Wassilefsky, Gerda (Odense, DK)

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11/443460

08/26/2008

05/30/2006

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Tempur World, LLC (Lexington, KY, US)

5/490

5/953, 5/636, 5/655.9

A47G9/10

5/645, 5/655.4, 5/490, 5/953, 5/636, 5/654, 5/911, 5/644, 5/655.9

D028903		June, 1898	Amory
1312886		August, 1919	Bawden
1382831	Pneumatic cushion	June, 1921	Hiker
D059900		December, 1921	Marsh
1742186	Cushion	January, 1930	Claus
D094702		February, 1935	Marks
2013481	Convertible cushion	September, 1935	Stonehill
2056767	Pad for invalids	October, 1936	Blath
2149140	Angular pillow	February, 1939	Gonzalez-Rincones
2167622	Pillow or the like	August, 1939	Bentivoglio
D126825		April, 1941	Kolisch
2295906	Pillow	September, 1942	Lacour
2298218	Pillow and similarly cushioned article	October, 1942	Madson
2522120	Contoured pillow	September, 1950	Kaskey
2552476	Seat pad	May, 1951	Barton
2724133	Combination life preserver and antirolling cushion	November, 1955	Sorrell
2759200	Pillow case	August, 1956	Johnston
2765480	All purpose orthopedic pillow	October, 1956	Mueller
2898975	Cushioning construction	August, 1959	Wagner
3000020	Safety cushion	September, 1961	Lombard et al.
3047517	Low density, resilient polyurethane foam and method for preparing same	July, 1962	Wherley
3047888	Cushioning structure	November, 1962	Shecter et al.
3148389	Pillow	September, 1964	Lustig
3327330	Comfort pillow	June, 1967	McCullough
D211244		June, 1968	Hawley
3400413	Contour pillow	September, 1968	LaGrossa
3469882	PIECE OF FURNITURE	September, 1969	Larsen
3574397	ORTHOPEDIC PILLOW	April, 1971	Norriss
3604023	TRUE LATERAL BODY POSITIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR RADIOGRAPHY	September, 1971	Lynch
3606461		September, 1971	Moriyama
3637458	MICROCELLULAR FOAM SHEET	January, 1972	Parrish
3757365	THERAPEUTIC PILLOW	September, 1973	Kretchmer
D230804		March, 1974	Lijewski
3795018	ADJUSTABLE BED	March, 1974	Broaded
3829917	THERAPEUTIC PILLOW	August, 1974	DeLaittre et al.
3833259	VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING THREE FOAM LAYERS	September, 1974	Pershing
3837021	SLEEPING QUILT	September, 1974	Sellers et al.
3870662	Novel foamed multiphase thermoplastic copolymer compositions	March, 1975	Lundberg
3896062	Polyether urethane foam	July, 1975	Morehouse
3906137	Laminate having a compressed foam core	September, 1975	Bauer
3939508	Mattress and cushioning construction	February, 1976	Hall et al.
3987507	Pressure distribution pad assembly for wheelchairs	October, 1976	Hall
4007503	Pillow and case of physiologically advantageous shape	February, 1977	Watkin
4027888	Variable contour seating device	June, 1977	Wilcox
4060863	Cushions or pillows	December, 1977	Craig
D247312	Head rest for a back massaging cushion	February, 1978	Zeiss
4086675	Reinforced edge construction for cushions	May, 1978	Talbert et al.
4118813	Sleep training pillow for the prevention of snoring	October, 1978	Armstrong
4173048	Pillow configuration	November, 1979	Varaney
4177806	Knee pillow	December, 1979	Griffin
4185673	Unitary article-carrying bag and cushion	January, 1980	Daniello	383/14
4190697	Multidensity foam article and method of preparation	February, 1980	Ahrens
4218792	Orthopaedic pillow	August, 1980	Kogan
D258557	Anatomically correct head support	March, 1981	Herr
D258793	Pillow	April, 1981	Rinz
D259381	Pillow or the like	June, 1981	Smith
D260125	Seat cushion	August, 1981	Rogers
4379856	Polyurethane foam molding with zones of different indentation hardness and a process for its production	April, 1983	Samaritter et al.
4454309	Polyurethane polyene compositions	June, 1984	Gould et al.
4480346	Pillow sham	November, 1984	Hawkins et al.
4496535	Polyurethane polyene compositions	January, 1985	Gould et al.
D278779	Invalid seat cushion	May, 1985	Sink
D282427	Health pillow	February, 1986	O'Sullivan
4571761	Cut away lounge and/or bed	February, 1986	Perlin
4580301	Mattress for supporting the human body	April, 1986	Ludman et al.
4584730	Device for stabilizing the pelvis of a patient lying on his side	April, 1986	Rajan
D284724	Neck support rest	July, 1986	Clark et al.
4606088	Furniture cushion	August, 1986	Michaelsen et al.	5/636
4624021	Cushion-like support	November, 1986	Hofstetter
4698864	Cellular cushion	October, 1987	Graebe
4736477	Knee pillow	April, 1988	Moore
4748768	Method for the production of a mattress	June, 1988	Jacobsen
4754510	Body pillow	July, 1988	King
4755411	Cushion having flexible outer membrane and multi-density resilient foam member therein	July, 1988	Wing et al.
4759089	Cervical pillow	July, 1988	Fox
4773107	Contoured pillow	September, 1988	Josefek
4773142	Methods of making head support cushions	September, 1988	Davis et al.
D298198	Health pillow	October, 1988	O'Sullivan
4777855	Method of fabricating pillow presenting portions of different firmness	October, 1988	Cohen
4788728	Contoured pillow with central aperture	December, 1988	Lake
4799275	Shock-absorbing pillow	January, 1989	Sprague, Jr.
4808469	Energy absorbing polyurethane composite article	February, 1989	Hiles
4810685	Foam catalysts, method of manufacture and method of using	March, 1989	Twigg et al.
4821355	Self-adjusting orthopedic cervical pillow	April, 1989	Burkhardt
4826882	Open celled polyurethane foams	May, 1989	Bredbenner et al.
4832007	Traction pillow and method	May, 1989	Davis, Jr. et al.
4840430	Automotive seat and method of forming same	June, 1989	Shimada
4842330	Protective seat cushion	June, 1989	Jay
4843662	Two person seat case	July, 1989	Handelman
D302592	Therapeutic traction pillow	August, 1989	Holmes
4862539	Resilient structure	September, 1989	Bokich
4863712	Catalysts for reforming hydrocarbon feedstocks	September, 1989	Twigg et al.
D303897	Pillow	October, 1989	Phillips
D305084	Cover for a comforter	December, 1989	Gyebnar
D306245	Pillow	February, 1990	Akhtarekhavari
4899405	Orthopedic pillow	February, 1990	Rothbard
4908893	Pillows with portions which do not promote facial wrinkles	March, 1990	Smit
4910818	Leg positioning assembly	March, 1990	Grabill et al.
4916765	Pillow kit	April, 1990	Castronovo, Jr.
D308311	Orthopedic cervical pillow	June, 1990	Forsland
D308787	Pillow	June, 1990	Youngblood
4950694	Preparation of polyurethane foams without using inert blowing agents	August, 1990	Hager
4959880	Pillow having a removeable insert	October, 1990	Tesch
D314116	Pillow	January, 1991	Reed
4987156	Shock-absorbing polyurethane foam and production process thereof	January, 1991	Tozune et al.
5006569	Density reduction in flexible polyurethane foams	April, 1991	Stone
5010610	Multilayer supplemental support pad	April, 1991	Ackley
5018231	Neck guard pillow	May, 1991	Wang
5018790	Customized seat cushion	May, 1991	Jay
5019602	Polyurethane foams, compositions to prepare same and process to prepare same	May, 1991	Lowe
5031261	Mattress overlay for avoidance of decubitus ulcers	July, 1991	Fenner, Sr.
D319751	Pillow to space legs	September, 1991	Hoff
5049591	Shape memory polymer foam	September, 1991	Hayashi et al.
D320715	Seat cushion for use in a bathtub or the like	October, 1991	Magnin et al.
5054143	Anti-wrinkle pillow	October, 1991	Javaher
5061737	Filling material	October, 1991	Hudson
D321562	Medical arm pillow for use in measuring blood pressure	November, 1991	Ljungvall
5088141	Therapeutic pillow	February, 1992	Meyer et al.
D325839	Pillow	May, 1992	Main
5114989	Isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and polyurethane foam prepared therefrom	May, 1992	Elwell et al.
5117522	Leg pillow	June, 1992	Everett
5121515	Pillow	June, 1992	Hudson
5123133	Orthopedic pillow with speakers	June, 1992	Albert
5125123	Sleep comforter leg pillow	June, 1992	Engle
5138732	Pillows	August, 1992	Wattie et al.
5148564	Miniature portable support construction	September, 1992	Reder
D333938	Maternity pillow	March, 1993	Watson et al.
D334318	Seat cushion	March, 1993	Chee
5189747	Seat cushion	March, 1993	Mundy et al.
D336809	Pillow for use with dental headgear	June, 1993	Emery
5216771	Leg pillow	June, 1993	Hoff
5219893	Process for the production of open-cell, cold-formable rigid polyurethane foams and their use for the production of molded articles	June, 1993	Konig et al.
5228158	Portable rollable light-weight pillows	July, 1993	Park
5230947	Foam body made integrally of at least a layer of foam material having great resilience and at least a layer of foam material having great capability to absorb shock	July, 1993	Ou
D341509	Back rest	November, 1993	Evans
5265295	Cushion construction and method	November, 1993	Sturgis
5294181	Seat cushion	March, 1994	Rose et al.
5367731	Therapeutic pillow having an exterior depression on one side for providing different degrees of support to a user's neck	November, 1994	O'Sullivan
D354356	Therapeutic pillow for spacing legs	January, 1995	Shiflett
D354876	Seat cushion for back support	January, 1995	Pace
5382602	Flexible slabstock polyurethane foam formulation for a rapid-cool process	January, 1995	Duffy et al.
5418991	Therapeutic appliance for spacing legs	May, 1995	Shiflett
D358957	Headrest extender	June, 1995	Propp
D359870	Tub pillow	July, 1995	McLaughlin
5437070	Multiple use pillow	August, 1995	Rempp
5457832	Cervical pillow with variable thickness head and neck portions	October, 1995	Tatum
5482980	Methods for preparing flexible, open-celled, polyester and polyether urethane foams and foams prepared thereby	January, 1996	Pcolinsky
D367390	Pillow	February, 1996	Johnston et al.
D369663	Therapeutic pillow for low back pain	May, 1996	Gostine
5522106	Seat cushion assembly	June, 1996	Harrison et al.
5523144	Bedding structure with quilted-in lumbar support	June, 1996	Dyer, Jr.
5528784	Adjustable support pillow for comfortable repose	June, 1996	Painter
5530980	Leg stabilization sleeping device	July, 1996	Sommerhalter, Jr.
5544377	Therapeutic pillow for low back pain	August, 1996	Gostine
D374146	Two-piece interlocking pillow unit	October, 1996	Bonaddio et al.
5567740	Conductive polyurethane foam compositions and method for producing same	October, 1996	Free
5572757	Body support having hingedly connected semi-cylindrical cushions	November, 1996	O'Sullivan
5591780	Low odor amine catalysts for polyurethane flexible slabstock foams based on polyester polyols	January, 1997	Muha et al.
5638564	Therapeutic pillow	June, 1997	Greenawalt et al.
5644809	Cervical pillow	July, 1997	Olson
D381855	Pillow	August, 1997	Galick
D382163	Boomerang shaped pillow and cover	August, 1997	Hartney
D383026	Cervical pillow	September, 1997	Torbik
5664271	Support pillow assembly	September, 1997	Ballavance
5669094	Mattress with visco-elastic, temperature sensitive top layer	September, 1997	Swanson
5682633	Pillow with inserts	November, 1997	Davis
5687436	Wheelchair seating cushion having adjustable top contour shape	November, 1997	Denton
D387235	Ergonomic seat cushion	December, 1997	Carpenter
D388648	Face saving pillow design	January, 1998	Bates
D388649	Rest pillow	January, 1998	Chekuri
D388650	Pillow	January, 1998	Davis
5708998	Cervical pillow	January, 1998	Torbik
D390405	Travel pillow	February, 1998	Jung
D391112	Pillow	February, 1998	Houston
5724685	Step deck for a bed	March, 1998	Weismiller et al.
D393564	Pillow	April, 1998	Liu
5746218	Therapeutic pillow	May, 1998	Edge
D394977	Orthopedic pillow	June, 1998	Frydman
D395568	Pillow	June, 1998	Davis
5778470	Partitioned therapeutic pillow with bead filling	July, 1998	Haider
5781947	Adjustable cervical pillow with depressions for a user's ears	July, 1998	Sramek
D397270	Pillow having a channel formed centrally therethrough	August, 1998	Maalouf
5797154	Contoured pillow	August, 1998	Contreras
D399675	Pillow	October, 1998	Ferris
D402150	Multi-support pillow	December, 1998	Wurmbrand et al.
5848448	Pillow with cutouts adapted to accommodate the ear, nose and cheek of a user	December, 1998	Boyd
D404237	Anti-wrinkle pillow	January, 1999	Boyd
5855415	Portable seat cushion having pressure-reducing properties	January, 1999	Lilley, Jr.
5884351	Anatomical support with moisture absorbing clay discs	March, 1999	Tonino
D409038	Pillow	May, 1999	Rojas, Jr. et al.
D410810	Anti-aging pillow	June, 1999	Lozier
D412259	Fishing seat	July, 1999	Wilcox et al.
5926880	Adjustable cervical pillow with depressions for a user's ears	July, 1999	Sramek
D415920	Anti-snore pillow	November, 1999	Denney
D416742	Adjustable pillow	November, 1999	Sramek
D417579	Cushion	December, 1999	Tarquinio
D417997	Pillow	December, 1999	Yannakis
6003177	Pillow	December, 1999	Ferris
D418711	Neck support pillow	January, 2000	Mettler
6017601	Allergen-barrier cover	January, 2000	Amsel
6018831	Pillow with cantilever supports	February, 2000	Loomos
6034149	Hydrophilic polyurethane foams	March, 2000	Bleys et al.
6047419	Maternal positioning support system	April, 2000	Ferguson
6049927	Surface pad system for a surgical table	April, 2000	Thomas et al.
6052851	Mattress for minimizing decubitus ulcers	April, 2000	Kohnle
6079066	Pillow	June, 2000	Backlund
6093468	Flexible lightweight protective pad with energy absorbing inserts	July, 2000	Toms et al.
D428716	Seat	August, 2000	Larger
D429106	Inflatable seat cushion	August, 2000	Bortolotto et al.
6115861	Mattress structure	September, 2000	Reeder et al.
6136879	Soft polyurethane foam, method of producing the same and vehicle interior member using the same	October, 2000	Nishida et al.
D434936	Face pillow	December, 2000	May
6154905	Orthopedic support pillow	December, 2000	Frydman
6156842	Structures and fabricated articles having shape memory made from α-olefin/vinyl or vinylidene aromatic and/or hindered aliphatic vinyl or vinylidene interpolymers	December, 2000	Hoenig et al.
6159574	Laminated visco-elastic support	December, 2000	Landvik et al.
6161238	Wraparound orthotic base, composite adjustable cushion using same and method of measuring fit of the adjusted cushion to the user's shape	December, 2000	Graebe
6171532	Method of stabilizing sintered foam and of producing open-cell sintered foam parts	January, 2001	Sterzel
6182311	Therapeutic between-the-legs support pillow assembly	February, 2001	Buchanan et al.
6182312	Orthopedic head and neck support pillow that requires no break-in period	February, 2001	Walpin
6182314	Orthopedic support pillow	February, 2001	Frydman
D439099	Pillow for hospital patients	March, 2001	Erickson
6202232	Pillow	March, 2001	Andrei
6202239	Multi-zone support	March, 2001	Ward et al.
6204300	Low resilience urethane foam	March, 2001	Kageoka et al.
6226818	Multiple firmness pillow	May, 2001	Rudick
6237173	Articulated foam futon mattress	May, 2001	Schlichter et al.
6241320	Customizable seat cushion and positioning assembly including pressure compensation inserts	June, 2001	Chew et al.
6245824	Silicone surfactants for making polyurethane flexible molded foams	June, 2001	Frey et al.
6253400	Cushion	July, 2001	Rudt-Sturzenegger et al.
6254189	Body support device for vehicles	July, 2001	Closson
D446305	Therapeutic between-the-legs support pillow assembly	August, 2001	Buchanan et al.
6292964	Inclined support pillow	September, 2001	Rose et al.
6317908	Support device with variable firmness	November, 2001	Walpin
6327725	Pillow with adjustable neck support	December, 2001	Veilleux et al.
6345401	Neck support pillow	February, 2002	Frydman
6347421	Portable head pillow	February, 2002	D'Emilio
D455311	Foam pillow for sleeping	April, 2002	Fux
6367106	Therapeutic support for the reduction of decubitus ulcers	April, 2002	Gronsman
6391933	Flexible, substantially open celled polyurethane foam and method of making same	May, 2002	Mattesky
6391935	Viscoelastic polyurethane foams	May, 2002	Hager et al.
6401283	Surface pad system for a surgical table	June, 2002	Thomas et al.
6408467	Orthopedic head and neck support pillow that requires no break-in period	June, 2002	Walpin
6412127	Head cradle with body support	July, 2002	Cuddy
6471726	Ergonomic pillow	October, 2002	Wang
D466751	Head/neck pillow	December, 2002	Coats et al.
6491846	Process for the in-situ production of polyol blends, the in-situ produced polyol blends, and their use in the production of viscoelastic foam	December, 2002	Reese, II et al.
6513179	Pillow	February, 2003	Pan
D471750	Pillow	March, 2003	Jamvold et al.
6541094	Laminated visco-elastic support	April, 2003	Landvik et al.
D474364	Anti-wrinkle pillow	May, 2003	Arcieri
6574809	Pillow	June, 2003	Rathbun
6578220	Mattress assembly	June, 2003	Smith
6583194	Foams having shape memory	June, 2003	Sendijarevic
6594838	Pillow with transparent window	July, 2003	Hollander et al.
6602579	Cushion	August, 2003	Landvik
6617014	Foam composite	September, 2003	Thomson
6617369	Process for making visco-elastic foams, polyols blend and reaction system useful therefor	September, 2003	Parfondry et al.
6625829	Chin support pillow	September, 2003	Zell
6634045	Heel elevator support	October, 2003	DuDonis et al.
6635688	Composite polyurethane foams and method of manufacture thereof	October, 2003	Simpson
6653362	Process for producing flexible polyurethane foam	November, 2003	Toyota et al.
6653363	Low energy-loss, high firmness, temperature sensitive polyurethane foams	November, 2003	Tursi, Jr. et al.
6663537	Exercise mat	December, 2003	McCoy
6671907	Sleep apnea avoidance process and apparatus	January, 2004	Zuberi
6687933	Body support system with energy dissipation means	February, 2004	Habboub et al.
6699917	Low impact resilience polyurethane form that contains carbon powder, and producing thereof	March, 2004	Takashima
6701558	Patient support surface	March, 2004	VanSteenburg
D489749	Sleep mask	May, 2004	Landvik
6733074	Support assembly for use with a wheelchair	May, 2004	Groth
6734220	Fine cell, high density viscoelastic polyurethane foams	May, 2004	Niederoest et al.
6742207	Pillow optimized for side sleeping	June, 2004	Brown
6751818	Airway management apparatus and method	June, 2004	Troop
6756415	Flexible polyurethane foam and method for its production	June, 2004	Kimura et al.
6779211	Baby support assembly and a method for forming a baby support assembly	August, 2004	Williams
6810541	Peanut-shaped prayer cushion	November, 2004	Woods
6813790	Self-adjusting cushioning device	November, 2004	Flick et al.
6845534	Support pillow	January, 2005	Huang
6848128	Portable infant cushion	February, 2005	Verbovszky et al.
6857151	Bead cushioning device	February, 2005	Jusiak et al.
6866915	Cushion	March, 2005	Landvik
6872758	Polyurethane foams and method of manufacture thereof	March, 2005	Simpson et al.
D504269	Pillow with cavity	April, 2005	Faircloth
6877176	Infant support system	April, 2005	Houghteling
6915539	Pillow	July, 2005	Rathbun
6928677	Therapeutic pillow	August, 2005	Pittman
7051389	Comfort pillow	May, 2006	Wassilefky	5/636
7059001	Mattress	June, 2006	Woolfson
7255917	Reticulated open cell filling material	August, 2007	Rochlin et al.	428/304.4
20010000829	Surface pad system for a surgical table	May, 2001	Thomas et al.
20010018777	Orthopedic head and neck support pillow that requires no break-in period	September, 2001	Walpin
20010027577	Orthopedic support pillow	October, 2001	Frydman
20010032365	Knee and ankle alignment pillow	October, 2001	Sramek
20010054200	Mattress or cushion structure	December, 2001	Romano et al.
20020018884	Foam composite	February, 2002	Thomson
20020019654	Heating pad systems, such as for patient warming applications	February, 2002	Ellis et al.
20020028325	Composite polyurethane foams and method of manufacture thereof	March, 2002	Simpson
20020043736	Shape memory foam material	April, 2002	Murakami et al.
20020088057	Leg spacer pillow	July, 2002	Wassilefsky
20020099106	Foams having shape memory	July, 2002	Sendijarevic
20020112287	Surface pad system for a surgical table	August, 2002	Thomas et al.
20020122929	Polyurethane foams and method of manufacture thereof	September, 2002	Simpson et al.
20020124318	Ergonomic seating cushion	September, 2002	Loomos
20020128420	Polyurethane elastomers and method of manufacture thereof	September, 2002	Simpson et al.
20030005521	Knee and ankle alignment pillow	January, 2003	Sramek
20030014820	Arm pillow	January, 2003	Fuhriman
20030037376	Chin support pillow	February, 2003	Zell
20030045595	Process for producing flexible polyurethane foam	March, 2003	Toyota et al.
20030065046	Process for rigid polyurethane foams	April, 2003	Hamilton
20030087979	Process for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam	May, 2003	Bleys et al.
20030105177	Process for making visco-elastic foams, polyols blend and reaction system useful therefor	June, 2003	Parfondry et al.
20030124337	Compressible foam tapes and method of manufacture thereof	July, 2003	Price et al.
20030131419	Patient support surface	July, 2003	VanSteenburg
20030145384	Infant sleep guard system and method	August, 2003	Stelnicki
20030150061	Independent foam cell surface and method of making same	August, 2003	Farley
20030182727	HEEL ELEVATOR SUPPORT	October, 2003	DuDonis et al.
20030186044	Cushioning made of flexible melamine foam and applications thereof	October, 2003	Sauniere et al.
20030188383	Pillow design to aid proper sleeping position which avoids facial wrinkle development	October, 2003	Ense
20030188385	Pillow	October, 2003	Rathbun
20030192119	Portable infant cushion	October, 2003	Verbovszky et al.
20030200609	Bead cushioning device	October, 2003	Jusiak et al.
20030218003	Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings, and associated methods of manufacture and use	November, 2003	Ellis et al.
20030229154	Frothed energy absorbing polyurethane materials and process of manufacture	December, 2003	Kemmler et al.
20040000804	Support assembly for use with a wheelchair	January, 2004	Groth
20040019972	Cushioning device and method of producing same	February, 2004	Schecter et al.
20040044091	Fine cell, high density viscoelastic polyurethane foams	March, 2004	Niederoest et al.
20040087675	Process for making visco-elastic foam	May, 2004	Yu
20040097608	Polyurethane composition useful as shock absorbers and a method for their preparation	May, 2004	Re'em
20040112891	Heating pad systems, such as for patient warming applications	June, 2004	Ellis et al.
20040139548	PILLOW FACILITATING GOOD SLEEP	July, 2004	Hwang-Pao
20040142619	Cushion structure	July, 2004	Ueno et al.
20040155498	Child's car seat cushion	August, 2004	Verbovszky et al.
20040155515	Child's car seat cushion	August, 2004	Verbovszky et al.
20040164499	Shape memory foam material	August, 2004	Murakami et al.
20040181003	Thermally expandable material and method for producing the same	September, 2004	Murakami et al.
20040226098	Stacked cushions	November, 2004	Pearce
20040229970	Low-resilience flexible polyurethane foam and process for producing the same	November, 2004	Sasaki et al.
20040266897	Viscoelastic polyurethane foam	December, 2004	Apichatachutapan et al.
20040266900	Viscoelastic polyurethane foam	December, 2004	Neff et al.
20050000022	Infant support system	January, 2005	Houghteling
20050005358	Immobile patient positioning aid	January, 2005	DuDonis
20050005362	Portable infant cushion	January, 2005	Verbovszky et al.
20050022307	Air mattress with quilted pillow top	February, 2005	McClintock et al.
20050038133	Viscoelastic polyurethane foam	February, 2005	Neff et al.
20050043423	Formulated resin component for use in spray-in-place foam system to produce a low density polyurethane foam	February, 2005	Schmidt et al.
20050060807	Health pillow	March, 2005	Kaizuka
20050060809	Methods and devices for reducing stress concentration when supporting a body	March, 2005	Rogers
20050066445	Seat cushion and method for carrying pressure-distributing medium in a seat cushion	March, 2005	Christofferson et al.
20050076442	Comfort pillow	April, 2005	Wassilefky	5/636
20060277684	Comfort pillow	December, 2006	Wassilefky	5/636
20070044239	Pillow and method of manufacturing a pillow	March, 2007	Leifermann et al.	5/636
20070113347	Method and apparatus for a pillow including foam pieces of various sizes	May, 2007	Lindell	5/636

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EP0323742	July, 1989			Polymer composition, its heat resistant, shape memory formed product and method of producing same.
EP0361418	April, 1990			Shape memory polymer foam
EP0365954	May, 1990			Heat insulator made of shape memory polymer foam.
EP0433878	June, 1991			Process for the preparation of flexible polyurethane foams with viscoelastic, body-sound damping properties and the polyalkoxide-polyol blends for this process
EP0486016	May, 1992			Orthopedic cushion.
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WO/1995/019755	July, 1995			FOOT EGRESS CHAIR BED
WO/1995/020622	August, 1995			EXTRUDED PROPYLENE POLYMER RESIN FOAM
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WO/1999/002077	January, 1999			PILLOW FOR CERVICAL COMFORT
WO/1999/008571	February, 1999			GELATINOUS CUSHIONS WITH BUCKLING COLUMNS
WO/1999/015126	April, 1999			HOSPITAL BED HAVING A RETRACTING FOOT SECTION
WO/1999/044856	September, 1999			A SEAT, ESPECIALLY FOR A VEHICLE
WO/1999/052405	October, 1999			ORTHOPEDIC PILLOW
WO/2000/017836	March, 2000			LOW RESILIENCE, LOW FREQUENCY MOLDED POLYURETHANE FOAM
WO/2000/062850	October, 2000			VIRTUAL REALITY THERAPY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
WO/2001/005279	January, 2001			BABY SUPPORT WRAP
WO/2001/016217	March, 2001			CUSHION MATERIAL HAVING LOW REBOUND RESILIENCE FOR USE IN SHEET
WO/2001/025305	April, 2001			POLYOL COMBINATION
WO/2001/028388	April, 2001			SEAT FOR AVOIDING HIP PAIN
WO/2001/032736	May, 2001			PROCESS FOR MAKING VISCO-ELASTIC FOAMS, POLYOLS BLEND AND REACTION SYSTEM USEFUL THEREFOR
WO/2001/047340	July, 2001			HOSPITAL BED
WO/2001/056432	August, 2001			ORTHOPEDIC HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT PILLOW THAT REQUIRES NO BREAK-IN PERIOD
WO/2001/057104	August, 2001			VISCOELASTIC POLYURETHANE FOAMS
WO/2001/070167	September, 2001			HOSPITAL BED HAVING A ROTATIONAL THERAPY DEVICE
WO/2001/079323	October, 2001			PROCESS FOR PRODUCING FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAM
WO/2002/000157	January, 2002			WOUND COVERING PRESSURE RELIEF PADS
WO/2002/046258	June, 2002			FOAMS HAVING SHAPE MEMORY
WO/2002/051900	July, 2002			POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
WO/2002/051902	July, 2002			POLYURETHANE FOAMS AND METHOD OF MANAFACTURE THEREOF
WO/2002/062891	August, 2002			IMPROVED GELATINOUS ELASTOMER
WO/2002/077056	October, 2002			PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION FO POLYURETHANE FOAMS
WO/2002/088211	November, 2002			PROCESS FOR MAKING VISCO-ELASTIC FOAM
WO/2003/000770	January, 2003			PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLYOL BLENDS
WO/2003/046041	June, 2003			VISCOELASTIC POLYURETHANES
WO/2003/054047	July, 2003			LOW-RESILIENCE FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
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WO/2004/020496	March, 2004			POLYOL COMBINATION
WO/2004/034847	April, 2004			LIGHT WEIGHT SEATING FURNITURE CONSTRUCTION WITH SO-CALLED MEMORY EFFECT
WO/2004/036794	April, 2004			OPTICAL MODULATION DEVICES
WO/2004/039858	May, 2004			FOAM
WO/2004/055624	July, 2004			WEIGHT SCALE CONTROL SYSTEM AND PAD
WO/2004/063088	July, 2004			VISCO-ELASTIC MEMORY FOAM WITH FUNCTIONS OF ANTI-BACTERIA, DEODORIZATION AND FAR INFRARED RAYS EMISSION
WO/2004/082436	September, 2004			BABY SUPPORT WRAP SYSTEM
WO/2004/089682	October, 2004			BASE CUSHION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT
WO/2004/100829	November, 2004			ORTHOPEDIC CASTING ARTICLES
WO/2004/108383	December, 2004			FOAM BARRIER HEAT SHIELD
WO/2005/003205	January, 2005			VISCOELASTIC POLYURETHANE FOAM
WO/2005/003206	January, 2005			VISCOELASTIC POLYURETHANE FOAM
WO/2005/031111	April, 2005			ZONAL ISOLATION USING ELASTIC MEMORY FOAM
WO/2005/042611	May, 2005			VISCOELASTIC FOAM LAYER AND COMPOSITION
WO/2005/065245	July, 2005			BATHTUB INSERT “TAKE-FIVE”
WO/2005/089297	September, 2005			SELF-VENTILATING AND SELF-COOLING VARIABLE GEOMETRY PILLOW

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Santos, Robert G.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is hereby claimed to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/489,233 filed on Mar. 10, 2004 (issued on May 30, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,389) and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/383,169 filed on May 24, 2002, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

I claim:

1. A pillow comprising: a sleeve defining an internal cavity; and a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material enclosed within the cavity.

2. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the sleeve.

3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the sleeve is obtained.

4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises first and second panels of material joined together at peripheral seams to define the internal cavity.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density between about 30 kg/m³ and about 140 kg/m³.

6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density of about 85 kg/m³.

7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm.

8. The pillow of claim 7, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm.

9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm.

10. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.

11. The pillow of claim 1, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm.

12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of balls.

13. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic foam.

14. A pillow comprising: a first layer of material; and a second layer of material, the first and second layers of material coupled together to form a cavity therebetween; wherein a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material is positioned between the first and second layers and is enclosed within the cavity.

15. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the first and second layers of material are sewn together.

16. The pillow of claim 14, further comprising a cover substantially enclosing the first and second layers of material and the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material.

17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the cover comprises a resealable fastener through which access to the first and second layers of material is obtained.

18. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density between about 30 kg/m³ and about 140 kg/m³.

19. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a density of about 85 kg/m³.

20. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm.

21. The pillow of claim 20, wherein the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material has a nominal length of about 1.3 cm.

22. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 16% to 20% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths longer than about 2 cm.

23. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.

24. The pillow of claim 14, wherein approximately 38% to 42% of the plurality of loose pieces of filler material includes lengths shorter than about 1 cm.

25. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the filler material further includes a plurality of balls.

26. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the filler material further includes highly-elastic foam.

27. A method of manufacturing a pillow comprising: coupling a first peripheral edge of a first panel of material to a second peripheral edge of a second panel of material; and enclosing a plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material between and within the first and second panels of material.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising inserting the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material between the first and second panels after coupling the first peripheral edge to the second peripheral edge.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising inserting the panels of material and the plurality of loose pieces of viscoelastic filler material into a cover with a resealable slot and sealing the slot to keep the material within the cover.

30. The method of claim 27, further comprising shredding viscoelastic material into individual lengths to form the filler material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to pillows or cushions, and more particularly to a pillow or cushion for therapeutic use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The neck of a person lying in a supine or sidelying position is often out of alignment with the person's spine. This is commonly the case when the person's neck is supported by a pillow or multiple pillows such that the neck lies at an angle defined by the deflected height of the pillow(s), and this angle is typically not co-planar with the spine. The deflected height of the pillow is closely related to its stiffness, which is conventionally provided by filling material disposed within a fabric covering. Conventional filling material can include feathers, cotton, or a synthetic filler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To provide a pillow structure more likely to properly align the user's neck and spine, the invention provides a pillow having multiple foam components.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a pillow having a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity and filler material positioned within the cavity.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pillow having outer layers and a filler material comprised of granulated viscoelastic foam disposed between the outer layers.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a pillow having outer layers of reinforcing fabric, intermediate layers of viscoelastic foam, and a filler material comprised of granulated viscoelastic foam disposed between the intermediate layers.

The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a pillow. The method includes providing a viscoelastic sleeve that defines a cavity, inserting filler material within the cavity, and closing the sleeve to maintain the filler material within the cavity.

The viscoelastic foam responds to changes in temperature such that body heat molds the pillow to conform to the curves of a body for comfort and support. This allows the shape of the pillow to more closely follow the contours of the body and to promote an improved alignment of the neck and spine when a person is in a supine or sidelying position.

A cover preferably encases the pillow and contours to the shape of the pillow. The cover is removable, washable, and has a resealable slot through which the pillow may be inserted or removed. The slot extends across an edge portion of the pillow and is preferably opened and closed by a zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a pillow embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pillow shown in FIG. 1.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a pillow 10 of the present invention having a sleeve construction formed of multiple layers. The pillow 10 comprises a filler material 14 disposed between layers of viscoelastic foam 18 . The viscoelastic foam layers 18 possess specific thermally responsive properties which cause the pillow 10 to conform to the shape of the portion of a person's body that contacts the pillow 10 . The viscoelastic foam layers 18 have a lower stiffness or hardness at an elevated temperature as compared to the stiffness at a cooler temperature. Conversely, conventional pillow filler materials typically have a constant stiffness with respect to a changing temperature. The body heat of the person acts to soften the portion of the pillow 10 in contact with the body, while the portion of the pillow 10 not contacting the body remains more firm. As a result, the pillow 10 embodying the present invention allows for greater comfort over a conventional pillow by accommodating each user's body form.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is granulated, or shredded, viscoelastic foam having a density of about 85 kg/m ³ . However, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for an average weight pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 30 and about 140 kg/m ³ . Further, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for a light-weight pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 40 kg/m ³ . Likewise, a suitable density for the viscoelastic foam filler material 14 for a heavy-weight pillow 10 , for example, can be great granulated viscoelastic foam utilized as the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 . In addition, a suitable viscoelastic foam filler material 14 possesses an indentation load deflection, or “ILD,” of 65% between 100-500 N loading, and a maximum 10% rebound according to the test procedure governed by the ASTM-D-1564 standard.

The granulated filler material 14 can be made up of recycled, virgin, or scrap viscoelastic material. The granulated filler material 14 may consist of pieces of a nominal length, or the granulated filler material 14 may consist of pieces of varying lengths. For example, granulated filler material 14 may have a nominal length of about 1.3 cm. Also, granulated filler material 14 may consist of varying lengths between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. The granulated filler material 14 can be as short as 0.3 cm and as long as 4 cm, or the filler material 14 can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 . In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the granulated filler material 14 is comprised of 16-20% having a length longer than 2 cm, 38-42% having a length between 1 and 2 cm, and 38-42% of the pieces shorter than 1 cm. Significant cost savings and waste reduction can be realized by using scrap or recycled filler material 14 rather than virgin filler material 14 . The viscoelastic foam used as the filler material 14 is made from a polyurethane foam material, however, the filler material 14 can be made from any other viscoelastic polymer material that exhibits similar thermally-responsive properties.

The composition of the filler material 14 can be varied to alter the characteristics of the pillow 10 and the cost of the pillow 10 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is a combination of granulated viscoelastic foam and a fiber material. The fiber material can be made from any kind of textile, such as an organic textile (cotton) or a synthetic textile, which is often less expensive than viscoelastic foam. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber material has a density of about 1 g/cm ³ . However, a suitable density for the fiber material for an average weight pillow 10 , for example, is 0.1-2 g/cm ³ . Further, a suitable density for the fiber material for a light-weight pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 0.3 g/cm ³ . Likewise, a suitable density for the fiber material for a heavy-weight pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 1.8 g/cm ³ . Alternatively, the fiber material utilized in combination with the granulated viscoelastic foam as the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 .

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of about 50% fiber material, while the remaining composition includes the granulated viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of fiber material in the filler material 14 for an average-cost pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 20% and about 80%. Further, a suitable range of fiber material in the filler material 14 for a more expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be more than about 30% of the filler material 14 . Likewise, a suitable range of fiber material in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14 .

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 is a combination of granulated viscoelastic foam and polystyrene balls, which are often less expensive than viscoelastic foam. The filler material 14 of this embodiment can also include an organic or synthetic fiber material depending on the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 . The polystyrene balls may consist of balls of a nominal diameter, or the polystyrene balls may consist of balls of varying diameters. For example, the polystyrene balls may have a nominal diameter of about 5 mm. Also, the polystyrene balls may consist of varying diameters between about 1 mm and about 10 mm. The polystyrene balls can also be as small as 0.5 mm and as long as 20 mm, or the polystyrene balls can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 .

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of about 50% polystyrene balls, while the remaining composition includes the granulated viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for an average-cost pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 20% and about 80%. Further, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for a more expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 30% of the filler material 14 . Likewise, a suitable range of polystyrene balls in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14 .

In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 can also include granulated highly-elastic (“HE”) foam in addition to the granulated viscoelastic foam. HE foam is often less expensive than viscoelastic foam, thus yielding a potentially less expensive pillow 10 . The filler material can be comprised of any single filler described above or any combination of the fillers. Alternatively, the filler material 14 can also include any conventional materials, such as feathers, granulated cotton, cotton fibers, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler material 14 includes HE foam having a density of about 35 kg/m ³ . However, a suitable density for the HE foam for an average weight pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 20 and about 50 kg/m ³ . Further, a suitable density for the HE foam for a lightweight pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 25 kg/m ³ . Likewise, a suitable density for the HE foam for a heavyweight pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 45 kg/m ³ . Alternatively, the HE foam utilized in the filler material 14 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 .

The granulated HE foam may consist of pieces of a nominal length, or the granulated HE foam may consist of pieces of varying lengths. For example, the granulated HE foam may have a nominal length of about 1.3 cm. Also, the granulated HE foam may consist of varying lengths between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. The granulated HE foam can be as short as 0.3 cm and as long as 4 cm, or the granulated HE foam can be any length in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 . In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the granulated HE foam is comprised of 16-20% having a length longer than 2 cm, 38-42% having a length between 1 and 2 cm, and 38-42% of the pieces shorter than 1 cm.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material 14 is comprised of about 50% granulated HE foam, while the remaining composition includes the granulated viscoelastic foam. However, a suitable range of HE foam in the filler material 14 for an average cost pillow 10 , for example, is 20%-80%. Further, a suitable range of granulated HE foam in the filler material 14 for a more expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 30% of the filler material 14 . Likewise, a suitable range of granulated HE foam in the filler material 14 for a less expensive pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 70% of the filler material 14 .

As previously mentioned, the filler material 14 is disposed between layers of viscoelastic foam 18 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 have a density of about 85 kg/m ³ . However, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for an average weight pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 30 and about 140 kg/m ³ . Further, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a lightweight pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 40 kg/m ³ . Likewise, a suitable density for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a heavyweight pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 130 kg/m ³ . Alternatively, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 can have any density in accordance with the desired characteristics of the pillow 10 .

The layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are preferably about 10 mm thick and have thermally-responsive properties similar to the granulated viscoelastic foam of the filler material 14 . Likewise, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for an average weight pillow 10 , for example, can be between about 5 mm and 15 mm. However, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a lightweight pillow 10 , for example, can be less than about 7 mm. Further, a suitable thickness for the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 for a heavyweight pillow 10 , for example, can be greater than about 13 mm. The layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are made from a polyurethane foam material, however, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 can be made from any other viscoelastic polymer material that exhibits similar thermally-responsive properties.

The overall stiffness or hardness of the pillow 10 is dependent on the stiffness of the individual viscoelastic foam layers 18 and the filler material 14 . As such, the overall stiffness or hardness of the pillow 10 may be affected by varying the stiffness of the individual viscoelastic foam layers 18 and/or the filler material 14 .

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, reinforcing fabric layers 22 are positioned on the outside of the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 . The reinforcing fabric 22 acts as an anchor for stitches 26 that secure together the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 and the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 . Without the reinforcing fabric layers 22 , the viscoelastic foam layers 18 , which are less durable than the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 , would have to directly anchor the stitches 26 such that the filler material 14 is secured between the viscoelastic foam layers 18 . In a pillow having this construction (not shown), the viscoelastic foam layers 18 would likely tear near the stitches 26 as a result of normal use of the pillow. Further, if the viscoelastic foam layers 18 were to tear, then the filler material 14 would spill out. Therefore, the reinforcing fabric layers 22 provide a measure of durability to the pillow 10 . The reinforcing fabric 22 is preferably made from a durable material, such as a cotton/polyester blend.

A cover 30 surrounds and encases the pillow 10 , and conforms to the shape of the pillow 10 . The cover 30 is preferably made from a durable and washable fabric material, such as a cotton/polyester blend. As shown in FIG. 1, a slot 34 extends across the cover 30 along the cover's edge. The pillow 10 may be inserted into the cover 30 through the slot 34 . The pillow 10 may also be removed from the cover 30 through the slot 34 to facilitate cleaning of the cover 30 . The slot 34 is resealable to close the cover 30 around the pillow 10 and to open the cover 30 for removing the pillow 10 . A closure device is used to open and close the slot 34 . In the preferred embodiment, the closure device is a zipper 38 , although the closure device could also comprise snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, overlapping flaps, laces, or other similar fasteners.

During manufacture, the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 are sewn together with the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 to form a sleeve or casing having an open end, wherein the layers of viscoelastic foam 18 comprise the inner layers of the casing and the layers of reinforcing fabric 22 comprise the outer layers of the casing. The filler material 14 is then inserted through the open end of the casing until the desired amount of filler material 14 is reached within the casing. The open end is then sewn closed, thereby encasing the filler material 14 within the casing and defining a pillow 10 . The pillow 10 is then inserted within the cover 30 and the cover 30 is closed by the zipper 38 .