US20120066837A1

US20120066837A1 - Adjustable pillow

Info

Publication number: US20120066837A1
Application number: US12/886,453
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Thorsen; Federico Adolfo Werner Wissar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-20
Filing date: 2010-09-20
Publication date: 2012-03-22

Abstract

The present invention provides an adjustable pillow comprising a pillow body, a plurality of compartments located interiorly of the pillow body, a pillow casing, and at least one drawstring interactively disposed with the a plurality of compartments located interiorly of the pillow body. The adjustable pillow also allows for utilization of removable inserts inside the pillow body's plurality of compartments.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the art of comfort and rest devices.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pillows typically consist of a rectangular fabric casing filled with some sort of cushioning material. While such pillows provide for ease of comfort and sleep, they do not provide the user with ideal comfort in every situation. One problem is that a user is likely to change positions while sleeping and the appropriate distance for proper support of the head from the surface of the mattress may change. The failure of supporting the head in the proper position at all times during sleep may result in strained muscles, shoulder pain, headaches, etc. Another problem is that pillows tend to be manufactured with a particular shape and firmness, which addresses a single need of the user's sleep habits; however, such restrictions in the pillow's characteristics limits the number of sleep positions for the user and doesn't allow for a single pillow to be shared by other users with differing firmness, shape, or width requirements.
Another problem is that traditional pillows lose their shape and support over time due to failure of the cushioning material. Pillow cushioning material wears out over time, resulting in the need for disposal of the pillow.
Still other problems exist in traditional pillows in that users may find it necessary to use multiple pillows in a stacked position to achieve the proper height, firmness, or width. As such, there is a need for a single pillow that can be adjusted with regard to height, firmness, and/or width. There is also a need for a pillow that contains compartmentalized inserts to allow for failed cushioning material to be replaced, salvaging the pillow body itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, the figures are shown in the embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 1B depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow in the opposite orientation of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 2A-2E depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side, cross-sectional view of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 3A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 3B depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an exploded view of a zipper region of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 4A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow.

FIG. 4B depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow upon engagement of the drawstring.

FIG. 5A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow with a zippered pocket.

FIG. 5B depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow with a zippered pocket in the open position.

FIG. 6A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow with a velcro-type pocket in the open position.

FIG. 6B depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of an adjustable pillow with a velcro-type pocket in the closed position.

FIG. 7 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a sectional view of a pillow body with a series of compartments running parallel to each other the width of the pillow.

FIG. 8A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a sectional view of a pillow body with compartmentalization.

FIG. 8B depicts a side sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a sectional view of a pillow body with a series of compartments running parallel to each other the width of the pillow with a drawstring in a zig-zag type pattern for the length of the pillow body.

FIG. 9A depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a sectional view of a pillow body with compartmentalization.

FIG. 9B, depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a sectional view of a pillow body with compartmentalization with a drawstring running in a zig-zag type pattern for the length of the pillow body and then again in a zig-zag pattern running back to the originating end.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention depicts an inventive solution to the fore mentioned issues related to pillow adjustment and comfort.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Many of the techniques and procedures described, or referenced herein, are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, or should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, or or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as only one of or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term or as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. one or the other but not both“) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein, the term “interactively disposed” refers to the placement of components such that movement of one causes displacement of another.
As used herein, the term “zig-zag” refers to the placement of a drawstring such that it runs between more than one compartments in such a way that the drawstring may encircle a first compartment, partially encircle a first compartment, or run against a first compartment; and then encircle a second compartment, partially encircle a second compartment, or run against a second compartment; and so on and so forth.
In at least one embodiment, the present invention pertains to an adjustable pillow comprising a pillow body with a first end and a second end; at least one compartment located interiorly of the pillow body; a pillow casing, wherein the pillow casing covers the pillow body exteriorly; and at least one drawstring, wherein the at least one drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and is interactively disposed with the compartments within the pillow body. In some embodiments, the at least one compartment further comprises at least one insert.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, an adjustable pillow is shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the invention pertains to an adjustable pillow comprising a pillow body 100 with a first end 101 and a second end 102; wherein the pillow body 100 comprises at least one compartment 201 located interiorly of the pillow body, wherein the compartment 201 comprises at least one insert 202; a pillow casing 103, wherein the pillow casing 103 covers the pillow body 100 exteriorly; and at least one drawstring 104, wherein the drawstring 104 extends from at least the first end 101 to at least the second end 102 and is interactively disposed with the compartment 201 within the pillow body 100.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the at least one drawstring 104 may exit and reenter the pillow body and/or pillow casing to provide a stationary means at the at least one first end or at least one second end for allowing a means for tightening the at least one drawstring 104 and providing a change in the pillow's conformity and firmness. As shown in FIG. 1C, the pillow may contain a reinforcing material 106 at the at least one first end or the at least one second end.
In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one drawstring 104 further comprises at least one regulator 105, whereby the at least one drawstring 104 is adjusted. In some embodiments, the at least one drawstring 104 is fixably attached to the pillow body 100 and/or pillow casing 103 at either the first end 101 or the second end 102. In some embodiments, the at least one drawstring 104 can be pulled to adjust for firmness and/or height of the pillow. Following adjustment, the drawstring may be held in place by engagement of the at least one regulator 105. In other embodiments, the at least one drawstring 104 may be held in place by tying (e.g. knotting). The at least one regulator may be any type of knot-replacement device. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that any type of regulator would work for the present invention as long as it allows for ease of adjustment of the tautness of the drawstring.
As shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the firmness, height and/or overall size of the pillow can be changed by adjusting the tension on the at least one drawstring 104. FIG. 2A shows a sectional view of a pillow without the drawstring 104 engaged. Upon tightening of the drawstring 104, the at least one compartment 201 is compressed horizontally, resulting in an increase in the height of the pillow. The firmness of the pillow may also change based on engagement of the drawstring 104. One can observe the compression achieved upon tightening of the drawstring 104, stepwise from FIG. 2A through FIG. 2E. FIG. 2E depicts a pillow with the at least one drawstring 104 fully taut.
In one embodiment, the at least one insert 202 is removable. In some embodiments, the at least one insert is washable. In another embodiment, the at least one insert 202 is interchangeable. The at least one compartment may contain a single insert. The at least one compartment may also contain multiple inserts within a single compartment. The inserts may be comprised of a filler 203 material. The filler may be feathers, down, cotton, sand, sponge, polyester fibers, memory foam, microfibers, wool, silicone, buckwheat hulls, plastic beads, foam rubber, and combinations thereof. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that additional filler materials may be used depending on the firmness or overall effect that is desired. In some embodiments, multiple differing filler materials may be used in a single pillow. In some embodiments, the filler 202 material may be inserted into the compartment 201 directly without an insert.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the pillow casing 103 may be removable. The pillow casing 103 may contain a zipper region 301 for allowing removal from the pillow body 100. Such removal is particularly useful for removing the pillow casing 103 for washing or cleansing. FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the zipper 302 at the zipper region 301 on the pillow casing 103.
FIG. 4A depicts at least one embodiment of the present invention with a single drawstring 104 running through the pillow body 100 in two positions. FIG. 4B depicts at least one embodiment of the present invention with a single drawstring 104 running through the pillow body 100 in two positions with the drawstring 104 pulled taught, resulting in a change in the conformity and/or firmness of the pillow. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, some embodiments may contain a single drawstring that only runs through the pillow body in one position. Likewise, some embodiments may contain a single drawstring that runs through the pillow body more than twice. Some embodiments may contain more than one drawstring, which may each run through the pillow body one or more times, containing one or more regulators for adjustment of drawstrings. Such varying arrangements of the drawstrings allow for limitless ability to adjust the size, shape, and/or firmness of the adjustable pillow.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B depict at least one embodiment of the present invention wherein the pillow casing contains a zippered pocket 501 to hide the one or more drawstring 104 during normal use, while allowing for easy accessibility to make adjustments to the tautness of the one or more drawstring 104.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict at least one embodiment of the present invention wherein the pillow casing contains a velcro-type pocket 601 to hide the one or more drawstring 104 during normal use, while allowing for easy accessibility to make adjustments to the tautness of the one or more drawstring 104.
FIG. 7 depicts at least one embodiment of the present invention wherein the pillow body 100 is shown with a series of compartments 701 running parallel to each other the width of the pillow. It would also be understood by those skilled in the art that the compartments could run parallel to each other the length of the pillow. It would also be understood by those skilled in the art that the compartments may run parallel to each other the length of the pillow with additional compartmentalization running perpendicular to the parallel subdivisions.
FIG. 8A depicts at least one embodiment of the present invention wherein a sectional view of the pillow body is shown wherein the compartmentalization of the pillow body 100 provides for regions for the drawstring 104 to run through and be attached at the opposite end of the pillow body 100. FIG. 8B depicts a side sectional view of the embodiments shown in FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 8C, the drawstring 104 can run in a zig-zag type pattern for the length of the pillow body 100. Such arrangement of the drawstring allows for a more widely distributed effect on the firmness and/or height of the pillow body from pulling the drawstring taut. Such an arrangement is particularly effective when a single drawstring is being utilized because a more widely distributed effect is caused by a zig-zag pattern in relation to a linear pattern.
FIG. 9A depicts at least one embodiment of the present invention wherein a sectional view of the pillow body 100 is shown wherein the compartmentalization of the pillow body 100 provides for regions for the drawstring 104 to run through and then return to the originating end of the pillow body to provide for two points of adjustment of tautness of the drawstring 104. As shown in FIG. 9B, the drawstring 104 can run in a zig-zag type pattern for the length of the pillow body 100 and then again in a zig-zag pattern running back to the originating end. Such arrangement of the drawstring allows for a widely distributed effect on the firmness and/or height of the pillow body from pulling the drawstring taut at one or both of the points of adjustment. Such an arrangement is particularly effective when a single drawstring is being utilized because a more widely distributed effect is caused, as one may adjust the firmness and/or height of the pillow in a more widely distributed way across the entire body of the pillow. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, a single drawstring could run back and forth across the length of the pillow a potentially unlimited number of times. Likewise, the drawstring can run in a zig-zag pattern or any combination of a zig-zag/linear pattern to achieve the desired conformational abilities. In some embodiments, multiple drawstrings could be utilized in a zig-zag pattern or any combination of a zig-zag/linear pattern across the length of the pillow. Likewise, the drawstrings could originate at opposite ends of the pillow and provide for a tie-off or regulation device at the same or opposite ends of the pillow. In some embodiments, a single drawstring could originate on one end of the pillow body and provide for a tie-off or regulation device at the opposite end of the pillow body.
In at least one embodiment, the present invention pertains to an adjustable pillow comprising a pillow body with a first end and a second end; two or more compartments located interiorly of the pillow body; a pillow casing, wherein the pillow casing covers the pillow body exteriorly; and at least one drawstring, wherein the drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and wherein the drawstring extends around the two or more compartments, whereby the two or more compartments are compressed by tightening of the at least one drawstring. In some embodiments, the compartments further comprise at least one insert. In some embodiments, the insert may be removable. In some embodiments, the insert is washable. In some embodiments, the insert may contain a filler material. The filler may be feathers, down, cotton, sand, sponge, polyester fibers, memory foam, microfibers, wool, silicone, buckwheat hulls, plastic beads, foam rubber, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the insert may contain filler material that is replaceable.
In at least one embodiment, the present invention pertains to an adjustable pillow comprising a pillow body with a first end and a second end; at least one master compartment located interiorly of the pillow body, wherein the at least one master compartment further comprises two or more minor compartments located interiorly of the at least one master compartment; a pillow casing, wherein the pillow casing covers the pillow body exteriorly; and at least one drawstring, wherein the drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and wherein the drawstring extends around the two or more compartments, whereby the two or more compartments are compressed by tightening of the at least one drawstring. In some embodiments, the minor compartments further comprise at least one insert. In some embodiments, the insert is removable. In some embodiments, the at least one insert further comprises a filler. In some embodiments, the at least one drawstring further comprises at least one regulator, whereby the at least one drawstring is adjusted.
Such an embodiment allows for the at least one drawstring to effect each of the master compartments individually, allowing for a single pillow to be adjusted for firmness, height, or width in multiple, individualized regions. Such an embodiment allows for a single pillow to be shared by multiple users with differing firmness, height, or width necessities or allows a single user the ability to place the pillow underneath different areas of the body in such a way that utilizes the differing characteristics at the correct placement against the body.
It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Abstract section may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor (s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.
The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

We claim:

1. An adjustable pillow, comprising:

a pillow body with a first end and a second end;

at least one compartment located interiorly of the pillow body,

a pillow casing, wherein the pillow casing covers the pillow body exteriorly; and

at least one drawstring, wherein the drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and is interactively disposed with the compartment within the pillow body.

2. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawstring further comprises at least one regulator, whereby the at least one drawstring is adjusted.

3. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawstring is fixably attached to the pillow body at either the first end or the second end.

4. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the compartment further comprises at least one insert.

5. The adjustable pillow of claim 4, wherein the at least one insert is removable.

6. The adjustable pillow of claim 4, wherein the at least one insert is interchangeable.

7. The adjustable pillow of claim 4, wherein the insert further comprises a filler.

8. The adjustable pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment further comprises a filler.

9. The adjustable pillow of claim 4, wherein the insert is washable.

10. The adjustable pillow of claim 7, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of feathers, down, cotton, sand, sponge, polyester fibers, memory foam, microfibers, wool, silicone, buckwheat hulls, plastic beads, foam rubber, and combinations thereof.

11. An adjustable pillow, comprising:

a pillow body with a first end and a second end;

two or more compartments located interiorly of the pillow body;

at least one drawstring, wherein the drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and is interactively disposed with the compartments within the pillow body.

12. The adjustable pillow of claim 11, wherein the two or more compartments further comprise at least one insert.

13. The adjustable pillow of claim 12, wherein the at least one insert is removable.

14. The adjustable pillow of claim 12, wherein the at least one insert is washable.

15. An adjustable pillow, comprising:

a pillow body with a first end and a second end;

at least one master compartment located interiorly of the pillow body,

wherein the at least one master compartment further comprises at least one minor compartments located interiorly of the at least one master compartment;

at least one drawstring, wherein the drawstring extends from at least the first end to at least the second end and wherein the drawstring extends around the two or more compartments, whereby the two or more compartments are compressed by tightening of the at least one drawstring.

16. The adjustable pillow of claim 15, wherein the at least one minor compartment further comprises at least one insert.

17. The adjustable pillow of claim 16, wherein the at least one insert further comprises a filler.

18. The adjustable pillow of claim 15, wherein the at least one drawstring further comprises at least one regulator, whereby the at least one drawstring is adjusted.

19. The adjustable pillow of claim 15, wherein the at least one drawstring is fixably attached to the pillow body at either the first end or the second end.

20. The adjustable pillow of claim 16, wherein the at least one insert is interchangeable.