JP2008517686A - Ergonomic pillow - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention has a module-shaped main body having appropriate elastic characteristics and comprising two cylindrical side portions and a prismatic lower middle portion, and the user places the head in any state. In this case, the contact surface has a uniform pressure. The pillow can have a modular shape based on a half pillow and a thin layer member consisting of two basic members, the number and shape of which can be selected based on the desired elasticity and height.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a pillow specifically designed as a therapeutic tool to favorably support a user's head, neck and shoulders during sleep.

  As is well known, a normal pillow has an oval cross section to support the head and spine (more precisely, the neck of the spine) anatomically, ensure alignment, and use during sleep It is hard to say that it is ideal to fully support the person.

  Support of the head with such a pillow is usually irregular, causing various unpleasant symptoms and exacerbating spinal neck damage.

  Inadequate sleep support can cause headaches, neck pain, back pain, and other unpleasant muscle symptoms.

  This is because, as is well known, the human cervical vertebra is not straight and the neck vertebra is trapezoidal so that it curves forward. The seven vertebrae of the cervical portion of the spine are connected by six movable coupling parts and are moderately curved. Degenerative changes with age tend to compress the vertebrae and cause arthritis and other diseases. Injuries due to neck flexion and / or stretching can cause tissue swelling, which can cause pain by touching the nerves that emerge from the vertebrae.

  During sleep, the head and neck may be poorly supported due to unusual postures, which may cause the above-mentioned problems caused by excessive bending of the head, relatively frequent rotation, stretching, and the like.

  When sleeping, these postures, including the “chin pulled to the chest” posture, cause damage to the neck of the spine, torsion and irritation, damage to the neck, even in very healthy people May cause severe headaches. Up to 70% of headaches originate from the neck and shoulders for various reasons, and it is estimated that inappropriate sleep habits are a fundamental factor.

  Conventional pillows are too thick or too high to cause the above-mentioned "chin pulled to the chest" posture, causing the spine neck to bend excessively, or too low or too soft to bend the head and neck It is often in a state where it is not supported from the left and right and below. Conventional pillows do not have structural compatibility to compensate for these differences in support.

  In order to prevent this problem, a pillow with a special shape has been designed. For example, in the Spanish utility model No. 202.125, the front half is raised with a gentle curve, and the rear half is almost flattened. Even disclose low pillows. The purpose of this pillow is to support the head and neck of the spine properly, ensure proper alignment of these parts, and avoid non-compressed postures, resulting in inhomogeneities caused by inappropriate posture during sleep This is to prevent the stretch from occurring.

  The actual use of this pillow is limited by the deformation of a comfortable shape that tends to flatten the whole pillow, the use of unconsciously changing posture on the pillow during sleep and breaking the arch that supports the neck The person will inevitably have unpleasant symptoms and the benefits of the pillow will be impaired.

  Also, conventional pillows are not provided with any suitability to match support to specific anatomical features of the user or changes in posture during sleep. Despite being able to select pillows from a variety of materials and compactness, pillows are usually provided only in a single size configuration. In fact, athletes' physiques are quite different from those of children and the elderly. The shoulder width and the size of the head and neck may vary greatly from individual to individual. A pillow that supports the head of a girl who sleeps sideways and has an appropriate height is not suitable for a male athlete who sleeps sideways, has a wide shoulder width and places his head higher up from the floor . Some people prefer to sleep sideways while others prefer to sleep on their back or prone. In these postures, the head is at different positions and at different heights from the floor.

  In practice, it is necessary to adapt the position of the head to the condition of the pillow, so that depending on the volume and hardness of the pillow used, the position of the spinal column (more specifically, the neck portion of the spine) is affected. .

  In consideration of daily sleeping hours and other rests or naps, if the delicate position of the spinal column cannot be maintained in an appropriate position due to the position of the head on the pillow, it is inappropriate (inappropriate) for a long time Is likely to suffer from a disease resulting from maintaining a good posture.

  Diseases that can be caused by pillows that are too soft or too low or too hard or too high include feelings of not being able to sleep well when waking up, neck and shoulder discomfort, headache, muscle contraction, dizziness, actually just This includes conditions that can be attributed to organ dysfunction due to the use of inappropriate pillows.

  Recognizing these inappropriate properties, special pillows have been designed for the treatment of cervical diseases, and in fact, using these pillows can solve some of the problems, It is important to make an effort to provide a pillow that prevents cervical disease so that the normal use of the pillow does not cause such trauma.

For this purpose, patents disclosing technical solutions to the above-mentioned problems are known and intended to provide appropriate support for the head and neck by means of a pillow having a predetermined structure during special treatment. However, it is insufficient to provide important options for the support and comfort required for the anatomical diversity of users and the general public's sleep preferences during normal sleep.
Spanish Utility Model No. 202.125

  The object of the present invention is to have an anatomical and ergonomic configuration for properly supporting the user's body, and it does not substantially change over time, so that the user can change posture, The object is to provide a pillow having the most comfortable features that are maintained even when lying on its back or sideways.

  It is also an object of the present invention to provide a pillow that can be constructed by a user from basic predetermined members according to a function of height, elasticity and economic possibilities.

  The ergonomic pillow of the present invention better supports the head and neck during sleep and provides the features that are maintained regardless of the posture of the user using the pillow, and overcomes the above-mentioned problems in a very satisfactory manner. It solves the problem by reducing the unconscious turn over by trying to secure a more comfortable posture by dispersing the pressure by 80% and greatly improving the comfort during sleep.

  More specifically, the ergonomic pillow is cylindrical connected by a low intermediate prism, has a body that forms equal parts, and forms a reversible part (the surface can be used interchangeably) Has been. The cylindrical part close to the user's body functions as a place where the neck is placed, regardless of whether the body is on its back or sideways. It functions as a support surface, and the support part can be bent not only by the cylindrical part by elastic contraction of the material forming the pillow but also by the flexibility due to the swelling effect.

  Also, due to the swelling effect of the pillow's middle part of the pillow, when using the pillow, a pair of grooves having a basically triangular cross section are formed on the lower surface of the pillow between the prism and the cylindrical part, thereby convection. The heat generated and generated from the user's body can be dissipated.

  According to another feature of the present invention, the user can form a pillow in terms of elastic responsiveness and height, thereby allowing the pillow to be used more appropriately according to preference and desire, Give some hardness and provide separate support for the head and neck during sleep.

  For this purpose, more particularly, the pillow is constructed from a predetermined part or basic structure.

  The first basic structure is an outer part (half pillow) formed by dividing an ergonomic pillow with a horizontal symmetry axis.

  The other basic structure is formed by a rectangular thin layer member lower than the first basic structure.

  The selection and arrangement of the number and shape of these parts is made based on the user's preference and desire, and four basic shapes (sizes) are formed.

  The outer upper part functions as a support surface for the head and neck, and distortion occurs due to elastic contraction of the structural material of the pillow due to body weight. This distortion occurs equally in all juxtaposed parts.

  Due to the elastic strain action of the juxtaposed portions, grooves are formed in the contact surfaces of these portions, and the grooves generate convection to dissipate heat generated from the user's body.

  Each part has a different hardness depending on the material forming the pillow based on cost and two material types.

  The first group of materials (high quality materials) includes more expensive materials such as feathers, cellulose pads, hollow fibers, polyurethane, or other conventional materials that provide similar properties.

  The second group of materials (basic materials) includes cheaper materials such as polyurethane or similar materials, which are mainly used for thin layer members.

  The combination of these materials can provide a variety of priced pillows, i.e. pillows of the same module configuration with a price that gives the user a choice, and the user can customize it with the desired size and price You can choose a pillow.

  By incorporating a thin layer member, the pillow can be restored to the original size formed by the user when the selected shape is reduced or deformed due to the elastic strain generated in the pillow by continuous use, and the durability of the pillow Increase sex.

  In order to complete the specification and provide a better understanding of the features of the present invention, in accordance with examples of preferred embodiments of the invention, the drawings that form part of the specification are appended hereto and are described below. explain. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention.

  As shown in the drawings, in particular, FIG. 1, the ergonomic pillow proposed by the present invention has a cylindrical shape and two side portions (1-2) that are equal to each other are prismatic, and the cylindrical portion (1). A combination of materials having a shape connected by a lower intermediate part (3) and having suitable elastic properties.

  When the user uses the pillow in the supine state as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the user supports the part corresponding to the neck (4) by the prism (3), and the back of the head (5). The head (6) is placed so that is supported by a portion of the cylindrical portion (2) close to the body and the neck (7) is supported by the cylindrical portion (1).

  Depending on the weight of the user, the lower groove (8) initially formed by the height of the prismatic part (3) lower than the cylindrical parts (1), (2) comes into contact with the support surface of the pillow in the intermediate region After being deformed and swelled, a pair of air passages (9) and (10) are formed together with the side surfaces, and convection is generated in the air passage to dissipate heat generated from the body.

  When the user is in the sideways state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, that is, the crown (11) is supported by the prism or plane (3) and the cylinder (2), and at the same time the side of the neck Even when (12) is located on the cylindrical part (1), it realizes an ergonomic function and expands the support surface (ie, especially as shown in FIG. And reduce head pressure by avoiding gaps that prevent complete rest.

  As can be inferred from the above, the ergonomic pillow proposed by the present invention is suitable for all patients suffering from cervical disease, snoring and insomnia, and for those who usually have to sleep for a long time. It has very high expectations.

  On the other hand, as described above, in order to provide customized pillows of various sizes based on a series of basic members, the pillows can be modularly configured as shown in FIGS. In more detail, two different parts indicated by reference numerals (13) and (14) are provided in FIG. 6 as the pillow configuration module, and the first module is provided with a horizontal symmetry axis as shown in FIG. The part (14) is formed in a rectangular sheet shape thinner than the first module.

  By combining the above-mentioned parts, four basic usage sizes as shown in FIG. 7 can be formed by connection, and the user selects a module (part) to be connected and formed based on height and desired elasticity. To do.

  The half pillow (13) or sheet (14) can be made of high quality material or basic material. High quality materials include more expensive materials such as feathers, cellulose pads, hollow fibers, polyurethane related or other conventional materials that provide similar properties. The basic material is formed of a less expensive material such as polyurethane or similar material and is mainly used in thin layer members.

  By selecting the desired combination of materials to be used for each part selected by the user, it is possible to provide different price pillows by combining the above mentioned materials, i.e. having the same modular shape and different price pillows it can.

  By using different materials, the user can combine various modules according to his / her preference to obtain the desired elasticity.

  The ergonomic pillow proposed by the present invention has a predetermined shape by arranging the half pillow and the thin layer member selected by the user. In FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, the thin layer member is used. Connected or unconnected half pillows form one combination of one or more materials selected by the user for each part.

  When the pillow is used while the user is lying on the back, if the head (6) is placed so that the head and neck are supported by the upper half pillow (13), the half pillow (13) will elastically change according to weight. The entire pillow is distorted due to strain and elastic contraction of the structural material. Distortion occurs in the same manner in the entire arrangement, and after the bulge occurs, the air passage (15) is formed, and convection is generated in the air passage to dissipate heat generated from the body.

  In the case of using a half pillow on both sides of the pillow, a reversible member that can be used without distinguishing the surface of the half pillow can be formed.

  Also, if the pillow is reversible in the longitudinal and angular directions, the useful life of the comfortable shape of the pillow will increase.

  By incorporating the thin layer member, it becomes easy to restore the pillow to the original size desired by the user when the selected shape is reduced or deformed due to the elastic strain caused by continuous use.

  As can be inferred from the above, the suitability and modularity of the present invention allows the head and neck of various body types to easily achieve the ideal posture and keep the cervical spine in an anatomically neutral position. Provide a customized comfortable support for. In an anatomically neutral position, the cervical spine is aligned, placed and supported in a moderately curved state, avoiding flexion, rotation, or excessive stretching of the user's head and neck, comfort, safety and sleep Promote improvement.

  For the purposes mentioned above, the materials and means provided by the latest technology are used to achieve a rest that reinvigorates the user's vitality, slightly improves the user's energy and work efficiency, and further enhances personal health Providing products that contribute to the market.

1 is a perspective schematic view of an ergonomic pillow formed in accordance with the purpose of the present invention. FIG. The shape of the pillow of FIG. 1 is shown, and the body of the user in the supine state immediately before placing the head on the pillow is shown nearby. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the user's head placed on a pillow. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the user in a sideways state. FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the user in a sideways state as in FIG. 4. The shape of the basic part which forms a module pillow is shown. FIG. 4 is a side view of different combinations obtained using a basic module. It shows the shape of a modular pillow incorporating the maximum number of basic parts, and also shows details of a user who is lying on his / her back with the head placed on the pillow and just before placing the head on the pillow. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but corresponding to a medium basic pillow. FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9 but corresponding to a smaller basic pillow. FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 but corresponding to the smallest basic size pillow.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 Cylinder part, 3 Middle part, Prismatic part, 4 Neck, 5 Back head, 6 Head, 7 Neck, 8 Groove, 9, 10 Airway, 11 Parietal part, 12 Side part, 13 Half pillow, 14 Sheet , 15 Airway

Claims (8)

  An ergonomic pillow comprising three side parts (1-2) that are cylindrical and equal to each other, and a rectangular prismatic part (3) that is lower than the side part. A wide body that separates the prism from the support surface between the body of the pillow and the support surface of the pillow at both the predetermined position and the opposite position of the pillow. Ergonomic pillow, characterized in that a groove (8) is formed.   The ergonomic pillow according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate prism portion (3) is distorted as it swells to provide elasticity to the pillow in addition to the elasticity caused by the material used during the manufacture of the pillow.   In any one of the said claims, after distortion arises by the swelling of the said prismatic intermediate part (3) in the use position of the said pillow, two ventilation paths (9) between the said pillow and the said support surface An ergonomic pillow characterized in that -10) is formed and convection can pass through the air passage.   2. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the pillow has a modular structure based on two basic members, and one of the basic members (13) is formed by dividing the ergonomic pillow according to claim 1 with an axis of symmetry. An ergonomic pillow comprising a half pillow, wherein the other of the basic members is a rectangular second thin layer member (14).   5. Human being according to claim 4, characterized in that the basic member (13-14) has a consistency that varies depending on the material, which may be feathers, cellulose pads, polyurethane or other suitable conventional materials. Engineering pillow.   6. Human being according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that it is formed by connecting the desired basic members (13-14) whose number and shape are selected based on the desired height and elasticity and composition. Engineering pillow.   The upper half pillow (13) on which the user's head and neck are arranged is distorted in the whole pillow by elastic contraction of the structural material, and the distortion is all juxtaposed. An ergonomic pillow characterized in that it is equal in part and forms a ventilation path (15) for convection by bulging.   Ergonomic pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pillow is reversible in the longitudinal part and the annular part and can be used by being supported by one of two large surfaces.

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