GB2510644A

GB2510644A - Pillow

Info

Publication number: GB2510644A
Application number: GB201302459A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Mama
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-12
Filing date: 2013-02-12
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201302459D0

Abstract

A pillow 100 for substantially enclosing a user's head 120, to provide support to the user, is curved through greater than 180Â° and less than 360Â° to encircle and grip the head, and preferably leaves enough open face area to allow the user to breath. The pillow substantially extends between the shoulders and top of the users head and covers the users ears. The tight yet comfortable grip of the pillow allows it to move with the users head, which is useful when the user moves around in their sleep and for when the user is travelling around.

Description

IMPROVED PILLOW

BackQround Good quality sleep is important to people's health and well-being. Not achieving enough good quality sleep can result in increased reaction time, a higher risk of cardio-vascular disease, decreased accuracy, weight gain and other negative effects.

Pillows are popularly used as rests for the head, to provide comfort and support during sleep.

Additionally pillows can provide comfort and support during travel or for relaxing activities such as reading.

Disadvantages with current designs of pillow include providing inadequate support to the head and neck. Current designs of pillow do not move as the user moves which can cause further discomfort. These disadvantages can result in a reduced quality of sleep or sore muscles in the head, neck and shoulders following sleep.

The examples described below are not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages of known pillows.

Summary'

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

There is provided a pillow comprising a member which is curved through greater than 180° and less than 360°, and which extends between a top face and a bottom face in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the curve to, in use, extend substantially from the shoulders to the top of the head of a user, the pillow having a concave inner surface defining a hollow shaped to receive a human head.

A selection of optional features is set out in the dependent claims.

The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the DrawinQs

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pillow in accordance with the disclosure herein, Figures 2a -2d show alternative examples of pillows, Figure 3a shows a front view of a pillow in use on a users head, and Figure Sb shows a perspective view of a pillow in use on a user's head.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved.

The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

Figure 1 shows a pillow 100 comprised ofafoam member 102. The pillow 100 is of a curved shape to grip the users head. The curve is such that it comfortably engages the user's head.

The curve may continue from one end to the other of the foam member 102. In an example the curve may comprise straight sections. In other examples the curve may comprise differently curved sections.

The pillow has a concave inner surface 104 forming a hollow 108 for receiving the user's head and neck, and a convex outer surface 106. The hollow 108 may be round or elliptical in cross-section in the plane of the curve of the foam member 102, or any other suitable shape to comfortably receive a human head.

Figure Sa shows a front view of the pillow 100 in use on a users head 120. Figure Sb shows a perspective view of the pillow 100 in use on a user's head 120. The pillow 100 wraps around the users head 120 and neck, leaving all of or a portion of the face uncovered via the opening 110. The pillow 100 grips the users head to keep the pillow 100 in place relative to the users head. If the user repositions themself the pillow 100 moves with the users head 120.

The pillow 100 of Figure 1 has a top face 114 and a bottom face 116. In use the bottom face 116 is positioned in the region of the users shoulders, and the top face 114 is positioned towards the top of the user's head. For the purposes of this description, the top face 114 of the pillow 100 will be referred as the top of the pillow, and the bottom face 116 of the pillow 100 as the bottom of the pillow. Similarly the side comprising an opening 110 will be referred as the front of the pillow. These position descriptions refer to the typical positioning of the pillow 100 when in normal use.

In an example the hollow 108 is positioned in the centre of the top face 114. In other examples the hollow 108 has a non-central position.

In the pillow 100 of Figure 1 the pillow 100 has a uniform cross-section from the top face 114 to the bottom face 116. In the example of Figure 2a the outer surface 106 of the pillow 100 is curved in the axis between the top 114 and bottom 166 faces such that the outer perimeter of the cross-section varies from the top face 114 to the bottom face 116. Such an arrangement may provide improved comfort.

The opening 110 is formed between the ends 112 of the pillow 100. In an example the opening 110 has a uniform width between the top 114 and bottom 116 faces. In other examples the opening 110 may have a non-uniform width between the top 114 and bottom 116 faces which may better fit a person's facial shape.

The ends 112 of the pillow 100 may extend beyond the face of the user. The ends of the pillow may extend straight, as shown in Figure 2b.

In an example the ends 112 of the pillow 100 are square, as shown in Figure 2c. In other examples the ends 112 may be rounded or tapered.

In an example the outer surface 106 may follow a continuous curve.

The foam member 102 is preferably a light-weight, soft and breathable foam such as a polyurethane or similar foam. The foam member 102 may be formed of a single piece of material. In other examples the foam member 102 may be formed of multiple pieces, layers of different materials, or multiple layers of the same material. The foam may be selected to provide warmth and insulation to the head, neck and both ears. In another example the foam is selected to promote cooling of the head, neck and both ears. A foam selected to promote cooling makes the pillow particularly suited to use in warmer climates. The foam member 102 is preferably a non-allergenic material.

The curved shape of the pillow 100 allows the head to be placed within the hollow 108 and for the pillow 100 to grip the head of the user. The pillow 100 can provide support to the head and neck and stays in place relative to the head of the user when the user moves in their sleep. Additionally the pillow 100 can reduce noise because it covers both ears.

This design of pillow 100 may have advantages when used during travel. The curved shape of the pillow 100 may make the pillow particularly suited to travel in confined spaces, such as on trains or aeroplanes. The curved pillow 100 wraps close to and grips the user's head providing support to the head and neck on the back and both sides. This arrangement helps contain the pillow 100 within the user's own seat, which may be beneficial in travel. A regular, flat, full-sized pillow would not be expected to fit within a single aeroplane or transport seat, to provide support against the sides of the seat, or to reduce noise by covering both ears. The user may also use the pillow to rest against the side of the plane, train or car. When they move their head a normal pillow would fall down the side whereas the curved pillow will remain in place around the user's head.

The pillow 100 may be utilised by a user in any position, particularly when lying supine or on their side. The pillow 100 grips the head and may follow the user when the user rolls or moves in their sleep, increasing the comfort and promoting a higher quality of sleep than may be achieved with regular pillows. Since the pillow grips the head it is not lost should the user move during use.

The height Z of the pillow 100 is selected such that, in use, the pillow 100 extends substantially from a user's shoulders to the top of their head. The pillow 100 may have a height Z of 15 to 35 cm. In particular embodiments the height Z of the pillow may be 20 to 30 cm.

In the pillow 100 of Figure 1 the top 114 and bottom 116 faces are planar and parallel. In other examples the top 114 and bottom 116 faces may be non-planar, such as the example in Figure 2d where the bottom face 116 of the pillow 100 is shaped to fit a user's shoulders.

The width W of the pillow 100 is selected such that, in use, the pillow 100 provides support and comfort to the user. The width W may be 22.5 to 33cm.

The dimensions of the hollow 108 are selected such that, in use, the hollow 108 accommodates a human head comfortably while the pillow 100 maintains a grip on the head.

The depth X of the hollow 108 may be 12.5 to 16.5cm and the width Y of the hollow 108 may be 11.5 to 14 cm.

The pillow 100 subtends an angle around the hollow 108 selected so as, in use, to enclose a portion of the user's head and neck and provide a grip on the head. The angle subtended by the curved portion of the pillow 100 around the hollow 108 is greater than 180° and is less than 360°. The dimensions of the pillow 100 allow the pillow to accommodate different head sizes in the hollow 108, gripping the head to provide a snug and comfortable fit.

The pillow 100 may be enclosed in an inner cover. The inner cover may be a close fit to the foam member 102; this may reduce creases in the inner cover and may provide a smooth surface. The inner cover may be a loose fit to the foam member 102, this may allow for greater flexibility. The inner cover may provide protection to the foam member 102 and may reduce friction between the pillow 100 and objects in contact with the pillow, which could additionally allow a removable outer cover to be changed more easily if one is used.

The inner cover may be removably secured by fastenings. Suitable fastenings include a zip, snap-fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, ties and magnets. The inner cover may be sewn on to the foam. The inner cover may be made of a breathable material, a stretchy material, a waterproof material, a water-resistant material, or another suitable material as would be known by the person skilled in the art. Examples of suitable materials are cotton, poly-cotton, cotton stockinette, or polyester. The inner cover may improve the appearance of the pillow 100 by hiding the foam. The inner cover may be made of a waterproof material to prevent water from entering the foam. This example could be particularly suitable for use in travel or camping.

The pillow 100 may be provided with an outer cover, in addition to or instead of the inner cover described above. The outer cover provides a comfortable surface to the user and can be removed and replaced with a different cover. The outer cover also may provide protection against dirt and wear, and/or water when a waterproof or water-resistant material is used. The use of an outer cover might help extend the life of the pillow 100. The cover can be changed for a different activity, for example exchanging a cotton cover used in bed for a waterproof cover to take to the beach.

The outer cover may be a close fit to the pillow 100, which may provide a smooth surface.

The outer cover may be a loose fit which could facilitate easier changing of the cover. In an embodiment the outer cover is removable and may be removably fastened onto the pillow 100. Suitable fastenings include a zip, snap-fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, ties and magnets. The outer cover may be made of a breathable material, a stretchy material, a waterproof material, a water-resistant material or another suitable material or fabric as would be known by the person skilled in the art. Examples of suitable materials are cotton, poly-cotton, cotton stockinette or polyester. The outer cover may be made of a waterproof material to prevent water from entering the pillow 100. This example could be particularly suitable for use in travel or camping.

The pillow 100 may comprise many different curve shapes that achieve the benefit of gripping the user's head. The curve may be an arc, an arch, a horseshoe, a C' shape, comprise differently curved sections and may comprise straight sections.

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.

Any reference to an' item refers to one or more of those items. The term comprising' is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art.

Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A pillow (100) comprising a member (102) which is curved through greater than 180° and less than 360°, and which extends between a top face (114) and a bottom face (116) in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the curve to, in use, extend substantially from the shoulders to the top of the head of a user, the pillow (100) having a concave inner surface (104) defining a hollow (108) shaped to receive a human head.
2. A pillow (100) according to claim 1 wherein an opening (110) is defined between the ends (112) of the member (102), providing an opening for the face.
3. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the distance between the top (114) and bottom (116) faces is between 15 and 35cm.
4. A pillow (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the distance between the top (114) and bottom (116) faces is 20 to 30cm.
5. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the width (W) of the pillow (100) in a cross section in the plane of the top (114) and bottom (116) faces is between 22.5 and 33 cm.
6. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the depth (X) of the hollow (108) is between 12.5 and 16.5 cm.
7. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the width (Y) of the hollow (108) is between 11.5 and 14cm.
8. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein, in use by a user, the pillow grips the user's head.
9. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the outer perimeter of the cross section in the plane of the top (114) and bottom (116) faces varies between the top and bottom faces.
10. A pillow (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer perimeter of the cross section in the plane of the top (114) and bottom (116) faces is constant between the top and bottom faces.
11. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the curve of the pillow comprises differently curved sections.
12. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the curve of the pillow comprises straight sections.
13. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top face (114) of the pillow is planar.
14. A pillow (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the pillow has a top face (114) that is not planar.
15. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom face (116) of the pillow is planar
16. A pillow (100) according to any of claims ito 13 wherein the bottom face (116) of the pillow is shaped to fit a user's shoulders.
17. A pillow (100) according to any of the preceding claims, where, in use by a user, the pillow remains constantly positioned relative to a user's head.