WO2009063299A2

WO2009063299A2 - Structure of pillow

Info

Publication number: WO2009063299A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/003054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elisabetta Quaranta
Original assignee: Elisabetta Quaranta
Priority date: 2007-11-16
Filing date: 2008-11-13
Publication date: 2009-05-22
Also published as: ITPI20070128A1; WO2009063299A3

Abstract

Structure of pillow (1) comprising a main portion (2) of substantially rectangular shape and at least one side portion (3) also of substantially rectangular shape protruding from it. The pillow (1) may have two side portions (3a and 3b) in order to be substantially T- shaped. In use, a person (50) that uses pillow (1) can have a position at which the face (51) does not rest directly on it. The pillow (1), in this case, holds only the nape of the neck (52) and in part the neck (53) of person (50), whereas the right edge (51a), or the left edge (51b) of the face (51) is located at a recess (4). Therefore, on the face (51) of a person (50) a reaction force generated by the pillow (1) does not act. This avoids accelerating the skin aging processes that cause the production of wrinkles, as instead it happens with pillows of the prior art.

Description

TITLE STRUCTURE OF PILLOW

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generically to a pillow, and, in particular, to a type of pillow capable of avoiding the production of wrinkles and other defects on the face of the person that uses it.

Background of the invention

As well known, pillows comprise traditionally a wrapper of flexible material stuffed with wool, feather, artificial fibres, or other material. They are normally used by an individual for resting the head on them, in order to have a comfortable position for sleeping, or in any case for having a rest. During the use, the person rests with a side of the face on the pillow surface applying on it a force corresponding to the weight of the head.

Therefore, on the pillow a reaction force arises having intensity substantially uniform on all its surface. This force is, then, the actual force of the pillow on the face of the person that is resting on it.

In particular, the reaction force produces on the face of the person a tension that can cause with time an acceleration of the skin aging processes responsible also of the appearance of wrinkles.

The above described drawbacks are in part overcome by the pillow described in US5528784. It consists of a stack of cushions having a main base portion from which two or more lateral portions protrude. The resulting height of the pillow is then adjusted by adding or removing cushions from the stack.

However, the presence of a strip, or of a similar tying element for keeping together pillows of the stack, changes the resulting shape of the pillow and is an inconvenience for a person that uses the pillow.

Furthermore, the final pillow has a fixed height in each cross section thereof, and has a high side edge orthogonal to the plane of the pillow.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a structure of pillow that avoids the acceleration of the skin aging processes and forming wrinkles owing to its use with time.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a structure of pillow that improves oxygenation and vascularization of the facial epidermis .

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a structure of pillow that can be used in hospitals after surgery operations, for example in post- operatory course after aesthetic, dental, facial surgery.

It is a particular feature of the present invention to provide a structure of pillow capable of determining an anti-snoring action.

It is a further particular feature of the present invention to provide a structure of pillow capable of assuring a correct position of the cervical and dorsal spine. It is still a feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow to assist the circulation of the lower limbs in particular for people momentarily disabled to use lower limbs.

It is a further particular feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow to assist people, in particular obese people, to have desired positions during intercourse.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that assists people to have comfortable positions when .sitting.

It is still a feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that can be used as comfortable support for sunbathing and assists tanning both outdoors and indoors, such as in wellness centres.

It is a further particular feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that has not buckles, strips, bands and the like on its outer surface that can cause inconvenience to a person that uses it. It is also a feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that is used in different configurations, and that can be easily and quickly converted from a configuration into another.

It is still a feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that can be used by a person when reading a book for reducing nuisance deriving from the use of glasses.

It is a further particular feature of the invention to provide a structure of pillow that is capable of minimizing the phenomenon of static electricity with reduction of the possibility of having headache for the presence of local magnetic fields.

These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary structure of pillow, according to the present invention, whose characteristic is that it comprises:

— a main portion of predetermined height,

— at least one side portion protruding from the main portion and forming with it a substantially L-shaped structure. In particular, the structure of pillow can comprise a main portion from which a first and a second side portions extend in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure.

In particular, the structure of pillow can for example comprise a wrapper of flexible coating material adapted to contain a determined stuffing material.

Advantageously, the structure of pillow is made of a inflatable material. Advantageously, the structure of pillow is associated with a pillowcase that is made in particular of an antistatic material for avoiding electrostatic charges and then possible headache, cephalea, and other problems.

Advantageously, the structure of pillow comprises a housing in which a diffusing element of a desired substance can be arranged.

In particular, the desired substance can be selected from the group comprised of:

— a flavouring substance; — a nebulized drug.

For example, the flavouring substance can be a vegetable essence, such as a flower essence.

In particular, the housing can be at least one pocket made in a pillow wrapper. Alternatively, the housing can be made directly in the stuffing material.

Preferably, the housing is arranged in the central portion.

In particular, the diffusing element is a spraying container put in at least one housing, said spraying container being adapted to diffuse said desired substance when the walls of said housing are squeezed.

In particular, the stuffing material can be selected from the group comprised of: — material of animal origin, such as wool, feather, etc. ;

— natural material, in particular of vegetable origin;

— synthetic material; — artificial material;

— metal material;

— a liquid, for example water;

— air; or a combination thereof.

In particular, the stuffing material can be a material in fibres of animal type, of natural type such as of vegetable, synthetic, or artificial origin.

In case of liquid or air, the wrapper is of plastic impermeable material, etc.

Advantageously, the synthetic material is selected from the group comprised of:

— foam rubber;

— foam polyurethane ; — latex;

— needled fabric;

— metal material; or a combination thereof.

In particular, the flexible coating material is selected from the group comprised of:

— woven fabric;

— non woven fabric;

— polyester;

— polyamide; — nylon;

— PVC ;

— metal material; or a combination thereof.

In particular, the coating flexible material can be a material in fibres of animal type, of artificial type, of natural type, or synthetic type.

Advantageously, the main portion has a decreasing height starting from the main portion with said, or each, side portion towards the free edge. In addition, or alternatively, said, or each, side portion has a decreasing height starting from the main portion and proceeding towards the corresponding free edge . Advantageously, the width of the structure of pillow, corresponding to the length of the central portion, is about 1,5÷2 times the height of the head of a grown-up person.

In particular, the length of the structure of pillow is about 1,75+2 times its width.

This way, the resulting structure of pillow has a shape that assists its use for different applications in which it can be used.

According to another aspect of the invention, a flexible support structure for a leg comprises a main portion from which a first and a second side portion protrude in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure .

The support structure for a leg above described can be advantageously used for supporting the leg of an individual in conditions of impossibility to use of the lower limbs, for example in case of surgical operation, or of plastered limbs.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a flexible support structure for feet comprises a main portion from which a first and a second side portion protrude in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure.

Advantageously, the structure of pillow can be equipped with a through hole adapted to connect two opposite surfaces of the pillow same. This particular exemplary embodiment can be for example used by a person lying in prone position and receiving a massage, with the face at the hole. Alternatively, the hole can be used by a person that has had a surgical operation at the gluteal region. In this case, the person sits with the its bottom at the hole. The support structure for feet as above described can be used for supporting the foot of an individual affected by diabetic foot, or from other types of diseases of the foot. For example, the support structure for feet can be used by resting on the main portion, or on the lateral portions, the plant of a single foot, or of both the feet. Alternatively, the support structure for feet can be used resting on it the heel of the foot. In this case, the main portion works as support for the foot avoiding that its weight bears on the limb. This way, in addition to provide relief to the patient owing to the comfortable position, the structure of pillow for feet has the further advantage of bearing the weight of blankets, sheets, etc. relieving the foot of the patient, . In a further exemplary embodiment the structure of pillow, according to the present invention, comprises:

— a first part comprising said main portion of predetermined height, and said at least one side portion protruding from said main portion; — at least a second part separated from the first part; said first and said second part being adapted to be arranged according to an assembled configuration to provide a pillow having a single body, or in a split configuration in which the two parts are separated and used singularly.

Advantageously, the first and the second part, at the respective surfaces that in use are arranged facing each other, comprise releasable means for mutual engagement adapted to provide a steady fastening in an assembled configuration.

For example, the mutual engagement means can be selected from the group comprised of: — at least one protrusion on said first, or on said second, part and at least one recess adapted to couple with said protrusion on said second, or on said first part;

— respective engagement surfaces adapted to be fixed with respect to each other by forcing resiliently one against the other;

— fastening device like VELCRO; or a combination thereof.

In particular, the first part comprises a through hole and the second part comprises an insert adapted to be put in said through hole by forcing resiliently the side faces to provide an assembled configuration and to be extracted from said through hole to provide said removed configuration. In a particular application of the invention, the structure of pillow as above described can be used for arranging a child, in particular an infant, in a correct position. The particular conformation of the pillow, in fact, prevents the child from placing, for example turning when sleeping, in positions that are potentially dangerous .

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be now shown with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein: figure 1 diagrammatically shows in a perspective top plan view a structure of pillow, according to the invention; figure 2 shows in a perspective top plan view the structure of pillow of Fig. 1 when in use; figure 3 shows in a perspective top plan view of a possible exemplary embodiment of the structure of pillow of Fig. 1; figures 4A and 4B show perspective views of two possible exemplary embodiments for the stuffing material of the structure of pillow, according to the invention; figures from 5 to 8 show diagrammatically perspective views of some possible positions that can be adopted by a person during the use of the pillow of Fig. 3; figures from 9 to 11 show perspective top plan views of further possible exemplary embodiment for the structure of pillow, according to the invention; - figures 12A, 12B and 13 show the structure of pillow of Fig. 1, respectively in an elevational side view_r an elevational front view and a top plan view, for highlighting some aspects of its shape; figures from 14 to 17 show diagrammatically some particular uses provided for the structure of pillow of Fig . 1 ; figures 18 and 19 show a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of structure of pillow 1 respectively in an assembled configuration and in a removed configuration; figure 20 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the structure of pillow of Fig. 1; figure 21 shows a perspective view of the structure of pillow of Fig. 20 associated with an insert coupled with it to provide the structure of pillow of Fig. 3; figure 22 shows a further possible application of the structure of pillow of Fig. 3; figure 23 shows a possible application of the support structure for feet of Fig. 14.

Description of preferred exemplary embodiments

With reference to Fig. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of a structure of pillow 1, according to the present invention, provides a main portion 2 of substantially rectangular shape and a side portion 3, also this with substantially rectangular shape. The resulting pillow 1 is, then, substantially L-shaped.

More in detail, in use, a person 50 that rests the head on pillow 1 can adopt, for example, the position diagrammatically shown in Fig. 2. In this position, the face 51 of person 50 does not rest directly on pillow 1. this, in fact, holds only the nape of the neck 52 and in part the neck 53 of person 50. The face 51 of person 50 is located in fact at a recess 4 of pillow 1. Therefore, on the face 51 of person reactions forces generated by pillow 1 are not acting. This avoids an acceleration of the skin aging processes that cause the production of wrinkles, as it happens instead in the pillows of the prior art.

A second exemplary embodiment, that is shown in Figs, from 3 to 9, provides a main portion 2 and two side portions 3a and 3b.

In this case, person 50 can adopt two different positions, in which the head rests on pillow 1 oriented wit either the right side 51a (Fig. 4), or the left side

51b (Fig. 5) of face 51, with the same benefits described for the previous case.

This exemplary embodiment allows also to have a correct position of the spinal column during a rest, as diagrammatically shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

In all the exemplary embodiments above described, pillow 1 comprises a wrapper 2, for example of non woven fabric, in which a certain an amount of a stuffing material 10 is arranged.

The stuffing material 10, for example vegetable material, animal material, or of synthetic fibres can comprse more parts (Fig. 4A) or one part (Fig. 4B) . In the latter case the filling material for pillow lis T-shaped, or L-shaped, and is made preferably of latex, foam rubber, or similar synthetic material.

In a further exemplary embodiment shown in Figs, from 9 to 11, pillow 1 has one or more recesses, for example a pocket 20 sewn on wrapper 2 (Fig. 9) adapted to contain a diffusing element 25 for example of a flavouring relaxing substance, or a drug, such as a nasal decongestant, a bronchodilator, etc. for treatment of diseases of the respiratory airways. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 10 and 11 housing 20 is made in the body of pillow 1, for example directly in the filling material, which can be in this case foam rubber, latex, or the like. In this case, the diffuser 25 can be a spraying container that sprays a nebulized substance when it is squeezed by the person that uses pillow 1.

The exemplary embodiments of pillow 1 shown in Figs, from 9 to 11 can, for example, advantageously be used in wellness centres, or in hospitals. As shown in detail in Figs. 12A and 12B, both main portion 2 and side portions 3a and 3b have a maximum height (hmax) at the main portion that decreases towards the respective edges 2' , 3a and 3b' . The resulting particular structure of pillow 1 has a shape that assists the adoption by the person of a comfortable position and at the same time of a correct posture of the spine in all the possible applications of the invention.

Structure of pillow 1 has, furthermore, a width 1, corresponding to the length of main portion 2, which is about 1,5÷2 times the height of the head of a grown-up person, for example 40 cm. The length L of the structure of pillow 1, instead, is equal to about 1,75÷2 times width 1, and so about 70 cm (Fig. 13) . As shown in Fig. 14, structure of pillow 1 as above described can be used by an individual 100 for supporting a foot 101, either simply to achieve a comfortable position, or in case of foot affected by diseases such as diabetic foot, or for keeping the leg discharged from loads in case of bruises, or fractures, or during a post- operatory period.

In addition to provide relief to patient 100 owing to the comfortable posture and to assist the circulation of the blood in the lower limbs, structure of pillow 1 works also as support for a possible blanket 150, or bed sheet, etc. used by person 100. This way, the weight of blanket 150, or of the sheet, bears on main portion 2 and not on foot 101 of patient 100, avoiding that they can weigh on the ill limb. Other uses of structure of pillow 1 of the invention are shown in Figs, from 15 to 17.

In particular, pillow 1 can be used for post-operation recovery of patients 100 subject to surgery operations to the glutei. In fact, the particular position shown in Fig. 15 that is adopted by person 100 that sits on pillow 1, allows lightening the weight that affects the damaged body part.

Furthermore, if combined with an armchair, or a chair 50 of the type shown in Fig. 16, structure of pillow 1 assists furthermore a correct posture when in sitting position, in particular for people with difficulty of movement, for example disabled persons, which can use side portions 3a and 3b as supports for arms.

A further application for the structure of pillow 1, provides the use to assist during gymnastic exercises (Fig. 17) .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs, from 17 to 19 structure of pillow 1 comprises more parts that can be assembled to each other.

In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention,, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the structure of pillow comprises a first part Ia equipped a with main portion 2 of predetermined height and with side portions 3a and 3b and a second part Ib separated from first part Ia. More precisely, first and second part Ia and Ib can be arranged according to an assembled configuration to provide a pillow 1' having a single body (Fig. 18), or in a split configuration in which first and second part Ia and Ib are separated and used singularly.

To ensure a steady fastening in the assembled configuration, first and second part Ia and Ib of structure of pillow 1 comprise mutual engagement means 33 and 36 of releasable type arranged at the respective surfaces that in use are facing each other.

In the example shown in Figs. 18 and 19, first part Ia comprises a main portion 2 of predetermined height and two side portions 3a and 3b protruding from it forming a structure of pillow that is substantially T-shaped. In this case, the second part Ib comprises two ends 35a and 35b adapted to engage with surfaces 7a and 7b of main portion 2 at surfaces 17a and 17b respectively, and to surfaces 6a and βb of side portions 3a and 3b at surfaces 16a and Iβb. The mutual engagement means provide a strip Velcro, in particular a loop part 33 at surfaces 6a, 7a, 6b and 7b of first part Ia and a hook part 13 at surfaces 16a, 17a, 16b and 17b (Fig. 19) .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the structure of pillow Ia is still substantially T- shaped, but in this case it has a through hole 31. This particular exemplary embodiment can be, for example, used by a person 100 lying in prone position and subject to a massage, putting its face 105 at hole 31.

Pillow 1 can be associated with a massage bed 131 of known type having a through hole 132, which is arranged at hole 30 of pillow 1, or can be used alone in particular outdoors, for example on the beach. In this case, a diffuser of flavouring substances 135 arranged below hole 30 can also be provided.

The exemplary embodiment of structure of pillow 1 of Fig. 20 can be associated with an insert Ib adapted to couple at through hole 30 forcing resiliently the side surface 31 to provide the structure of pillow of Fig. 3.

This embodiment is also indicated for a person that has had a surgical operation to the backside. In this case, the person moves with the backside at hole 30 sitting on it the case shown in Fig. 15. In a further particular application of the invention, not shown in the figures, the structure of pillow, according to the invention, can be used for arranging a child, in particular a newborn baby, to sleep in a correct position. The particular conformation of the pillow, in fact, prevents the child from moving, for example turning when sleeping, to positions potentially dangerous starting from a correct position.

In Fig. 22 a further advantage is shown deriving from the use of pillow 1, according to the invention. In particular, pillow 1, which is L-shaped or T-shaped, reduces the nuisance deriving from the use of glasses 110 for example when reading a book 85.

In Fig. 23 a further possible application is shown as a support structure for feet like in Fig. 3. In particular, the support structure for feet 1 is used in this case resting on side portions 3a and 3b of the foot. Alternatively, the support structure for feet can be used resting on it the heel of the foot. In this case, the main portion works as support of feet discharging their weight from the limb.

Yet another application (not shown) of the structure of pillow is that of assisting people, in particular obese people, to have determined positions during intercourse. The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Structure of pillow characterised in that it comprises :

— a main portion of predetermined height, — at least one side portion protruding from said main portion and forming with it a substantially L-shaped structure .

2. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, wherein a first and a second side portion are provided that protrude from said main portion in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure.

3. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, wherein a wrapper of flexible coating material is provided that is adapted to contain a stuffing material.

4. Structure of pillow, according to claim l_r characterised to be made of an impermeable material, chargeable with a fluid, in particular inflatable.

5. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, wherein at least one housing is provided adapted to contain a diffusing element of a desired substance.

6. Structure of pillow, according to claim 5, wherein said housing is arranged at said central portion.

7. Structure of pillow, according to claim 5, wherein said housing is at least one pocket made in said wrapper.

8. Structure of pillow, according to claim 5, wherein said housing is made in said stuffing material.

9. Structure of pillow, according to claim 5, wherein said diffusing element is a spraying container put in at least one housing, said spraying container being adapted to diffuse a desired nebulised substance when walls of said housing are squeezed.

10. Structure of pillow, according to claim 5, wherein said desired substance is selected from the group comprised of:

— a flavouring substance, in particular a vegetable substance;

— a nebulized drug.

11. Structure of pillow, according to claim 3, wherein said stuffing material is selected from the group comprised of: — material of animal origin, such as wool, feather, etc. ;

— material of natural origin;

— synthetic material;

— material of vegetable origin; — artificial fibres;

— needled tissues;

— a liquid, for example water;

— air;

— metal material; or a combination thereof.

12. Structure of pillow, according to claim 11, wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group comprised of:

— foam rubber; — foam polyurethane ;

— latex; or a combination thereof.

13. Structure of pillow, according to claim 3, wherein said flexible material is selected from the group comprised of:

— woven fabric;

— non woven fabric;

— polyester;

— polyamide; — nylon ;

— PVC ;

— metal material ; or a combination thereof.

14. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, wherein said main portion has a decreasing height starting from the main portion with said, or each, side portion and proceeding towards the free edge.

15. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, wherein said, or each, side portion has a decreasing height starting from the main portion and proceeding towards the corresponding free edge.

16. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, characterised in that has a width (1) corresponding to the length of said central portion, is about 1,5÷2 times the height of the head of a grown-up person.

17. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, characterised in that it has a length (L) that is about 1,75÷2 times its width (1).

18. Support structure for a leg characterised in that it comprises a main portion from which a first and a second side portion protrude in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure.

19. Support structure for feet characterised in that it comprises a main portion from which a first and a second side portion protrude in order to form a substantially T-shaped structure.

20. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1 characterised in that it comprises a through hole.

21. Structure of pillow, according to claim 1, comprising:

— a first part comprising said main portion of predetermined height, and said at least one side portion protruding from said main portion;

— at least a second part separated from the first part; said first and said second part being adapted to be arranged according to an assembled configuration to provide a structure of pillow having a single body, or in a split configuration in which said first and said second part are separated and used singularly.

22. Structure of pillow, according to claim 21, wherein said first and said second part, at the respective surfaces that in use are arranged facing each other, comprise means for mutual engagement of releasable type that is adapted to provide a steady fastening in said assembled configuration.

23. Structure of pillow, according to claim 22, wherein said mutual engagement means are selected from the group comprised of:

— at least one protrusion on said first, or on said second, part and at least one recess adapted to couple with said protrusion on said second, or on said first part;

— respective engagement surfaces adapted to be fixed with respect to each other forcing resiliently one against the other; — fastening device like VELCRO; or a combination thereof.

24. Structure of pillow, according to claim 21, wherein said first part comprises a through hole and said second part comprises an insert adapted to be put in said through hole by forcing resiliently the side faces to provide said assembled configuration and to be extracted from said through hole to provide said removed configuration.