EP3636108A1 - Neck cushion having protuberances - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a neck pillow or travel pillow. In particular, it is a travel pillow, which is designed as an essentially U-shaped neck pillow and has a first leg (12) and a second leg (14), which are connected by a central part (16), and a circumferential inside and a circumferential one The outside and an upper side (18), an underside (20) and a central plane (M), the travel cushion (10) on its upper side (18) having a contour which comprises at least a first hump (72) which overlaps extends a floor level (H), the travel cushion (10) further comprising a hood (50) and a receiving space (52) for this hood (50), characterized in that the receiving space (52) at least partially below the floor level (H) the hump (72) is arranged.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a neck pillow or travel pillow. Such pillows are often used when traveling to support the head, often they are U-shaped.

Background of the Invention

The utility model DE 20 2016 004 221 discloses a neck pillow hood in which the neck pillow is inflatable. With this solution, the hood appears as the primary element. There is an opening on the hood to accommodate the neck pillow. This can be inserted into the opening when not inflated. Inside the hood, the neck pillow can be fully inflated and support the head. Since the neck pillow is enclosed by a hood, it is hardly or not visible from the outside.

U.S. Patent 7,657,945 discloses a neck pillow with a hood, which is U-shaped. An opening is provided on the outside of the U through which an inflatable cushion inner part can be guided into the covering. Opposite, a hood is provided on the inside of the U. However, no storage is provided for this hood.

The utility model DE 20 2016 001161U1 discloses a neck pad for the stable positioning of the head. The neck pad has an essentially roll-shaped design and is equipped with a hood on the inside. The hood can be removed through an opening.

A travel pillow in accordance with the present invention is said to be essentially a U-shaped neck pillow. Such pillows are common as travel pillows, of course, they can also be used outside of a trip, since they offer good support to the neck and are accordingly generally perceived as pleasant for sitting sleeping positions. According to its shape, the travel pillow has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected by a central part. The U-shape also means that there is a circumferential inside and a circumferential outside. The circumferential outside and the circumferential inside converge at the end of the legs. Incidentally, the travel pillow has an upper side which is oriented towards the head of the user when used and a lower side which is oriented towards the shoulders when used.

The travel cushion also has a central plane, which is arranged essentially centrally between the top and bottom. If the position of the central plane does not result directly from geometric considerations, the plane that divides the pillow weight in half should be assumed to be the central plane.

A travel pillow according to the present invention should have a contour on its upper side which comprises at least one hump. The travel pillow can also include several humps, such as two humps, three humps or four humps.

The travel pillow should also have a hood and a receiving space for this hood. According to the invention, the receiving space should be arranged at least partially below the floor level of at least one hump.

Each hump comprises a floor level, which is the imaginary level above which it rises above a flat surface without humps. In In cases of doubt, this should be considered parallel to the middle level. This area connects, for example, between two valleys to the left and right of the hump. According to the invention, the receiving space is to be arranged at least partially below this floor level; it can also be arranged as a whole below this floor level.

According to the present invention, the travel pillow can have a hump, for example, which is arranged centrally above the central part. Then it is appropriate to arrange the receiving space below the floor level of this hump. It is also located below the hump.

The recording space is delimited at the bottom by a floor surface, at the top by a ceiling surface, at the rear by a rear wall surface, and on the left and right by side surfaces. The rear wall surface can lie opposite a front wall surface. This does not have to be provided, the recording room can also be completely open to the front.

The receiving space can be of various shapes, for example these surfaces can each be flat and act like walls. But they can also be curved. In the sense of the present invention, it is advantageous if the ceiling surface is flat or at least partially flat. The ceiling surface can thus advantageously run parallel to the floor level of one or more bumps arranged above it. As a result, a defined and uniform amount of filling material is available between the ceiling surface of the receiving space and the floor level of an adjacent hump. In this way, a sufficiently strong "foundation" is formed for Höcker. A uniform strength of the pillow is also guaranteed above the receiving space.

It can also be useful if the middle part has two bumps. These can be arranged symmetrically around the center of the communicating part. For such an arrangement, it is useful if the receiving space is below the floor levels of both humps. It can lie entirely or partially under the corresponding humps. The receiving space can also be more restricted in its extension to the right and left leg. Then the receiving space can lie below the floor level of the cusps, but it is not below the cusps themselves, since it does not extend in the direction of rotation to the cusps.

The travel pillow can also have three or four humps. It has proven to be convenient, for example, if a hump is also arranged on each of the first and the second leg. An additional hump can be arranged centrally between them on the middle part, but it is particularly expedient if two humps are additionally arranged on the middle part of the cushion.

The receiving space can expediently be arranged in the central region of the outer circumference of the cushion, that is to say in the region of the central part. It is also expedient if the receiving space is arranged in the central part of the cushion and is accessible from the rear. It is therefore also expedient if the receiving space is adjacent to the circumferential outside.

It is also expedient if the receiving space is arranged entirely or at least predominantly above the central plane of the pillow.

It is expedient if the extent of the receiving space in the circumferential direction is no more than the distance between the bumps in the central area. In this way, the greater thickness of the cushion in the area of the cusps is used to provide a receiving space.

Basically, the following applies to the arrangement of the at least one hump or the humps and the arrangement of the receiving space: It is expedient if areas of the cushion which rise higher are used to provide a receiving space. There is enough space for a recording room, especially with a pillow that does not have much volume overall. At the same time, however, it is advantageous to provide the receiving space below the floor level of the bumps. This has the particular advantage that the strength of the bumps, which are intended to provide a support effect, is not impaired by the receiving space. Likewise, the exact design of the shape of the humps can then take place independently of the shape of the receiving space. The area of the receiving space inevitably offers little resistance to external pressure, since the receiving space is essentially hollow, at least when the hood is removed. Such a cavity can therefore be a disadvantage for the convenience of using the pillow, since the pillow is supposed to have a certain supporting effect, for which purpose sufficient strength is required. In the case of a pillow with a hood, there is the basic problem of providing a receiving space of sufficient size without restricting the usability of the pillow as a whole.

These considerations apply to all of the options disclosed in the arrangement of the receiving space and the arrangement of bumps.

It is particularly expedient if the travel pillow comprises an outer cover and a pillow filling. The outer cover gives the pillow support and shape. The pillow filling can be chosen independently of the outer cover. It is also expedient if the receiving space is at least partially enclosed by the pillow filling.

It is also expedient if a zipper is provided in the outer shell, which in the open state enables access to the receiving space.

It is useful if this zipper runs in an arc. The arch shape results when you look at the pillow from behind. The bow can essentially have the shape of an inverted U, so there is a vertex that is higher than the end points of the zipper. Viewed from the top, the zipper has a convex shape because its apex is oriented towards the top. This shape has proven to be advantageous because the opening of the receiving space can be opened so easily. In particular, the shape of a pillow with bumps in the middle part means that when the zipper is closed, the outer cover sits tightly over the bumps. The closing movement of the zipper leads to an advantageous force effect on the outer cover, so that it not only sits tightly but also sits in its desired position relative to the pillow filling.

It is expedient if the outer casing consists of at least two cutting elements which are connected to at least one seam and the opening is provided in the seam. It is also useful for the hood if it consists of two cutting elements.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung des Reisekissens von vorne

Fig. 2

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung des Reisekissens von hinten

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Darstellung des Reisekissens von hinten, bei dem die Kapuze teilweise aus dem Innern entnommen wurde

Fig. 4

zeigt aus gleichem Blickwinkel das Reisekissen mit Kapuze bei teilweise verschlossener Öffnung

Fig. 5

zeigt die einsatzbereite Kapuze aus einem Blickwinkel ähnlich zu Fig. 4

Fig. 6

zeigt das Reisekissen mit Kapuze in einer Nutzungskonfiguration

Fig. 7

zeigt das Reisekissen in einer Seitenansicht von hinten

Fig. 8

zeigt Reisekissen in einer Seitenansicht von links

Further features, but also advantages of the invention, result from the drawings listed below and the associated description. In the figures and in the associated descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features can also be included in other combinations of an object according to the invention. Every feature disclosed is therefore also in technically meaningful combinations with others Features revealed to consider. The illustrations are sometimes slightly simplified and schematic.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of the travel pillow from the front

Fig. 2

shows a perspective view of the travel pillow from behind

Fig. 3

shows a representation of the travel pillow from behind, in which the hood was partially removed from the inside

Fig. 4

shows the travel pillow with a hood with the opening partially closed

Fig. 5

shows the ready-to-use hood from a similar perspective Fig. 4

Fig. 6

shows the travel pillow with hood in a usage configuration

Fig. 7

shows the travel pillow in a side view from behind

Fig. 8

shows travel pillows in a side view from the left

Fig. 1 shows a travel pillow 10 according to the invention in a perspective view. The travel pillow is essentially U-shaped. Accordingly, it has a right leg 12 and a left leg 14. (The legs are labeled as the wearer sees them when using the pillow.) The two legs are through the middle part 16 connected. The cushion has an upper side 18 and a lower side 20. The right leg 12 ends in the right horn 22 and the left leg 14 ends in the left horn 24. A suitable shape of the legs and horns is indicated by the contour line K. A seam can also run along this contour line.

A closing loop 26 is provided on the right horn 22. This can be connected to the eyelet 28 on the left horn 24. The U-shaped pillow can be placed around the neck and closed at the front so that it supports the neck particularly well when traveling.

Fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the travel pillow 10 from the opposite direction, ie from behind. It can be seen that a first zipper 30 is provided on the back of the middle part 16. This includes in particular a first tab 32.

Fig. 3 shows the travel pillow from a perspective view, in which the viewing direction is chosen similar to that in Fig. 2 . This time, however, the first zipper 30 is open, accordingly the first tab 32 is not on the left side, but on the right side, that is, adjacent to the right leg 12. In this configuration of the pillow, the second tab 34 can be seen. It belongs to a second zipper. This is arranged behind the first zipper 30, so that it is in Fig. 2 is covered by this. The first band 36 of the first zipper can also be seen and the second band 38 of the first zipper can be seen opposite. With the second zipper, one can also see the first band 40, which runs parallel to the first band 36, and also the second band 42 of the second zipper. Opening the first zipper 30 has created the opening 46 in the outer shell 44. The foam filling 48 of the cushion can now be seen through this opening 46. It can also be seen that the Foam filling has a receiving space 52 which can accommodate the hood 50. The recording room has a wide slot-like opening.

If this opening of the receiving space 52 comprises two parallel edges, this is generally according to the invention and allows good access to the hood 50. It is also generally according to the invention if the receiving space 52 comprises a ceiling surface which comprises a flat section.

The hood 50 is a component of the travel pillow according to the invention and is essentially removed from the receiving space.

Fig. 4 shows a further perspective view. In this illustration, the opening 46 in the outer shell 44 is partially closed. For this purpose, the second tab 34 is moved to a middle position. It is obvious that when the second tab 34 is moved further towards the first tab 32, which can remain in its right end position, the opening 46 can be closed again. This is done with the second zipper 56. The connection seam 54, with which the hood is connected below the second band of the second zipper 42 to the outer cover 44 of the pillow, can also be clearly seen in this illustration.

Fig. 5 shows the travel pillow in a perspective view, similar to Fig. 4 . In this illustration, however, the hood 50 has been completely removed and is ready for use. The hood comprises a left part 58 and a right part 60. Both are connected by a central seam 62. The hood 50 also has a cord 64. In other embodiments, such a cord can also be dispensed with without further notice. At both ends of the opening 44, the hood 50 is not connected to the middle part 16 of the pillow 10. Here the hood forms a right tongue 66 and a left tongue 68. These are free from that Movable cushion part. In this way, the hood 50 and in particular the cord ends 70 can be gripped well if they are guided in the cord channel 72.

Fig. 6 shows the travel pillow 10 according to the invention in a state of use. The two legs, that is, the right leg 12 and the left leg 14 are placed around the neck. The closing loop 26 can be used to connect to the eyelet 28, but this does not have to be done and has not been done in the present configuration. The hood 50 can be comfortably placed around the head of a user after removal from the cushion cover 44.

Fig. 7 shows the side view of the more precise shape of the pillow. The view goes exactly from behind onto the pillow, that is to say the middle part 16. This is delimited at the top by the top 18 and at the bottom by the bottom 20. Loop 26 can be seen in the center. The first zipper 30 runs in a slightly arcuate manner, similar to an upside-down U. Seen from the top, the zipper is convexly curved.

As can be clearly seen in this illustration, the travel cushion has a first hump 72 and a second hump 74. Both are arranged symmetrically to the center perpendicular S of the pillow. They rise above the floor level H. Since the first zipper 30 is closed, the receiving space 52 cannot be seen. However, its location results directly from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 . The receiving space is expediently arranged between the central plane M and the floor plane H. It can also be partially below the central plane M, but should predominantly extend above it. This allows particularly good access to the hood.

Fig. 8 shows this in a side view Fig. 7 well-known pillows. The position of the floor level H, which results from the position, can again be seen the bumps 72 and 74 result. In this view, the view goes to the left leg 14, which ends in the left horn 24. The legs are cut so that the contour line K results, which represents a kink line in the surface. This was already in Fig. 1 visible. It can be seen in this side view that a third bump 76 is provided on the left leg 14. A fourth bump can be provided symmetrically to the right leg 12.

Overall, you can see how a comfortable travel pillow can be made, which has pressure-resistant humps and a hood. With the disclosed design, the travel pillow does not have to be very voluminous.

Reference list

10th

Neck pillow / travel pillow

12th

right leg

14

left thigh

16

Middle section

18th

Top

20th

bottom

22

right horn

24th

left horn

26

Closing loop

28

eyelet

K

Contour line

30th

first zipper

32

first rider

34

second rider

36

first band of the first zipper

38

second band of the first zipper

40

first band of the second zipper

42

second band of the second zipper

44

outer shell

46

opening

48

Pillow filling / foam filling

50

Hood

52

Recording room

54

Connection seam with the hood

56

second zipper

58

left part / cut part of the hood

60

right part / cut part of the hood

62

seam

64

cord

66

right tongue of the hood

68

left tongue of the hood

70

Cord channel

72

Hump

74

Hump

76

Hump

M

Middle plane

H

Ground level

S

Perpendicular bisector

K

Contour line

Claims (15)

Travel pillow (10), which is designed as a substantially U-shaped neck pillow and has a first leg (12) and a second leg (14), which are connected by a central part (16), and a circumferential inside and a circumferential outside and has an upper side (18), a lower side (20) and a central plane (M), the travel cushion (10) on its upper side (18) having a contour which comprises at least a first hump (72) which is above a floor plane (H), wherein the travel pillow (10) further has a hood (50) and a receiving space (52) for this hood (50), characterized in that the receiving space (52) at least partially below the floor level (H) of the hump (72) is arranged. Travel cushion (10) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving space (52) is arranged in the central part (16) of the cushion (10). Travel pillow (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving space (52) is arranged at least predominantly above the central plane (M) of the pillow (10). Travel pillow (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (52) has a ceiling surface which is flat. Travel pillow (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second hump (74). A travel pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third hump and a fourth hump (76). Travel pillow (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the third hump is provided in the region of the first leg (12) and the fourth hump (76) is provided in the region of the second leg (14) and in which the first hump (72) and the second bump (74) is arranged in the central part (16) and the receiving space is at least partially below the floor level (H) of the bumps (72, 74) in the central part (16). Travel pillow (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the extent of the receiving space (52) in the circumferential direction is no further than the distance between the bumps (72, 74) in the central region. Travel pillow (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow (10) comprises an outer cover (44) and a pillow filling (48) Travel pillow (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (52) for receiving the hood (50) is at least partially enclosed by the pillow filling (48). Travel cushion (10) according to the preceding claim, in which a recess is provided in the cushion filling (44), which can serve the hood (50) as a receiving space (52). Travel cushion (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a zipper (30) is provided in the outer cover (44), which in the open state enables access to the receiving space (52). Travel pillow (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the zipper (30) viewed from the top (18) is convex. Travel pillow (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cover (44) consists of at least two cutting elements which are connected to at least one seam and the opening is provided in the seam. Travel pillow (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hood (50) consists of two cutting elements (58, 60).

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