IT202000007714A1 - IMPROVED PILLOW - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

IMPROVED PILLOW

The present invention relates to an improved pillow of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the present invention relates to a pillow designed to allow mainly, but not exclusively, the support of the head, by a user, to facilitate the rest of the latter.

As is known, pillows are objects having very variable shapes, for example rectangular, triangular, circular or other, substantially soft and usually comprising a wrapping of cloth or fabric including stuffing material. The pillow, or pillow,? therefore usually positioned on top of mattresses, for example to rest the head during sleep, sofas, armchairs or even floors.

In the meaning pi? general, the pillow? in fact substantially a support device having a predetermined shape and volume.

The padding, which determines its softness, usually includes artificial fibers, wool, feathers or synthetic materials.

The pillows according to the known art comprise important drawbacks.

In fact, an important parameter for the choice of pillow? its thickness or height, which varies according to use and according to the physical conformation of the user.

This parameter? decided at the time of purchase and can not? be changed at a later time.

Therefore there are no cushions with variable height.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention? devising an improved pillow capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

As part of this technical task? an important object of the invention to obtain an improved pillow which is capable of varying its volume on command. The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by an improved pillow as claimed in the attached claim 1.

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a front view, from the point of view of the object, of an improved pillow according to the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3? a side sectional view of an example of an alternative embodiment of an improved pillow according to the invention;

Fig.4a represents a side sectional view of an embodiment example of an improved pillow without holes according to the invention at rest;

Fig. 4b shows a side sectional view of an embodiment example of an improved pillow without holes according to the invention in use with the support portion 3 inflated and supporting the head of a user;

Fig. 5a illustrates a side sectional view of an embodiment example of an improved pillow with orthopedic shape according to the invention in use;

Fig. 5b? a side sectional view of an embodiment example of an improved pillow with cervical support according to the invention at rest;

Fig. 6a represents a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment in which the slider? in the open position;

Fig. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment in which the slider? in closed position;

Fig. 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in an alternate embodiment in which the slider is in the open position; And

Fig. 7b? a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in an alternate embodiment in which the slider is in the closed position.

In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as unless there are measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, unless there is a slight divergence from the value, measure, shape or geometric reference to which? associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Also, when used, terms such as? First ?,? Second ?,? Superior ?,? Inferior ?,? Main? and? secondary? do they not necessarily identify an order, a priority? of relationship or relative position, but they can simply be used for more? clearly distinguish different components from each other.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533: 1975).

With reference to the Figures, the pillow according to the invention? globally indicated with the number 1.

Preferably, the 1? able to support and / or protect an object, such as a portion of the human body or a device or other. The pillow 1 can, therefore, be a common pillow that can be combined with a mattress, as happens in common beds, or it can? be part of a sofa, or other support device.

In addition, the pillow 1 can? be used in the home, but also in the medical field.

Preferably, the pillow 1 comprises at least a support portion 2 and a support portion 3.

The support portion 2 and the support portion 3 are substantially two parts or areas of the pillow 1 which define, or at least can define, different physical characteristics to the pillow 1.

Basically, the portions 2, 3 can appear as two different layers of the pillow 1, preferably mutually superimposed as shown in Fig. 3, or the support portion 2 can? be framed within the support portion 3.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in Fig.2, the support portion 2 preferably includes the support portion 3. Substantially, furthermore, the support portion 2? a hollow pillow body including the support portion 3. Furthermore, the support portion can be present only in a part of the pillow 1 or have different thicknesses to make a pillow with cervical support or something else.

The support portion 2 is, in fact, preferably configured to allow the support of an object. The object, as mentioned, can? be any solid body or, in any case, defining a weight and a shape, sustainable with the pillow 1.

Therefore, the object could simply be a user's head or a part of the user's body.

Preferably, the resting portion 2 includes a first material 2a, preferably soft, more? preferably soft understood in the sense hereinafter described about the compressible solid body 31.

The first material 2a? preferably a non-homogeneous material, such as down and similar non-homogeneous materials known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the first material 2a? preferably polymeric, pi? preferably viscoelastic foam material, more? preferably of the type described below regarding the compressible solid body 31. In the latter case, or also in the preceding ones, the support portion 2 could, moreover, include a plurality of elements. of holes 20.

Preferably and if present, the holes 20 are adapted to favor the transpiration of the pillow 1. Therefore, suitably, they preferably extend perpendicularly to the contact surface of the support portion 2.

If the support portion 2 defines a pillow-like body, the holes 20 are substantially through and pass through the support portion 2 from side to side. The holes 20 can therefore be arranged along the entire contact area defined by the support portion 2, as shown in Fig.1.

Alternatively, perspiration? guaranteed by the non-homogeneity? of the material 2a.

The support portion 3? preferably and mainly adapted to support the support portion 2.

In particular, the support portion 3? adapted to support the support portion 2 in such a way that the support portion 2 is arranged, in use, between the support portion 3 and the object.

Therefore, preferably, the resting portion 2? substantially intended to face the object at its contact surface. If, therefore, the pillow 1 defines a layered configuration, such as the configuration shown in Fig. 3, the resting portion 2? preferably, in use, superimposed on the support portion 3 and the latter can, for example, rest on a surface.

In any case, preferably, but not necessarily, the holes 20 connect the support portion 3 with the outside of the pillow 1.

The support portion 3 preferably comprises a membrane 30 and a compressible solid body 31.

The membrane 30 is preferably airtight and flexible. Furthermore, it defines a chamber 3a.

Room 3a? preferably the volume portion enclosed by the membrane 30.

The membrane 30 also comprises a valve 4.

Valve 4? preferably adapted to allow the introduction or extraction of air from the chamber 3a on command.

The compressible solid body 31? preferably housed in chamber 3a. The membrane 30 can be glued either integral to the solid body 31 or separated from it.

Pi? in detail the limb 30? made, preferably, in a continuous polymeric material, or in a fabric impregnated with polymeric material which makes it airtight.

It forms the chamber 3a, closed by the membrane 30 itself and comprises the valve 4 at its surface.

The valve 4, preferably two-way,? preferably controllable from the outside of the pillow 1.

Preferably, the valve 4 comprises a housing 40. The housing 40? preferably placed in a fluid passage connection with the chamber 3a and with the outside. Therefore, the casing 40 allows the introduction or the escape of air from the chamber 3a.

Furthermore, the valve 4 comprises a spool 41. The spool 41? housed at least partially inside the casing 40. Furthermore, the slider 41? configured to move at least partially inside the enclosure 40, on command, along at least a predetermined direction.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figs. 6a-6b, the cursor 41 moves entirely and? housed entirely within the housing 40. In the alternate embodiment shown in Figs. 7a-7b, the cursor? housed only in part in the casing 40 and moves only in part within the casing 40.

In any case, the envelope 40 defines a first extremity. 40a and a second extremity? 40b. The first end? 40a? the portion of casing 40 adjacent to the chamber 3a. The second end? 40b? the portion of the envelope adjacent to the external environment.

The cursor 41 preferably moves between the first end. 40a and the second extremity? 40b.

Even more? in detail, the first extremity? 40a includes at least a first hole 42. The first hole 42 connects the chamber 3a with the casing 40. Therefore, if plugged, the hole 42 prevents the passage of air between the chamber 3a and the outside.

The cursor 41 therefore defines at least one closing position in which the cursor 41? positioned in adhesion with the first end? 40a and plug hole 42.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the slider 41 defines at least one opening position in which it? moved away from the first extremity? 40a towards the second extremity? 40b and frees the first hole 42. In fact, the slider 41 preferably includes a stem and a base in which the base which plugs the casing 40 from the side of the first end. 40a facing the second extremity? 40b.

In the alternative embodiment, the slider 41? instead moved away from the first extremity? 40a and from the second extremity? 40b towards chamber 3a. In fact, in the alternative embodiment the slider 43 includes a stem and a base which plugs the casing 40 from the side of the first end. 40a facing chamber 3a. The second end? 40b can be, therefore, provided with one or more? second holes 43. The second holes 43 place the casing 40 in communication with the external environment. Therefore, the second holes 43 allow the air to flow or drain directly towards or from the external environment.

Therefore, the slider 41, in general, defines at least a closed position in which it obstructs the passage of air inside the casing 40 and an open position in which it allows the passage of air into the casing 40.

Furthermore, the valve 4 comprises opposition means 44.

The opposition means 44 are configured to oppose the movement of the slider 41 from the closed position to the open position. In particular, the opposition means 44 are configured to allow the automatic return of the cursor from the open position to the closed position.

Such opposition means 44 can be elastic devices, such as a rubber element, a spring or other equivalent devices.

In conclusion, the valve 4 comprises control means 45.

The control means 45 are connected to the slider 41 and accessible from the outside of the pillow 1. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the control means 45 include a deformable elongated element, for example a wire or a rope. In this case, the control means 45 are configured to pull the slider 41 when placed under tension.

In the alternative embodiment, the control means 45 may include a rigid button configured to push the slider 41 when pressed. In particular, in this configuration, the button can? occupy the entire second end? 40b and, in fact, realize the same extremity. In this case the holes 43 are arranged on the same control means 45, as shown in Figs. 7a-7b.

Or, the button can? be more? reduced and can? occupy only part of the second end? 40b. in this second case, the holes 43 can still be arranged on the second end? 40b.

The control means 45 are, in any case, preferably operatively connected to the slider 41 and protrude, passing through the second hole 43 or occupying the second end. 40b, towards the external environment.

In particular, the control means 45 allow the slider 41 to be brought, on command, from the closed position to the open position in opposition to the opposition means 44.

Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the slider 41 can? move to the open position for two substantial reasons: when the volume of the chamber 3a is reduced and the air pushes the slider 41 into the opening and exits from the chamber 3a, or when the control means 45 moves the slider 41 into the open position, for example to allow air to enter chamber 3a again to restore the original volume of chamber 3a.

In the alternative embodiment, the slider 41 can pass into the open position only when the control means 45 move the slider 41 to the open position.

Finally, in the preferred embodiment, the valve 4 can? include a handle 46.

If present, the handle 46? preferably ergonomic and configured to facilitate the use of the control means 45.

Together with the valve 4, the pillow 1 could also comprise pressurizing means 5.

The pressurizing means 5 can comprise at least one vacuum pump. The pressurization means 5, in any case, can be of the electric or manual type or other. They can be adapted to substantially realize the vacuum inside the membrane 30, that is to say to do s? that the volume enclosed by the chamber 3a is substantially nil or in any case reduced to the minimum possible occupation. Or they can be adapted to pressurize the chamber 3a by introducing air into the chamber 3a in such a way as to inflate the chamber 3a itself. When the object? resting on the supporting surface 2, preferably, it crushes the chamber 3a, reducing its volume. The air comes out, for example, from the valve 4. When the object? removed from above the pillow 1, preferably, the air re-enters the chamber 3a through the same valve 4 and allows the expansion of the volume of the chamber 3a up to the initial configuration in the absence of objects.

Even the compressible solid body 31 can? favor or help the expansion of the chamber 3a.

The compressible solid body 31, in detail,? preferably made of material, or materials, which, when the membrane 30? placed under vacuum, its volume is reduced by at least 5%. Pi? preferably the said volume is reduced more? of 10%, more? preferably still, more? of 20%, more? preferably still, more? of 30%, more? preferably still, more? of 40%, more? preferably still, more? of 50% and more? preferably even more? 60%.

The said compressible solid body 31 therefore has a compressibility coefficient? ?, according to the well-known formula? = -? V / (V? P), preferably greater than 0.5 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 1 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 2 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 3 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 4 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 5 GPa <-1>, pi? preferably greater than 6 GPa <-1>.

The compressible solid body 31 preferably comprises, or? made of, a polymer foam, preferably a polyurethane foam, which? preferably with open cells and preferably highly expanded. For example, similar materials are known with the term foam rubber. Other similar materials are known under the misnomer of sponge. The compressible solid body 31 can? be in Foam <? > or similar materials.

The membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 therefore define a bladder, which however, in the position of maximum extension, appropriately maintains the shape of the compressible solid body 31 which can be arbitrary and not limited to the rounded and spherical shapes of known bladders.

The compressible body 31, as an alternative to the pressurization means 5 or in addition, can? also be compressed, as already? said, exclusively by external forces such as the weight of the human body or objects.

In other words, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are exclusively adapted to allow expansion or shrinkage of the volume of the chamber 3a at most equal to the volume defined by the compressible solid body 31. Preferably, the membrane 30 is not allowed to swell further. in that, in detail, the pillow 1 is preferably subjected to pressures mainly lower than the atmospheric one which, when maximum, are approximately equal to the atmospheric one. In particular, the compressible solid body 31? exclusively used at volumes equal to or less than the volume of the compressible solid body 31 at ambient pressure.

The pillow 1 can? therefore comprising, in an alternative configuration, exclusively means for extracting the air from the compressible solid body 31, such as in particular the pressurizing means 5, and does not comprise a pump for introducing air into the chamber 3a, since for the introduction itself can? atmospheric pressure be sufficient.

The membrane 30 therefore defines a configuration of minimum extension and one of maximum extension. In the configuration of minimum extension which substantially there are no gasses inside the membrane 30 and the atmospheric pressure compresses the compressible solid body 31 with the pressure of about 1 bar, reducing its volume to the maximum. The configuration of maximum extension preferably the compressible solid body 31 is not? substantially compressed by the membrane 30, which preferably surrounds precisely the same compressible solid body 31, substantially adhering to the latter. In this configuration, the pressure inside the membrane 30? preferably the ambient pressure, alternatively the membrane 30 could define a chamber 3a with an internal volume greater than the volume of the compressible solid body 31, and the configuration of maximum extension could in any case provide for a slight depression (for example 0.1-0.2 bar) which allows to substantially maintain the shape of the compressible solid body 31.

In addition to what already? described, the pillow 1 can? also comprise a control portion 32, preferably inside the membrane 30.

The control portion 32 can? be substantially rigid or non-deformable. Furthermore, it is, if present, preferably more? rigid with respect to the compressible solid body 31. In detail, the control portion 32? sufficiently rigid, with respect to the pressures involved in the operation of the pillow 1, to be substantially not deformed in any configuration.

The control portion 32 can? include a plate, or a layer, integrally constrained to part of the compressible solid body 31, preferably along one side of the compressible solid body 31. Such a constraint? obtained preferably by gluing.

For example, you can? considering as substantially non-deformed a control portion 32 whose volume is not deformed by more than 5% of the initial volume not stressed as a result of the pressure gradients imposed.

The control portion 32 is, furthermore, preferably arranged adjacent to the membrane portion 30 comprising the valve 4 in such a way as to allow the valve 4 to be in fluid passage connection with the internal volume of the chamber 3a through the control portion 32.

Also, preferably, the control portion 32? preferably breathable. For example, this control portion 32 can? be made of a material such as a non-woven fabric, preferably with a thickness greater than 1 mm, or of a net made of rigid material, of polymeric or metallic material or other materials which allow to obtain the aforementioned characteristics.

This control portion 32? substantially adapted to control the deformation of the device 1. In fact, when the pressurization means 5 create a depression inside the chamber 3a by means of the valve 4, the control portion 32, and the portion of the compressible solid body 31 directly connected to the control portion 32, maintains its shape while the compressible solid body 31 is compressed.

Furthermore, in detail, the compressible solid body 31 is compressed towards the control portion 32, preferably arranged at the valve 4. Therefore, the control portion 32, if present, defines a privileged compression direction, perpendicular, for example, to the side or to the surface of the solid body 31 on which? glued the control portion 32.

In relation to the shape and extent of the control portion 32? possible to control the deformations to which? subjected the pillow 1.

The functioning of the pillow 1 previously described in structural terms? the following.

The pillow 1 and in particular the membrane 30 including the compressible solid body 31? it can be used to allow a user who rests the head on the pillow 1 to control the shape of the pillow 1 itself. Basically, the 1? able to vary its volume thanks to the support portion 3.

In fact, the support portion 3 can? vary, by inflating and / or deflating on command or under the pressure of a patient, such as the head of a user, the volume of the pillow 1.

In particular, when not in use, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are preferably in the configuration of maximum extension. Membrane 30? therefore substantially expanded and the compressible solid body 31 occupies the maximum volume of the chamber 3a. In this configuration, when the user's head rests on the pillow 1, the membrane and the compressible solid body 31 can be brought to the configuration of minimum extension or an intermediate extension.

There? can take place, through the valve 4, thanks to the thrust exerted by the head of the user and / or to the aid of the pressurization means 5, which in any case are not necessary. The escape of air can? also be caused by the compression of the pillow, folding it on itself and with the help of the weight exerted with the hands. The solid body 31 therefore compresses in a manner proportional to the pressure received by the user's head, even up to the configuration of minimum extension or to a preferred intermediate configuration. The user, if necessary, can? also introduce air into the chamber 3a in such a way as to inflate the chamber 3a itself and adjust the stiffness and shape of the pillow 1.

In this configuration, for example, the user is at ease on the pillow 1. In this position, moreover, the membrane 30 maintains the shape of the compressible solid body 31, which can? be arbitrary and of any type.

For example, if the pillow 1 has an orthopedic shape including, for example, a cervical support, as shown in Figs 5a-5b, the support portion 3 can? be limited to a central area of the pillow 1 in such a way as to vary the size of the pillow 1 exclusively in the central area while maintaining the protuberance of the cervical area unchanged.

Furthermore, in a subsequent period, the valve 4 and / or the pressurization means 5 can again introduce the air into the membrane 30, allowing the expansion of the solid body 31 and arrange them in a configuration of maximum extension, or in any case in a configuration of greater extension. extension.

The procedure described could also? be realized in reverse and have a second functioning. Therefore, in this second case, when not in use, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are in the configuration of minimum extension, the membrane 30? then substantially under vacuum and the compressible solid body 31 compressed.

Afterwards, the air can? re-enter through the valve 4, possibly also thanks to the aid of the pressurization means 5, which in any case are not necessary. The solid body 31 can you? then expand as desired by the user, for example in a counter-shaped manner with respect to the user's head, until reaching the maximum extension configuration or a preferred intermediate configuration. In this position, moreover, the membrane 30 maintains the shape of the compressible solid body 31, which can? be arbitrary and of any type and, in particular, what? impressed by the user, as shown in Figs 4a-4b.

In a subsequent period, the pressurization means 5 can, if present, again extract the air from the membrane 30, compress the solid body 31 and arrange it in a configuration of minimum extension, or in any case in a configuration of less extension.

In addition, the pillow 1 can? carry out its own functioning, both the first and the second functioning, also with the addition of the elements described above.

In addition, the pillow 1 can? carry out its operation also with the addition of the elements described above. For example, the direction of deformation can? be controlled by means of the control portion 32.

The improved pillow 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the improved pillow allows you to vary your volume and in particular your height.

Moreover, advantageously, the reaction of the support portion 2 remains unaltered, which behaves substantially like any soft material.

The pillow 1 is therefore more configurable and comfortable than the cushions of the known art.

The invention? susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Pillow (1) comprising: - a support portion (2) configured to allow the support of an object and including a first soft material (2a), - a support portion (3) adapted to support said support portion (2) in such a way that said support portion (2) is arranged, in use, between said support portion (3) and said object, and including - a flexible airtight membrane (30), defining a chamber (3a) and comprising a valve (4) adapted to allow the introduction or extraction of air from said chamber (3a) on command, and - a compressible solid body (31) housed in said chamber (3a) and made of a second material (31a) which, when said membrane (30)? placed under vacuum, its volume is reduced by at least 5%., and characterized by the fact that - said valve (4) comprises: - a casing (40) in fluid passage connection with said chamber (3a) and with the outside, - a slider (41) configured to move at least partially within said casing (40), on command, along at least a predetermined direction in such a way as to define at least one closing position in which it obstructs the passage of air within said casing (40) and an open position in which it allows the passage of air inside said casing (40), - opposition means (44) configured to oppose the movement of said slider (41) from said closed position to said open position, and - control means (45) connected to said slider (41), accessible from the outside with respect to said cheek pad (1) and configured to bring, on command, said slider (41) from said closed position to said open position in opposition to said opposition media (44). Pillow (1) according to claim 1, wherein said control means (45) includes a deformable elongated element configured to pull said slider (41) when placed in tension. Pillow (1) according to claim 1, wherein said control means (45) includes a rigid button configured to push said slider (41) when pressed. Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said compressible solid body (31)? exclusively used at volumes equal to or lower than the volume of said compressible solid body (31) at ambient pressure. Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second material (31a) when said membrane (30)? placed under vacuum, its volume is reduced by at least 50%. Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said volume variation of said compressible solid body (31) modifies the height of said pillow (1). Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second material (31a) comprises a polymeric foam. Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said first material (2a) comprises a material of the shape memory type. Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said support portion (2)? a hollow cushion body including said support portion (3). Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said support portion (2) includes a plurality of of holes (20) suitable to favor the transpiration of said pillow (1). Pillow (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein membrane (30)? glued to the external surface of said compressible solid body (31).