Pillow with Gusset Having Multiple Porosity Ports

The present disclosure generally relates to bedding, and more particularly to pillows adapted to provide proper air flow through the pillow.

Sleep is critical for people to feel and perform their best, in every aspect of their lives. Sleep is an essential path to better health and reaching personal goals. Indeed, sleep affects everything from the ability to commit new information to memory to weight gain. It is therefore essential for people to use bedding that is comfortable in order to achieve restful sleep.

People lose a significant amount of heat through their head. As such, heat builds up on a sleep surface of a pillow as a person rests their head on the pillow. Pillows have been developed to provide air flow through an interior of the pillow, such as, for example, pillows made of a breathable fabric. However, these pillows fail to sufficiently move heat away from the sleep surface of the pillow and distribute the heat in a manner that does not disrupt sleep. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a pillow adapted to provide proper air flow through the pillow is provided. The pillow comprises a first panel having an edge defining a perimeter. A second panel has an edge defining a perimeter. A gusset joins the first and second panels. The gusset has a first porosity. The gusset includes a plurality of ports. The ports each have a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the pillow comprises a first panel and a second panel opposite the first panel. The first and second panels each have a first porosity. A gusset perimetrically bounds and joins the first and second panels. The gusset has a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity. The gusset comprises a plurality of ports. The ports each have a third porosity that is greater than the second porosity. The first panel, the second panel and the gusset define a cover having an inner surface defining a chamber. An interface between the first panel and the gusset comprises a fastener configured to open to provide access to the chamber.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the pillow comprises a first panel and a second panel opposite the first panel. The first and second panels each have a first porosity. A gusset perimetrically bounds and joins the first and second panels. The gusset comprises an open cell construction having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity. The gusset comprises a plurality of ports. The ports each comprise a mesh material having a third porosity that is greater than the second porosity. The ports are spaced apart from one another. The first panel, the second panel and the gusset define a cover having an inner surface defining a chamber. An inner cover is disposed inside of the chamber. A fill material is disposed within the inner cover. An interface between the first panel and the gusset comprises a zipper configured to provide access to the chamber. The open cell construction is formed by strands defining a mesh configuration. The strands comprise polyester and are connected at points of intersection of the strands. The fill material is selected from a group consisting of a compliant material, gel and memory foam.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the pillow comprises a first panel comprising opposite first and second ends extending between opposite first and second sides. The pillow includes a second panel opposite the first panel. The second panel comprises opposite first and second ends extending between opposite first and second sides. The first and second sides of the first panel engages the first and second sides of the second panel. The first and second panels each comprise a base material having a first porosity. A gusset is positioned between the first end of the first panel and the first end of the second panel and between the second end of the first panel and the second end of the second panel so as to join the first and second panels. The gusset comprises an open cell construction having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity. The gusset comprises a plurality of ports. The ports each comprise a mesh material having a third porosity that is greater than the second porosity. The ports are spaced apart from one another. The first panel, the second panel and the gusset define a cover having an inner surface defining a chamber. An inner cover is disposed inside of the chamber. A fill material is disposed within the inner cover. An interface between the first panel and the gusset comprises a zipper configured to provide access to the chamber. The open cell construction is formed by strands defining a mesh configuration. The strands comprise polyester and are connected at points of intersection of the strands. The fill material is selected from a group consisting of a compliant material, gel and memory foam. The first and second panels each comprise a portal having a fourth porosity that is different than the first porosity, the second porosity and the third porosity.

Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”.

The following discussion includes a description of a pillow in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to, there are illustrated components of a pillow.

Pillowincludes a panelcomprising an end surfaceand an opposite end surface. Surfaces,extend between opposite side surfaces,. Surfaces,,andare edges of panelthat define a perimeter of panel. Pillowincludes a panelA opposite panel. PanelA comprises an end surfaceA and an opposite end surfaceA. SurfacesA,A extend between opposite side surfacesA,A. SurfacesA,A,A andA are edges of panelA that define a perimeter of panelA. In some embodiments, panels,A each have a rectangular or substantially rectangular footprint. In some embodiments, paneland/or panelA may have various cross section configurations or footprints, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, or irregular.

In some embodiments, panels,A each include a single layer of material, such as, for example, fabric. In some embodiments, panels,A each include multiple layers of material, such as, for example, fabric. In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise a moisture dispersing material. In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise a breathable material, such as, for example a breathable fabric. In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise a material selected from a group consisting of: a 100% polyester fabric, rayon, nylon, or a spandex-blend fabric. A cooling material, such as a gel, may be applied interiorly to paneland/or panelA. The cooling material may be silicon or polyether gel formed into layers and applied shapes, as well as, formed ceramics, neoprene and other material technology for use to perform heat transfer and temperature regulation function. Depending on the nature and stability of the cooling material, the cooling material may be applied internally and/or externally to paneland/or panelA.

In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise a porous base material and have a porosity. In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise pores that are defined by fibers or strands of the base material, such as, for example, a fabric that makes up each of panels,A. That is, the pores of panels,A are the spaces between the fibers or strands of the base material that makes up panels,A. In some embodiments, panels,A each comprise a base material having portals or aperturesthat extend through fibers or strands of the base material, such as, for example, a fabric that makes up each of panels,A, as shown in. That is, aperturesseparate the fibers or strands of the base material such that at least one of the fibers has two distinct portions that are separated by one of apertures. In some embodiments, aperturesare larger than the pores. In some embodiments, the pores have a random configuration (size, shape and/or spacing) that is determined by the arrangement of the fibers or strands of the base material and aperturesare formed in the base material to have a uniform configuration, such as, for example, uniform size, shape and/or spacing. In some embodiments, aperturesare variously shaped, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, undulating, arcuate, variable and/or tapered.

In some embodiments, panels,A each include stitchingthat reduces the profile of stitched portions of panels,A to create different elevations of the fabric structure, so that there are highs and lows of profile that increase air circulation in around and through outer surfaces of at least one of panels,A and between the outer surfaces of at least one of panels,A and the sleeper. In some embodiments, stitchingis stitched, embroidered or stenciled on at least one of panels,A. In some embodiments, stitchingcomprises a plurality of rows each having a geometric pattern. In some embodiments, the rows alternate such that a feature of the geometric pattern in a respective row is not coaxial with the same feature of the geometric pattern of an adjacent row. In some embodiments, panels,A each include an area that is free of stitching such that the area has a smooth or even outer surface that is free of any recesses or protrusions to reduce the feel/friction of the structure against the skin of the sleeper and in order to maximize flexibility of this panel to adapt to the sleeper's body curves and conform within the larger pillow surface. In some embodiments, the areas of panels,A that are free of stitching are positioned equidistant between surfaces,,andand equidistant between surfacesA,A,A andA, respectively. In some embodiments, panels,A are each free of stitching, as shown in, for example. In some embodiments, stitchingcan form one or more letters or designs. For example, stitchingmay form a series of letters to form a word or words, such as, for example, a company name or a feature of pillow. Stitchingmay also form a design or logo, such as, for example, a manufacturer logo.

Pillowincludes a gussetthat joins panelwith panelA. Gussetcomprises a surface or edgeand a surface or edgeopposite surface. In some embodiments, surfaceengages surfaces,,,and surfaceengages surfacesA,A,A,A such that gussetperimetrically bounds and joins panels,A, as shown in, for example. That is, surfacecontinuously engages surfaces,,,such that there are no gaps between surfaceand surfaces,,,and surfacecontinuously engages surfacesA,A,A,A such that there are no gaps between surfaceand surfacesA,A,A,A. Gussetseparates panelfrom panelA and allows air that enters an interior or cavityof pillowthrough at least one of panels,A, for example, to exit cavitythrough gusset.

In some embodiments, gussetis a continuous band. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a longitudinal portionA between surfaces,A and a longitudinal portionB between surfaces,A. PortionA is positioned opposite portionB. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a lateral portionC between surfaces,A and a longitudinal portionD between surfaces,A. PortionC is positioned opposite portionD. In some embodiments, portionsA-D are each separate from one another and are connected to one another by stitching, for example. In some embodiments, portionsA-D are continuous.

In some embodiments, gussetincludes lettering, as shown in. In some embodiments, letteringis printed, stitched, embroidered or stenciled on gusset. In some embodiments, gussetis formed from a knit pattern and letteringis part of the knit pattern. In some embodiments, gussetis formed from a knit pattern having an outer surface and letteringis flush with the outer surface of the knit pattern. In some embodiments, letteringcan form one or more letters or designs. For example, letteringmay be one letter or multiple letters that form a word or words, such as, for example, a model or product name of pillow, a company or manufacturer name of pillow, a feature of pillow, etc. Features of pillowthat may be communicated to a user by letteringinclude, for example, the type of sleeper pillowis designed for (e.g., side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers), a model or product name of pillow, a type of fill material or other material used in pillow, etc. It is envisioned that letteringmay include other indicia, such as, for example, a person's name or nickname, the name of a sports team or other group, a slogan or phrase, etc. Letteringmay also form a design or logo, such as, for example, a manufacturer logo.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing material, such as, for example, pipingis used to join surfacewith surfaces,,,and/or surfacewith surfacesA,A,A,A. In some embodiments, pipingis a strip of fabric, such as, for example, folded fabric that is inserted between surfaces,,,and surfaceand/or between surfacesA,A,A,A and surfaceto define edges of pillow. In some embodiments, pipingcomprises a material that is different from the material gussetand panels,A are made. In some embodiments, pipingcomprises a material that is more rigid and/or less flexible than the material gussetand panels,A are made. In some embodiments, pipingcomprises a material that is non-porous.

In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a material that is different from the material in which panels,A are made. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a breathable material, such as, for example a breathable fabric. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a stretchable and/or elastic material. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises polyester, spandex, a polyester/spandex blend, 100% polyester knit, 100% natural fabrics or natural fabrics blended with elastic fibers or waterproof fabrications. In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, gussetis a porous sheet of material, such as, for example, fabric having a porosity that is substantially greater than (e.g., at least twice) the porosity of each of panels,A. In some embodiments, gussetis porous and has a porosity that is greater than the porosity of each of panels,A. In some embodiments, the pores of gussetare defined by fibers or strands of a material, such as, for example, a fabric that makes up gussetto provide gusset with a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A. That is, the pores in gussetare defined by the space between fibers or strands of the material that forms gusset

In some embodiments, gussetcomprises pores, as shown in, for example. In some embodiments, poresare cut or otherwise formed in a material, such as, for example, a fabric that makes up gussetto provide gusset with a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A. In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a porous material having porescut or punched into gussetduring the manufacturing process to provide gussetwith a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A. In some embodiments, poresextend through fibers or strands that make up the material that forms gusset. That is, poreseach separate at least one of the fibers that make up the material that forms gussetinto two distinct portions that are separated by one of pores. In one embodiment, panels,A each have a porosity that is created by pores that are defined by fibers or strands of a material, such as, for example, a fabric that makes up each of panels,A and poresto provide gussetwith a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A. In some embodiments, poresmay have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. In some embodiments, poresare distributed uniformly along gusset. In some embodiments, poresare uniformly spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, poresare randomly dispersed along gusset.

In one embodiment, gussetand panels,A each comprise a non-porous material having pores cut or punched therein during the manufacturing process to provide gussetwith a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A. In one embodiment, gussetand panels,A each comprise the same material, with gussethaving a porosity that is greater than the porosities of each of panels,A due to poresthat are cut or punched therein during the manufacturing process of gussetand panels,A. In some embodiments, gussethas an open cell construction. In some embodiments, the open cell construction of gussetis provided by the porosity of the material of which gussetis made and/or pores that are formed into the material during the manufacturing process.

In one embodiment, shown in, gussetcomprises a plurality of interlaced or spaced apart strandsarranged randomly or in various patterns, such as, for example, a rectangular pattern. Strandsmay be of various materials, including, for example, polyester, and may be elastic or inelastic. Strandsare arranged so that open cellsare defined therebetween. Strandsmay be connected at points of intersection, such as, for example, by fusion, stitching, being tied, by a fastener or may be not connected so as to permit free movement between contacting strands. If connected, strandsmay be formed of elastic material. In some embodiments, strandsmay be disposed in multiple layers so as to define a three-dimensional structure in a direction towards interior or cavity.

Gussetand panels,A define a cover. An inner surfaceof gussetand inner surfaces of panels,A define cavity, as shown in, for example. Cavityis configured for disposal of a fill material, as shown in, for example. In some embodiments, fill materialcomprises a compliant material. In some embodiments, fill materialcomprises a non-compliant material. In some embodiments, fill materialcomprises polyester fiber, wool, kapok, latex, foam, memory foam, feathers, gel, memory foam and/or combinations or blends of the same. In some embodiments, fill materialcomprises a single piece of foam, as shown in. In some embodiments, a top surface of fill materialis convexly curved between side surfaces of fill materialto provide a central portion of fill materialat a greater elevation than portions of fill materialeither of the side surfaces of fill material. This configuration provides fill materialwith an arcuate profile that imparts an outwardly bowed shape to pillowwhen fill materialis positioned within cavity.

In some embodiments, fill materialhas a uncompressed volume that is greater than an unexpanded volume of one of cavity. Due to the material(s) from which panels,A and gussetare made and the relative volumes of fill materialand cavity, cavityexpands as fill materialis positioned in cavity. As cavityexpands, cavityand/or pillowassumes the general shape of fill material. Due to the material(s) from which panels,A and gussetare made and the relative volumes of fill materialand cavity, cavitymolds to conform with the outer dimensions of fill materialsuch that pillowwill have approximately the same shape as fill material. In some embodiments, pillowincludes at least some air between panels,A and fill materialand/or between gussetand fill material. In some embodiments, panels,A engage fill materialsuch that there is no air between panels,A and fill materialand gussetengages fill materialsuch that there is no air between gussetand fill material. In some embodiments, fill materialis porous such that air in cavitybecomes trapped within the pores of fill material. The air trapped within the pores of fill materialcan exit pillowthrough panels,A, gussetand/or ports.

In some embodiments, pillowcomprises an inner coverpositioned within cavity, as shown in, for example. Covercomprises an inner surface defining a chamberA configured for disposal of fill materialsuch that fill materialis spaced apart from the inner surfaces of panels,A and gusset. That is, positioning fill materialwithin the chamber of coverprevents fill materialfrom contacting panels,A or gusset. In some embodiments, coveris a pouch. In some embodiments, covercomprises a fastener, such as, for example a zipper to maintain fill materialwithin the chamber of cover.

In some embodiments, pillowcomprises a fastener, such as, for example a zipperbetween paneland gussetand/or between panelA and gussetto provide access to cavity. Zipperincludes a first row of teethA and a second row of teethB that interlock with teethA such that zipperis movable between a closed configuration in which teethA interlock with teethB and an open configuration in which teethA are spaced apart from teethB, as shown in, for example. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceand teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceA and teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceand teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceA and teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceand teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceA and teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceand teethB are positioned on surface. In some embodiments, teethA are positioned on surfaceA and teethB are positioned on surface. Fill materialand/or covercan be positioned within cavitywhen zipperis in the open configuration. Zipperis then moved from the open position to the closed position to maintain fill materialand/or coverwithin cavity

Gussetcomprises at least one porttherein that extends through and between surfaceand an outer surfaceof gussetsuch that portsare each in communication with cavityto allow air to move in and out of cavitythrough ports. Portseach have a porosity that is greater than that of gussetsuch that air that enters cavitycan exit cavitythrough one or more of ports. Likewise, ambient air may enter cavitythrough ports. Portsthus permit the exchange of air in and out of cavity. In some embodiments, portsallows a greater amount of air to flow in and out of cavitythan is permitted with gussetalone. That is, the amount of air flow in and out of cavityis increased in areas of pillowthat include portsrelative to areas of pillowthat do not include ports. This configuration allows air having an increased temperature, due to heat from a user's head as the user lies upon pillow, for example, to move through panels,A and/or gusset such that the heated air enters cavity. Rather than remaining trapped within cavityand increasing the temperature of pillow, the heated air is moved out of cavityprimarily through ports. In some embodiments, at least some residual heated air may exit cavitythrough pores in gussetand/or ports. This removes heated air from the sleep surface of pillow(e.g. an outer surface of panelor panelA), moves the heat air through cavityand out of ports. Significantly, because portsare positioned away from the sleep surface, the heated air will not affect the sleep surface after the heated air is vented through ports.

In some embodiments, gussetcomprises a plurality of spaced apart ports. In some embodiments, portsare evenly or uniformly spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, portsare formed by stitching. In some embodiments, a portion of gussetmay be cut out to define one of ports. In some embodiments, portsare reinforced by stitching to provide strength to gussetand/or prevent gussetfrom ripping or tearing at ports, for example. In some embodiments, gussetincludes portsthat are spaced apart along each of portionsA-D. In some embodiments, at least one of portionsA-D does not include any ports. In some embodiments, portionsC,D include portsand portionsA,B do not include any ports to increase the amount of air flow through portionsC,D relative to portionsA,B. In some embodiments, one of portionsC,D includes portsand portionsA,B and the other of portionC or portionD do not include any portsto increase the amount of air flow through one of portionsC orD relative to portionsA,B and the other of portionC or portionD. In some embodiments, portionsA,B include portsand portionsC,D do not include any portsto increase the amount of air flow through portionsA,B relative to portionsC,D. In some embodiments, one of portionsA,B includes portsand portionsC,D and the other of portionsA,B do not include any portsto increase the amount of air flow through portions one of portionsA,B relative to portionsC,D and the other of portionsA,B.

In some embodiments, portsare selectively positioned along gussetto increase air flow in and out of cavityat selected positions of pillow. For example, portsmay be included in each of portionsA-D, as discussed above. However, at least one of portionsA-D may include more portsthan another of portionsA-D to provide increased air flow in and out of cavityin the portion with more portsrelative to the remaining portions of gusset. That is, providing one of portionsA-D with an increased density of portswill provide increased air flow in and out of cavitythan the remaining portions of gusset.

While pillowis illustrated as having a single row of portsthat extends parallel to surfaces,,,or surfacesA,A,A,A, in some embodiments pillowmay include more than one row of portseach extending parallel to surfaces,,,or surfacesA,A,A,A, pillow. In some embodiments, at least one of portionsA-D includes a single row of portsthat extends parallel to surfaces,,,or surfacesA,A,A,A and at least one of portions includes more than one row of portseach extending parallel to surfaces,,,or surfacesA,A,A,A, pillow. Each row includes at least one port. This configuration thus provides one means to increase the density of portsin one portion of gussetrelative to another portion of gusset. Likewise, while portsare illustrated as being positioned equidistant between surfaces,,,and surfacesA,A,A,A, in some embodiments, at least one of portsis positioned closer to surfaces,,,than surfacesA,A,A,A. In some embodiments, at least one of portsis positioned closer to surfacesA,A,A,A than surfaces,,,. In some embodiments, at least one of portsis positioned closer to surfaces,,,than surfacesA,A,A,A and at least one of portsis positioned closer to surfacesA,A,A,A than surfaces,,,.

Portseach have a porosity that is greater than the porosity of gusset, as discussed above. In some embodiments, portseach have an open cell construction that is greater than that of gussetsuch that a greater amount of air can pass through each of portsthan through a portion of gussethaving an identical size of one of ports. In some embodiments, portsare holes in gussetthat are defined by the absence of material to provide portswith a porosity that is greater than the porosity of gusset. In some embodiments, portseach comprise a mesh material, such as, for example, a metal or non-metal mesh material, such as, for example, plastic or elastic to provide portswith a porosity that is greater than the porosity of gusset. In some embodiments, portseach comprise a breathable material, such as, for example, a breathable fabric to provide portswith a porosity that is greater than the porosity of gusset. In some embodiments, portseach have an arcuate configuration, such as, for example, the circular configuration shown in. In some embodiments, portseach have a polygonal configuration, such as, for example, the hexagonal configuration shown in. In some embodiments, portsmay have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered.

In some embodiments, gussetincludes a filterthat engages surfaceand overlaps at least a portion of at least one of ports, as shown in, for example. Filtercomprises a porous and/or mesh material that is configured to trap dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and contaminants therein to prevent such dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and contaminants from entering cavitythrough ports. In some embodiments, pillowcomprises a plurality of filtersthat each completely overlap at least one of ports. In some embodiments, filteris a single sheet or piece of material that completely overlaps at least one of ports. In some embodiments, filterhas a porosity that is greater than that of gusset. In some embodiments, filterhas a porosity that is greater than that of ports, yet when combined with ports, portseach have a porosity with filtercompletely overlapping each of portsthat is greater than that of gusset. In some embodiments, filterhas a porosity that is less than that of ports, yet when combined with ports, portseach have a porosity with filtercompletely overlapping each of portsthat is greater than that of gusset.

In some embodiments, at least one of portsincludes a removable cappositioned therein to block or substantially block air flow through ports, as shown in, for example. That is, capseach prevent ambient air from moving into cavitythrough portsand/or prevent air within cavityfrom escaping cavitythrough ports. In some embodiments, capscomprise a solid, non-porous material that does not permit the passage of air therethrough. In one embodiment, capseach include a lipthat engages surfacewhen capsare positioned in portsto prevent capsfrom falling through portsand into cavity. In some embodiments, capscan be variously connected with gusset, such as, for example, frictional engagement, threaded engagement, mutual grooves, screws, adhesive, nails, barbs and/or raised element. In some embodiments, each of portsare initially provided with a captherein such that a user can selectively remove capsto adjust the amount of airflow through portsand/or gusset. For example, if a user desires more airflow out of ends of pillowthan on sides of pillow, he or she may leave capswithin portsin portionsA,B and remove at least one of capsfrom portsin portionsC,D. Likewise, if a user desires more airflow out of sides of pillowthan on ends of pillow, he or she may leave capswithin portsin portionsC,and remove at least one of capsfrom portsin portionsA,B. In some embodiments, capsform a seal with gusset that is air tight to prevent air flow through ports. In some embodiments, capsallow limited air flow through portswhen capsare positioned in ports. That is, the amount of air flow through portsis reduced when capsare positioned in ports, relative to when capsare removed from ports.

In one embodiments, shown in, at least one of portsincludes a movable flapthat prevents air from entering cavitythrough portand prevents air within cavityfrom exiting cavitythrough port. In some embodiments, flapis a section of material, such as, for example, rubber or silicone that forms a seal with an inner surface of portthat is air tight or water tight. Flapis movable between a closed position, shown in, in which flapprevents air from entering cavitythrough portand prevents air within cavityfrom exiting cavitythrough portand an open configuration, shown in, in which flapallows air to enter cavitythrough portand allows air within cavityto exit cavitythrough port. In some embodiments, flapis biased to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, flapis moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration by inserting an object, such as, for example, a user's finger into portto apply a force upon flap. In some embodiments, flapremains in the open configuration after being moved to the open configuration. In some embodiments, the force applied to flapmust be maintained to keep flapin the open configuration.

In some embodiments, pillowincludes connecting elementsthat extend between and connect at least one of portsin portionA with at least one of portsin portionB, as shown in, for example. That is, elementsare conduits or tubes that connect one of portswith an opposite port. Elementseach include an inner surface defining a channelA. Opposite ends of each elementincludes openings that are in communication with channelA and a respective one of ports. In some embodiments, elementsinclude at least one aperture or openingextending through inner and outer surfaces of elementsthat are in communication with cavity. As such, ambient air enters elementsthrough portsand exits elementsvia openingsto disperse the ambient air within chamber. Likewise, air within chamberenters elementsthrough openingsand then exits pillow through ports. Elementsthus act to direct air flow in and out of ports. In some embodiments, elementsdo not include any openingsand are porous to allow air to enter and exit elementsto direct air flow in and out of portsin the manner discussed above. In some embodiments, elementsand/or openingsmay have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. In some embodiments, openingsmay be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to channelsA, such as, for example, transverse, perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, pillowincludes connecting elementsthat extend between and connect at least one of portsin portionC with at least one of portsin portionC, as shown in, for example. That is, elementsare conduits or tubes that connect one of portswith an opposite port. Elementseach include an inner surface defining a channelA. Opposite ends of each elementincludes openings that are in communication with channelA and a respective one of ports. In some embodiments, elementsinclude at least one aperture or openingextending through inner and outer surfaces of elementsthat are in communication with cavity. As such, ambient air enters elementsthrough portsand exits elementsvia openingsto disperse the ambient air within chamber. Likewise, air within chamberenters elementsthrough openingsand then exits pillow through ports. Elementsthus act to direct air flow in and out of ports. In some embodiments, elementsdo not include any openings and are porous to allow air to enter and exit elementsto direct air flow in and out of portsin the manner discussed above. In some embodiments, elementsand/or openingsmay have various cross section configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, tubular and/or tapered. In some embodiments, elementsextend perpendicular to elements. In some embodiments, elementsmay be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to elements, such as, for example, transverse, perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, openingsmay be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to channelsA, such as, for example, transverse, perpendicular and/or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, co-axial and/or may be offset or staggered.

In some embodiments, elementsconnect portsthat are positioned closer to surfaces,,,than surfacesA,A,A,A and elementsconnect portsthat are positioned closer to surfacesA,A,A,A than surfaces,,,such that elementsdo not cut through elements, and vice versa. In some embodiments, elementsconnect portsthat are positioned closer to surfacesA,A,A,A than surfaces,,,and elementsconnect portsthat are positioned closer to surfaces,,,than surfacesA,A,A,A such that elementsdo not cut through elements, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, elementsconnect portsthat are positioned equidistant between surfaces,,,and surfacesA,A,A,A and elementsconnect portsthat are positioned equidistant between surfacesA,A,A,A and surfaces,,,such that elementsintersect or cut through elements, and vice versa, as shown in, for example. Each of elementsare in communication with the other elements. Each of elementsare in communication with the other elements. Elementsare in communication with elements, and vice versa such that channelsA are in communication with channelsA. This configuration provides a network of connecting elements that are in communication with portsto provide air flow in and out of cavitythrough ports.

In addition to ports, gussetmay include at least one scupperpositioned therein, as shown in, for example. In some embodiments, scupperallows air to move into cavityand prevents air from exiting cavity. In some embodiments, scupperallows air to exit cavityand prevents air from moving into cavity. In some embodiments, pillowincludes at least one scupperthat allows air to move into cavityand prevents air from exiting cavityand at least one scupperthat allows air to exit cavityand prevents air from moving into cavity. Scuppersmay be positioned at any portion along gusset.

In some embodiments, gussetsurrounds only a portion of paneland/or panelA. For example, in one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surface, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetis positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. In one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surface, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetis positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. These configurations position gusseton one end of pillowto provide increased air flow in and out of cavitythrough the end of pillowthat includes gusset.

In one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetcomprises a first portion positioned between surfaceand surfaceA and a second portion positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. The first portion of gussetis spaced apart from the second portion of gusset. This configuration positions gusseton opposite ends of pillowto provide increased air flow in and out of cavitythrough the opposite ends of pillow.

In one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetis positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. In one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetis positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. These configurations position gusseton one side of pillowto provide increased air flow in and out of cavitythrough the side of pillowthat includes gusset.

In one embodiment, shown in, surfaceengages surfaceA, surfaceengages surfaceA and gussetcomprises a first portion positioned between surfaceand surfaceA and a second portion positioned between surfaceand surfaceA. The first portion of gussetis spaced apart from the second portion of gusset. This configuration positions gusseton opposite sides of pillowto provide increased air flow in and out of cavitythrough the opposite sides of pillow.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, features of any one embodiment can be combined with features of any other embodiment. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.