Patent Publication Number: US-2023142851-A1

Title: Secondary cushioning elements for cushions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/901,783, filed Jun. 15, 2020, titled CUSHIONED COVERS FOR CUSHIONS (“the &#39;783 Application”), in which a claim for priority to the Jun. 13, 2019 filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/861,138, titled PILLOWS AND COVERS (“the &#39;138 Provisional Application”) was made. The entire disclosures of the &#39;783 Application and the &#39;138 Provisional Application are hereby incorporated herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally covers for pillows or other primary cushioning elements and, more specifically, to covers with panels that include secondary cushioning elements. Even more specifically, this disclosure relates to a cover with a central pocket that receives a cushioning element, such as a pillow or a pillow insert, between a pair of secondary cushioning elements of the cover. This disclosure also relates to cushion, such as a pillow, that includes such a cover, as well as to methods of manufacturing and using covers for pillows or other primary cushioning elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     A cover according to this disclosure may have a configuration that enables it to receive a primary cushioning element, such as a pillow insert or a pillow. The cover may include a first panel that carries a secondary cushioning element, a second panel, and a primary receptacle, or a pocket, defined between the first panel and the second panel. The pocket may receive the primary cushioning element. In some embodiments, the second panel may also carry a secondary cushioning element. 
     The secondary cushioning element of the first panel may comprise any suitable type of cushioning element. In a specific embodiment, the secondary cushioning element may comprise a compressible, resilient elastomeric material that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls defining an array of cells or columns. Even more specifically, the compressible, resilient elastomeric material may define a plurality of thin walls that in turn define an array of hexagonal cells in a so-called “honeycomb” arrangement. Such a secondary cushioning element may be secured to (e.g., formed on, bonded to, adhered to, etc.) part of the first panel. 
     The first panel may include an outer layer and an inner layer, with a secondary receptacle defined therebetween. In some embodiments, peripheral edges of the inner layer may be secured to an inner surface of the outer layer and/or to peripheral edges of the outer layer. The inner layer may be secured directly to the outer layer. Alternatively, the inner layer may be secured to an inner edge of a gusset, whose outer edge is in turn secured to the outer layer, with the gusset spacing the inner layer and the outer layer apart from one another. The secondary receptacle between the inner layer and the outer layer may receive, or carry, the secondary cushioning element. In some embodiments, the secondary cushioning element may be secured to one or both of the outer layer and the inner layer of the first panel. The secondary cushioning element may be permanently secured within the secondary receptacle in a manner that preventing access to the secondary cushioning element. 
     In embodiments where the second panel includes a secondary cushioning element, the secondary cushioning element of the second panel may also comprise any suitable type of cushioning element, including without limitation, a cushioning element in which a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls that in turn define an array of cells or columns. In such an embodiment, the second panel may also include an outer layer and an inner layer, and a secondary receptacle defined between the outer layer and the inner layer. In such embodiments, peripheral edges of the inner layer may be secured to an inner surface of the outer layer and/or to peripheral edges of the outer layer. The inner layer may be secured directly to the outer layer. Alternatively, the inner layer may be secured to an inner edge of a gusset, whose outer edge is in turn secured to the outer layer, with the gusset spacing the inner layer and the outer layer apart from one another. The secondary receptacle between the inner layer and the outer layer may receive, or carry, the secondary cushioning element of the second panel. That secondary cushioning element of the second panel may be to one or both of the outer layer and the inner layer of the second panel. The secondary cushioning element may be permanently secured within the secondary receptacle, preventing access to the secondary cushioning element. 
     Peripheral edges of the first panel and the second panel of the cover may be secured to each other in a manner that defines the primary receptacle between the first panel and the second panel. In some embodiments, portions of the peripheral edges of the first panel and the second panel that are inseparably secured to one another may be secured directly to one another. In other embodiments, the portions of the peripheral edges of the first panel and the second panel that are inseparably secured to one another may be indirectly secured to one another. As an example, peripheral edges of the first panel (e.g., a top panel, etc.) of the cover may be secured to a first edge (e.g., a top edge, etc.) of a gusset and peripheral edges of the second panel (e.g., a bottom panel, etc.) of the cover may be secured to a second edge (e.g., a bottom edge, etc.) of the gusset, with the gusset defining the periphery of the cover and, thus, being referred to herein as a “peripheral gusset.” In embodiments where the first panel includes an outer layer and an inner layer and the second panel includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layers of the first panel and the second panel may at least partially define the primary receptacle. In embodiments where the cover further includes a peripheral gusset, the peripheral gusset may also define part of the primary receptacle. 
     The cover may also include a primary opening, which provides access to the primary receptacle. The primary opening may be defined by edges of the cover that may be separated from each other. For example, portions of the edges that define the primary opening may be separated from on another to open the primary opening and provide access to the primary receptacle of the cover. As another example, a zipper between portions of the edges that define the primary opening may be selectively unzipped to open the primary opening to the primary receptacle. In yet another example, buttons or other fasteners that secure portions of the edges that define the primary opening to each other may be unbuttoned or otherwise unfastened to open the primary opening and provide access to the primary receptacle. 
     With the primary opening of the cover open, the primary receptacle can receive a primary cushioning element. More specifically, the primary opening of the cover may facilitate introduction (and removal) of a primary cushioning element, such as fill for a pillow, a pillow insert, a pillow, or the like, into (or out of) the primary receptacle. The primary receptacle may receive the primary cushioning element in such a way that each secondary cushioning element at least partially, or even entirely, covers a corresponding surface of the primary cushioning element. 
     In another aspect, a cushion, such as a pillow, that includes a cover according to this disclosure, as well as a cushioning element within an interior of the cover, is disclosed. 
     Methods for enhancing the cushioning of a cushioning element are also disclosed. A primary cushioning element, such as fill for a pillow, a pillow insert, an existing pillow, or the like, may be introduced into a primary receptacle of a cover that includes a secondary cushioning element in one or both panels (i.e., major surfaces) thereof. Upon introducing the primary cushioning element into the primary receptacle, each secondary cushioning element of the cover may be at least partially superimposed with the pillow or fill. The resulting cushion may then be used to support a body part (e.g., an individual&#39;s head, back, legs, etc.). Superimposition of the secondary cushioning element over at least a portion of the primary cushioning element may alter or enhance the manner in which the primary cushioning element cushions the body part. 
     Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing disclosure, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion and cover of the cushion according to this disclosure, in which the cover includes a first panel that carries a secondary cushioning element and a second panel that carries a secondary cushioning element, and a primary cushioning element may be placed between the first panel and the second panel; 
         FIG.  1 A  provides a top view of the cushion and cover shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts the cushion and cover shown in  FIG.  1    from a side thereof; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional representation of a variation of the cover of  FIG.  1   , in which secondary cushioning elements of a first panel of the cover and a second panel of the cover are offset relative to one another; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a secondary cushioning element of a panel of the variation of cover shown in  FIG.  2   , showing that the secondary cushioning element is thicker at its center than at its outer periphery; 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an embodiment of surface of the embodiment secondary cushioning element shown in  FIG.  3   ; and 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional representation of another variation of the cover of  FIG.  1   , in which secondary cushioning elements of a first panel of the cover and a second panel of the cover are in substantial alignment with one another; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional representation of yet another variation of the cover of  FIG.  1   , in which the secondary cushioning element of each of a first panel of the cover and a second panel of the cover includes halves that define opposite surfaces of the secondary cushioning element and that have patterns that are offset relative to one another; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional representation of a first option for a secondary cushioning element of the variation of cover shown in  FIG.  5   , in which one half of the secondary cushioning element is thicker at its center than at its outer periphery, while the other half of the secondary cushioning element has a substantially uniform thickness; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional representation of a second option for a secondary cushioning element of the variation of cover shown in  FIG.  5   , in which both halves of the secondary cushioning element are thicker at their centers than at their outer peripheries; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional representation of still another variation of the cover of  FIG.  1   , in which the secondary cushioning elements a first panel of the cover and a second panel of the cover have substantially uniform thicknesses; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional representation of a secondary cushioning element of a panel of the variation of cover shown in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional representation of another embodiment of a cover for a cushion according to this disclosure, in which a first panel and a second panel are secured to one another, but spaced apart from each other, by way of a peripheral gusset; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion with a cover according to this disclosure; and 
         FIG.  12    is an alternate embodiment of a pillow or pillow cover with a top panel, a bottom panel, a cushion insert and a first cushion element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A, and  1 B , an embodiment of a cushion  10  according to this disclosure is shown. The cushion  10  may comprise a pillow or any other type of cushion. The cushion  10  includes a cover  20  with a first panel  40 , a second panel  60 , and a primary receptacle  80  between the first panel  40  and the second panel  60 . The first panel  40  and the second panel  60  may comprise opposite sides (e.g., a top and a bottom, etc.) of the cover  20 . The primary receptacle  80  and may also be referred to herein as a “pocket” and is configured to receive a primary cushioning element  100 . 
     The first panel  40  may carry or otherwise include a secondary cushioning element  50 . The second panel  60  may also carry or otherwise include a secondary cushioning element  70 . Each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may comprise any suitable cushioning material. The secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  may be relatively thin. In various embodiments, the secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  may have maximum thickness and a minimum thickness wherein the maximum thickness may be towards a center  56 ,  76  ( FIG.  3   ) of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  and a minimum thickness may be towards an outer periphery  58 ,  78  of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70 . 
     As a non-limiting example, each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may comprise a compressible, resilient, elastomeric material (e.g., the materials described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,994,450, 6,797,765, and 7,964,664, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, etc.) that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls  52 ,  72  that in turn define an array of cells or columns  54 ,  74  (e.g., the cushioning elements described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,749,111 and 6,026,527, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein, etc.). The cells or columns  54 ,  74  of each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may be hexagonal in shape, as illustrated by  FIGS.  3  and  3 A ; however, any circular or polygonal shape (e.g., squares, diamonds, triangles, etc.) is contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure. Secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  with other shapes, or configurations, are also within the scope of this disclosure (e.g., solid sheets; adhered, multi-component structures; etc.). Other materials may also be used to define each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70 , including, without limitation, other oil-extended block copolymers, foam rubber (e.g., natural latex, polyurethane, viscoelastic foams, etc.), and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the primary receptacle  80  may have a configuration that enables a consumer to place the primary cushioning element  100  within the primary receptacle  80  and to remove the primary cushioning element  100  from the primary receptacle  80 . Such a primary receptacle  80  may be accessible through a primary opening  90  of the cover  20 , thus enabling the insertion of a primary cushioning element  100  into the primary receptacle  80 , as well as removal of the primary cushioning element  100  from the primary receptacle  80 . In other embodiments, the primary cushioning element  100  may be permanently secured within the primary receptacle  80 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A , the cover  20  may, in some embodiments, include a pair of long edges  24  and  25  and a pair of short edges  26  and  27 . As shown in  FIG.  1 B , the primary opening  90  that provides access to the primary receptacle  80  of the cover  20  may extend along an entire length of a short edge  26  of the cover  20 . Alternatively, the primary opening  80  may run along a long edge  24  or a plurality of edges (including a corner) of the cover  20 , which may provide for easy access to the primary receptacle  80  and, thus, enable a primary cushioning element  100  to be readily introduced into or removed from the primary receptacle  80  of the cover  20 . In some embodiments, the primary opening  90  may be as expandable as the material that defines the primary opening  90  permits (e.g., by way of its elasticity or stretchability, etc.). A fastener  95  (e.g., a zipper, which may be visible or hidden under one or more flaps of material; buttons; VELCRO® fasteners; etc.) may be associated with the primary opening  90  to enable closure of the primary opening  90 , as well as its reopening. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  1 A, and  1 B , the primary receptacle  80  may be inaccessible or even hidden when the primary opening  90  of the cover  20  is closed (e.g. zipped, fastened, folded over, etc.). The primary receptacle  80  may enable the secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  of the first panel  40  and the second panel  60 , respectively, to at least partially cover corresponding surfaces of the primary cushioning element  100 . In some embodiments, the secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  may extend over the full length and width of the primary cushioning element  100 , providing an additional layer of cushioning over each surface  105  and  107 , respectively, of the primary cushioning element  100 . 
     The cover  20  may be rectangular, although any of a plurality of suitable shapes (e.g., regular polygons, irregular polygons, stars, round (e.g., circular, oval, elliptical, etc.) shapes, and other shapes) are also within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments where the cover  20  has a rectangular shape, peripheral edges at three sides of the first panel  40  may be secured to peripheral edges at three corresponding sides of the second panel  60 , while the corresponding peripheral edges at the fourth side of the first panel  40  and the fourth side of the second panel may define the primary opening  90  ( FIG.  1 B ). The primary opening  90  may remain continuously open and/or be selectively closed (e.g., by way of fasteners that enable closure and re-opening (e.g., buttons, a zipper, etc.); etc.). The dimensions of the first panel  40  and the second panel  60  of such a cover  20  may vary, but may be about 20 inches (about 51 cm) by about 26 inches (about 66 nm), i.e., about the same as the dimensions of a standard size pillow case, or pillow cover, with a reasonable deviation. However, other dimensions are considered and contemplated for larger pillows (i.e. queen size pillows (20 in.×30 in., or about 51 cm×about 76 cm), king size pillows (20 in.×36 in, or about 51 cm×about 91 cm), euro pillows (26 in.×26 in., or about 66 cm×66 cm) and smaller pillows. 
     The primary cushioning element  100  may comprise any suitable cushioning element. In embodiments where the cushion  10  ( FIGS.  1 ,  1 A, and  1 B ) comprises a pillow, the primary cushioning element  100  may comprise a fill material, a pillow insert, or a standard pillow. In some embodiments, an individual may select a particular primary cushioning element  100  he or she would like to place within the primary receptacle  80  of the cover  20  to provide a customized cushion  10  that achieves a particular, or desired, cushioning effect. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a specific embodiment of a primary cushioning element  100 . The primary cushioning element  100  may be formed from a compressible, resilient, foamed material. By way of non-limiting example, the primary cushioning element  100  may be formed from a foam rubber, such as a natural latex foam (e.g., Talalay latex foam, etc.), a polyurethane foam, or the like. An array of channels  102  may extend through a thickness of the primary cushioning element  100 . The channels  102  may facilitate airflow through the primary cushioning element  100  and a cushion  10  of which the primary cushioning element  100  is a part. Alternatively, the primary cushioning element  100  may comprise a compressible, resilient, elastomeric material (e.g., the materials described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,994,450, 6,797,765, and 7,964,664, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, etc.). The elastomeric material may define a plurality of thin interconnected walls that in turn define an array of cells or columns (e.g., the cushioning elements described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,749,111 and 6,026,527 and by U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2018/0305199 A1, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein, etc.). 
     In embodiments where the primary cushioning element  100  comprises a fill material, the fill material may comprise any material suitable for use as a cushion, such as a pillow (e.g., for use in cushioning an individual&#39;s head, back, leg(s), etc.). The fill material may be introduced directly into the primary receptacle  80  to define the primary cushioning element  100  of the cushion  10 . Alternatively, the fill material may be contained in a separate cover that, along with the fill material, defines the primary cushioning element  100  (e.g., an existing pillow, etc.) prior to its placement in the primary receptacle  80 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  2   , the first panel  40  and the second panel  60  of a specific embodiment of the cover  20  are illustrated in further detail. The first panel  40  may include an outer layer  42  and an inner layer  46 . The outer layer  42  and the inner layer  46  may comprise thin layers that are secured to each other about their outer peripheries  44  and  48 , respectively. As illustrated by  FIG.  2   , the outer peripheries  44  and  48  of the outer layer  42  and the inner layer  46 , respectively, may be secured (e.g., with stitched threads, bonded, etc.) directly to each other. Alternatively, the outer peripheries  44  and  48  of the outer layer  42  and the inner layer  46 , respectively, may be secured to corresponding edges of a gusset (not shown in  FIG.  2   ), which indirectly secures the outer layer  42  and the inner layer  46  to one another. 
     The second panel  60  may likewise include an outer layer  62  and an inner layer  66 . The outer layer  62  and the inner layer  66  may comprise thin layers that are secured to each other about their outer peripheries  64  and  68 , respectively. As illustrated by  FIG.  2   , the outer peripheries  64  and  68  of the outer layer  62  and the inner layer  66 , respectively, may be secured (e.g., with stitched threads, bonded, etc.) directly to each other. Alternatively, the outer layer  62  and the inner layer  66  may be indirectly secured to each other by securing their outer peripheries  64  and  68 , respectively, to corresponding edges of a gusset (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). 
     In some embodiments, the outer layers  42  and  62  and the inner layers  46  and  66  may be breathable, or air may flow through them. The outer layers  42  and  62  and the inner layers  46  and  66  may be formed from a flexible material, such as a fabric. The fabric may be capable of resiliently stretching (e.g., the fabric may include up to 10% spandex, or elastane, etc.). The fabric may comprise a moisture wicking material, which may provide a cooling effect when a body part is placed against it. Without limitation, the outer layers  42  and  62  may be formed from a stretchable nylon, which may include visible perforations therethrough (i.e., a nylon mesh), while the inner layers  46  and  66  may be formed from a fabric that is soft and lightly lofted, such as a cotton or cotton-polyester blend. Other examples of fabrics that may be used to define the outer layers  42  and  62  and the inner layers  46  and  66  include, but are not limited to, cotton fabrics, cotton blend fabrics, rayons, polyesters, other synthetic fabrics, and bamboo fabrics, to name only a few. 
     In the first panel  40  of the cover  20 , a secondary cushioning element  50  may be positioned between the outer layer  42  and the inner layer  46 . The second panel  60  of the cover  20  may likewise include a secondary cushioning element  70  positioned between the outer layer  62  and the inner layer  66  of the second panel  60 . Each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may comprise a compressible, resilient, elastomeric material that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls  52 ,  72  that in turn defines an array of cells or columns  54 ,  74 . The thin interconnected walls  52  and the array of cells or columns  54  of the secondary cushioning element  50  of the first panel  40  may be offset relative to the thin interconnected walls  72  and the array of cells or columns  74  of the secondary cushioning element  70  of the second panel  60 . 
     As depicted by  FIG.  3   , each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may include a larger profile center  56 ,  76  and smaller profile outer periphery  58 ,  78 . The cushioning element  50 ,  70  may have longer, or taller, cells or columns  54 ,  74  at and around the center  56 ,  76  and shorter cells or columns  54 ,  74  at and adjacent to the outer periphery  58 ,  78 . In some embodiments, an outer surface  51 ,  71  of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may taper gradually from the center  56 ,  76  or a central portion  57 ,  77  thereof down to the outer periphery  58 ,  78  thereof. Such a taper may be linear or curved. Stated another way, the lengths, or heights, of the cells or columns  54 ,  74  may form a gradient that decreases from the center  56 ,  76  toward the outer periphery  58 ,  78 , or increases from the outer periphery  58 ,  78  toward the center  56 ,  76 . Embodiments of such a cushion are illustrated by U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/694,846 and 29/694,851, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein. Such a configuration may enable the center  56 ,  76  or a central portion  57 ,  77  of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  to provide greater support and cushioning than are provided by outer peripheral locations and the outer periphery  58 ,  78  of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70 . By way of non-limiting example, the thickness of each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  at its center  56 ,  76  may be about one-half inch (about 1¼ cm) to about two inches (about 5 cm), while the thickness of each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  at its outer periphery  58 ,  78  may be about one-sixteenth inch (about 1.5875 mm) to about one inch (about 2.54 cm). In a more specific embodiment, the thickness of each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  at its center  56 ,  76  may be about one inch (about 2.54 cm), while the thickness of each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  at its outer periphery  58 ,  78  may be about one-eighth inch (about 3.175 mm), Such a secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may taper outward over a distance of about 5¾ inches (about 14.6 cm) from any location of the outer periphery  58 ,  78  toward the center  56 ,  76 ; thus, a central portion  57 ,  77  of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  that has a substantially uniform thickness may be greater in length than in width, meaning the area of maximum thickness may have substantially the same shape as the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70 . Even with a standard sized pillow having dimensions of about 20 in.×26 in. (about 51 cm×about 66 cm), a central portion  57 ,  77  having a substantially uniform thickness would comprise majority of the area of the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70 . 
     With returned reference to  FIG.  2   , each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may be secured to the corresponding inner layer  46 ,  66  of its corresponding panel (i.e., the first panel  40  or second panel  60 , respectively). The secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  may be manufactured concurrently by placing overlapping layers of a fabric, or scrim, between two sides of a mold and them molding each secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  onto a corresponding scrim. Once the secondary cushioning elements  50  and  70  have been molded, each scrim may continue to adhere to its respective secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  while each of the corresponding inner layer  46 ,  66  are removed from adhering to one another and, thus, may serve as an inner layer  46 ,  66  of a panel (i.e., first panel  40  and second panel  60 , respectively) of the cover  20 . Alternatively, the secondary cushioning element  50 ,  70  may be fixed to one or both of its respective outer layer  42 ,  62  and outer layer  46 ,  66  by any other suitable technique (e.g., heat and melting the elastomeric material, ultrasonic welding, gluing, stitching, etc.). Even further the first cushioning element  14  may be secured to the top panel  18  through similar means. It will be appreciated that an open knit or weave fabric may be utilized as the scrim or other portions of fabric to allow for breathability and air flow. 
     In some embodiments, such as that depicted by  FIG.  2   , the plurality of interconnected walls  52  and the array of cells or columns  54  of secondary cushioning element  50  may be laterally offset from the plurality of interconnected walls  72  and the array of cells or columns  74  of secondary cushioning element  70 . Embodiments of such secondary cushioning elements are illustrated U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/694,846 and 29/694,851. 
       FIG.  4    depicts an embodiment of cover  20 ′ that may include many or all of the same features and elements as the embodiment of cover  20  shown in  FIG.  2   . The primary difference between cover  20 ′ and cover  20  is that the plurality of interconnected walls  52 ′ and the array of cells or columns  54 ′ of the secondary cushioning element  50 ′ of the first panel  40 ′ of the cover  20 ′ are substantially aligned with the plurality of interconnected walls  72 ′ and the array of cells or columns  74 ′, respectively, of the secondary cushioning element  70 ′ of the second panel  60 ′ of the cover  20 ′. 
       FIG.  5    depicts an embodiment of cover  20 ″ in which each secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ includes a first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ and a second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″. The halves  50   a ″ and  50   b ″,  70   a ″ and  70   b ″ define opposite surfaces of the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″. The first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ comprises a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls  52   a ″,  72   a ″ that in turn define an array of cells or columns  54   a ″,  74   a ″ and a second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″. The second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ also comprises a compressible, resilient elastomeric material that defines another plurality of thin interconnected walls  52   b ″,  72   b ″ that in turn define another array of cells or columns  54   b ″,  74   b ″. The first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ and the second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ have patterns that are offset relative to one another. More specifically, the plurality of thin interconnected walls  52   a ″,  72   a ″ of the first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ may be laterally offset from the other plurality thin interconnected walls  52   b ″,  72   b ″ of the second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ and, thus, the array of cells or columns  54   a ″,  74   a ″ of the first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ may be laterally offset from the other array of cells of columns  54   b ″,  74   b ″ of the second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″, as illustrated by  FIG.  5   , as well as by  FIG.  3 A  and by U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/694,846 and 29/694,851. Alternatively, the plurality of thin interconnected walls  52   a ″,  72   a ″ and the array of cells or columns  54   a ″,  74   a ″ of the first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ may be aligned with the other plurality thin interconnected walls  52   b ″,  72   b ″ and the other array of cells of columns  54   b ″,  74   b ″ of the second half  50   b ″,  70   b″.    
       FIG.  6    shows an example of a secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ in which a first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ has a variable thickness from its central locations  57   a ″,  77   a ″ to its outer periphery  58   a ″,  78   a ″, such as the taper described previously herein in reference to  FIG.  3   . The second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ of such a secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ may have a substantially uniform thickness across an entirety of the area the second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ occupies. 
       FIG.  7    shows another example of a secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ in which a first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ has a variable thickness from its central locations  57   a ″,  77   a ″ to its outer periphery  58   a ″,  78   a ″, such as the taper described previously herein in reference to  FIG.  3   . The second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ of such a secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ may also have a variable thickness from its central locations  57   b ″,  77   b ″ to its outer periphery  58   b ″,  78   b ″. Thus, both halves  50   a ″ and  50   b ″,  70   a ″ and  70   b ″ of each secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ of the cover  20 ″ may be thicker at their centers than at their outer peripheries. 
     Secondary cushioning elements  50 ″ and  70 ″ with offset arrangements such as those depicted by  FIGS.  5 - 7    may provide greater support than other embodiments of secondary cushioning elements, while enabling air to flow through the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″. A fabric, or scrim, may be molded in place between the first half  50   a ″,  70   a ″ and the second half  50   b ″,  70   b ″ of each secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″, which may secure the halves  50   a ″ and  50   b ″,  70   a ″ and  70   b ″ to their respective scrim. The scrim may comprise a single, complete piece of fabric that extends through the thickness of the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ across an entirety of the area occupied by the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″. The scrim may be perforated, cut, or modified to enhance the breathability, support, and/or stability of the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″. The scrim may also have an effect on the cushioning characteristics of the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″; for example, the stretchability and resilience of the scrim may contribute to the feel of the secondary cushioning element  50 ″,  70 ″ across its outer surface. 
     Other than the configurations of its secondary cushioning elements  50 ″&#39; and  70 ″′, the embodiment of cover  20 ″′ depicted by  FIG.  8    may include many or all of the same elements and features of the embodiment of cover  20  depicted by  FIG.  2   , the embodiment of cover  20 ′ depicted by  FIG.  4   , and the embodiment of cover  20 ″ depicted by  FIG.  5   . With added reference to  FIG.  9   , each secondary cushioning element  50 ″′,  70 ″′ of cover  20 ″′ may have a substantially uniform thickness across an entirety of the area it occupies; i.e., from its center  56 ″′,  76 ″′, across its central locations  57 ″′,  77 ″′, to its outer periphery  58 ″′,  78 ″′. 
       FIG.  10    provides a cross-sectional representation of another embodiment of a cover  120  for a cushion according to this disclosure, in which a first panel  140  that includes a secondary cushioning element  150  and a second panel  140  that includes a secondary cushioning element  170  are secured to one another, but spaced apart from each other, by way of a peripheral gusset  130 . The peripheral gusset  130  may comprise an elongated flexible element (e.g., a strip of a breathable material, a strip of fabric, etc.) with a first edge  134  along a length of the peripheral gusset  130  and a second edge  136  along the length of the peripheral gusset  130 . The first edge  134  and the second edge  136  may be opposite from each other. The first edge  134  of the peripheral gusset  130  may be secured to an outer peripheral edge  141  of the first panel  140 , while the second edge  136  of the peripheral gusset  130  may be secured to an outer peripheral edge  161  of the second panel  160 . 
     The peripheral gusset  30  may carry at least a portion of a fastener (not shown in  FIG.  10   ) to provide selective access to a primary opening  90  ( FIG.  1 B ) of the cover  120 . 
     Although  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  8 , and  10    respectively illustrate embodiments of covers  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ″′, and  120  with secondary cushioning elements  50 ′ and  70 ′,  50 ″ and  70 ″,  50 ″′ and  70 ″′, and  150  and  170  that are substantially the same as one another or identical to one another, embodiments of covers  20  that include combinations of different cushioning elements  50  and  70  are also within the scope of this disclosure, as illustrated to only a limited extent in  FIG.  2   . The use cushioning elements  50  and  70  that differ in softness, thickness, materials, or other properties may provide an individual using the cover  20  on a primary cushioning element  10  with the ability to experience different cushioning effects with the same cushion  10  ( FIGS.  1 ,  1 A, and  1 B ). 
       FIG.  11    shows an embodiment of an assembled cushion  10  that includes any embodiment of cover  20  according to this disclosure, with a secondary cushioning element  50  being somewhat visible through the cover  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , another embodiment of a cushion  210  is illustrated. The cover  220  of the cushion includes a first panel  240  and a second panel  260  with a primary receptacle  280  therebetween. Only the first panel  240  of the cover  220  includes a secondary cushioning element  250 . The first panel  240  and its secondary cushioning element may be configured in any suitable manner, including those described previously herein. The second panel  260  may comprise one or more layers of a flexible material, such as a fabric (e.g., a breathable fabric, a moisture wicking fabric, etc.). The primary receptacle  280  may receive a primary cushioning element  100 . 
     While the embodiment of cushions described herein include primary receptacles that may removably receive primary cushioning elements, closed systems that include a cover according to this disclosure and a primary cushioning element permanently secured therein and, thus, lacking modularity are also contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scopes of the inventions recited by any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. In addition, other embodiments may also lie within the scopes of the appended claims. All additions to, deletions from and modifications of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced by the claims.