CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority benefit of ET.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/722,177, filed on August 24, 2018, and entitled Bedding Component with Multiple Layers, ET.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,270, filed on September 2, 2018, and entitled Automotive Components Gradient Cooling with Multiple Layers, and U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/770,707, filed on November 21, 2018, and entitled Bedding Component with Multiple Layers, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to cooling cushions, such as cooling bedding cushions, that include phase change material (PCM) and thermal effusivity enhancing material and provide a relatively high level of long lasting cooling to a user during use. The present disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing such cooling cushions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many factors affect the amount and quality of sleep of a person. The type and quality of bedding, as well as climatic conditions at the bed or other sleeping space, can all affect a person's sleeping experience. Individuals having difficulty sleeping or enjoying a sound, uninterrupted sleep may experience physical discomfort. Such discomfort may arise as body-generated heat accumulates in the bedding cushions (e.g., a mattress and

pillow(s)) on which the person is resting/laying, as air cannot circulate through the bedding to dissipate the heat person’s emitted heat. It has been estimated that a resting human adult gives off about 100 Watts of energy. The heat absorbed or present in the bedding eventually radiates back to the user.

[0004] For example, in response to pillows becoming warm as body-generated heat accumulates in the pillow, sleepers often flip the pillow over in search of a“cool” side of the pillow. As another example, in response to a pillow becoming warm as body-generated heat accumulates in the pillow, sleepers often roll over or otherwise shift their position to a“cool” portion of the pillow and/or remove layers of bedding layers covering the sleeper (e.g., sheets, blankets, comforters and the like). Such activities thereby interrupt a period of sleep.

[0005] In prior bedding, body-generated heat accumulates in the bedding due to the nature and geometry of the materials used in bedding which have a tendency to store rather than dissipate heat. As the body of a sleeper contacts the surface of the bedding, body-generated heat is transferred to and stored in the immediate contact area of the bedding, resulting in a local temperature rise which may cause sleeper discomfort. The heat that collects in the bedding (e.g., in the immediate contact area of the bedding) takes a significant amount of time to radiate to the environment, and thereby radiates back to the sleeper and warms the sleeper.

[0006] Traditionally, bedding has essentially consisted of layers or envelopes formed of various usually-dense natural materials, and/or synthetic foams and/or fibers, which store rather than dissipate heat. For example, various types of pillows comprising cotton, synthetic fiber, viscoelastic foam, polyurethane foam, latex foam, green bean shells and/or other stuffing materials have been used and configured in attempts to dissipate heat. As another example, some prior art pillows have employed inflatable plastic envelopes and/or electro- mechanically devices in attempts to dissipate user generated heat. However, such pillow constructs have only been able to dissipate relatively small amounts of heat for relatively short lengths of time and/or have been uncomfortable. For example, some such pillows may actually store heat over relatively long periods of time, resulting in higher temperatures which make the user uncomfortable. The prior art thereby does not offer a simple, efficient, economical and comfortable pillow solution that effectively deals with the heat-generated discomfort of a sleeper.

[0007] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for bedding products, such as pillows, that dissipate at least a substantial portion of body generated heat for a substantial amount of time to prevent sleeper discomfort (or provide sleeper comfort).

[0008] While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaim these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

[0009] In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

SUMMARY

[0010] Briefly, the present inventions satisfy the need for improved bedding products, such as pillows, with phase change material (PCM) and relatively high thermal effusivity material. The present cooling bedding products, such as pillows, address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the cooling bedding products, such as cooling pillows, may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the disclosed cooling bedding products and claimed inventions should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

[0011] Certain embodiments of the presently-disclosed cooling bedding products, and methods for forming the products or components thereof, have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the cooling bedding products and methods as defined by the claims that follow, their more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section of this specification entitled“Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein provide a number of advantages over the current state of the art.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a body support cushion comprising a plurality of separate and distinct consecutive layers overlying over each other in a depth direction that extends from an outer portion of the cushion that is proximate to a user to an inner portion of the cushion that is distal to the user. Each layer of the plurality of consecutive layers includes TEEM (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 W ^{s0 5} /(m ² K). The total thermal effusivity of each of the plurality of consecutive layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction. The plurality of consecutive layers include a plurality of phase change layers that each comprise a solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. The total mass of the PCM of each of the plurality of phase change layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction. At least one layer of the plurality of phase change layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of the phase change layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof. In some embodiments, each of the phase change layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of the at least one layer of the plurality of phase change layers comprises an outer portion proximate to the outer portion of the cushion having a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM of the layer, an inner portion proximate to the inner portion of the cushion having a second total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM of the layer, and a medial portion positioned between the outer and inner portions in the depth direction having a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and differing from the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and differing from the second total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM is less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM is less than the second total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM is greater than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the second total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and differs from the second total mass of the TEEM by at least 3%.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of the at least one layer of the plurality of phase change layers comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction. In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of the at least one layer of the plurality of phase change layers comprises a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM of each of the plurality of phase change layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%. In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM of each of the plurality of phase change layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM of each of the plurality of phase change layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of consecutive layers comprises a phase change layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of phase change layers are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, at least two layers of the plurality of phase change layers are separated by a layer that includes the TEEM and is void of the PCM.

[0018] In some embodiments, the total thermal effusivity of each of the plurality of consecutive layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by about at least about 3%. In some embodiments, the total thermal effusivity of each of the plurality of consecutive layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the total thermal effusivity of each of the plurality of consecutive layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[0019] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). [0020] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of plurality of consecutive layers is formed of a respective base material having a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the respective base material. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of plurality of consecutive layers is formed of a respective base material having a first thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 1,000% greater than the first thermal effusivity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises metal particles. In some embodiments, at least one layer of the plurality of consecutive layers is formed of the TEEM.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of phase change layers each include a coating that couples the PCM and the TEEM to a base material thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating and the TEEM comprises about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating.

[0023] In some embodiments, an outermost layer of the plurality of phase change layers comprises at least 25 J/m ² of the PCM. In some embodiments, an outermost layer of the plurality of phase change layers comprises at least 100 J/m ² of the PCM.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of consecutive layers comprise a plurality of consecutive concentric layers. In some embodiments, the plurality of consecutive concentric layers each fully surround an adjacent inner layer thereof and/or are surrounded by an adjacent outer layer thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of consecutive layers are contigous layers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer portion of the cushion defines or is proximate to a top side of the cushion and a bottom side of the cushion, and the inner portion of the cushion comprises a medial portion of the cushion positioned between the top and bottom sides of the cushion. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the cushion defines or is proximate to a top side of the cushion, and the inner portion of the cushion defines or is proximate to a bottom side of the cushion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cushion comprises a pillow. In some embodiments, the cushion comprises a mattress, a mattress topper, a mattress insert, a mattress protector, a mattress cover or a mattress fire sock.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plurality of consecutive layers are configured to absorb at least 24 W/m2/hr from a portion of a user that is physically supported thereby.

[0028] In some embodiments, the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a

combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises paraffin. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises microsphere PCM. In some embodiments, the plurality of consecutive layers each comprise a layer formed of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, scrim, batten, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, latex foam, loose fiber fill, polyurethane gel, or organic material.

[0029] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a body cushion comprising at least one distinct layer formed of a base material having a thickness in a depth direction that extends from an outer portion of the cushion that is proximate to a user to an inner portion of the cushion that is distal to the user. The body cushion further comprises thermal effusivity enhancing materials (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500

Ws0.5/(m2K) coupled to the base material, and solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius coupled to the base material. The at least one distinct layer comprises a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM thereof along the depth direction that comprises an outer portion proximate to the outer portion of the cushion having a first total mass of the PCM of the layer, an inner portion proximate to the inner portion of the cushion having a second total mass of the PCM of the layer, and a medial portion positioned between the outer and inner portions in the depth direction having a third total mass of the PCM of the layer, the third total mass being greater than the first total mass and differing from the second total mass.

[0030] In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM is less than the second total mass of the PCM. In some embodiments, third total mass of the PCM is greater than the second total mass of the PCM. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and differs from the second total mass of the PCM by at least 3%.

[0031] In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM of the at least one layer along the depth direction comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM along the depth direction, and the outer portion, the inner portion and the medial portion of the at least one layer comprise distinct portions of the at least one layer with differing distribution concentrations of the PCM thereof. In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM of the at least one layer along the depth direction comprises a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM along the depth direction, and the outer portion, the inner portion and the medial portion of the at least one layer comprise portions of the at least one layer with differing distribution concentrations of the PCM thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one distinct layer comprises a gradient

distribution of the mass of the TEEM thereof along the depth direction. In some

embodiments, the outer portion has a fourth total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the inner portion has a fifth total mass of the TEEM of the layer, and the medial portion has a sixth total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the sixth total mass being greater than the fourth total mass and differing from the fifth total mass. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass of the TEEM is less than the than the fifth total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass of the TEEM is greater than the than the fifth total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the fourth total mass of the TEEM and differs from the fifth total mass of the TEEM by at least 3%.

[0033] In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM of the at least one layer along the depth direction comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM along the depth direction. In some embodiments, the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM of the at least one layer along the depth direction comprises a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM along the depth direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws0.5/(m2K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K).

[0035] In some embodiments, the base material has a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material. In some embodiments, the base material has a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material. In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises metal particles.

[0036] In some embodiments, the PCM and the TEEM are part of a coating coupled to the base material, and wherein the PCM comprises about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating and the TEEM comprises about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one layer comprises at least 25 J/m ² of the PCM.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cushion comprises a pillow, a mattress, a mattress topper, mattress insert, a mattress protector, a mattress cover or a mattress fire sock. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises microsphere PCM. In some embodiments, the base material comprises a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a scrim, a batten, a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, a latex foam, a loose fiber fill, a polyurethane gel, or an organic material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the at least one distinct layer comprises a plurality of consecutive distinct layers, and wherein the total thermal effusivity and mass of the PCM of each of the plurality of consecutive distinct layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction.

[0040] In another aspect, the pillow comprises a plurality of separate and distinct

concentric layers arranged in a depth direction that extends from an outer portion of the pillow that is proximate to a user to an inner portion of the pillow that is distal to the user. A plurality of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing materials (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K) and solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. The plurality of the separate and distinct concentric layers comprises a fabric shell layer, a first scrim layer and a first loose fiber fill layer. The first scrim layer underlies the shell layer in the depth direction and comprises a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto, the first total mass of the PCM and the first total mass of the TEEM each being arranged in gradient distributions that increase in the depth direction. The first loose fiber fill layer underlies the first scrim layer in the depth direction and comprises a second total mass of the PCM that is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer, and a second total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises an outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first total mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM, an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second total mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM, and a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner portions in the depth direction having a third total mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM, the third total mass portion being greater than the first total mass portion and less than the second total mass portion. In some

embodiments, the third total mass portion is at least 3% greater than the first total mass portion, and at least 3% less than the second total mass portion. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion is greater than the first total mass portion by about 3% to about 100%, and less than the second total mass portion by about 3% to about 100%. In some

embodiments, the third total mass portion is greater than the first total mass portion by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total mass portion by about 10% to about 50%.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer by about 10% to about 50%.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer scrim portion has a fourth total mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, the inner scrim portion has a fifth total mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, and the medial scrim portion has a sixth total mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, the sixth total mass portion being greater than the third total mass portion and less than the fourth total mass portion. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass portion is at least 3% greater than the fourth total mass portion and at least 3% less than the fifth total mass portion. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass portion is greater than the fourth total mass portion by about 3% to about 100%, and less than the fifth total mass portion by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the sixth total mass portion is greater than the fourth total mass portion by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the fifth total mass portion by about 10% to about 50%.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer by about 10% to about 50%.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a third total mass of the PCM that is less than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer, and a third total mass of the TEEM that is less than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, an inner shell portion of the shell layer that is proximate to the inner portion of the pillow contains the third total mass of the PCM and the third total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a woven fabric layer that defines a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer, and the shell layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 150 GSM and about 250 GSM.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises an air permeability of at least about l-½ ft ³ /min.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first loose fiber fill layer comprises loose synthetic fibers or fiber structures. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer comprises about 10% to about 30% of the total mass of the first loose fiber fill layer.

[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprise a second scrim layer positioned between the first shell layer and the first loose fiber fill layer in the depth direction comprising a fourth total mass of the PCM coupled thereto that is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer and the second total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer, and a fourth total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer and the second total mass of the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprise a second scrim layer positioned within the first loose fiber fill layer in the depth direction comprising a fourth total mass of the PCM coupled thereto that is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer and the second total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer, and a fourth total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer and the second total mass of the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprise a second loose fiber fill layer underlying the second scrim layer in the depth direction comprising a fifth total mass of the PCM that is greater than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the second scrim layer, and a fifth total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim layer.

[0050] In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers that comprises the TEEM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, a plurality of layers of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers that comprises the PCM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers that comprises the PCM are consecutive layers. [0051] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K).

[0052] In some embodiments, the first scrim layer and the first loose fiber fill layer comprise respective base materials with respective thermal effusivities, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivities of the respective base materials. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer and the first loose fiber fill layer comprise respective base materials with respective thermal effusivities, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivities of the respective base materials. In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises metal particles. In some embodiments, the TEEM of the first scrim layer and the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer are differing materials.

[0053] In some embodiments, the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a

combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises microsphere PCM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer and the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer are differing materials.

[0054] In another aspect, the present discourse provides a pillow comprising a plurality of separate and distinct layers arranged in a depth direction that extends from an outer portion of the pillow that is proximate to a user to an inner portion of the pillow that is distal to the user. A plurality of the plurality of separate and distinct layers comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing materials (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K) and a plurality of the plurality of separate and distinct layers solid-to- comprises liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. The plurality of the separate and distinct layers comprises a fabric shell layer, a gel layer, and a distinct compressible first foam layer. The gel layer underlies the shell layer in the depth direction and comprises a first total mass of the TEEM. The distinct compressible first foam layer directly underlies the gel layer in the depth direction and comprises a first total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel layer, the first total mass of the PCM and the second total mass of the TEEM each being arranged in a gradient distribution that increase in the depth direction.

[0055] In some embodiments, the gel layer is formed of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the gel layer comprises a polyurethane elastomer gel material. In some embodiments, the gel layer comprises a second total mass of the PCM that is less than the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer. In some embodiments, the a portion of the gel layer is directly adjacent to the first foam layer and comprises the second total mass of the PCM.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is at least 3% greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the gel layer. In some

embodiments, the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the gel layer by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the gel layer by about 10% to about 50%.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel layer. In some

embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the second total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel by about 10% to about 50%. [0058] In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises an outer foam portion proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first total mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, and an inner foam portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second total mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and a second total mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, the second total mass portion of the PCM being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM by at least 3%, and the second total mass portion of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM by at least 3%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the PCM is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and the second total mass portion of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first foam layer further comprises a medial foam portion positioned between the outer and inner foam portions in the depth direction having a third total mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM and a third total mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, the third total mass portion of the PCM being at least 3% greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass portion of the PCM, and the third total mass portion of the TEEM being at least 3% greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass portion of the second total mass portion of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion of the PCM is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and wherein the third total mass portion of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total mass portion of the second total mass portion of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%. [0060] In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a third total mass of the PCM that is at least 3% less than the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer, and a third total mass of the TEEM that is at least 3% less than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel layer. In some embodiments, an inner shell portion of the shell layer that is proximate to the gel layer of the pillow contains the third total mass of the PCM and the third total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 150 GSM and about 250 GSM. In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam or a layer of latex foam.

[0061] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprise a distinct

compressible second foam layer underlying the first foam layer in the depth direction comprising a second total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM, the second total mass of the PCM of the second foam layer being at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer, and the third total mass of the TEEM of the second foam layer being at least 3% greater than the third total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer. In some embodiments, the first total mass of the PCM and the second total mass of the TEEM are each arranged in a gradient distribution that increase in the depth direction.

[0062] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprise a first scrim layer positioned between the shell layer and the gel layer in the depth direction comprising a total mass of the PCM coupled thereto that is at least 3% less than the total mass of the PCM of a nearest underlying layer of the pillow that comprises the PCM, and a total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto that is at least 3% less than the first total mass of the TEEM of the gel layer, the total mass of the PCM of the first scrim layer and the total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim layer are each arranged in a gradient distribution that increase in the depth direction. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises an outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first mass portion of the total mass of the PCM and a first portion of the TEEM of the first scrim layer, an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second mass portion of the total mass of the PCM and a second portion of the TEEM of the first scrim layer, and a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner portions in the depth direction having a third mass portion of the total mass of the PCM and a third portion of the TEEM of the first scrim layer, the third mass portion being at least 3% greater than the first mass portion and at least 3% less than the second mass portion. In some embodiments, the third mass portion is greater than the first mass portion by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second mass portion by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the PCM of the first scrim layer and the PCM of the first foam layer are differing materials, and/or the TEEM of the first scrim layer and the TEEM of the first foam layer are differing materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a woven fabric layer that defines a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises an air permeability of at least about l-½ ft ³ /min.

[0064] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K).

[0065] In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises a base material with a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of the first foam layer. In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises a base material with a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of the first foam layer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the TEEM of the first foam layer comprises metal particles. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises microsphere PCM.

[0067] In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the TEEM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, a plurality of layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the PCM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the PCM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, the plurality of separate and distinct layers are concentric layers. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the pillow is proximate to a top side of the pillow and the inner portion of the pillow is proximate to a bottom side of the pillow that opposes the top side.

[0068] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pillow comprising a plurality of separate and distinct layers arranged in a depth direction that extends from an outer portion of the pillow that is proximate to a user to an inner portion of the pillow that is distal to the user. The plurality of the plurality of separate and distinct layers comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing materials (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K) and solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. The plurality of the separate and distinct layers comprises a fabric shell layer, a first scrim layer, a first loose fiber fill layer and a distinct compressible first foam layer. The shell layer comprises a first shell side portion and a second shell side portion spaced from the first shell side portion along the depth direction. The first scrim layer comprises a first scrim side portion underlying the first shell side portion of the fabric shell and a second scrim side portion spaced from and underlying the first scrim side portion spaced along the depth direction. The first scrim side portion comprises a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto. The second scrim side portion comprises a second total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto, the second total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. The first loose fiber fill layer is positioned between the first and second scrim side portions in the depth direction and comprises a third total mass of the PCM that is greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim side portion and less than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion, and a third total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim side portion and less than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion. The distinct compressible first foam layer underlies the second scrim side portion in the depth direction and comprises a fourth total mass of the PCM that is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion, and a fourth total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion, the fourth total mass of the PCM and the fourth total mass of the TEEM each being arranged in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first total mass of the PCM and the first total mass of the TEEM of first scrim side portion are each arranged in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction. In some embodiments, the first scrim side portion comprises a first outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and a first mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and a second mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, and a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner portions in the depth direction having a third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and a third mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM, the third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM being at least 3% greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM, and the third mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM being at least 3% greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100%, and the third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and the third mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second mass portion of the first total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second total mass of the PCM and the second total mass of the TEEM of second scrim side portion are each arranged in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction. In some embodiments, the second scrim side portion comprises a first outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM and a first mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM and a second mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, and a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner scrim portions in the depth direction having a third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM and a third mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM, the third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM being at least 3% greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM, and the third mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM being at least 3% greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100%, and the third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and the third mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second mass portion of the second total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises an outer foam portion

proximate to the outer portion of the pillow having a first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM and a first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM, and an inner foam portion proximate to the inner portion of the pillow having a second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM and a second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM, the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM by at least 3%, and the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM by at least 3%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the PCM of the fourth total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first foam layer further comprises a medial foam portion positioned between the outer and inner foam portions in the depth direction having a third total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM and a third total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM, the third total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM being at least 3% greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass portion of the TEEM of the fourth total mass being at least 3% greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the second total mass portion of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the PCM by about 10% to about 50%, and the third total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total mass portion of the fourth total mass of the TEEM by about 10% to about 50%.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first foam layer comprises a layer of viscoelastic

polyurethane foam or a layer of latex foam.

[0074] In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim side portion and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion, and the third total mass of the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim side portion and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100%, and the third total mass of the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100% and less than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer greater than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50%, and the third total mass of the TEEM of the first loose fiber fill layer is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50% and less than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50%. [0075] In some embodiments, the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by at least 3%, and the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion by at least 3%. In some

embodiments, the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100%, and the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50%, and the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer is greater than the second total mass of the TEEM of the second scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50%.

[0076] In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fifth total mass of the PCM that is at least 3% less than the first total mass of the PCM of the first scrim side portion, and a fifth total mass of the TEEM that is at least 3% less than the first total mass of the TEEM of the first scrim side portion.

[0077] In some embodiments, an inner shell portion of the shell layer that is proximate to the first scrim side portion contains the fifth total mass of the PCM and the fifth total mass of the TEEM.

[0078] In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 150 GSM and about 250 GSM. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises woven fabric layer that defines a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer and the second scrim layer. In some embodiments, the shell layer comprises a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer and the second scrim layer. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM, and the second scrim layer comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer comprises an air permeability of at least about l-½ ft ³ /min, and the second scrim layer comprises an air permeability of at least about l-½ ft ³ /min.

[0079] In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K).

[0080] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprises a second scrim layer and a second loose fiber fill layer. The second scrim layer comprises a third scrim side portion underlying the second shell side portion along the depth direction and a fourth scrim side portion underlying and spaced from the third scrim side portion along the depth direction. The third scrim side portion comprises a sixth total mass of the PCM and a sixth total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto, and the fourth scrim side portion comprises a seventh total mass of the PCM and a seventh total mass of the TEEM coupled thereto, the seventh total mass of the PCM being less than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer and greater than the sixth total mass of the PCM of the third scrim side portion, and the seventh total mass of the TEEM being less than the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer and greater than the sixth total mass of the TEEM of the third scrim side portion. The second loose fiber fill layer is positioned between the third and fourth scrim side portions in the depth direction and comprises an eighth total mass of the PCM that is greater than the sixth total mass of the PCM of the third scrim side portion and less than the seventh total mass of the PCM of the fourth scrim side portion, and an eight total mass of the TEEM that is greater than the sixth total mass of the TEEM of the fourth scrim side portion and less than the seventh total mass of the TEEM of the fourth scrim side portion. [0081] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprises a distinct compressible second foam layer directly underlying the first foam layer in the depth direction comprising a ninth total mass of the PCM and a ninth total mass of the TEEM, the ninth total mass of the PCM of the second foam layer being at least 3% greater than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer, and the ninth total mass of the TEEM of the second foam layer being at least 3% greater than the fourth total mass of the TEEM of the first foam layer. In some embodiments, the ninth total mass of the PCM of the second foam layer and the ninth total mass of the TEEM of the second foam layer are each arranged in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction.

[0082] In some embodiments, the PCM of the first foam layer and the PCM of the first scrim layer and/or the first loose fiber fill layer are differing materials, and/or the TEEM of the first foam layer and the TEEM of the first scrim layer and/or the first loose fiber fill layer are differing materials.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first scrim layer, the first loose fiber fill layer and the first foam layer comprise respective base materials with thermal effusivities, and the thermal effusivities of the TEEM of the first scrim layer, the first loose fiber fill layer and the first foam layer are at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivities of the respective base materials. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer, the first loose fiber fill layer and the first foam layer comprise respective base materials with thermal effusivities, and the thermal effusivities of the TEEM of the first scrim layer, the first loose fiber fill layer and the first foam layer are at least 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivities of the respective base materials.

[0084] In some embodiments, the TEEM of the first foam layer comprises metal particles. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM comprises microsphere PCM. In some embodiments, the first loose fiber fill layer comprises loose synthetic fibers or fiber structures. In some

embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM of the first loose fiber fill layer comprises about 10% to about 30% of the total mass of the first loose fiber fill layer.

[0085] In some embodiments, the plurality of layers further comprises a gel layer directly overlying the first foam layer comprising a tenth total mass of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the gel layer is formed of the TEEM. In some embodiments, the gel layer comprises a polyurethane elastomer gel material. In some embodiments, the gel layer comprises a tenth total mass of the PCM that is at least 3% less than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer and at least 3% greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion. In some embodiments, an inner portion of the gel layer is directly adjacent to the first foam layer and comprises the tenth total mass of the PCM. In some embodiments, the tenth total mass of the PCM of the gel layer is less than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer by about 3% to about 100% and greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 3% to about 100%.

In some embodiments, the tenth total mass of the PCM of the gel layer is less than the fourth total mass of the PCM of the first foam layer by about 10% to about 50% and greater than the second total mass of the PCM of the second scrim side portion by about 10% to about 50%.

[0086] In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the TEEM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, a plurality of layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the PCM are consecutive layers. In some embodiments, all of the layers of the plurality of separate and distinct layers that comprise the PCM are consecutive layers. [0087] These and other features and advantages of the disclosure and inventions will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention(s), is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0089] FIG. l is a schematic illustrating the phase change cycle of a solid-liquid phase transitioning phase change material (PCM).

[0090] FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the temperature and energy content profile of a solid- liquid phase transitioning PCM.

[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of separate and distinct exemplary layers of a cooling cushion with an inter-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary layer of a cooling cushion with an intra-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary layer of a cooling cushion with an intra-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 6 illustrates an elevational perspective view of an exemplary cooling pillow according to the present disclosure. [0095] FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the exemplary cooling pillow of

FIG. 6.

[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cooling pillow of FIG. 6.

[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG.

8

[0098] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling pillow according to the present disclosure.

[0099] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling pillow according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00100] Aspects of the present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the details of the inventions. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific example(s), while indicating embodiments of inventions of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[00101] Approximating language, as used herein throughout disclosure, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as“about” or“ substantially,” is not limited to the precise value specified. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

[00102] Thermal energy storage is the temporary storage of high or low temperature energy for later use. It bridges the time gap between energy requirements and energy use. Among the various heat storage techniques, latent heat storage is particularly attractive due to its ability to provide a high storage density at nearly isothermal conditions. Phase change material (referred to herein as“PCM”) takes advantage of latent heat that can be stored or released from the material over a relatively narrow temperature range. PCM possesses the ability to change its state with a certain temperature range. These materials absorb energy during a heating process as phase change takes place, and release energy to the environment during a reverse cooling process and phase change. The absorbed or released heat content is the latent heat. In general, PCM can thereby be used as a barrier to heat, since a quantity of latent heat must be absorbed by the PCM before its temperature can rise. Similarly, the PCM may be used a barrier to cold, as a quantity of latent heat must be removed from the PCM before its temperature can begin to drop.

[00103] PCM which can convert from solid to liquid state or from liquid to solid state is the most frequently used latent heat storage material, and suitable for the manufacturing of heat- storage and thermo-regulated textiles and clothing. As shown in FIG. 1, these PCMs absorb energy during a heating or melting process at a substantially constant phase change or transition temperature as a solid to liquid phase change takes, and release energy during a cooling or freezing/crystalizing/solidifying process at the substantially constant transition temperature as a liquid to solid phase change takes.

[00104] FIG. 2 shows a typical solid-liquid phase transitioning PCM. From an initial solid state at a solid-state temperature, the PCM initially absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat. In contrast to latent heat, sensible energy is the heat released or absorbed by a body or a thermodynamic system during processes that result in a change of the temperature of the system. As shown in FIG. 2, when the PCM absorbs enough energy such that the ambient temperature of the PCM reaches the transition temperature of the PCM, it melts and absorbs large amounts of energy while staying at an almost constant temperature (i.e., the transition temperature) - i.e., latent heat/energy storage. The PCM continues to absorb energy while staying at the transition temperature until all of the PCM is transformed to the liquid phase, from which the PCM absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat, as shown in FIG. 3. In this way, heat is removed from the environment about the PCM and stored while the temperature is maintained at an“optimum” level during the solid to liquid phase change. In the reverse process, when the environmental temperature/energy about the liquid PCM falls to the transition temperature, it solidifies again, releasing/emitting its stored latent heat energy to the environment while staying at the transition temperature until all of the PCM is transformed to the solid phase. Thus, the managed temperature again remains consistent.

[00105] As such, during the complete melting process, the temperature of a typical solid- liquid phase transitioning PCM as well as its surrounding area remains nearly constant. The same is true for the solidification (e.g., crystallization) process; during the entire

solidification process the temperature of the PCM does not change significantly. The large heat transfer during the melting process as well as the solidification process, without significant temperature change, makes these PCMs interesting as a source of heat storage material in practical textile applications.

[00106] However, the insulation effect reached by a PCM is dependent on temperature and time; it takes place only during the phase change and thereby only in the temperature range of the phase change, and terminates when the phase change in all of the PCM is complete.

Since, this type of thermal insulation is temporary; therefore, it can be referred to as dynamic thermal insulation. Also, modes of heat transfer are strongly dependent on the phase of the material involve in the heat transfer processes. For materials that are solid, conduction is the predominate mode of heat transfer. While for liquid materials, convection heat transfer predominates. Unfortunately, some PCMs have a relatively low heat-conductivity which fails to provide a sufficient heat exchange rate between the PCM itself and/or a surrounding environment medium or environment. As such, incorporation of PCM in a cushion will not result in a large amount of cooling for an extended period of time (e.g., hours) as the PCM (and the cushion as a whole) will relatively quickly reach is maximum heat absorption ability, and them emit or radiate the heat back to the user.

[00107] The phrases“body support cushion,”“support cushion” and“cushion” are used herein to refer to any and all such objects having any size and shape, and that are otherwise capable of or are generally used to support the body of a user or a portion thereof. Although some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed body support cushions of the present disclosure are illustrated and/or described in the form of pillows, and thereby may be dimensionally sized to support the head of a user, it is contemplated that the aspects and features described therewith are equally applicable to mattresses, mattress toppers/overlays, mattress inserts, mattress protectors, mattress covers, mattress fire socks, seat cushions, seat backs, furniture, infant carriers, neck supports, leg spacers, apparel (e.g., shoes, hats, backpacks and clothing), pet accessories (e.g., pet beds, pet carrier inserts and pet apparel), blankets, exercise equipment cushions, pads, mats, construction materials (e.g., insulation, wall panels and flooring) and the like.

[00108] In one aspect, the disclosure provides body support cushions that include a plurality of separate and distinct (i.e., differing) layers 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of layers 10 include a plurality of separate and distinct consecutive layers 12 overlying over each other in a depth direction Dl that extends from an outer portion 14 of the cushion that is proximate to a user to an inner portion 16 of the cushion that is distal to the user. [00109] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer portion 14 of the cushion may be defined or include one or more other layers of material(s) formed over or overlying the top layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be a top or outer surface of the top layer 20. In other words, the top or upper-most layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction Dl may define the top surface 14 of the cushion in the depth direction Dl, or the top surface 14 of the cushion may be defined by a layer overlying the top or upper-most layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction Dl.

[00110] Similarly, as also shown in FIG. 3, the inner portion 16 of the cushion may be defined or include one or more other layers of material(s) formed under or underlying the bottom layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be a bottom or outer surface of the bottom layer 24. In other words, the bottom or lowest layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction Dl may define the bottom or inner surface 16 of the cushion in the depth direction Dl, or the bottom surface 16 of the cushion may be defined by a layer underlying the bottom or lowest layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction Dl.

[00111] The depth direction Dl may thereby extend inwardly from a top exterior surface or surface portion 14 to a middle or medial portion of the cushion, and inwardly from a bottom exterior surface or surface portion 16 to the middle or medial portion of the cushion.

Alternatively, the depth direction Dl may extend from the top exterior surface or surface portion 14 to the bottom exterior surface or surface portion 16 (and through the middle or medial portion) of the cushion.

[00112] The plurality of layers 10 may include two or more layers. For example, while a top layer 20, a medial layer 22 and a bottom layer 24 are shown and described herein with respect to FIG. 3, the plurality of layers 10 may only include two layers, or may include four or more layers separate and distinct consecutive (and potentially contigous) layers 12. Further, although the plurality of layers 10 are separate and distinct layers, at least one of the plurality of layers 10 may be coupled (removably or fixedly coupled) to at least one other layer of the plurality of layers 10 (or another layer of the cushion), or the plurality of layers 10 may be contigous and not coupled to each other. For example, the plurality of layers 10 may form concentric enclosures or bags that surround (fully or partially) or enclose each other (but for the inner-most layer 24), and may (or may not) be directly coupled to each other. As another example, the plurality of layers 10 may extend over each other (freely stacked or coupled to each other), and one of the plurality of layers 10 or another layer may enclose or surround (fully or partially) the plurality of layers 10 to contain the plurality of layers 10 therein.

[00113] The plurality of differing consecutive layers 12 comprise“active” layers that are effective in cooling a user (e.g., a human user or a non-human/animal user) who rests on or otherwise contacts the exterior portion 14 of the cushion by drawing a substantial amount of heat (energy) away from the user substantially quickly and for a relatively long period of time, and storing the heat remotely from the user for a substantial amount of time. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of differing consecutive layers 10 are“active” in that they each include PCM 26 and/or a material with a relatively high thermal effusivity (e) 28 as compared to a base material forming the layers 10 that thereby enhances the thermal effusivity of the layers 10 as a whole (referred to herein as“thermal effusivity enhancing material” and“TEEM”). The PCM 26 of layer may comprise a plurality of pieces, particles, bits or relatively small quantities of phase change material(s). The TEEM 28 of a layer a plurality of pieces, particles, bits or relatively small quantities of material having a relatively high thermal effusivity, or the layer itself may be comprised of the material having a relatively high thermal effusivity (i.e., the material having a relatively high thermal effusivity is the base material of the layer).

[00114] Each of the plurality of layers 10 thereby includes a mass of PCM 26, a mass of TEEM 28, or a mass of PCM 26 and a mass of TEEM 28, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments some or all of the plurality layers 10 may comprise the PCM 26 and the TEEM 28. In some other embodiments, some or all of the plurality of layers 10 may include the TEEM 28, but one or more layer may be void of the PCM 26. In some other embodiments, some or all of the plurality of layers 10 may include the PCM 26, but one or more layer may be void of the TEEM 28.

[00115] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 that include the PCM 28 and the TEEM 28 may comprise a coating that couples the PCM 28 and the TEEM 28 to a base material thereof. In some such embodiments, the PCM 28 may comprises about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM 28 may comprise about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating, after the coating has hardened, cured or is otherwise stable. In some such embodiments, the PCM 28 may comprises about 30% to about 65% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM 28 may comprise about 3% to about 5% of the mass of the coating, when the coating is initially applied (i.e., the pre-hardened, cured or applied coating mixture). The coating (as-applied and after curing) may further include a binder material that acts to physically couple or bond the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 to the base material of the respective layer.

[00116] The PCM 26 may be coupled to a base material forming the respective layer 20, 22, 24, or may be incorporated in/with the base material of the respective layer 20, 22, 24. The PCM 26 may be any phase change material(s). In some embodiments, the PCM may comprise any solid-to-liquid phase change material(s) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius, or within the range of about 15 to about 45 degrees Celsius, the PCM has a phase transition temperature range of about 15 to about 45 degrees Celsius, or within the range of 20 to about 37 degrees Celsius, or within the range of 25 to about 32 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be or include at least one hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be paraffin. However, as noted above, the PCM 26 may be any phase change material(s), such as any solid-to-liquid phase change material(s) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius.

[00117] In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be in the form of microspheres. For example, in some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be packaged or contained in micro- capsules or microspheres and applied to or otherwise integrated with the plurality of layers 10. In some such embodiments, the PCM 26 may be a paraffinic hydrocarbon, and contained or encapsulated within microspheres (also referred to as“micro-capsules”), which may range in diameter from 1 to 100 microns for example. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be polymeric microspheres containing paraffinic wax or n-octadecane or n-eicosane. The paraffinic wax can be selected or blended to have a desired melt temperature or range. The polymer for the microspheres may be selected for compatibility with the material of the respective layer of the plurality of layers 10. However, the PCM 26 may be in any form or structure.

[00118] The layers of the plurality of layers 10 that include the PCM 26 may each include the same PCM material, or may each include a differing PCM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the PCM 26 may include the same PCM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the PCM 26 may include a differing PCM material than at least one other layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the PCM 26. In some embodiments that include two or layers with PCM 26 of differing PCM materials, the differing PCM materials may include a latent heat capacity that is within 100%, within 50%, within 25%, within 10% or within 5% of each other.

[00119] A respective layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the PCM 26 material may include any total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26. However, the total mass of the PCM 26 (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26) of each of the plurality of layers 10 increases with respect to each other along the depth direction Dl, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 3 by the increasing number of X’s in the outer layer 20, the medial layer 22 and the inner layer 24. Stated differently, the consecutive layers 12 of the plurality of layers 10 that contain the PCM 26 include an inter layer gradient distribution of the total masses of the PCM 26 (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26) that increases in the depth direction Dl, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the outermost layer(s) 20 of the plurality of phase change layers 10 may include at least 25 J/m ² of the PCM 26, at least 50 J/m ² of the PCM 26, or at least 100 J/m ² of the PCM 26.

[00120] The plurality of layers 20 can thereby include differing loadings or amounts of the PCM 26, by mass, such that the PCM 26 loading increases from consecutive layer to layer including the PCM 26 in the depth direction Dl within the cushion (i.e., away from the user), as shown in FIG. 3. The cushion can thus include differing loading or amounts of PCM, by mass, along the thickness of the cushion. As noted above, in some embodiments two or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 may include the PCM 26 (which may or may not be contigous), or each/all of the layers of the plurality of layers 10 may include the PCM 26.

[00121] The inter-layer gradient distribution of the total masses of the PCM 26 (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26) of the plurality of layers 10 comprises an increase along the depth direction Dl between consecutive PCM- containing layers of at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. Stated differently, the total mass of the PCM 26 (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26) of each of the plurality of layers 10 that contains PCM 26 increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[00122] In some cushion embodiments, the bottom layer 24 and/or inner portion 42 of the plurality of layers 10 may include the highest loading or amount of the PCM 26 (i.e., the largest mass of the PCM 26) as shown in FIG. 3, and be positioned in the center or medial portion of the thickness of the cushion. In such embodiments, the depth direction Dl extends from opposing outer sides or side portions of the cushion. Such cushions can be utilized by a user from any one of the opposing sides of the cushion (e.g., either of the two opposing sides of the cushion can be used as a top surface which the user rests on or contacts) to cool the user. In some other cushion embodiments, the bottom layer 24 and/or inner portion 42 of the plurality of layers 10 may include the highest loading or amount of the PCM 26 (i.e., the largest mass of the PCM 26) as shown in FIG. 3, and be positioned at a bottom or back side of the cushion in the thickness of the cushion that opposes the top or front side of the cushion. In such embodiments, the depth direction Dl extends from the top or front side to the bottom or back side of the cushion. Such cushions can be utilized only from the top or front side of the cushion by a user to cool the user.

[00123] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM 26 thereof (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26 thereof) that increases in the depth direction Dl (i.e., away from the user). Stated differently, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM 26 thereof (i.e., the total latent heat/energy capacity or heat/energy absorption capacity of the PCM 26) that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00124] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the of the plurality of layers 10 includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 in/on an outer side portion 30 of the layer this is proximate to the exterior portion 14 of the cushion along the depth direction Dl, and a second greater amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 on/in an inner side portion 34 of the layer 20, 22, 24 that is proximate to the inner portion 16 of the cushion along the depth direction Dl (i.e., the second amount of the PCM 26 being a greater amount (e.g., total mass) than the first amount of the PCM 26). The second total amount (e.g., total mass) of the PCM 26 of the inner side portion 34 of the layer may be greater than the amount (e.g., total mass) than the first amount of the PCM 26 of the outer side portion 30 along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[00125] As also shown in FIG. 4, such a layer including the gradient PCM 26 along the depth direction Dl may further include a medial portion 32 positioned between the outer side portion 30 and the inner side portion 34 along the depth direction Dl that includes a third total amount (e.g., mass) of PCM 26 that is greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 of the outer side portion 30 but less than the second amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 than the inner side portion 34, as shown in FIG. 4. The third total amount (e.g., total mass) of the PCM 26 of the medial portion 32 may be greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass) of the PCM 26 of the outer side portion 30 by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total amount (e.g., total mass) of the PCM 26 of the inner side portion 34 by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. However, a layer of the plurality of layers 10 including an intra-layer gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 thereof may include any number of portions along the depth direction Dl that increase in the total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 thereof along the depth direction Dl. [00126] The intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 of one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers 12) that increases in the depth direction Dl may comprise an irregular gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM along the depth direction, as shown in FIG. 4. In some such embodiments, a layer may include two or more distinct bands or zones 30, 32, 34 of progressively increasing loading of the PCM 26 in the depth direction Dl (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer side portion 30, the medial portion 32 and the inner side portion 34 may be distinct zones of the thickness of the respective layer 20, 22, 24 with distinct differing amounts (e.g., masses) of the PCM 26 along the depth direction Dl (such as amount that increase by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50% for layer to layer in the depth direction Dl).

[00127] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 of one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers 12) that increases in the depth direction Dl may comprise a smooth or regular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM 26 along the depth direction Dl . As shown in FIG. 5, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include a relatively

constant/consi stent progressive gradient of the loading of the mass of the PCM 26 along the depth direction Dl within the cushion (i.e., away from the user). Such a layer with the relatively constant/consi stent progressive gradient of the loading of the mass of the PCM 26 along the depth direction Dl may still include at least outer portion 30 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the outer portion 14 of the cushion containing less total mass of the PCM 26 than a bottom/inner portion 32 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the inner portion 16 of the cushion (such as by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%), as shown in FIG. 5. [00128] As also shown in FIG. 5, a layer of the plurality of layers 10 may include an intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 thereof that includes a medial portion 32 that is positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion and contains the greatest total mass of the PCM 26 as compared to the outer portion 30 and the bottom portion 34 of the layer, for example. The layer itself may thereby be positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion. In such embodiments, the medial portion 32 of the layer may comprise the inner portion 16 of the cushion such that the depth direction Dl extends from an outer top side of the cushion to the medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion, and from an outer bottom side of cushion to the medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion. As explained above, such a cushion can form a two-sided cushion that provided cooling to a user from either the outer top side or the outer bottom side of the cushion.

[00129] The TEEM 26 may be coupled to a base material forming a respective layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be incorporated in/with the base material of the respective layer 20, 22, 24. The TEEM 28 includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 2,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 3,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 10,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 10,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), greater than or equal to 12,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), or greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM 28 includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K).

[00130] In some embodiments, the TEEM 28 includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM 28 includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). In some embodiments, the TEEM 28 includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). It is noted that the greater the thermal effusivity of the TEEM 28 (for the same mass or volume thereto), the faster the plurality of layers 10 can pull or transfer heat energy away from the user (or proximate to the user) and to the PCM 26 or otherwise distal to the user, such as in the depth direction Dl.

[00131] The TEEM 28 may comprise any material(s) that include a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K), or that is greater than or equal to 1,500

Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K). For example, the TEEM 28 may comprise copper, an alloy of copper, graphite, an alloy of graphite, aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, zinc, an alloy of zinc, a ceramic, graphene, polyurethane gel (e.g., polyurethane elastomer gel) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the TEEM 28 may comprise pieces or particles of at least one metal material.

[00132] At least one of the plurality of layers 10 may be formed of a base material, and the TEEM 28 thereof may be attached, integrated or otherwise coupled to the base material. In such embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM 28 of a respective layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may be at least about 10%, at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 100%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 400%, at least about 500%, at least about 600%, at least about 700%, at least about 800%, at least about 900%, or at least about 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivity of the respective base material. In some embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM 28 may be at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of its respective layer 20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM 28 may be at least 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of its respective layer 20, 22, 24. In some other embodiments, the TEEM 28 may form or comprise the base material of at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10. [00133] The layers of the plurality of layers 10 that include the TEEM 28 may each include the same TEEM material, or may each include a differing TEEM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28 may include the same TEEM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28 may include a differing TEEM material than at least one other layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28. In some embodiments that include two or layers with TEEM 28 of differing TEEM materials, the differing TEEM materials may include a thermal effusivity that is within 100%, within 50%, within 25%, within 10% or within 5% of each other.

[00134] Similar to the inter-layer distribution of the PCM 26, the layers of the plurality of layers 10 that include the TEEM 28 may each include the same TEEM material, or may each include a differing TEEM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28 may include the same TEEM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28 may include a differing TEEM material than at least one other layer of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28. In some embodiments that include two or layers with TEEM 28 of differing TEEM materials, the differing TEEM materials may include a latent heat capacity that is within 1,000%, within 750%, within 500%, within 250%, within 100% or within 50% of each other.

[00135] A respective layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 that includes the TEEM 28 material may include any total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28.

However, the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the total thermal effusivity) of each of the plurality of layers 10 increases with respect to each other along the depth direction Dl, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 3 by the increasing number of O’s in the outer layer 20, the medial layer 22 and the inner layer 24. Stated differently, the consecutive layers 12 of the plurality of layers 10 that contain the TEEM 28 may include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the total thermal effusivity of the layer) that increases in the depth direction Dl, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 3.

[00136] The plurality of layers 20 can thereby include differing loadings or amounts of the TEEM 28, by mass and/or volume, such that the TEEM 28 loading increases from

consecutive layer to layer including the TEEM 28 in the depth direction Dl within the cushion (i.e., away from the user), as shown in FIG. 3. The cushion can thus include differing loading or amounts of TEEM, by mass and/or volume, along the thickness of the cushion. As noted above, in some embodiments two or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 may include the TEEM 28 (which may or may not be conti gous consecutive layers 12), or each/all of the layers of the plurality of layers 10 may include the TEEM 28.

[00137] The inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the total thermal effusivity) of the plurality of layers 10 comprises an increase along the depth direction Dl between consecutive TEEM-containing layers of at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. Stated differently, the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the total thermal effusivity) of each of the plurality of layers 10 that contains TEEM 28 increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[00138] In some cushion embodiments, the bottom layer 24 and/or inner portion 42 of the plurality of layers 10 may include the highest loading or amount of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the largest mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28) as shown in FIG. 3, and be positioned in the center or medial portion of the thickness of the cushion. In such embodiments, the depth direction Dl extends from opposing outer sides or side portions of the cushion. Such cushions can be utilized by a user from any one of the opposing sides of the cushion (e.g., either of the two opposing sides of the cushion can be used as a top surface which the user rests on or contacts) to cool the user. In some other cushion embodiments, the bottom layer 24 and/or inner portion 42 of the plurality of layers 10 may include the highest loading or amount of the TEEM 28 (i.e., the largest mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28) as shown in FIG. 3, and be positioned at a bottom or back side of the cushion in the thickness of the cushion that opposes the top or front side of the cushion. In such embodiments, the depth direction Dl extends from the top or front side to the bottom or back side of the cushion.

Such cushions can be utilized only from the top or front side of the cushion by a user to cool the user.

[00139] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes a gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 thereof (i.e., the total thermal effusivity thereof) that increases in the depth direction Dl (i.e., away from the user). Stated differently, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 thereof (i.e., the total thermal effusivity of the layer) that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00140] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 in/on an outer side portion 30 of the layer this is proximate to the exterior portion 14 of the cushion along the depth direction Dl, and a second greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 on/in an inner side portion 34 of the layer 20, 22, 24 that is proximate to the inner portion 16 of the cushion along the depth direction Dl (i.e., the second amount of the TEEM 28 being a greater amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) than the first amount of the TEEM 28). The second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the inner side portion 34 of the layer may be greater than the amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) than the first amount of the TEEM 28 of the outer side portion 30 along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%.

[00141] As also shown in FIG. 4, such a layer including the gradient TEEM 28 along the depth direction Dl may further include a medial portion 32 positioned between the outer side portion 30 and the inner side portion 34 along the depth direction Dl that includes a third total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of TEEM 28 that is greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the outer side portion 30 but is less than the second amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the inner side portion 34, as shown in FIG. 4. The third total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the medial portion 32 may be greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the outer side portion 30 by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 of the inner side portion 34 by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. However, a layer of the plurality of layers 10 including an intra- layer gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 thereof may include any number of portions along the depth direction Dl that increase in the total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 thereof along the depth direction Dl.

[00142] The intra-layer gradient of the TEEM 28 of one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers 12) that increases in the depth direction Dl may comprise an irregular gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 28 along the depth direction Dl, as shown in FIG. 4. In some such embodiments, a layer may include two or more distinct bands or zones 30, 32, 34 of progressively increasing loading of the TEEM 28 in the depth direction Dl (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer side portion 30, the medial portion 32 and the inner side portion 34 may comprise distinct zones of the thickness of the respective layer 20, 22, 24 with distinct differing amounts (e.g., mass and/or volumes) of the TEEM 28 along the depth direction Dl (such as amounts that increase by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50% from layer to layer in the depth direction Dl).

[00143] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the intra-layer gradient of the TEEM 28 of one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers 12) that increases in the depth direction Dl may comprise a smooth or regular gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 along the depth direction Dl . As shown in FIG. 5, at least one layer 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include a relatively constant/consistent progressive gradient of the loading of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 thereof along the depth direction Dl within the cushion (i.e., away from the user). Such a layer with a relatively constant/consi stent progressive gradient of the loading of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 thereof along the depth direction Dl may still include at least outer portion 30 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the outer portion 14 of the cushion containing less total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 than a bottom/inner portion 32 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the inner portion 16 of the cushion (such as by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%), as shown in FIG. 5.

[00144] As also shown in FIG. 5, a layer of the plurality of layers 10 may include an intra-layer gradient of the TEEM 28 thereof that includes a medial portion 32 that is positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion and contains the greatest total mass and/or volume of the TEEM 28 as compared to the outer portion 30 and the bottom portion 34 of the layer, for example. The layer itself may thereby be positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion. In such embodiments, the medial portion 32 of the layer may comprise the inner portion 16 of the cushion such that the depth direction Dl extends from an outer top side of the cushion to the medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion, and from an outer bottom side of cushion to the medial portion 44 of the thickness of the cushion, as shown in FIG. 5. As explained above, such a cushion can form a two-sided cushion that provided cooling to a user from either the outer top side or the outer bottom side of the cushion.

[00145] In some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra-layer gradient loading of the

PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 of the plurality of layers 10 along the depth direction Dl, such as the plurality of consecutive layers 12, may correspond or match each other. For example, a first layer containing more of the PCM 26 than that of an adjacent/neighboring consecutive (and potentially contigous) second layer in the depth direction Dl may also include more of the TEEM 28 than that of the second layer. Similarly, a first layer of the plurality of layers 10 along the depth direction Dl, such as the plurality of consecutive layers 12, containing a first portion or zone thereof (e.g., an exterior portion) with more of the PCM 26 than that of a second portion or zone thereof (e.g., an inner portion) may also include more of the TEEM 28 than that of the second portion. However, in some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra layer gradient loading of the PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 of the plurality of layers 10 along the depth direction Dl, such as the plurality of consecutive layers 12, may differ from each other. For example, the plurality of layers 10 along the depth direction Dl, such as the plurality of consecutive layers 12, may include a layer that does not include the PCM 26 and includes the TEEM 28 (or does not include the TEEM 28 and does include the PCM 26). As another example, a layer of the plurality of layers 10, such as the plurality of consecutive layers 12, may include an intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 but not the TEEM 28 (or of the TEEM 28 but not the PCM 26). [00146] The inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distributions of the PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 of the plurality of layers 10 (i.e., inter-layer PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 gradient of consecutive layers, and the intra-layer PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 gradient of at least one layer thereof), and in particular the plurality of consecutive layers 12, provides an unexpectedly large amount of heat storage for an unexpectedly long timeframe.

[00147] The layers of the plurality of layers 10 may be formed of any material(s) and include any configuration. For example, in some embodiments the plurality of layers 10 may comprise a layer formed of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, scrim, batten,

polyurethane foam (e.g., viscoelastic polyurethane foam), latex foam, loose fiber fill, polyurethane gel, or organic material (leather, animal hide, goat skin, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of the layers of the plurality of layers 10 may be comprised of a flexible foam that is capable of supporting a user's body or portion thereof. Such flexible foams include, but are not limited to, latex foam, reticulated or non-reticulated viscoelastic foam (sometimes referred to as memory foam or low-resilience foam), reticulated or non- reticulated non-viscoelastic foam, polyurethane high-resilience foam, expanded polymer foams (e.g., expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene), and the like.

[00148] As noted above, the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may be coupled to a base material of at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10. For example, the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may be coupled to an exterior surface/side portion of a respective layer, within an internal portion of the respective layer, and/or incorporated in/within the base material forming the layer. As also described above, in some embodiments the TEEM 28 material may form at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10. For example, one layer of the plurality of layers 10 may comprise a gel layer that extends directly about, on or over a foam layer that is formed of a base material with PCM material 26 and TEEM material 28 coupled or otherwise integrated therein. The gel layer may thereby comprise a coating on the foam layer, and may comprise the TEEM 28 material. Stated differently, the gel layer may not include additional TEEM material 28, but rather is formed or comprised of a TEEM 28 material. While the as-formed gel layer may not include additional TEEM 28 and any PCM material 26, the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 of an overlying and/or underlying layer (e.g., the foam layer) may migrate or otherwise translate from the overlying and/or underlying layer into the gel layer. As such, the gel layer, at some point in time after formation, ,ay include or comprise the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28.

[00149] The PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28 of a layer may be coupled, integrated or otherwise contained in/on a respective layer via any method or methods. As non-limiting examples, a respective layer may be formed with the PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28, and/or the PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28 may be coupled integrated or otherwise contained in/on a respective layer, via at least one of air knifing, spraying, compression, submersion/dipping, printing (e.g. computer aided printing), roll coating, vacuuming, padding, molding, injecting, extruding, for example. However, as noted above, any other method or methods may equally be employed.

[00150] In some exemplary embodiments, a respective layer of the plurality of layers 10 with an intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may formed by applying the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 to the layer via a first operation, step or process (e.g., a first air knifing, spraying, compression, submersion/dipping, printing, roll coating, vacuuming, padding, or injecting process or operation), and then applying the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 to the layer in at least one second operation with at least one parameter of the operation altered as compared to the first operation such that the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 added in the at least one second operation, and/or more or less thereof, is introduced or coupled to a differing portion of the layer as compared to the first operation (potentially as well as to at least a portion of the same portion of the layer as compared to the first operation). In this way, the intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may be created.

[00151] For example, with respect to a fiber batting layer (or another relatively porous and/or open structure layer), a first mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may be applied to an outer side portion of the batting via at least one first operation (e.g., via air knifing, spraying, roll coating, printing, padding or an injection operation, for example), and a second mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 that is greater than the first mass may similarly be applied to an inner side portion of the batting opposing the outer side thereof via at least one second operation. Some of the first mass of PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 and the second mass of PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may penetrate or pass to a medial portion of the batting between the outer and inner side portions via the at least one first and second operations. The inner side portion may thereby include the highest mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28.

[00152] As another example, a first mass of PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may be applied to an inner side portion of a layer (such as a relatively porous and/or open structure layer) via at least one first operation (e.g., dipping, vacuuming, injecting), and a second mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 may similarly be applied to the inner side portion and an outer side portion of the layer via at least one second operation. The inner side portion may thereby include a larger mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 as the outer side portion.

[00153] The inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distributions of the PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 of the plurality of layers 10 provides for a cushion that is able to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe.

The cushion unexpectedly feels“cold” to a user for a substantial timeframe. For example, in some embodiments, a cushion with the inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distributions of the PCM 26 and the TEEM 28 of the plurality of layers 10 can be capable of absorbing of at least 24 W/m ² /hr, such as from a portion of a user that physically contacts the outer portion 40 of the cushion and at least a portion of the weight of the user is supported by the cushion such that the user at least partially compresses the plurality of layers 10 along the thickness of the cushion (and along the depth direction Dl). Unexpectedly, such a cushion can absorb at least 24 W/m ² /hr, or at least 30 W/m ² /hr, or at least 35 W/m ² /hr, or at least 40, or at least 50 W/m ² /hr for at least 3 hours, at least 3-1/2 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 4-1/2 hours, at least 5 hours, at least 5-1/2 hours, or at least 6 hours.

[00154] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a cooling pillow 100 according to the present disclosure. The cooling pillow incorporates a plurality of layers 110 (potentially consecutive layers) to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The pillow 100 may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5, and/or the plurality of layers 110 may comprise and/to be similar to the plurality of layers 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5, and the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the pillow 100 and the cushion to FIGS. 3-5, and/or the plurality of layers 110 and the plurality of layers 10 of FIGS. 3-5, are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with“1.”

[00155] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the pillow includes or defines a width Wl, a length Ll and a thickness Tl. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the depth direction Dl extends along the along the thickness Tl of the pillow 100 from a first outer side portion or surface 140 that may be proximate to a user to an inner middle or medial portion 144 that is distal to the user, and from the from a second outer side portion or surface 142 that may be proximate to a user (or distal to the user if the user rests on the first outer side portion or surface 140) that opposes the first side portion 140 to the middle or medial portion 144. As noted above, in some alternative embodiments the second outer side portion 142 of the pillow 100 may comprise the inner portion of the pillow (with the most PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28) that is distal to the user such that the depth direction extends from the first outer side portion 140 to the outer side portion or surface 142.

[00156] As shown in 7-9, the pillow 100 includes a plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers 110 (and a central or inner-most layer) arranged in the depth direction Dl that extends inwardly from the first and second outer portions 140, 142 of the pillow 100 to the inner portion 144 of the pillow 100. As also shown in 7-9, each of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers 110 comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing material (TEEM) 128 with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws° ⁵ /(m ² K) and/or solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) 126 with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. As discussed above, the plurality of layers 110 include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 126 and TEEM 128 that increases in the depth direction Dl, and at least one of the layers 110 includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 126 and TEEM 128 that increases in the depth direction Dl, as discussed above. In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 110 includes the PCM 126 and/or TEEM 128 (and be consecutive layers), or each of the plurality of layers 110 includes PCM 126 and/or TEEM 128 (and be consecutive layers). In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 110 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 126 and/or TEEM 128, or each of the plurality of layers 110 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 126 and/or TEEM 128.

[00157] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the plurality of layers 110 comprise an outer (potentially outer-most) shell layer 120, at least a first scrim layer 122 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the shell layer 120 in the depth direction Dl, and at least a first loose fiber fill layer 124 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the first scrim layer 122 in the depth direction Dl. The shell layer 120 and the first scrim layer 122 being concentric consecutive layers. In some embodiments, at least the first scrim layer 122 and the loose fiber fill layer 124 include the PCM 126 and the TEEM 128, with the fiber fill layer 124 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 126 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 128 than the first scrim layer 122.

[00158] In some embodiments, the shell layer 120 also includes the PCM 126 and the TEEM 128, with the first scrim layer 122 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 126 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 128 than the shell layer 120, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 126 of the shell layer 120 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the shell layer 120 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00159] In some embodiments, the PCM 126 and the TEEM 128 of the shell layer 120 may be coupled or provided on a medial/inner portion or surface of the shell layer 120 that faces the inwardly along the depth direction Dl and faces, and is positioned proximate to, the first scrim layer 122, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. However, the PCM 126 and the TEEM 128 of the shell layer 120 may be provided anywhere in/on the shell layer 120, and the shell layer 120 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 126 and/or TEEM 128 thereof.

[00160] The shell layer 120 may comprise any base materials and configuration. In some embodiments, the shell layer 120 comprises a fabric layer, such a woven fabric layer. The shell layer 120 may define a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer 122. The shell layer 120 may comprise a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer 122. In some embodiments, the shell layer 120 comprises a fabric weight that is less than about 250 GMS, within the range of about 150 GSM and about 250 GSM, or within the range of about 175 GSM and about 225 GSM.

[00161] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the first scrim layer 122 and the fiber fill layer 124 each include the PCM 126 and the TEEM 128. The fiber fill layer 124 includes a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 126 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 128 than the first scrim layer 122 (i.e., the inter-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl). In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 126 of the fiber fill layer 124 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the fiber fill layer 124 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00162] The PCM 126 and/or the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122 may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the intra layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first scrim layer 122 may include an outer scrim portion 130 proximate to the outer portion 140 of the pillow 100 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122, and an inner scrim portion 134 proximate to the inner portion 142/144 of the pillow 100 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122, the second total mass portion of the PCM 126 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 126. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122 is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 122 of the of the first scrim layer 122 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer scrim portion 130 may have a first total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122, and the inner scrim portion 134 may have a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 128 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 128. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122 is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the of the first scrim layer 122 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00163] As also shown in FIG. 9, the first scrim layer 122 may include a medial scrim portion 132 positioned between the outer and inner portions 130, 134 in the depth direction Dl, such as at or proximate to the medial portion 144 of the thickness Tl of the pillow 100. The medial scrim portion 132 may include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122, the third total mass portion of the PCM 126 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 126 and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122. For example, the third total mass portion of the PCM 126 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122, and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 126 of the first scrim layer 122, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial scrim portion 132 may also include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 128 and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122. For example, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 128 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122, and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 122, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. [00164] As noted above, the total mass of the PCM 26 of the fiber fill layer 124 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 26 of the first scrim layer 122, and the total mass of the TEEM 28 of the fiber fill layer 124 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 28 of the first scrim layer 122, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer 122 comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer 122 comprises an air permeability of at least about l-½ ft3/min. In some embodiments, the first loose fiber fill layer comprises loose synthetic fibers or loose fiber structures. In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 26 of the first fiber fill layer 124 comprises about 10% to about 30% of the total mass of fiber fill layer 124.

[00165] In some embodiments (not shown), the plurality of layers 110 of the pillow 100 further comprises at least one second scrim layer positioned between the first scrim layer 122 and the first loose fiber fill layer 124 in the depth direction Dl that includes a total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 that is greater than the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the first scrim layer 122 and less the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the fiber fill layer 124 such that the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 is maintained. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 of the second scrim layer may be greater than the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the first scrim layer 122, and less the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the fiber fill layer 124, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The second scrim layer may or may not comprise an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 thereof.

[00166] In some embodiments (not shown), the plurality of layers 110 of the pillow 100 may further comprise a second scrim layer positioned within the loose fiber fill layer 124 in the depth direction Dl such that the loose fiber fill layer 124 forms a concentric layer between the first scrim layer 122 and the second scrim layer in the depth direction Dl. The second scrim layer may include a total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 that is greater than the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the fiber fill layer 124 such that the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 is maintained. In some such embodiments, the second scrim layer may include a total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 that is greater than the total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the fiber fill layer 124 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The second scrim layer may or may not comprise an intra- layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 thereof. In some

embodiments, the second scrim layer may comprise the same or similar configuration as the first scrim layer 122.

[00167] In some such embodiments, the plurality of layers 110 of the pillow 100 may further comprise a second loose fiber fill layer (not shown) underlying the second scrim layer in the depth direction Dl comprising a total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 that is greater than total mass of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28, respectively, of the second scrim layer such that the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 is maintained. The second fiber fill layer may or may not comprise an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM 28 thereof. In some embodiments, the second fiber fill layer may comprise the same or similar configuration as the first fiber fill layer 124.

[00168] FIG. 10 illustrates another cooling pillow 200 according to the present disclosure. The cooling pillow 200 incorporates a plurality of separate and distinct layers 210

(potentially consecutive layers) to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The pillow 200 may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5 and/or the pillow 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 6-9, and/or the plurality of layers 210 may comprise and/to be similar to the plurality of layers 210 described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5 and/or the plurality of layers 210 described above with respect to FIGS. 6-9, and the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the pillow 200 and the plurality of layers 210 thereof and the cushion of FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of layers 210 of FIGS. 3-5, the pillow 200 of FIGS. 6-9 and/or the plurality layers 210 of FIGS. 6-9 are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with“2.”

[00169] As shown in FIG. 10, the depth direction Dl extends along the along the thickness of the pillow 200 from a first outer side portion or surface 340 that may be proximate to a user to an inner middle or medial portion 244 that is distal to the user, and from the from a second outer side portion or surface 342 that may be proximate to a user (or distal to the user if the user rests on the first outer side portion or surface 340) that opposes the first side portion 340 to the middle or medial portion 244. As noted above, in some alternative embodiments the second outer side portion 342 of the pillow 200 may comprise the inner portion of the pillow (with the most PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28) that is distal to the user such that the depth direction extends from the first outer side portion 340 to the outer side portion or surface 342.

[00170] As shown in FIG. 10, the pillow 200 includes a plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers 210 (and a central or inner-most layer) arranged in the depth direction Dl that extends inwardly from the first and second outer portions 340, 342 of the pillow 200 to the inner portion 244 of the pillow 200. As also shown in FIG. 10, each of the plurality of separate and distinct concentric layers 210 comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing material (TEEM) 228 with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws0.5/(m2K) and/or solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) 226 with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. As discussed above, the plurality of layers 210 include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and TEEM 228 that increases in the depth direction Dl, and at least one of the layers 210 includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and TEEM 228 that increases in the depth direction Dl, as discussed above. In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 210 includes the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 (and be consecutive layers), or each of the plurality of layers 210 includes PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 (and be consecutive layers). In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 210 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228, or each of the plurality of layers 210 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228.

[00171] As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of layers 210 comprises an outer (potentially outer-most) shell layer 220, at least a first scrim layer 222 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the shell layer 220 in the depth direction Dl, a gel layer 223 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the first scrim layer 222 in the depth direction Dl, and at least a first foam layer 224 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the gel layer 223 in the depth direction Dl. The shell layer 220, the first scrim layer 222 and the gel layer 223 being concentric consecutive layers. In some embodiments, at least the first scrim layer 222 and the foam layer 224 include the PCM 226 and the TEEM 228 may include the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and the TEEM 228 of the pillow 200 that increases in the depth direction Dl, with the foam layer 224 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 226 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 228 than the first scrim layer 222. At least the first scrim layer 222 and/or the foam layer 224 may also include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl. [00172] In some embodiments, the shell layer 220 also includes the PCM 226 and the TEEM 228, with the first scrim layer 222 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 226 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 228 than the shell layer 220, as shown in FIG. 10. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the shell layer 220 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the shell layer 220 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00173] In some embodiments, the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 of the shell layer 220 may be coupled or provided on a medial/inner portion or surface of the shell layer 220 that faces the inwardly along the depth direction Dl and faces, and is positioned proximate to, the first scrim layer 222, as shown in FIG. 10. However, the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 of the shell layer 220 may be provided anywhere in/on the shell layer 220, and the shell layer 220 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 thereof.

[00174] The shell layer 220 may comprise any base materials and configuration. In some embodiments, the shell layer 220 comprises a fabric layer, such a woven fabric layer. The shell layer 220 may define a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer 222. The shell layer 220 may comprise a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer 222. In some embodiments, the shell layer 220 comprises a fabric weight that is less than about 250 GMS, within the range of about 150 GSM and about 250 GSM, or within the range of about 175 GSM and about 225

GSM. [00175] As shown in FIG. 10, the first scrim layer 222 and the gel layer 223 and/or the foam layer 224 each include the PCM 226 and the TEEM 228. The first scrim layer 222 includes a lesser total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 226 and lesser total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 228 than the foam layer 224 (i.e., the inter-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl). In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 226 of the gel layer 223 (if provided is greater than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the gel layer 223 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00176] The PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the intra- layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl). For example, the first scrim layer 222 may include an outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion 340 of the pillow 200 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222, and an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion 342/244 of the pillow 200 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222, the second total mass portion of the PCM 226 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 226. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 222 of the of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the outer scrim portion may have a first total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222, and the inner scrim portion may have a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 228 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 228. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the of the first scrim layer 222 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00177] In some such embodiments, the first scrim layer 222 may include a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner portions 130, 134 in the depth direction Dl, such as at or proximate to the medial portion 244 of the thickness of the pillow 200. The medial scrim portion may include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222, the third total mass portion of the PCM 226 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 226 and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222. For example, the third total mass portion of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222, and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial scrim portion may also include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 228 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 228 and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222. For example, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222, and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00178] In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the pillow 200 may not include the first scrim layer 222. For example, the gel layer 223 may directly underly the shell layer 220 in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the shell layer 220 and the gel layer 223 may be consecutive layers). In some other alternative embodiments (not shown), the pillow 200 may include a plurality of scrim layers underlying the shell layer 220. The plurality of scrim layers may each include the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228, and thereby comprise the inter layer gradient distribution thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl, and at least one (or a plurality, or all/each) of the plurality of scrim layers may comprise the intra-layer gradient distribution thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00179] In some embodiments, the gel layer 223 comprises the PCM 226 and/or the

TEEM 228. In some such embodiments, the gel layer 223 is formed of the TEEM 228. For example, the gel layer 223 may be a polyurethane elastomer gel layer. In some other embodiments, the gel layer 223 is formed of a base gel material, and the TEEM 228 is coupled or otherwise integrated with the base gel material. In embodiments of the pillow 210 with the gel layer 223 including the TEEM 228, the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the gel layer 223 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 (if provided) and less than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 (i.e., the inter layer gradient distribution of the TEEM 228 that increases in the depth direction Dl is maintained). In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the gel layer 223 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first scrim layer 222 (if provided) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or less than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. [00180] In embodiments of the pillow 210 with the gel layer 223 including the PCM 226, the total mass of the PCM 226 of the gel layer 223 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 (if provided) and less than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 (i.e., the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 that increases in the depth direction Dl is maintained). In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 226 of the gel layer 223 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first scrim layer 222 (if provided) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or less than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00181] In some embodiments, the gel layer 223 may directly overly the foam layer 224, as shown in FIG. 10 In some such embodiments, an inner portion of the gel layer 223 that is directly adjacent to the foam layer 224 comprises the total mass of the PCM 226 thereof (and potentially the total mass of the TEEM 228 thereof). In such embodiments, the PCM 226 (and potentially the TEEM 228) of the inner portion of the gel layer 223 may be provided in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl. As explained above, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the PCM 226 (and potentially the TEEM 228) of the gel layer 223 may have migrated or translated into the gel layer 223 from the foam layer 224.

The gel layer 223 may thereby act to seal, trap or otherwise prevent the PCM 226 (and potentially the TEEM 228) of the foam layer 224 from migrating or otherwise translating into and/or through the scrim layer 222 and the shell layer 220, and potentially out of the pillow 200.

[00182] In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the pillow 200 may not include the gel layer 223. For example, the foam layer 224 may directly underly the scrim layer 222 (if provided) in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the scrim layer 222 and the foam layer 224 may be consecutive layers). [00183] The foam layer 224 is a distinct compressible foam layer that is separate and distinct from the other layers of the plurality of layers 210 of the pillow 200, including any other foam layer(s). In some embodiments, the foam layer 224 comprises a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam or a layer of latex foam. In some embodiments, the foam of the foam layer 224 may be an open cell foam.

[00184] As described above, the foam layer 224 comprises the PCM 226 and the TEEM 228 in greater total masses than the overlying layers in the depth direction Dl . The total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 is greater than the total mass of the immediately- overlying layer of the plurality of layers 210 that also includes the PCM 226 (such as the total mass of the PCM 226 of the gel layer 223, the first scrim layer 222, or the shell layer 220), such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 is greater than the total mass of the immediately-overlying layer of the plurality of layers 210 that also includes the TEEM 228 (such as the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the gel layer 223, the first scrim layer 222, or the shell layer 220), such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00185] The foam layer 224 may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl . For example, the foam layer 224 may include an outer foam portion proximate to the outer portion 340/342 of the pillow 200 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 and a first total mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224, and an inner foam portion proximate to the inner portion 244/342 of the pillow 200 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof and a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 may be greater than first portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 may be greater than first portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00186] In some such embodiments, the first foam layer 224 further comprises a medial foam portion positioned between the outer and inner foam portions in the depth direction Dl having a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224, and a third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224. The third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224 being greater than the first total mass portion and the less than the second mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 of the foam layer 224, and third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224 being greater than the first total mass portion and the less than the second mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the foam layer 224. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 226 may be greater than first total mass portion thereof and less than the second total mass portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some

embodiments, the third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 228 may be greater than first portion thereof and less than the second total mass portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00187] In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the plurality of layers 210 of the pillow 200 further includes at least one second foam layer underlying the first foam layer 224 in the depth direction Dl . The at least one second foam layer may comprise at least one a separate and distinct compressible foam layer. For example, the first foam layer 224 and the second foam layer may comprise separate and distinct foam compressible foam layers. The first foam layer 224 and the second foam layer may be consecutive layers, and may or may not be contigous. The first foam layer 224 and the second foam layer may or may not be coupled (fixedly or removably) to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the first foam layer 224 may be a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer, and the second foam layer may be a latex foam layer (or vice versa).

[00188] In some embodiments, the second foam layer may underly the first foam layer in the depth direction and include a total mass of the PCM 226 that is at least 3% greater (within about 3% to about 100% greater, or by about 10% to about 50% greater) than the total mass of the PCM 226 of the first foam layer 224, and include a total mass of the TEEM 228 that is at least 3% greater (within about 3% to about 100% greater, or by about 10% to about 50% greater) than the total mass of the TEEM 228 of the first foam layer 224. The second foam layer may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00189] As discussed above, an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 that increases in the depth direction (such as the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 of the scrim layer 222, the gel layer 223, the first foam layer 224 and/or the second foam layer) may comprise an irregular distribution comprising distinct bands or zones of progressively increasing loading of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 in the depth direction Dl, or a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the thermal effusivity enhancing material along the depth direction Dl.

[00190] FIG. 11 illustrates another cooling pillow 300 according to the present disclosure. The cooling pillow 300 incorporates a plurality of separate and distinct layers 310 (potentially consecutive layers) to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The pillow 300 may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5, the pillow 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 6-9 and/or the pillow 200 described above with respect to FIG.

11, and/or the plurality of layers 310 may comprise and/or be similar to the plurality of layers 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of layers 110 described above with respect to FIGS. 6-9, and the plurality of layers 210 described above with respect to FIG. 11, and the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the pillow 300 and the plurality of layers 310 thereof and the cushion of FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of layers 10 of FIGS. 3-5, the pillow 100 of FIGS. 6-9, the plurality layers 10 of FIGS. 6-9, the pillow 200 of FIG. 11 and/or the plurality layers 210 of FIG. 11 are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with“3.”

[00191] As shown in FIG. 11, the depth direction Dl extends along the along the

thickness of the pillow 300 from a first outer side portion or surface 340 that may be proximate to a user to an inner middle or medial portion 344 that is distal to the user, and from the from a second outer side portion or surface 342 that may be proximate to a user (or distal to the user if the user rests on the first outer side portion or surface 340) that opposes the first side portion 340 to the middle or medial portion 344. As noted above, in some alternative embodiments the second outer side portion 342 of the pillow 300 may comprise the inner portion of the pillow (with the most PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328) that is distal to the user such that the depth direction extends from the first outer side portion 340 to the outer side portion or surface 342.

[00192] As shown in FIG. 11, the pillow 300 includes a plurality of separate and distinct layers 310 (and a central or inner-most layer) arranged in the depth direction Dl that extends inwardly from the first and second outer portions 340, 342 of the pillow 300 to the medial portion 344 of the pillow 300. As also shown in FIG. 10, each of the plurality of separate and distinct layers 310 comprise at least one of thermal effusivity enhancing material (TEEM) 328 with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws0.5/(m2K) and/or solid-to- liquid phase change material (PCM) 326 with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. As discussed above, the plurality of layers 310 may comprise an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328 that increases in the depth direction Dl, and at least one of the plurality of layers 310 includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328 that increases in the depth direction Dl, as discussed above. In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 310 includes the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 (and be consecutive layers), or each of the plurality of layers 310 includes PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 (and be consecutive layers). In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers 310 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328, or each of the plurality of layers 310 includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328.

[00193] As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of layers 310 of the pillow 300 comprises an outer (potentially outer-most) shell layer 320, a first scrim layer 322A underlying (e.g., directly underlying) a first side portion 352 of the shell layer 320 in the depth direction Dl, a first loose fiber fill layer 324A positioned between (e.g., directly between) first and second scrim side portions 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A in the depth direction Dl, a gel layer 325 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the second scrim side portion 358 of the first scrim layer 322A in the depth direction Dl, and at least one foam layer 327 including a first side portion underlying (e.g., directly underlying) a first side portion of the gel layer 325 in the depth direction Dl. As also shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of layers 310 of the pillow 300 may further comprise a second scrim layer 322B underlying (e.g., directly underlying) a second side portion 354 of the shell layer 320 that opposes the first side portion 352 thereof in the depth direction Dl, a second loose fiber fill layer 324B positioned between (e.g., directly between) first and second scrim side portions 356, 358 of the second scrim layer 322B in the depth direction Dl, a second side portion of the gel layer 325 underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the second scrim side portion of the second scrim layer 322B and over a second side portion of the foam layer 327 in the depth direction Dl.

[00194] The shell layer 320 may extend about or surround (partially or fully) the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B, the first and second fiber fill layers 324A, 324B, the gel layer 325 and the at least one foam layer 327, as shown in FIG. 11. As also shown in FIG.

11, the first scrim layer 322 A may extend about or surround (partially or fully) first fiber fill layer 324A, and the second scrim layer 322B may extend about or surround (partially or fully) second fiber fill layer 324B. The gel layer 325 may extend directly over or about the at least one foam layer 327, as shown in FIG. 11.

[00195] In some embodiments, the first scrim layer 322A, the first fiber fill layer 324A, the second scrim layer 322B, the second fiber fill layer 324B, and the foam layer 327 include the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328 in the inter-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl, with the foam layer 327 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 326 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 328 than the first side portion 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, the first and second fiber fill layers 324A, 324B and the second side portions 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B. At least the first side portion 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, the second side portions 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B and the first foam layer 327 may also include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00196] As shown in FIG. 11, the fabric shell layer 320 of the plurality of layers 310 of the pillow 300 may comprise the first shell side portion 352 and the second shell side portion 354 spaced from the first shell side portion 352 along the depth direction Dl such that a cavity, void or space is formed therebetween. In some embodiments, the shell layer 320 also includes the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328, with the first side portion 356 of the first scrim layer 322A underlying (e.g., directly underlying) including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 326 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 328 than the first side portion 352 of the shell layer 320, and the first side portion 356 of the second scrim layer 322A underlying (e.g., directly underlying) including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 326 and greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) of the TEEM 328 than the second side portion 354 of the shell layer 320, as shown in FIG. 11. In some such

embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 326 of the first side portions 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B is greater than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the first and second portions 352, 354 of the shell layer 320 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the first side portions 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the first and second portions 352, 354 of the shell layer 320 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00197] In some embodiments, the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 of the shell layer 320 may be coupled or provided on a medial/inner portion or surface of the shell layer 320 (e.g., of the first and second side portions 352, 354 thereof) that faces inwardly along the depth direction Dl and faces, and is positioned proximate to, the first side portions 356 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B, as shown in FIG. 11. However, the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 of the shell layer 320 may be provided anywhere in/on the shell layer 320, and the shell layer 320 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 thereof.

[00198] The shell layer 320 may comprise any base materials and configuration. In some embodiments, the shell layer 320 comprises a fabric layer, such a woven fabric layer. The shell layer 320 may define a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B. The shell layer 320 may comprise a fabric weight that is less than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B. In some embodiments, the shell layer 320 comprises a fabric weight that is less than about 350 GMS, within the range of about 150 GSM and about 350 GSM, or within the range of about 175 GSM and about 325 GSM.

[00199]

[00200] As shown in FIG. 11, the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B and the first and second fiber fill layers 324A, 324B each include the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328. The first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B may each include differing portions with differing amounts (e.g., total masses) of the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 thereof so that the inter layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328 that increases in the depth direction Dl is maintained. For example, the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B may each include the first scrim side portion 356 underlying the respective first or second side portion 352, 354 of the shell layer 320, and a second scrim side portion 358 spaced from and underlying the first scrim side portion 356 spaced along the depth direction Dl. The first scrim side portion 356 of each of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B can thereby include a first total mass of the PCM 326 and a first total mass of the TEEM 328, the second scrim side portion 356 of each of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B can thereby include a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof and a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof.

[00201] Further, the first and second fiber fill layers 324A, 324B between the first and second side portions 356, 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B, respectively, may include a third total mass of the PCM 326 and a third total mass of the TEEM 328. In such embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM 326 is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the first scrim side portion 356 and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the second scrim side portion 358, and the third total mass of the TEEM 328 is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the first scrim side portion 356 and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the second scrim side portion 358. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the PCM 326 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the first scrim side portion 356, and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the second scrim side portion 358, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the third total mass of the TEEM 328 may be greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the first scrim side portion 356, and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the second scrim side portion 358, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%

[00202] The PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl). For example, the first and/or second portions 356, 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B may include an outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion 340 of the pillow 300 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358, and an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion 342/244 of the pillow 300 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358, the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 326. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B is greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 322 thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the first and/or second portions 356,

358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B may include an outer scrim portion proximate to the outer portion 340 of the pillow 300 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358, and an inner scrim portion proximate to the inner portion 342/244 of the pillow 300 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B is greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328 thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00203] In some such embodiments, the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B may include a medial scrim portion positioned between the outer and inner portions thereof in the depth direction Dl . The medial scrim portion may include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B, the third total mass portion of the PCM 326 being greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 326 and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B. For example, the third total mass portion of the PCM 326 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B may be greater than the first total mass portion of the PCM 326, and less than the second total mass portion of the PCM 326 thereof, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial scrim portion may also include a third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 328 being greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328 and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B. For example, the third total mass portion of the TEEM 328 of the respective scrim portion 356, 358 of the first scrim layer 322A and/or the second scrim layer 322B may be greater than the first total mass portion of the TEEM 328, and less than the second total mass portion of the TEEM 328 thereof, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00204] In some embodiments, the gel layer 323 comprises the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328. In some such embodiments, the gel layer 323 is formed of the TEEM 328. For example, the gel layer 323 may be a polyurethane elastomer gel layer. In some other embodiments, the gel layer 323 is formed of a base gel material, and the TEEM 328 is coupled or otherwise integrated with the base gel material. In embodiments of the pillow 310 with the gel layer 323 including the TEEM 328, the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the gel layer 323 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B (if provided) and less than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327 (i.e., the inter-layer gradient distribution of the TEEM 328 that increases in the depth direction Dl is maintained). In some such embodiments, the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the gel layer 323 is greater than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B (if provided) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or less than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00205] In embodiments of the pillow 310 with the gel layer 323 including the PCM 326, the total mass of the PCM 326 of the gel layer 323 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B (if provided) and less than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327 (i.e., the inter layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 that increases in the depth direction Dl is maintained). In some such embodiments, the total mass of the PCM 326 of the gel layer 323 is greater than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B (if provided) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%, and/or less than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer

327 by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00206] In some embodiments, the gel layer 323 may directly overly the foam layer 327, as shown in FIG. 11 In some such embodiments, an inner portion of the gel layer 323 that is directly adjacent to the foam layer 327 comprises the total mass of the PCM 326 thereof (and potentially the total mass of the TEEM 328 thereof). In such embodiments, the PCM 326 (and potentially the TEEM 328) of the inner portion of the gel layer 323 may be provided in a gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction Dl. As explained above, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the PCM 326 (and potentially the TEEM 328) of the gel layer 323 may have migrated or translated into the gel layer 323 from the foam layer 327.

The gel layer 323 may thereby act to seal, trap or otherwise prevent the PCM 326 (and potentially the TEEM 328) of the foam layer 327 from migrating or otherwise translating into and/or through the scrim layer 322 and the shell layer 320, and potentially out of the pillow 300.

[00207] In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the pillow 300 may not include the gel layer 323. For example, the foam layer 327 may directly underly the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B (if provided) in the depth direction Dl (i.e., the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B and the foam layer 327 may be consecutive layers). [00208] As shown in FIG. 11, the distinct compressible first foam layer 327 may underly the second scrim side portions 328 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B in the depth direction Dl, and potentially directly underly the gel layer 325 in the depth direction Dl. The foam layer 327 is a distinct compressible foam layer that is separate and distinct from the other layers of the plurality of layers 310 of the pillow 300, including any other foam layer(s). In some embodiments, the foam layer 327 comprises a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam or a layer of latex foam. In some embodiments, the foam of the foam layer 327 may be an open cell foam.

[00209] As described above, the foam layer 327 comprises the PCM 326 and the TEEM 328 in greater total masses than the overlying layers in the depth direction Dl . The total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327 is greater than the total mass of the immediately- overlying layer of the plurality of layers 310 that also includes the PCM 326 (such as the total mass of the PCM 326 of the gel layer 323 if provided, or the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B), such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327 is greater than the total mass of the immediately-overlying layer of the plurality of layers 310 that also includes the TEEM 328 (such as the total mass of the PCM 326 of the gel layer 323 if provided, or the second side portions 358 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B), such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00210] The foam layer 327 may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl. For example, the foam layer 327 may include an outer foam portion proximate to the outer portion 340/342 of the pillow 300 having a first total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327 and a first total mass portion of the second total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327, and an inner foam portion proximate to the inner portion 344/342 of the pillow 300 having a second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327 that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof and a second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327 that is greater than the first total mass portion thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 may be greater than first portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 may be greater than first portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%.

[00211] In some such embodiments, the first foam layer 327 further comprises a medial foam portion positioned between the outer and inner foam portions in the depth direction Dl having a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327, and a third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327. The third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327 being greater than the first total mass portion and the less than the second mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 of the foam layer 327, and third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327 being greater than the first total mass portion and the less than the second mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the foam layer 327. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 326 may be greater than first total mass portion thereof and less than the second total mass portion thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some

embodiments, the third total mass portion of the total mass of the TEEM 328 may be greater than first portion thereof and less than the second total mass portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the medial portion of the foam layer 327 may be at or aligned with the middle or medial portion 344 of the thickness of the pillow 300, as shown in FIG. 11.

[00212] In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the plurality of layers 310 of the pillow 300 further includes at least one second foam layer underlying or overlying the first foam layer 327 in the depth direction Dl. The at least one second foam layer may comprise at least one a separate and distinct compressible foam layer. For example, the first foam layer 327 and the second foam layer may comprise separate and distinct foam compressible foam layers. The first foam layer 327 and the second foam layer may be consecutive layers, and may or may not be contigous. The first foam layer 327 and the second foam layer may or may not be coupled (fixedly or removably) to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the first foam layer 327 may be a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer, and the second foam layer may be a latex foam layer (or vice versa).

[00213] In some embodiments, the second foam layer may underly a pair of first foam layers 327 in the depth direction and include a total mass of the PCM 326 that is at least 3% greater (within about 3% to about 100% greater, or by about 10% to about 50% greater) than the total mass of the PCM 326 of the first foam layers 327, and include a total mass of the TEEM 328 that is at least 3% greater (within about 3% to about 100% greater, or by about 10% to about 50% greater) than the total mass of the TEEM 328 of the first foam layers 327. The second foam layer may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or the TEEM 328 thereof that increases in the depth direction Dl.

[00214] As discussed above, an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 that increases in the depth direction (such as the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 of the first side portions 352 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B, the second side portions 352 of the first and second scrim layers 322A, 322B, the gel layer 323, the first foam layer 327 and/or the second foam layer) may comprise an irregular distribution comprising distinct bands or zones of progressively increasing loading of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 in the depth direction Dl, or a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the thermal effusivity enhancing material along the depth direction Dl.

[00215] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular

embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as“comprises” and“comprising”),“have” (and any form of have, such as“has” and“having”),“include” (and any form of include, such as“includes” and“including”),“contain” (and any form contain, such as“contains” and“containing”), and any other grammatical variant thereof, are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or article that“comprises”,“has”,“includes” or“contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of an article that “comprises”,“has”,“includes” or“contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

[00216] As used herein, the terms“comprising,” "has,"“including,” "containing," and other grammatical variants thereof encompass the terms“consisting of’ and“consisting essentially of.”

[00217] The phrase“consisting essentially of’ or grammatical variants thereof when used herein are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof but only if the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

[00218] All publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

[00219] Subject matter incorporated by reference is not considered to be an alternative to any claim limitations, unless otherwise explicitly indicated.

[00220] Where one or more ranges are referred to throughout this specification, each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presenting information, where the range is understood to encompass each discrete point within the range as if the same were fully set forth herein.

[00221] While several aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been

described and depicted herein, alternative aspects and embodiments may be affected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, this disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover all such further and alternative aspects and

embodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.