WO2021205413A1

WO2021205413A1 - Improved pillow

Info

Publication number: WO2021205413A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/052992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alessandro Mazzucchelli; Massimo GILARDI
Original assignee: Advance Kites S.R.L.; Toscana Gomma S.P.A.
Priority date: 2020-04-10
Filing date: 2021-04-12
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: IT202000007714A1

Abstract

A pillow (1) is provided comprising a rest portion (2) configured to allow the support of an object and including a first soft material (2a), a support portion (3) capable of supporting the rest portion (2) in such a way that the rest portion (2) is arranged, in use, between the support portion (3) and the object, wherein the support portion (3) includes a flexible air-tight membrane (30), defining a chamber (3a) and comprising a valve (4) capable of allowing, on command, the introduction or extraction of air from the chamber (3a), and a compressible solid body (31) housed in the chamber (3a) and made of a second material (31 a) which, when the membrane (30) is placed under vacuum, has a volume which is reduced by at least 5%.

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 capable of allowing 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 padding material. The pillow, or cushion, is therefore usually positioned on top of mattresses, for example to rest the head on them during sleep, sofas, armchairs or even floors.

In the most general sense, the pillow is 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 include important drawbacks.

In fact, an important parameter for the choice of pillow is its thickness or height, which varies according to use and according to the physical conformation of the user. This parameter is decided at the time of purchase and cannot be changed at a later time.

There are therefore no cushions with variable height.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise an improved pillow capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Within the scope of said technical task, it is 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 figures, in which: the Fig. 1 shows a front view, from the object point of view, of an improved pillow according to the invention; the Fig. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; the Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of a shape example of alternative embodiment an improved pillow according to the invention; the Fig. 4a is a side sectional view of an example of embodiment of a pillow improved without holes according to the invention at rest; the Fig. 4b shows a side sectional view of an example of embodiment of a pillow improved without holes according to the invention in use with the support portion 3 inflated and supporting the head of a user; the Fig. 5a illustrates a side sectional view of an example of embodiment of a pillow with improved orthopaedic form according to the invention in use; the Fig. 5b is a side sectional view of an example of embodiment of a pillow with improved cervical support according to the invention at rest; the Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment in which the cursor is in the opening position; the Fig. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in a preferred embodiment wherein the cursor is in the closed position; the Fig. 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in an alternative embodiment in which the cursor is in the opening position; and the Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a valve of an improved pillow according to the invention in an alternative embodiment wherein the cursor is in the closed position.

In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be considered as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measurements, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For instance, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of the value.

Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “higher”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975). With reference to the Figures, snow-blower machine according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

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 is globally indicated with the number 1.

Preferably, the pillow 1 is capable of supporting and/or protecting 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 occurs in common beds, or it can be part of a sofa, or of other support devices.

Furthermore, the pillow 1 can be used in the home, but also in the medical field. Preferably, the pillow 1 comprises at least a rest portion 2 and a support portion 3. The rest 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 rest portion 2 can be framed within the support portion 3.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 2, the rest portion 2 preferably includes the portion of support 3. Substantially, moreover, the rest portion 2 is 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 more.

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 the head of a user or a part of the body of the user himself. Preferably, the resting portion 2 includes a first material 2a, preferably soft, more preferably soft intended in the sense hereinafter described about the compressible solid body 31.

The first material 2a is 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 is preferably polymeric, more 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 previous ones, the supporting portion 2 could, moreover, including a plurality of holes 20.

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

If the support portion 2 defines a pillow 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 rest portion 2, as shown in Fig. 1.

Alternatively, transpiration is ensured by the non-homogeneity of the material 2a. The support portion 3 is preferably and mainly capable of supporting the support portion 2.

In particular, the support portion 3 is capable of supporting the support portion 2 in such a way that the rest portion 2 is arranged, in use, between the support portion 3 and the object.

Therefore, preferably, the resting portion 2 is substantially intended to face the object at its contact surface.

Therefore, if the pillow 1 defines a layered configuration, such as the configuration shown in Fig. 3, the resting portion 2 is 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.

Membrane 30 is preferably airtight and flexible. Furthermore, it defines a chamber

3a.

The chamber 3a is preferably the volume portion enclosed by the membrane 30. The membrane 30 further comprises a valve 4. The valve 4 is preferably capable of allowing the introduction or extraction of air from the chamber 3a on command.

The compressible solid body 31 is preferably housed in the chamber 3a. The membrane 30 can be glued or integral with the solid body 31 or separated from it. More in detail, the member 30 is preferably made of a continuous polymeric material, or of a fabric impregnated with polymeric material which gives it airtightness.

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, is preferably controllable from the outside of the pillow 1. Preferably, the valve 4 comprises a casing 40. The casing 40 is preferably placed in a fluid passage connection with the chamber 3a and with the outside. Therefore, the casing 40 allows the entry or exit of air from the chamber 3a.

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

In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figs. 6a-6b, the slider 41 moves entirely and is housed entirely within the casing 40. In the alternative embodiment, shown in Figs. 7a-7b, the slider is only partially housed and moves only partially inside the casing 40.

In any case, the casing 40 defines a first end 40a and a second end 40b. The first end 40a is the casing 40 portion adjacent to the chamber 3a. The second end 40b is the portion of the casing adjacent to the external environment. The slider 41 preferably moves between the first end 40a and the second end 40b. Even more in detail, the first end 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 slider 41 therefore defines at least one closing position wherein the slider 41 is positioned in adhesion with the first end 40a and closes the hole 42.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the slider 41 defines at least one opening position wherein it is moved away from the first end 40a towards the second end 40b and frees the first hole 42. In fact, the slider 41 preferably includes a stem and a base wherein the base which plugs the casing 40 from the side of the first end 40a facing towards second end 40b. In the alternative embodiment, the slider 41 is instead moved away from the first end 40a and from the second end 40b towards the 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 the chamber 3a. The second end 40b can therefore be 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 closing position wherein it obstructs the passage of air within the casing 40 and an opening position wherein it allows the passage of air into the casing 40.

Furthermore, the valve 4 includes counteracting means 44.

The counteracting means 44 are configured to oppose the movement of the slider 41 from the closed position to the opening position. In particular, the counteracting means 44 are configured to allow the automatic return of the slider from the opening position to the closing 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 cable. 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 push button can occupy the entire second end 40b and in fact form the same end. 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 smaller and can occupy only part of the second end 40b. in this second case, the holes 43 can be arranged again 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 closing position to the opening position in opposition to the counteracting means 44.

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

In the alternative embodiment, the slider 41 can pass into the opening position only when the control means 45 moves the slider 41 into the opening position.

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

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

Together with the valve 4, the pillow 1 could also comprise pressurization means 5. The pressurizing means 5 can comprise at least one vacuum pump. The pressurizing means 5, in any case, can be of the electric or manual type or other. They can be capable of substantially realizing the vacuum inside the membrane 30, or rather to cause the volume enclosed by the chamber 3a to be substantially zero or in any case reduced to the minimum possible occupation. Or they can be capable of pressurizing the chamber 3a by introducing air into the chamber 3a in such a way as to inflate the chamber 3a itself.

When the object rests on the resting surface 2, it preferably squeezes the chamber 3a, reducing its volume. The air exits, for example, from valve 4. When the object is removed from above the pillow 1 , preferably, the air returns to chamber 3a through the same valve 4 and allows the expansion of the volume of chamber 3a up to initial configuration in the absence of objects.

The compressible solid body 31 can also favour or aid the expansion of the chamber 3a.

The compressible solid body 31 , in detail, is preferably made of material or materials which, when the membrane 30 is placed under vacuum, has a volume which is reduced by at least 5%. More preferably the said volume is reduced by more than 10%, more preferably still by more than 20%, more preferably still by more than 30%, more preferably still by more than 40%, more preferably still by more than 50% and more preferably even more than 60%. The said compressible solid body 31 therefore has a compressibility coefficient b, according to the known formula b = - dV / (V dp), preferably greater than 0.5 GPa^-1, more preferably greater than 1 GPa^-1, plus preferably greater than 2 GPa^-1, more preferably greater than 3 GPa^-1, more preferably greater than 4 GPa^-1, more preferably greater than 5 GPa^-1, more preferably greater than 6 GPa^-1. The compressible solid body 31 preferably comprises, or is made of, a polymeric foam, preferably a polyurethane foam, which is preferably open cell 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 made of Foam Rubber^® or similar materials. The membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 therefore define a bladder, which however, in the position of maximum extension, suitably 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 mentioned, exclusively by external forces such as the weight of the human body or of objects.

In other words, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are exclusively capable of allowing 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 is exclusively used at volumes equal to or lower than the volume of the compressible solid body 31 at ambient pressure. The pillow 1 can therefore comprise, 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 atmospheric pressure may be sufficient for the input itself. 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 , adhering substantially to the latter. In this configuration, the pressure inside the membrane 30 is 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 has already been 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 than the compressible solid body 31. In detail, the control portion 32 is 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. This constraint is preferably obtained by gluing.

For example, a control portion 32 whose volume does not deform more than 5% of the initial unsolicited volume as a result of the imposed pressure gradients can be considered as substantially undeformed. The control portion 32 is, moreover, preferably arranged adjacent to the part of the membrane 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.

Furthermore, preferably, the control portion 32 is 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 is substantially capable of controlling the deformation of the device 1. In fact, when the pressurization means 5 create a vacuum inside the chamber 3a by means of the valve 4, the control portion 32, and the body portion compressible solid 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 surface of the solid body 31 on which the control portion 32 is glued.

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

The functioning of the pillow 1 described above in structural terms it is the following. The pillow 1 and in particular the membrane 30 including the compressible solid body 31 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 pillow 1 is able to vary its volume thanks to the support portion 3. In fact, the support portion 3 can vary the volume of the pillow 1 , inflating and/or deflating on command or under the pressure of a body, such as the head of a user. In particular, when not in use, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are preferably in the configuration of maximum extension. The membrane 30 is 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. This can take place, through the valve 4, thanks to the thrust exerted by the user's head 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 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 orthopaedic 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. In a subsequent period, moreover, 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. The described process could also be carried out in reverse and have a second operation. Therefore, in this second case, when not used, the membrane 30 and the compressible solid body 31 are in the configuration of minimum extension, the membrane 30 is therefore substantially under vacuum and the compressible solid body 31 is compressed. Subsequently, 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 therefore be expanded as desired by the user, for example in a counter shaped manner with respect to the user's head, up to the configuration of maximum extension or a preferred intermediate configuration. Furthermore, in this position, the membrane 30 maintains the shape of the compressible solid body 31 , which can be arbitrary and of any type and, in particular, which is 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.

Furthermore, the pillow 1 can perform its own functioning, both the first and the second functioning, also with the addition of the elements described above. Furthermore, the pillow 1 can perform its own functioning 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 unchanged, 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 is 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

1. A pillow (1 ) comprising:

- a rest portion (2) configured to enable an object to be rested on it and including a first soft material (2a),

- a support portion (3) designed to support said rest portion (2) so that said rest portion (2) is arranged, in use, between said support portion (3) and said object, and including

- a flexible, air-tight membrane (30), defining a chamber (3a) and comprising a valve (4) designed to enable the introduction or extraction of air from said chamber (3a), and

- a compressible solid body (31 ) housed in said chamber (3a) and made of a second material (31 a) that, when said membrane (30) is placed under vacuum, has a volume that is reduced by at least 5%. and characterised in that

- said valve (4) comprises:

- a casing (40) in fluidic connection with said chamber (3a) and with the outside,

- a slider (41 ) configured to move at least partially within said casing (40), on command, in at least one predefined direction in such a way as to define at least one closed position, wherein it obstructs the passage of air within said casing (40), and one open position, wherein it enables the passage of air within said casing (40),

- counteracting means (44) configured to counteract 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 in relation to said pillow (1) and configured to bring, on command, said slider (41) from said closed position to said open position counteracting said counteracting means (44).

2. The pillow (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said control means (45) include a long deformable element configured to pull said slider (41) when placed under tension.

3. The pillow (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said control means (45) include a rigid button configured to push said slider (41) when pressed.

3. The pillow (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said compressible solid body (31) is exclusively used at volumes equal to or less than the volume of said compressible solid body (31) at ambient pressure.

4. The pillow (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said second material (31a) has a volume that is reduced by at least 50% when said membrane (30) is placed under vacuum.

5. The pillow (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said volume change of said compressible solid body (31) modifies the height of said pillow (1).

6. The pillow (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said second material (31a) comprises a polymer foam.

7. The pillow (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first material (2a) comprises a material of the shape-memory type.

8. The pillow (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said rest portion (2) is a body with a hollow cushion including said support portion (3).

9. The pillow (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said rest portion (2) includes a plurality of holes (20) designed to facilitate the breathability of said pillow (1).

10. The pillow (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane (30) is glued to the outer surface of said compressible solid body (31).