Adjustable Pillow

Abstract

An adjustable bed pillow that allows a user to modify the loft and the firmness of the pillow. The bed pillow includes a permanently enclosed pillow cover including a first collapsible and expandable gusset, a second collapsible and expandable gusset, a first fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the first gusset is in an expanded condition and a closed configuration in which the first gusset is in a collapsed condition, a second fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the second gusset is in an expanded condition and a closed configuration in which the second gusset in a collapsed condition, and a sufficient amount of filling disposed within the pillow cover to expand the first gusset when the first fastener is in the open configuration and to expand the second gusset when the second fastener is in the open configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pillows, and more particularly, to a bed pillow that allows a user to adjust the loft and the firmness of the pillow.

Bed pillows are often positioned under a user's head and/or neck for support and comfort during sleeping. Bed pillows include an outer layer that encloses a cushioning material. Typically, the outer layer is formed by stitching a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material to one another along their respective peripheral edges. A gusset may optionally be positioned between the first sheet material and the second sheet material to form an interior cavity defined by the dimensions of the first and second sheets and the gusset (when included). The interior cavity may be filled with shredded foam, polyester fiber, down feathers, or another cushioning material. These cushioning materials are often disposed within the interior cavity in a self-contained capsule or as loose filling.

Characteristics of the pillow such as firmness and loft (e.g., height) depend in part on the particular filling and the density of the filling. While some individuals may prefer soft lofty pillows, other individuals prefer flat and firm pillows. One of the drawbacks with conventional pillows, however, is that they do not allow a user to adjust the firmness or the loft of the pillow. Instead, a user typically purchases a pillow having the characteristics that he or she desires.

Adjustable bed pillows on the other hand, allow a user to modify the pillow's firmness and/or loft. Adjustable pillows generally include an opening that allows the user to remove fill, to create a flatter pillow, or to add fill in order to enhance the loft and firmness of the pillow. The opening may be selectively opened and closed, for example, by a zipper or other fastening mechanism. Nevertheless, known adjustable bed pillows have several disadvantages. For example, the addition or removal of the cushioning material is often a messy process that requires the user to directly handle the filling. Moreover, after the filling has been removed from the pillow, the excess filling is often discarded. If discarded, the user cannot reinsert the filling into the cavity if he or she later desires to enhance the loft and firmness of the pillow.

Other adjustable bed pillows, such as the pillow disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2018/0325291, may include a plurality of self-contained filling inserts that are configured to be inserted or removed through one or more openings of the pillow cover. While this particular pillow does not require that the user directly handle the loose filling, it still requires that the user store extra inserts in order to add or remove them as desired. Storage of the inserts can be inconvenient and the inserts are also susceptible to being misplaced.

Therefore, there is a need for an adjustable bed pillow that allows a user to modify the firmness and the loft of the pillow without adding or removing filling from the interior cavity of the pillow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an adjustable bed pillow is provided that allows a user the ability to modify the loft and the firmness of the pillow. Among other advantages, the fill material remains completely enclosed within the outer layer such that the firmness and the loft of the pillow can be modified without adding or removing cushioning material from the interior cavity of the pillow.

One embodiment of the adjustable bed pillow includes a top fabric section having a front peripheral edge, a back peripheral edge and side peripheral edges extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the top fabric section, and a bottom fabric section having a front peripheral edge, a back peripheral edge, and side peripheral edges extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the bottom fabric section, the side peripheral edges of the bottom fabric section being permanently attached to the side peripheral edges of the top fabric section such than an internal cavity is formed between the top and bottom fabric sections. The bed pillow further includes a first gusset attached to the top fabric section adjacent the front peripheral edge of the top fabric section and attached to the bottom fabric section adjacent the front peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, a second gusset attached to the top fabric section adjacent the back peripheral edge of the top fabric section and attached to the bottom fabric section adjacent the back peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, a first zipper including a first fastener, first teeth and first corresponding teeth, the first teeth being attached to the front peripheral edge of the top fabric section and the first corresponding teeth being attached to the front peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, the first fastener being moveable between an open configuration in which the first teeth and the first corresponding teeth are separated and the first gusset is in an expanded condition, and a closed configuration in which the first teeth and the first corresponding teeth are connected and the first gusset is in a collapsed condition, and a second zipper including a second fastener, second teeth and second corresponding teeth, the second teeth being attached to the back peripheral edge of the top fabric section and the second corresponding teeth being attached to the back peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, the second zipper being moveable between an open configuration in which the second teeth and the second corresponding teeth are separated and the second gusset is expanded, and a closed configuration in which the second teeth and the second corresponding teeth are connected and the second gusset is in a collapsed condition.

In another embodiment, the adjustable bed pillow includes a permanently enclosed pillow cover including a first collapsible and expandable gusset, a second collapsible and expandable gusset, a first fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the first gusset is in an expanded condition and a closed configuration in which the first gusset is in a collapsed condition, a second fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the second gusset is in the expanded condition and a closed configuration in which the second gusset in the collapsed condition, and a sufficient amount of filling disposed within the pillow cover to expand the first gusset when the first fastener is in the open configuration and to expand the second gusset when the second fastener is in the open configuration. Depending on the embodiment, the gussets may or may not be ribbed either individually or in combination. The ribbed design allows for not only increased strength and resiliency but also provides for flexibility in forming the collapsed and expanded conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed pillow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a highly schematic exploded view of the bed pillow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the bed pillow of FIG. 1 illustrating the first fastener in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the bed pillow of FIG. 1 illustrating the second fastener in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the bed pillow of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A illustrating the fasteners in an open configuration and the gussets in an expanded condition; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the bed pillow of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A illustrating the fasteners in a closed configuration and the gussets in a collapsed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “front” when used in connection with the pillow, refers to a side of the pillow closest to the user's torso when the pillow is placed under the user's head, whereas the term “back,” when used in connection with the pillow, refers to a side of the pillow farthest from the user's torso when the pillow is placed under the user's head. Likewise, the term “top” refers to the side of the pillow closest to the user's head when the pillow is placed under the user's head and the term “bottom” refers the side of the pillow farthest from the user's head when the pillow is placed under the user's head.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an adjustable bed pillow 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bed pillow 10 includes an outer layer 12 that permanently encloses a cushioning material within an internal cavity 14 of the pillow. As used herein, the term “permanently enclosed” means that the cavity is not ordinarily accessible to a user after the pillow has been manufactured.

Outer layer 12 is formed by a top sheet 16, a bottom sheet 18, and first and second collapsible and expandable gussets 20, 22. As shown, top sheet 16, bottom sheet 18 and first and second gussets 20, 22 are distinct sections of material that are stitched, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to one another during manufacturing. It will be appreciated, however, that top sheet 16, bottom sheet 18 and first and second gussets 20, 22 may alternatively be formed as a continuous and integral material.

Top sheet 16 and bottom sheet 18 may be formed by one or more sheets of woven, non-woven or knitted fabric material, for example, a mesh fabric. Top fabric sheet 16 includes a first surface 24, sometimes referred to hereinafter as an outer surface as it faces upwardly or away from the interior cavity 14, and a second surface 26, that is sometimes referred to hereinafter as an inner surface as it faces inwardly or toward the interior cavity of the pillow. Similarly, bottom fabric sheet 18 includes a first surface 28, referred to as an outer surface because it faces away from interior cavity 14, and a second surface 30, referred to as an inner surface because it faces toward the interior cavity of pillow 10.

Top fabric section 16 defines a peripheral edge including a front peripheral edge 32, a back peripheral edge 34 and side peripheral edges 36 extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the top fabric section. Similarly, bottom fabric section 18 defines a peripheral edge including a front peripheral edge 38, a back peripheral edge 40 and side peripheral edges 42 extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the bottom fabric section. Top fabric section 16 and bottom fabric section 18 are preferably equal in dimension. For example, top and bottom fabric sections 16, 18 may have a length (e.g., between side peripheral edges) of between approximately 28-36 inches and a width (e.g., between the front and back peripheral edges) of between approximately 20-28 inches. It will be understood, however, that the top and bottom fabric sections may have a shorter or longer width as well as a shorter or longer length depending on the desired size of the pillow.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, first gusset 20 may be stitched, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to top fabric section 16 and stitched, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to bottom fabric section 18. More specifically, first gusset 20 may be attached to top fabric section 16 adjacent to and inwardly spaced from the front peripheral edge 32 of the top fabric section, and attached to bottom fabric section 18 adjacent to and inwardly spaced from the front peripheral edge 38 of the bottom fabric section. In one embodiment, first gusset 20 spans the entire length of pillow 10. Second gusset 22 may be stitched, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to top fabric section 16, and stitched, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to bottom fabric section 18. That is, second gusset 22 may be attached to top fabric section 16 adjacent to and inwardly spaced from the back peripheral edge 34 of the top fabric section and attached to bottom fabric section 18 adjacent to and inwardly spaced from the back peripheral edge 40 of the bottom fabric section. Second gusset 22 may also span the entire length of pillow 10. First and second gussets 20, 22 may have a height of approximately 3 inches in the center of each respective gusset and may taper to a smaller height toward the side peripheral edges of pillow 10. Although it will be understood that the height of gussets 20, 22 may be less than or greater than 3 inches depending on the desired height of the pillow.

Either, or both, of the first and second gussets 20, 22 may be provided with ribs 46 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In other embodiments, first and second gussets 20, 22 may not be ribbed. The ribbed design not only increases strength and resiliency of gussets 20, 22, but also aids in their flexibility and facilitates their collapsibility and expansion.

The side peripheral edges 36 of top fabric section 16 and the side peripheral edges 42 of bottom fabric section 18 may be permanently attached to one another such that cavity 14 is permanently enclosed, thereby preventing a user from accessing the cavity of pillow 10. Cavity 14 has an interior volume defined by top fabric section 16, bottom fabric section 18 and first and second gussets 20, 22.

With reference to FIG. 5, a sufficient amount of cushioning material or fill 44 is disposed within the interior cavity 14 of pillow 10 such that gussets 20, 22 are ordinarily expanded. The fill material 44 may be a natural or synthetic polyester fiber, a shredded foam, down feathers, a gel, or other material adapted to provide pillow 10 with a cushioning effect. The cushioning material may be disposed within the cavity 14 of pillow 10 as a loose fill (e.g., not in a capsule) or in one or more self-enclosed inserts.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, adjustable pillow 10 further includes a first fastener 48 moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a second fastener 50 moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second fasteners 48, 50 are soft plastic zippers, however, it is contemplated that other two-part fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, hooks and the like may alternatively be utilized.

First fastener 48 includes a first sliding member 52, first teeth 54 and first corresponding teeth 56. First teeth 52 may be disposed along the entire length of the front peripheral edge 32 of top fabric section 16, and first corresponding teeth 54 may be disposed along the entire length of the front peripheral edge 38 of bottom fabric section 18. Thus, when first fastener 48 is in the open configuration first teeth 54 are separated from first corresponding teeth 56, and top fabric section 16 is spaced from bottom fabric section 18. Conversely, when first fastener 48 is in the closed configuration first teeth 54 are secured to first corresponding teeth 56, and top fabric section 16 is coupled to bottom fabric section 18 along their front peripheral edges. Similarly, second fastener 50 includes a second sliding member 58, second teeth 60 and second corresponding teeth 62. Second teeth 60 may be disposed along the entire length of the back peripheral edge 34 of top fabric section 16, and second corresponding teeth 62 may be disposed along the entire length of the back peripheral edge 40 of bottom fabric section 18. As a result, when second fastener 50 is in the open configuration, second teeth 60 are separated from second corresponding teeth 62, and top fabric section 16 is spaced from bottom fabric section 18. Conversely, when second fastener 50 is in the closed configuration, second teeth 60 are secured to second corresponding teeth 62, and top fabric section 16 is coupled to bottom fabric section 18 along their respective back peripheral edges.

Bed pillow 10 may further include a tab 64 positioned in each corner of the pillow for concealing first sliding member 52 and for concealing second sliding member 58. For example, a first tab may be positioned adjacent to a first one of the side peripheral edges and between first gusset 20 and the front peripheral edges of top and bottom fabric section 16, 18 for housing the first sliding member 52 when first fastener 48 is in the open configuration. A second tab may be positioned adjacent to the opposing side peripheral edges and between first gusset 20 and the front peripheral edges of the top and bottom fabric sections 16, 18 for housing first sliding member 52 when first fastener 48 is transitioned to the closed configuration. Similarly, a third tab may be positioned adjacent to the first one of the side peripheral edges and between second gusset 22 and the back peripheral edges of the top and bottom fabric sections 16, 18 for housing the second sliding member when second fastener 50 is in the open configuration, and a fourth tab may be positioned adjacent to the opposing side peripheral edges and between the second gusset and the back peripheral edges of the top and bottom fabric sections for housing the second sliding member when the second fastener is transitioned to the closed configuration. Tabs 64 are thus configured to substantially or completely conceal the first sliding member and the second sliding member in both the open and closed configurations, thereby preventing the first and second sliding members from contacting the user as he or she sleeps.

As is explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a user may transition first and second fasteners 48, 50 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and vice versa, to adjust the loft and firmness of the pillow. When the first fastener 48 and the second fastener 50 are in the open configuration (FIG. 5), first gusset 20 and second gusset 22 are in the expanded condition, and the interior cavity 14 of pillow 10 has an expanded volume. Should the user desire a relatively flatter and firmer pillow, the user may slide first sliding member 52 and second sliding member 58 to their closed configurations to collapse first and second gussets 20, 22 and reduce the interior volume of pillow 10 (FIG. 6).

Transitioning first sliding member 52 of first fastener 48 from the open configuration to the closed configuration will cause first teeth 54 to engage first corresponding teeth 56, the front peripheral edge 32 of top fabric section 16 to couple to the front peripheral edge 38 of bottom fabric section 18, and first gusset 20 to collapse upon itself. Likewise, transitioning second sliding member 58 from the open configuration to the closed configuration will cause second teeth 60 to engage second corresponding teeth 62, the back peripheral edge 34 of top fabric section 16 to engage the back peripheral edge 40 of bottom fabric section 18, and second gusset 22 to collapse upon itself. As a result, the loft of bed pillow 10 will be reduced and the cushioning material 44 will be more densely packed within the interior cavity 14 of pillow 10, creating a relatively firmer pillow.

Should the user subsequently desire to add loft or decrease firmness, the user may simply return sliding member 52 to its open configuration, allowing gusset 20 to expand, and slide sliding member 58 to its open configuration, allowing gusset 22 to expand.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable pillow, comprising: a top fabric section having a front peripheral edge, a back peripheral edge and side peripheral edges extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the top fabric section;a bottom fabric section having a front peripheral edge, a back peripheral edge, and side peripheral edges extending between the front and back peripheral edges of the bottom fabric section;a first collapsible and expandable gusset attached to the top fabric section adjacent to the front peripheral edge of the top fabric section and attached to the bottom fabric section adjacent to the front peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section;a first zipper including a first sliding member, first teeth and first corresponding teeth, the first teeth being attached to the front peripheral edge of the top fabric section and the first corresponding teeth being attached to the front peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, the first zipper being moveable between an open configuration in which the first teeth and the first corresponding teeth are separated from one another and the first gusset is in an expanded condition, and a closed configuration in which the first teeth and the first corresponding teeth are engaged to one another and the first gusset is in a collapsed condition;a second collapsible and expandable gusset attached to the top fabric section adjacent to the back peripheral edge of the top fabric section and attached to the bottom fabric section adjacent to the back peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section; anda second zipper including a second sliding member, second teeth and second corresponding teeth, the second teeth being attached to the back peripheral edge of the top fabric section and the second corresponding teeth being attached to the back peripheral edge of the bottom fabric section, the second zipper being moveable between an open configuration in which the second teeth and the second corresponding teeth are separated from one another and the second gusset is expanded, and a closed configuration in which the second teeth and the second corresponding teeth are engaged to one another and the second gusset is in a collapsed condition,wherein the side peripheral edges of the bottom fabric section are attached to the side peripheral edges of the top fabric section such that a permanently enclosed internal cavity is defined by the top fabric section, the bottom fabric section, and the first and second gussets.

2. The pillow of claim 1, a sufficient amount of filling is disposed within the internal cavity to expand the first gusset when the first zipper is in the open configuration and to expand the second gusset when the second zipper is in the open configuration.

3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the filling comprises at least one of a shredded foam, a synthetic polyester material, a gel and a natural feather.

4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first zipper is independently moveable with respect to the second zipper.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first gusset extends from one of the side peripheral edges to another one of the side peripheral edges.

6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the second gusset extends from one of the side peripheral edges to another one of the side peripheral edges.

7. The pillow cover of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first zipper and the second zipper comprises a soft plastic.

8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein a tab is disposed in each corner of the pillow, each one of the tabs being configured to enclose the first sliding member or the second sliding member.

9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the collapsible and expandable gussets are ribbed.

10. An adjustable pillow, comprising: a permanently enclosed pillow cover including a first collapsible and expandable gusset, a second collapsible and expandable gusset, a first fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the first gusset is in an expanded condition, and a closed configuration in which the first gusset is in the collapsed condition, and a second fastener moveable between an open configuration in which the second gusset is in an expanded condition, and a closed configuration in which the second gusset in a collapsed condition; anda sufficient amount of filling disposed within the pillow cover to expand the first gusset when the first fastener is in the open configuration and to expand the second gusset when the second fastener is in the open configuration.

11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the filling comprises at least one of a shredded foam, a synthetic polyester material, a gel and a natural feather.

12. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the filling is disposed within the pillow cover as a loose fill.

13. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the filling is disposed within the pillow cover within a self-contained insert.

14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the self-contained insert is a woven, non-woven, or knit material.

15. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the collapsible and expandable gussets are ribbed.