CA3077441A1 - Reusable anti-dust-mites and anti-allergens pillow protector - Google Patents
Reusable anti-dust-mites and anti-allergens pillow protectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA3077441A1 CA3077441A1 CA3077441A CA3077441A CA3077441A1 CA 3077441 A1 CA3077441 A1 CA 3077441A1 CA 3077441 A CA3077441 A CA 3077441A CA 3077441 A CA3077441 A CA 3077441A CA 3077441 A1 CA3077441 A1 CA 3077441A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pillow
- protector
- fabric
- allergens
- waterproof
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
- A47G9/0238—Bed linen
- A47G9/0253—Pillow slips
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G2009/001—Anti-allergen; Anti-mite
Abstract
The present invention relates to a reusable and machine washable hypoallergic pillow cover/protector. This is comprised of 3-layers of laminated fabric that is water-impermeable, breathable, and antimicrobial. Generic pillow covers/protectors can be assembled with sewing machines which leave gaps in the fabric or include generic zippers with gaps that both allow for the transmission of allergens between the user and the pillow. The invention utilizes ultrasonic welding/bonding technology, waterproof tapes, and a hermetic zipper to render the cover allergen-proof. This would provide a hygienic and hypoallergenic sleeping environment for personal use at home, travel use in public accommodations, and/or clinical environments.
Description
Abstract The present invention relates to a reusable and machine washable hypoallergic pillow cover/protector. This is comprised of 3-layers of laminated fabric that is water-impermeable, breathable, and antimicrobial. Generic pillow covers/protectors can be assembled with sewing machines which leave gaps in the fabric or include generic zippers with gaps that both allow for the transmission of allergens between the user and the pillow. The invention utilizes ultrasonic welding/bonding technology, waterproof tapes, and a hermetic zipper to render the cover allergen-proof. This would provide a hygienic and hypoallergenic sleeping environment for personal use at home, travel use in public accommodations, and/or clinical environments.
Description Background Pillows can be a source of allergens, bacteria, and fungi; herby referred to as 'allergens' or 'contaminants', that contribute or exacerbate pathologies such as allergies, asthma, chronic sinusitis, and other respiratory-related diseases. It is established that allergen avoidance measures such as pillow covers/protectors, hereon referred to as 'pillow protectors' can effectively control and mitigate these conditions.
Pillows used in households, hospitals, hotels, Airbnb and other public housing facilities are sources of allergens (e.x. house dustmites, fungi, bacteria, etc.) that exacerbate respiratory diseases. It is not common practice to wash or replace a pillow, nor practical to regularly wash or sterilize a pillow throughout its lifecycle. Thus, a practical solution to prevent the contamination of allergen-producing entities and mitigating the spread of allergens is required.
The most adoptable practice is to use a generic pillow protector to encase a sleeping pillow, as an effort to protect the pillow from contamination whenever it is slept on.
Periodically, the generic pillow protector is washed when it is soiled, becomes odorous, or used by patients in the hospital or by guests in public accommodations (i.e. hotels, hostels, Airbnb, etc).
However, simply washing or changing to a new generic pillow protector would not able to remove the dust mites and all other microscopic allergens that are inhabiting and growing inside a used pillow.
Traditional pillow encasings (e.x pillowcases and pillow protectors) are made from porous, woven materials that contribute to creating an environment for allergen accumulation. The material allows moisture from the ambient air or the user's breath and saliva to permeate into the pillow. Thus, it creates a warm and damp environment which promotes the growth of fungi, bacteria, and house dustmites.
Traditional pillow encasings have zippers with wide gaps and/or punctures resultant from the sewing process. These gaps or holes provide opportunities for contaminants to ingress and establish colonies in the pillows. Furthermore, dead skin cells that penetrate through and accumulate on the pillow surface can become a source of nourishment for the contaminants. In conjunction with the Page 1 of 4 porous materials, traditional encasings allow for the transfer of allergens and allergen-producing entities to freely pass between the user and the pillow.
A hygienic and hypoallergic pillow protect that minimizes the risk of contamination of allergen-producing entities and egression of allergens requires a specialized fabric, zipper, and assembly process. The fabric must prevent moisture, contaminants, allergens, and dead skin to pass between the fabric, yet remain breathable and comfortable.
This is achievable using a customized 3-layered fabric made from 100% recycled plastic engineered to be: waterproof and water repellant, dustmite-proof, antimicrobial, and breathable with an integrated hermetic zipper. When assembled with waterproof tapes for the seams with ultrasonic welding/bonding technology, it would eliminate the holes from sewing needles, thus creating a sterile barrier around the pillow to prevent contamination and minimize allergen egression.
There is a need for such a product to protect vulnerable populations at risk of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases. Such a product can be used as a pillowcase or as a protective layer between a pillowcase and pillow.
Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a face-side view to illustrate that the hermetic zipper is attached to the pillow protector fabric by welding the adhesive tape sandwiched between the pillow protector fabric and the hermetic zipper.
Fig. 2: inside-out view to show the edges of the hermetic zipper is secured at the backside by welding the adhesive seam reinforcement tapes.
Fig. 3 is an inside-out view to show how the seams are sealed by welding adhesive tape sandwiched between the pillow protector fabric.
Fig. 4 is an inside-out view to show both closed side seams are secured by welding the adhesive seam reinforcement tape to cover up the seam allowance.
Fig. 5 is the face-side (with the zipper facing up) of a finished pillow protector.
Fig. 6 is the face-side (with the zipper facing down) of a finished pillow protector.
Detail Description In addition to the drawings described above, this description provides one or more embodiments of the above reference drawings. There is no intent to limit this disclosure to a single embodiment or embodiments that are disclosed herein. The intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the method by which the hermetic zipper is attached to the pillow protector (pillow not shown). Ultrasonic welding/bonding was used to secure a layer of waterproof tape applied around the edges of the zippers to the pillow protector fabric material.
Page 2 of 4 Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the embodiment of assembling the pillow protector itself. It is assembled by ultrasonic welding/bonding of the pillow protector fabric material with waterproof tape around the circumference of the pillow. The pillow protector can be made to fit standard or customzied sized pillows made from various materials.
The pillow protector material is composed of 3-layer laminated textile fabric.
The outer face-side layer is made from 100% recycled plastic woven pongee or similar material made from but not limited to polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibres. The middle later can be a polyurethane-based, polyethylene-based, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based membrane layer of similar properties with micropores to render it microscopic allengens filtration, breathable (the ingress and egress of air) and waterproof.
The inside layer is 100% recycled plastic (similar to the outer layer) tightly knitted jersey. Together the layers of the pillow protector prevent moisture and allergens from entering or exiting the pillow through the protector, yet allows for airflow for user comfort.
The face-side of the outer layer fabric is treated with a durable water repellent and antimicrobial finishing. The antimicrobial finishing can also be impregnated within the fabric or between the layers. They are not limited to an antimicrobial and/or antifungal agent, or metals with antimicrobial properties such as silver, copper, and zinc.
Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 embodies the assembled pillow protector. Appropriate sized pillows can be placed within the pillow casing and secured with the hermetic zipper. Once assembled by ultrasonic welding/bonding with waterproof tape, the closure and fabric material forms a secure pillow protector free from holes for contaminants and allergens to pass through.
Furthermore, the claims of the textile fabric and/or completed pillow protector is substantiated by, but not limited to the following industry tests with the minimum material properties and product performances:
a) Hydrostatic Pressure (testing method AATCC127 or DIN EN ISO 8110) property to be tested for a completed pillow protector. Parameter requirement: Hydrostatic pressure 1000mm.
b) Water repellent (testing method AATCC22) property to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: minimum rating of 90.
c) Breathable (testing method ASTM E96) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: 800g H20/24hours/square metre.
d) Anti-bacterial (testing method AATCC147 or ISO 20743) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: No bacteria colonies found in the contact zone.
e) Anti-dust mite (testing method AATCC194) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: to be advised by an accredited 31d party laboratory.
0 Flame retarded (testing method ASTM D1230) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: class 1 normal 4 seconds.
Page 3 of 4
Description Background Pillows can be a source of allergens, bacteria, and fungi; herby referred to as 'allergens' or 'contaminants', that contribute or exacerbate pathologies such as allergies, asthma, chronic sinusitis, and other respiratory-related diseases. It is established that allergen avoidance measures such as pillow covers/protectors, hereon referred to as 'pillow protectors' can effectively control and mitigate these conditions.
Pillows used in households, hospitals, hotels, Airbnb and other public housing facilities are sources of allergens (e.x. house dustmites, fungi, bacteria, etc.) that exacerbate respiratory diseases. It is not common practice to wash or replace a pillow, nor practical to regularly wash or sterilize a pillow throughout its lifecycle. Thus, a practical solution to prevent the contamination of allergen-producing entities and mitigating the spread of allergens is required.
The most adoptable practice is to use a generic pillow protector to encase a sleeping pillow, as an effort to protect the pillow from contamination whenever it is slept on.
Periodically, the generic pillow protector is washed when it is soiled, becomes odorous, or used by patients in the hospital or by guests in public accommodations (i.e. hotels, hostels, Airbnb, etc).
However, simply washing or changing to a new generic pillow protector would not able to remove the dust mites and all other microscopic allergens that are inhabiting and growing inside a used pillow.
Traditional pillow encasings (e.x pillowcases and pillow protectors) are made from porous, woven materials that contribute to creating an environment for allergen accumulation. The material allows moisture from the ambient air or the user's breath and saliva to permeate into the pillow. Thus, it creates a warm and damp environment which promotes the growth of fungi, bacteria, and house dustmites.
Traditional pillow encasings have zippers with wide gaps and/or punctures resultant from the sewing process. These gaps or holes provide opportunities for contaminants to ingress and establish colonies in the pillows. Furthermore, dead skin cells that penetrate through and accumulate on the pillow surface can become a source of nourishment for the contaminants. In conjunction with the Page 1 of 4 porous materials, traditional encasings allow for the transfer of allergens and allergen-producing entities to freely pass between the user and the pillow.
A hygienic and hypoallergic pillow protect that minimizes the risk of contamination of allergen-producing entities and egression of allergens requires a specialized fabric, zipper, and assembly process. The fabric must prevent moisture, contaminants, allergens, and dead skin to pass between the fabric, yet remain breathable and comfortable.
This is achievable using a customized 3-layered fabric made from 100% recycled plastic engineered to be: waterproof and water repellant, dustmite-proof, antimicrobial, and breathable with an integrated hermetic zipper. When assembled with waterproof tapes for the seams with ultrasonic welding/bonding technology, it would eliminate the holes from sewing needles, thus creating a sterile barrier around the pillow to prevent contamination and minimize allergen egression.
There is a need for such a product to protect vulnerable populations at risk of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases. Such a product can be used as a pillowcase or as a protective layer between a pillowcase and pillow.
Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a face-side view to illustrate that the hermetic zipper is attached to the pillow protector fabric by welding the adhesive tape sandwiched between the pillow protector fabric and the hermetic zipper.
Fig. 2: inside-out view to show the edges of the hermetic zipper is secured at the backside by welding the adhesive seam reinforcement tapes.
Fig. 3 is an inside-out view to show how the seams are sealed by welding adhesive tape sandwiched between the pillow protector fabric.
Fig. 4 is an inside-out view to show both closed side seams are secured by welding the adhesive seam reinforcement tape to cover up the seam allowance.
Fig. 5 is the face-side (with the zipper facing up) of a finished pillow protector.
Fig. 6 is the face-side (with the zipper facing down) of a finished pillow protector.
Detail Description In addition to the drawings described above, this description provides one or more embodiments of the above reference drawings. There is no intent to limit this disclosure to a single embodiment or embodiments that are disclosed herein. The intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the method by which the hermetic zipper is attached to the pillow protector (pillow not shown). Ultrasonic welding/bonding was used to secure a layer of waterproof tape applied around the edges of the zippers to the pillow protector fabric material.
Page 2 of 4 Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the embodiment of assembling the pillow protector itself. It is assembled by ultrasonic welding/bonding of the pillow protector fabric material with waterproof tape around the circumference of the pillow. The pillow protector can be made to fit standard or customzied sized pillows made from various materials.
The pillow protector material is composed of 3-layer laminated textile fabric.
The outer face-side layer is made from 100% recycled plastic woven pongee or similar material made from but not limited to polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibres. The middle later can be a polyurethane-based, polyethylene-based, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based membrane layer of similar properties with micropores to render it microscopic allengens filtration, breathable (the ingress and egress of air) and waterproof.
The inside layer is 100% recycled plastic (similar to the outer layer) tightly knitted jersey. Together the layers of the pillow protector prevent moisture and allergens from entering or exiting the pillow through the protector, yet allows for airflow for user comfort.
The face-side of the outer layer fabric is treated with a durable water repellent and antimicrobial finishing. The antimicrobial finishing can also be impregnated within the fabric or between the layers. They are not limited to an antimicrobial and/or antifungal agent, or metals with antimicrobial properties such as silver, copper, and zinc.
Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 embodies the assembled pillow protector. Appropriate sized pillows can be placed within the pillow casing and secured with the hermetic zipper. Once assembled by ultrasonic welding/bonding with waterproof tape, the closure and fabric material forms a secure pillow protector free from holes for contaminants and allergens to pass through.
Furthermore, the claims of the textile fabric and/or completed pillow protector is substantiated by, but not limited to the following industry tests with the minimum material properties and product performances:
a) Hydrostatic Pressure (testing method AATCC127 or DIN EN ISO 8110) property to be tested for a completed pillow protector. Parameter requirement: Hydrostatic pressure 1000mm.
b) Water repellent (testing method AATCC22) property to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: minimum rating of 90.
c) Breathable (testing method ASTM E96) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: 800g H20/24hours/square metre.
d) Anti-bacterial (testing method AATCC147 or ISO 20743) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: No bacteria colonies found in the contact zone.
e) Anti-dust mite (testing method AATCC194) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: to be advised by an accredited 31d party laboratory.
0 Flame retarded (testing method ASTM D1230) to be tested on the face-side of pillow protector fabric. Parameter requirement: class 1 normal 4 seconds.
Page 3 of 4
Claims (10)
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. The process of making the textile fabric pillow protector by applying ultrasonic welding/bonding joins all seams and the attached hermetic zipper to the fabric using an adhesive waterproof tape. This renders the pillow protector to be impenetrable to moisture and contaminants. This effective barrier also prevents the passage of dead skin, thus cutting off potential food sources for contaminants. This method does not require the conventional method of sewing with needle and threads, thus limiting opportunities for allergens and contaminants to enter or exit through the protector.
2. As defined in claim 1, the pillow protector material is composed of 3-layer laminated textile fabric. The outer face-side layer is made from 100% recycled plastic woven pongee or similar material made from but not limited to polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibres. The surface of face-side layer is also treated with a durable water repellant and antimicrobial finishing. The middle layer is a breathable PTFE membrane with micropores that renders the pillow protector microscopic alllengs filtration;waterproof, yet breathable.
The inner or bottom layer is made from 100% recycled plastic (see outer layer material) tightly knit jersey. The laminated fabric material forms an effective barrier to achieve the claimed functionality.
The inner or bottom layer is made from 100% recycled plastic (see outer layer material) tightly knit jersey. The laminated fabric material forms an effective barrier to achieve the claimed functionality.
3. As defined in claim 1, the integrated hermetic zipper functions as the closure for the pillow.
This is airtight and waterproof, which in addition to the fabric in claim 2, forms an integral component of the barrier capacity of this invention.
This is airtight and waterproof, which in addition to the fabric in claim 2, forms an integral component of the barrier capacity of this invention.
4. The ultrasonically welded/bonded adhesive tape forms a waterproof and allergen-proof barrier in addition to being an adhesive to assemble the finished product in claim 1.
5. Claims 1-4 is a comprehensive methodology for making a pillow protector from recycled plastic or similar fabrics with the ability the prevent allergens, contaminants, moisture, and food sources from passing through the protector.
6. This mitigates the development of an environment on the pillow surface allergens to exist.
7. Furthermore, it also prevents the user from being exposed to allergens present on the pillow before using the pillow protector.
8. The combination of the layers (claim 2) makes it durable and can withstand frequent machine washing. This allows the pillow protector to be re-used.
9. The material (claim 2) is also flame retardant.
10. The 100% recycled materials in the fabric of claim 2 are environmentally friendly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3077441A CA3077441C (en) | 2020-03-29 | 2020-03-29 | Reusable anti-dust-mites and anti-allergens pillow protector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3077441A CA3077441C (en) | 2020-03-29 | 2020-03-29 | Reusable anti-dust-mites and anti-allergens pillow protector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3077441A1 true CA3077441A1 (en) | 2020-09-22 |
| CA3077441C CA3077441C (en) | 2022-01-11 |
Family
ID=72603594
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3077441A Active CA3077441C (en) | 2020-03-29 | 2020-03-29 | Reusable anti-dust-mites and anti-allergens pillow protector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3077441C (en) |
-
2020
- 2020-03-29 CA CA3077441A patent/CA3077441C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA3077441C (en) | 2022-01-11 |
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