MX2009004876A - Adjustable pillow device. - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable pillow device includes a base (3) adapted to be disposed on a supporting surface (100), a pillow unit (4) disposed above the base (3) and movable vertically relative to the base (3), and an adjustable supporting unit (5) mounted on the base (3), disposed between the base (3) and the pillow unit (4) and operable so as to support the pillow unit (4) in a desired state.

Description

ADJUSTABLE PILLOW DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a pillow, more particularly to an adjustable pillow device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional pillow includes a hollow structure that is configured with a plurality of chambers, each of which is received with a plurality of inflatable airbags therein and filled with liquid therein. The hardness and thickness of the conventional pillow can be adjusted through the change of air quantities in the air bags. However, the shapes of the airbags are not fixed and the airbags can not be effectively placed in the chambers during use. Therefore, the conventional pillow can not provide stable support. In addition, frequent change of air quantities in the air bags is inconvenient during use. Figure 1 illustrates another conventional pillow 2 which includes a plurality of base pads 21 and an upper pad 22 placed on the base pads 21. The base pads 21 and the upper pad 22 are made of an elastic material. The upper pad 22 has a convex portion 221 and a flat portion 222 to support respectively the neck and head of the human body therein. However, a difference in height between the flat portion 222 and the convex portion 221 is fixed. Therefore, the conventional pillow 2 can not accommodate different users. In addition, since the base and upper pads 21, 22 are elastic, the conventional pillow 2 can not provide adequate support for the neck of a human body when the human body is lying on its side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an adjustable pillow device that can overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art. According to this invention, a pillow device comprises: a base adapted to be placed on a support surface; a pillow unit placed on the base and movable vertically relative to the base; and an adjustable support unit mounted on the base, positioned between the base and the pillow unit and which can function to support the pillow unit in a desired state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with respect to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional pillow; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the parts showing the preferred embodiment of a pillow device according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a base and a pillow unit of the preferred embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken along the line V-V in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic side view illustrating the preferred embodiment in a state of use; Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken along the line VIII-VIII; Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view illustrating that a second pillow structure of the preferred embodiment is set to a higher position; Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 4; and Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view illustrating that a third pillow structure of the preferred embodiment is set to a higher position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With respect to Figures 2 to 4, the preferred embodiment of a pillow device according to this invention is shown to include a base 3, a pillow unit 4 and a support unit 5 and a cushion cover 6. The base 3 is rectangular and is adapted to be placed on a support surface 100 (see Figure 5). In this modality, the base 3 is formed with two first openings 31 aligned between them in a first direction (X), and two second openings 31 '(only one shown) opposite each other in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction ( X) in such a way that the first openings 31 are placed between the second openings 31 '. The base 3 is further formed with two first guide units each having a plurality of vertically extending guide rods 32 which are positioned around one of the first corresponding openings 31 and two second guide units each with a plurality of guide rods 32. 'vertically extended that are placed around one of the corresponding second openings 31 '. That is, the guide rods 32, 32 'extend in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the first and second directions (X, Y). The pillow unit 4 is placed on the base 3 and can be moved vertically relative to the base 3. In this mode, the pillow unit 4 includes first and second rigid pillow structure 41, 42 aligned therebetween in the first direction (X) and adapted to support respectively the head and neck of a human body therein when the human body is lying on the supporting surface 100, as shown in Figure 5 and a pair of third rigid pillow structures 43 opposite each other in the second direction (Y) so that the first and second pillow structures 41, 42 are placed between the third pillow structures 43. Each third pillow structure 43 is adapted to support the head of the human body therein. when the human body lies sideways on the support surface 100 as shown in figure 6, and has a higher surface area higher than that of the first and second all of the pillow structures 41, 42, as shown in Figure 3. It is noted that, in this embodiment, the third pillow structures 43 are separated from the second pillow structure 42. The pillow unit 4 also includes a pair of pillows. elastic connecting elements 44. Each connecting element 44 consists of a plurality of elastic flanges, has a connecting end 441 connected to one of said corresponding opposite sides of the second pillow structure 42 in the second direction (Y), to a free end 442 opposite the connection end 441 in the second direction (Y) and extending towards one of the corresponding third pillow structures 43 through a plurality of holes 431 traversing therein and a guide portion 443 connected to a connecting end 441 and placed between the second pillow structure 42 and one of the corresponding third pillow structures 43 such that the second pillow structure 42 cooperates with the guide portions 443 of the connecting elements 44 to constitute a concave structure interconnecting the third pillow structures 43 as shown in Figures 3 and 7. The support unit 5 is mounted on the base 3, is placed between the base 3 and the pillow unit 4 and can operate to support the pillow unit 4 in a desired state. Preferably, the support unit 5 can function to adjust each of the first, second and third pillow structures 41, 42, 43 in the vertical direction (Z) so that each of the first, second and third pillow structures 41 , 42, 43 is supported by the support unit 5 at a desired height relative to the support surface 100 when the pillow unit 4 is in the desired state. In this case, a desired height difference between the first and second pillow structures 41, 42 is formed. In this embodiment, the support unit 5 includes a pair of first supporting elements 50 corresponding to the first and second pillow structures 41, 42 and a pair of second support elements 50 respectively corresponding to the third pillow structures 43. Each of the first support elements 50 can function to support one of the first and second pillow structures corresponding 41, 42 at the desired height relative to the support surface 100 and includes a mounting plate 51, a pair of support seats 52 and a spring-loaded coupling unit 53 for each first support element 50, the plate assembly 51 is mounted on a lower side of one of the first and second corresponding pillow structures 41, 42 and is formed with a plurality of through holes 511 permitting extension of the guide rods 32 of a first guide unit corresponding to through which the mounting plate 51 is guided by the guide rods 32 of the corresponding first guide unit to move with relation to the base 3 in the vertical direction (Z). The support seats 52 are opposite each other in the second direction (Y), are mounted on the base 3 and flank the mounting plate 51. Each of the support seats 52 has a lateral surface facing towards the other of the support seats 52 and formed with a plurality of coupling slot 521. The spring-loaded coupling 53 is positioned below the mounting plate 51 and on one of the corresponding first openings 31 in the base 3 and can function to releasably couple the support seats 52 to support a assembly of the mounting plate 51 and one of the first and second corresponding pillow structures 41, 42 therein in such a way that one of the corresponding first and second pillow structures 41, 42 is positioned at the desired height relative to the spring surface 100. In this embodiment, the spring-loaded coupling unit 53 is received in a receiving groove 512 on a lower side of the mounting plate 51 (see figure 5) and includes two coupling parts 531 and one piece spring 532 positioned between and butting respectively against the coupling parts 531 to deflect each of the coupling parts 531 to engage one of the selected coupling slots 521 in one of the corresponding support seats 52 as shown in Figure 7 In a manner similar to the first support elements 50, each of the second support elements 50 'may function to support one of the third structures. corresponding cushions 43 at the desired height relative to the support surface 100 and includes a mounting plate 51 ', a pair of seats 52' and a spring-loaded coupling unit 53 '. For each second support member 50 ', the mounting plate 51' is mounted on a lower side of one of the corresponding second pillow structures 43, and is formed with a plurality of holes through 511 'which allow the extension of the guide rods 32 'of a corresponding second guide unit through it in such a way that the mounting plate 51' is guided by the rods guide 32 'of the corresponding second guide unit for moving relative to the base 3 in the vertical direction (Z). The support seats 52 'are opposite each other in the first direction (X), are mounted on the base 3, and flank the mounting plate 51'. Each of the support seats 52 'has a lateral surface facing others of the support seats 52' and formed with a plurality of coupling slots 521 '. The spring-loaded coupling unit 53 'is positioned below the mounting plate 51' and on one of the corresponding second openings 31 'in the base 3, and can operate to removably couple the support seats 52' to support an assembly of the mounting plate 51 'and one of the corresponding third pillow structures 43 therein such that one of the corresponding third pillow structures 43 is positioned at the desired height relative to the support surface 100. In this embodiment, the spring-operated coupling unit 53 'is received in a receiving groove 512' on a lower side of the mounting plate 51 '(see Figure 9) and includes two coupling parts 531', and one piece of spring 532 'positioned between and butting respectively against coupling parts 531' to deflect each of the coupling parts 531 'to engage one of the selected coupling slots and one of the corresponding support seats as shown in Figure 9. The cushion cover 6 covers the pillow unit 4 and the base 3. In this embodiment, the cushion cover 6 includes first, second and third complementary cover structures 61, 62, 63 wherein the first and second cover structures 61, 62, cover the pillow unit 4 and the third cover structure 63 surrounds the base 3. When one of the first , second and third pillow structures 41, 42, 43 are adjusted from a current position to a desired position, first, the spring part 532, 532 'of the spring-loaded coupling unit 53, 53' of one of the elements 50, 50 'of corresponding support is compressed through the operation of the fingers of a user in such a way that the coupling parts 531, 531' of the spring-loaded coupling unit 5353 'of one of the corresponding support elements 50, 50' uncouples respectively the current coupling grooves 521, 521 'in the support seats 52, 52' of one of the corresponding support elements 50, 50 '. Simultaneously, the mounting plate of one of the corresponding support elements 51, 51 'moves in the vertical direction (Z) until one of the corresponding first, second and third pillow structures 41, 42, 43 reaches the desired position. Then, the spring part 532, 532 'of the spring-operated coupling unit 53, 53' of one of the support elements 50, 50 'is released in such a way that the coupling parts 531, 531' of the unit spring-loaded coupling 53, 53 'of one of the supporting elements 50, 50' are respectively coupled to the corresponding coupling slots 521, 521 'in the support seats 52, 52' of one of the supporting elements 50 , 50 'corresponding. Figure 8 illustrates that the second pillow structure 42 is adjusted to a higher position compared to that of Figure 7, and Figure 10 illustrates that the third pillow structure 43 is adjusted to a higher position compared to that of Figure 9. Following are some advantages attributed to the adjustable pillow device of this invention: 1. - Due to the use of the first, second and third rigid pillow structures 41, 42, 43 and the cushion cover 6, a suitable and comfortable support for the head and neck of a human body can be ensured during use. 2. - Due to the presence of the adjustable support unit 5, each of the first, second and third pillow structures 41, 42, 43 can be adjusted to be suitable for the different requirements of the users. 3. The spring-loaded coupling units 53, 53 'can easily function during adjustment of the pillow unit. 4.- Therefore, the adjustable pillow device is convenient during use. Since this invention has been described in relation to what is considered the most practical and the preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the described modality, but is intended to encompass several provisions included within the spirit and scope of the invention. the broadest interpretation to cover all such equivalent provisions.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1 .- A pillow device having: a base adapted to be placed on a support surface; a pillow unit placed on said base and movable vertically relative to said base; and an adjustable support unit mounted on said base, positioned between said base and said pillow unit and which can operate to support said pillow unit in a desired state. 2. - The pillow device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: said pillow unit includes first and second rigid pillow structures aligned therebetween in a first direction and adapted to respectively support the head and neck of a body human in it when the human body is lying on the supporting surface; and said support unit can function to vertically adjust at least one of said first and second pillow structures so that a desired height difference between said first and second pillow structures is formed when said pillow unit is in the desired state. 3. - The pillow device according to claim 2, further characterized in that additionally said support unit includes a pair of first support elements that corresponding respectively to said first and second pillow structures, each of the first supporting elements can function to support one of said first and second pillow structures corresponding to a desired height relative to the supporting surface when said pillow unit is find in the desired state. 4. The pillow device according to claim 3, further characterized in that: said base is formed with two first openings corresponding respectively to said first support elements; and each of the first supporting elements includes a mounting plate mounted on a lower side of one of said first and second corresponding pillow structures and can be moved vertically relative to said base, a pair of opposing support seats therebetween in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, mounted on said base, and flanking said mounting plate and a spring-loaded coupling unit positioned below said mounting plate and on one of said corresponding openings in said base and which can operate for releasably coupling said support seats to support an assembly of said mounting plate and one of said first and second corresponding pillow structures thereon such that one of said first and second corresponding pillow structures is placed at a desired height in relation to the support surface. 5. - The pillow device according to claim 4, further characterized in that: each of said support seats of each of said first support elements has a lateral surface facing one of said support seats of one of said first support elements. corresponding support elements and formed with a plurality of coupling grooves; and said spring-actuated coupling unit of each of said first support elements includes two coupling parts and a spring part positioned between and respectively connected against said coupling parts to deflect each of the coupling parts to couple one of the coupling parts. said coupling grooves selected in one of said corresponding support seats of one of said first corresponding support elements. 6. - The pillow device according to claim 4, further characterized in that additionally said base is further formed with two first guide units, each of said first guide units includes a plurality of guide rods that extend vertically through said guide. mounting plate of one of said first support elements for guiding the vertical movement of said mounting plate of one of said corresponding support elements relative to said base. 7. - The pillow device according to claim 4, further characterized in that said pillow unit further includes a pair of third rigid pillow structures opposed therebetween in the second direction so that said first and second pillow structures are positioned between said third pillow structure, each of said third pillow structures being adapted to support the head of the pillow. human body therein when the human body is lying on the side of the supporting surface and has a higher upper surface than those of the first and second pillow structures. 8. The pillow device according to claim 7, further characterized in that: said third pillow structures are separated from said second pillow structure; and said pillow unit further includes a pair of elastic connecting elements each with a connecting end connected to one of the corresponding opposite sides of said pillow structure in the second direction, a free end opposite said connecting end in the second direction and extending to one of said third corresponding pillow structures and a guide portion positioned to said connection end and placed between said second pillow structure and one of said third corresponding pillow structures in such a way that said second structure of The pillow cooperates with said guide portions of said connecting elements to constitute a concave structure interconnecting said third pillow structures. 9. - The pillow device according to claim 7, further characterized in that further said support unit further includes a pair of second support elements corresponding respectively to said third pillow structures, each of said second support elements can operate for supporting one of said third pillow structures corresponding to a desired height when said pillow unit is in the desired state. 10. - The pillow device according to claim 9, further characterized in that: said base is further formed with two second openings corresponding respectively to said second support elements; and each of said second support elements includes a plate mounted on a lower side of one of said third corresponding pillow structures and that can move vertically relative to said base, a pair of support seats opposite each other in the first direction mounted on said base and flanking said mounting plate, and a spring-loaded coupling unit positioned below said mounting plate and on one of said corresponding second openings in said base, and which can function to removably engage said support seats for supporting an assembly of said mounting plate and one of said third corresponding pillow structures thereon in such a way that a of said third corresponding pillow structures is placed at the desired height in relation to the supporting surface. eleven . - The pillow device according to claim 10, further characterized in that additionally: each of said support seats of each of said second support elements has a side surface oriented towards another of said support seats of one of said seconds. corresponding support elements and formed with a plurality of coupling grooves; and said spring-actuated coupling unit of each of said second support elements includes two coupling parts and a spring part placed between and respectively connecting said coupling parts to deflect each of said coupling parts to couple one of said coupling parts. said coupling slots selected in one of said corresponding support seats of one of said corresponding second support elements. 12. - The pillow device according to claim 10, further characterized in that said base is additionally formed with two second guiding units, each of said second guiding units includes a plurality of guide rods extending vertically through said mounting plate of one of said corresponding support elements for guiding the vertical movement of said mounting plate of one of said second supporting elements corresponding to said base. 13. - The pillow device according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a cushion cover so that said pillow unit and said base can be made concave.