A PILLOW

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pillow. Particular embodiments of the present disclosure relate, but are not limited, to neck or travel pillows. The disclosure also relates to one or more methods associated with producing a pillow.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Travel or neck pillows are commonly used while sleeping during long periods of sitting, such as while travelling in planes, cars or buses. Travel pillows are typically used to keep the head from falling back or to provide a buffer between where the neck naturally sits and the headrest or closest surface.

[0003] The use of a travel pillow is known to aid in the ability to fall asleep while upright, along with, for example, avoiding tension in the neck and reducing snoring or sleep apnoea. Key features of a travel pillow are that it is comfortable to use and that it can provide support and alignment to the neck, thereby relieving tension and poor posture while sleeping.

[0004] However, many travel pillows do not accommodate for, amongst other things, a variety of different neck dimensions or comfort preferences. Further to this, many travel pillows do not provide adequate height or support for the head and neck. In addition, retaining the pillow around a user's neck can be difficult and keeping the pillow clean and hygienic can problematic.

[0005] Bearing this in mind, the present inventor(s) have developed a new pillow, which is particularly suitable as a neck or travel pillow.

[0006] Any reference to or discussion of any document, act or item of knowledge in this specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any of these matters or any combination thereof formed at the priority date part of the common general knowledge, or was known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. SUMMARY

[0007] In one form, a pillow is disclosed including: a body; a cover that covers the body, wherein the body has: a connecting portion; and two arms extending from the connecting portion, the arms having one or more contour surfaces that are configured to rest on shoulders of a wearer.

[0008] In an embodiment, a retaining part is configured to releasably connect the two arms together.

[0009] In an embodiment, the retaining part is removable from the cover.

[0010] In an embodiment, the retaining part is fixed at a first portion and adapted to releasably connect at a second portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the retaining part is fixed to the cover.

[0012] In an embodiment, the retaining part is fixed to the cover by stitching.

[0013] In an embodiment, the retaining part is releasably connected using a fastening mechanism.

[0014] In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes nylon.

[0015] In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0016] In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes Velcro®.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cover provides the fastening mechanism.

[0018] In an embodiment, the retaining part moves from an open position to a closed position. In an embodiment, the retaining part covers an opening between the arms in the closed position.

[0019] In an embodiment, the retaining part covers at least part of a middle portion of the arms.

[0020] In an embodiment, the retaining part covers more than 25% of the middle portion of the arms. [0021] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 50 mm to 600 mm.

[0022] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 100 to 600 mm.

[0023] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 150 mm to 600 mm.

[0024] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 200 mm to 600 mm.

[0025] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 250 mm to 500 mm.

[0026] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 300 mm to 450 mm.

[0027] In an embodiment, the retaining part has a length of approximately 400 mm.

[0028] In an embodiment, the retaining part includes silk and/or satin.

[0029] In an embodiment, the connecting portion has an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion.

[0030] In an embodiment, a width of the connecting portion is smaller than a width of the arms.

[0031] In an embodiment, the width of the connecting portion is approximately 40mm ±20mm.

[0032] In an embodiment, the upper portion of the connecting portion has an upper ridge and an outer taper.

[0033] In an embodiment, the upper ridge extends transversely to the outer taper of the upper portion of the connecting portion.

[0034] In an embodiment, there is an angle between the upper ridge of the connecting portion and the outer taper of the connecting portion.

[0035] In an embodiment, the angle is between 10° and 90°.

[0036] In an embodiment, the angle is between 10° and 80°.

[0037] In an embodiment, the angle is between 15° and 70°.

[0038] In an embodiment, the angle is between 15° and 60°. [0039] In an embodiment, the angle is between 20° and 50°.

[0040] In an embodiment, the angle is between 20° and 45°.

[0041] In an embodiment, the angle is between 25° and 40°.

[0042] In an embodiment, the outer taper of the upper portion of the connecting portion radially extends from the upper ridge into a substantially planar surface.

[0043] In an embodiment, the outer taper of the upper portion of the connecting portion extends transversely to the middle portion of the connecting portion.

[0044] In an embodiment, there is an angle between the outer taper of the upper portion of the connecting portion and the middle portion of the connecting portion.

[0045] In an embodiment, the angle is between 180° and 270°.

[0046] In an embodiment, the angle is between 190° and 260°.

[0047] In an embodiment, the angle is between 190° and 250°.

[0048] In an embodiment, the angle is between 200° and 240°.

[0049] In an embodiment, the angle is between 205° and 235°.

[0050] In an embodiment, the angle is between 210° and 230°.

[0051] In an embodiment, the middle portion of the connecting portion is at least partly vertical.

[0052] In an embodiment, the middle portion of the connecting portion is substantially vertical.

[0053] In an embodiment, the middle portion of the connecting portion has an inner face and an outer face.

[0054] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of the connecting portion has a height of approximately 10 to 100 mm.

[0055] In an embodiment, the inner face of the middle portion of the connecting portion has a height of approximately 20 to 90 mm.

[0056] In an embodiment, the inner face of the middle portion of the connecting portion has a height of approximately 30 to 80 mm.

[0057] In an embodiment, the inner face of the middle portion of the connecting portion has a height of approximately 30 to 70 mm. [0058] In an embodiment, the inner face of the middle portion of the connecting portion has a height of approximately 30 to 50 mm.

[0059] In an embodiment, the inner face of the middle portion of the connecting portion transitions to a rear inner portion.

[0060] In an embodiment, the rear inner portion includes a includes a radius of curvature of approximately 35mm ±20mm.

[0061] In an embodiment, the rear inner portion includes a includes a radius of curvature of approximately 35mm ±10mm.

[0062] In an embodiment, the two arms each include an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion.

[0063] In an embodiment, the two arms each include an end. In an embodiment, the end is a free end. For example, the free end forms a terminating surface.

[0064] In an embodiment, the end is located at an opposite end of the body from the connecting portion.

[0065] In an embodiment, the end of each of the two arms curve towards a central longitudinal axis.

[0066] In an embodiment, the end of each of the two arms are angled in both a lateral and longitudinal direction.

[0067] In an embodiment, an upper portion of the end of each of the two arms are angled in both a lateral and longitudinal direction.

[0068] In an embodiment, the end of each of the two arms curve in both a lateral and longitudinal direction

[0069] In an embodiment, the retaining part substantially covers a middle portion of the ends of the arms.

[0070] In an embodiment, the middle portion of each arm is at least partly vertical.

[0071] In an embodiment, the middle portion of each arm is substantially vertical.

[0072] In an embodiment, the middle portion of each arm has an inner face and an outer face.

[0073] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 10 to 100 mm. [0074] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 20 to 90 mm.

[0075] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 30 to 80 mm.

[0076] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 30 to 70 mm.

[0077] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 30 to 60 mm.

[0078] In an embodiment, the inner face and/or the outer face of the middle portion of each arm has a height of approximately 30 to 50 mm.

[0079] In an embodiment, a height of the middle portion of each arm varies over its length.

[0080] In an embodiment, a height of the connecting portion and/or arms is approximately 120mm ±80mm.

[0081] In an embodiment, the height of the connecting portion and/or arms is approximately 120mm ±40mm.

[0082] In an embodiment, the height of the connecting portion and/or arms is approximately 120mm ±20mm.

[0083] In an embodiment, the lower portion of each arm includes the one or more contour surfaces that assist in forming a curved surface.

[0084] In an embodiment, the curved surface extends further away from a horizontal plane extending across the bottom of the body, in a direction towards the upper portion of each arm, compared to a lowest point of the connecting portion.

[0085] In an embodiment, a highest point of the curved surface is located to one side of a middle part of the arm, in a longitudinal direction.

[0086] In an embodiment, the highest point of the curved surface is closer to the connecting portion than the end of the arm.

[0087] In an embodiment, the curved surface is asymmetric.

[0088] In an embodiment, the curved surface includes a radius of curvature of approximately 540mm ±200mm. [0089] In an embodiment, the curved surface includes a radius of curvature of approximately 540mm ±100mm.

[0090] In an embodiment, the curved surface includes a radius of curvature of approximately 540mm ±50mm.

[0091] In an embodiment, the curved surface provides a first angle and a second angle relative to the horizontal plane of the pillow.

[0092] In an embodiment, the first angle relative to the horizontal plane of the pillow is less than the second angle.

[0093] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 3° and 85°.

[0094] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 70°.

[0095] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 60°.

[0096] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 50°.

[0097] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 40°.

[0098] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 30°.

[0099] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 20°.

[00100] In an embodiment, the first angle and/or the second angle is between 5° and 15°.

[00101] In an embodiment, the upper portion of the two arms includes an upper ridge and an outer taper.

[00102] In an embodiment, the upper ridge of the arms extends transversely to the outer taper.

[00103] In an embodiment, there is an angle between the upper ridge of each arm and the outer taper of each arm.

[00104] In an embodiment, the angle is between 10° and 90°. [00105] In an embodiment, the angle is between 10° and 80°.

[00106] In an embodiment, the angle is between 15° and 60°.

[00107] In an embodiment, the angle is between 15° and 50°.

[00108] In an embodiment, the angle is between 20° and 40°.

[00109] In an embodiment, the angle is between 25° and 35°.

[00110] In an embodiment, the outer taper of each arm radially extends from the upper ridge into a substantially planar surface.

[00111] In an embodiment, there is an angle between the outer taper of the upper portion of the arm and the middle portion of each arm.

[00112] In an embodiment, the angle is between 180° and 270°.

[00113] In an embodiment, the angle is between 190° and 260°.

[00114] In an embodiment, the angle is between 200° and 250°.

[00115] In an embodiment, the angle is between 210° and 240°.

[00116] In an embodiment, the angle is between 180° and 240°.

[00117] In an embodiment, the angle is between 190° and 230°.

[00118] In an embodiment, the angle is between 210° and 230°.

[00119] In an embodiment, the end of each of arm includes a tapered portion.

[00120] In an embodiment, the tapered portion includes a first taper and a second taper.

[00121] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is greater than the gradient of the second taper.

[00122] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.1 to 1 .1 .

[00123] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.2 to 1 .0.

[00124] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.3 to 0.9.

[00125] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.4 to 0.8.

[00126] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.5 to 0.7.

[00127] In an embodiment, the gradient of the first taper is approximately 0.6. [00128] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.3 to 1.3.

[00129] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.4 to 1.2.

[00130] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.5 to 1.1.

[00131] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.6 to

I .0.

[00132] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.7 to 0.9.

[00133] In an embodiment, the gradient of the second taper is approximately 0.8.

[00134] In an embodiment, the body is configured to follow the contour of the wearer's neck and shoulders.

[00135] In an embodiment, the body is made from a single piece of material.

[00136] In an embodiment, the body is made from foam.

[00137] In an embodiment, the foam includes memory foam.

[00138] In an embodiment, the body includes polyester and/or polyurethane.

[00139] In an embodiment, the body includes methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).

[00140] In an embodiment, the body includes a density of approximately 30 to 70 kg/m ³ .

[00141] In an embodiment, the body includes a density of approximately 40 to 60 kg/m ³ .

[00142] In an embodiment, the body includes a density of approximately 45 to 55 kg/m ³ .

[00143] In an embodiment, the body includes a density of approximately 50 kg/m ³ .

[00144] In an embodiment, the firmness of the foam has an indentation load deflection

(ILD) of approximately 6 to 12.

[00145] In an embodiment, the firmness of the foam has an ILD of approximately 7 to

I I . [00146] In an embodiment, the firmness of the foam has an ILD of approximately 8 to 10.

[00147] In an embodiment, the firmness of the foam measures at least 6 ILD.

[00148] In an embodiment, the firmness of the foam measures less than 12 ILD.

[00149] In an embodiment, the cover forms a layer over the body.

[00150] In an embodiment, the cover is fixed to the body.

[00151] In an embodiment, the cover is removable from the body.

[00152] In an embodiment, the cover includes a seam mechanism.

[00153] In an embodiment, the seam mechanism includes a zip.

[00154] In an embodiment, the seam mechanism is found in the lower portion of the connecting portion and/or the lower portion of the one or more arms.

[00155] In an embodiment, the cover is washable.

[00156] In an embodiment, the cover is at least partly made of silk and/or satin.

[00157] In an embodiment, the cover is substantially made of silk or satin.

[00158] In a further form, a method of producing the pillow is disclosed, the method including the steps of: forming a body, the body having a connecting portion and two arms extending from the connecting portion, wherein the arms have one or more contour surfaces that are configured to rest on shoulders of a wearer; and covering the body with a cover.

[00159] In an embodiment, the method includes fixing a first portion of a retaining part to the cover.

[00160] In an embodiment, the step of fixing the retaining part to the body includes stitching the retaining part to the body.

[00161] In an embodiment, the method includes adapting a second portion of the retaining part so that it is releasably connected to the cover.

[00162] In an embodiment, the retaining part is releasably connected using a fastening mechanism.

[00163] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00164] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a body of a travel pillow, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the body of the travel pillow shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the body of the travel pillow as illustrated in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 illustrates a back view of the body of the travel pillow as illustrated in Figure 1 , showing the connecting portion of the body;

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the body of the travel pillow as illustrated in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the body of the travel pillow as illustrated in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the body, taken along line A-A in Figure 3;

Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the body, taken along line B-B in Figure 5;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the travel pillow, according to an embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration; and

Figure 10 illustrates a further perspective view of the travel pillow, as illustrated in Figure 9, in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00165] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of part of a travel pillow 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The travel pillow 10 comprises a body 100, a cover 400 that covers the body 100 and a retaining part 420 (as shown in Figures 9 and 10).

[00166] The body 100 is shown further in Figures 2 to 8. The body 100 includes a connecting portion 200 and two arms 300. The arms 300 extend from the connecting portion 200. The connecting portion 200 and two arms 300 substantially form a U-shape. The ends 380 of each arm 300 are configured to move such that the arms 300 may curve towards, extend away or run parallel to a longitudinal centre line 12. Typically, the arms 300 curve towards the longitudinal centre line 12 at rest. Parts of the body 100 are designed to follow the contour of the wearer's neck and shoulders. Further to this, the body 100 is configured to assist with providing alignment and support to the neck. The body 100 will, in various embodiments, at least substantially encircle the wearer's neck.

[00167] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the connecting portion 200 is located between the two arms 300 and is configured to be placed behind the neck of the wearer. The connecting portion 200 has an upper portion 210, a middle portion 250 and a lower portion 260. The connecting portion 200 is approximately 40mm wide ~±20mm, where its width is taken in a direction parallel with the longitudinal centre line 12.

[00168] The middle portion 250 of the connecting portion 200 is located between the upper portion 210 and the lower portion 260. This is shown in Figure 4. The middle portion 250 has an inner face 252 and an outer face 254. The inner face 252 is configured to rest against the back of the neck of a wearer when the pillow 10 is worn in a normal fashion. The inner face 252 is substantially vertical but this may be varied in further embodiments. The inner face 252 transitions to a rear inner portion 262 (as shown in Figure 7). The rear inner portion 262 includes a curved surface to accommodate a user's neck/back portion. The rear inner portion 262 includes a radius of curvature (R _a ) of approximately 35mm but this may be varied by ~±20mm.

[00169] The above-mentioned inner face 252 and outer face 254 of the middle portion 250 may vary in height depending on the overall dimensions of the pillow 10. The outer face 254 has a height of approximately 40 mm. This height may vary between 10 to 100 mm. The inner face 252 has a height (H _m ) of approximately 43mm (ie, it's similar in height to the outer face 254). This height may vary between approximately 10 to 100 mm.

[00170] The upper portion 210 of the connecting portion 200 has an upper ridge 215 and an outer taper 220. The upper portion 210 has a height (H _u ) of approximately 40mm but this may vary ~±20mm. On this basis, the height of the connecting portion 200 is approximately 120mm but this may vary ~±80mm. The upper ridge 215 is located substantially above the outer taper 220, and runs around the top of the connecting portion 200. The outer taper 220 of the connecting portion 200 extends transversely to the top of the upper ridge 215. The outer taper 220 is substantially planar but, in further embodiments, may be curved. An angle 0A is formed between the upper ridge 215 of the connecting portion 200 and the outer taper 220 of the connecting portion 200. This angle 0A is approximately 55°, although the invention is not limited to this. For example, the angle 0A may vary between 10° and 90°.

[00171] From its highest point, the outer taper 220 of the connecting portion 200 slopes away from the upper ridge 215 of the connection portion 200, as well as the neck of the wearer. There is a further angle 0B created between the outer taper 220 and the outer face 254 of the middle portion 250 of the connecting portion 200. This angle 0B is approximately 200°. However, this angle 0B may vary between approximately 180° and 270°.

[00172] Two arms 300 extend from the connecting portion 200. The arms 300 are designed to provide support to the side of the neck of the wearer and to assist in maintaining the pillow 10 in place around the wearer's neck. As shown in Figure 5, the two arms 300 may mirror one another along the longitudinal centre line 12. The width of the arms 300, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centre line 12, is approximately 80mm ~±30mm.

[00173] Each arm 300 includes an upper portion 310, a middle portion 350 and a lower portion 360. The lower portion 360 of each arm 300 may have one or more contour surfaces or portions that are configured to rest on shoulders of a wearer. These contour surfaces or portions may be considered to be a curved surface 362 that substantially forms a concave surface in this embodiment.

[00174] The curved surface 362 of the lower portion 360 may be asymmetrical. When compared to the lower portion 260 of the connecting portion 200, a middle portion of the curved surface 362 extends thereabove and an outboard (end) portion of the curved surface 362 extends therebelow. That is, the free ends of the curved surface 362 are located closer to the horizontal plane 14, when the horizontal plane 14 is located below the pillow 10. The highest point of the curved surface 362 is located further away from the horizontal plane 14 relative to the lower portion 260. In addition, the highest point of the curved surface 362 is located closer to the connecting portion 200 than the end of the arm 380. This example is shown in Figure 2.

[00175] The curved surface 362 is substantially defined by a radius of curvature (Rb) of approximately 540mm but this may be varied by ~±200mm. The curved surface 362 surface provides a first angle 0c and a second angle 0D relative to the horizontal plane 14 of the body 100. The first angle 0c relative to the horizontal plane 14 is greater than the second angle 0D. The first angle 0c is approximately 10.5°. The second angle 0D is approximately 9.5° [00176] Looking at one of the two arms 300, the middle portion 350 of the arm 300 is located between the upper portion 310 and the lower portion 360. This is shown in Figure 2. The middle portion 350 of the arm 300 is substantially vertical. The middle portion 350 of the arm 300 has an inner face 352 and an outer face 354. The inner face 352 is configured to rest against opposing sides of the neck of a wearer when the pillow 10 is worn in a normal fashion. The inner face 352 includes one or more contoured surfaces so as to provide comfort and support to the neck of a wearer. In the present embodiment, the inner face 352 is substantially vertical but this may vary in further embodiments.

[00177] The above-mentioned inner face 352 and outer face 354 of the middle portion 350 of the arms 300 may vary in height depending on the overall dimensions of the pillow 10. As detailed below, the height of the middle portion 350 assists in setting the height of the upper portion 310 to support the sides of a jaw for a user. In the present embodiment, the height of the inner face 352 and outer face 354 of the middle portion 350 of the arms 300 is substantially the same as the corresponding inner face 252 and outer face 254 of the middle portion 250, bearing in mind the free end portions of the middle portion 350 are slightly larger (as shown in Figure 7).

[00178] The upper portion 310 of each arm 300 is configured to assist in supporting the sides of the jaw, and thereby increasing support of the head of the wearer during use. The upper portion 310 of the arm 300 has an upper ridge 315 and an outer taper 320. The upper ridge 315 includes a curved surface. The upper ridge 315 is substantially located above the outer taper 320, and runs across the top of the arm 300. An angle 9E is formed between the upper ridge 315 and the outer taper 320 of the arm 300. This angle 9E is approximately 32°, although the invention is not limited to this. For example, the angle 9E may vary between 10° and 90°.

[00179] From its highest point, the outer taper 320 of the arm 300 slopes away from the upper ridge 315, as well as from the neck of the wearer when the pillow 10 is being worn. The outer taper 320 extends transversely to the upper ridge 315. The outer taper 320 is substantially planar but, in further embodiments, may be curved. An angle 9F is formed between the outer taper 320 and the outer face 354 of the arm 300. This angle 9F is approximately 220°. However, this angle 9p may vary ±50°. The arms 300 also include an upper inner curved surface 325 and a lower inner curved surface 364. The radius of curvature (Rd) of the upper inner curved surface 325 is approximately 16mm. This may vary ±10mm. The radius of curvature (R _e ) of the lower inner curved surface 364 is approximately 37.5mm. This may vary ±20mm. [00180] Each arm 300 includes an end 380. The further point of the end 380 is located approximately 260mm from the outer face 254 of the connecting portion 200. This may vary approximately ±50mm. The ends 380 curve towards the central longitudinal line 12, in both a lateral and longitudinal direction. The ends 380 substantially mirror each other. The ends 380 includes a tapered portion. The tapered portion includes a first taper 385 and a second taper 390. The first taper 385 has a steeper gradient than that of the second taper 390. The gradient (Ay/Ax) of the first taper 385 is approximately 0.6 but this may vary ±0.5. The gradient (Ay/Ax) of the second taper 390 is approximately 0.8 but this may vary ±0.5.

[00181] In present embodiment, each arm 300 is substantially similar to one another, but not necessarily identical. However, this disclosure also covers embodiments where the arms 300 are identical to one another or where each arm 300 is structurally similar but do not mirror one another.

[00182] The body 100 is formed from a single piece of material in the present embodiment. The body 100 is made from foam, and may include polyester and/or polyurethane. In some embodiments, the body 100 is made from memory foam. In some embodiments, the body 100 includes methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). The use of these materials aid in relieving pressure points and supporting the head and neck when the pillow 10 is in use. The materials used also aid in conforming to the contours of the neck and head, so that the pillow 10 is comfortable and supportive for a range of wearer sizes or shapes. Additionally, the pillow 10 is designed to retain its original shape following any manipulation which occurs during normal use by a wearer. The body 100 includes a density of approximately 50 kg/m ³ . This density may vary from 30 to 70 kg/m ³ . The firmness of the foam can be measured using an Indentation Load Deflection test. When using a standardised ILD test, the firmness of the foam included in the body 100 measures approximately 8 to 10 ILD. The firmness of the foam included in the body 100 may vary from 6 to 12 ILD.

[00183] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, there is a cover 400 that covers the body 100. The cover 400 forms a layer over the body 100. The cover 400, in this embodiment, is removable from the body 100. The cover 400 is washable. In an alternative embodiment, the cover 400 is fixed to the body 100. In an embodiment, the cover 400 is made of silk, but in further embodiments it may partly or wholly include satin. Embodiments of the cover 400 are not limited to these materials, and alternative materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon, or any other suitable textile may be used. [00184] The cover 400 includes a seam mechanism 410. The seam mechanism 410 includes a zip. The seam mechanism 410 is located near the lower portion 250 of the connecting portion 200 and/or the lower portion 360 of the one or more arms 300. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment and the seam mechanism 410 may be found elsewhere on the pillow 10, such as the upper portion 210 of the connecting portion 200 or the middle portion 350 of one of the arms 300. The seam mechanism 410 is used to allow the cover 400 to be removed from the body 100.

[00185] The pillow 10 is configured to adjust from a first configuration to a second configuration. That is, Figure 7 illustrates the retaining part 420 in a closed position, while Figure 8 shows the retaining part 420 in an open position. The retaining part 420 may be used to provide additional support in holding the pillow 10 in place around the wearer's neck.

[00186] The retaining part 420 is configured to releasably connect the arms 300. The retaining part 420 is fixed at a first portion 430 of the cover 400 and adapted to releasably connect at a second portion 440 of the cover 400. The retaining part 420 is fixed to the cover 400 by stitching. It can be releasably connected to the second portion 440 using a fastening mechanism 450. The fastening mechanism 450 includes Velcro® but, in further embodiments, it may include other hook-and-loop fasteners. The hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to the cover 400. In an alternative embodiment, both the first portion 430 and the second portion 440 are not fixed to the cover 400. In this alternative embodiment, the retaining part 420 is completely removable from the cover 400.

[00187] The retaining part 420 has a length of approximately 400 mm. This length may vary between 100 mm and 600 mm. The retaining part 420 is configured to move from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the retaining part 420 covers an opening between the arms 300. The retaining part 420 covers at least part of the middle portion 350 of the arms 300. It may cover more than 25% of the middle portion 350 of the arms 300. When the pillow 10 is in a closed position, the retaining part 420 may substantially cover a middle portion of the ends 380 of the arms 300. In some embodiments, the retaining part 420 is covered by silk and in further embodiments, it may be covered in satin. Embodiments of the retaining part 420 are not limited to these materials, and alternative materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon, or any other suitable textile may be used. In this regard, the retaining part 420 is typically covered by the same material as used for the cover 400. [00188] With the above in mind, the pillow 10 may assist in providing a number of non- obvious advantages. For example: i. the inside heights and surfaces of the pillow 10, including the inner walls 252, 352, provide additional support to the neck, aid neck alignment and support the natural resting position of the head; ii. the adjustable mechanism 420 can be adjusted to fit various neck sizes and allows the travel pillow to remain in place during use by a wearer, particularly where the wearer may be moving or adjusting their head position during a long period of travel - this also provides stability against motion transfer, potentially aiding in reducing dizziness and other effects from head movement during period of rough travel such as take-off and landing or turbulence during flying or rough roads when in a vehicle; iii. the contoured base 362 is designed to align with the natural contour of the shoulders and neck, thereby increasing wearer comfort and neck stability during use - this can be useful in allowing the head to relax and reduces the need to continuously adjust to find a comfortable sleeping position and aids in maintaining correct posture for the wearer; iv. the contoured upper portions 310, with a certain height, angle and taper, assists in supporting the sides of the jaw, and thereby increasing support of the head during use while still allowing the head to fall into a resting position supported by the pillow; v. the materials chosen are used to aid in pressure relief, support and comfort while retaining the original shape of the pillow 10 when not in use; and vi. the cover 400 is washable and is made from materials designed to have low friction on the skin which comes into contact with the pillow for additional ease of use and comfort.

[00189] In this specification, adjectives such as left and right, top and bottom, hot and cold, first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where context permits, reference to a component, an integer or step (or the alike) is not to be construed as being limited to only one of that component, integer, or step, but rather could be one or more of that component, integer or step.

[00190] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[00191] The above description relating to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure is intended to embrace all modifications, alternatives, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above description.

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