical walls arranged approximately at right angles to one another.
4. An apparatus accordingly to claim 3, wheitin each vertical wall comprises one vertical slot, and wherein each slot is open at a top end but closed at a bottom end.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the closed bottom end is 4 to 5cm from the bottom of the frame.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator comprises a substantially horizontal plate.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mass comprises a head shaped profile.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is for quantifying durability, and wherein the mass is additiona1!' moveable to replicate the motions of a head on a pillow.
9. A method of quantifying the resistance of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H, of a pillow above a surface S; placing a mass on top of the pillow and measuring the height Hrn of the mass, above the surface S; and comparing the heights H and Hm to provide a differential in height which relates to a resistance rating number.
10. A method of quantifying the rebound of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H of a pillow above a surface S; placing a mass on top of the pillow, subsequently removing the mass, and measuring the height H,. of the pillow above the urface once is has rebounded; and comparing the heights H and Fir to provide a differential in height winch relates to a rebound rating.
11. A method of quantifying the durability of a pillow comprising the steps of: measuring the maximum height H of a pillow above a surface S, placing a mass on top of the pillow, subsequently removing the mass, then replacing and removing the mass a predetermined number of times, measuring the height Rd of the pillow above the surface once it has rebounded; and comparing the heights H and Rd to provide a differeiitial in height which relates to a durability rating.
12. A method according to any of claims 9-it, wherein the mass is contained within an apparatus according to any of claims 1-8.