Peaceful Pillow Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel cooling pillow device. The device is an improved, temperature-regulated pillow that employs the use of cold water and/or ice to keep the user cool and comfortable throughout the night. The device resembles a standard pillow with insulated chambers to accommodate ice and/or water. Specifically, the device comprises an insulated tubular chamber that resembles a peace sign design with an opening at the top, creating four interior sections. The opening is seamless, located at one end of the pillow device and is used for the insertion or removal of ice and/or water. The opening will have a lock that can secure and prevent the ice and/or water contents from leaking.

Claims

1. A cooling pillow device comprising: a body comprised of a first half comprised of a first cavity and a first fastener and a second half comprised of a second cavity and a second fastener; and a bladder positioned between the first half and the second half within the first cavity and the second cavity such that the bladder is encased in the body, wherein the bladder configured to hold a cooling compound.

2. The cooling pillow device of claim 1 further comprised of a compound comprised of an ice or a water.

3. The cooling pillow device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a waterproof material.

4. The cooling pillow device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of an insulation layer.

5. A cooling pillow device comprising: a body comprised of a first half comprised of a first cavity and a first fastener and a second half comprised of a second cavity and a second fastener; and a bladder positioned between the first half and the second half within the first cavity and the second cavity such that the bladder is encased in the body, wherein the bladder is configured to hold a cooling compound, and further wherein the bladder is comprised of an opening and a cap.

6. The cooling pillow device of claim 5 further comprised of a compound comprised of an ice or a water.

7. The cooling pillow device of claim 5, wherein the body is comprised of an insulation layer.

8. The cooling pillow device of claim 5, wherein the body is comprised of a breathable textile layer.

9. The cooling pillow device of claim 8, wherein the breathable textile layer is comprised of a polyurethane coating.

10. A cooling pillow device comprising: a body comprised of a first half comprised of a first cavity and a first fastener and a second half comprised of a second cavity and a second fastener; a bladder positioned between the first half and the second half within the first cavity and the second cavity such that the bladder is encased in the body, wherein the bladder is configured to hold a cooling compound, and further wherein the bladder is comprised of an opening and a cap having a lock.

11. The cooling pillow device of claim 10 further comprised of a compound comprised of an ice or a water.

12. The cooling pillow device of claim 10, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are comprised of a pair of reciprocating fasteners.

13. The cooling pillow device of claim 12, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a hook fastener.

14. The cooling pillow device of claim 12, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a loop fastener.

15. The cooling pillow device of claim 10, wherein the bladder is comprised of an insulating outer layer.

16. The cooling pillow device of claim 15, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a reflective thermal barrier.

17. The cooling pillow device of claim 10, further comprised of a pillowcase.

18. The cooling pillow device of claim 17, wherein the pillowcase is comprised of a moisture-wicking layer.

19. The cooling pillow device of claim 17, wherein the pillowcase is comprised of a thermal-reflective inner lining.

20. The cooling pillow device of claim 17, wherein the pillowcase is comprised of an anti-microbial and anti-odor treatment layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention disclosing the opening in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention disclosing how cold water and ice are poured into the opening in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention inserted into a standard pillowcase in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing one potential method of providing a temperature-regulated pillow in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention with two halves unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cooling pillow device of the present invention with two halves attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cooling pillow device that provides users with a modified pillow designed to offer a temperature-regulated resting and sleeping experience via ice and/or water. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a cooling pillow device that ensures anyone can utilize the pillow and maintain a cool, comfortable temperature without worry of leaks or stains on their bed. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cooling pillow device that features an interior chamber, accessible along one edge of the pillow, in which users can pour water and/or ice into the chamber to experience a cool temperature while lying on the pillow. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables a user to insert the pillow into a standard pillowcase for a seamless look and feel while resting. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cooling pillow device that prevents people from getting too warm and sweating during the night due to a hot, uncomfortable pillow. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cooling pillow device that employs the use of cold water and/or ice to keep the user cool and comfortable throughout the night.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel cooling pillow device. The device is an improved, temperature-regulated pillow that employs the use of cold water and/or ice to keep the user cool and comfortable throughout the night. The device resembles a standard pillow with insulated chambers to accommodate ice and/or water. Specifically, the device comprises an insulated tubular chamber that resembles a peace sign design with an opening at the top, creating four interior sections. The opening is seamless, located at one end of the pillow device and is used for the insertion or removal of ice and/or water. The opening will have a lock that can secure and prevent the ice and/or water contents from leaking. The present invention also includes a novel method of providing a temperature-regulated pillow. The method includes the steps of providing a cooling pillow device that comprises insulated tubular chambers which accommodate ice and/or water to cool the pillow and an opening for filling the tubular chambers. The method also comprises filling the insulated tubular chambers with ice and/or water via the opening. Further, the method comprises securing and locking the opening once filled, to prevent the ice and/or water contents from leaking. Finally, inserting the cooling pillow device into a standard pillowcase for use.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the cooling pillow device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the cooling pillow device 100 is an improved cooling pillow device that provides a temperature-regulated pillow that employs the use of cold water and/or ice to keep the user cool and comfortable throughout the night. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any suitable user as is known in the art, to maintain a cool, comfortable temperature while sleeping.

[0038] The device 100 resembles a standard pillow but with at least one insulated bladder 102 that can be filled with a heating and/or cooling compound 800 such as but not limited to ice, phase change materials, gel-based coolants, and/or water. More specifically, the device 100 comprises at least one insulated bladder 102 which may partition off the interior of the device 100 into interior sections 104. Further, the tubular bladder 102 comprises an opening 106 that in one embodiment is located at one end of the pillow device 100 and is used for the insertion or removal of the compound 800 into the bladder 102.

[0039] Generally, the cooling pillow device 100 resembles a standard pillow and is rectangular in shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the bladder 102 has a top 110, a bottom 112, a set of opposing front and back walls 114, and a set of opposing side walls 116. Typically, the walls 114, 116 are uniform in size and shape, but in some embodiments, the back wall 114 can be wider than the opposing front wall 114, creating a wedge-like shape. Any other suitable shape as is known in the art can be utilized depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0040] In one embodiment, the body component 108 is comprised of a flexible, waterproof material such as but not limited to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), silicone rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). These materials provide a combination of durability, flexibility, and impermeability that is suitable for containing the insulated bladder 102 and accommodating the weight and movement of the user.

[0041] In additional embodiments, the body component 108 may further comprise one or more interior insulation layers 814 to regulate thermal transfer between the cooling compound 800 and the outer surface of the device 100. Said insulation layers 814 include but are not limited to a closed-cell polyethylene foam, a gel-infused memory foam, an aerogel-infused polymer composite, etc. These materials provide thermal buffering, shock absorption, and structural support, thereby enhancing the user's comfort and extending the effective cooling duration of the compound 800.

[0042] To improve surface feel and comfort, the body component 108 may be laminated or wrapped with a breathable textile layer 816 such as but not limited to spacer mesh fabric, moisture-wicking polyester, nylon tricot, or natural fibers including organic cotton or bamboo knit. In configurations where a fabric layer 816 is applied, the material may be further treated with a polyurethane coating 818 to maintain waterproofing or infused with antimicrobial additives to inhibit microbial growth and improve hygiene.

[0043] Furthermore, the thickness of the body component 108 is approximately 4.0 mm when the bladder 102 is inside the body 108 and filled with the compound 800. However, the thickness of the body component 108 can vary in different embodiments.

[0044] Additionally, the body component 108 comprises an interior cavity 118 and an insulated tubular bladder 102 that is positioned within the cavity 118. The tubular bladder 102 may resemble a peace sign design, creating a plurality of interior sections 104 within the cavity 118. However, any suitable design shape and size of bladder 102 can be utilized depending on the size and shape of the cooling pillow device 100. Further, any suitable number of tubular bladders 102 can be included as needed and/or desired, and the tubular bladders 102 can be any suitable size and/or shape as is known in the art including but not limited to ovular/elliptical. Additionally, the tubular chambers 102 can create any suitable number of interior sections 104.

[0045] In one embodiment, the body 108 is comprised of a first half 109 and a second half 111, as seen in FIG. 7. Each half 109,111 is comprised of at least one cavity 118. Each cavity 118 is shaped to receive half of the bladder 102. Each half 109, 111 is further comprised of at least one fastener 700 that allows the halves 109,111 to attach together with the bladder 102 in between (received by both cavities 118) such that the bladder 102 is fully encased by the body 108, as seen in FIG. 8. The fasteners 700 may be any type of reciprocating fasteners such as but not limited to hook and loop, snap button, magnetic, zipper, etc. and may be placed anywhere on the halves 109, 111

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular bladder 102 comprises an opening 106. Preferably, there is one opening 106, but any suitable number of openings 106 can be used as is known in the art. Further, the opening 106 is typically positioned near the top of the device 100 but can be positioned at any place on the device 100. Generally, the opening 106 is seamless, located at one end of the pillow device 100, and is used for the insertion or removal of the compound 800 into the bladder 102. Further, the opening 106 may be comprised of a cap 200 and a lock 202 that can secure and prevent the ice and/or water contents from leaking. Any suitable watertight cap 200 and lock 202 as is known in the art can be used, such as but not limited to a plug with an O-ring, etc. Typically, the cap 200 is a removable cap 200 that can be threaded into the opening 106, or any other suitable cap 200 as is known in the art. Thus, the cap 200 can be freely attached and detached as needed.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, each tubular bladder 102 may have an inner layer 300 of plastic material that will prevent the ice and/or water from leaking into the body component 108 of the device 100, along with preventing it from releasing any moisture due to condensation. Further, the tubular bladder 102 may also comprise a second outer layer 302 composed of an insulation material to insulate the compound 800 and keep it cool longer, to release a continuous, steady flow of cool temperature. Both layers 300, 302 allow the compound 800 to cool the cavity 118 and/or body 108. In one embodiment, the outer layer 302 is comprised of a reflective thermal barrier, such as but not limited to a metallized polymer film, to reduce thermal radiation loss from the compound 800.

[0048] Further, the body component 108 of the device 100 is preferably made from a flexible waterproof material, such as rubber or polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the body component 108 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable. Further, in one embodiment, the interior cavity 118 comprises a thermally conductive material, such as closed- cell foam, foam gel, or any other suitable material as is known in the art. Therefore, when the user's head and/or body comes into contact with the interior cavity 118, the thermally conductive material prevents the user's head from becoming too cold and uncomfortable.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling pillow device 100, once filled, can then be inserted into a standard pillowcase 400 for use. Further, when a user's head is placed on the pillow device 100, typically water is displaced due to pressure. However, instead of water moving away to another part of the interior cavity 118, causing the water to bulge, thus leaving the part on which the head rests with very little water; the displaced water tends to remain within the tubular bladder 102, thereby maintaining the water balanced within the interior cavity 118. Furthermore, the tubular chambers 102 minimize sloshing about of the water by movement of the user's head. The pillowcase 400 may be comprised of at least one fastener 402, such as but not limited to a zipper, hook and loop, etc. to help secure the halves 108,111 within the pillowcase 400. In one embodiment, the pillowcase 400 is comprised of a multi-layer textile structure including a moisture-wicking top layer 404, a breathable spacer mesh intermediate layer 406, and a thermal-reflective inner lining 408 to enhance both comfort and cooling efficiency. In another embodiment, the pillowcase 400 comprises an anti-microbial and anti-odor treatment layer 410, such as silver ion or bamboo charcoal fabric, to enhance hygiene during extended use.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, when using the cooling pillow device 100, a compound 800 in the form of cold water and ice is poured into the opening 106 into the tubular chambers 102. Water and ice are then moved through the tubular chambers 102 and held in place, balancing out the device 100. The opening 106 is then secured with a cap 200. The cooling pillow device 100 is then placed in a standard pillowcase 400. Accordingly, the user's head 500 is then placed on the cooling pillow device 100 for use.

[0051] As discussed above, the user would not have the feeling of pressure on his/her head 500 due to the concavity at the center of the cooling pillow device 100 from water being displaced. Instead, the tubular chambers 102 hold the water in place, allowing the cooling pillow device 100 to provide a feeling of softness and comfort for the user, as well as cooling.

[0052] In another embodiment, the cooling pillow device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The body component 108 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 108, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be sleep or brand related.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of providing a temperature-regulated pillow. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a cooling pillow device that comprises insulated tubular chambers which accommodate ice and/or water to cool the pillow and an opening for filling the tubular chambers. The opening comprises a removable cap that can be threaded onto the opening to seal the water and/or ice within the device. The method also comprises at 602, filling the insulated tubular chambers with ice and/or water via the opening. The tubular chambers can be filled completely or partially, depending on the cooling relief desired by a user. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing and locking the opening once filled, to prevent the ice and/or water contents from leaking. The cap is a watertight cap which seals the opening. Finally, at 606, inserting the cooling pillow device into a standard pillowcase for use.

[0054] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein cooling pillow device, pillow device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the cooling pillow device 100 of the present invention.

[0055] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cooling pillow device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cooling pillow device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cooling pillow device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cooling pillow device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the cooling pillow device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0056] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0057] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.