Customizable Pillow and Mattress
A customizable pillow includes at least a first insert, a second insert, and a third insert and an outer shell for receiving the inserts. The first insert represents a maximum amount, the second insert represents a first intermediate amount and a third insert represents a third amount. One of the inserts has a minimum amount. The combination of inserts provides adjustability in equal increments from the minimum amount to a combined amount equal to the sum of the minimum amount, the maximum amount, and any intermediate amounts and one or more of the inserts may be used at a given time by a user. A method of customizing a pillow includes selecting the inserts and putting them inside the shell. A customizable mattress includes a base portion, topping portion and cover layer. The topping portion has one or more inserts of different thicknesses and/or materials.
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This application claims priority to provisional application No. 61/620,067, filed Apr. 4, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FieldThe technology described herein relates to a customizable pillow and to a system and method for creating a customized pillow for a user. The technology described herein also relates to a customizable mattress that has renewable parts and to a system and method for creating a customized mattress for a user.
BackgroundMany different types of pillows have been designed, including those with inserts that adjust for height, or that use different materials in order to provide the user with a different feel. Pillows of different shapes have been created, or with cut out portions for accepting parts of the user's body, such as shoulders or arms.
Mattresses typically are made of a base having coils and foam padding above and around the coils. Other types of mattresses use air bladders that may be filled or emptied in order to provide the user with a different feel. When mattress covers get soiled, frayed, or generally old looking, users often need to replace the mattress to get something that is desirable from an aesthetics point of view. In addition, the materials that form the various layers of the mattress can wear out over time so that a mattress will begin to sag in areas where, for instance, the foam has compressed due to use.
Green products have become popular. Mattresses typically are not green because, when the foam padding wears out, or the fabric gets stained, a user needs to dispose of the entire mattress and buy a new one.
Pillows used in the United are made in different sizes, including: Standard—20×26 inches; Jumbo—20×28 inches; Queen—20×30 inches; King—20×36 inches; Euro—26×26 inches; and Body—20×54 or 20×60 inches.
Pillows may be constructed in several different ways. For example, pillows can be formed of a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material that are joined around their outer periphery. They may include a connection means between the top and bottom sheets of material, including stitching, a zipper, or the like. Another type of pillow includes a gusset or sidewall. A gusseted pillow has height added by a piece of fabric, or rib, that is incorporated between the side seams of the top and the bottom sheets of material of the pillow. This additional middle fabric allows the pillow to be thicker and thus contain more filling. Typically the pillow gusset runs ½ an inch to 3 inches. Gusseted pillows have a high loft or thick appearance, and are favored for their luxurious style and comfort.
Some pillows may feature piping or braiding for decorative aesthetic visuals. In general these decorative elements do not add nor hinder the feeling of the pillow. In some extreme cases the piping or braiding can be large enough to cause an uncomfortable bump underneath a pillow case, but that is rare. Other decorative elements can include printed fabric on the pillow, the gusset or both.
Pillows may be provided with a pillow protector, which is an outer protector that protects the basic inner pillow fabric (which includes the top sheet of material, the bottom sheet of material, and any gusset, if one is provided). Pillow protectors may include a premium smooth zipper so as to not feel the zipper when the pillow protector is closed and in use.
Pillows are generally rated by their appearance and comfort. Gusseted sleeping pillows are considered more comfortable than ordinary pillows because the fill maintains a higher loft and the pillow maintains its height all the way to each edge. Gusseted pillows provide superior head and neck support by encouraging head and neck alignment. Gusseted pillows are available in medium, firm and extra firm densities to enhance their ergonomic benefits. Gusseted decorative pillows have a chic and contemporary profile. The gusset on a decorative pillow can be made in a contrasting or coordinating fabric to enhance interior decoration.
Pillows may be filled with many different types of material, such as natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials include cotton, wool, duck or goose down and feathers, and buckwheat, among other natural materials. Cotton filling provides a firmer, flatter pillow that holds its shape reasonably well. Cotton is also cooler and “breathes” better than other materials. Wool provides a fuller feeling pillow and wool is also durable, maintains warmth and absorbs moisture away from the surface of the pillow. Down pillows are the softest and provide a “light as air” feeling. Down filled pillows can be “squished” and reshaped often and the down should not bunch or clump. Down feather pillows offer a lightweight, softer way for side sleepers to feel comfort throughout the night. Down consists of the small feathers found underneath outer feathers on birds. Since down is smaller, it lacks the barbules that can poke out through a feather pillow. The fibers hold warm air close to a person's head and work as an insulator. Down pillows are durable and will retain their shape over time.
Natural buckwheat filling is useful for people who are allergic to feathers or to synthetic materials. The even support means no more cramps or muscle tension, both of which are known to contribute to headaches and stress. Chiropractors around the world recommend this natural therapy for spinal health and well-being. Buckwheat is not actually ‘wheat,’ but a fruit related to the rhubarb plant. The hull or outer skin of the fruit is used as filling in the pillows.
Synthetic pillow filling materials include foam, fiber, latex and polyester. In the case of polyester, the filling can be 100% polyester or a polyester/cotton blend. Polyester fibers are often arranged in three-dimensional clusters that help the pillow hold its shape and provide optimal neck support. Examples of types of polyester fill include: Cluster Fiber, Dry Fast Foam, Rebond, Memory Foam, Closed Cell Foam, Latex Rubber Foam, Supreem, Evlon, High Resilience Foam, Polyurethane, Micro-Air Bead Pillow, and Geofoam. Cluster fiber is small clusters of polyester that is fluffable like down. Memory Foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. Memory foam conforms to the head and neck, returning to its previous shape once the pressure is removed. This visco-elasticity allows for easy adaptation to head movements during the night. Foam within the pillow has hundreds of holes that provide adequate air circulation and prevent moisture collection. Synthetic materials have some benefits over natural fibers; they are allergy and odor free, they tend to last longer and they are generally more affordable. Dust mites are three times less likely to survive on a foam pillow.
There are different types of materials that can be used in pillow covers, including cotton, polyester, wool, acrylic, T-spun polyester, filament polyester, stitch bond polyester; vinyl, olefin, PVC, Easy care polycotton, percale, Egyptian cotton, sateen, tencel, tencel blends, microfibers, combinations of any of the above-noted types of materials, as well as many other known types of materials. The thread count of the pillow cover may be relevant depending upon the type of filling inside the pillow cover. Thread count refers to the number of yarns woven together in one square inch of fabric. Thread counts vary, the higher the count the better the fabric. Finer threads usually result in a much smoother and softer fabric.
In considering mattress construction, there are four basic types of materials used in making mattresses: steel springs, foam (memory, poly, latex and soy), cover materials (cotton, polyester, bamboo) and plastic/canvas in air and water beds. Foam is the common ingredient used in every type of mattress. Softer foams are used in the cover and in the top layers of the mattress for cushioning. Firmer foams are used on the sides and either beneath the spring unit or in place of the spring unit.
Most foam is petrochemical based meaning that it is made from oil. One type of popular foam is memory foam because it conforms to your body and reduces pressure points. But memory foam is a soft material and isn't meant to be supportive. So it works best when layered over a firm, supportive material. Foams of all types can range in densities.
Mattress materials differ depending on not just the type of mattress but on the placement in the mattress. A modern mattress will consist of three layers of materials: the core or support layer, the comfort layer and the quilt layer. Each layer is made of different materials.
The core support layer is arguably the most important part of your mattress. Below are the most common materials found in the support section of mattresses today: Water Chambers (as in water beds), Air Chambers, Foam Cores including memory, latex and poly foam, coils, and innersprings, among other materials. Coils are measured in quarter increments. The lower the number of coils, the thicker the spring. In general, higher-quality mattress coils have a 14-gauge (1.63 mm) diameter. Coils of 14 to 15.5-gauge (1.63 to 1.37 mm) give more easily under pressure, while a 12.5-gauge (1.94 mm) coil, the thickest typically available, feels quite firm.
Connections between the coils help the mattress retain its shape. Most coils are connected by interconnecting wires; encased coils are not connected, but the fabric encasement helps preserve the mattress shape. Types of mattress coils include bonnell, marshall, offset, and continuous coils.
The comfort layer takes care of a user's hips and shoulders. The comfort layer includes all the material between the support layer and the quilt layer. It cushions the body from the firm support section below. Below are the most common materials in the comfort layer to help relieve pressure on your body: convoluted foam; polyurethane foam; soy foam; latex foam; Memory foam; polyester fiber; cotton fiber; wool fiber; nonwoven fiber pads; pocket coils; and gel infused foams. Different combinations of each are very common in order to provide a variety of feels and price points.
The quilt layer is the uppermost layer of the mattress and usually consists of polyurethane foam, fiber, and less common, latex foam. Its purpose is to provide the initial softness for the body. The quilted layer if often made of light foam or fibers stitched to the underside of the ticking. It provides a soft surface texture to the mattress and can be found in varying degrees of firmness. The protective fabric cover which encases the mattress and foundation is called ticking. It is usually designed to coordinate with the foundation border fabric and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Mattress fabrics can be knits, damask or printed wovens, or inexpensive nonwovens. Most ticking is made with polyester yarns. More expensive mattress fabrics may contain a combination of polyester with rayon, cotton, silk, wool or other natural yarns.
Organic materials may be used in mattresses and pillows. Such materials in a mattress can be made with several materials derived from natural plants and fibers. These include cotton, hemp, bamboo, jute, ramie, soy silk, nettle fiber and calico. Many of these fibers are derived from vegetables and plants that have been cultivated without the use of chemicals and pesticides. These materials may also be blended with biodegradable laminates and colored with non-toxic dyes.
Different sizes of beds include: Crib/Toddler: 27¼ in.×51⅝ in; Single/Twin: 39 in.×75 in.; Single/Twin XL: 39 in×80 in.; Double/Full: 54 in.×75 in.; Double/Full XL: 53 in.×80 in.; Queen: 60 in.×80 in.; Eastern King: 76 in×82 in.; California King: 72 in.×84 in. Other sizes are also available.
Mattresses are often provided with foundations. There are three main types of foundation. A box-spring consists of a rigid frame containing extra-heavy-duty springs. This foundation contributes to softer support and a bouncier mattress. Because box-springs can allow mattresses to sag, many manufacturers add high-density block foam underneath the coils or provide a rigid foundation instead. A traditional wood foundation is usually made of softwood, such as pine, or hardwood. It usually has seven or eight support slats disposed below paperboard or beaverboard. This foundation, called a zero-deflection unit or an “Ortho Box” in the bed industry, increases the feeling of firmness and stability. A grid foundation is a combination of steel and wood. Typically the measurements of a foundation will be about 1-2″ shorter than the measurement of a mattress.
SUMMARYIn accordance with the teachings described herein, a customizable pillow is described, as well as a method customizing a pillow. In addition, a customizable mattress is described.
Other combinations incorporating various features described in the drawings are also readily anticipated based upon the drawings and the following disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe technology described herein relates to both pillows 10 and mattresses 60. The general concept is the same—providing a highly customizable product that may be varied at the whim of the user by selecting new inserts, covers, or materials. The product is also easily recyclable and creates a product with a long life since it may be rejuvenated easily.
The figures show a pillow case or shell 12 that can be used for inserting the inserts 14 into the shell 12 so the user can build his or her own pillow 10 based upon his or her own needs. These needs include, but are not limited to, size of the user, sleeping pattern of the user (such as side, stomach, or back sleeper), and material preferences of the user. By providing the type of variability in the inserts 14 as described herein, a user will have a plethora of options in selecting the suitable pillow 10 for their needs. In addition, because the inserts 14 are removable and replaceable, different materials may be used at different times, or different thicknesses or weights can be used at different times. If one of the inserts 14 gets soiled, it can easily be replaced without having to dispose of the entire pillow 10. If a user prefers a cooler pillow 10 in the summer and a pillow 10 that retains heat in the winter, different inserts 14 can be selected based upon individual preferences. Thus, the pillow 10 design described herein has many benefits to a user, including those relating to the “green” movement.
The pillow case or shell 12 can be of any configuration and can have any type of known closure mechanism. Examples include gusseted and un-gusseted pillow cases, zippers, Velcro, overlapping fabric panels, or other closures 20. Many different designs are known for pillow cases, all of which may be used with the examples described herein. One example shown herein includes a shell 12 having a top layer or panel 16 and a bottom layer or panel 18, with the top and bottom layers 16, 18 being sewn together around their outer periphery to form a hollow interior into which the inserts 14 may be positioned. A closure 20 is provided along part or all of the outer periphery.
The pillow case or shell opening 22 can be along the length, along the width, along a combination of the length and the width, or around the entire or part of the periphery. The opening 22 can be any size and shape, as long as it permits entry of the inserts 14 into the shell 12. The shell 12 can be a stretchy or a non-stretchy material.
The shell 12 may include holding members 24 such as inner panels 24 that serve to help hold the various inserts 14 in position inside the shell 12. The holding members 24 can extend across the width or length of the shell 12. They can be partial panels, full size panels, straps, or other mechanisms for holding the inserts 14 inside the shell 12. Any number of inner holding members 24 may be utilized. In addition to panels, straps may be provided that connect to the various inserts 14 with Velcro or other attachment means (not shown). In one example, the space between the holding member 24 may be equal to the thickness of the inserts 14 such that only certain sized inserts 14 will fit within each space defined between the holding members 24. Velcro could be used between the inserts 14 (not shown) to couple the inserts 14 together so they don't move relative to one another inside the shell 12. An additional sleeve could be used for coupling the inserts 14 together, with the sleeve being insertable into the shell 12 (not shown).
Referring to
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- 5 ounces—5 ounce insert
- 10 ounces—10 ounce insert
- 15 ounces—5 ounce and 10 ounce inserts 14 together
- 20 ounces—20 ounce insert
- 25 ounces—5 ounce and 20 ounce insert together
- 30 ounces—20 ounce and 10 ounce inserts together or 30 ounce insert alone
- 35 ounces—5 ounce, 10 ounce, and 20 ounce inserts together or 30 ounce and 5 ounce inserts together
- 40 ounces—10 ounce, 20 ounce, and 30 ounce inserts together
- 45 ounces—5 ounce, 10 ounce, and 30 ounce inserts together
- 50 ounces—20 ounce and 30 ounce inserts together
- 55 ounces—5 ounce, 20 ounce, and 30 ounce inserts together
- 60 ounces—10 ounce, 20 ounce, and 30 ounce inserts together
- 65 ounces—5 ounce, 10 ounce, 20 ounce, and 30 ounce inserts together.
In general use, a pillow weight range of 25-45 ounces is suitable for a stomach sleeper. A pillow weight range of 35-55 ounces is suitable for a back sleeper, and a pillow weight range of 50-65 ounces is suitable for a side sleeper in the context of a queen size pillow 10. These weights will increase slightly in the context of larger or smaller pillows. The weights themselves are not critical and will vary based upon the size and shape of the pillow 10.
The example inserts 14 shown in
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- ½ inch thick—½ inch insert
- 1 inch thick—1 inch insert
- 1½ inch thick—½ inch insert and 1 inch insert together
- 2 inches thick—2 inch insert
- 2½ inches thick—½ inch insert and 2 inch insert together
- 3 inches thick—3 inch insert
- 3½ inches thick—½ inch insert and 3 inch insert together
- 4 inches thick—1 inch insert and 3 inch insert together
- 4½ inches thick—-½ inch insert, 1 inch insert, and 3 inch insert together
- 5 inches thick—2 inch insert and 3 inch insert together
- 5½ inches thick—½ inch insert, 2 inch insert, and 3 inch insert together
- 6 inches thick—1 inch insert, 2 inch insert, and 3 inch insert together
- 6½ inches thick—½ inch insert, 1 inch insert, 2 inch insert, and 3 inch insert together
A variety of examples are depicted in
In some examples, two of the same size insert 14 could be included, such as two 12 oz. or 8 ounce inserts 14. The inserts 14 should provide the user with the opportunity to increase from a minimum characteristic or amount to a maximum characteristic or amount in equal increments. As is evident, any number of variations are possible.
The pillows 10 anticipated for use with the invention are any type of sleeping pillow 10, including, but not limited, to standard, queen, and king size. The ounces may be varied based upon the size of the pillow 10, with the ounce designation described above for use with the queen size pillow 10.
The shell 12 may be made of any known type of fabric, including cotton, polyester, bamboo rayon, tencel, lyocell, rayon, or any other know fabric of combinations of material. The shell 12 could be quilted, if desired. The shell 12 could include a fiber layer to provide some thickness to the cover. One or both sides of the shell 12 may be quilted or include a fiber or other type of fill layer. When quilted or enclosing a fiber or fill layer, the shell 12 may include an inner shell layer and an outer shell layer (not shown).
The inserts 14 may be made of any known type of material. The insert 14 may also be covered in a shell 12 or, in some cases, may not need a shell 12. Any type of fiber, foam, natural materials, or other materials may be used in the inserts 14. It is known that some materials react to temperature, such as body heat. These types of materials may be used. Some materials may feel cooler or warmer to the skin of the user and the examples above anticipate use of these materials. Materials can be used in combination, such as fibers can be used together in inserts 14 with foam, for example.
The apparatus may be sold as a kit (shown best in
Examples of portion of a mattress include, but are not limited to a base portion 52 of the mattress 50, a topping portion 54 of the mattress 50, and a cover 56 for the mattress 50, all of which or some of which may be used. The example mattress 50 can be rejuvenated at the whim of the user so that the user always feels like they have a new bed, or a mattress that never gets old.
The mattress base 52 can be any type of configuration. For example, it can include springs 62 or be made of a foam material. The user may be permitted to select from different spring counts or sizes, or different types of foam, or other types of material.
The mattress topping portion 54 can be a variety of inserts 64, or a single insert 64. The mattress topping portion 54 can be foam, fiber, beads, other material, or combinations of materials, such as a combination of foam chips and fiber, for example. Examples of types of materials that may be used alone or in combination are described herein and in the background section hereof.
As shown in the figures, a user can select between one or more inserts 64 for use with the mattress base 52.
The mattress cover 56 is preferably removable and replaceable. This allows the user to periodically replace the cover 56 or to launder the cover, as desired. This also provides the user with different options based upon the season. Perhaps a user will prefer a different type of fabric for the cover in the summer versus winter months. The example mattress 50 provides the user with options not previously provided to a user. The same can be said for the inserts 64 that are positioned under the cover 56. Different types of materials may be preferred in the summer compared to winter months. In this case, the user could easily reconfigure the layers of the mattress 50 so that certain layers were closer to the user's skin during summer months. Then these layers could be positioned lower inside the mattress topping portion 54 during winter months and other insert could be raised higher during winter months, providing the user with many different options in terms of the overall feel of the mattress 50.
In addition, the example customizable mattress 50 is renewable. A user can easily and inexpensively replace inserts 64 or the mattress cover 56 while maintaining the base portion 52. As mattresses wear, foam tends to sag and covers get stained or frayed. The example mattress 50 allows a user to replace worn parts while maintaining existing parts without having to dispose of an entire mattress 50, which ultimately ends up in a landfill. Therefore, the example mattress 50 provides a “green” option to users.
The mattress base 52 can have any different types of foundation materials, including springs, air, foam or the like. The springs 62 may be customizable, such as small springs, large springs, number of springs, and the like. The base 52 can have different thicknesses, if desired, to allow a user to customize the overall height using adjustments to the base.
The base 52 may be 4-5 inches thick and the mattress topping portion 54 could be 6-8 inches thick. Other thicknesses for the components may alternatively be used. For example, the base 52 could be thicker than the topping portion 54, or the base 52 could be thinner than the topping portion 54.
All of the above example mattresses 50 should have proper side support so that the mattress 50 doesn't roll over at the edges (much like the case with waterbeds). To the extent this is not taught in the above disclosure, it is understood that additional side support may be needed and could be provided by separate side portions or by the types of materials used.
Any different types of materials may be used with the example mattress 50 and/or pillow 10 as described above and in the background section hereof. Examples of different mattress materials and fabrics provided herein are non-limiting. It is recognized that many of the materials described herein could have applications in both pillow 10 and mattress 50 design. Thus, the disclosures herein that refer to one or the other application should not be limited to a particular application. It is anticipated that there are many other fabrics and materials that are available that may not be described in the Attachments.
The fabric of the pillow 10 or mattress 50 may be durable and washable. It may be a microfiber, such as tencel microfiber, cotton, cotton/polyester blend, or other fabric types, as described herein or known to those of skill in the art.
The pillow 10 and mattress 50 inserts can have the same or different firmnesses or densities. The user can select the type of firmness desired by selecting different inserts or a different mattress base 52, in the case of mattresses.
Types of materials that may be used in the pillow 10 or mattress 50 inserts include, but are not limited to: Viscoelastic foam, including granulated and shredded foam or layers; Recycled, virgin, organic, or scrap materials; cotton; polyester; cotton blends; polystyrene balls; fillers; polystyrene balls combined with filler; granulated highly elastic HE foam; a single or multiple fillers; memory foam; latex foam; geo-foam; other foams; chip foam; buckwheat; fiber; short staple fiber; memory fiber; thermally responsive materials; foam with gels, among combinations of the above or the like, as known by those of skill in the art. Organic materials can be used, if desired.
The example pillow 10 described above is customizable for any size sleeper and any type of sleeper. The pillow 10 can be used by a child with appropriate height based upon their sleeping style, or by a large-framed adult. A 65 ounce pillow 10 will accommodate a large male with 5-6″ shoulder to head measurement. If needed the pillow 10 could be expanded beyond 65 ounces or 6½ inches by adding an additional insert and selling a larger shell 12. The pillow inserts have been shown as being of a single shape, but other shapes may also be included in the invention. For example, a shape that is thicker in the center or at the ends may be desired. A specialty insert could be provided for this purpose. Other shapes, beyond those shown in the drawings are contemplated for sale either as part of the four inserts or as specialty inserts.
While not shown, any of the inserts could be contoured. One of the four inserts could be contoured while the others are not. Any combination of contoured and non-contoured inserts may be utilized.
A customizable pillow 10 includes a first insert 14, a second insert 14, and a third insert 14, and an outer shell 12. The first insert 14 represents a maximum amount. The second insert 14 represents a first intermediate amount that is not equal to a minimum amount or the maximum amount. The third insert 14 represents a third amount that is lower than the first intermediate amount, and one of the inserts 14 has a minimum amount. The outer shell 12 has an opening for receiving one or more of the inserts 14. The combination of inserts 14 provides adjustability in equal increments from the minimum amount to a combined amount equal to the sum of the minimum amount, the maximum amount, and any intermediate amounts, with scaled adjustability based upon different desired sizes of pillows 10, wherein one or more of the inserts 14 may be used at a given time by a user.
The customizable pillow 10 may also include a fourth insert 14 for insertion into the outer shell 12. In this case, the third insert 14 is an intermediate amount insert 14 having an amount that is not equal to the minimum amount, the maximum amount, or the first intermediate amount, and the fourth insert 14 has the minimum amount. The inserts 14 may be as follows: the first insert 14 is a 30 ounce insert, the second insert 14 is a 20 ounce insert, and the third insert 14 is a 10 ounce insert; or the first insert 14 is a 20 ounce insert, the second insert 14 is a 10 ounce insert, and the third insert 14 is a 5 ounce insert; or the first insert 14 is 3 inches thick, the second insert 14 is 2 inches thick, and the third insert 14 is 1 inch thick; or the first insert 14 is 2 inches thick, the second insert 14 is 1 inch thick, and the third insert 14 is ½ inch thick.
The first insert 14 may be a 30 ounce insert, the second insert 14 may be a 20 ounce insert, the third insert 14 may be a 10 ounce insert, and the fourth insert 14 may be a 5 ounce insert. Alternatively, the first insert 14 may be 3 inches thick, the second insert 14 may be 2 inches thick, the third insert 14 may be 1 inch thick, and the fourth insert 14 may be ½ inch thick.
The outer shell 12 of the pillow 10 may include one or more holding members 24 that extend across at least one of the width or length of the shell 12 for receiving one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth inserts 14. The holding members 24 may be straps, panels, or baffles, or the like. The outer shell 12 may include a closure for closing the opening of the outer shell 12 after the inserts 14 are positioned inside the shell 12, and the opening is positioned along one or more of the length side of the pillow 10 or the width side of the pillow 10. The closures 20 may be a zipper, Velcro, or the like.
The first, second, and third inserts 14 may have substantially the same overall profile shape, but with different weights and/or thicknesses. The first, second, and third inserts 14 may have a substantially rectangular profile shape and/or tapered ends. The pillow 10 may range in weight from a minimum of about 5 ounces to a maximum of about 65 ounces, or the pillow 10 may range in thickness from a minimum thickness of about ½ inch to a maximum thickness of about 6.5 inches. The pillow 10 may also include a scented, removable sheet positioned between one of the outer shell 12, the first insert 14, the second insert 14, and the third insert 14.
A method for customizing a pillow 10 includes providing a plurality of inserts 14 and an outer shell 12, as discussed above, selecting one or more of the inserts 14 based upon the sleep needs of the user, positioning the one or more inserts 14 inside the shell 12, and closing the shell 12.
A customizable mattress 50 may include a base portion 52, a topping portion 54 having one or more inserts 14 of different thickness and/or material, and a cover layer 56. Each of the base portion 52, the topping portion 54, the one or more inserts 14, and the cover layer 56 are independently selectable by a user for positioning under the cover layer 56.
The inserts 14 may be removable, repositionable, independently selectable, and replaceable. The cover layer 56 may be removable and replaceable. The topping portion 54 may be coupled to the base portion 52 and the cover layer 56 may be coupled to one of the base portion 52 or the topping portion 54. The base portion 52 may include a plurality of springs 62, and the inserts 14 may include one or more of fiber, foam, natural fillers, organic fillers, or combinations thereof.
A customizable mattress 50 may include a closeable shell having sides, a plurality of inserts 14 for positioning inside the shell, and support means 64, 80 positioned inside the shell 12 for supporting the sides of the shell. The support means 64, 80 may be provided by the inserts 64, by an independent supporting device 80 positioned around the inserts 14, or by a combination of both.
The mattress 50 may also include a cover member 56, which may or may not be provided by the closeable shell 12. The support means 64, 80 may include side portions that are attachable to the closeable shell 12, and may further comprise a base portion 52 coupled to the closeable shell 12. The cover member 56 may include an attachment feature 60 for coupling the cover member to the closable shell 12.
The term “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.
While various features are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed examples pertain. The examples described herein are exemplary. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use alternative designs having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements recited in the claims. The intended scope may thus include other examples that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A customizable pillow comprising:
- a first insert representing a maximum amount;
- a second insert representing a first intermediate amount that is not equal to a minimum amount or the maximum amount; and
- a third insert representing a third amount that is lower than the first intermediate amount, wherein one of the inserts has a minimum amount; and
- an outer shell having an opening for receiving one or more of the inserts, wherein the combination of inserts provides adjustability in equal increments from the minimum amount to a combined amount equal to the sum of the minimum amount, the maximum amount, and any intermediate amounts, with scaled adjustability based upon different desired sizes of pillows, wherein one or more of the inserts may be used at a given time by a user.
2. The customizable pillow of claim 1, further comprising a fourth insert for insertion into the outer shell, with the third insert being an intermediate insert having an amount that is not equal to the minimum amount, the maximum amount, or the first intermediate amount; and the fourth insert having the minimum amount.
3. The customizable pillow of claim 1, wherein the first insert is a 30 ounce insert, the second insert is a 20 ounce insert, and the third insert is a 10 ounce insert; or
- the first insert is a 20 ounce insert, the second insert is a 10 ounce insert, and the third insert is a 5 ounce insert; or
- the first insert is 3 inches thick, the second insert is 2 inches thick, and the third insert is 1 inch thick; or
- the first insert is 2 inches thick, the second insert is 1 inch thick, and the third insert is ½ inch thick.
4. The customizable pillow of claim 2, wherein the first insert is a 30 ounce insert, the second insert is a 20 ounce insert, the third insert is a 10 ounce insert, and the fourth insert is a 5 ounce insert; or
- the first insert is 3 inches thick, the second insert is 2 inches thick, the third insert is 1 inch thick, and the fourth insert is ½ inch thick.
5. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the outer shell includes one or more inner holding members that extend across at least one of the width or length of the shell for receiving one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth inserts.
6. The pillow of claim 5, wherein the holding members are straps, panels, or baffles.
7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the outer shell includes a closure for closing the opening of the outer shell after the inserts are positioned inside the shell, and the opening is positioned along one or more of the length side of the pillow or the width side of the pillow.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third inserts have substantially the same overall profile shape, but with different weights and/or thicknesses.
9. The pillow of claim 8, wherein the first, second, and third inserts have a substantially rectangular profile shape and/or tapered ends.
10. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the pillow ranges in weight from a minimum of about 5 ounces to a maximum of about 65 ounces, or the pillow ranges in thickness from a minimum thickness of about ½ inch to a maximum thickness of about 6.5 inches.
11. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising a scented, removable sheet positioned between one of the outer shell, the first insert, the second insert, and the third insert.
12. A method for customizing a pillow comprising:
- providing a plurality of inserts and an outer shell according to claim 1;
- selecting one or more of the inserts based upon the sleep needs of the user;
- positioning the one or more inserts inside the shell; and
- closing the shell.
13. A customizable mattress comprising:
- a base portion;
- a topping portion having one or more inserts of different thicknesses, weights, and/or materials; and
- a cover layer,
- wherein each of the base portion, the topping portion, the one or more inserts, and the cover layer are independently selectable by a user for positioning under the cover layer.
14. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the inserts are removable, repositionable, independently selectable, and replaceable, and the cover layer is removable and replaceable.
15. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the topping portion is coupled to the base portion and the cover layer is coupled to one of the base portion or the topping portion.
16. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the base portion includes a plurality of springs, and the inserts include one or more of fiber, foam, natural fillers, organic fillers, or combinations thereof.
17. A customizable mattress comprising:
- a closeable shell having sides;
- a plurality of inserts for positioning inside the shell; and
- support means positioned inside the shell for supporting the sides of the shell, wherein the support means is provided by the inserts, by an independent supporting device positioned around the inserts, or by a combination of both.
18. The mattress of claim 17, further comprising a cover member, which may or may not be provided by the closeable shell.
19. The mattress of claim 17, wherein the support means include side portions that are attachable to the closeable shell, and further comprising a base portion coupled to the closeable shell.
20. The customizable mattress of claim 18, wherein the cover member includes an attachment feature for coupling the cover member to the closable shell.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2013
Publication Date: Oct 10, 2013
Applicant: HomTex, Inc. (Vinemont, AL)
Inventor: Gerald E. Wootten, Jr. (Cullman, AL)
Application Number: 13/857,115
International Classification: A47C 23/00 (20060101); A47G 9/10 (20060101);