Cushion System and Method
A closed cushion system including a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers is set forth. The connection selectively facilitates flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/658,447 entitled “Adjustable Travel Pillow,” filed on Jun. 12, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates to a cushion system and method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable cushion system and method, such as, for example, a travel pillow and a method for adjusting a travel pillow.
BACKGROUNDModern day travelers can cross the globe, achieving travel itineraries never dreamed of by travelers in the ancient world. One problem associated with travel has remained throughout the centuries. Travelers need to remain comfortable in order to endure their journeys. Numerous improvements in early travel involved padded compartments or seats, and hanging straps, used to lessen the jostling experienced by travelling over rough roads.
Modern travel is far more comfortable, due to improvements in road and rail travel, as well as the availability of airplanes. In fact, travelers can even sleep during travel on most modern devices. To this end, cushion systems, such as travel cushions and pillows, have become devices of interest to modern travelers and device manufacturers.
For example, US patent application number 20060123548-2 discusses an adjustable pillow. Based on the hydraulic effect of Pascal's Principle that an enclosed fluid under pressure exerts that pressure throughout its volume and against any surface in which it is contained, the device is a multi-chambered hydraulic pillow using differently shaped and sized, variably elastic internal chambers combined with a plurality of internal valves which automatically control, communicate, balance and contain the flows of the liquid and differences in pressure and resulting changes in the external dimensions provided by the changes in the variably elastic flexible chambers.
Since fluid or air compartments used alone or in combination to form a cushion can be either too firm or too squishy, other efforts have been directed to cushions with movable material, such as, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,352 to Wang.
The Wang patent discusses an improved adjustable pillow that includes a first pillow body which has a first opening and a second pillow body disposed at a selected location in the first opening. The first and second pillow bodies have a plurality of stuffing materials held therein. A user may adjust the pillow to a height and curvature desired by shuffling the stuffing materials between the first and second pillow body and then wrap and fold the second pillow body to form a stable state for use. The second pillow body may be used to support the user's neck to conform ergonomics and to enable the user to get the most comfortable sleep.
SUMMARYOne embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to a closed cushion system including a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers. The connection selectively facilitates flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.
The fill material can be formed from one or more suitable materials, such as, for example, micro beads, herbals seeds, or any other suitable material. The cushion system can include at least one additional pre-filled chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers. Alternatively, the cushion system can include at least one additional chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers for offloading the fill material from the pre-filled chambers.
Another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to an adjustable fill system for transferring fill material in a closed system. The adjustable fill system includes adjacent chambers pre-filled with the fill material. An expandable connecting mechanism is disposed between the adjacent chambers. The expandable connecting mechanism is selectively expanded via a control provided on the system.
At least part of the expandable connecting mechanism of the adjustable fill system can be disposed on an exterior of the system. The expandable connecting mechanism can include an elastic assembly including a lockable member. The lockable member can be further defined by a lockable bungee cord. An inlet and an outlet can be provided for adjusting the lockable bungee cord of the expandable connecting mechanism.
A method constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to adjusting fill material volume between chambers in a fixed, closed system. The method includes the following steps. A first chamber is prefilled with a fill material. A second chamber is prefilled with the fill material. The first and second chambers are sealed to form the closed system. A selectively operable system is inserted between the first and second chambers. The fill material is selectively movable by selective operation of the selectively operable system to adjust the firmness of the chambers of the system.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become further apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles herein rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSAs illustrated in
The first and second chambers 110, 120, respectively, are prefilled with a suitable fill material 140, and sealed to form closed chambers. The selective control mechanism 130 is connected to the first and second chambers 110, 120 so that fill material 140 can be selectively moved from the first chamber 110 to the second chamber 120 via the selective control mechanism 130.
A system 100 constructed in accordance with the principles herein provides ergonomic/orthopedic improvements on adjustable pillows, by utilizing extended compartments which act as reservoirs for filling.
In an embodiment, portal 250 can be fitted with an elastic assembly 260, as illustrated in
In yet another embodiment, a portal of the system can be selectively operated by a fully external selective control mechanism, such as, for example, a clamping device, a fabric tie, or any other suitable mechanism.
Portal 250 can open and shut internally to allow the user to re-distribute filling until the pillow is the correct circumference for their individual tastes, without having to open the system 200 in order to adjust the firmness of the system 200.
Advantageously, a system constructed in accordance with the principles herein is much simpler to operate than other adjustable systems, such as adjustable pillows. The system is a self-contained unit with an internal mechanism of operation. The system does not require the use of pumps/does not need to be blown up or deflated. The system can be utilized in a number of settings and positions. The system can include a variety of filling materials, such as, for example, absorbent filling. Absorbent filling is advantageous over the use of buoyant pneumatics encased within plastic or rubber. The system will adjust for a broader range of users' shapes and sizes, conforming to fit more naturally. The system can be configured to either alleviate undesired pressure, or provide increased resistance. The system makes use of existing surface area to alleviate undesired pressure and achieve a desired firmness.
As illustrated in
The system 300 can include an outer shell 340 formed of one or more suitable materials, such as, for example, microfiber. Between the main chamber 310 and side reservoirs 320 is a portal 350, shown in more detail in
A non-adjustable area 370 between the reservoirs can also be filled with a suitable fill material, such as, for example, micro beads, if desired.
Once portal 350 has been opened, filling can be distributed amongst the reservoir compartments 320, allowing the circumference of the pillow to adjust for the user's desired level of resistance, or firmness.
In yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein, a system shown generally at 400, in
The side reservoir compartments 410 can be emptied and all of filling material, or filling 430 can be moved to rest within the main reservoir compartment 420 without having to readjust the material from inside the system 400. The movement of the filling 430 to the main reservoir 420 results in an overall increase in circumference of the main reservoir 420, thereby adjusting the firmness of the compartment. Portal 440 is then closed maintaining full circumference of the system 400.
A few exemplary alternative embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles herein include the following modifications: a) an expandable/adjustable outer shell which allows for filling to be packed looser or tighter; b) portals between reservoir compartments can remain slightly open at all times; c) materials such as elastic or magnets can be used to open/close portals; d) buttons or a draw-string assembly can be used to open/close portals; e) varying the size of main cushion body and reservoirs to allow for greater range of anatomical support; f) reservoir extensions can be rotated to accommodate ergonomic needs of user; g) a straight cushion body; h) varying a shape of the system main reservoir and side reservoirs; i) varying handles for portal opening to allow for varied size pulls; j) system stuffed with a varying range of fillings to allow for multiple instances of therapeutic application; k) an outer shell comprised of a number of different materials; l) a pillow including a non-prefilled reservoir; and m) increasing or decreasing the number of reservoirs.
As illustrated in
In accordance with the principles herein, the term fixed, pre-filled chamber of the system is defined by a chamber that is pre-filled and sealed, and where once sealed, no additional fill material can be added to the system from outside the system.
While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein. The scope of the principles disclosed herein is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A closed cushion system comprising:
- a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers to selectively facilitate flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.
2. A closed cushion system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fill material includes micro beads.
3. A closed cushion system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one additional pre-filled chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers.
4. A closed cushion system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one additional chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers for offloading the fill material from the pre-filled chambers.
5. An adjustable fill system for transferring fill material in a closed system comprising:
- adjacent chambers pre-filled with the fill material; and
- an expandable connecting mechanism disposed between the adjacent chambers, the expandable connecting mechanism selectively expanded via a control provided on the system.
6. An adjustable fill system as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least part of the expandable connecting mechanism is disposed on an exterior of the system.
7. An adjustable fill system as claimed in claim 6, the expandable connecting mechanism further comprising an elastic assembly including a lockable member.
8. An adjustable fill system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lockable member is further defined by a lockable bungee cord.
9. An adjustable fill system as claimed in claim 8, the expandable connecting mechanism further comprising an inlet and an outlet for adjusting the lockable bungee cord of the expandable connecting mechanism.
10. A method of adjusting fill material volume between chambers in a fixed, closed system comprising the steps of:
- prefilling a first chamber with a fill material;
- prefilling a second chamber with the fill material;
- sealing the first and second chambers to form the closed system; and
- inserting a selectively operable system between the first and second chambers, the fill material selectively movable by selective operation of the selectively operable system to adjust the firmness of the chambers of the system.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: May 8, 2014
Inventors: Dominique Rowland (Chicago, IL), Colleen M Hanlen (Oakland, CA), Todd Barenberg (Morganville, NJ)
Application Number: 13/843,835
International Classification: A47G 9/10 (20060101);