CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTABLE PILLOW COMPRESSION DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices and methods to continuously adjust pillow compression and firmness. In some aspects, the devices include at least one cord configured to an adjusting fixture, wherein the at least one cord comprises a plurality of cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture, wherein at least one cord segment of the plurality of cord segments is configured to a pillow. Methods of use and manufacturing also are provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/005,390, filed Apr. 5, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to continuously adjustable pillow compression devices that can be used on existing bed pillows to adjust pillow firmness by compressing the pillow to prevent undesired pillow flattening.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Bed pillow flattening during use is an issue for many people as it can be very disruptive to sleep and may also cause morning aches and pains due to misalignment of the head and neck. Pillow flattening occurs when the weight of the user's head causes the pillow fill material to compress and migrate outward towards the pillow edges, which creates a situation where the user's head becomes positioned lower than desired, causing users to “fluff” their pillow mid-sleep in an attempt to push the fill material back towards the center of the pillow to raise their head position.

The issue of pillow flattening is evidenced by the myriad of marketed products, old and new, that claim to solve for this issue such as pillows with different firmness offerings, memory foam pillows, pillows with novel fill materials, adjustable pillows, and pillow augmentation products. It is typical for a given pillow, even pillows with novel fill materials, to be offered in different firmness variations (e.g., soft, medium, hard), in an attempt to account for a range of customer preferences. However, it is impossible for these discrete pillow firmness offerings to cover the continuous range of customer needs. Also, the customer must guess which firmness selection to make as the customer typically cannot trial the pillow before purchasing. Furthermore, regardless of the pillow firmness option selected, the pillow firmness will inevitably deteriorate over time with use causing the pillow to flatten more than desired at some point in its lifetime.

In addition to pillows offered with different firmness variations, the prior art highlights additional devices and methods to adjust pillow height, thus further demonstrating the need for a better pillow solution. Some examples of these devices and methods include pillows with internal adjustable fill compartments or fill distribution as described by Ryndak (U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,862 A), Wang (U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,352 B2), and Wassilefky (U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,389 B2). Others include pillows with removable inserts to adjust pillow shape and height, as described by Parnham (U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,427 A), DiGirolamo (U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2005/0210590 A1), and Freund et al. (U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2012/0073056 A1). Even more types of adjustable pillows are described that utilize inflation, such as those described by Mohrekesh (U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2004/0139549 A1), Lee (U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2006/0005314 A1), and Ho (U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2017/0238736 A1). Pillow augmentation devices were also described by Hui (U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,798 A), that describes folding sheet-like layers that can be added to the pillow to adjust the pillow's shape and height. The use of multiple pillows to achieve different shape configurations has also been described by Rudick (U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,904 A), Buck (U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,777 A), and Pileggi (U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,227 B2). In addition, foam pillows have been described by Schaefer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,087A) and Dixon (U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,194 A), and novel fill materials to minimize pillow flattening are described by Lindell (U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,424 B2).

Although the different pillow solutions described in the prior art all have benefits, they also present significant drawbacks. For example, none of the solutions described in the above art can be used on an existing pillow while providing continuous firmness adjustability to meet various user preferences. The ability to be used on an existing pillow is important as it eliminates the need to purchase an expensive new pillow that could flatten undesirably anyway. Also, it enables customers to still enjoy their existing pillow, and it provides flexibility to use on any other pillow, such as when traveling or camping. Having continuous firmness adjustability is also especially important, as this will satisfy a continuous array of specific user preferences, as opposed to being relegated to select a preset firmness offering (e.g., soft, medium, or hard). Also, these existing pillow products are often bulky and difficult to travel with, relegating travelers to whatever pillow firmness is offered by the pillows of their travel accommodations.

To date and to our knowledge, no existing device exists to prevent undesired pillow flattening that provides continuous firmness adjustability, is easy to travel with (i.e., is lightweight and small), is simple to use, and is relatively inexpensive. The present disclosure solves for these needs precisely, as a small and simple “one size fits all” solution.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is a continuously adjustable pillow compression device that can be used on existing pillows to adjust pillow firmness by compressing the pillow, to prevent undesired pillow flatting during use. More specifically, the present disclosure includes at least one cord configured to an adjusting fixture, wherein the at least one cord comprises cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture; and wherein at least one cord segment can be configured to the pillow; and wherein the length of said cord segments can be adjusted by the adjusting fixture to compressing the pillow. The compression applied to the pillow by the device prevents the pillow fill material from migrating outward towards the ends of the pillow during use, therefore counteracting pillow flattening. When the desired pillow compression and firmness is achieved, the adjusting fixture automatically locks the at least one cord segment length in place using an internal locking mechanism.

Thus, disclosed herein is a continuously adjustable pillow compression device comprising (a) at least one cord; and (b) an adjusting fixture, wherein the at least one cord is configured to the adjusting fixture; wherein the at least one cord comprises a plurality of cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture; and wherein the adjusting fixture comprises an internal locking mechanism for adjusting the length of said cord segments to compress the pillow to the desired pillow compression. At least one cord segment of said plurality of cord segments is configured to the pillow.

In some embodiments, at least two cord segments of said plurality of cord segments are configured to the pillow; wherein the at least two cord segments comprise cord ends that attach to the pillow.

In some embodiments, at least one cord segment of said plurality of cord segments is configured to the pillow; wherein the at least one cord segment is in the form of a loop that wraps around the pillow.

In some embodiments, two cord segments of said plurality of cord segments are configured to the pillow; wherein said two cord segments are in the form of loops that wrap around the pillow.

In some embodiments the at least one cord comprises inelastic material. In other embodiments the at least one cord comprises elastic material. In some embodiments the at least one cord comprises a combination of elastic and inelastic materials. In some embodiments the at least one cord comprises two elastic sections and one inelastic section, wherein the one inelastic section is positioned between the two elastic sections.

In some embodiments the two elastic sections are of equal length and comprise about 5 to 30 percent of the overall cord length, wherein the inelastic section comprises about 70 to 95 percent of the overall cord length. More preferably, each elastic section of the two elastic sections comprises about 12.5 percent of the overall cord length, wherein the inelastic section comprises about 75 percent of the overall cord length.

In some embodiments the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism. In some embodiments the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism. In some embodiments the self-locking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism.

The adjusting fixture comprises a release feature, wherein said release feature provides means to unlock the at least one cord from the adjusting fixture, thereby allowing the at least one cord to travel freely through the adjusting fixture in the locked direction to release the device from the pillow.

Also disclosed herein is a method of making the device as provided herein comprising assembling the cord and the adjusting fixture.

In yet another embodiment, provided herein is a method of compressing a pillow comprising (a) configuring the device as provided herein to the pillow; (b) shortening the length of the cord segments configured to the pillow by pulling the opposite ends of the cord through the adjusting fixture, thereby compressing the pillow.

All publications, patents, patent applications, and information available on the internet and mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, or item of information was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications, patents, patent applications, and items of information incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

Where values are described in terms of ranges, it should be understood that the description includes the disclosure of all possible sub-ranges within such ranges, as well as specific numerical values that fall within such ranges irrespective of whether a specific numerical value or specific sub-range is expressly stated.

The term “each,” when used in reference to a collection of items, is intended to identify an individual item in the collection but does not necessarily refer to every item in the collection, unless expressly stated otherwise, or unless the context of the usage clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately,” when used to modify a numeric value or numeric range, indicate that deviations of 5% to 10% above and 5% to 10% below the value or range remain within the intended meaning of the recited value or range

It is understood that wherever aspects are described herein with the language “comprising,” otherwise analogous aspects described in terms of “consisting of” and/or “consisting essentially of” are also provided.

The term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein is intended to include both “A and B,” “A or B,” “A,” and “B.” Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C” is intended to encompass each of the following aspects: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

Various embodiments of the features of this disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that such embodiments are provided merely by way of example, and numerous variations, changes, and substitutions can occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that various alternatives to the specific embodiments described herein are also within the scope of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, wherein a single cord is configured to the adjusting fixture, wherein said single cord comprises cord segments that are in the form of loops.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, wherein two cords are configured to the adjusting fixture, wherein each cord comprises three cord segments; wherein one of said three cord segments is in the form of a loop, and wherein two of said three cord segments comprise cord ends.

FIG. 3A illustrates the backside of a pillow with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, before pillow compression is applied by said device.

FIG. 3B illustrates the backside of a pillow with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, after pillow compression is applied by said device.

FIG. 3C illustrates the front side of a pillow with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, after pillow compression is applied by said device.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the cord of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the cord comprises a circular cross-section and comprises two elastic sections and one inelastic section, wherein the inelastic section is positioned between the two elastic sections.

FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric exploded view of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 1, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 1, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the open position.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 1, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the closed position.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the adjusting fixture of the device of the present disclosure, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the closed position; and wherein the release feature is located on the bottom face of the adjusting fixture.

FIG. 6A illustrates another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure; wherein the cord is configured to an adjusting fixture; and wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 6A, illustrating the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 6A, wherein the internal locking mechanism is comprised of a cam mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are devices and methods that include a continuously adjustable pillow compression device. As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides a device that includes two components. First, the device includes a first component that is a cord. As used herein, a “cord” is a flexible string or rope.

Second, the device includes a second component that is an adjusting fixture. The cord of the first component is configured to the adjusting fixture of the second component; wherein the cord is comprised of a plurality of cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture; wherein at least one cord segment of said plurality of cord segments can be configured to the pillow; and wherein the adjusting fixture comprises an internal locking mechanism for adjusting the length of said cord segments to compress the pillow to the desired pillow compression. Said cord segments can be configured to the pillow by wrapping around the pillow or by attaching to the pillow. In some embodiments said cord segments may be in the form of a loops that wrap around the pillow. In some embodiments said cord segments may contain cord ends that attach to the pillow by means of fabric clips or pins. When said cord segments are configured to the pillow, the length of said cord segments are shortened by pulling the opposite ends of the cord through the adjusting fixture, which acts to pull the pillow edges inward towards the adjusting fixture, thereby compressing the pillow. When the desired pillow compression is achieved, the cord segments are locked in place by the adjusting fixture. “Continuously-adjustable”, and the like as used herein refers to the ability to achieve a given cord segment length among a continuum of possible lengths within a given range, as opposed to a pre-defined set of discrete values.

In some embodiments the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture utilizes a “self-locking mechanism”, that is, the cord may pass through the adjusting fixture freely in only one direction (the “unlocked direction”) and cannot pass through the adjusting fixture in the opposite direction (the “locked direction”), unless the release feature located on the adjusting feature is actuated. Furthermore, tension on the cord in the locked direction assists the internal locking mechanism with locking the cord further, thereby creating a self-locking mechanism, as will be described in more detail herein. The release feature provides means to unlock the cord from the adjusting fixture, thereby allowing the cord to travel through the adjusting fixture in the locked direction, thereby enabling device removal from the pillow.

As will be evident herein, additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be achieved by varying the configuration and type of these first and second components as well as including additional elements to the first and second components.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device of the present disclosure. A cord 1 is configured to the adjusting fixture 2, wherein cord 1 comprises three cord segments 3, 4, and 5; wherein said cord segments are in the form of loops. To achieve this cord segment configuration, the cord 1 is attached to holes 6 and 7 located on the bottom of the adjusting fixture 2; wherein the cord 1 travels through the adjusting fixture 2 between holes 8 and 9, and between holes 10 and 11, wherein holes 8 and 10 are located on the bottom of the adjusting fixture 2, and holes 9 and 11 are located on the top of the adjusting fixture 2. The cord ends may be attached to holes 6 and 7 of the adjusting fixture 2 by a variety of methods, including tying or knotting the ends of the cord through the holes 6 and 7, or by using adhesive, or by using mechanical methods such as screws or clips. The cord 1 comprises elastic sections 12 to improve conformity around the pillow during use, while the remainder of the cord 1 is inelastic. The elastic sections 12 are joined to said remainder of cord using cord connectors 13.

The adjusting fixture 2 comprises an internal locking mechanism; wherein the internal locking mechanism comprises a self-locking mechanism that provides means for adjusting the length of cord segments 3, 4, and 5. When cord segment 5 is pulled, the cord 1 is pulled out of the top of the adjusting fixture 2 (or in the “unlocked direction”) between holes 8 and 9, and between holes 10 and 11, thereby shortening the length of cord segments 3 and 4, and increasing the length of cord segment 5. The adjusting fixture 2 does not allow the cord 1 to pass freely in the opposite direction (or in the “locked direction”), that is, in the direction that lengthens cord segments 3 and 4. To allow the cord 1 to pass in the locked direction, the release feature 14, located on the top of the adjusting fixture 2, must be pulled outwards from the adjusting fixture 2, thereby unlocking the cord 1 from the internal locking mechanism and allowing the cord 1 to pass in said locked direction.

The release feature 14 may comprise additional elements, such as a ring, string, or a strap to allow the feature to be easily pulled outward. In some embodiments the release feature 14 is located on the bottom of the adjusting fixture 2. In some embodiments the release feature 14 is located on the side of the adjusting fixture 2. In some embodiments the release feature 14 is activated by pushing the release feature 14 inward to the adjusting fixture 2, as opposed to pulling the release feature 14 outward from the adjusting fixture 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, two cords 15 and 16 are configured to the adjusting fixture 17 to create six cord segments 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, wherein cord segments 18, 19, 20, and 21 comprise cord ends, and cord segments 22 and 23 are in the form of loops. In this configuration, cord 15 comprises cord segments 19, 20, and 22, and cord 16 comprises cord segments 18, 21, and 23. The ends of cord segments 18, 19, 20, and 21 comprise clips 24 that can attach to the pillow.

The adjusting fixture 17 comprises means for adjusting the length of cord segments 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23. When cord segment 22 is pulled, the cord 15 is pulled through the top of the adjusting fixture 17 (or in the “unlocked direction”), thereby shortening the length of cord segments 19 and 20. When cord segment 23 is pulled, the cord 16 is pulled through the top of the adjusting fixture (or in the “unlocked direction”), thereby shortening the length of cord segments 18 and 21. The adjusting fixture 17 does not allow the cords 15 and 16 to pass in the opposite direction (or in the “locked direction”), that is, in the direction that lengthens cord segments 18, 19, 20, and 21. To allow the cords 15 and 16 to pass through the adjusting fixture 17 in the locked direction, the release feature 14, located on the top of the adjusting fixture 17, must be pulled outwards from the adjusting fixture 17, thereby unlocking the cords 15 and 16 from the internal locking mechanism and allowing the cords 15 and 16 to pass in said locked direction.

FIG. 3A illustrates the backside of a pillow 25 with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, before compression is applied. Cord segments 3 and 4 wrap around the lateral edges 26 and 27 of the pillow. The adjusting fixture 2 is positioned in the center of the pillow and oriented such that the elastic cord sections 12 are positioned towards the bottom 28 of the pillow.

To tighten cord segments 3 and 4 to compress the pillow, the adjusting fixture 2 is held against the pillow while cord segment 5 is pulled away from the pillow. This action causes cord segments 3 and 4 to shorten in length, thus pulling the pillow edges inward towards the adjusting fixture 2, thus compressing the pillow. Upon achieving the desired pillow compression, cord segment 5 is released and the length of cord segments 3 and 4 are locked in place by the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture 2. To release the device from the pillow 25, the release feature 14 is pulled outward from the adjusting fixture 2, thus allowing the cord segments 3 and 4 to lengthen and release from the pillow 25.

FIG. 3b illustrates the backside of the pillow 25 with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, with pillow compression applied, that is, after the cord segments 3 and 4 have been tightened around the pillow.

FIG. 3C illustrates the front side of the pillow 25 with the device of FIG. 1 configured to the pillow, with pillow compression applied. The sides of the pillow 29 and 30 are pulled inward creating a raised pillow surface 31 that contains concentrated pillow fill material for head support.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the cord 1 from FIG. 1, wherein the cord 1 comprises two elastic sections 12 and one inelastic section 32, wherein the inelastic section 32 is positioned between the two elastic sections 12, and wherein the elastic sections 12 are joined to the inelastic section 32 with cord connectors 13. The elastic sections 12 and inelastic section 32 may be joined by a variety of other means, such as by tying the sections together, or by using metal or plastic connectors or crimpers.

The elastic sections 12 allow for better conformance to the pillow upon tightening and easier usability, while the inelastic section 32 provides the stiffness required to apply and maintain pillow compression.

In some embodiments, the elastic sections 12 are of equal length, as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, each elastic section 12 comprises 12.5 percent of the overall cord length. In some embodiments, each elastic section includes about 1 percent, about 2 percent, about 3 percent, about 4 percent, about 5 percent, about 6 percent, about 7 percent, about 8 percent, about 9 percent, about 10 percent, about 11 percent, about 12 percent, about 13 percent, about 14 percent, about 15 percent, about 16 percent, about 17 percent, about 18 percent, about 19 percent, about 20 percent, about 21 percent, about 22 percent, about 23 percent, about 24 percent, about 25 percent, about 26 percent, about 27 percent, about 28 percent, about 29 percent, about 30, about 31 percent, about 32 percent, about 33 percent, about 34 percent, about 35 percent of the overall cord length.

In some embodiments, the cord 1 includes one or more elastic sections 12. In some embodiments, the cord 1 is comprised of a single section, wherein said single section is entirely inelastic. In some embodiments, the cord 1 is comprised of a single section, wherein said single section is entirely elastic. In some embodiments, the cord 1 is comprised of a plurality of sections, wherein each section can be inelastic or elastic. In some embodiments, the cord 1 is comprised of a plurality of elastic and inelastic sections, wherein said plurality of sections can be of equal length or of disparate lengths.

In some embodiments, the elastic sections 12 of the cord are made of various compositions. For example, the elastic sections 12 can be made of rubber material, such as a bungee cord, or elastomeric materials, or other highly elastic polymeric materials, or any combination thereof In some embodiments, the inelastic section 32 of the cord is made of one or more various compositions. For example, the inelastic section 32 can be made of naturally occurring fiber materials such as cotton, or any other naturally occurring inelastic fiber-like materials and can also be made of synthetic polymeric materials such as nylon or polyesters, or any combination thereof.

The cord 1 has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cross-section of the cord is about 0.01 inches, 0.05 inches, about 0.10 inches, about 0.15 inches, about 0.20 inches, about 0.30 inches, about 0.40 inches, about 0.50 inches, about 0.60 inches, about 0.70 inches, about 0.80 inches, about 0.90 inches, or about 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cross-section ranges from 0.01 inches to 1.0 inch; about 0.01 inches to about 0.90 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.80 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.70 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.60 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.50 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.40 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.30 inches; about 0.01 inches to about 0.20 inches; or about 0.01 inches to about 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cross-section is about 0.10 inches.

In some embodiments, the total length of the cord 1 is about 50 inches, about 55 inches, about 60 inches, about 65 inches, about 70 inches, about 75 inches, about 80 inches, about 85 inches, about 90 inches, about 95 inches, about 100 inches, about 105 inches, about 110 inches, about 115 inches, about 120 inches, about 125 inches, about 130 inches, about 135 inches, about 140 inches, about 145 inches, or about 150 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the cord 1 ranges from about 50 inches to about 150 inches, from about 60 inches to about 140 inches, from about 70 inches to about 130 inches, from about 80 inches to about 120 inches, from about 90 inches to about 120 inches, or from about 100 inches to about 110 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the cord 1 is about 85 inches.

Other embodiments of the cord 1 may include various cord sizes, cord geometries (such as flat straps, or ribbons), and various combinations of elastic and inelastic components and material types, including being made entirely of elastic materials, or being made entirely of inelastic materials, depending on the desired use and pillow type. For instance, in some embodiments, the cord comprises inelastic material. In some embodiments, the cord consists essentially of inelastic material. In some embodiments, the cord comprises elastic material. In some embodiments, the cord consists essentially of elastic material.

FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric exploded view of the adjusting fixture 2 of FIG. 1 of the present disclosure, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture 2 comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism.

The adjusting fixture 2 includes a housing 33, a compression plate 34 and a bottom plate 35. To achieve the cord segment configuration of FIG. 1, the ends of the cord of FIG. 1 are attached to holes 6 and 7 through the bottom plate 35 of the adjusting fixture 2. The cord of FIG. 1 travels through the adjusting fixture 2 between hole 8 in the bottom plate 35, hole 36 in the compression plate 34, and hole 9 in the top of the housing 33; and between hole 10 in the bottom plate 35, hole 37 in the compression plate 34, and hole 11 in the top of the housing 33. The cord ends may be attached to holes 6 and 7 of the adjusting fixture 2 by a variety of methods, including tying or knotting the ends of the cord through the holes 6 and 7, or by using adhesive, or by using mechanical methods such as screws or clips, or a combination thereof. By configuring the cord of FIG. 1 to the fixture in this way, the three cord segments illustrated in FIG. 1 are achieved. The depressions 38 and 39 in the compression plate 34 are used to seat the springs used to support the plate compression mechanism, as will be described in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the adjusting fixture 2 of FIG. 1 of the present disclosure, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the open position. Said open position is achieved when the compression plate 34 is positioned toward the top 40 of the adjusting fixture 2, wherein the springs 41 are compressed, thereby opening a path for the cord 1 to travel freely through the adjusting fixture 2. Said open position can be achieved by two means. The first mean is by pulling the cord 1 through the top 40 of the adjusting fixture 2 (or in the “unlocked direction”), thereby pulling the compression plate 34 upward with the cord 1 until a path is created for the cord 1 to travel through the adjusting fixture 2. When the cord 1 is being pulled through the adjusting fixture 2 in said unlocked direction, the counterforce from the compressed springs 41 helps to stabilize the compression plate 34, allowing for a smoother adjustment. The second mean is by pulling the compression plate 34 upward manually by pulling on the release feature 14 that extends upward out of the top 40 of the adjusting fixture 2. To facilitate pulling on the release feature 14, additional elements can be attached through the hole 42 in the release feature 14, for example, attaching a key ring, a string, or ribbon material for easier grasping by the user.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the adjusting fixture of FIG. 1 of the present disclosure, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the closed position. Said closed (or “locked”) position is achieved when the compression plate 34 is positioned down towards the bottom 43 of the adjusting fixture 2 by the springs 41, thereby locking the cord 1, that is, compressing the cord 1 between the compression plate 34 and the bottom plate 35 such that cord 1 cannot move. In addition to the compression force provided by the springs 41, the misalignment of the holes in the bottom plate 35 and the holes in the compression plate 34 creates a tortuous path for the cord to travel, thereby further contributing to locking the cord 1. When tension is applied to cord 1 out of the bottom 43 of the adjusting fixture (or in the “locked direction”), the cord 1 pulls the compression plate 34 onto itself due to said tortuous path, further locking the cord 1, creating a self-locking effect (or “self-locking mechanism”). The cord 1 is freed to travel in the locked direction, that is, out of the bottom 43 of the fixture 2, by pulling upward on the release feature 14, as described in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjusting fixture 44 of the device of the present disclosure, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism; and wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism; and wherein the plate compression mechanism is in the closed position; and wherein the release feature 45 is located on the bottom 46 of the adjusting fixture 44. In this configuration, the cord 1 is freed to travel in the locked direction, that is, out of the bottom 46 of the fixture 44, by pressing the release feature 45 inward to the adjusting fixture 44, thereby forcing the compression plate 47 upward towards the top 48 of the adjusting fixture 44, thereby creating a path for the cord 1 to travel.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure; wherein the cord 1 is configured to the adjusting fixture 49; wherein the adjusting fixture 49 comprises a self-locking mechanism; wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism. The cord 1 is comprised of cord segments 50, 51, and 52; wherein said cord segments are in the form of loops. To achieve this cord segment configuration, the cord 1 is attached to holes 53 and 54 located on the bottom of adjusting fixture 49; wherein the cord 1 travels through the adjusting fixture 49 between holes 55 and 56, and between holes 57 and 58, wherein holes 55 and 57 are located on the side of the adjusting fixture 49 and holes 56 and 58 are located on the top of the adjusting fixture 49. The cord 1 may be attached to holes 53 and 54 of the adjusting fixture 49 by a variety of methods, including tying or knotting the ends of the cord through the holes 53 and 54, or by using adhesive, or by using mechanical methods such as screws or clips, or a combination thereof.

The adjusting fixture 49 comprises a self-locking mechanism that provides means for adjusting the length of cord segments 50, 51, and 52. When cord segment 52 is pulled, the cord 1 is pulled through the top of the adjusting fixture 49 (or in the “unlocked direction”) between holes 55 and 56, and between holes 57 and 58, thereby shortening the length of cord segments 50 and 51. The adjusting fixture 49 does not allow the cord 1 to pass freely in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction that lengthens cord segments 50 and 51 (or in the “locked direction”). To allow the cord 1 to pass freely in said opposite, or locked direction, the release features 59, located on the sides of the adjusting fixture 49, must be pressed inwards to the adjusting fixture 49, thereby unlocking the cord 1 from the internal locking mechanism.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top cross-section view of the adjusting fixture 49 of FIG. 6A, wherein the adjusting fixture 49 comprises an internal locking mechanism; wherein the internal locking mechanism comprises a self-locking mechanism; wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism.

The cam mechanism comprises two cam wheels 60 and 61 that rotate about pivot points 62 and 63, respectively. When the cam mechanism is in the closed position, that is, rotation of cam wheel 60 in the counterclockwise direction about pivot point 62 and rotation of cam wheel 61 in the clockwise direction about pivot point 63 such that the cord path created between holes 55 and 56 and holes 57 and 58 is obstructed by the teeth 62 of cam wheels 60 and 61, the cord of FIG. 6A is locked in place. The cam mechanism is held in said closed position by springs 64. When the cord of FIG. 6A is tensioned in the direction out of holes 55 and 57 (or in the “locked direction”), the cord catches on the teeth 62 thereby causing the cam wheels 60 and 61 to rotate further into the cord path, thereby further locking the cord, thereby creating a self-locking effect (or self-locking mechanism).

When the cam mechanism is in the open position that is, rotation of cam wheel 60 in the clockwise direction and rotation of cam wheel 61 in the counterclockwise direction such that the teeth 62 do not obstruct the cord path created between holes 55 and 56, and holes 57 and 58, the cord of FIG. 6A can travel freely in both directions through the adjusting fixture. Said open position can be achieved by two means. The first mean to achieve said open position is to pull the cord of FIG. 6A upwards out of holes 56 and 58 (in the “unlocked direction”), whereby the cord of FIG. 6A pushes against the teeth 62, thereby pushing the cam wheels 60 and 61 to rotate out of the cord path, thus allowing the cord to travel through the adjusting fixture, whereby the counterforce of the spring 64 provides for smoother cord adjustment through the adjusting fixture 49. The second way to achieve the open position is to press the release features 59 inward to the adjusting fixture 49, thereby rotating the cam wheels 60 and 61 against the force of the spring 64 out of the cord path, thus allowing the cord to travel through the adjusting fixture.

The self-locking mechanisms described herein, that is, the plate compression mechanism and the cam mechanism, are particularly useful over other conventional cord-locking methods because the harder the cord is pulled in the locked direction, the harder the cord is locked. This self-locking action prevents the cord from gradually sliding backwards during use, and therefore prevents loss of pillow compression. However, other conventional cord-locking mechanisms may be used, such as those relying solely on friction provided by a perpendicular spring force to compress and lock the cord in place.

In some embodiments, the adjusting fixture is small, lightweight, and low profile as to not interfere with sleep positions of the user, including the user sleeping with their arm under the pillow. Therefore, the adjusting fixture of the preferred embodiment should be no more than about 3 inches in length, about 3 inches in width and about 2.5 inches in height. In some embodiments, the length of the adjusting fixture is about 0.50 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, or about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the adjusting fixture is about 1.50 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the adjusting fixture is about 0.50 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, or about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the adjusting fixture is about 1.50 inches. In some embodiments, the height of the adjusting fixture is about 0.50 inches, about 1.0 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, or about 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, the height of the adjusting fixture is about 1.0 inches. Although, additional embodiments of different sizes may be acceptable depending on pillow size and user preference.

In some embodiments the adjusting fixture is made of rigid polymeric material, such as polypropylene, or polyethylene, carbon fiber, 3-D printed materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the adjusting fixture is made of metallic material, such as stainless steel, or aluminum. In some embodiments, the surface of the adjusting fixture is made of a softer material, such as a fabric, or a gel, or a foam layer.

In some embodiments the adjusting fixture is of a different geometry, such as spherical or cylindrical, or other desired geometric shapes. The adjusting fixture may also have various surface features or curvatures to enhance usability of the device. For example, the adjusting fixture may have concave side walls to facilitate gripping by the user.

Also disclosed are methods of producing the device as described herein. Methods of manufacturing (i.e., producing) the device are known in the art. In some instances, the adjusting fixture is manufactured by injection molding. In some instances, the adjusting fixture is manufactured by 3-D printing. In some instances, the methods include assembling the cord and the adjusting fixture.

Other embodiments are possible that utilize different cord segment configurations, orientations, and adjusting fixture interaction, in order to create different compression planes for different pillow shapes and sizes.

Further, it is to be understood that while the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A continuously adjustable pillow compression device comprising: wherein the at least one cord is configured to the adjusting fixture; wherein the at least one cord comprises a plurality of cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture; and wherein the adjusting fixture comprises an internal locking mechanism for adjusting the length of said cord segments to compress a pillow to the desired pillow compression.

(a) at least one cord; and

(b) an adjusting fixture,

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one cord segment of said plurality of cord segments is configured to the pillow.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least two cord segments of said plurality of cord segments are configured to the pillow; wherein the at least two cord segments comprise cord ends that attach to the pillow.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one cord segment of said plurality of cord segments is configured to the pillow; wherein the at least one cord segment is in the form of a loop that wraps around the pillow.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein two cord segments of said plurality of cord segments are configured to the pillow; wherein said two cord segments are in the form of loops that wrap around the pillow.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cord comprises inelastic material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cord comprises elastic material.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cord comprises a combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cord comprises two elastic sections and one inelastic section, wherein the one inelastic section is positioned between the two elastic sections.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the two elastic sections are of equal length.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein

(a) each elastic section of the two elastic sections comprises about 5 to 30 percent of the overall cord length; and

(b) the inelastic section comprises about 70 to 95 percent of the overall cord length.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein

(a) each elastic section of the two elastic sections comprises about 12.5 percent of the overall cord length; and

(b) the inelastic section comprises about 75 percent of the overall cord length.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal locking mechanism of the adjusting fixture comprises a self-locking mechanism.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a plate compression mechanism.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting fixture comprises a release feature, wherein said release feature provides means to unlock the at least one cord from the adjusting fixture, thereby allowing the at least one cord to travel freely through the adjusting fixture in the locked direction to release the device from the pillow.

17. A method of making the device of claim 1 comprising assembling the cord and the adjusting fixture.

18. A method of compressing a pillow comprising:

(a) configuring the device of claim 1 to the pillow; and

(b) shortening the length of the cord segments configured to the pillow by pulling the cord through the adjusting fixture, thereby compressing the pillow.

19. A continuously adjustable pillow compression device comprising: wherein the one cord is configured to the adjusting fixture; wherein the one cord comprises three cord segments that extend outward from the adjusting fixture; wherein said three cord segments are in the form of loops; and wherein the adjusting fixture comprises an internal locking mechanism for adjusting the length of said cord segments.

(a) one cord; and

(b) an adjusting fixture,

20. The device of claim 19, wherein two cord segments of said three of cord segments are configured to a pillow.