Patent Grant
7254852
The present invention features a cushioning device with preferred embodiments directed at a pillow cushioning device, preferably a multi-zone foam pillow cushioning device such as one formed of a visco-elastic foam, with a preferred embodiment featuring a plurality of contact surface projections, as in cylindrical or circular cross-sectioned extensions (e.g. coils), that are preferably arranged in zones of different sizes or zones of different support characteristics, and extend out from a main support body.
Pillows come in a variety of forms, with the more typical consisting of rectangular, fabric enclosures filled with feathers, down, chipped foam, or a polyester fill in a traditional overall shape (e.g., converging corners and a convex upper surface presented when supported on a bed). These pillows may be re-shaped by the user to provide reasonably adequate support for the user while the user falls asleep. However, many people suffer from an uncomfortable night's sleep because of the inadequate support that their head and neck receive while using these traditional pillows throughout the night. This is because traditional pillows either have a body that is so soft that the neck support area compresses to result in no support, or the body is so firm that the head sits considerably higher than the shoulders of the user, resulting in an abnormal sleeping position. Chronic neck pain or stiffness and a tense upper back are often the result of these inadequate forms of support these traditional pillows provide.
Various foam pillows have also been developed that comprise a foam body taking the place of the above-noted fillers and inserted into a fabric enclosure. These foam body pillows include polyurethane foam pillows (e.g. Omalux® high density foam sold by Carpenter Co. of Richmond, Va.) and also include visco-elastic foam pillows (e.g. the “PERFECT PILLOW® comfort support device and the ISOTONIC® pillow also sold by Carpenter Co.). Foam based pillows avoid problems such as filler clumping and can facilitate washing by allowing for easier removal of the pillow support from its fabric enclosure. However, even with a high quality foam body such as the polyurethane foam pillows noted above, the pillow can be deemed by some users to not adequately support the head and shoulders in a manner that is most comfortable to the user. This is because the prior art foam pillows are designed to generally present singular or unitary support characteristics over an entire head contact surface area of the pillow, and most prior art foam pillows are generally not well suited for heat dissipation. In an effort to provide added comfort, the prior art has relied upon expense increasing features as in, the addition of ventilation holes and/or extra layers of added material and/or added components such as adjustable air bladders. Thus, the foam pillows of the prior art are not well suited to provide varying degrees of support at targeted portions of the pillow to provide more comfortable support and/or have a tendency to provide poor heat dissipation and/or present highly complex and overly expensive designs.
Various examples of combination pillows can be seen in the multiple foam type/multiple layer arrangement in U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,844, the composite pillow of U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,855 and the visco-elastic pillow with added inflatable air bladder of U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,725.
The present invention is directed at providing a cushioning device such as a pillow providing desirable pillow support and feel characteristics while avoiding undue complexity or providing an improved support foundation for use with added features (e.g., the design of the present invention avoids a need for such added features as in added foam laminates, but is not intended to preclude the possibility of adding such additional features as in additional layers, ventilation holes, or inserts, etc.). The present invention also features a pillow that includes, for example, different firmness contact areas or zones, and which achieves a contour pillow functionality, even in a traditionally shaped pillow format. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the present invention features a multi-zoned cushioning device having projections, which in a preferred embodiment foam coils that are preferably cylindrical extensions or circular cross-sectioned extensions, although the projections can take on a variety of shapes as in squares, hexagons, triangles, etc. with their arrangement and dimensioning being such that the multi-zoned cushioning effect is achieved. The projections extend from a foam main body with the projections or coils preferably being of different sizes such as groups of different sizes to thereby facilitate providing the multi-zoned support.
The projections are preferably relatively large in cross-sectional area as compared to their extension distance off the main body such that they are highly stable, “stub-like” projections. Also, either all of the projections or those within a particular common group preferably extend for a common height off the main body so as to retain a preferred exterior cushion configuration that corresponds with that of the main body (e.g., a convex curvature in the main body in the front to rear cross-section). The projections further preferably present a flat exposed upper surface transverse to an axis of extension and preferably have a common periphery or diameter over their axial length/height (e.g., a cylindrical or prism configuration).
The present invention is also directed at providing a high comfort cushion which provides proper head and neck support for a variety of user positions. That is, the present invention is designed to maintain a high comfort level and proper head and neck support for a variety of head and neck placements commonly used by a person including a supine position (on the back) lying position, as well as stomach and side lying positions. The enhancement in head/neck support is facilitated by the providing of projections which are positioned and configured to enhance desirable pillow characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the projections include similarly configured (e.g., cylindrical) extensions (e.g., foam coils) of different sizes and groupings to thereby provide multi-zoned different support characteristics. This includes, a visco-elastic cushioning device having a plurality of foam projections (e.g., a preferred embodiment features a monolithic body of foam which comprises the main body and integral projections extending thereoff, as along an upper side only). A suitable material for both the main body and projections includes, for example, a visco-elastic foam material such as Carpenter Co.'s brand 202-2507 low density visco-elastic foam.
A pillow having multiple groups (e.g., straight line rows) of projections (e.g. cylindrical extensions) is preferred with the projections (cylindrical extensions) in a given group or series (row) preferably being of a substantially uniform cross-section (radius) and/or height. For example, a preferred embodiment features cylindrical extensions in groups such as rows of common size projections with one row having a larger radius (peripheral area) than the extensions of a second row. More preferably, the cushioning device includes at least four rows of projections, as in four rows of cylindrical extensions, with the inner rows (e.g., two or more interior rows) having substantially uniform radii that are smaller than the radii of the cylindrical extensions of the outer rows (e.g., one or more rows external to the interior rows, as in one or more of the larger coil rows to each of the front/back sides of the one or more interior coil groups). With the same or relatively close to the same (e.g. within 15%) projection heights for each zone there is provided a larger and smaller projection volume relationship that coincides generally with the radius or peripheral cross-sectional area relationship (e.g., smaller radius projection are the smaller volume projections and are of the same height or slightly higher or slightly shorter than the larger radius coils).
The combination of the cushion's main body and projection heights, or the overall cushion's height, is preferably designed to be at a level to provide comfortable support to a user's head and neck when compressed. Moreover, the height and volume and cross-sectional configuration of the projections in a given row are preferably substantially equal or, in an alternate embodiment, the smaller size projections are taller than the larger sized projections, but preferably with the shorter projections having a height of at least 80% of the larger projection (e.g., 85 to 100%). Preferably, the shape and cross-sectional dimension is the same over the height of the respective projections. Thus, in a preferred embodiment featuring cylindrical projections, the cylindrical projections in a given row are substantially uniform with the average uniform height of the cylindrical projections in an inner row being greater than or equal to the average height of the cylindrical extensions in an outer row. A similar arrangement is also preferably applicable to when other shaped projections are involved as in squares, triangle, or less specific geometrical shapes, etc. This sizing can be based on a universal for all (adult and child) setting, or a universal for adult in use with a universal child size, or a series of different sizes (e.g., extra small, small, medium to extra large) designed for various dimensioned head and neck, and to user's preference.
The base forming main body of the cushion can be formed in a variety of pillow shapes, although the base is preferably formed in a shape that corresponds with a typical pillow configuration, at least relative to the exposed in use surface(s) thereof. For example, a rectangular configuration having converging front and back sides with peripherally rounded off corners, as well as a convex (in the direction transverse to the longer front/rear side walls) upper projection support surface. The vertical cross-section parallel to the long sides is preferably generally planar at the height level dictated by the height of the transverse convex cross-section. In other words, the top surface is preferably convex in the widthwise direction (the width of the pillow being the distance of extension in the direction of elongation of the user sleeping on the pillow), and flat or of a less convex nature relative to the lengthwise direction of the pillow. The bottom surface of the pillow can likewise be flat or convex, or a combination thereof, such as flat in the intermediate area and having both sloping up and rounded corner converging surfaces at the pillow corner convoluted, etc. Various other cushion types would dictate a preferred main body configuration as a preferred embodiment features a multi-zoned cushion that can match or closely approximate pre-existing cushions.
In a preferred embodiment, the cushion is formed having at least one outer ridge projection on the top surface of the main body that runs along a longitudianally extending edge of the main body commensurate with the front most edge of the top surface of the pillow and thus is located outside the outer row of projections also running in a lengthwise direction. The widthwise thickness of the preferably continuous raised ridge with sloped upper surface (e.g., a 1.5 to 3.5 inches or more preferably 2 inches widthwise thickness) is well suited for tucking in between the chin and shoulders of a user or for supporting the nape region of the back of the neck.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is also preferably symmetric both with respect to a central lengthwise extending cut and a central widthwise extending cut. For example, in a preferred embodiment a lengthwise running central cut differentiates the pillow into a front section and a rear section with the front section having a first lengthwise row of a smaller radius or width, preferably common-sized cross-sectional area set of projections, which set is positioned closest to the central cut, and a second row of projections, but of a larger radius or width, preferably of a common-sized cross-sectional area configuration. The second row is positioned more forward in the front section than the first row. In view of the preferred symmetrical arrangement, the rear section also features a first row of smaller sized projections closer to the lengthwise central cut and a second lengthwise extending row of larger sized projections closer to the rear edge of the cushion than the first row in the rear section. Also, in the preferred embodiment, featuring a ridge running lengthwise along the forward edge of the cushion, the preferred symmetrical arrangement places a second ridge of a common size and configuration (as with the symmetrically corresponding projections described above) along the lengthwise rear edge of the cushion.
The preferred projection configuration comprises solid bodies of foam extending up from the base with a central axis generally transverse to the underlying supporting surface of the main body (which is preferably convex in cross-section in the widthwise direction, but generally planar in the lengthwise direction). Also, within each row, the lengthwise spacing distance between projections is preferably equal with the spacing between the smaller projections preferably being less than the lengthwise spacing between the larger projections. The spacing in the front-to-rear direction between rows of different sized projections is preferably greater than each of the aforementioned spacings in the lengthwise direction and of a common value along the length of each row but preferably varying in spacing distance in going from row to row in the front-to-rear direction relative to the different zone types. In view of the symmetrical nature of the pillow, the user need not worry about which front-to-rear orientation is involved with the pillow, although in an alternate embodiment, a non-symmetrical arrangement is featured having different projection and/or ridge relationships that present different front and rear section support characteristics.
When a ridge is provided it preferably features an outer convex surface facing outward away from the interior of the pillow and a planar inner wall preferably arranged generally transverse of the main body exposed surface (e.g., slopes downwardly and inwardly from the interior upper edge of the convex portion of the ridge to the underlying convex main-body). The ridge wall's base is preferably spaced from the adjacent most row by a spacing amount commensurate or less relative to the front-to-rear spacing of the lengthwise rows in the corresponding front or rear section. Also, the front-to-rear width of the ridge is preferably about equal to (within 15%) or falls between the value of the diameter or maximum dimension of the larger projections and the smaller projections. In a preferred embodiment, the ridge front-to-rear width is about equal to the diameter of the large coils and greater by about 20 to 30% to the smaller coils' diameter.
The preferred projections also preferably have essentially a common horizontal cross-sectional value going from the base of the projection to the exposed upper surface. The upper edge of each projection can have a sharp edge border between the side wall and top wall of the projections or have a rounded off upper edge. Alternate embodiments of the invention feature variable or non-common cross-sectional configurations as in sideways “V” or “C” annular recesses in the intermediate height region of the projections. However, in view of the preferred stub-like configuration non-recessed side walls are preferred.
Also the height of the various projections is preferably about 15 to 40% of the overall height of the pillow and more preferably about 30%±5% (e.g., 28%±2% with 1 inch projections and a 3.5 inch maximum thickness base being illustrative).
The preferred spacing arrangement and size of the projections relative to the overall exposed user contact surface of the pillow provides for a ratio between projection surface area over the entire upper surface area from an upper front edge to an upper rear edge of the main body cushion base. In a preferred embodiment this ratio is 70 to 90% with a sub-range of 75 to 85 being well suited and a value of about 80%±3% preferred (e.g., a 23×16.5 inch rectangular pillow with two 2 inch thick ridge extensions, two rows of 7 in number larger coils of 2.25 inch diameter and two rows of 9 in number smaller coils of 1.75 inch diameter smaller coil surfaces representing about 81% of the total exposed surface area). The percentage of exposed surface area presented by the larger projections (preferably a single row inward of each of the respective ridges) relative to the overall upper pillow contact surface area is preferably 20 to 40% or 25 to 35% which represents a preferred sub-range and 30%±2% being a suitable value for many uses. The percentage of overall contact area of the smaller projections (the sum of those in the front and rear cushion sections as above with the larger projection) is preferably the same as that presented by the lesser number, larger sized coils—or within 15%. The ridges preferably constitute about 20 to 30% of the overall upper pillow surface area or 25±2%.
Also, the interior, smaller sized projections (e.g., two centralized rows with one in each of the front and rear sections) preferably occupy a central region of the cushion with a percentage of occupation (e.g., from a lengthwise cut line intermediate the spacing between adjacent large and small projection rows in each of the front and rear sections) of 25 to 50% more preferably, 30 to 40% with 33%±2% being well suited for many uses for the present invention. The total area occupied by the sum of the larger section projection groupings (each taken from a lengthwise cut line adjacent the different size rows of projections to an intermediate cut line between an adjacent ridge and an adjacent larger size projection row) preferably occupies 25 to 55, or more preferably 30 to 45, with 36±2% representing a suitable value. The remainder of overall pillow surface area occupied by the ridge sections (from the above noted cut line adjacent the ridge to the exterior edge of the pillow in plan) is represented by a preferred range of 15 to 45, or more preferably 20 to 40, with 30±2% being a suitable value.
The sizing and spacing of projections in a preferred embodiment provides for multiple projection contact with the head regardless of head positioning. For example, in a preferred embodiment, in addition to ridge contact with the neck region of the user, at least two full large projections and preferably at least twice as many smaller projections provide head support (e.g., full contact over exposed surfaces or the sum of partially and full contacted contact surfaces). For example, in a preferred embodiment, 2 to 2.5 large projections provide head/face contact support while 4 to 6 smaller projections provide head contact support.
The invention further includes a pillow comprising a foam main-body with a plurality of foam projections extending off of a surface of the foam main-body, and with said projections being in first and second groups which define different support characteristic zones. The projections are preferably of a foam material as in a visco-elastic foam material. Also, a preferred embodiment includes a first row of cylindrical foam projections and a second row of cylindrical foam projections and a top surface of the cylindrical projections in the first row preferably has a larger radius maximum width, and/or volume than the top surfaces of the cylindrical projections in the second row. Also, the entire pillow is preferably formed of a foam material as in a monolithic foam body with a pillow is formed entirely of visco-elastic foam material being preferred.
In one embodiment of the invention, a first group of projections includes multiple rows of a first size projection and said second group of projections include multiple rows of a second size projection, as in each group being of different size cylindrical projections. In a preferred embodiment there is included a first group of multiple rows of projections that includes a pair of laterally spread apart longitudinally extending rows of projections in a central region of the surface of said foam main-body, and wherein said second group of multiple rows of projections include a pair of longitudinally extending rows of projections that are positioned to opposite lateral sides of the pair of the longitudinally extending rows of the projections of said first group in the central region. Also, in this embodiment, the projections of said first group are smaller in volume than the projections of said second group, and preferably the projections within said first group are of a common size and configuration within said first group, and wherein the projections within said second group are of a common size and configuration within said second group.
Also, in a preferred embodiment, the main-body and projections are preferably formed of a visco-elastic foam material having a density range of 2.0 to 3.0 pcf, and said projections of said first group and said projections of said second group are of a common general shape with the pillow preferably further comprising a third projection group spaced from the first and second groups of projections. In addition, first projection group preferably includes laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending rows of projections, and said second group of projections include longitudinally extending rows of projections of larger size or volume than the projections in said first group, and longitudinally extending rows of said second projections being positioned to opposite outer lateral sides of said first group projections and wherein said third projection group comprises first and second extension ridges extending longitudinally and positioned to opposite lateral sides of said second group of projections. Also, first and second extension ridges are provided respectively, at the front and rear edges of said main-body and extend longitudinally from end to end at the front and rear of said pillow, and also wherein said surface of said main-body has a convex curvature that extends preferably in at least a lateral direction or only in a lateral direction. Furthermore, the projections in said first and second groups preferably have an average cross-sectional width value that is greater than a distance of extension of said projections transversely off a supporting surface of said main-body, and wherein said distance of extension of said first and second groups is within 15% of each other. In an alternate embodiment of the invention there is featured a pillow, comprising a main-body, projections arranged in a plurality of rows of said projections extending off said main-body, and said projections including a first type of projection having a first support characteristic, a second type of projection having a second support characteristic and a third projection type, with said first, second and third projection types being arranged on said main-body to define first, second and third different support characteristic zones, and wherein said first type of projection preferably includes laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending rows of projections and said second type of projections includes laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending rows of projections, and wherein third projection type includes a longitudinally extending ridge extension or two or more of the same spaced laterally apart as in one at each front and rear edge of the pillow. Also, in a preferred embodiment said first, second and third projection types are arranged laterally in a sequence of first ridge extension, first longitudinal row of second type projection, pair of longitudinal rows of first type projections, second longitudinal row of second type projections and second ridge extensions, and the pillow preferably has a symmetric relationship with respect to projection types about a centrally located longitudinal cross-section line. Also, said first and second projection types preferably have compressive force deflection (CFD) values of 0.35 to 0.55 lbs and 0.60 to 0.80 lbs, respectively, with a density range of foam forming said first and second projection types of 2.0 to 3.0 pcf and wherein said first projection type is more centrally positioned than said second projection type.
In an additional embodiment of the invention there is featured a cushion having a main-body of foam, a first foam ridge extension extending along a front edge region of said main-body, a first row of foam projections of a first projection type, a central zone of foam projections of a second projection type, and with said first row of foam projection of said first projection type being positioned laterally between said first foam ridge extension and said central zone of foam projections. Also there is further preferably provided a second row of foam projections of the first projection type which is positioned to an opposite lateral side of said central zone as said first row of foam projections of said first projection type, and wherein a second foam ridge extension is preferably positioned laterally rearward of said second row of foam projections of said first projection type.
In an additional embodiment of the invention there is featured a unitary foam pillow comprising a main body having a longitudinal length and a lateral width and a convex upper surface and a plurality of projections extending up of said convex upper surface and arranged in different support characteristic groupings and wherein said projections preferably include a first group that is greater in number and smaller in projection volume relative to a second group that is less in number but greater in projection volume and wherein said projections in said first and second groups preferably have essentially a common height and maximum width of the projections in said second group is greater than that of said first group. The seat cushion is also preferably in the form of a pillow wherein the projections are preferably cross-sectional projections with there being further provided a longitudinal ridge of extension position for neck contact.
The illustrated cushioning device 20 has numerous projections preferably arranged in grouping of different sizes as in the illustrated large sized projections 21 and small sized projections 22. Each of the large and small sized projections 21,22 are shown in the preferred cylindrical or circular cross-sectioned extension configuration (e.g., foam body coils). As shown in
As explained in greater detail below, relative to size, the height of the cushioning device, including the coils 21, 22 and the main body MB from which they extend, is designed to provide support for the user's head and neck while maintaining a non-bottoming out, high comfort level.
In a preferred embodiment, a foam block such as of a visco-elastic foam material is utilized (e.g., a molded body having the final desired configuration or a block that is subject to one or more cutting or convoluting processes to produce the desired resultant multi-zoned coil arrangement, as in a heated wire cutting operation and/or convoluted roller removal process). The foam relied upon is designed to provide a high degree of comfort while still achieving the desired level of support (preferably without bottoming out under the high end of loads anticipated) and thus a variety of other foam types are also featured under the invention. To facilitate a discussion of the preferred characteristics of the foam material of the present invention reference is made to the below provided definitions from the Polyurethane Foam Association “PFA” with the noted ASTM test protocols (most current edition as of the present application filing date) being incorporated herein by reference.
Indentation Force Deflection (IFD)—A measure of the load bearing capacity of flexible polyurethane foam. IFD is generally measured as the force (in pounds) required to compress a 50 square inch circular indentor foot into a 4 inch thick sample, typically 15 inches square or larger, to a stated percentage of the sample's initial height. Common IFD values are generated at 25 and 65 percent of initial height. (Reference Test Method ASTM D3574). Note: Previously called “ILD (Indentation Load Deflection)”.
Compression Force Deflection (CFD)1—A measure of the load bearing ability of a foam. It is the force exerted against a flat compression foot larger than the specimen to be tested. The value can be expressed at 25%, 40%, 50%, and/or 65% compression (ASTM D3574). Note: previously called “CLD (Compression Load-Deflection)”. CFD measurements are frequently made at 25%, 65% or other height compressions. L61For undersized foam Samples (e.g., less than a square surface area of 15″×15″), CFD (compression Force Deflection) is often used instead of IFD. CFD is force in pounds required to compress an entire sample surface area to 50% sample height deflection. The CFD measurement is made using the same laboratory equipment as in the IFD procedure. To perform a CFD measurement, a sample with minimum surface dimensions of 2″×2″, and a thickness of ¾″, is required. The maximum height for CFD measurement is limited to 75% of the width or length of the sample size. So, a 4″×4″ sample could not be thinner than ¾or thicker than 3″. Surface area is also limited to a size that can be completely covered by the compression plate. To make a CFD measurement, the entire surface of the foam sample is compressed beneath the plate.
Compression Modulus—This is generally referred to as representing the ratio of a foam's ability to support force at different indentation (or compression) levels. It is determined by taking the ratio of the foam's IFD at 25% indentation and 65% indentation (65% IFD/25%). The compression modulus is typically a function of foam chemical formulation and the manufacturing process. In most cases, the higher the density the greater the compression modulus. Other terms that are used interchangeably are: support factor, and modulus.
Density—A measurement of the mass per unit volume. It is measured and expressed in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) (Test Method ASTM D3547).
High Resilience (HR) Foam—A variety of polyurethane foam produced using a blend of polymer or graft polyols. High resilience foam has a less uniform (more random) cell structure different from conventional products. The different cell structure helps add support, comfort, and resilience or bounce. High resilience foams have a high support factor and greater surface resilience than conventional foams and are defined in ASTM D3770.
Hysteresis—The ability of foam to maintain original support characteristics after flexing. Hysteresis is the percent of 25% IFD loss measured as a compression tester returns to the normal (25% IFD) position after measuring 65% compression. Lower hysteresis values, or less IFD loss are desirable. Current research indicates that hysteresis values may provide a good indication of overall flexible foam durability. Low hysteresis in conventional foam is equal to less IFD loss.
Support Factor (see Compression Modulus)—represent 65% IFD/25% IFD determined after one minute of rest or recovery. When the support factor is known it can be used in conjunction with a known 25% IFD value to determine the 65% IFD value. Foams with low support factor are more likely to bottom out under load.
Elongation—The percent that a specially shaped sample will stretch from its original length before breaking. (Test Method ASTM D3574).
Tear Strength—A measure of the force required to continue a tear in a foam after a split or break has been started and expressed in pounds per inch (lbs/in.). This property is useful in determining suitability of foam in applications where the material is sewed, stapled, or otherwise anchored to a solid substrate. Also of interest with respect to demoldability. (ASTM D3574).
Tensile Strength—The pounds per square inch of force required to stretch a material to the breaking point. (Reference ASTM D3574).
Humid Aging—An accelerated aging test method under conditions of high humidity and temperature. (ASTM D3547).
Also, “visco-elastic foam”, which can be referenced by way of density, CFD, etc, also has the characteristic of assuming the shape of a compressing body and returning in a somewhat “reluctant” manner upon removal of the compressing body. Thus, a representative visco-elastic foam can be characterized by the following: A solid steel ball that is dropped vertically downward from a height of 1 m and by gravity lands on a plane surface of the visco-elastic foam has a rebound vertically upwards of less than 10%, i.e., a rebound of less than 10 cm upwards from the plane surface of the visco-elastic foam.
Table I below provides some illustrative preferred characteristics for the foam material used in forming preferred embodiments of the invention with the “value” column representing tests carried out on the illustrated embodiment formed as a monolithic body with Carpenter Co. low density (202-2507) visco elastic foam with a main body referring to the solid (no projection) surface of the pillow, as in the border or the back.
The illustrated multi-zoned cushioning device 20 of the present invention is designed to provide a proper level of support to a region of the user's head and neck by way of presenting a multi-zone support surface to the head being received thereby.
As shown in
Longitudinally extended recesses or furrows 31, 32, and 33, as best seen in
As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment ridges 23 (23a represents front ridge and 23b the rear ridge), which preferably protrude upwardly and extend along the full length of respective longitudinal front and rear side edges EF, ER of the pillow's upper surface 25, extend from the upper surface 25 at a height of h3 relative to the upper surface 25 of cushion 20.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The height of the main body of the cushioning device, as measured from the lowest portion of the bottom surface 27 to the highest top surface portion of the pillow, in which, in the illustrated embodiment, is the middle or center portion of the cushioning device 20, represents the highest level for the convex upper surface 25, is designated by reference h4 in
In a preferred embodiment, the elevated side ridges 23a, 23b have a height (h3) relative to the upper surface 24 of the cushioning device 20 and extend continuously at a common height (e.g., no breaks or depressions along length) along their full length which length is shown to be commensurate with the overall longitudinal length of the pillow front edge LE. Also, ridges 23a and 23b preferably extend straight or non-curved. Ridge extension variations are also featured under the present invention as in an intermediate, U-shaped neck cradle or a convex planar profile as with a shoulder reception cavity. The illustrated ridges 23a and 23b are the same in both the front and rear sections FS, RS, although the present invention also features alternate arrangements as in one being higher and/or different in configuration, and/or thicker in width than the other, within preferably a 30% maximum deviation. From the interior, planar side wall SL extending up to height h3, the exterior surface of ridges 23a and 23b include a generally planar section which extends into a convex surface that bridges the top and side surfaces of the pillow in the widthwise direction defines the front (or rear) side wall of the pillow. The end walls E1 and E2 are preferably generally vertical and planar. The height (h3) of the side ridges 23a, 23b preferably gradually tapers from a highest point which faces the coils 21, 22 toward the respective outer, front and rear convex side walls of the cushioning device 20. The large coils 21 protrude from the upper surface 25 of the cushion 20 at a height (h1) with some illustrative values provided in Table II. As shown in
During direct compression with the head this volume is preferably reduced by at least 75% relative to the exposed surface of the main body MS and more preferably 100% relative to compression levels of at least the heavier central contacting area of the head. In other words, the 100% compression value coils are designed to compress completely down such that their upper contact surface is commensurate with the upper contact surface of the main body (convex surface 25 in the illustrated embodiment) or even slightly below that surface depending on the contact component of the user's head).
In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning device 20 includes four rows (OR1, OR2, IR1, and IR2) of coils 21, 22 as shown in
Longitudinally extending furrows or grooves 31, 32 and 33 between the coil rows and ridge extension are illustrated in
With reference to
Also, the support characteristics are preferably arranged such that the head compresses the coils entirely into the main body at the heavier contact portions of the head whereupon the main body assists in the support, but to a lesser extent then the fully compressed foam coils. The areas such as the nose and outer extremities of the head such as the exterior of the chin preferably come in contact with coils but may or may not fully compress the coils (potential minor air gape to facilitate heat dissipation). The ridge 23 in contact with the neck (shown by cross-hatching in
The total height of TH of the pillow extends between bottom surface 27 and an imaginary curved line contacting the upper surface of the coils (e.g., TH is equal to the main body height h4 plus the height of the height of the coils if the same or the height of the maximum height coil if there is any difference in coil height) Some preferred overall height TH values are provided in Table II).
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, and “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to included herein within the scope of the disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
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