CASKET PILLOW WITH ADJUSTABLE LOFT

A pillow has adjustable compressibility and/or loft. The pillow includes a casing, an insert pad, and a support member. The insert pad is arranged within the casing. The insert pad includes a plurality of regions arranged atop one another to form a plurality of layers. The support member is arranged within the casing such that at least a portion of the support member is directly interposed between two layers of the insert pad and such that the support member is in direct contact with the two layers of the insert pad.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to pillows for use in caskets, and more specifically to casket pillows having adjustable loft.

BACKGROUND

It is desirable for casket pillows to look substantially similar to typical bed pillows so that the deceased arranged upon the pillows have the appearance of resting peacefully in the casket. Accordingly, it is desirable for casket pillows to appear soft, supportive, and tidy while providing the appropriate amount of compression and loft for display. However, because casket pillows do not need to be comfortable, it is also desirable for pillows used in caskets to be made in a manner that reduces costs.

Pillows vary in terms of their compressibility and their loft. As used herein, “compressibility” refers to a relative amount of change in the volume of a material in response to an applied pressure or force. A higher compressibility refers to a greater change in the volume of the material in response to an applied pressure or force. Accordingly, a pillow having a higher compressibility will exhibit a greater change in volume in response to a set pressure or force than a pillow having a lower compressibility. Put another way, a material that is more compressible will exhibit a greater change in volume in response to a set pressure or force than a material that is less compressible. As used herein, “loft” refers to a relative thickness of a material under an applied pressure or force. A material having a higher loft refers to a material having a greater thickness under an applied pressure or force. Accordingly, a pillow having a higher loft will exhibit a greater height under a set pressure or force than a pillow having a lower loft. The compressibility and loft of a pillow are independent properties. Accordingly, a pillow can have high or low compressibility in combination with high loft or have high or low compressibility in combination with low loft. Additionally, separate materials within the pillow can each have an independent compressibility and/or loft.

A compressible casket pillow is one type of casket pillow that can be made in an economical manner. As in the case of a typical bed pillow, when the head of the deceased is laid on a compressible casket pillow, the casket pillow compresses under the weight of the head. In contrast with typical bed pillows, because the comfort and support provided by casket pillows are not priorities, compressible casket pillows are typically made and filled with less expensive materials than typical compressible bed pillows. One problem with such casket pillows is that the inexpensive materials and construction tend to compress more than in a typical bed pillow. This over-compression results in an unnatural appearance as the head of the deceased sinks too far down into the pillow. If the casket pillow is filled with a stiffer material to address this problem of over-compression, then compression at the center of the pillow, where the head is laid, makes the sides portions of the pillow on either side of the head lift upwardly, which actually accentuates the problem.

A pre-formed casket pillow is another type of casket pillow that can give the deceased the look of resting peacefully in the casket and can be made in an economical manner. A pre-formed casket pillow is less compressible than a compressible pillow, so it avoids the problems of over-compression and deformation mentioned above. Additionally, a pre-formed casket pillow has some shaping or indentations formed in the pillow that help to hold the head of the deceased in a particular position. However, pre-formed casket pillows are typically more expensive than compressible casket pillows due to the use of more expensive materials to provide the necessary structure while also maintaining an appearance of being soft and comfortable. Additionally, pre-formed casket pillows may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. People come in all shapes and sizes, but one pre-formed pillow may not work for various head sizes, head shapes, neck lengths, hair arrangements, etc. For example, indentations in a pre-formed casket pillow that are formed to receive the head and neck of the deceased may be too wide or too long for one person, but too narrow or too short for another. The person arranging the deceased within the casket will have relatively few options to adjust the fit of the deceased with a pre-formed pillow.

It is desirable to provide an inexpensive casket pillow that enables the deceased to be laid in a natural and comfortable looking pose. It is further desirable to provide an inexpensive casket pillow that is easily adjustable so that the person arranging the deceased can fine-tune the compression and loft of the pillow to provide the desired natural and comfortable looking pose.

SUMMARY

One or more of the embodiments of the present invention provides a casket pillow combination including a casket and a pillow. The casket includes side walls and a base arranged to form an open topped box, and the pillow is arranged in the interior of the open topped box. The pillow includes a casing, an insert pad, and a support member. The insert pad is arranged to form a plurality of layers and is inserted into the casing. The support member is inserted into the casing between two of the layers. The support member is movable to various positions between the layers of the insert pad to adjust the compressibility and the loft of the pillow.

At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a pillow with adjustable loft. The pillow includes a casing, an insert pad, and a support member. The insert pad is arranged to form a plurality of layers and is inserted into the casing. The support member is inserted into the casing between two layers of the insert pad. The support member is movable to various positions between the layers of the insert pad to adjust the compressibility and the loft of the pillow.

At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a method of making a pillow with adjustable loft. The method includes rolling or folding an insert pad so that regions of the insert pad are arranged atop one another in layers. The method further includes inserting the rolled or folded insert pad into a casing. The method further includes inserting a support member into the casing between two layers of the rolled or folded insert pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown inFIG. 1, the casket pillow combination100includes a casket104and a pillow108arranged within the casket104. More specifically, the casket104includes four walls112and a base116, which are arranged to form an open topped box. In some embodiments, the casket104also includes a lid, which is not shown in the drawings. The open topped box has an interior120, and the pillow108is arranged in the interior120. As shown in more detail inFIG. 2, the pillow108includes a casing124, an insert pad128arranged within the casing124, and a support member132arranged within the casing124. The insert pad128includes a plurality of regions136(shown inFIG. 3) arranged atop one another such that each region136forms a layer138. As described in more detail below, the support member132is arranged between two layers138of the insert pad128such that the support member132is in direct contact with the two layers138of the insert pad128.

FIG. 3depicts the casing124, the insert pad128, and the support member132of the pillow108separated from one another. The casing124is a rectangularly shaped pillow case, substantially similar to a generic rectangularly shaped pillow case that one would use for a standard bed pillow. Accordingly, the casing124comprises two substantially rectangular pieces of material that are matched up to one another and sewn together along three sewn sides140A,140B,140C, leaving a fourth side140D open for insertion and removal of the insert pad128and the support member132. The casing124has a casing width WC, which extends from the fourth side140D to the sewn side140B that is opposite the fourth side140D, and a casing length LC, which extends from the first sewn side140A to the sewn side140C that is opposite the first sewn side140A.

When the pillow108is arranged in the casket104, the casing width Weis generally aligned along the z-axis (shown inFIG. 1) and the casing length LCis generally aligned along the x-axis (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) of the casket pillow combination100. When the pillow108is in use, the neck of the user is generally aligned along the length LCof the pillow108.

The insert pad128of the pillow108is an elongated piece of flexible material having a high compressibility. The insert pad material can be, for example, a padding material such as batting. Batting is an advantageous material to use for the insert pad128of the pillow108, because, unlike loose filler, which bunches and clumps unevenly, batting provides a smooth, continuous compressible surface.

The insert pad128is a single, continuous piece of the flexible material that is rectangularly shaped, having an insert pad length LIPthat is larger than its insert pad width WIP. It is understood, however, that in alternative embodiments the insert pad128can have an elongated shape other than a rectangle, which has an insert pad length LIPthat is larger than its insert pad width W1. One advantage of forming the insert pad128as a single, continuous piece is that the insert pad128can be formed with little to no wasted material. For example, in embodiments where the insert pad128is formed of batting, the insert pad128can be formed from an elongated piece of batting by making a single cut along the batting, which also requires a minimal amount of labor. Accordingly, making the insert pad128as a single, continuous piece is economical in terms of both material and labor.

When the insert pad128is inserted into the casing124, the insert pad width WIPis generally aligned with the casing width WCand the insert pad length LIPis generally aligned with the casing length LC. The insert pad length LIPis larger than the casing length LC, and the insert pad width WIPis equal to or smaller than the casing width WCsuch that the insert pad128can be inserted entirely within the casing124when arranged as described below.

Along its length LIP, the insert pad128is divided into a plurality of regions136, which are separated from one another by folds148. As noted above, the regions136are arranged atop one another to form the layers138shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, the regions136are arranged atop one another by rolling and/or folding the insert pad128at the folds148. The regions136have a region length LRthat is smaller than the casing length LCsuch that, when the regions136are arranged atop one another, the insert pad128can be inserted into the casing124through the open side140D.

The support member132of the pillow108is a flat panel of material that is generally rectangularly shaped. The flat, smooth surfaces of the support member132facilitate insertion and removal of the support member132between layers138of the insert pad128without catching on the material of the insert pad128. In the embodiment shown, the support member132also has rounded corners152to further facilitate insertion of the support member132between layers138of the insert pad128, as is shown inFIG. 2.

The support member132has a support member width WSMand a support member length LSM. When the support member132is inserted into the casing124, the support member width WSMis generally aligned with the casing width WCand the support member length LSMis generally aligned with the casing length LC. The support member width WSMis smaller than the casing width WCand the support member length LSMis smaller than the casing length LCso that the entire support member132can be received within the casing124. Additionally, the support member length LSMis smaller than the region length LR, so that, when the insert pad128is arranged within the casing124, the support member132can fit entirely between two of the layers138formed by corresponding regions136of the insert pad128.

The support member132is formed of a material that is stiffer than the insert pad128. In other words, the support member132is more rigid and less compressible than the insert pad128. Accordingly, as described in more detail below, when the support member132is arranged between two layers138of the insert pad128, the support member132increases the rigidity and decreases the compressibility of the pillow108.

In one embodiment, the support member132is a panel of corrugated fiberboard, such as corrugated cardboard, that can be die cut to form the rectangular shape having rounded corners152. Corrugated fiberboard is an advantageous material to use for the support member132, because it is lightweight and inexpensive. Furthermore, forming die cut panels of corrugated fiberboard requires relatively little labor. Accordingly, making the support member132as a flat die cut panel of corrugated fiberboard is economical in terms of both material and labor.

As noted above, the support member132provides a layer of rigidity within the pillow108to enable adjustment of the compressibility and/or loft of the pillow108. For further increased rigidity and strength of the support member132made of corrugated fiberboard, the support member132is formed such that the flutes of the corrugation are arranged along the support member width WSM. More specifically, corrugated fiberboard consists of a fluted corrugated sheet arranged between two liners. The flutes of the fluted corrugated sheet are arranged linearly extending in one direction across the sheet, and therefore provide pre-formed lines along which the corrugated fiberboard is most likely to bend or buckle. By arranging the corrugated fiberboard such that the flutes are aligned along the support member width WSM, the fiberboard is less likely to bend or buckle under the downward force applied by the head and neck, which is more highly concentrated along the support member length LSM.

FIGS. 4A-4Gdepict the arrangement of the insert pad128and support member132within the casing124of the pillow108. As shown inFIG. 4A, to receive the insert pad128and the support member132, the casing124is opened along the open side140D. In the embodiment shown, the open side140D is folded back over the casing124to facilitate insertion of the insert pad128and support member132. The insert pad128is rolled and/or folded along its insert pad length LIP(shown inFIG. 3) so that the length and width of the rolled and/or folded insert pad128are smaller than the casing length LCand width WC(shown inFIG. 3) and so that the insert pad128can be inserted through the open side140D and into the casing124, as shown inFIG. 4B.

Because the casing124is rectangularly shaped, and because the insert pad128is formed of a compressible and flexible material, once the rolled and/or folded insert pad128is inserted into the casing124and is released, the insert pad128unfurls and relaxes to generally conform to the interior of the rectangular shape formed by the casing124, as shown inFIG. 4C. Thus, as shown inFIG. 4D, the regions136(shown inFIG. 3) of the insert pad128flatten into the layers138and fill out the rectangular shape of the casing124. The layers138are arranged atop one another along a height H of the pillow108, which is aligned along the y-axis, and the folds148, which are arranged between the regions136, are nested inside one another and are generally aligned with the opposite sewn sides140A,140C of the casing124.

As shown inFIG. 4E, the support member132is then inserted between two layers138of the insert pad128to complete the pillow108, as shown inFIG. 4F. When the support member132is inserted in between the layers138of the insert pad128, it is possible that some portion of the support member132may be arranged in the folds148, and therefore not directly between the layers138. Additionally, it is possible that some layers138, such as the innermost and outermost layers, may not extend as far along the x-axis as other layers138. In other words, the entirety of the support member132may not be arranged directly between layers138of the insert pad128. However, at least a portion of the support member132is directly interposed between two layers138of the insert pad128such that the support member132is in direct contact with the two layers138of the insert pad128.

To more clearly illustrate the separate elements of the pillow108, the drawing shown inFIG. 4Fdoes not depict the support member132in contact with the layers138of the insert pad128, but instead includes some space between the casing124, the layers138of the insert pad128and the support member132. However, this representation is for clarity of the arrangement of the elements of the pillow108, and clearly shows that there is no element or material arranged between the support member132and the layers138of the insert pad128or between the insert pad128and the casing124. In actual construction, the insert pad128is in direct contact with the casing124, and the support member132is in direct contact with the two layers138of the insert pad128between which the support member132is inserted.

One advantage of arranging the support member132between two layers138of the insert pad128is that the edges of the support member132that span the support member width WSMbetween rounded corners152are arranged within folds148of the insert pad128, as shown inFIG. 4F. This arrangement prevents these narrow edges of the support member132from pressing against the inside of the casing124, which would be both visible and tangible from outside the casing124and interfere with the soft, comfortable, and tidy appearance and feel of the pillow108.

Once the pillow108is completed, the open side140D of the casing124can be folded over the insert pad128and the support member132and tucked in between the layers138of the insert pad128or between the insert pad128and the support member132to cover the insert pad128and the support member132and give the pillow108a tidy, finished appearance, as shown inFIG. 4G.

The number of layers138formed by the insert pad128depends on the relative dimensions of the insert pad128and the casing124and on the material properties of the insert pad128, such as the flexibility and compressibility. For example, the longer the insert pad length LIPrelative to the casing length LC, the more times the insert pad128can be rolled and/or folded within the casing124, therefore forming more layers138. Additionally, the more flexible and compressible the material of the insert pad128, the more easily the insert pad128can be manipulated, and the greater the number of layers138that can be fit into the casing124. However, the number of layers138that can be formed within the casing124is limited by the thickness T of the insert pad128(shown inFIG. 4F). The greater the thickness T of the insert pad128, the fewer the number of layers138of the insert pad128that will fit within the casing124. Conversely, the smaller the thickness T of the insert pad128, the greater the number of layers138of the insert pad128that can be fit into the casing124.

When the support member132is inserted between layers138of the insert pad128, at least one layer138is arranged above the support member132and at least one layer138is arranged below the support member132. The orientation terms “above” and “below” are used to indicate relative vertical positions along the y-axis shown in the figures. The compression and/or loft of the pillow108can be adjusted by changing the number of layers138above and below the support member132. In other words, the compression and/or loft of the pillow108can be selected by selecting which layers138to insert the support member132between.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bprovide schematic representations of the pillow108to illustrate how the position of the support member132impacts the compression and/or loft of the pillow108. In use, a head and neck resting on the pillow108applies a downward force F1, which is directed in a direction into the drawing inFIGS. 5A and 5B. Because the casing124and the insert pad128are flexible and have a relatively high compressibility, the downward force F1is generally concentrated at the location of the head and neck. Thus, the downward force F1is concentrated over a surface area SA1(shown inFIG. 5A), beneath the head and neck, which is small relative to the surface area of the entire pillow108. This relatively concentrated downward force is indicated in the drawings by reference numeral F1.

Because the support member132is more rigid and less compressible than the insert pad128and the casing124, the support member132distributes the downward force F2over the entire surface area SA2(shown inFIG. 5B) of the support member132. This surface area SA2of the support member132is larger than the surface area SA1at the location of the head and neck. This distributed downward force is indicated in the drawings by reference numeral F2. Accordingly, layers138of the insert pad128that are arranged above the support member132compress freely in the surface area SA1under the downward force F1down to the support member132. The support member132distributes the downward force F1over the surface area SA2of the support member132, and then applies that distributed downward force F2over the surface area SA2to the layers138of the insert pad128that are arranged below the support member132.

FIGS. 6 and 7depict two positions in which the support member132can be inserted to select the compressibility and/or loft of the pillow108.FIG. 6depicts the support member132arranged in a first position, nearer to a top156of the pillow108, andFIG. 7depicts the support member132in a second position, nearer to a bottom160of the pillow108. In the first position, one layer138is arranged above the support member132and two layers138are arranged below the support member132. In other words, the support member132is arranged between the top and middle layers138of the insert pad128and is in direct contact with the top and middle layers138of the insert pad128. In the second position, two layers138are arranged above the support member132and one layer138is arranged below the support member132. In other words, in the second position, the support member132is arranged between the middle and bottom layers138of the insert pad128and is in direct contact with the middle and bottom layers138of the insert pad128. The support member132is easily movable between these two positions, and can also be removed entirely from the pillow108, by simply inserting and removing the support member132between the layers138of the insert pad128.

As shown inFIG. 6, inserting the support member132in the first position, nearer to the top156of the pillow108, provides fewer layers138of the insert pad128arranged above the support member132and more layers138of the insert pad128arranged below the support member132. Accordingly, fewer layers138of the insert pad128will compress freely in the relatively small surface area SA1(shown inFIG. 5A) before the concentrated downward force F1is distributed by the support member132over the relatively large surface area SA2to the remaining layers138below the support member132. This results in the pillow108exhibiting less compressibility and a higher loft.

Conversely, as shown inFIG. 7, inserting the support member132in the second position, nearer to the bottom160of the pillow108, provides more layers138of the insert pad128arranged above the support member132and fewer layers138of the insert pad128arranged below the support member132. Accordingly, more layers138of the insert pad128will compress freely in the relatively small surface area SA1(shown inFIG. 5A) before the concentrated downward force F1is distributed by the support member132over the relatively large surface area SA2to the remaining layers138below the support member132. This results in the pillow108exhibiting more compressibility and a lower loft.

In the present disclosure, the insert pad128forms at least three layers138within the casing124. Forming three layers138with the insert pad128provides two different positions that the support member132can be inserted between layers138of the insert pad128. (For example, the position shown inFIG. 6and the position shown inFIG. 7.) It is understood, however, that in alternative embodiments, the insert pad128can form more or fewer than three layers138within the casing124. Forming two layers138with the insert pad128provides only one position that the support member132can be inserted between layers138of the insert pad128. Accordingly, in embodiments having only two layers138, the pillow108either includes or excludes the support member132. In this case, the compressibility of the pillow108is decreased and the loft of the pillow108is increased by the inclusion of the support member132. In embodiments having more than three layers138, there are more possible positions for the support member132, and therefore more possibilities for adjusting the loft and/or compressibility of the pillow108in the manner described above. The number of positions in which the support member132can be inserted is one less than the number of layers138formed by the insert pad128.

As described above and shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2, 4A-4F, 6, and 7, the insert pad128is rolled to form the layers138. It is to be understood, however, that in alternative embodiments, the insert pad128can be folded along the folds148, or folded along some folds148and rolled along others, to form the layers138. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the insert pad128′ can be folded in an accordion style, where a first layer138A′ is doubled back on an adjacent second layer138W, and the second layer138W is doubled back on an adjacent third layer138′C. As another alternative, as shown inFIG. 9, the insert pad128″ can be folded in half a first time to form two first layers138A″ and then folded in half a second time to form two second layers138B″. As another alternative, as shown inFIG. 10, the insert pad128′″ can be folded in the accordion style to form innermost layers138A′″ and then rolled to form outermost layers138B′″. It is possible to fold and/or roll the insert pad128in any manner which results in a plurality of layers138which can be inserted into the casing124in the manner described above.

A method500of making a pillow for use in a casket, such as pillow108, is shown inFIG. 11. As shown, at step504, making the pillow first includes arranging an insert pad, such as insert pad128, such that a plurality of regions, such as regions136, of the insert pad are arranged atop one another to form a plurality of layers, such as layers138. In at least one embodiment, arranging the insert pad includes folding the insert pad. Once the insert pad has been arranged, making the pillow includes inserting the arranged insert pad into a rectangularly shaped casing, such as casing124(step508).

Once the arranged insert pad has been inserted into the casing, making the pillow includes inserting the support member between two layers of the insert pad such that the support member is in direct contact with the two layers of the insert pad (step512). As described above, the support member is less compressible than the insert pad.

Accordingly, making the pillow includes determining which two layers of the insert pad between which to insert the support member. This determination is made based on the desired compressibility and/or loft of the pillow. Accordingly, one way to determine which two layers of the insert pad to insert the support member between is based on a desired amount of compressibility of the pillow. Another way to determine which two layers of the insert pad to insert the support member between is based on a desired amount of loft of the pillow.

As described above with respect to the pillow108shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, at least one layer of the insert pad is arranged atop the inserted support member, forming an upper portion of the pillow, and at least one layer of the insert pad is arranged below the inserted support member, forming a lower portion of the pillow. Thus, one way to determine which two layers of the insert pad to insert the support member between is based on a desired amount of compressibility of the upper portion of the pillow. For a higher desired compressibility of the upper portion of the pillow, the support member will be inserted beneath a higher number of layers of the insert member. For a higher desired loft, the upper portion of the pillow will be less compressible. Accordingly, for a higher desired loft, the support member will be inserted beneath a lower number of layers of the insert member.

The method500can be repeated as many times as desired based on different determinations of the desired amount of compressibility and/or loft of the pillow. One reason the pillow108is especially useful in a pillow casket combination100is the ease of adjustability of the compressibility and/or loft of the pillow108. Because adjusting the compressibility and/or loft only requires determining which two layers138of the insert member128between which to insert the support member132, the person arranging the deceased on the pillow108can easily adjust and readjust the pillow108to provide the most comfortable and natural arrangement of the neck and head of the deceased in the casket104.

However, in alternative embodiments, the pillow108can be used without the casket104or separately from the casket pillow combination100. Even in embodiments where the pillow108is used alone, the pillow108retains its benefits of having easily adjustable compression and/or loft. Thus, the pillow108is just as useful in many alternative instances where an economical pillow having easily adjustable compression and/or loft is desirable.

For example, the pillow108can be used as a bed pillow in one's home. In this case, the pillow user can easily adjust the compressibility and/or loft of the pillow108for different circumstances. A user may desire a higher loft for tasks such as reading or watching television, and a lower loft for sleeping. Additionally, the user's comfort may vary with higher and lower compressibility on different days. For example, if a user has a stiff neck temporarily, the user can temporarily adjust the compressibility of the pillow. This can also prevent a user from having to purchase a variety of pillows having different compressibilities and/or lofts, because one pillow can be adjusted as desired.

Additionally, the pillow108having adjustable compressibility and/or loft can be beneficial for hotels, hospitals, airplanes, cruise ships, and other places where persons sleep for a limited amount of time. Rather than having to provide a wide variety of pillows with varying compressibilities and/or lofts to meet their various guests or patient's needs, it is possible for hotels, hospitals, etc. to include adjustable pillows, which each guest or patient can adjust to fit their own comfort. For airplanes, where it is important that pillows provided to customers are very economical, it is possible to make the pillows from inexpensive materials, and to make the pillows smaller than a standard bed pillow, which will require even less materials. For hotels, cruise ships, and other instances where increased comfort and a more luxurious aesthetic may be desirable, it is possible to make the pillow108having a casing, insert pad, and/or support member made from more comfortable or visually appealing materials that may be more expensive. In other words, the pillow108can be made from a variety of different materials to meet different industry needs for balancing comfort, aesthetic, and cost.

The pillow108can also be useful for emergency shelters, for example in the case of natural disasters. Because the pillow108can be made with low cost materials and processing, it is economically viable for emergency service providers to offer a comfortable pillow to displaced persons.

Similarly, the pillow108can be useful for camping, because the pillow can be easily adjusted to make sleeping on a variety of ground surfaces more comfortable. Additionally, because of the low cost of materials and processing required to make the pillow, it is easy to replace the pillow if its use in camping environments shortens its longevity. Furthermore, because the pillow108is made of lightweight and compressible materials, it is ideal for backpacking, where the weight and volume of each item carried is sought to be minimized.

Additionally, the simple construction and lightweight, inexpensive materials of the pillow108enable low cost shipping and storage of the pillows108, which further reduces the costs for purchasers of the pillows. For example, the pillow108can easily be compressed and shrink wrapped to maximize density to lower freight and storage costs, especially when shipping and/or storing in bulk.

Of course, numerous other adaptations are possible. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.