CA2372648A1 - Funnel for waterpillow - Google Patents

Funnel for waterpillow Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2372648A1
CA2372648A1 CA 2372648 CA2372648A CA2372648A1 CA 2372648 A1 CA2372648 A1 CA 2372648A1 CA 2372648 CA2372648 CA 2372648 CA 2372648 A CA2372648 A CA 2372648A CA 2372648 A1 CA2372648 A1 CA 2372648A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
plug
envelope
waterpillow
port
tubular
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2372648
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Shinichiro Tobe
Satoshi Kusuyama
Hirofumi Tsuda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IWI Ltd
Original Assignee
IWI Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IWI Ltd filed Critical IWI Ltd
Priority to CA 2372648 priority Critical patent/CA2372648A1/en
Priority to JP2003037994A priority patent/JP4130897B2/en
Publication of CA2372648A1 publication Critical patent/CA2372648A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10Pillows
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08Fluid mattresses or cushions
    • A47C27/085Fluid mattresses or cushions of liquid type, e.g. filled with water or gel
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G2009/008Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows using a liquid as filling material

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Bedding Items (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Abstract

A simplified system for adding or removing water from a waterpillow is disclosed. A funnel tool simplifies the filling of water by releasably engaging a filling port of the pillow. This funnel as it is connected to the water retaining envelope of the pillow also allows bleeding of air from the envelope. The funnel tool further acts as a releasable tool for engaging the threaded plug used to close the outlet. The desired low profile of the outlet and plug make removal and/or insertion of the plug difficult for same users which problems are overcome with use of the funnel tool.

Description

VdH-11 528 ' TITLE: FUNNEL FOR WATERPILLOW
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to waterpillows and in particular, relates to a convenient system for allowing water to be added or removed from a waterpillow.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Our waterpillow as disclosed in United States Patent 4,847,931 has been sold around the world and has been recognized to improve the quality of sleep, particularly for patients suffering from recurring headaches and neck pain.
The waterpillow is customized by the user to provide a desired degree of comfort and support. This is achieved by varying the amount of water maintained in a plastic envelope located at the base of the pillow. It is preferred to essentially have all the air removed from the envelope, such that it only contains water.
Typically, the user fills the water retaining envelope with a specified amount of water and thereafter varies the amount of water to increase or decrease the firmness as may be required.
Water is added or removed through a threaded port which passes through the pillow casing on a bottom surface. A threaded plug is inserted in the port to seal the closure. Both the threaded port and the threaded plug are of a thin profile to reduce any transmission of the structure through the pillow. The threaded plug includes an exterior recess having an elongate member extending across the recess. This provides a finger grip area for inserting or removing the plug from the port.

Some users have experienced difficulty in inserting and/or removing the plug as may be required from time to time. This may be a particular problem for people with arthritic hands. In light of the above, it .is desired to provide a system which reduces this problem and makes the filling of the water retaining envelope and/or the removal of water from the water retaining envelope more convenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A waterpillow according to the present invention comprises a pillow casing, a fillable envelope within the casing for maintaining a liquid and having a removable closure for allowing liquid to be added to the envelope or to have liquid removed from the envelope. A
compressible fill material is located,within the casing and to one side of the envelope. The removable closure comprises a port sealed to the envelope and having an interior thread for cooperating with a threaded plug used to releasably seal the envelope. The closure further includes a tubular filling member with one end thereof adapted thereof for receipt in the port for filling or removing of liquid from the envelope where the liquid passes through the tubular member and into the envelope.
The tubular filling member further includes a plug engaging portion positioned to allow the tubular filling member to act as a handle during insertion or removal of the plug.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the tubular filling member has a funnel shape.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the tubular member has a thread connection for receipt and engagement with the port.
WH-11 528 ' In yet a further aspect of the invention, the tubular member at one end thereof includes plug engaging members located interior to the tubular member. The plug includes an interior recess in a top surface shaped to cooperate with the plug engaging members to allow tightening or removal of the plug from the port.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the tubular member at one end thereof includes plug engaging members located interior to the tubular member and the plug includes an interior recess on a top surface shaped to engage with the plug engaging members. The engaging members are shaped to define the socket portion which receives a male projection on the plug.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the socket portion is a U-shaped slot with the open part of the "U" being exposed to the exterior of the tubular portion and extending across the tubular member.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the tubular member includes an outwardly extending flange above the threads on a tubular member which cooperates with the port for forming a fluid tight connection therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the water base pillow with the normal closure plug and the funnel used to add or remove water to the water retaining envelope;
Figure 2 is a partial view of the waterpillow with the funnel being received in the threaded port;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the waterpillow with the funnel engaging the outlet port and water being added to the pillow;
Figure 4 is a sectional view through the funnel;
Figure 5 is a top view of the funnel;
Figure 6 is a bottom view of the funnel; and Figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing the funnel about to be used as a tool for tightening or loosening of the threaded plug.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The waterpillow 2 shown in Figure 1 has the tubular funnel member 30 which can be threadably received in the threaded port 10 for adding or removing water.
The threaded plug 12 is used to releasably close the port 10.
As shown in Figure 3, the funnel serves a number of purposes in the present design but is particularly useful in filling of the water envelope within the pillow without any substantial spillage and/or allows water to be easily removed from the water retaining envelope. The end user adds or removes water to adjust the pillow accordingly to achieve the desired support. Water 5 is poured from the pitcher 3 and passes through the funnel into the pillow.
The waterpillow 2 has an outer fabric casing 4 and 30 a water retaining envelope (not shown) positioned with the casing 4 and located at a bottom surface of the pillow. A compressible fill material is supported above the water retaining envelope. A closure system 8, on the bottom of the pillow, allows water to be added or removed from the envelope and comprises a threaded port 10 sealed to the envelope and open to the exterior of the pillow.
A threaded plug 12 is releasably received in the port 10.
W~3-11 528 Details of the pillow construction are shown in U.S.
Patent 4,847,931.
A purchaser of the pillow will add the desired amount of water to the envelope. The amount of water varies the firmness of the pillow and some trial and error is required. Basically, the user refers to a firmness chart and selects the desired firmness having a specified volume of water to be added to the pillow. The amount of water is then measured using a measuring cup or other measuring device and added to the envelope through the port 10. The port 10 is of a thin profile as is the threaded plug 12. Water can be carefully added directly through the port 10, however, some skill and dexterity is required.
To overcome this problem as shown in Figure 2, the tubular funnel 30 is threaded into the open port 10 and preferably forms a watertight connection with the port.
The user can then pour the water through the tubular body member 34 and the water will pass into the envelope. The tubular body 34 also allows the user to grasp the funnel and hold the funnel and the connected port in a~desired position for water to be added. The funnel is preferably several inches tall and thus provides a convenient grasping surface. Similarly the open mouth 31 of the tubular member is preferably at least one and one half inches to ease the addition of water to the envelope through the substantially smaller outlet port. Once water has been added to the envelope, the pillow can be supported on a flat surface and the user can push down on the pillow and/or funnel to allow air to be bled from the envelope. It is desired to remove as much air as possible and the funnel provides a simple means to allow adjustment in the envelope and bleeding of the air without spillage of the water about the port 10.
_ 5 _ W~-11 528 Once the desired amount of water has been added, the funnel may be released from the pillow by a counterclockwise rotation. Once the funnel has been removed, the threaded plug l2 is threaded into the port 10 to seal the envelope. In many cases, there is no further need to adjust the water in the pillow. In other cases, the degree of firmness requires adjustment and the user can vary the firmness by adding or removing water.
The tubular funnel 30 can act as a tool for assisting in removal of the threaded plug 12 which in some cases is difficult to remove. The funnel on its lower surface includes a narrow end 40 which is receivable within the recessed cavity 16 of the plug 12 (See Figure 7). This narrow end includes a downwardly opening channel 42 which straddles the grip bar 14 of the plug. Once the funnel has been inserted in the cavity 16 of the plug, with the channel 42 either side of the grip bar 14, the funnel can be rotated counterclockwise to remove the plug 12 from the threaded port 10. Once the plug has been removed, the funnel can then be threaded into the port 10 and water can be added to the envelope as previously described.
In some cases, it may be desirable to remove a certain amount of water from the envelope and in this case, the tubular funnel 30 can act as a spout to allow some of the water to be removed. In this way, the outer casing 4 of the pillow remains out of contact with the water and the user has a convenient way to add or remove water from the pillow.
After the above step, the funnel can then be removed from the port by counterclockwise rotation of the tubular member and the plug 12 reinserted. Some users may wish to use the funnel to again engage the plug and allow tightening of the plug by rotation of the funnel in WF~-11 528 ' a clockwise rotation. The plug has an O-ring seal to avoid leakage and some compression thereof is required.
With this, arrangement, problems associated with filling and/or removing water from the envelope are overcome. Any users who previously experience difficulty in engaging the threaded plug 16 merely use the funnel as a tool to engage the plug and act as a handle or extension of the plug for tightening or removal of the plug.
The funnel 30, as shown in Figure 4,has a reduced end 40 located below the exterior threads 32 and below the outwardly extending flange 36. The narrow end 40 serves to separate the two sides of the envelope which have a tendency to collapse on one another. Furthermore, the user tends to lift up on the funnel separating the two sides of the envelope and allowing water to easily fill the envelope. The flange 36 acts as a stop surface limiting the degree the funnel is threaded into the port 12. The bottom surface of the funnel is divided into two outlets 38 by the downwardly opening channel 42.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. A waterpillow comprising a pillow casing, a fillable envelope within said casing for maintaining a liquid and having a removable closure for allowing liquid to be added to said envelope or to have liquid removed from said envelope, and compressible fill material located within said casing to one side of said envelope;
said removable closure comprising a port sealed to said to said envelope and having an interior thread for cooperating with a threaded plug for releasably sealing said envelope, said closure further including a tubular filling member with one end thereof adapted for receipt in said port for filling or removing liquid from said envelope where the liquid passes through said tubular filling member, said tubular filling member further including a plug engaging portion positioned to allow said tubular filling member act as a handle during insertion or removal of said plug.
2. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tubular filling member has a funnel shape.
3. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said tubular member has a thread connection for receipt and engagement with said port.
4. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said tubular member at one end thereof includes plug engaging members located interior to the tubular member and said plug includes an interior recess in a top surface shaped to cooperate with said engaging members and allow tightening or removal of said plug from said port.
5. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 3 wherein said tubular member at one end thereof includes plug engaging members located interior to the tubular member and said plug includes an interior recess in a top surface shaped to engage with said engaging members and allow rotation of said plug to tighten or remove said plug from said port by rotation of said tubular member.
6. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 5 wherein said engaging members at said one end define a socket portion which receives a male projection on said plug.
7. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 6 wherein said socket portion is a 'U' shaped slot with the open part of the 'U' being exposed to the exterior of the tubular portion and extending across said tubular member.
8. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tubular member includes above said thread connection an outwardly extending flange for cooperating with said port and forming a fluid tight connection therewith.
9. A waterpillow as claimed in claim 8 wherein said tubular member includes an O-ring seal in abutment with said extending flange positioned for engagement with said port.
CA 2372648 2002-02-20 2002-02-20 Funnel for waterpillow Abandoned CA2372648A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2372648 CA2372648A1 (en) 2002-02-20 2002-02-20 Funnel for waterpillow
JP2003037994A JP4130897B2 (en) 2002-02-20 2003-02-17 Water pillow funnel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2372648 CA2372648A1 (en) 2002-02-20 2002-02-20 Funnel for waterpillow

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2372648A1 true CA2372648A1 (en) 2003-08-20

Family

ID=27792747

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2372648 Abandoned CA2372648A1 (en) 2002-02-20 2002-02-20 Funnel for waterpillow

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4130897B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2372648A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2452593A1 (en) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-16 Aqua Comfort GmbH Water bed mattress
CN104305793A (en) * 2014-10-31 2015-01-28 常熟市科恒电工塑胶厂 Functional healthcare water pillow
US20180125704A1 (en) * 2014-12-20 2018-05-10 Wfi Wärmflascheninnovation Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt) Safety closure for a hot-water bottle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2452593A1 (en) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-16 Aqua Comfort GmbH Water bed mattress
CN104305793A (en) * 2014-10-31 2015-01-28 常熟市科恒电工塑胶厂 Functional healthcare water pillow
US20180125704A1 (en) * 2014-12-20 2018-05-10 Wfi Wärmflascheninnovation Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt) Safety closure for a hot-water bottle
US10925766B2 (en) 2014-12-20 2021-02-23 Wfi Wärmflascheninnovation Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt) Safety closure for a hot-water bottle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2003250679A (en) 2003-09-09
JP4130897B2 (en) 2008-08-06

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