Patent Publication Number: US-11042670-B2

Title: Pillow customization system and method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to pillows, and more specifically, to a pillow customization system and method for providing a user with a completely custom pillow that suits their needs, mattress firmness, and body. The system and method of the present invention provides for a customized pillow that will reduce sleeplessness due to crooked necks, unsupported neck discomfort, and overall general user discomfort. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Pillows are well known in the art and are effective means to provide comfort to a user during rest and sleep. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts a conventional pillow  101  having a body  103  on which the user rests their head during use. Pillow  101  has many shortcomings, including general user dissatisfaction. 
     It should be appreciated that many people suffer from trouble sleeping or staying asleep, one cause of which is an ill-fitting pillow. There are a variety of buying options when it comes to pillows including size, shape, firmness, covering, fillers, and the like. However, these options have conventionally been combined into a few selections for users. Therefore, the user is forced to make an arbitrary selection, likely leading to future discomfort. 
     In addition, conventional pillow selections are not appropriate for all sleeping positions. People may primarily sleep either on their back, their stomach, or their sides. However, many rotate sleeping positions throughout the night. A perfectly sized pillow will keep a side-sleeping person&#39;s head aligned with their spine and will keep a back-sleeping person&#39;s head aligned with their spine as well. Since there is generally not a pillow that can accommodate both positions, the person will find a crook in their neck when they wake up or even have difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort. 
     In addition, pillows ideally need to be matched with a person&#39;s bed—the same pillows that suit a person on their bed would not suit that same person if they bought a new bed (with a new firmness) or slept in a different bed. A person buying a pillow online or in a store, even if they test the pillow in the store, cannot know if that pillow will suit them at home and keep their spine in alignment. 
     Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of pillows, many shortcomings remain, and a custom solution is needed. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a common pillow; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic of a pillow customization system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified diagram of a data collection and analysis system for collecting data to be used in mattress firmness determination of the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a graph of pressure associated with the diagram of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are representative diagrams depicting spine alignment caused by pillows that are too firm, ideal, and too soft; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are front diagrams of measurement collection from photos achieved via the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side diagram of measurement collection from photos achieved via the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side diagram of measurement collection from lying down photos achieved via the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front diagram of measurement collection from lying down photos achieved via the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified schematic of the features of a platform of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a plurality of diagrams of pillow shapes and zones contemplated for use with the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are back diagram views depicting proper spine alignment achieved via pillow customization; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are side diagram views depicting proper spine alignment achieved via pillow customization; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a method of use of the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pillow in accordance with the present application; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the pillow of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pillow in accordance with the present application; 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  are end cross sectional views of the pillow of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a customized pillow in accordance with the present application; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the customized pillow of  FIG. 19 ; and 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart of a method of user adjustment associated with any of the embodiments of customized pillows of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional pillows. Specifically, the present invention provides for complete pillow customization based on user photographs and user inputted selections and data. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  depicts a schematic of a pillow customization system  201  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  201  overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional pillows. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  201  includes a subject user  203  for which a customized pillow is to be designed. The system is configured to collect data from the user, process the data, and customize the pillow. 
     Prior to receiving data from a user, the system is configured to conduct an analysis on the major different kinds of human body shapes, thereby creating analytical data  205 , which is used during the data analysis. As shown in  FIG. 3 , this process is completed through the use of a platform  301  (such as a mattress or the like), wherein a plurality of cells  303  make up the platform, each cell  303  including a sensor  305  configured to communicate with a computing device  207 . The plurality of sensors can be any sensor configured to detect a weight of a person lying thereon, including a load cell such as a FlexiForce A502 Sensor. 
     During use, the plurality of cells  303  collect load data, thereby resulting in a graph  401  as shown in  FIG. 4 , demonstrating the relative percentage of weight distributed over the height of the person lying thereon by showing the approximate load per section of the body  403 . The side sleeper has a lot more weight per square inch than the back sleeper so the force is greater causing the boding to sink more around the shoulders and torso than the back sleeper. This data is used during the analysis, to determine a firmness of the subject user&#39;s mattress, which is critical in proper pillow development. As will be discussed herein, using the measurements of a subject user when they are standing (frontal view) and (side view), then comparing it to the photos of them laying on their side and back from the side view, the system is configured to determine the softness of the mattress accurately which will help to calculate the needed factors to properly design a pillow that will custom work for their body shape, body weight and the firmness of their mattress. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the subject user  203  uses a computing device  209  with a platform  211  to upload photos and user selections  213  to a server  215  configured to process data  216  through a database  217  and computing device  207 . 
     Once the photos are taken by the subject user on the computing device, the photos are uploaded to be processed with computing device  207  and associated software and algorithms. The photos are assign a customer number and will be scheduled for manual or automatic digitization to capture the required measurements and adjust them based upon the standard card the user is holding in the photos. After the photos with them laying on their mattress are analyzed the corrected measurements for the pillow will be created. The program will adjust each measurement based upon the size of the credit card, based on the firmness of the mattress, based upon the weight of the individual plus their body type and based upon the compressibility of the selected filler material. 
     Once the digitization of the measurements are automated, the system is configured to automatically blur out the faces before storing the photos to keep each person&#39;s privacy intact. Further, any names/numbers associated with credit cards will further be blurred. 
     The subject user  203  receives directions on how to take photos through the platform. The computer/server/database are configured to process the photos to determine a mattress firmness and subject user measurements  221 . Based on the determined mattress firmness, subject user measurements, and user inputted data, the pillow design  219  is developed and further proceeded to manufacture  223 . 
     To simplify capturing the measurements of a person and the firmness of their bed, having a subject user take several photos of themselves in their home environment solves the problem. A big challenge to overcome when analyzing a photo is the size and dimensions of various objects. One solution is to have people hold a ruler or a tape measure in each photo, however, this may not be convenient for all users. Accordingly, a common object nearly everyone has is a credit card. They are a standard size worldwide of 2⅛ by 3⅛. By having the person hold one during each photo, the relative distances of each measurement can be made. The length and width can be measured and use that to determine the rest of the measurements on each photo. Each customer will be given the choice of several common standard objects such as coins, dollar bills, credit cards, or smart phones to be used as a measurement standard. 
     The subject user will be provided with sample photos, instructional videos and written instructions as to how to create each required photo. The user will further be shown what the finished photo should look like and provided with a quick checklist to make sure they take the required photos and have followed the instructions for each photo, such as holding the credit card by the corner. 
     It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the use of user provided photos, along with user inputted selections, to develop a fully customizable pillow. 
     In  FIGS. 5A and 5B , diagrams  501 ,  503  are shown depicting visual representation of spine alignment caused by having a pillow that is too firm  505 ,  507 , too soft  509 ,  511 , and ideal  513 ,  515 . It should be appreciated that the proper pillow firmness based on the user measurements, and the user mattress firmness, provides the user with a pillow that aligns the user spine properly, thereby preventing discomfort. 
     One of the unique features believed characteristic of the present invention is the ability to calculate the firmness of the subject user&#39;s mattress. This is important because a person testing out a pillow on a mattress who then buys a pillow could have a completely different result when they use their pillow at home, since their mattress may be significantly different from the one they tried at the store. For example, if the user&#39;s mattress is firmer than the mattress in the store, the pillow will be too thick, if the user&#39;s mattress is softer than the mattress at the store, the pillow will be too low since the pillow sinks into the mattress more. Accordingly, the firmness of a user&#39;s mattress is determined by measuring from the photos they submit of how much their bed compresses due to their body weight, this firmness factor is used to adjust and customize the measurements of their pillow so it keeps their head in alignment with their spine. Furthermore, when a pillow is purchased online, the purchaser has no idea whether the pillow will adequately support their neck in either the back or side sleeper position, or whether the pillow will be adequately sized based on the firmness of their bed. 
     In  FIGS. 6A and 6B , diagrams of subject user front facing photos  601 ,  603  are shown with the user&#39;s legs apart and together respectively. The system is configured to determine one or more measurements, including a distance (A) from outside of the subject user&#39;s left shoulder to a first edge of the subject user&#39;s head; a distance (D) from outside of the subject user&#39;s right shoulder to a second edge of the subject user&#39;s head; a distance (B) from outside of a left part of the subject user&#39;s head to a left side of the subject user&#39;s neck; a distance (C) from outside of a right part of the subject user&#39;s head to a right side of the subject user&#39;s neck; a distance from a top of the user&#39;s head to the bottom of their chin (E); a width (G) of the subject user&#39;s shoulders; a width (H) of the subject user&#39;s waist; a width (J) of the subject user&#39;s hips; a height  517  from the user&#39;s chin to a top of their head; and a width (F) from a first side to a second side of the user&#39;s head. 
     Additional measurements taken can include: a distance between the user&#39;s thighs (N); a distance between the user&#39;s knees (P); and a distance between the user&#39;s ankles (Q) when the user is standing with their legs apart. These measurements are further compared with a distance between the user&#39;s thighs (N 2 ); a distance between the user&#39;s knees (P 2 ); and a distance between the user&#39;s ankles (Q 2 ) when the user is standing with their legs together. 
     The plurality of measurements are compared within the computing device and software to determine needed angles associated with the user&#39;s body, these angles shown as (K), (r 1 ), (s 1 ), (r 2 ), and (s 2 ) in the diagrams. This provides needed data for the system to calculate the needed pillow details. 
     In  FIG. 7 , a diagram  701  of a subject user from a side perspective is shown. The system is configured to determine one or more measurements, including a distance (T) from a back of the subject user&#39;s neck to a back of the subject user&#39;s head; and a distance (U) from a back of the subject user&#39;s head to a back of the subject user&#39;s back; a length (V) from a front to back of the user&#39;s head; a distance from a back of the subject user&#39;s neck to the user&#39;s back (W); a chest depth from a front of the user&#39;s chest to the user&#39;s back (X); a depth of the user&#39;s waist (Y); and a depth of the user&#39;s hips (Z). 
     Additional measurements can include: a distance from the user&#39;s ear to their shoulder (AA); a distance from the user&#39;s jaw to the base of their neck (BB); and a distance from a front to back of the user&#39;s neck (CC). Again, it should be appreciated that the measurements are used to calculate angles (a); (b) to determine the subject user&#39;s shape, and therefore calculate the best pillow features. 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , diagrams  801 ,  901  depicts lying down diagrams of the subject user photos, wherein even more measurements are calculated. These measurements to include: a distance from a front of the user&#39;s head to the back of the user&#39;s head (DD); a distance from the front of the user&#39;s chest to their back (EE); a distance from a front to back of the user&#39;s hips (FF); a distance from a side to side of the user&#39;s head (GG); a distance from a top of the user&#39;s upward shoulder to the bed (HH); a distance from a top of the user&#39;s hips to the bed (II); a distance from a top of the user&#39;s waist to the bed (JJ); and a distance from the top of the user&#39;s knees to the bed (KK). It should be appreciated that additional calculations, including a pillow thickness from the side when the user is lying on their back (LL) and also when the user is lying on their side (MM), can be taken. 
     Again, these measurements and photos are used to calculate angles (a), (b), (p), (q) associated with the user&#39;s body. 
     By measuring the size of the neck and the location of the neck relative to their back when laying on their back and to their shoulder when sleeping on their side, the correct neck support can be provided so the head and neck are in alignment with the spine. This helps sleepers go to sleep faster, suffer less discomfort and feel more rested without the classic crook in their neck. These measurements determine the size of the neck support and account for the compressibility of the pillow, the compressibility of the mattress, the weight of the individual and the distribution of their weight on their neck and their head. 
     In  FIG. 10 , a simplified schematic depicts the user platform  211  configured to receive the photos and user inputted selections based on instructions and pillow diagrams  1002 . The platform  1011  is configured to take and transfer photos  1001 . The photos are to include both standing positions  1003  of the subject user, as well as lying down positions  1005  of the subject user. The lying down photos show the user on their mattress, thereby providing data to determine mattress firmness, as described above. From the photos, the server is configured to analyze, using one or more algorithms, to determine subject user measurements  1007 . 
     The instructions provided to the user can include instructing the user to hold a device, such as a credit card in order to provide a reference size, instructions on what to wear, what colors to wear, what pictures to take, long hair directions, and facial hair directions. The platform can further provide instructions for the lying down photo capturing, including providing direction on camera angle, camera distance, sheet color, and wall colors. 
     Platform  211  is further configured to receive subject user selections  1009 , the selections including one or more  1011  of: (1) subject user weight; (2) firmness selection associated with one or more zones of a pillow diagram; (3) desired filler material selection, such as hypoallergenic or breathable; (4) desired pillow size and shape selection; (5) temperature selection, wherein the user selects from one of cooling, warming, and neutral; (6) sleep partner selection, such as whether the subject user sleeps with a partner and/or a pet; and (7) desired pillow function selection, such as whether the pillow is to be used as a head pillow, back pillow, front pillow, between the legs pillow, or travel pillow. It is contemplated that any number of other selections could be provided, such as the option for a cover and the material of the cover, the options including color, pattern type of material, sweat retardant solutions, quality of material, thread count, bamboo, or any other material. 
     It is contemplated that possible materials for use, can include foam, memory foam, cubes of foam, polyester fibers, goose down, cotton, latex, hypoallergenic, features, buckwheat husks, or any other material. 
     In  FIG. 11 , a plurality of pillow diagrams  1101 ,  1103 ,  1105 ,  1107  are shown, wherein each diagram has a specified shape and includes a plurality of zones. Through the platform, the user can make selections of what zones they want firm or soft, as well as select a desired shape. It is contemplated that any number of shapes and/or zones could be used herein. It is contemplated that each zone can have its own access via zipper, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other connection solution. This will allow someone to adjust the pillow to their own liking if the pillow changes shape or the filling loses some of its shape over time. 
     In  FIGS. 12A and 12B , back views depict diagrams  1201 ,  1203  that show proper alignment of the user&#39;s spine as achieved when the user is provided with two customized pillows (a head and leg pillow) to correct spine alignment. 
     In  FIGS. 13A and 13B , side views depict diagrams  1301 ,  1303  that show proper alignment of the user&#39;s spine as achieved when the user is provided with a customized pillow. 
     In  FIG. 14 , a flowchart  1401  depicts a method associated with system  201 . During use, the system analyzes the plurality of shapes of people to create data for use, as shown with box  1403 . When a person desires to create a customized pillow, the subject user uses the platform to provide photos, as shown with box  1405 . The system then processes data, with one or more algorithms, to determine a mattress firmness, and body measurements, as shown with boxes  1407 ,  1409 . The user is then provided with one or more pillow diagrams, wherein the user can provide user inputted selections, as shown with boxes  1411 ,  1413 . Based on all data received, a customized pillow is designed, manufactured, and provided to the subject user, as shown with box  1415 . 
     In  FIGS. 15 and 16 , top and side views of a pillow  1501  as developed via the system of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the pillow  1501  has four sections, wherein the sections provides for alternative sleeping positions for the user. In this embodiment, section  1503  is to be used for a side sleeper neck rest, section  1505  is to be used for a side sleeper head rest, section  1507  is to be used for a back sleeper head rest, and section  1509  is to be used for a back sleeper neck rest. It should be appreciated that during use, the user merely rotates the pillow 180 degrees to switch between back and side sleeping. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the pillow has different fill levels based on the sleeping position intended for use. The sections are integrally secured together and the pillow can be configured to open on one or more sides to allow for filling of the sections. 
     In  FIGS. 17 and 18 , another alternative pillow  1701  is shown having a plurality of sections, wherein the sections provide for alternative sleeping positions by the user.  FIG. 18A  is an end view of pillow  1701  showing cross section  1711 .  FIG. 18B  is an opposite end view of pillow  1701  showing cross section  1713 . In this embodiment, section  1703  is to be used for a side sleeper head rest, section  1705  is to be used as a side sleeper neck rest, section  1707  is to be used as a back sleeper head rest, and section  1709  is to be used as a back sleeper neck rest. This configuration allows for the user to merely move to the side and use a different half of the pillow based on their desired sleeping position. 
     In  FIGS. 19 and 20 , an alternative embodiment of a pillow  1901  created through system  201  is shown. It should be appreciated that the features of pillow  1901  can be combined or used throughout the other embodiments of the present application, further, the features of the previous embodiments could be incorporated into pillow  1901 . Pillow  1901  can include a pillow body  1902  that extends from a first end  1903  to a second end  1905 . In this embodiment, an interior side wall  1907  is incorporated therein, wherein the sidewall is more rigid than the rest of the pillow. The sidewalls  1907   a ,  1907   b  provides for structural integrity of the pillow that prevents the sides of the pillow from caving in over time. 
     As shown better in  FIG. 20 , a top surface  2001  of pillow  1901  tapers from end  1905  to  1903 . This taper provides for a thicker area where the user will rest their head. As the user lays their head on pillow  1901 , the pillow will flatten out. Further, the pillow can include one or more openings  2002  that can be configured to open via devices such as zippers, hook and loop closures, or the like. 
     In  FIG. 21 , a flowchart  2101  depicts a method associated with any of the embodiments of a customized pillow disused herein. It is contemplated that the user can be provided with additional fiber that fills the pillow, thereby allowing for the user to add or remove fiber as desired. As shown, the user will utilize system  201  to create a custom pillow, as shown with box  2103 . The user will receive their customized pillow along with one or more predetermined amounts of fiber, as shown with box  2105 . The user will further receive instructions that direct the user how to add or remove fiber as needed based on their preferences, as shown with box  2107 . As desired by the user, they can add or remove fiber to change their customized pillow at home, as shown with box  2109 . 
     The system of the present invention provides for pillow customization, which provides for a plurality of benefits. The pillow can further be customized, wherein the pillow is appropriate for sleeping in multiple positions, wherein the user can orient the pillow at different angles to fit their particular need. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.