Size-adjustable ergonomically correct pillow

Abstract

An ergonomically correct and size-adjustable pillow and / or travel pillow having an outer shell defining an internal perimetral channel that surrounds a central recess configured to cradle a user's head and support the cervical spine in a neutral alignment. At least two access openings are disposed on opposite sides of the outer shell, each provided with a detachable fastener. At least two C-shaped bolster inserts are dimensioned and shaped to be received within the perimetral channel face-to-face to substantially occupy the entire perimetral channel. Each bolster insert has its own detachable fastener permitting the user to independently add or remove fill material to achieve a desired loft, density, and height. Due to the permanently filled central recess, the pillow maintains its ergonomic profile regardless of fill level and is suitable for users from toddlers to adults, as well as for use as a travel pillow.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application number 63 / 745,505, filed 01 / 15 / 2025, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

[0002] The subject disclosure relates generally to pillows, and more particularly to an ergonomically correct and size-adjustable pillow and / or travel pillow having a perimetral channel, a central recess, and removable, independently fillable bolster inserts that allow a user to customize the density, loft, and support characteristics of the pillow while maintaining proper cervical spine alignment.

[0003] Sleep quality and spinal health are inextricably linked. The cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae that must maintain a gentle lordotic curvature during sleep to avoid nerve impingement, muscular tension, and chronic pain. Despite the critical role of sleep posture, the vast majority of commercially available pillows fail to provide ergonomically correct cervical support.

[0004] Conventional pillows typically consist of a single fill-filled shell that compresses unevenly under the weight of the sleeper's head. Because the cervical spine curves forward and the shoulders are broader than the neck, a flat pillow forces the neck into lateral flexion, while an overly thick pillow pushes the neck into lateral extension. Neither configuration is ergonomically appropriate. Sleepers of different sizes, body types, and sleeping positions therefore require pillows of different heights, densities, and shapes.

[0005] Some manufacturers have attempted to address these deficiencies by placing a single adjustable bladder in the center of a pillow. However, a single central bladder does not create the lofted lateral support that the cervical spine requires. When the head is placed on such a pillow, it sinks into the central region and receives inadequate lateral bolstering, leaving the neck without the support necessary to maintain the lordotic curvature.

[0006] Other manufacturers offer pillows with fixed contoured shapes, including raised lateral lobes and a central depression. While such pillows approach ergonomic correctness, they are one-size-fits-all designs that cannot be adjusted to accommodate the substantial variation in neck width, shoulder width, head weight, and preferred sleeping position among individual users. A pillow sized appropriately for an adult male is far too large for a child, and vice versa.

[0007] As can be seen, there is a need for a pillow that (i) provides genuine ergonomic cervical spine support through a structurally defined perimetral channel and a central recess, wherein the user’s head occupies the central recess so that a portion of the perimetral channel filled with a size-adjustable bolster insert cradles the neck; (ii) is fully adjustable in density, loft, and height to accommodate users ranging from toddlers to adults; (iii) allows the user to independently adjust each side of the pillow; and (iv) is sufficiently compact and configurable to serve as a travel pillow. The subject disclosure satisfies this need.SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

[0008] In one aspect, the subject disclosure provides an ergonomically correct and size-adjustable pillow comprising an outer shell defining a perimetral channel and a central recess inward of the perimetral channel, at least two access openings formed on opposite sides of the outer shell, each access opening having a detachable fastener, and at least two C-shaped bolster inserts dimensioned to occupy the perimetral channel, each bolster insert having a detachable fastener permitting selective addition or removal of fill material.

[0009] In another aspect, the subject disclosure provides a method of customizing an ergonomically correct pillow for a particular user, including the following: accessing at least one bolster insert through an access opening of an outer shell; adding or removing fill material from the at least one bolster insert through a detachable fastener of the bolster insert to achieve a desired loft, density, and height; closing the detachable fastener of the bolster insert; inserting the bolster insert into the perimetral channel of the outer shell; and closing the access opening of the outer shell so that a central recess of the pillow cradles the user's head, while a portion of the perimetral channel filled with a bolster insert supports the neck.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the perimetral channel defines a generally rectangular channel surrounding the central recess. In certain embodiments, two C-shaped bolster inserts are provided face-to-face so that both occupy substantially the entirety of the perimetral channel. In certain embodiments, one bolster insert is larger than the other, thereby enabling one side of the pillow to provide greater loft and lateral support than the other side to accommodate different neck sizes or user preferences. In certain embodiments, the central recess contemplates permanently retained fill material that is not user-removable, thereby providing consistent baseline support for the cervical spine regardless of how the bolster inserts are adjusted. In certain embodiments, the outer shell and the bolster inserts are formed from knitted fabric. The pillow is suitable for use by toddlers through adults and is configurable for use as a travel pillow.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present subject disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the pillow 100 of the subject disclosure, showing the outer shell 10 in a closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a second exemplary embodiment of the pillow of the subject disclosure, showing an alternative profile of the outer shell 10.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the pillow of the subject disclosure illustrating the outer shell 10 opening 20 in an open condition, as the shell fastener 22 is in an open position, and so with a bolster insert 30 partially visible within a perimetral channel 12 defined by the outer shell 10. An insert fastener 32 is shown in a closed position.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure illustrating a bolster insert 30 removed from the perimetral channel 12 of the outer shell 10 of the pillow 100.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a detailed top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure illustrating a bolster insert 30 protruding from the outer shell 10 of the pillow 100 in a partially inserted condition.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure illustrating two bolster inserts 30 configured for placement within the perimetral channel 12 of the outer shell 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

[0019] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0020] As used herein, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figures and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figures. These terms are used for convenience only and do not limit the scope of the invention. As used herein, the term "approximately" shall include deviations of up to ten percent (10%) of the provided value.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the subject disclosure provides a pillow 100 that is both ergonomically correct and fully size adjustable. The pillow 100 is designed to provide proper cervical spine support by maintaining the natural lordotic curvature of the neck during sleep, while simultaneously permitting the user to independently customize the loft, density, and height of each lateral portion of the pillow 100. Unlike prior art pillows having a single fixed-fill profile or a single central adjustable bladder, the pillow 100 of the subject disclosure provides a structural distinction between (a) a permanently filled central recess 14 that cradles the head, and (b) independently fillable lateral bolster inserts 30 that allow innumerable adjustments of the surrounding support structure without compromising the ergonomic profile of the pillow 100, wherein a bolster insert 30 within the perimetral channel supports the neck of the user. The loft is defined as fullness and as such can be measured as the distance between diametrically opposing sides. Loft is what is adjustable through the amount of fill within the bolster. Images of the fill can be found in the provisional patent application number 63 / 745,505. The loft can range from two or less to twenty inches.

[0022] The pillow 100 includes an outer shell 10 also known as a removable cover. The outer shell 10 defines an internal perimetral channel 12 that surrounds and, in turn, defines a central recess 14 inward of the perimetral channel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimetral channel 12 defines a generally rectangular channel that continuously surrounds the central recess 14, although it will be understood that the perimetral channel 12 may take other shapes, such as oval, elliptical, or other closed geometries, without departing from the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0023] The central recess 14 is configured to receive and cradle the user's head. The perimetral distance of the central recess 14 may be between four by six inches to ten by six inches or even greater. The central recess 14 defines an interior boundary of the perimetral channel 12. Because the central recess 14 is recessed relative to the surrounding perimetral channel 12, the cervical spine is maintained in a supported and neutral alignment during sleep, regardless of whether the user is a small child or a large adult. In certain embodiments, the central recess 14 contains non-removable fill, i.e., fill that is permanently retained within a portion of the outer shell 10 and is not accessible through any user-operable fastener. This non-removable fill provides a consistent and reliable baseline of head support that is not subject to inadvertent depletion by the user.

[0024] In one embodiment, the outer shell 10 is constructed from two pieces of fabric that are sewn together, forming the generally oval or rectangular central recess 14 in the center of the pillow 100. The fabric may be a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or any other suitable textile material. The two pieces of fabric, when sewn together, define the lateral boundaries of the central recess 14, as discussed in the previous paragraph, and simultaneously form the floor and ceiling of the perimetral channel 12 on either side of the central recess 14.

[0025] The outer shell 10 has at least two openings 20 for accessing the perimetral channel 12 from opposite sides of the pillow 100. In the illustrated embodiment, one opening 20 is disposed on the left side of the pillow 100 and one opening 20 is disposed on the right side of the pillow 100, thereby providing independent access to the left and right portions of the perimetral channel 12. Each opening 20 has a detachable fastener 22, which in the illustrated embodiment is a zipper, configured to move the opening 20 between a closed position, in which the bolster insert 30 is enclosed within the perimetral channel 12, and an open position, in which the perimetral channel 12 is accessible for insertion or removal of the bolster insert 30. The detachable fastener 22 may alternatively be any suitable releasable closure, including but not limited to buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic closures, or drawstrings.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, the pillow 100 includes at least two bolster inserts 30. Each bolster insert 30 is an independently fillable pillow insert that is dimensioned and shaped to be received within a corresponding portion of the perimetral channel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each bolster insert 30 is generally C-shaped or U-shaped in plan view, meaning that it has a central opening or concavity that, when the bolster insert 30 is seated in the perimetral channel 12, aligns with the central recess 14 of the outer shell 10. Two such C-shaped bolster inserts 30, placed face-to-face within the perimetral channel 12, together substantially occupy the entirety of the rectangular perimetral channel 12, thereby providing complete lateral, top, and bottom support around the central recess 14. In some embodiments, the distal-most facial edges of the two C-shaped bolster inserts 30 directly contact each other in the perimetral channel 12, in other embodiments they do not.

[0027] Each bolster insert 30 has a body width (of the C-shape) that is at least twenty percent greater than the leg width (of the C-shape). Accordingly, if a user first supports their neck with the leg width of a bolster insert 30 and that is insufficient, they can rotate the pillow 100 ninety degrees to obtain the girth of the bulkier, larger body width; or vice versa. Additionally, the gap between the distal ends of the two legs of two bolster inserts may provide a recess in which the user can support their neck and thus find a sweet spot. This gap may be more than zero and up to two inches.

[0028] Each bolster insert 30 is constructed from a suitable fabric, such as a knitted fabric, that is sewn to fit the shape of the corresponding portion of the perimetral channel 12. The bolster insert 30 has at least one detachable fastener 32, which in the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 3) is a zipper disposed at an end of the bolster insert 30 or along one of its edges. The detachable fastener 32 permits the user to selectively open the bolster insert 30 and add or remove fill 40 until the bolster insert 30 has a desired density, loft, height, and support level. Once the desired fill level is achieved, the user closes the detachable fastener 32 to enclose the fill 40 within the bolster insert 30. The bolster insert 30 is then inserted into the perimetral channel 12 through the corresponding opening 20 of the outer shell 10, and the detachable fastener 22 of the opening 20 is closed.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the two bolster inserts 30 are of different sizes. Specifically, one bolster insert 30 may be larger than the other bolster insert 30, thereby enabling one side of the pillow 100 to provide greater loft and support than the other side. This asymmetric configuration allows the pillow 100 to be flipped to select between two different support levels, accommodating users with different neck widths, shoulder widths, or sleeping preferences. For example, a child or a user with a narrower neck may prefer the smaller bolster insert side, while an adult with a broader neck and shoulders may prefer the larger bolster insert side.

[0030] Suitable fill materials for the bolster inserts include, but are not limited to, down, down alternative fiber, memory foam particles, shredded foam, buckwheat hulls, kapok, water beads, gel beads, polyester fiberfill, and any combination thereof. The specific fill material chosen by the user will affect the firmness, density, and responsiveness of the bolster insert 30 and may be selected in accordance with the user's personal preference and therapeutic requirements.

[0031] In embodiments, a pre-sewn center section 40 of the outer shell 10 retains the two bolster inserts 30 in their proper positions within the perimetral channel 12 and prevents the bolster inserts 30 from migrating toward the center of the pillow 100 during use. Because bolster inserts 30 are constrained by the walls of the perimetral channel 12 and held in position by the pre-sewn center section 10, the central recess 14 maintains its defined shape and depth regardless of the fill level of the bolster inserts 30. This ensures that the ergonomic cervical support profile of pillow 100 is preserved even as the user adjusts the bolster inserts 30.

[0032] To use the pillow 100, the user first adjusts each bolster insert 30 to the desired fill level. To adjust a bolster insert 30, the user opens the detachable fastener 22 of the corresponding opening 20 of the outer shell 10 to access the perimetral channel 12, removes the bolster insert 30 from the perimetral channel 12, opens the detachable fastener 32 of the bolster insert 30, adds or removes fill until the desired density and loft is achieved, closes the detachable fastener 32 of the bolster insert 30, reinserts the bolster insert 30 into the perimetral channel 12, and closes the detachable fastener 22 of the outer shell 10. This process may be performed independently for each bolster insert 30, allowing the user to achieve an asymmetric fill configuration if desired.

[0033] The user then places the pillow 100 on a sleeping surface, such as a mattress or bed, and rests his or her head and neck on the pillow 100 with the head positioned within the central recess 14. The central recess 14 cradles the head and supports the lordotic curvature of the cervical spine, while the underlying bolster insert 30 supports the neck and the surrounding bolster inserts 30 support lateral aspects of the head and neck. The user may at any time re-adjust the fill of either or both bolster inserts 30 to modify the support characteristics of the pillow 100 without altering its fundamental ergonomic shape.

[0034] The pillow 100 is sized and configured to be suitable for users ranging from toddlers to adults. The compact form factor and adjustable support characteristics of pillow 100 also make it well-suited for use as a travel pillow. The outer shell 10 may be removed and laundered separately from the bolster inserts 30, facilitating ease of cleaning and maintenance.

[0035] It should be understood that the foregoing description relates to exemplary embodiments and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, the perimetral channel 12 may define a non-rectangular closed shape, such as an oval, ellipse, or rounded rectangle, and the bolster inserts 30 may be correspondingly shaped. In some embodiments, more than two bolster inserts 30 may be provided to occupy the entirety of the perimetral channel 12. In some embodiments, the fasteners 22 and 32 may be other than zippers, as described above. In some embodiments, the outer shell 10 may be integral with the bolster inserts 30 rather than removable therefrom. In some embodiments, pillow 100 may be provided with an additional decorative outer cover. All such variations may be within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

[0037] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,”“such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0038] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An ergonomically correct and size-adjustable pillow comprising:an outer shell defining a perimetral channel and a central recess inward of the perimetral channel, the central recess configured to receive and support a user's head;at least two access openings disposed on opposite sides of the outer shell, each access opening having a detachable fastener configured to move between a closed position enclosing the perimetral channel and an open position providing access to the perimetral channel; andat least two bolster inserts dimensioned and shaped to be received within the perimetral channel, each bolster insert having a detachable fastener configured to permit selective addition and removal of fill material within the bolster insert.

2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the perimetral channel defines a generally rectangular channel continuously surrounding the central recess.

3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each bolster insert is generally C-shaped, and wherein the at least two bolster inserts are arranged face-to-face within the perimetral channel so as to together substantially occupy the entirety of the perimetral channel.

4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein a first one of the at least two bolster inserts is larger than a second one of the at least two bolster inserts, whereby the pillow provides a different level of support on a first side than on a second opposite side.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the central recess contains non-removable fill material permanently retained within the outer shell.

6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the detachable fastener of each access opening comprises a zipper.

7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the detachable fastener of each bolster insert comprises a zipper disposed at an end of the bolster insert.

8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is a removable cover configured to be laundered separately from the bolster inserts.

9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer shell and the bolster inserts is constructed from knitted fabric.

10. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the fill material of at least one bolster insert is selected from the group consisting of down, down alternative fiber, memory foam particles, shredded foam, buckwheat hulls, kapok, polyester fiberfill, and combinations thereof.

11. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the outer shell includes a pre-sewn center section configured to retain the at least two bolster inserts in respective positions within the perimetral channel and to prevent migration of the bolster inserts toward the central recess during use.

12. A method of customizing an ergonomically correct pillow for a user, the pillow comprising an outer shell defining a perimetral channel and a central recess inward of the perimetral channel, the outer shell having at least two access openings each provided with a detachable fastener, and at least two bolster inserts disposed within the perimetral channel, each bolster insert having a detachable fastener, the method comprising:opening the detachable fastener of at least one access opening of the outer shell to access the perimetral channel;removing at least one bolster insert from the perimetral channel;opening the detachable fastener of the at least one bolster insert;adding or removing fill material from the at least one bolster insert until a desired loft, density, and height is achieved;closing the detachable fastener of the at least one bolster insert;reinserting the at least one bolster insert into the perimetral channel; andclosing the detachable fastener of the at least one access opening so that the central recess is configured to cradle the user's head and the perimetral channel surrounding the central recess provides customized lateral support.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising independently adjusting fill material in a first bolster insert disposed on a first side of the pillow and a second bolster insert disposed on a second opposite side of the pillow to achieve asymmetric support levels on the first and second sides.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising selecting the desired loft, density, and height based on a neck size, shoulder width, head weight, or sleeping position preference of the user.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the fill material is selected from the group consisting of down, down alternative fiber, memory foam particles, shredded foam, buckwheat hulls, kapok, polyester fiberfill, and combinations thereof.

16. An ergonomically correct and size-adjustable pillow comprising:an outer cover having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end;a perimetral channel defined within the outer cover extending around a perimeter of the outer cover interior;a central recess defined within the outer cover inward of the perimetral channel, the central recess configured to support a user's cervical spine in a neutral alignment;a first access opening on the first end of the outer cover having a first releasable closure;a second access opening on the second end of the outer cover having a second releasable closure;a first bolster insert receivable within the perimetral channel through the first access opening, the first bolster insert having a releasable closure permitting selective adjustment of fill material therein; anda second bolster insert receivable within the perimetral channel through the second access opening, the second bolster insert having a releasable closure permitting selective adjustment of fill material therein;wherein, when the first and second bolster inserts are disposed within the perimetral channel, the central recess remains defined between the first and second bolster inserts to, wherein the central recess receives and support the user's head, while one of the first and second bolster inserts supports the user’s neck.

17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the first bolster insert is larger than the second bolster insert, such that placing the pillow with the first bolster insert side down provides a first support height and placing the pillow with the second bolster insert side down provides a second, different support height.

18. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the pillow is configured for use as a travel pillow and is suitable for users ranging from toddlers to adults.

19. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the first releasable closure and the second releasable closure each comprise a zipper.

20. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the first bolster insert and the second bolster insert are each generally C-shaped and are arranged face-to-face within the perimetral channel.

Images