PILLOW

Abstract

An improved pillow has a trough defined along a length thereof. A plurality of air channels are disposed in the trough. The improved pillow is preferably comprised of memory foam. In one embodiment, the improved pillow is covered with a hygroscopic material. The improved pillow may also be provided with an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic material, comprised of bamboo.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pillows and, more particularly, to an improved pillow supporting a plurality of sleep positions and providing cooling benefits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tens of millions of Americans suffer from a loss of sleep, whether due to insomnia or other causes. Insufficient sleep is linked with poor work performance, driving accidents, relationship problems, anger and depression. Recent studies have also linked sleep loss with a variety of health risks, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Experts recognize that sleep is as important for overall health as diet and exercise.

The use of a pillow while sleeping provides to main benefits. First, a good pillow props up the head, neck and shoulders, keeping them in alignment. Pillows also create a feeling of comfort, helping the user get a good night's sleep. There are three main sleeping positions—back, side and stomach. Different sleepers can have different needs. For example, back sleepers will typically prefer a flatter pillow to achieve proper alignment, while a side sleeper needs to compensate for the depth of their shoulder and may therefore prefer a firmer pillow.

The present invention is directed to providing an improved pillow providing improved support and comfort benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an improved pillow is provided. The improved pillow comprises, in combination: a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof; and a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved pillow is provided. The improved pillow comprises, in combination: a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof; wherein the pillow body is comprised of memory foam; a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough; and a hygroscopic covering over the pillow body.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an improved pillow is provided. The improved pillow comprises, in combination: a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof; wherein the pillow body is comprised of memory foam; a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough; wherein the air channels are parallel to one another; a hygroscopic covering over the pillow body; wherein the hygroscopic covering is polyethylene terephthalate; and an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an improved pillow consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, with a covering thereon.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the improved pillow of FIG. 1, without a covering.

FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of the improved pillow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the improved pillow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of the improved pillow of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, the configuration of a pillow 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. As best seen in FIGS. 1-2, the pillow 10 preferably has a generally rectangular configuration when viewed from above. As best seen in FIGS. 2-5, the pillow 10 preferably defines a trough 12 extending along a length thereof.

The pillow 10 is preferably comprised of a memory foam. More specifically, it is preferably manufactured using polyurethane (FUR) memory foam. A three pound PUR memory foam is preferred.

It is further preferred that the memory foam be cut into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, rather than fabricated using a mold process. A cut foam is thought to provide improved breathability as compared to a molded foam.

Disposed along a length of the trough 12 is a plurality of air channels 14. Three air channels 14 are shown and are preferable, though the number may be varied. A purpose of the air channels 14 is to permit air to flow beneath the head of a user, providing a cooler and thus more comfortable and relaxing environment. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2 and to promote uniformity of cooling effect, the air channels 14 run parallel to each other and extend the length of the trough 12, though departure from either of these parameters would still allow the pillow 10 to provide benefit and would be within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment, the pillow 10 is covered with a first covering 16 comprising a hygroscopic material. Hygroscopic materials naturally absorb water from their surroundings, and would thus wick away sweat from a head or face of a user. In one embodiment, the hygroscopic material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. PET is manufactured under the name DACRON.

In one embodiment, an outer covering 18, positioned over the first covering 16, is also provided. The outer covering 18 is, in one embodiment, comprised of bamboo, which is naturally anti-bacterial and fungicidal and thus of particular benefit to allergy sufferers. An outer covering 18 comprised of bamboo would also feature microscopic gaps that would improve breathability and coolness. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer covering 18 is secured in a relatively snug position about the pillow 10 with a zipper 20.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment, the pillow 10 has a front edge A and a rear edge B, wherein the front edge A is relatively more angled and the rear edge B is relatively more rounded as compared to one another. In this configuration, the shape of the front edge A would provide an alignment benefit, while the shape of the rear edge B would provide improved strength and support for the pillow 10. Alternatively, it may be desired to provide a pillow 10 in which both the front edge A and rear edge B are identically angled, so as to make the pillow 10 reversible from front to back.

A user desiring to sleep in a back or side position would place the pillow 10 in position so that front edge A is facing forwarding, and would place the neck thereover so that the head is resting in the trough 12. A user desiring to sleep in a stomach position would preferably flip pillow 10 over, so that the trough 12 is downward facing, giving the pillow 10 the appearance of an ordinary pillow.

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 the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An improved pillow comprising, in combination:

a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof; and

a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough.

2. The improved pillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow body is comprised of memory foam.

3. The improved pillow of claim 1 further comprising a hygroscopic covering over the pillow body.

4. The improved pillow of claim 3 wherein the hygroscopic covering is polyethylene terephthalate.

5. The improved pillow of claim 3 further comprising an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

6. The improved pillow of claim 4 further comprising an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

7. The improved pillow of claim 1 comprising at least three air channels.

8. The improved pillow of claim 1 wherein the air channels are parallel to one another.

9. An improved pillow comprising, in combination:

a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof;

wherein the pillow body is comprised of memory foam;

a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough; and

a hygroscopic covering over the pillow body.

10. The improved pillow of claim 9 wherein the hygroscopic covering is polyethylene terephthalate.

11. The improved pillow of claim 9 further comprising an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

12. The improved pillow of claim 10 further comprising an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

13. The improved pillow of claim 9 comprising at least three air channels.

14. The improved pillow of claim 9 wherein the air channels are parallel to one another.

15. An improved pillow comprising, in combination:

a pillow body having a generally rectangular shape and a U-shaped cross-section so as to define a trough extending along a length thereof;

wherein the pillow body is comprised of memory foam;

a plurality of air channels disposed along the trough;

wherein the air channels are parallel to one another;

a hygroscopic covering over the pillow body;

wherein the hygroscopic covering is polyethylene terephthalate; and

an outer covering, disposed over the hygroscopic covering, comprising bamboo.

16. The improved pillow of claim 15 comprising at least three air channels.