ADJUSTABLE PILLOW

Abstract

A pillow including a flexible casing, fill, a string, and a clip. The flexible casing defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an enclosed interior cavity between the first end and the second end. The flexible casing defines a string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing. The fill is maintained within the enclosed interior cavity for providing cushion to the pillow. The string is statically secured near a first end of the flexible casing and extends through the enclosed interior cavity and out the string aperture through the second end of the flexible casing. The clip is selectively secured to the string adjacent the string aperture. The clip is movable along the at least one string and selectively latched at various positions along the at least one string to adjust the pillow from a non-compressed state to one or more compressed states.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pillows have long been used as support for the head of a user while reclining or laying in a chair, sofa, bed, floor, etc. Pillows are generally formed as a fabric casing filed with a suitable fill, such as down, foam or plastic fibers forming a soft compressible pillow that both supports the head while providing a soft cushion for the same. Different users have different preferences for how much thickness or cushion supports their head during rest and/or sleep. In addition, as a pillow is used, the fill will often become more and more compressed, resulting in a flattened pillow that no longer provides the cushion that the pillow originally provided. Users patting or fluffing a pillow can introduce new air to the fill providing a temporary increase in the volume of the fill, but the resultant increase in fill volume is generally short lived. Since a flattened pillow does not generally provide the user with a desired comfort level for their head, fill compression shortens the useful life of a pillow.

SUMMARY

A pillow including a flexible casing, fill, a string, and a clip. The flexible casing defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an enclosed interior cavity between the first end and the second end. The flexible casing defines a string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing. The fill is maintained within the enclosed interior cavity for providing cushion to the pillow. The string is statically secured near a first end of the flexible casing and extends through the enclosed interior cavity and out the string aperture through the second end of the flexible casing. The clip is selectively secured to the string adjacent the string aperture. The clip is movable along the at least one string and selectively latched at various positions along the at least one string to adjust the pillow from a non-compressed state to one or more compressed states. Other pillows, assemblies, and associated methods are also described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustration of a pillow in a non-compressed state, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustration of a pillow in a compressed state, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right-side view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a left-side view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustration of the pillow of Figure, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially constructed view of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1 with a front panel removed for illustrative purposes, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an unlatched clip of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a latched clip of the pillow of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial, detail perspective view of the right side of the pillow of

FIG. 1 with an opened pocket, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial, detail perspective view of the right side of the pillow of

FIG. 1 with a closed pocket, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view illustration of a pillow in a compressed state with strings partially stowed in the closed pocket of FIG. 15, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a right-side view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a left-side view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view illustration of the pillow of FIG. 16, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention provides example embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. Relational terms herein such a first, second, top, bottom, etc. may be used herein solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying an actual such orientation or order. In addition, as used herein, the term “about” or “substantially” applies to all numeric values or descriptive terms, respectively, and generally indicate a range of numbers or characteristics that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values or terms, that is, having the same function or results.

This innovation provides a pillow that is adjustable to maintain cushion of a pillow even as pillow fill compresses during use and/or to otherwise adjust the pillow's cushion for a user's head as desired during use. The pillow includes at least one string, in one example, two strings, extending from a first end of the pillow, through an interior of the pillow, and an opposite end of the pillow. In one embodiment, a clip is secured to the string adjacent an exterior surface of the pillow. The clip is selectively securable to various locations along the string. When the clip is slid toward and secured to the string nearer the first end of the pillow, the overall length of the pillow is shortened in a manner fluffing the fill of the pillow to maintain added cushioning for the user's head. When the clip is slid away from the first end of the pillow, the pillow maintains a less or non-compressed position providing less cushioning for the user's head. In one embodiment, the adjustable compression of the pillow extends the usable life of the pillow.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1-8 illustrate an assembled pillow 10, and FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of pillow 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention including a shell or flexible casing 12, one or more strings 14, at least one adjustable clip 16, and fill 18 (see FIG. 9). Flexible casing 12 forms an interior cavity 20 (see FIGS. 9 and housing fill 18, which provides the cushion to the pillow 10. The one or more strings 14 are each statically secured to one end of flexible casing 12, extend through the interior cavity 20, and out an opposite end of flexible casing 12 to a free end 22 of each respective one of the one or more strings 14. One of the one or more clips 16 is secured near free end 22 of each of the one or more strings 14 adjacent flexible casing 12. The one or more clips 16 are selectively securable to the respective one of the one or more strings 14 to adjust an overall length, and thereby, fluff of pillow 10 to a level providing the user with a desired comfort level. In one embodiment, clips 16 are eliminated and the one or more strings 14 are adjusted by tying and untying each of the one or more strings 14 to itself and/or to others of the one or more strings 14.

More specifically, flexible casing 12 is formed of a suitable flexible material such as fabric, for example, canvas, silk, satin, polyester, cotton, or a blend thereof. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, flexible casing 12 is formed of a first panel 30 and a separate second panel 32, for example, each formed in a substantially identical size and shape as the other. For example, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are each formed as rectangles, circles, ovals, or any other suitable shape. First panel 30 defines a perimeter 40 including a first lateral edge 42 or first end and a second lateral edge 44 or second end opposite first lateral edge 42, and similarly, second panel 32 defines a perimeter 50 including a first lateral edge 52 or first end and a second lateral edge 54 or second end opposite first lateral edge 52. Each of first panel 30 and second panel 32 are substantially planar defining an interior surface 46 and 56, respectively, and an exterior surface 48 and 58, respectively. In one embodiment, flexible casing 12 is formed of a single fabric piece folded onto and sewn to itself such that first panel 30 and second panel 32 are defined on a single, contiguous piece of material.

One or more strings 14, in one example, two strings 14, are elongated members formed of a cord, thread, ribbon, fabric, or other suitable material, and each has a length longer than a length of flexible casing 12. Each string 14 defines a first end 70 and second or free end 22 opposite first end 70 defining an overall string length Ls.

Each of clips 16 is configured to be selectively locked on to one of the one or more strings 14. In one embodiment, as shown more clearly with additional reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, each clip 16 is a toggle clip or cord lock including a clip housing 80, a toggle 82, and a spring 84. Clip housing 80 forms a general enclosure having a cavity 86 and defining two string apertures 88 and a toggle aperture 90. The two string apertures 88 are formed on opposite sides of clip housing 80, and toggle aperture 90 is formed substantially equidistantly between the two string apertures 88. Each of the two string apertures 88 are sized with a diameter, or other outer dimension, larger than an outer diameter of each string 14. Toggle aperture 90 is shaped similarly to and slightly larger than toggle 82 in a manner configured to loosely receive toggle 82.

In one embodiment, toggle 82 defines a top panel 92, depending sidewall 94, and a perimeter rim 96. Top panel 92 is sized similarly to and slightly smaller than toggle aperture 90. Depending sidewall 94 extends around perimeter of top panel 92 perpendicularly away therefrom. Two locking apertures 98 are formed on opposite sides of depending sidewall 94 and are positioned to selectively align with toggle apertures 90 when toggle 82 is pressed into clip housing 80 to compress spring 84. Perimeter rim 96 extends around a portion of depending sidewall 94 opposite top panel 92 to have an overall diameter, or outermost dimension, greater than an outer dimension of toggle aperture 90. Perimeter rim 96 covers a substantial entirety of a bottom of toggle 82.

Toggle 82 is positioned within toggle aperture 90 such that top panel 92 remains outside of clip housing 80, and depending sidewalls extends through toggle aperture 90. Since perimeter rim 96 is larger than toggle aperture 90, perimeter rim 96 remains in clip housing 80 and generally prevents toggle 82 from moving out of clip housing 80. Spring 84, which, in one embodiment, is a coil spring, is positioned within clip housing 80 to be coaxially positioned relative to toggle 82 and to interact with an interior of clip housing 80 opposite toggle aperture 90 at one end and with perimeter rim 96 at an opposing end. Spring 84 pushes toggle 82 toward toggle aperture 90 of clip housing 80 moving perimeter rim 96 into contact with an interior surface of clip housing 80 adjacent toggle aperture 90 into a latched position as shown in FIG. 13. In the latched position, as shown in FIG. 12, locking aperture 98 is no longer aligned with string aperture 88. Pushing down on top surface 92 of toggle 82 overcomes the biasing force of spring 84 to align locking aperture 98 with string aperture until toggle 82 is released.

Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 9, during assembly, flexible casing 12 is first formed into the desired pillow shape and to be coupled with the one or more stings 14. To assemble pillow 10, in one embodiment, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are placed on top of one another aligning perimeter 40 of first panel 30 with perimeter 50 of second panel 32. More specifically, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are placed with right sides, that is, with exterior surfaces 48 and 58 facing each other.

Additionally, referring to FIG. 10, each of the one or more strings 14 are then positioned to extend across the currently outwardly facing interior surface 56 or 46 of second panel 32 or, as illustrated first panel 30. More specifically, first end 70 of each of the one or more strings 14 is positioned adjacent and/or to extend past first lateral edge 42 of first panel 30 such that the respective string 14 extends across first panel 30 and free end 22 extends significantly beyond second lateral edge 44. In one example, each of the one or more strings 14, for example, each of the two or more strings 14 is positioned substantially perpendicularly to one or both of the first lateral edge 42 and second lateral edge 54.

Once first panel 30, second panel 32, and strings 14 are properly positioned, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are each sewn together. More specifically, in one embodiment, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are sewn together with a seam 162 running along and slightly inset from second lateral edges 44 and 54 one of longitudinal edges 45 and 55, and first lateral edges 42 and 52. In one example, as described with respect to the orientation of FIG. 10, seam 162 extends from a position generally indicated as A in FIG. 10 just outside, that is, to the top of, a top one of strings 14, toward and along a closest one, that is the top one, of the longitudinal edges 45 and 55 of first panel 30 and second panel 32, then downwardly along first lateral edges 42 and 52, and across first end 70 of one of strings 14 to point B as indicated in FIG. 10. In this manner, seam 160 is defined between points A-B. A substantially symmetrical perimeter seam portion 162 is formed between points A-B just inset from lower portions of opposites sides of second lateral edges 44 and 54 from a position just below the bottom one of strings 14, toward and along the lower one of longitudinal edges 45 and 55, upwardly along first lateral edges 42 and 52, and across first end 70 of the bottom one of stings 14.

Prior to, substantially simultaneously with, and/or after forming seams 160 and 162, first panel 30 is also sewn to second panel 32 between, but not crossing strings 14, for example, between points C-C as identified in FIG. 10, just inset from second lateral edges 44 and 54. In one embodiment, a continuous seam is formed between points C-C. In another embodiment, as illustrated, a pocket 100 is incorporated into pillow 10 along second lateral edges 44 and 54 for maintaining free ends 22 of strings 14. Pocket 100 may take on any suitable form to selectively maintain free ends 22 of strings 14. For example, pocket 100 includes a first pocket panel 102, a second pocket panel 104, and a selective closure 106. First pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 are each formed of a suitable fabric, such as a fabric similar to fabric forming first panel 30 and second panel 32, and are of substantially identical size and shape.

Each of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 have an interior surface 108, which will face an interior of pocket 100, and an opposite exterior surface 110. First pocket panel 102 is placed on second pocket panel 104 with interior surfaces 108 facing each other. First pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 are sewn together via seam 120 positioned just inside outer perimeters 122 of each of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 leaving one corresponding linear edge 124 open on each of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104. In this manner, a cavity 180 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) is formed by pocket 100. In one example, closure 106 is placed near the open linear edges 124 of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104. Closure 105 is any suitable selective fastener such as snap, button, tie, and/or, as illustrated, a hook-and-loop fastener including a first closure member 132 and a second closure member 134. Each of first closure member 132 and second closure member 134 are secured to a respective one of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 with the hook or loop portion of each of first closure member 132 and second closure member 134 facing the hook or loop portion of the other of first closure member 132 and second closure member 134. As such, when open linear edges 124 of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 are pressed together, first closure member 132 is selectively secured to second closure member 134.

In one example, a seam 164 is formed from adjacent top one of strings at point C, opposite point A, downwardly along second lateral edges 44 and 54 to point D, which, in one embodiment, extends over a portion of pocket 100 to seam 120. A second, substantially symmetrical seam 166 is formed from adjacent bottom one of stings at point C upwardly along second lateral edges 44 and 54 to point D. Each of seams 164 and 166 stop short of extending entirely across pocket 100 leaving linear edges 124 of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 open. While strings 14 are described as being in place relative to first panel 30 and second panel 32, in one embodiment, strings 14 are not so positioned during sewing. Whether or not strings 14 are in place during sewing, first panel 30 and second panel 32 are not sewn together between points A and C forming a string aperture 176 therebetween, which is sized to receive string 14.

Pillow is turned right-side out via a temporary opening left between points B-B along first lateral edges 42 and 52 of first panel 30 and second panel 32 so that interior surfaces 108 of first panel 30 and second panel 32 face each other forming cavity 20 therebetween. One of open linear edges 124 of first panel 30 and second panel 30 is sewn to a respective one of open edge 124 of first pocket panel 102 and second pocket panel 104 via a corresponding seam 170 (see FIG. 14). Once pillow 10 is turned right-side out, strings 14 are thread from an interior of pillow 10 through a corresponding one of string apertures 176, such that strings 14 extend in a manner substantially perpendicularly to first lateral edges 42 and 54 and second lateral edges 44 and 54. One of clips 16 is unlatched, that is toggle 82 is moved into cavity 86 of clip 16 aligning toggle aperture 90 with two string apertures 88 allowing free end 22 of one of strings 14 to be thread therethrough as shown in FIG. 13. Toggle 82 is released such that spring 84 pushes toggle 82 upward latching clip onto string 14 by compressing string 14 between housing 80 and toggle 82 portions to prevent string 14 from moving back through a respective string aperture 88.

Fill 18 is stuffed into cavity 20 of pillow via temporary opening between points B-B including filling portions of cavity above and below each of the one or more string 14, in any suitable method as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Fill 18 may be of any suitable type or material such as polyester, foam, feather, plastic, cotton, etc. and/or a blend thereof and is inserted into cavity 20 to achieve a desired cushion level. In one example, fill 18 is at least partially compressible.

In one embodiment, fill 18 is positioned in cavity to substantially fully surround each of the one or more strings 14, as shown, for example, in the front view of FIG. 11 in which the first panel 30 has been removed for illustration purposes. In this manner, each of the one or more strings 14 extends through a middle or center of fill 18. In one embodiment, due to the position of fill, each of the one or more strings 14 only contacts casing 12 at its securement to casing 12 near first lateral edges 42 and 52 and as it extends out of a respective string aperture 176 near second lateral edges 44 and 54 of casing 12. The at least one strings 14 being embedded in fill 18 makes it less likely a user of pillow 10 will feel either of the at least one strings 14 during use, such that strings 14 generally do not impede the comfort of the user of the pillow 10.

Once fill 18 is in place, the temporary opening between points B-B is sewn shut via seam 168 by folding over seam allowances along first lateral edges 42 and 52 and sewing the same to form a continuous appearance along seam 160, 162, and 164. As such, cavity 20 is fully enclosed other than any string apertures 176, which are sufficiently small so as not to generally allow portions of fill 18 to escape from inside casing 12.

As originally formed, with each of clips 16 positioned on respective strings 14 away from and/or to otherwise not compress pillow 10 or fill 18 therein. In this original position, an initial casing length L_C1 is defined between seams 164 and 168. During use, the position of clips 16 can be adjusted along the respective one of strings 14. For example, moving clips 16 toward first lateral edges 42 and 52 pushes portions of first panel 30 and second panel 32 of flexible casing 12 toward first lateral edges 42 and 52 decreasing a length of flexible casing 12 to secondary casing length L_C2, for instance, to the compressed position illustrated in FIGS. 16-22. Decreasing the flexible casing to secondary casing length L_C2 pushes fill 18 together, that is compresses fill 18, fluffing pillow 10 to adjust the firmness of pillow 10 and, in one example, increase the overall thickness of pillow 10. The position of clips 16 along strings 14 can be left in a single position and/or moved over time, for example, as fill 18 compresses to adjust to and/or maintain a desired comfort level for the user.

In one example, once clips 16 are positioned as desired, an exposed length of string 14 extends from string apertures 176 of flexible casing 12 to free ends 22 of strings 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 14-22, the exposed length of strings 14 are bent toward and at least partially inserted into cavity 180 of pocket 100 for storage, which substantially prevents strings 14 from extending to a position of discomfort for the user. Securing closure 106 closes pocket 100 to better maintain free ends 22 of strings 14 within cavity 180.

Per the described embodiments above, a pillow according to the present invention is adjustable by compressing or decompressing the flexible casing and, therefore, the fill therein to a comfort level as desired by the user. As the fill compresses over age, clips can be moved along the one or more strings as desired to adjust the compression of the pillow once or repeatedly as desired. In this manner, the pillow is able to provide various users with a number of desired levels of comfort increasing the appeal of a single pillow. In addition, the ability to continually adjust the pillow compression, allows the pillow to be adjusted to counteract any settle or aged degradation or compression of the pillow fill increasing the life span of the pillow.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Claims

1. A pillow comprising:

a flexible casing defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an enclosed interior cavity between the first end and the second end, the flexible casing defining a string aperture through the second end of the flexible casing;

a fill maintained within the enclosed interior cavity for providing cushion to the pillow;

a string statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing and extending through the enclosed interior cavity and out the string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing;

a clip selectively secured to the string adjacent the string aperture, wherein the clip is movable along the string and selectively latched at various positions along the string to adjust the pillow between a first state and a second state, wherein in the second state the overall length of the casing is smaller and the fill is compressed more than in the first state.

2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string is statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing within the enclosed interior cavity of the pillow.

3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the fill extends around a portion of the string located in the interior cavity such the string extends through the fill.

4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string extends through a center portion of the fill.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string is only coupled to the flexible casing at a first end of the string secured near the first end of the flexible casing.

6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string is linearly movably through the string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing.

7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the flexible casing is formed by a first panel and a second panel secured to one another adjacent perimeters thereof to define the interior cavity between the first panel and the second panel.

8. The pillow of claim 7, wherein the first panel and the second panel are separate pieces of fabric.

9. The pillow of claim 7, wherein the string aperture is formed along a seam securing the first panel to the second panel.

10. The pillow of claim 7, wherein the string is statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing within a first seam coupling the first panel to the second panel.

11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the string aperture is formed along a second seam securing the first panel to the second panel, and the second seam is positioned on an opposite side of the interior cavity as compared to the first seam.

12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein latching the clip at different positions along the string changes a length of the casing and changes compression of the fill.

13. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string only contacts the casing where the string is secured to the first end of the flexible casing and where the string extends through the string aperture leaving external surfaces of the first panel and the second panel substantially uninterrupted by the string.

14. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the string is a first string, the string aperture is a first string aperture, the clip is a first clip, the flexible casing further defines a second string aperture through the second end of the flexible casing, and the pillow further comprises:

a second string statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing and extending through the enclosed interior cavity and out the second string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing; and

a second clip selectively secured to the second string adjacent the second string aperture wherein the second clip is movable along the second string and selectively latched at various positions along the second string to adjust the pillow, wherein the first clip is separately adjustable from the first clip.

15. The pillow of claim 14, wherein:

the flexible casing is formed by a first panel and a second panel secured to one another adjacent perimeters thereof to define the interior cavity between the first panel and the second panel,

the first string and the second string are each statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing at spaced apart locations within a first end seam coupling the first panel to the second panel, and

the first string aperture and the second string aperture are formed in a second end seam coupling the first panel to the second panel, the first end seam being opposite the second end seam.

16. A pillow comprising:

a flexible casing defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an enclosed interior cavity between the first end and the second end, the flexible casing defining at least one string aperture through the second end of the flexible casing;

a fill maintained within the enclosed interior cavity for providing cushion to the pillow; and

a string statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing and extending through the enclosed interior cavity and out the at least one string aperture in the second end of the flexible casing.

17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the string is selectively securable at different locations along the length of the string adjacent the string aperture to adjust the pillow from a first state to a second state, wherein in the second state the overall length of the casing is smaller and the fill is compressed more than in the first state.

18. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the fill extends around a portion of the string located in the interior cavity such the string extends through the fill and is spaced from the casing other than where the string is statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing and adjacent the string aperture.

19. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the flexible casing is formed by a first panel and a second panel secured to one another adjacent perimeters thereof to define the interior cavity between the first panel and the second panel, and the string aperture is formed along a first seam securing the first panel to the second panel.

20. The pillow of claim 19, wherein the string is statically secured near the first end of the flexible casing within a second seam coupling the first panel to the second panel, and the second seam is positioned on an opposite side of the interior cavity as compared to the first seam.