Patent Application
20230371721
The present disclosure relates, generally, to a pillow. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a pillow having a support structure to support head and the neck of a person while lying on a mattress.
Pillows are typically constructed with either soft fill material such as fiber, feathers or shredded foam materials encased within a fabric cover. Some pillows are molded from foam materials such as latex foam rubber or polyurethane foams. Typically pillows rest on the surface of the mattress, with the human head and neck placed on the pillow for support. The overall support of the pillow is compromised by the pillow following the compressive behavior of the mattress underneath. Soft and firm mattresses allow the pillow to compress into their surface to varying degrees.
One aspect of this disclosure relates to a pillow is disclosed. The pillow includes a first layer adapted to be compressed under loading and a support structure engaged to the first layer and adapted to support at least a portion of the first layer. The support structure is configured to restrict a compression of the first layer under loading.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure is embedded inside the first layer.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the first layer includes a first surface adapted to be arranged proximate to a head of a user and a second surface arranged opposite to the first surface. The support structure is arranged underneath the second surface.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure defines an aperture disposed substantially centrally to the support structure corresponding to a position of the head of the user on the pillow when the user lies on the pillow.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure includes a first edge defining a notch portion at a location corresponding to a neck of the user such that the notch portion is arranged directly below the neck of the user when the user lies on the pillow.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the pillow includes an elastic layer attached to the support structure and arranged covering the aperture.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure includes a pair of posts arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to lateral edges of the first layer and at least one rod coupled to the pair of posts and extending between the pair of posts.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, each of the pair of posts includes a plurality of holes arrayed linearly along a length of the associated post to facilitate the coupling of the at least one rod to the pair of posts. The plurality of holes extends from an inner face of each of the pair of posts towards an outer face of each of the pair of posts.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the at least one rod includes at least one rigid rod and at least one flexible rod, and the plurality of holes of each of the pair of posts includes at least one blind hole and at least one through hole. The at least one rigid rod extends inside the aligned blind holes of the posts, and the at least one flexible rod extends through the aligned through holes of the posts.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure includes a frame having a pair of lateral members arranged parallel to the lateral edges of the first layer and a pair of longitudinal members arranged substantially perpendicular to the lateral members. The pair of posts is removably coupled to the pair of lateral members of the frame.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, each of the pair of posts includes an elongated groove and a portion of each of the pair of lateral members extends inside the elongated groove of the corresponding post.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, each of the pair of posts includes a plurality of slots arrayed linearly along a length of associated post to facilitate the coupling of the at least one rod to the pair of posts. The plurality of slots extends from an upper surface towards a lower surface of the associated post.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, each of the pair of posts includes a plurality of hooks arranged spaced apart from each other and arrayed along a length of the associated post. A portion of the at least one rod extends through one or more hooks of the plurality of hooks to secure the at least one rod with the associated post.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, a single hook is arranged between two consecutively disposed slots.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the support structure includes a curved plate and a flat plate.
In some additional, alternative, or selectively cumulative embodiments, the pillow further includes a cover configured to enclose at least a portion of the first layer. The support structure is engaged with the cover and disposed underneath the first layer.
Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise expressly stated in the drawings, the sizes, positions, etc., of components, features, elements, etc., as well as any distances therebetween, are not necessarily to scale, and may be disproportionate and/or exaggerated for clarity.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be recognized that the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise specified, a range of values, when recited, includes both the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as any sub-ranges therebetween. Unless indicated otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, one element could be termed a “first element” and similarly, another element could be termed a “second element,” or vice versa. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “about,” “thereabout,” “substantially,” etc., mean that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.
Spatially relative terms, such as “right,” left,” “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature, as illustrated in the drawings. It should be recognized that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an object in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can, for example, encompass both an orientation of above and below. An object may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.
Unless clearly indicated otherwise, all connections and all operative connections may be direct or indirect. Similarly, unless clearly indicated otherwise, all connections and all operative connections may be rigid or non-rigid.
Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thus, the same or similar numbers may be described with reference to other drawings even if they are neither mentioned nor described in the corresponding drawing. Also, even elements that are not denoted by reference numbers may be described with reference to other drawings.
Many different forms and embodiments are possible without deviating from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure and so this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.
Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Also, wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
Referring to
The support structure 106 is adapted to provide a resistance to the compression of the first layer 104 when the head and the neck is positioned on the pillow 100, thereby the support structure 106 prevents an undesired compression of the underlying mattress. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Additionally, or optionally, a first edge 502 of the support structure 106 may define a notch portion 504 corresponding to neck area such that notch portion 504 is arranged directly below the neck of the user and adjacent to shoulders when the person lies on the pillow 100. The notch portion 504 provides extra compression of the first layer 104, enabling proper alignment of the neck with the head. In an embodiment, the notch portion 504 includes a substantially concave shape and is arranged substantially centrally to the first edge 502. Although the support structure 106 having the aperture 500 and the notch portion 504 are shown and contemplated, it may be appreciated that the aperture 500 and/or the notch portion 504 may be omitted. In some embodiment, an elastic layer 510 (shown in
Referring to
As shown in
In an embodiment, the plurality of holes 718 may include at least one blind hole and/or at least one through holes. For example, as shown in
Referring back to
As shown, the plurality of rods 706 includes at least one rigid rod, for example, a first rigid rod 730 and a second rigid rod 732, arranged proximate to the first ends 712 of the posts 702, 704, and a third rigid rod 734 and a fourth rigid rod 736 arranged proximate to the second end 714 of the posts 702, 704. The rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 extend in a lateral direction of the pillow 100 and may be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the posts 702, 704. As shown, the first and second rigid rods 730, 732 extend inside the first blind holes 724 of the posts 702, 704, while the third and fourth rigid rods 734, 736 extend inside the second blind holes 726 of the posts 702, 704. In an embodiment, the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 are made of carbon fiber. However, it may be appreciated that the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 may be made of any other suitable material, such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, or other suitable material having sufficiently rigidness.
Although two rigid rods are shown and contemplated to be arranged at each end of the posts 702, 704, it may be appreciated that only one rigid rod may be disposed at the first ends of the post and only one rigid rod may be arranged at the second ends of the posts 702, 704. Further, the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 are connected to the posts 702, 704 such that when the cords are connected to the posts, the rigid rods 730, 732, 734736 are prestressed, bowing the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 into a concave shape initially. Accordingly, when the person lies on the pillow, the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 become straight due to the pressure applied from above. In an embodiment, the rigids rods are flat plates having rectangular or square cross-section. The flat rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 have provide larger surface area, reducing the feeling of pressure at the surface of the pillow above the rods to the person lying on the pillow. Also, such rigid rods resist flexing or “splaying” when under tension and stress. The flat rigid rods operate like a leaf spring with most of the flexing limited to bowing in upward direction and downward direction. Further, the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736 act in unison with the posts 702, 704 to keep the elastic cords under tension. However, it may be appreciated that the rigids rods may be round or oval.
Further, the plurality of rods 706 includes at least one outer cord and at least one inner cord. The at least one outer cord, for example, a first outer cord 740 and a second outer cord 742, is arranged proximate to the at least one rigid rod. For example, the first outer cord 740 is arranged at a location adjacent to the second rigid rod 732, while the second outer cord 742 is disposed at a location adjacent to the fourth rigid rod 736. As shown, the first outer cord 740 is arranged in two rows or segments by extending the first outer cord 740 through the two consecutively arranged through holes 728 that are arranged proximate/adjacent to the first blind holes 724. Similarly, the second outer cord 742 is arranged in two rows or segments by extending the second outer cord 742 through the two consecutively arranged through holes 728 that are arranged proximate/adjacent to the second blind holes 726. Further, the at least one inner cord 744 is arranged between the two outer cords 740, 742. As shown, a single inner cord 744 extends through the plurality of aligned through holes 728 of the posts 702, 704 and therefore defines multiple rows or segments of the inner cord 744 arranged substantially parallel to the rigid rods 730, 732, 734, 736. Accordingly, the single inner cord 744 spirals around and between the posts 702, 704 into multiple parallel arranged segments/rows. It may be appreciated that the tension and/or elasticity of the inner cord 744 and the outer cords 740, 742 may be different from each other. Alternatively, the tension and/or the elasticity of the inner and outer cords 740, 742, 744 is identical. In some embodiments, the tension in the outer cords 740, 742 is kept relatively lower than the tension in the inner cord 744. Elasticity and/or tension in the cords 740, 742, 744 may be varied along the length of the posts 702, 704 (i.e., in the lateral direction of pillow 100) to achieve desired flexibility, compressibility, and/or rigidity at various location of the pillow 100. Also, the holes 718 and hence the rows/segments of the rods 706 may be arranged equidistant from each other. Alternatively, the distance between adjacent segments or rows of rods 706 may vary along the length of the posts 702, 704. For example, the distance between adjacent rows or segments of rods 706 may be decreased to reduce the compressibility at certain location relative to other location. In this manner, by controlling the tension, the elasticity, the density of rods 706, the flexibility, the compressibility, and/or the rigidity along the lateral direction of the pillow 100 may be controlled. In some embodiments, each of the first post 702 and the second post 704 may be arranged at an inclination relative to the lower surface 110 of the first layer 104.
Referring to
The pair of posts 912, 914 may be removably coupled to the lateral members 904, 906 of the frame 902. In the illustrated embodiment, thin carbon fiber pultruded bars are used as the posts 912, 914, however, any suitable non-compressible lightweight material, such as, but not limited to, board, plastic, plywood, composite material, metal, etc. may also be used. The first post 912 and the second post 914 are identical in structure and construction, and for the sake of clarity and brevity, the structure and construction of only one post, for example, the first post 912, is explained in detail.
As shown in
Moreover, the first post 912 defines a plurality of slots 938 arrayed linearly between the first end 928 and the second end 930. As shown, the plurality of slots 938 extends from the upper surface 920 of the first post 912 towards the lower surface 922 of the first post 912, and is configured to receive the at least one rod 916. Additionally, the first post 912 includes a plurality of hooks 940 arranged proximate to the second side surface 926 and arrayed in a lateral direction of the pillow 100 between the first end 928 and the second end 930. The hooks 940 are arranged spaced apart from each other and are disposed such that a single hook is disposed between two consecutively/adjacently disposed slots. Accordingly, a single slot is located between two adjacently/consecutively arranged hooks. It may be appreciated that each hook has an opening 950 at lower end and secure the at least one rod 916 with the posts 912, 914.
In an engagement of the rod 916 with the posts 912, the rod 916 is arranged in a plurality of parallel segments with each segment extending parallel to the longitudinal members 908, 910 and between aligned slots 938 of the two posts 912, 914. Further, a portion of the rod 916 that is located between two adjacent slots of the first post 912 extends in the lateral direction and is secured inside the hook 940 is arranged between the two slots. Similarly, a portion of the rod 916 is secured inside the hook 940 of the second post 914. Accordingly, as shown in the
In some embodiments, multiple rods of different tension and/or elasticity may be used in place of a single rod 916 to achieve desired flexibility, compressibility, and/or rigidity at various location of the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400. Also, the slots 938 and hence the rows/segments of the rod 916 may be arranged equidistant from each other. Alternatively, the distance between adjacent segments or rows of rod 916 may vary along the length of the posts 912, 914. For example, the distance between adjacent rows or segments of rod 916 may be decreased to reduce the compressibility at certain location relative to other location. In this manner, by controlling the tension, the elasticity, the density of rod 916, the flexibility, the compressibility, and/or the rigidity along the lateral direction of the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 may be controlled. In some embodiments, each of the first post 912 and the second post 914 may be arranged at an inclination relative to the hollow frame 902.
The advantages of the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 is now explained. The support structure 106, 206, 700, 900 of the pillow 100, 200, 300, and 400 defines rigid or semi-rigid portions of the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 that supports the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 on the mattress and creates a bridge-like effect where the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 supports the head and neck in an uplifting manner relative to the mattress regardless of the sleeping position of the user. In addition, the support structure 106, 206, 700, 900 of the pillow 100, 200, 300, 400 prevents the compression of the first layer 104 beyond a certain limit. Moreover, the support structure 106, 206, 700, 900 of the pillow 100, 200, 300, and 400 prevents upward folding/rolling of lateral edges of the first layer 104 towards middle of the pillow 100, 200, 300, and 400, when the user lies on the pillow 100, 200, 300, and 400 as the support structure 106, 206, 700, 900 facilitates uniform distribution of weight of the user's head and neck on the pillow, thereby decreasing neck tension and improving breathing.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Various aspects of the disclosure have been described above. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/343,039 filed on May 17, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63343039 | May 2022 | US |
