Pillow

Abstract

A pillow has a plurality of grooves and ribs extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pillow such that in use, the ribs extend generally transverse to the spine of a user. The ribs are provided under the neck and head of a user and the pillow has an uncut core that is thinker under the neck.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This application relates to a pillow that has parallel extending grooves and ribs. Preferably, the grooves and ribs extend along the length of the pillow having a longitudinal axis and / or the pillow is made of viscoelastic foam.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Pillows are commonly used to support the head of a user while in the supine position. Many different types of pillows are known. Typically, pillows are made from polyurethane foam. Alternately, pillows have been made from viscoelastic foam (see for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,633). In addition, it has been suggested to construct pillows from a combination of different foams.[0003]Pillows having shallow grooves extending along the width of a pillow are also known (see U.S. Pat. No. D325,839).SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]In accordance with the instant invention, a pillow, preferably a viscoelastic or memory foam pillow, is provided having a plurality of generally parallel grooves and ribs that, in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In accordance with the instant invention, a pillow, preferably a viscoelastic or memory foam pillow, is provided having a plurality of generally parallel grooves and ribs that, in use, extend transversely to the spine of a user and are provided on the pillow at locations that, in use, support the head of a use and the neck of a user. Accordingly, when a user places their head on the pillow, the ribs under the back of the head of the user and under the neck. Preferably, the ribs directly under the head and neck will tend to be deformed (compressed) while ribs positioned forwards and rearwards thereof will tend to be deflected from the vertical and folded over to overlie adjacent ribs. An advantage of this design is that a solid foam pillow may be provided that has increased compression (i.e. softness) for the neck as well as the head. Traditionally, pillows are generally oval in cross section. If such a pillow is made from foam, then a user may put stress on their neck trying to position their head at a comfortable height on the pillow. The use of ribs permits the pillow to be more easily deformable at the locations on which the head and neck rest, while forming the pillow from material having a uniform density. The use of an uncut core having increased thickness at the location of the neck (i.e. the lateral side) permits the pillow to firmly support the neck of a user. Further, the use of a thinner uncut core at the location of the head permits the head to be at a more natural position that follows the curve of the spine. If the centre of a pillow is too firm, then when a person is on their back, the head will be elevated and the correct cervical curve will not be achieved. By providing ribs having different depths, different softness (i.e., effective density) may be provided at different parts of the pillow.

Problems solved by technology

If such a pillow is made from foam, then a user may put stress on their neck trying to position their head at a comfortable height on the pillow.

If the centre of a pillow is too firm, then when a person is on their back, the head will be elevated and the correct cervical curve will not be achieved.

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