GB2407031A

GB2407031A - Pillow system

Info

Publication number: GB2407031A
Application number: GB0324365A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Indira Patel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-17
Filing date: 2003-10-17
Publication date: 2005-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-17
Also published as: GB2407031B; GB0324365D0

Abstract

An orthopaedic pillow system comprising at least 3 main pillows shaped to fit the contours of the neck and head of a user is used in conjunction with height-adjusting, supplementary pillows. The pillows are secured together and are in specially shaped outer covers. A measuring device is also disclosed for measuring the human body to select the most suitable combination of pillows for a particular user. A separator cushion which is placed between the legs and a cushion for sitting on when cross-legged are also disclosed.

Description

240703 1

PILLOW SYSTEM

This invention relates to a system of pillows, which are used to support parts of the s human body with the aim of preventing injury and enabling recovery from injury.

Pillows are a very important objects in everyday use, and the present invention relates to a system of specially shaped, pillows and cushions, which are utilised in providing comfort, alleviating pain and stress, and in instigating healing, whilst also preventing injury. The system also incorporates a measuring device, which provides convenient means for measuring essential dimensions of the human body, in order to select, for the system, the most suitable combination of pillows for a particular user.

The invention offers distinct advantages over existing orthopaedic pillows, and the like, because it gives rise to ranges of specially shaped pillows, which cater for a whole range of body dimensions, whereas, in contrast, existing orthopaedic pillows do not cater for the varying sizes and shapes of humans, and do not cater for correct support of the head and neck, when the user is lying, either on the back, or on the left or the right side.

An ancillary aspect of the invention is based on the realisation that improvements in the design of what has hitherto been considered a simple cushion, for use by those attending, for example, religious gatherings, will prevent users of the new design of cushion from sitting cross-legged on the floor, with their knee joints above their hip joints. This common practice is believed to be causing unnecessary injury to millions of people throughout the world. The desired novel features of the new cushion are also intended to overcome the general tendency for such cushions not to be used; which are: 1. Embarrassment and inconvenience in having to carry a cushion.

2. A tendency to forget to take the cushion away, when leaving the gathering.

The main invention is implemented in the form of at least three main shaped, pillows, which are used in conjunction with height-adjusting, supplementary pillows, which are fitted inside outer covers, which can all, thereby be fixed together in particular ways, by means of Velcrhook and eye material, or by means of press-studs, or the like, used on the outer covers. A centre pillow, provides support for the head and neck whilst the user is lying on the back, whilst left and right side-pillows, provide support for the head and neck whilst the user is lying respectively, on the left, or the right side.

The degree of resilience offered to the user, by the pillow system, is controlled by choosing particular materials of composition for the individual parts of the system.

One material which is recommended for use in the pillow system is latex foam.

Summary of Features

1. The pillow system is not designed for use by a person of just one size or shape.

2. The pillow system is designed and assembled, to fit the shape, and to suit the preferences, of the user.

3. Persons with neck problems can adjust the height of the pillow system as required, by adding, or removing, pillows to, and from, the system, respectively.

4. Every age of user can be catered for.

5. The personal preference of the user is satisfied from a choice of different materials in the top layer of each pillow, and the choice of firm, soft and softer, resilience, is achieved by selection from a range of packing materials such as: latex foam, Polyester cotton, duck down, and ordinary feathers.

6. The multi-layered characteristics of the pillow system, mean that parts will need replacing at intervals rather than all at once, when sufficiently worn out to affect the performance of the pillow system. This means that the user will not have to discard the whole pillow system, but merely to replace individual parts, at intervals.

7. The system is designed so that, in addition to supporting the vertebrae of the neck, it also correctly supports all of the bones of the skull, in i) the main spheroid, ii) the balancing system, and iii) the tempero-mandibulary joint. This, in turn, maintains shoulder-girdle, pelvic girdle, whole spine, knees and feet, in good homeostatic balance, throughout rest and sleep.

Although the specified shapes of the pillows can be adequately achieved by cutting the packing pieces to shape, a system which is based upon filling with air, and emptying (i.e. partial filling) of individual compartments, as in inflatable boats and the like, is 1 o suggested.

Existing products, referred to as Orthopaedic Pillows, do provide support for the neck vertebrae, but not for the head whilst the user is lying on the side, and there is a need to cater for users having different body dimensions, which these pillows do not do.

Compartmentalised inflatable pillows can be made so that the desired shape and dimensions of a particular pillow could be achieved more accurately and more quickly.

A system of pre-designed pillows, having dimensions which will cater for particular body sizes, can be created. Research on clothing in general, will provide valuable statistics. One would then finish up with optimum sets, within a particular range, which would cater for everyone in that range. A separate set could be designed for children. Marking of the outer casings and inner filling (when the latter is latex foam, for instance) with dimensions, would assist in making up a particular set. 2s

it will be shown, in the following account, how the above disadvantages are overcome and the explained features are implemented, in a system based on the use of a range of specially designed, and shaped, pillows, put together in certain configurations.

According to the present invention, a system of at least three main pillows, which are shaped to fit the contours of the neck and head of the user, is used in conjunction with height-adjusting, supplementary pillows, wherein, by use of specially shaped outer (RTM) covers, all of the pillows can be fixed together in particular ways, by means of Velcrq:- or hook and eye material, or by means of press-studs, or the like. In this system, a central pillow, provides support for the head and neck, whilst the user is lying on the back, whilst left and right side-pillows, provide support for the head and neck whilst the user is lying respectively, on the left, or the right side. s

In order to describe the invention in more detail, reference will now be made to the accompanying diagrams in which: Figure 1 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system lo in use.

Figure 2 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, elements of one variant of the pillow system.

Figure 3 shows, in schematic, two-dimensional form, a side elevation of one variant of the pillow system.

Figure 4 shows, schematic, two- and three- dimensional diagrams of embodiments of the pillow system.

Figure 5 shows, schematic, two- and three- dimensional diagrams of embodiments of the pillow system.

Figure 6 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, an exploded view of embodiments of the pillow system.

Figure 7 shows, in schematic, two- and three- dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system in use, with part of the pillow system removed so that elements of the system are easier to see.

Figure 8 shows, in schematic, two- and three- dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system in use.

Figure 9 shows, in schematic, two- and three- dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system in use.

Figure 10 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, an auxiliary variant of the pillow system in use.

Figure 11 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, elements of the pillow system.

Figure 12 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system in use.

Figure 13 shows, in schematic, three-dimensional form, one variant of the pillow system in use.

Figure 14 shows, in schematic, two-dimensional form, a measuring device, which is s used in conjunction with the pillow system.

With reference to Figure 1, which represents ordinary, and enlarged, three-dimensional schematic views, the pillow system, 1, is shown in use, supporting the head and neck, whilst the user lies on the back, on a mattress, 2. It is to be noted that, for convenience, and brevity, only the upper body, UB, is shown in place, resting on the back, on the pillow system and mattress, 2. It is also to be noted that, where the orientation of the remainder of the body is not relevant to the operation of the pillow system, it will not be shown in the diagrams.

With further reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the head, H. and neck, N. are resting between two similar, side-pillow combinations, SPI (left) and SP2 (right), on a central pillow combination, CPC, which is not visible in Figure 1, but which is shown in later Figures.

With reference to Figure 2, which represents ordinary, and enlarged, three-dimensional view, the same elements as are shown in Figure 1, are shown again, but with the upper body removed, and with more detail of the component elements of the system, revealed. It can be readily seen that the left hand, and right hand, side-pillow combinations, SP1, and SP2, respectively, actually contain separate pillows, SPB1 (build-pillow; left) and SPC1 (curved-pillow; left) and SPB2 (build- pillow; right) and SPC2 (curved-pillow; right). The central pillow combination, CP1, contains separate symmetrical central pillow, SCP, on which curved central pillow, CCP, rests.

With reference to Figure 3, which represents ordinary, and enlarged, twodimensional views, of side elevations of the pillow system, 1, as viewed from the right hand side, the various elements are as already described with reference to Figure 2, and therefore need not be referred to again. The bracketed identifiers, (SPC1) and (SPB1) refer to lo the objects which are obscured by the ones in front of them in the view.

With reference to Figure 4, which represents two- and three- dimensional views, the various elements of the pillow system are as already described with reference to previous Figures, but in addition, pillow covers, PC1, PC2, and PC3, are shown above their respective pillow combinations ready for the pillows to placed inside them.

Pillow cover, PC1, is provided with a rear central pocket, into which symmetrical central pillow, SCP, and curved central pillow, CCP, are placed, and the side pillow combinations, SP1 (left) and SP2 (right) are then placed into the left hand, and right hand pockets of PC1, respectively, which have flaps which are subsequently tucked-in.

Covers PC2, and PC3, are then placed over the left-hand, and right-hand, pockets respectively, of cover PC1.

With reference to Figure 5, which represents two- and three- dimensional views, the various pillows already described with reference to earlier Figures are shown again, but in raised positions, for clarity.

With reference to Figure 6, which represents a three-dimensional view, the various elements already described with reference to previous Figures are shown in their "in situ" positions, and also in enlarged form, around them. It is to be noted that, central curved pillow, CCP, is shown circled, in its uncurved state, because this pillow becomes curved when it is fitted into the central pocket of cover PC 1.

With reference to Figure 7, which represents two- and three- dimensional views, the positions of the head, H. and neck, N. in relation to the central curved pillow, CCP, and the symmetrical central pillow, SCP, below it, are shown in side-elevation and three-dimensional form, as viewed from a position to the right-hand side of the mattress, 2, on which the upper body, UB, lies. In order to see the relevant pillows more clearly, the right-hand pillow combination, SP2, has been removed.

With reference to Figure 8, which represents schematic, two- and threedimensional views, the positions of the head, H. and neck, N. in relation to the right hand side o pillow combination, SP2, when the upper body, UB, is rotated to the right, are shown.

It is pointed out that the diagrams are intended to demonstrate, schematically, the general principles of the pillow system in supporting the head and neck, with the arm/shoulder region of the upper body, supported by mattress, 2, and it is appreciated that the actual shape of the upper body will be somewhat different.

With reference to Figure 9, which represents two- and three- dimensional views, the positions of the head, H. and neck, N. in relation to the central curved pillow, CCP and the symmetrical central pillow, SCP, below it, are shown in side- elevation and three- dimensional form, as already shown in Figure 7, but with the addition of cloth helmet, HT, which covers part of the head, H. and part of the neck, N. Helmet, HT, is intended for use by babies, who, without its use, will tend to disturb the pillow system when moving about; a more detailed view of the helmet is shown in Figure 10.

2s With reference to Figure 10, which represents a three-dimensional view, the helmet, HT, is shown with its head region, HR, lying on the central curved pillow, CCP, with its neck region, NR, spread across this pillow, and across the left-hand and right-hand side-pillows, SP1, and SP2, respectively.

With reference top Figure 11, which represents a three-dimensional view, the basic configuration shown in Figure 1, is shown again but with the addition of covers, PC1, PC2, and PC3, as already shown in Figure 4.

With reference to Figure I 2, which represents a three-dimensional view, a representation of a person is shown lying on a mattress, 2, facing to the right, with the head and neck resting on pillow combination, SP2, with the legs placed in contact with a knee/leg separator cushion, KLSC. Cushion, KLSC, reduces pressure on the bony parts of the knees and the ankles, whilst also keeping the legs apart, as they would be when a person is in a standing position. It also stabilises the pelvis and prevents the person from rolling over onto the tummy. Without the separator cushion, KLSC, a person lying so that one knee is immediately above the other, suffers from tension in the muscles of the thighs, up to the hips. Moreover, whilst the separation of the thigh bones (femurs) at their upper ends, is fixed by the pelvis, there is no separation of the thigh bones at their lower ends, where they each meet the respective knee.

With reference to Figure 13, which represents a three-dimensional view, a cushion, C, is in the form of a rectangular right prism, and is shown supporting a person, who is seated with the lower part of the legs turned inwards, whilst sitting in a so-called, cross-legged manner. The cushion, C, has a horizontal upper surface, and the height of this surface above the ground is such that when a person is seated on it, the angle made by the thigh bones with the horizontal, is 15 degrees, with the hips at a higher level than the knees.

Cushion, C, is designed to avoid the common problem encountered with many seating systems, for example, benches, sofas, and car seats, wherein the surface of the seat which is in contact with the buttocks, slopes downwards towards the rear of the seat, thereby causing the hips to be at a lower level than the knees, which is bad for the person using the seat.

One suggested design for the cushion is rectangular in shape, having a cross-sectional plan view of 25 cm by 26.5 cm. The main cushion is built on a piece of Melamine chip-board which is 2.5 cm thick, and the latter rests on a section of sponge which is 2.5 cm thick. Immediately above the chip-board there is a layer of cuboid shaped foam chips of approximately 5 cm side, and the latter are contained within an outer cover made from sheet Poly Vinyl Chloride polymer. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cushion are dictated by the dimensions of the body.

With reference to Figure 14, which represents a plan view, the upper part, US, of the body of a person, is shown lying in a horizontal orientation, in relation to a measuring device, MD, which allows measurements of body dimensions to be made so that they can be used for designing the pillow system hereinbefore described with reference to Figures I to 13.

The measuring device, MD, consists of a ruler, R. which has a channel, CH, along which hollow supports, S1, S2, S3, and S4, slide. Each of these supports, carries a graduated measuring arm, MAT, MA2, MA3, and MA4, respectively, each of which lo can be moved backwards and forwards inside its support.

It is pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that the concept behind the pillow system is to utilise separate layers of support material in order to build up the required height in the particular application being utilised. This is facilitated by designing the pillow system in the form of outer covers, which can be filled with the necessary, separate "build pillows".

It is further pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that the dimensions of the various component parts of the pillow system are dictated by the dimensions of the human body, and so, will vary for different adults and for children.

Claims

1. A pillow system, which is used to support parts of the human body with the aim of preventing, and enabling recovery from, injury, by providing comfort, and by alleviating pain and stress, wherein the said system contains specially shaped, pillows and cushions, which are utilised by the user when they lie on their back or on their left or right side, and wherein the design of the said pillows is such that the varying sizes and shapes of humans, are catered for.

lo

2. A pillow system as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are at least three main specially shaped, upper pillows, which are shaped to fit the contours of the neck and head of the user, which are used in conjunction with height-adjusting, supplementary, pillows, at a lower level, wherein all of the pillows can be fitted inside outer covers which' allow all of the pillows to be fixed together in particular

RT

ways, by means of VelcroLhook and eye material, or by means of pressstuds, or the like, used on the outer covers, wherein a centre pillow, provides support for the head and neck whilst the user is lying on the back, and wherein left and right side pillows, provide support for the head and neck whilst the user is lying respectively, on the left, or the right side.

3. A pillow system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the said system is designed so that, in addition to supporting the vertebrae of the neck, it also correctly supports all of the bones of the skull, in i) the main spheroid, ii) the balancing system, and iii) the tempero-mandibulary joint, wherein this, in turn, maintains shoulder-girdle, pelvic 2s girdle, whole spine, knees and feet, in good homeostatic balance, throughout rest and sleep.

4. A pillow system as claimed in claim 3, wherein specified shapes of the pillows can be achieved by cutting internally placed packing pieces to shape.

5. A pillow system as claimed in claim 3, wherein specified shapes are achieved by the use of a system of compartmentalized, inflatable pillows, which involve filling of individual compartments with air and partial emptying of the said compartments in order to achieve a desired shape, and level of resilience, and wherein the desired shape and dimensions of a particular pillow can thereby be achieved more accurately and more quickly.

6. A pillow system as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the degree of resilience offered to the user, by the pillow system, is controlled by choosing particular materials of composition for the individual parts of the system, and wherein the personal preference of the user can be satisfied by use of a range of different lo materials in the top layer of each pillow, and wherein a firm, soft or softer, resilience, is achieved by selection from a range of packing materials such as latex foam, Polyester cotton, duck down, or ordinary feathers.

7. A pillow system as claimed in claim 6, wherein persons with neck problems can adjust the height of the pillow system as required, by adding, or removing, pillows to, and from, the system, respectively, and wherein the multi-layered characteristics of the pillow system, mean that parts will need replacing only at intervals, rather than all at once, when sufficiently worn out to affect the performance of the pillow system, wherein the user will therefore not have to discard the whole pillow system.

8. A pillow system as claimed in claim 1, which utilises a specially designed separator cushion, placed between the knees, thighs, and lower legs, which reduces pressure on the bony parts of the knees and the ankles, whilst also keeping the legs apart, wherein the said system stabilises the pelvis, and prevents the person from rolling over onto the tummy, wherein, without the separator cushion, a person lying so that one knee is immediately above the other, would suffer from tension in the muscles of the thighs, up to the hips.

9. A pillow system as claimed in claim 1, which utilises a cushion intended for use by those attending, for example, religious gatherings, wherein the said cushion will prevent users of the new design of cushion from sitting with their knee joints above their hip joints when seated cross-legged on the floor, wherein the said cushion is designed in order to overcome the general tendency for such cushions not to be used, due to embarrassment and inconvenience in having to carry a cushion and a tendency to forget to take the cushion away, when leaving the gathering.

10.A pillow system as claimed in claim 7, which utilises a specially designed measuring device which provides convenient means for measuring essential dimensions of the human body, in order to select, for the system, the most suitable combination of pillows for a particular user.

I 1. A pillow system, constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 14, ofthe accompanying drawings.