US20180184820A1

US20180184820A1 - Pillow

Info

Publication number: US20180184820A1
Application number: US15/394,961
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Johnson
Original assignee: A-B-B-A Upholstering Foam & Futons Inc
Current assignee: A-B-B-A Upholstering Foam & Futons Inc
Priority date: 2016-12-30
Filing date: 2016-12-30
Publication date: 2018-07-05

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.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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

The attached drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure, will now be briefly discussed.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pillow that is assembled by a pillow kit in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the stacked inserts of the pillow kit illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first insert of the pillow kit illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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®). 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®, Nomex®, Trogamid®), or a combination of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene (Prolen®).
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.
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® polyester fiberfill in sheet form.
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® containing side of the pillow 12) or on the second face panel 30.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.

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

25. The pillow according to claim 24, wherein

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.