US20120073057A1

US20120073057A1 - Pillow having structurally varying core and cover

Info

Publication number: US20120073057A1
Application number: US12/893,244
Authority: US
Inventors: Roger A. Sramek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-29
Filing date: 2010-09-29
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

A pillow for supporting the head of a reclining body. The pillow has a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width and the pillow has a cover formed of a soft material for encasing the core. The cover imparts a soft feeling to the head on the pillow and distributes the weight of the head over the core. The core and the cover are displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters of the core so that the pillow functions to control the alignment of the head in a comfortable sleeping position while maintaining natural neck and head alignment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to pillows for use on a bed to support a head for sleeping and more particularly, to improved pillows having therapeutic and cosmetic properties and that enhance the quality of sleep.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standard solid-bodied pillows in common use for many years have a number of limitations. The downward force caused by the weight of a person's head on tissue and facial skin in contact with solid bodied pillows is considerable, causing local stretching, cessation of capillary blood flow and deformation of the skin. Over a period of years these factors accelerate wrinkling of the skin, contributing to the visible effects of aging.
Similarly, the outer surfaces of the ears are crushed by the weight of the head when a person using a pillow lies to the side, contributing to cessation of capillary blood flow and the incidence of bacterial and fungal ear infections, morning wax deafness, ear ache and gradual deformation and wrinkling of the pinna.
In addition, standard pillows provide uneven support to the head and neck, causing muscular strain of the neck and back, and causing general night unrest. Sleepers adopt a side or face down position during sleep in an effort to conform to the support points of a pillow, spending disproportionately little time sleeping in a supine position. This tendency can accelerate degeneration of the spine associated with aging, particularly in the neck region. Indeed, neck injury commonly results from improper support while sleeping. Similarly, in an attempt to match personal anatomy to a pillow, many people adopt unnatural sleeping positions with arms and hands used to provide head support, which leads to discomfort and joint degeneration, and even arthritis, in the hands, elbows and shoulders.
Although a variety of pillow sizes and shapes are available, they often do not match an individual's anatomy and natural sleep habits. In an attempt to address some of these deficiencies, various pillow designs have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 entitled ADJUSTABLE CERVICAL PILLOW WITH DEPRESSIONS FOR A USER'S EAR invented by Roger A. Sramek, one of the inventors of the present invention, discloses a pillow which reduces the incidence of morning wrinkles and permanent skin wrinkling, which prevents ear compression and which provides anatomically correct cervical and head support. That pillow supports the head and neck of a person and includes a resilient pillow body with an adjustable-height head rest. The head rest includes a central depression in the pillow body and a plurality of head-height adjustment shims which fit into the central depression. The pillow body has a resilient upper portion with a plurality of depressions on a top face for receiving the person's ears.
While U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 is close to setting a standard for the ideal pillow, that pillow has a non-standard appearance resulting from a contoured shape and a narrow width. That pillow was made from urethane foam and other resilient man-made and natural materials that provided firm and aligned support and vastly improved the quality of sleep.
Since normally everyone spends a large percentage of everyday sleeping, the quality of sleep is important to a person's good health and enjoyment of life. Comfortable pillows and beds are important in establishing restful sleep. During sleep, a healthy person typically passes through five levels of sleep which include stages I-IV and which additionally includes a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage. Stages I and II are the lightest sleep and stages III and IV are the deepest. The REM stage is that level in which sleepers dream and receive the mental health benefits attendant dreaming. All levels of sleep are important, but stages III and IV are the deepest and most physically restful sleep, when, for example, human growth hormone is secreted. Normal sleep is cyclic passing through the stages from I to IV and back from IV to I and into and out of REM. This sleep cycle is repeated a number of times over a normal sleep period, but can be disrupted due, for example, to body discomfort.
Restfulness and the quality of sleep are dependent upon the comfort of sleepers. When sleepers become uncomfortable, they move to relieve the discomfort and the resulting moves are a normal part of sleep. When sleepers move, they frequently change to lighter levels of sleep (stage I or II) or awaken. The more discomfort sleepers feel, the more they will move and the more time they will spend in lighter and less restful sleep. Good sleeping is normally associated with a low number of body shifts during the sleep period. Shifts due to discomfort caused by beds or pillows are a significant cause of poor sleep quality. On conventional sleep surfaces, most people experience about forty major postural body shifts in the course of a night's sleep. Poor sleepers experience about sixty percent more major shifts than good sleepers. While some shifts during a sleep period are beneficial, the quality of sleep can be greatly improved for many by reducing the number of shifts caused by discomfort.
There are two major causes of bed-induced shifting, and particularly pillow-induced shifting, which cause poor sleep. As it relates to the head and pillow, the first major cause of shifting is the buildup of pressures on parts of the head and the second major cause of shifting is poor neck/head alignment. Considering the first major cause of shifting, the buildup of pressures results from prolonged lying in the same position and from pillows which are too thick or too hard. High compression tends to restrict capillary blood flow which is recognized by the body, after a period of time, as discomfort. The pressure threshold which causes a discontinuance of capillary blood flow is called the ischemic pressure. The ischemic pressure is normally considered to be approximately thirty mmHg. The discontinuance of capillary blood flow is observable as a red spot on the skin. After pressure is applied, a red spot on the skin is a precursor to tissue damage. When parts of the body are subjected to pressures above the ischemic threshold, discomfort results and, hence, a person shifts to remove the discomfort and threat to tissue damage. For some people, the ears are particularly sensitive to such pressure.
Considering the second major cause of shifting, poor body alignment results from bending of the vertebral column of the body. As it relates to the head and pillow, such bending is typically caused by poorly functioning mattresses and pillows that cause unwanted improper and distorting alignment of the neck and head in one or more sleeping positions. Proper supine (back-lying) position means that the occiput of the head (the protruding back part of the head) comes to rest nearly at the same level as the shoulders so that the head and neck are not in an extended or bowed position while at the same time, a proper amount of support is provided to the neck with its natural curvature. For a pillow that provides sleep comfort, a neutral anatomic position is achieved and the natural alignment is evidenced by the chin and brow being at about the same height. When these positions are not achieved, a distorting and unnatural alignment occurs causing discomfort. When these positions are achieved, the head and neck are in a non-distorting aligned position that provides good sleep comfort.
Natural, non-distorting alignment allows the neck functions including those of the nerves, tissues, arteries, and the breathing tube (oropharynx and hypopharynx) to perform optimally. Natural alignment also reduces stress and reduces compression on the neck muscles and nerves and thus reduces pain and stiffness.
Many pillows have a high concentration of fill in the middle of the pillow, or are otherwise too firm or too thick, and therefore promote extended flexion of the neck so that the head position is extended beyond natural alignment into distorted alignment. This extended head position often impairs breathing and other neck functions leading to worsened snoring and to neck, shoulder and back pain. Also, the extended head position causes wrinkling across the neck and chin. The result is a distorting alignment causing discomfort and other unwanted consequences.
In addition to head and body alignment, pillows also have properties that affect cosmetic qualities of skin. The skin, particularly in women wanting delicate and smooth skin features, is susceptible to wrinkling Facial tissue is particularly susceptible to wrinkling and worsens with aging. Repeated compression of the facial flesh, for example when side-sleeping on a conventional pillow, forms nocturnal creases on each side of the mouth and wrinkling about the upper lip occurs. Ideal pillows as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,380 tend to tighten the facial skin during sleep and hence tend to reduce pillow-induced wrinkling
Many purchasers and merchants have come to expect pillows to have other “standard properties”. For example, an expectation is that pillows will have standard sizes for use on standard mattresses such as King, Queen, Double and so forth with dimensions that match existing pillow case sizes. While these “standard properties” do not necessarily add to the suitability of a pillow for sleeping, they nonetheless can be important for widespread commercial acceptance of pillows.
A number of additional “attributes” are also important for commercial acceptance of pillows. A pillow design desirably meets the needs of a large percentage of the population. The greatest demand is for pillows used on beds that sleep two people side by side. The number of stocking numbers required for a pillow product line is desirably low so that distribution and sale are efficient.
Developments in the parameters of and manufacturing capabilities for foam and other materials (including beads, seeds and husks) have provided new components for pillows that can be used to better approach the technical parameters required for an ideal pillow at economical costs and which can be manufactured with expected “standard properties” and with the “attributes” for pillows that are desired by the public.
In the present specification the term “foam” is used in a generic sense to include all substances that trap many gas bubbles in a solid, for example, synthetic and natural rubber, latex, elastomer and polyurethane among others.
The physical properties of pillow materials include among others Density, Hardness, Tensile Strength, Indentation Load Deflection, Compression Load Deflection, Initial Softness Ratio, Resilience (Elasticity), Compression Modulus, Hysteresis and Durability/Lifetime. These physical properties are described as follows.
Hardness is the resistance against pressure.
Density is the mass per unit volume. Hardness and density are interrelated. When density increases, hardness tends to increase. Generally for lower density materials, a growing loss in hardness arises after repeated loading.
Tensile Strength is the measure of the resistance against stretching and changes in tensile strength are measured as Tensile % and changes in length after applying a tensile force are measured as Elongation %.
Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a hardness measurement defined in the ISO 2439 standard. ILD in the standard is defined as the force that is required to compress material a percentage of its original thickness, that is, compressed 25%, 40% and 60% from its original thickness (using in the standard a circular plate of 322 cm²). These ILD's are designated ILD25%, ILD40% and ILD60%
Compression Load Deflection (CLD) is a hardness measurement defined in the ISO 3386 standard. CLD is defined as the counterpressure (force per surface) in Pascal when the core material is pressed in 25% with a stamp where 1 kPA (kilopascal) equals 10 g/cm²(grams per square centimeter), Compression Set 75%.
Initial Softness Ratio (ISR) is a hardness measurement defined as the ratio of ILD65%/ILD5%. This measurement somewhat correlates to the initial perception of a person about the comfort of a mattress.
Resilience (Elasticity) is an elasticity measurement defined in the ASTM 3574 standard. Resilience/Elasticity is measured by the “ball-rebound” test where a steel ball is dropped from a height onto the mattress core and the rebound of the ball is measured as a % of a predetermined height.
Compression Modulus (Sag Factor) is a compression measurement defined in the ISO 2439 standard. This sag factor is defined as the ratio of ILD65% to ILD25%. The sag factor somewhat correlates with the perception of a person as to whether the mattress supports the body with more uniform alignment.
Hysteresis is a measurement of the load deformation curve of the load surface. The hysteresis curve is determined by loading and de-loading of a mattress core. A circular plate of 355 mm diameter is used to gradually build a force up to a maximum of 1000 Newtons. The hysteresis represents the amount of energy that is absorbed by the material during loading/de-loading. The higher the absorption of energy by a mattress core, the more strength/energy is required by a person to change position on the mattress. Mattress cores which are too soft, have a low hysteresis which results in higher energy requirements for a person changing position on the mattress core. A low hysteresis value generally results in poor sleeping quality.
Durability/Lifetime is a measurement defined in one method by the EN 1957 standard. In this method, a weight of 1400 Newton is rolled 30,000 times up and down on the mattress core. Afterwards the height (Elevation), hardness, ILD and elasticity of the core are measured. This process is repeated once again and the results are compared with the original values and recorded as a as a % retention. The average incline of the hardness is determined at 210 N, 275 N and 340 N in the load deformation curve. Another measurement is defined by the ISO 3385 (DIN 5374) standard. In this method, a foam sample of 40×40 cm forced with a weight of 750 N for 80,000 times at 70 strokes per minute. Afterwards, the loss of height and the hardness are compared with the original values again as a % retention. Tear is another durability parameter measured in pounds per linear inch (pli) and indicates the energy required to pull a sample apart.
In consideration of the above background, there is a need for improved pillows that better approach the properties of ideal pillows and that can be economically manufactured utilizing the available physical properties of materials while satisfying the public expectations and demands for pillows.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a pillow for supporting the head of a reclining body. The pillow has a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width and the pillow has a cover formed of a soft material for encasing the core. The cover imparts a soft feeling to the head on the pillow and distributes the weight of the head over the core. The core and the cover are displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters of the cover and the core so that the pillow functions to control the alignment of the head in a non-distorting aligned position for comfortable sleeping.
The core preferable is constructed of foam and the cover preferable is constructed with a fill of down, fiber, pulverized foam fills or other similar soft material. The pillow is constructed in different variations of thickness and firmness and cooperates with a mattress to provide comfort that enhances the quality of sleep.
The core in preferred embodiments is formed of one or more foam panels having a structure that creates the variable displacement parameters along the length and width of the pillow. While the overall exterior shape of the pillow appears regular and smooth, like conventional pillows, the internal structure is variable and is displaced in a beneficial manner under the weight of a head.
The core is constructed to have a firm area (higher ILD) near a longer edge of the pillow and a softer (lower ILD) central region. The firm area is for alignment under the neck and provides neck support for comfortable supine and other position sleeping. The softer central region adjacent the firm area allows the head to be positioned in a neutral anatomic position with natural alignment evidenced by the chin and brow being at about the same height above the mattress surface. In the supine position, gravity acts to draw the tissues back from the centerline of the face as to reduce creases and wrinkles
The core is constructed to have firm areas (higher ILD's) on either side of the softer (lower ILD) central region. These firm areas on either side of the softer central region provide firmer support on the side of the head for side-sleeping. During side sleeping, the weight of the head causes a minor load on the tissues proximal to the centerline of the face, that is, the area on each side of the mouth and on the lips. With the firm area on the side of the soft area, the head is gently drawn forward by the action of gravity, causing a drawing back of the cheek and neutralization of the stresses on or about the mouth and hence functions to reduce deep creasing and wrinkling in that region. The core is constructed to position the head and neck to avoid improper head/neck positioning. Improper head/neck positioning results in the reduction in airway patency, snoring and sleep apnea. For side sleeping, the soft facial tissue is drawn backward so as to open the nasal vestibule.
The pillow cover in one or more preferred embodiments includes internal compartments for receiving and holding a soft fill, such as down, around the core. Typically a fastener such as a zipper is present along one or more sides of the pillow cover to enable the core to be easily inserted and removed from the cover. The core is therefore easily exchanged with different cores, to achieve different sleep qualities as may be preferred by a user. Also, core removal allows the pillow cover to be laundered without subjecting the core to the laundry environment.
Different asymmetrical relationships are present in certain embodiments to allow a user to select which side or edge of the pillow is most comfortable.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a pillow having a normal shape and appearance within a partially cut away pillow case.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the pillow of FIG. 1 with the internal structure including the core shown within the cover.

FIG. 3 depicts a front section view of the cover of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed.

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of an alternate embodiment of the cover of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed and where the cover material is thicker on one side (top) of the core opening than the other side (bottom).

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a core formed of an inner soft region surrounded by an outer firmer region.

FIG. 6 depicts an end view of the core of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an alternate embodiment the core of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a core formed of an inner soft region, an intermediate firmer region surrounding the inner soft region an outer softer region surrounding the intermediate region.

FIG. 9 depicts an end view of the core of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternate front section view of the cover of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed where the cover includes baffles for keeping the cover material uniformly distributed about the core.

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center oval hole for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional oval holes (including ear holes) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.

FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of a pillow with the core of FIG. 11 within the cover and with the internal structure revealed.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center rectangular hole for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional rectangular holes (including ear holes) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.

FIG. 14 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.

FIG. 16 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by slots surrounding the center region for relieving tensile forces created by a head and by slots around holes for ears to provide softness for ears.

FIG. 18 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17 for a core of 3 inch thickness.

FIG. 19 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17 for a core of 2 inch thickness.

FIG. 20 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 17 for a core of 1 inch thickness.

FIG. 21 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.

FIG. 22 depicts an end sectional view of the core of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width, created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears and created by softening holes around the perimeter.

FIG. 24 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes.

FIG. 25 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23 taken along the width and through the center region.

FIG. 26 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 23 taken along the width and through the ear holes.

FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.

FIG. 28 depicts a front section view of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes.

FIG. 29 depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and showing a hollowed-out section from both the top and bottom surfaces in the head region.

FIG. 30 depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two layers of foam having different compression parameters and with openings extending through both layers.

FIG. 31A depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two layers of foam having different compression parameters and with openings (holes) extending through only one of the layers.

FIG. 31B depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of multiple layers of foam having different compression parameters and with openings (holes) extending through only the top layer.

FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.

FIG. 33 depicts a top view of a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides and additionally at each of the corners between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears where the ear holes are within a larger oval cut.

FIG. 34 depicts a female in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 35 depicts a female in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 36 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 37 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 38 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of natural alignment.

FIG. 39 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 40 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment but with a slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.

FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional end view of a pillow with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 42 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same pillow as in FIG. 41 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the head behind the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 44 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow as in FIG. 43 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position, in the opposite direction as in FIG. 43, with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 45 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow as in FIG. 44 with a cover and core and with a female midway between a side-lying position and a back-lying position, with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 46 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow as in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 with a cover and core and with a female in a back-lying position, with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 47 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow as in FIG. 44, FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the face toward the center of the pillow and with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 48 depicts a top view of a pillow with a core having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center hole for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional holes (including ear holes) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.

FIG. 49 depicts an end view of a thin core embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 depicts a front view of a thin core embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 51 depicts a front view of an alternate thicker core embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 52 depicts a front view of a thick core embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48 formed by a combination of the cores of FIG. 50 and FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 depicts an isometric view of a thick core of the FIG. 52 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 54 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core of the FIG. 52 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 55 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core of the FIG. 51 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 56 depicts a front sectional view of a thin core of the FIG. 50 embodiment of the core in the pillow of FIG. 48.

FIG. 57 depicts a front sectional view of another core of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.

FIG. 58 depicts a front sectional view of another core of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.

FIG. 59 depicts a front sectional view of another core of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.

FIG. 60 depicts a front sectional view of another core of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.

FIG. 61 depicts a front sectional view of another core of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type.

FIG. 62 depicts a front sectional view of the core of FIG. 61 within a cover of a pillow and supporting a side lying head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, pillow 10 externally has a normal shape and appearance and fits within a conventional pillow case 8. Internally, the pillow 10 has a structurally varying core 12. A zipper 14 or other fastening device is provided, in some embodiments, so as to provide an opening for access to the internal parts including core 12 of the pillow 10.
In FIG. 2, the pillow 10 of FIG. 1 is shown and includes the core 12 encased within a core opening 6 formed by the cover 11. The core 12 is made of structurally varying foam and includes varying displacement parameters. The cover 11 surrounds the core 12 and the zipper 14 provides an opening for internal access. Typically, zipper 14 extends along two of the four sides of the pillow 10.
In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pillow 10 is for supporting and positioning a head and neck of a reclining body (see FIG. 34 through FIG. 47) on a mattress (see FIG. 34 through FIG. 37) where the pillow 10 has a pillow length, P_T, a pillow width, P_W, and a pillow thickness, P_T. The pillow 10 includes a foam core 12 having core variable displacement parameters (see FIG. 5 through FIG. 33) along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the neck and head in a non-distorting aligned position. The pillow 10 includes a cover 11 forming a core opening 13 for receiving the core 12 so that the cover encases the core. The cover includes a chamber 4 containing a fill 3. The chamber 4 has a chamber thickness, C_T(C_T1and C_T2), forming a substantial portion of the pillow thickness, W_T. The fill 3 has fill displacement parameters substantially softer than the core variable displacement parameters. Therefore, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and otherwise in the present invention, the cover 11 of the pillow 10 imparts a soft feeling to the head and the foam core 12 is displaced by the head, acting through the cover 11, as a function of the core variable displacement parameters to support the head and neck in the non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 3 depicts a front section view of the cover 11 of the pillow 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed leaving a core opening 13. The core opening 13 has a width, W_C, and a height, H_C, and the cover 11 has a width, W_P, and a height, H_P. The cover 11 is fastened around the core opening 12′ and the zipper 14 provides internal access to the core opening 12′.
FIG. 4 depicts a section view of an alternate embodiment of the cover 11 of the pillow of FIG. 1 (for clarity, the core is removed leaving a core opening 13). The core opening 13 in one embodiment has a length, L_C, of 24 inches, and a thickness, T_C, of 3 inches and the cover 11 has a length, L_P, of 26 inches and a thickness, T_P, of 24 inches where the cover chamber 4-1 is thicker with a measurement, C_T1, of 3 inches on one side of the core opening 13 than the cover chamber 4-2 with a measurement, C_T2, of 1 inch on the other side of the core opening 13. The asymmetry created by the 1 inch and 3 inch dimensions creates a pillow that presents a different feel and different displacement parameters to the head of a sleeper as a function of which side (1 inch side or 3 inches side) of the pillow is up on the mattress to receive the head.
FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₅formed of an inner (central) soft region 15-2 surrounded by an outer firmer region 15-1. The region 15-1 includes one or more holes 15-3 for modifying by softening the displacement parameters of the outer region 15-1. In a typical embodiment, the region 15-2 measures 11 inches by 10 inches and the outer region 15-1 measures 20 inches by 14 inches. The core 12 ₅is one embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width as created by the soft region 15-2 surrounded by the outer firmer region 15-1 with holes 15 ₃.
FIG. 6 depicts an end view of a 3 inch core 12 ₅of FIG. 5 with the soft region 15-2 surrounded by the outer firmer region 15-1. The transition between region 15-2 and region 15-1 is gradual with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a sharp feeling to a sleeper for greater comfort.
FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an alternate embodiment a 2 inch core 12 ₅of FIG. 5 where the outer edged of outer region 15 ₇-1 of FIG. 7 is bull-nosed or otherwise rounded to soften the edge as might be felt by a sleeper's head on a pillow. The transition between region 15 ₇-2 and region 15 ₇-1 is gradual with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a sharp feeling to a sleeper for greater comfort.
FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₈formed of an inner soft region 15 ₈-3, an intermediate firmer region 15 ₈-2 surrounding the inner soft region 15 ₈-3 and an outer softer region 15 ₈-1 surrounding the intermediate region 15 ₈-2. The outer softer region 15 ₈-1 includes a plurality of holes 15 ₈-4 for modifying by softening the displacement parameters of the outer region 15 ₈-1. The core 12 ₈is one embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width as created by the inner soft region 15 ₈-3, the intermediate firmer region 15 ₈-2 surrounding the inner soft region 15 ₈-3 and the outer softer region 15 ₈-1 surrounding the intermediate region 15 ₈-2.
FIG. 9 depicts an end view of the core 12 ₈of FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the inner soft region 15 ₈-3 is 9 inches, the intermediate region 15 ₈-2 is 12 inches and the outer softer region 15 ₈-1 is 14 inches shown in FIG. 9 as measured on the end.
FIG. 10 depicts an alternate front section view of the cover of the pillow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the core removed where the cover chamber includes compartments for keeping the cover fill material uniformly distributed about the core. Baffles extending across the chamber create the compartments 11 ₁₀-1, 11 ₁₀-2, 11 ₁₀-3, 11 ₁₀-4, 11 ₁₀-5, 11 ₁₀-6, 11 ₁₀-7, 11 ₁₀-9, 11 ₁₀-10, 11 ₁₀-11 and 11 ₁₀-12.
FIG. 11 depicts a top sectional view of a pillow 10 ₁₁having a core 12 ₁₁having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center oval hole 16 ₁₁-3 for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional oval holes (including ear holes 16 ₁₁-3, 16 ₁₁-4, 16 ₁₁-6 and 16 ₁₁-7 and including side holes 16 ₁₁-1 and 16 ₁₁-5) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the pillow measures 30 inches by 20 inches. The core 12 ₁₁is one embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width as created by the inner hole 16 ₁₁-3, the ear holes 16 ₁₁-3, 16 ₁₁-4, 16 ₁₁-6 and 16 ₁₁-7 and the side holes 16 ₁₁-1 and 16 ₁₁-5.
FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the pillow 10 ₁₁with the core 12 ₁₁of FIG. 11 within the cover 11 ₁₁and with the internal structure revealed by broken lines.
FIG. 13 depicts a top sectional view of a core 12 ₁₃having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a center rectangular hole 16 ₁₃-3 for receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the center rectangular hole 16 ₁₃-3 with additional rectangular holes (including ear holes 16 ₁₃-3, 16 ₁₃-4, 16 ₁₃-6 and 16 ₁₃-7 and including side holes 16 ₁₃-1 and 16 ₁₃-5) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the core 12 ₁₃ measures 24 inches by 16 inches. The core 12 ₁₃is one embodiment of a core formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width as created by the inner hole 1613-3, the ear holes 16 ₁₃-3, 16 ₁₃-4, 16 ₁₃-6 and 16 ₁₃-7 and the side holes 16 ₁₃-1 and 16 ₁₃-5.
FIG. 14 depicts a front section view taken along section line 14-14′ of the core of FIG. 13. The rectangular holes 16 ₁₃-1, 16 ₁₃-7, 16 ₁₃-3, 16 ₁₃-6 and 16 ₁₃-5 extend all the way through the core 12 ₁₃. The core 12 ₁₃is surrounded by the cover 11 ₁₃.
FIG. 15 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₁₅having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8 and 16-9 for receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the center region with additional rows of circular holes 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, and 16-4 and 16-10, 16-11, 16-12, and 16-13 for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the central region of the foam core 12 ₁₅is formed by a foam layer having a volume where fifty percent or more of the volume is constituted by the circular holes 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8 and 16-9.
FIG. 16 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₁₅taken along section line 16-16′ of FIG. 15. The core 12 ₁₅ measures 1 inch and is of uniform thickness.
FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₁₇having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by half holes around the perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by slots surrounding the center region for relieving tensile forces created by a head and by slots around holes for ears to provide softness for ears. FIG. 17 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₁₇having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by half holes 16 ₁₇-14 around the perimeter, created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes 16 ₁₇-4, 16 ₁₇-5, 16 ₁₇-6, 16 ₁₇-7 and 16 ₁₇-8 for receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the center region. Additional rows of circular holes 16 ₁₇-1, 16 ₁₇-2, 16 ₁₇-3, and 16 ₁₇-9 and 16 ₁₇-10 and 16 ₁₇-11 provide for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width. Slots 19, including slots 19 ₁₇-1, 16 ₁₇-2 and 16 ₁₇-3 in the upper left ear region, relieve stress in the ear regions. Slots 20 ₁₇-1, 20 ₁₇-2, 20 ₁₇-3, and 20 ₁₇-4 relieve stress around the center region rows of circular holes 16 ₁₇-4, 16 ₁₇-5, 16 ₁₇-6, 16 ₁₇-7 and 16 ₁₇-8. Also, in FIG. 17, the foam core 12 ₁₇has a central region including the circular holes 16 ₁₇-4, 16 ₁₇-5, 16 ₁₇-6, 16 ₁₇-7 and 16 ₁₇-8 and formed with a first wall of approximately 3 inches running parallel to the score 20 ₁₇-1 and extending to the half-circle edge, and a second wall of approximately 2 inches running parallel to the score 20 ₁₇-3 and extending to the half-circle edge where the first and second walls extend in the direction of the length. The central region has a central ILD and the walls have a wall ILD where the central ILD is less than the wall ILD because of the holes. The neck of a reclining body is supported by and extends over one of the walls allowing the head to depress into the central region.
FIG. 18 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₁₇, taken along section line 18-18′ of FIG. 17, that is 3 inches thick.
FIG. 19 depicts a front section view of the core 12′₁₇, taken along section line 18-18′ of FIG. 17, that is 2 inches thick.
FIG. 20 depicts a front section view of the core 12″₁₇, taken along section line 18-18′ of FIG. 17, that is 1 inch thick.
FIG. 21 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₂₁having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes 16 ₂₁-3 surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region with additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears. FIG. 21 depicts a top sectional view of a core 12 ₂₁having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a center rectangular hole 16 ₂₁-3 for receiving a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the center rectangular hole 16 ₂₁-3. Additional holes (including ear holes 26 ₂₁-2, 16 ₂₁-4, 16 ₂₁-6 and 16 ₂₁-8, including side holes 16 ₂₁-1 and 16 ₂₁-5 and including side holes 16 ₂₁-9 and 16 ₂₁-10) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the length and width.
FIG. 22 depicts a front section view, taken along section line 22-22′ of FIG. 21, of the core 12 ₂₁of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₂₃having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness, between the firmer regions and the edges along the width, are created by four ear holes for side lying alignment of ears and accompanied by softening holes around the perimeter.
FIG. 24 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₂₃of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 24-24′ of FIG. 23 that extends for the length and through the center region and ear holes.
FIG. 25 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₂₃of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 25-25′ of FIG. 23 that extends for the width and through the center region.
FIG. 26 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₂₃of FIG. 23, taken along the section line 26-26′ of FIG. 23 that extends for the width through the center region and ear holes.
FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₂₇having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.
FIG. 28 depicts a front section view of the core 12 ₂₇of FIG. 27 taken along the section line 28-28′ of FIG. 27 and extending over the length and through the center region and ear holes.
FIG. 29 depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core 12 ₂₇of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and showing a hollowed-out section from both the top and bottom surfaces in the central head region.
FIG. 30 depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core 12 ₂₇of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two layers of foam having the same or different compression parameters and with openings aligned and extending through both layers.
FIG. 31A depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core 12 ₂₇of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of two layers of foam having the same or different compression parameters and with openings extending through only one of the layers.
FIG. 31B depicts a front section view of an alternate embodiment of the core of FIG. 27 taken along the length and through the center region and ear holes and being formed of multiple layers of foam having different compression parameters and with openings (holes) extending through only the top layer. The core 12 ₃₁has bottom layers 16 ₃₁-1 and 16 ₃₁-2 which are arranged on the sides core 12 ₃₁to provide an opening 16 ₃₁-3. The opening 16 ₃₁-3 allows the top layer to depress under the weight of a head and neck and thereby facilitates the head in assuming a non-distorting position in the manner described in connection with FIG. 40. The bottom layers 16 ₃₁-1 and 16 ₃₁-2 in one embodiment are foams with differing ILDs and in still other embodiments are a single layer made of a single foam.
FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₃₂having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears.
FIG. 33 depicts a top view of a core 12 ₃₃having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center region for a head formed of multiple rows of circular holes surrounded by tension relieving slots on four sides and additionally at each of the corners between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center region. Additional rows of circular holes for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width and created by four ear holes for side lying placement of ears where the ear holes are within a larger oval cut. In FIG. 33, the soft center region hexagons, or the entire center region, in some alternate embodiments a filled with a soft gel.
FIG. 34 depicts a female body 36 in a back-lying position with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 35 depicts a female body 36 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 36 depicts a male body 35 in a back-lying position with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 37 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 cooperating with the mattress 57 to maintain natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
While the pillow 10 in any of the FIG. 34 through FIG. 37 examples may be used on any surface or with any mattress, ideally mattress 57 has mattress variable displacement parameters for fostering body alignment. Mattresses with mattress variable displacement parameters are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,036,172 and 6,807,698. In FIG. 34 through FIG. 37, the mattress length is across the page, the mattress thickness is vertical with the page and the mattress width is normal to the page. The mattress 57 includes mattress variable displacement parameters along the mattress length and the mattress width in the direction of the mattress thickness for supporting the body in a non-distorting aligned position. The pillow 10 has a foam core as described in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 33 having core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in anon-distorting aligned position when located on the mattress 57 with the length of the pillow 10 perpendicular to the length of the mattress 57, and with the core variable displacement parameters tailored to match the mattress variable displacement parameters for alignment of the head and the body. For example, when the shoulder region of the mattress 57 includes a displacement parameter for lowering the shoulder of a back-lying reclining body for alignment of the spinal area of the body, the angles of the neck and head on the body tend to be modified and distorted from proper alignment for ideal non-snoring and free air passage. With such mattresses, the pillow 10 is tailored to have a complimentary ILD (different from an ILD that would be used for a mattress without mattress variable displacement parameters) whereby the rotation of the head into the core is accentuated to provide a more ideal sleeping combination. The combination of a pillow and a mattress each having tailored variable displacement parameters tends to provide an ideal sleeping environment.
FIG. 38 depicts a male body 35 in a back-lying position with the pillow 10 operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of natural alignment in a distorting position.
FIG. 39 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 40 depicts a male body 35 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and with a slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.
FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional end view of a pillow 10 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and where the section is taken to show the ear aligned over the ear hole of the core 12.
FIG. 42 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same pillow 10 as in FIG. 41 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and where the section is taken to show the head behind the ear hole of the core 12.
FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow 10 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core 12. Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG. 43 encourages the head to be rotated at an angle of approximately 8° from the horizontal.
FIG. 44 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow 10 as in FIG. 43 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a side-lying position, in the opposite direction as in FIG. 43, with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a nondistorting aligned position and where the section is taken to show the ear aligned over the ear hole of the core 12. Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG. 44 encourages the head to be rotated at an angle of approximately 8° from the horizontal.
FIG. 45 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow 10 as in FIG. 44 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female midway between a side-lying position and a back-lying position, with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 46 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow 10 as in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a back-lying position, with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position.
FIG. 47 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same pillow 10 as in FIG. 44, FIG. 45 and FIG. 46 with a cover 11 and core 12 and with a female body 36 in a side-lying position with the face toward the center of the pillow 10 and with the pillow 10 maintaining natural head and neck alignment in a non-distorting aligned position. Typically, the structure of the pillow 10 of FIG. 47 encourages the head to be rotated at an angle of approximately 8° from the horizontal.
FIG. 48 depicts a top view of a pillow 10 with a core 12 having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a soft center hole for a head between firmer regions along the edges of the length for neck support and created by firmer regions on either side of the soft center hole with additional holes (including ear holes) for softness between the firmer regions and the edges along the width.
FIG. 48 depicts a top sectional view of a pillow 10 ₄₈having a core 12 ₄₈having variable displacement parameters in the length and width directions created by a center hole 16 ₄₈-3 for a head. The center hole 16 ₄₈-3 is between firmer regions of 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches along the edges of the length for neck support. The center hole 16 ₄₈-3 also has firmer regions on either side with additional holes (including ear holes 16 ₄₈-3, 16 ₄₈-4, 16 ₄₈-6 and 16 ₄₈-7 and including side holes 16 ₄₈-1 and 16 ₄₈-5). The ear holes 16 ₄₈-3, 16 ₄₈-4, 16 ₄₈-6 and 16 ₄₈-7 provide for softness for receiving an ear with a side-lying head. The side holes 16 ₄₈-1 and 16 ₄₈-5 provide softness near the edges of the pillow. In the embodiment of FIG. 48, the pillow 10 ₄₈ measures 28 inches by 18 inches and the core 12 ₄₈ measures 24 inches by 14 inches.
FIG. 49 depicts an end view of a thin core 12 ₄₈-1 that is one embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. In a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the transition between core 12 ₄₈and the center region 16 ₄₈-3 is gradual with a triangular slope. This transition prevents a sharp feeling to a sleeper for greater comfort.
FIG. 50 depicts a front view of the thin core 12 ₄₈-1 that is one embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. The thin core 12 ₄₈-1 is 1 inch thick.
FIG. 51 depicts a front view of an alternate thicker core 12 ₄₈-2 that is another embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. The thicker core 12 ₄₈-2 is 2 inches thick.
FIG. 52 depicts a front view of a thick core 12 ₅₂that is one embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48 formed by a combination of the cores 12 ₄₈-1 and 12 ₄₈-2 of FIG. 50 and FIG. 51. The thick core 12 ₅₂as a combination of the cores 12 ₄₈-1 and 12 ₄₈-2 is 3 inches thick.
FIG. 53 depicts an isometric view of a pillow 10 ₅₃having a thick core 12 ₅₂of the FIG. 52 type that is an embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. The zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12 ₅₂to be easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11 ₅₃.
FIG. 54 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core 12 ₅₂of the FIG. 52 type that is an embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 54, the cover 1153 includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12 ₅₂to be easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11 ₅₃.
FIG. 55 depicts a front sectional view of a thick core 12 ₄₈-2 of the FIG. 51 type that is an embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 55, the cover 11 ₅₃includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12 ₅₂to be easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11 ₅₃.
FIG. 56 depicts a front sectional view of a thin core 12 ₄₈-1 of the FIG. 50 type that is an embodiment of the core 12 ₄₈in the pillow of FIG. 48. In FIG. 56, the cover 11 ₅₃includes an upper chamber 11-1 that is filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power and includes a lower chamber 11-2 that is also filled with 3.5 ounces of down having a 550 fill power. The zipper 14 provides an opening that allows the core 12 ₄₈-1 to be easily inserted into and removed from the cover 11 ₅₃.
The embodiments of FIG. 54, FIG. 55 and FIG. 56 each typically have the same amount of down or other fill and hence the pillows 10 ₅₃, 10 ₅₅and 10 ₅₆have the feel of firm, intermediate and soft, respectively.
FIG. 57 depicts a front sectional view of another core 12 ₅₇of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The core 12 ₅₇includes a body 12 ₅₇-1 having ear wells 16 ₅₇-1 and 16 ₅₇-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region includes a cavity 16 ₅₇-3 in the center. The shallower central region and cavity 16 ₅₇-3 function to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body 12 ₅₇-1 is foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body.
FIG. 58 depicts a front sectional view of another core 12 ₅₈of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The core 12 ₅₈includes a body having a body top 12 ₅₈-1 and a body bottom 12 ₅₈-2. The body top 12 ₅₈-1 and body bottom 12 ₅₈-2 have ear wells 16 ₅₈-1 and 16 ₅₈-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body top 12 ₅₈-1 and the body bottom 12 ₅₈-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top 12 ₅₈-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12 ₅₈-2 is a memory foam.
FIG. 59 depicts a front sectional view of another core 12 ₅₉of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The core 12 ₅₉includes a body 12 ₅₉-1 having ear wells 16 ₅₉-1 and 16 ₅₉-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region includes a cavity 16 ₅₉-3 in the center. The shallower central region and cavity 16 ₅₉-3 function to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body 12 ₅₉-1 is foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. The outer edges of the body 12 ₅₉-1 are rounded to help rotate a side lying head in an 8° degree angle relative to horizontal as shown for example in FIG. 43.
FIG. 60 depicts a front sectional view of another core 12 ₆₀of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The core 12 ₆₀includes a body having a body top 12 ₆₀-1 and a body bottom 12 ₆₀-2. The body top 12 ₆₀-1 and body bottom 12 ₆₀-2 have ear wells 16 ₆₀-1 and 16 ₆₀-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body top 12 ₆₀-1 and the body bottom 12 ₆₀-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top 12 ₆₀-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12 ₆₀-2 is a memory foam.
FIG. 61 depicts a front sectional view of another core 12 ₆₁of the type used in a pillow of the FIG. 50 type. The core 12 ₆₁includes a body having a body top 12 ₆₁-1 and a body bottom 12 ₆₁-2. The body top 12 ₆₁-1 and body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 have ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body top 12 ₆₁-1 and the body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top 12 ₆₁-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 is a memory foam. The core 12 ₆₁includes a cover layer 12 ₆₁-4 that extends over the body top 12 ₆₁-1 and the ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2. The cover layer 12 ₆₁-4 tends to soften the ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2.
FIG. 62 depicts a front sectional view of the core 12 ₆₁of FIG. 61 within a cover 11 of a pillow 12 and supporting a side lying head 36. The core 12 ₆₁includes a body having a body top 12 ₆₁-1 and a body bottom 12 ₆₁-2. The body top 12 ₆₁-1 and body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 have ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2 toward the sides and a shallower central region. The central region functions to recline the head of a body in the same manner as the region 16 ₄₈-3 in the core of FIG. 48 and as shown by the reclined head in FIG. 40. The body top 12 ₆₁-1 and the body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 are foam or other soft material comfortable for supporting a head and neck of a body. In one example, the body top 12 ₆₁-1 is a latex foam and the body bottom 12 ₆₁-2 is a memory foam. The core 12 ₆₁includes a cover layer 12 ₆₁-4 that extends over the body top 12 ₆₁-1 and the ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2. The cover layer 12 ₆₁-4 tends to soften the ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2 and together with the cover 11 allow the ear of a side lying head 36 to gracefully find the ear wells 16 ₆₁-1 and 16 ₆₁-2. The rounded end of the body top 12 ₆₁-1 tends to encourage the head 36 to rotate at an angle of about 8° in a non-distorting aligned position.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a pillow thickness comprising,

a core having core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a non-distorting aligned position,

a cover having a cover chamber containing a fill where the cover chamber has a chamber thickness forming a portion of the pillow thickness, where the fill has fill displacement parameters and where the core is located within a core opening formed by the cover so that the cover encases the core, and

whereby the cover imparts a soft feeling to the head supported by the pillow and whereby the core and the cover are displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters to support the head in the non-distorting aligned position.

2. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the fill displacement parameters are substantially softer than the core displacement parameters.

3. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the fill is one or more of synthetic and natural fibers.

4. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core is foam having a plurality of holes located to provide t the core variable displacement parameters.

5. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the core has a central region including a single hole.

6. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the core has a central region including one or more of said holes for aligning with the head and has two side regions offset from said central region for aligning with an ear of said head when the head is in a side-lying position.

7. The pillow of claim 6 wherein said side regions each include two holes.

8. The pillow of claim 4 wherein the central region of said core is formed by a foam layer having a volume where fifty percent or more of the volume is constituted by holes.

9. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core includes one or more layers of foam including said core variable displacement parameters.

10. The pillow of claim 9 wherein said one or more layers are of uniform thickness.

11. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the core includes a plurality of layers of foam wherein at least one of said layers includes said core variable displacement parameters and wherein said cover includes an opening whereby one or more of said layers can be removed to modify the pillow displacement parameters.

12. The pillow of claim 10 wherein said opening is provided by a zipper in said cover.

13. The pillow of claim 1 where the core has a central region formed with a first wall and a second wall where the first and second walls extend in the direction of the length where the central region has a central ILD and the walls have a wall ILD whereby the neck of the reclining body is supported by and extends over one of said walls allowing the head to depress into the central region.

14. The pillow of claim 13 where the first wall has a greater width than the second wall whereby the head when extending over the first wall has greater support than when extending over the second wall.

15. The pillow of claim 1 where the chamber includes two or more compartments.

16. The pillow of claim 15 where a first compartment is on a top of the pillow and a second compartment is on a bottom of the pillow.

17. The pillow of claim 16 where the first compartment has a first volume for receiving a first quantity of fill and where the second compartment has a second volume for receiving a second quantity of fill where the first volume and the first quantity of fill are greater than the second volume and the second quantity of fill, respectively.

18. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a pillow thickness comprising,

a core having a substantially uniform thickness and including a plurality of holes providing core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a nondistorting aligned position, the core including a central region and a first region on one side of the central region and a second region on another side of the central region,

a cover having a chamber for receiving a fill where the chamber has a chamber thickness forming a substantial portion of the pillow thickness, where the fill has fill displacement parameters substantially softer than the core variable displacement parameters and where the core is located within a core opening so that the cover encases the core, and

19. The pillow of claim 18 where the fill is one or more of synthetic and natural fibers.

20. The pillow of claim 18 where the central region is formed with a first wall and a second wall where the first and second walls extend in the direction of the length where the central region has a central ILD and the walls have a wall ILD whereby the neck of the reclining body is supported by and extends over one of said walls allowing the head to depress into the central region and where the first wall has a greater width than the second wall whereby the head when extending over the first wall has greater support than when extending over the second wall.

21. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a pillow thickness and where the mattress has a mattress length, a mattress width and a mattress thickness where the mattress includes mattress variable displacement parameters along the mattress length and the mattress width in the direction of the mattress thickness for supporting the body in a non-distorting aligned position comprising,

a core having core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a non-distorting aligned position when located on the mattress with the length of the pillow perpendicular to the length of the mattress, said core variable displacement parameters tailored to match the mattress variable displacement parameters for alignment of the head and other parts of the body,

a cover having a cover chamber containing a fill where the cover chamber has a chamber thickness forming a substantial portion of the pillow thickness, where the fill has fill displacement parameters and where the core is located within a core opening formed by the cover so that the cover encases the core, and

whereby the cover imparts a soft feeling to the head supported by the pillow and whereby the core and the cover are displaced by the head as a function of the displacement parameters to support the head in the aligned position.