US008646134B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Alletto, Jr.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,646,134 B1
`Feb. 11, 2014
`
`(54) PILLOW WITH GUSSET OF OPEN CELL
`CONSTRUCTION
`
`(75) Inventor: Eugene Alletto, Jr., Glen Head, NY
`Us)
`(
`
`_
`_
`(73) Ass1gnee: Bedgear, LLC, Farmmgdale, NY (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(1)) by 0 days.
`
`21 A l. N .: 13/531 122
`(
`)
`pp
`0
`’
`(22) Filed:
`Jun. 22, 2012
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`*
`_
`1/1917 Lcavltt ............................ .. 5/636
`1,212,515 A
`9/1932
`..
`1,876,591 A *
`5/1987
`4,665,575 A *
`7/1997
`5,642,543 A *
`6,701,555 B1* 3/2004
`6,760,935 B1 *
`7/2004
`* Citedb examiner
`y
`Primary Examiner * Michael Trettel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * Sorell, Lenna & Schmidt,
`LLP
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(60) Provisional application NO- 61/499,907, ?led 011 11111-
`22, 2011~
`
`(2006-01)
`
`(51) Int‘ Cl‘
`A4 7G 9/10
`(52) U-s- Cl-
`USPC ------------ -- 5/636; 5/490; 5/652-1; 5/724; 5/645
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search
`USPC ................. .. 5/636, 638, 645, 490, 724, 652.1
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`A pillow is provided herein Which includes a cover having
`opposing ?rst and second panels. A gusset perimetrically
`bounds, and joins, the ?rst and second panels. The gusset is
`formed of an open cell construction. Compliant ?ll material is
`disposed Within the cover. Advantageously, With the subject
`invention, a pilloW is provided alloWing for lateral ventilation
`between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect While
`a user is resting or sleeping.
`
`24 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`10
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 11, 2014
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`Sheet 1 014
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`FIG, 3
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 11, 2014
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`Sheet 2 014
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`FIG. 2
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`U S. Patent
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`Feb. 11, 2014
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`Sheet 3 014
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`IPRZO17-00351
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`U S. Patent
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`Feb. 11,2014
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`Sheet 4 014
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`FIG,
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`a,
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`or
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`a
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`1
`PILLOW WITH GUSSET OF OPEN CELL
`CONSTRUCTION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This application claims priority to US. Provisional Patent
`Application No. 61/499,907, ?led Jun. 22, 2011, the entire
`contents of Which are incorporated by reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to upper neck and head sup
`port in the form of a pilloW for the human body.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`The use of a pilloW made typically of a fabric cover stuffed
`With a compliant soft material is knoWn in the prior art.
`Conventional pilloWs generally provide a soft cushion on
`Which to place the head of an infant, child, or adult While
`resting or sleeping, either in bed, or on upholstered furniture
`in Which case the pilloWs typically have a permanent fabric
`cover. Additionally, positional speci?c pilloWs have been
`heretofore devised and utiliZed for the purpose of supporting
`the head and neck of people.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A pilloW is provided herein Which includes a cover having
`opposing ?rst and second panels. A gusset perimetrically
`bounds, and joins, the ?rst and second panels. The gusset is
`formed of an open cell construction. Compliant ?ll material is
`disposed Within the cover. Advantageously, With the subject
`invention, a pilloW is provided alloWing for lateral ventilation
`betWeen opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect While
`a user is resting or sleeping.
`An “open cell construction” as used herein refers to a
`construction having overall porosity greater than the inherent
`porosity of the constituent material or inherently having high
`porosity.
`These and other features of the invention Will be better
`understood through a study of the folloWing detailed descrip
`tion and accompanying draWings.
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`45
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`FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a pilloW formed in accor
`dance With the subject invention;
`FIG. 2 is a partial cut-aWay vieW of the pilloW of FIG. 1;
`FIGS. 3-5 depict different open cell constructions useable
`With the subject invention;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective vieW of a pilloW formed in accor
`dance With the subject invention have a cover With separable
`portions; and,
`FIG. 7 is a perspective vieW of a foam layer useable With
`the subject invention.
`
`50
`
`55
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`With reference to the Figures, a pilloW 10 is provided
`having generally a cover 12 With compliant ?ll material 14
`disposed therein. The cover 12 includes opposing ?rst and
`second panels 16, 18 and a gusset 20 Which perimetrically
`bounds, and joins, the ?rst and second panels 16, 18, the
`gusset 20 being formed of an open cell construction. The ?rst
`and second panels 16, 18 are siZed and shaped to accept a
`user’s head to provide support therefor.
`
`60
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`65
`
`2
`The gusset 20 preferably is generally ?at. In addition, it is
`preferred that the gusset 20 have suf?cient Width to separate
`the ?rst panel 16 from the second panel 18 so as to de?ne an
`air ?oW channel therethrough. This, thus, alloWs for an open
`cell construction band to be de?ned about the pilloW 10
`betWeen the ?rst and second panels 16, 18. With pressure
`and/or heat applied to one or both of the ?rst and second
`panels 16, 18, the gusset 20 provides venting therethrough of
`the interior of the cover 12. The venting may enhance the
`comfort of a user. With the ?rst and second panels 16, 18
`preferably de?ning each a generally rectangular footprint
`common With the gusset 20, the gusset 20 is provided as four
`contiguous portions, including tWo longer longitudinal por
`tions 22 joined by tWo shorter end portions 24.
`The open cell construction of the gusset 20 may be de?ned
`by various constructions. With reference to FIG. 3, the gusset
`20 may be de?ned by a plurality of interlaced or spaced-apart
`strands 26 arranged randomly or in various patterns, such as
`a “X” pattern (FIG. 1) or a rectangular pattern (FIG. 3). The
`strands 26 may be of various materials, including, e.g., poly
`ester, and may be elastic or inelastic. The strands 26 are
`arranged so that open cells 28 are de?ned therebetWeen. The
`strands 26 may be connected at points of intersection (e. g., by
`fusion, stitching, being tied, by a fastener, and so forth) or
`may be not connected so as to permit free movement betWeen
`contacting strands 26. If connected, it is preferred that the
`strands 26 be formed of elastic material. In addition, the
`strands 26 may be disposed in multiple layers so as to de?ne
`a three-dimensional structure in a direction toWards the inte
`rior of the pilloW 10.
`With reference to FIG. 4, the gusset 20 may be formed of a
`base material 30, Which is preferably a textile, such as a
`polyester textile. Apertures 32 may be de?ned in the base
`material 30 With the apertures 32 de?ning the open cells of the
`gusset 20. The apertures 32 are larger in siZe than any pores
`that may be inherently de?ned in the base material 30. The
`apertures 32 may be formed during manufacture of the base
`material 32 or formed after manufacture, such as by cutting,
`or material removal from, the base material 30. The apertures
`32 may be un?nished or ?nished, such as With trim or stitch
`ing. The base material 30 may be single or multi-ply.
`As a further variation, and With reference to FIG. 5, the
`gusset 20 may be formed With the base material 30 being
`inherently signi?cantly porous. Preferably, the base material
`30 is formed of 3D spacer fabric, Which is inherently highly
`porous. More preferably, the base material 30 is formed of
`polyester 3D spacer fabric. The pores of the base material 30
`may be formed With irregular or regular shapes, such as
`circle-like or polygon-like shapes (e. g., diamond-like
`shapes). The porosity of the base material 30 may be substan
`tially greater than the porosity of the material forming the ?rst
`panel 16 and/or substantially greater than the porosity of the
`material forming the second panel 18. “Substantially greater”
`refers to being at least greater than, but preferably being at
`least tWice greater than. The base material 30 may be single or
`multi-ply. If multi-ply, the collective porosity of the base
`material 30, through all layers, is considered as being sub
`stantially greater than the porosity of the material of either the
`?rst panel 16 or the second panel 18.
`The gusset 20 may include one or more of the open cell
`con?gurations described above in connection With FIGS. 3-5
`singularly or in any combination.
`The gusset 20 may be joined to the ?rst and second panels
`16, 18 using any conventional technique, including being
`seWn together. To provide the pilloW 10 With a robust con
`struction, it is preferred that piping 34, or other reinforcing
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`US 8,646,134 B1
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`3
`material and/ or stitching, be provided at the points of connec
`tion between the gusset 20 and each of the ?rst and second
`panels 16, 18.
`One or more labels 36 may be provided with the pillow 10
`to indicate the intended use of the pillow 1 0, and/ or to provide
`additional or explanatory information regarding the pillow
`10. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the label 36 may be
`in the form of banner 36A which may be a strip of textile, e.g.,
`satin, having indicia 38 thereon, e. g. by embroidery, with the
`banner 36A being secured to a portion of the pillow 10.
`Preferably, the banner 36A with the indicia 38 thereon is
`located over a portion of the gusset 20. The banner 36A is
`preferably attached along one of its faces so as to have one
`face 37 exposed with the indicia 38 thereon. This allows for
`easy visual recognition of information related to the pillow
`10, such as an intended purpose of the pillow, even with a
`plurality of the pillows 10 being stacked. The label 36 may be
`also in the form of tag 36B which may be in the form of one
`or more individual pieces of sheet material (e. g., paper and/or
`textile) which is af?xed to the pillow 10 in any known tech
`nique, such as by sewing, gluing, mechanically fastening, and
`so forth. The tag 36B may include printed, or otherwise
`provided thereon, information, such as care and/or allergy
`information. The tag 36B may be secured at a seam in the
`cover 12, such as along the connection between one of the ?rst
`and second panels 16, 18 and the gusset 20. The tag 36B is
`preferably attached along one of its edges so as to have both
`faces viewable.
`The indicia 38, without the banner 36A, may be directly
`a?ixed to the pillow 10, such as by embroidery, printing or
`other marking. For example, the indicia 38 may be directly
`af?xed to the gusset 20, such as by embroidery. With direct
`application of the indicia 38 to the gusset 20, the ability to
`pass air through the gusset 20 is minimally impacted.
`Different ?ll materials 14 are possible for the pillow 10.
`The ?ll material may be blends of hypoallergenic polyester
`?bers to achieve different levels of support versus softness as
`described above. For example, with the pillow 10 being
`intended for a stomach sleeping position, the pillow 10 may
`be provided with a ?ll of micro?ber, with the pillow 10 being
`intended for a back sleeping position, the pillow 10 may be
`provided with a ?ll of a blend of conjugate and hollow slick
`?ber, and, with the pillow 10 being intended for a side sleep
`ing position, the pillow 10 may be provided with a ?ll of
`cluster/ball ?ber. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
`art, other ?lls are possible. Various down, memory foam
`(solid layer(s) and/or clusters) and/ or latex (solid layer(s)
`and/ or springs), in varying combinations, may be utiliZed
`with the pillow 10 herein. The indicia 38 may be provided to
`indicate the intended sleep position of the pillow 10 based on
`the ?ll material therein.
`The pillow 10 may be of various con?gurations. In a pre
`ferred embodiment, the pillow 10 is provided with increased
`height at central portions, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The ?ll
`material 14 is con?gured to provide the desired shape. More
`preferably, the ?rst and secondpanels 16, 18 may be arcuately
`bowed-out in opposing directions (e.g., being convexly arc
`shaped in opposing directions). Preferably, top edges 40 of
`the ?rst and second panels 16, 18 are generally straight and
`parallel as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the ?rst and
`second panels 16, 18. The top edges 40 may be parallel to the
`longitudinal portions 22 of the gusset 20. An area 42 may be
`de?ned between and be bounded by the top edge 40 and the
`longitudinal portion 22 on opposing sides of each of the ?rst
`and second panels 16, 18. The areas 42 are preferably ?at and
`coplanar with the corresponding top edge 40 and longitudinal
`portion 22.
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`20
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`The ?rst and second panels 16, 18 each preferably include
`bottom edges 44, each extending along the bottom of one of
`the areas 42, and end edges 46. The bottom edges 44 extend
`between the end edges 46 so as to de?ne a generally rectan
`gular pro?le. The gusset 20 is preferably attached to the ?rst
`and second panels 16, 18 along the rectangular pro?les of the
`bottom edges 44/ end edges 46 of the ?rst and second panels
`16, 18.
`The present invention provides the correct alignment to
`head and neck area for the speci?c position of the user (back,
`stomach or side) while at the same time creating an environ
`ment of cooling and air?ow, which allows the sleeper to
`maintain their body temperature, and spine alignment, which
`encourages a normal sleep cycle.
`To enhance the cooling effect, it is preferred that an inner
`cover 48 be provided, located inside the cover 12, in which the
`?ll material 14 is disposed. Preferably, the inner cover 48 is
`relatively resistant to air ?ow therethrough, such as being
`formed by one or more layers of non-woven material (e.g.,
`100% polyester). The inner cover 48 may be formed of span
`dex or a spandex blend, such as polyester/ spandex; although
`less resistance to air ?ow therethrough is provided by spandex
`or a spandex blend as compared to non-woven material, the
`spandex or spandex blend provides greater elasticity than the
`non-woven material which may provide greater comfort to a
`user. The inner cover 48 acts as a barrier against air ?ow into
`the ?ll material 14. With the gusset 20 being of open cell
`construction, air exchange about the inner cover 48 is permit
`ted. This allows for heat dissipation and minimal heat collec
`tion within the pillow 10. In addition, because the inner cover
`48 acts as an air barrier during use, heat transfer by air ?ow
`into the ?ll material 14 may be reduced.
`The ?rst panel 14 and/ or the second panel 18 may be
`formed of various materials particularly various textiles. Pref
`erably, the ?rst panel 14 and/or the second panel 18 is formed
`of a moisture-wicking fabric, such as 100% polyester fabric,
`rayon, nylon, or spandex-blend fabric for increased perfor
`mance and stretch-ability, which allows for moisture disper
`sion and, thus, heat management to cool the head and body. A
`cooling material, such as a gel, may be applied interiorly to
`the front panel 14 and/or the second panel 18. 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 as developed and available for
`use to perform heat transfer and temperature regulation func
`tion. Depending on the nature and stability of the cooling
`material, the cooling material may be applied internally and/
`or externally to the front panel 14 and/ or the second panel 18.
`In an alternative embodiment, the ?rst panel 14 and/ or the
`second panel 18 may be partially or wholly formed with open
`cell construction. Any of the open cell constructions dis
`cussed above may be utiliZed. The ?rst panel 14, the second
`panel 18 and/or the gusset 20 may use the same or different
`open cell con?gurations in various combinations. The ?rst
`panel 14, the second panel 18 and/or the gusset 20 may be
`provided with different visual appearances (e. g., different
`colors, patterns, etc.) in various combinations.
`To allow for washing of the cover 12, the cover 12 may be
`formed by at least two partially or wholly separable portions
`12A, 12B, as shown in FIG. 6. By separating the separable
`portions 12A, 12B, the cover 12 may be removed from the ?ll
`material 14, and the inner cover 48, if used. Preferably, the
`cover 12 is separated along at least one of the longitudinal
`portions 22 of the gusset 20 and possibly along portions of
`one orboth of the endportions 24 and/ or along the other of the
`longitudinal portions 22. One or more fasteners 50 may be
`provided to selectively join the separable portions 12A, 12B.
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`The fastener(s) 50 is preferably a Zipper, but may also include
`buttons, snaps, hook-and-pile fasteners, and so forth.
`With the inner cover 48 being used, it is preferred that all of
`the ?ll material 14 be located therein. In an alternative
`embodiment, as shoWn in FIG. 6, a portion of the ?ll material
`14 may be located outside of the inner cover 48 Within the
`cover 12. If a portion of the ?ll material 14 is located outside
`of the inner cover 48, it is preferred that the ?ll material 14
`include one or more solid foam layers 52 located betWeen the
`cover 12 and the inner cover 48. In a preferred arrangement,
`the same number of similarly con?gured (shape, material)
`solid foam layers 52 are located on both sides of the inner
`cover 48. As shoWn in FIG. 7, the solid foam layers 52 may be
`shaped to impart overall shape to the pilloW 10. Preferably,
`the solid foam layers 52 have an arcuate pro?le to impart an
`outWardly-boWed shape to the ?rst and second panels 16, 18.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A pilloW comprising:
`a cover having opposing ?rst and second panels, and a
`gusset perimetrically bounding, and joining, said ?rst
`and second panels, said gusset being formed of an open
`cell construction, said open cell construction is formed
`by interlaced or spaced-apart strands; and,
`compliant ?ll material disposed Within said cover.
`2. The pilloW of claim 1, Wherein said ?rst and second
`panels each de?ne a generally rectangular footprint common
`With said gusset.
`3. A pilloW as in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst and second
`panels are arcuately boWed out in opposing directions.
`4. A pilloW as in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst panel is formed
`With a moisture dispersing material.
`5. A pilloW as in claim 1, Wherein said cover is formed by
`at least tWo partially or Wholly separable portions, With said
`separable portions being selectively joinable by a fastening
`means.
`6. A pilloW as in claim 1, further comprising an inner cover
`disposed inside of said cover, at least a portion of said com
`pliant ?ll material being disposed Within said inner cover.
`7. A pilloW as in claim 6, Wherein said compliant ?ll mate
`rial includes ?rst and second solid foam layers located on
`opposing sides of said inner cover Within said cover.
`8. A pilloW as in claim 1, further comprising an inner cover
`disposed inside of said cover, said compliant ?ll material
`being disposed Within said inner cover.
`9. A pilloW as in claim 8, Wherein said inner cover is formed
`of one or more layers of nonWoven material.
`10. A pilloW as in claim 1, Wherein the compliant ?ll
`material includes gel.
`11. A pilloW comprising:
`a cover having opposing ?rst and second panels, and a
`gusset perimetrically bounding, and joining, said ?rst
`and second panels, said gusset being formed of an open
`cell construction and a base material, and said open cell
`construction is formed by apertures de?ned in said base
`
`25
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`6
`material, said apertures being larger than any pores
`inherently de?ned in said base material; and
`compliant ?ll material disposed Within said cover.
`12. A pilloW as in claim 11, Wherein said ?rst and second
`panels each de?ne a generally rectangular footprint common
`With said gusset.
`13. A pilloW as in claim 11, further comprising an inner
`cover disposed inside of said cover, at least a portion of said
`compliant ?ll material being disposed Within said inner cover.
`14. A pilloW as in claim 13, Wherein said compliant ?ll
`material includes ?rst and second solid foam layers located
`on opposing sides of said inner cover Within said cover.
`15. A pilloW as in claim 13, Wherein said inner cover is
`formed by one or more layers of a material selected from the
`group consisting of a non-Woven, knit, Woven materials and
`combinations thereof such that said inner cover is relatively
`resistant to air ?oW therethrough.
`16. A pilloW as in claim 11, Wherein the compliant ?ll
`material includes gel.
`17. A pilloW comprising:
`a cover having opposing ?rst and second panels, and a
`gusset perimetrically bounding, and joining, said ?rst
`and second panels, said gusset being formed of an open
`cell construction and a base material, and said open cell
`construction is formed by porosity of said base material
`being substantially greater than porosity of material
`forming said ?rst panel and substantially greater than
`porosity of material forming said second panel; and
`compliant ?ll material disposed Within said cover.
`18. A pilloW as in claim 17, further comprising an inner
`cover disposed inside of said cover, at least a portion of said
`compliant ?ll material being disposed Within said inner cover.
`19. A pilloW as in claim 13, Wherein said compliant ?ll
`material includes ?rst and second solid foam layers located
`on opposing sides of said inner cover Within said cover.
`20. A pilloW as in claim 13, Wherein said inner cover is
`formed by one or more layers of material selected from the
`group selected from knit, Woven, non-Woven materials and
`combinations thereof such that said inner cover is relatively
`resistant to air ?oW therethrough.
`21. A pilloW as in claim 17, Wherein the compliant ?ll
`material includes gel.
`22. A pilloW comprising:
`a cover having opposing ?rst and second panels, and a
`gusset perimetrically bounding, and joining, said ?rst
`and second panels, said gusset being formed of an open
`cell construction, said gusset including 3D spacer mate
`rial; and
`compliant ?ll material disposed Within said cover.
`23. A pilloW as in claim 22, further comprising an inner
`cover disposed inside of said cover, at least a portion of said
`compliant ?ll material being disposed Within said inner cover.
`24. A pilloW as in claim 22, Wherein the compliant ?ll
`material includes gel.
`
`*
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