[0001] The present invention provides a pillow containing particulate material such as beads
or balls (a "bean pillow"), which is particularly suitable for use during travel.
Pillows are known that are particularly suitable for use during travel. Such pillows
often are substantially U-shaped in plan view so that the pillow can be wrapped around
the back and sides of the neck of the user to support the user's head. Some such pillows
are inflatable. Another such pillow, which is sold by the applicant for this patent
application, is substantially U-shaped in plan view and contains beads or balls (i.e.
is a "bean pillow"). This bean pillow has the advantage that it does not require inflation
before use.
US 2010/0205744 discloses an inflatable pillow.
The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved pillow with respect to
the known pillows referred to above.
The present invention provides a pillow, the pillow comprising two wings, and a bridging
section connecting the wings, wherein the wings and bridging section together form
a substantially U shaped shape in plan view, and the surface of each wing is formed
of a surface material, and the wings contain particulate material to provide support
for the surface material, wherein the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging
section is less than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings, and wherein
the bridging section contains particulate material, and comprises means for restricting
the amount of particulate material in the bridging section, to restrict the thickness
of the bridging section, and wherein the bridging section comprises one ore more channels
containing the particulate material and extending between the wings.
[0002] The fact that the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section is less
than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings means that the bridging section
can be folded and the wings brought together more easily in comparison with known
pillows in which the thickness of the bridging section is equal to or greater than
the thickness of the wings. The folded pillow is also less bulky than known pillows
when folded, and thus takes up a smaller space in the user's luggage.
[0003] The pillow of the present invention is intended to be worn around the neck of the
user, with the bridging section behind the neck and a wing on each side of the neck,
so that the front portion of the neck is open. The bridging section provides support
for the back of the user's head and the wings provide support for the side of the
head.
[0004] The fact that the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section is less
than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings does not detract from the
comfort of the user when using the pillow, and in fact increases the user's comfort
because the smaller thickness of the bridging section does not force the user's head
so far away from the surface on which the pillow is resting. Hence the user's neck
can be held in a straighter position when the pillow is being used.
[0005] In this specification the term "thickness" refers to the height dimension when the
pillow is viewed in plan view and the wings and bridging section form a substantially
U shaped shape. This dimension is in the direction perpendicular to the surface on
which the pillow is resting in normal use. The thinnest part, correspondingly, is
the thinnest in the same height dimension.
[0006] The provision of two wings separated by a bridging section which is shaped so that
the particulate material either does not pass through the bridging section at all
or is restricted in passing through the bridging section might present problems in
manufacture as the step of filling the wings with particulate material will be either
slowed down or must take place in two steps. The present inventors have discovered
that the filling step is surprisingly efficient or can be carried out in two separate
steps relatively easily by suitable manufacturing steps, such as filling the wings
near the bridging section.
[0007] The surface of the wings is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of the same material
as the surface of the bridging section.
[0008] Preferably, the wings are filled with the particulate material. Preferably, the bridging
section or part of the bridging section is filled with the particulate material.
[0009] Preferably, the two wings form a pair of wings. A pair of wings provides equal support
for each side of the user's head.
[0010] Preferably, the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section is less
than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings. This provides that the bridging
section is easier to fold at each point between the wings in comparison with known
pillows in which the thickness of the bridging section is equal to or greater than
the thickness of the wings.
[0011] Preferably, the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is from 60mm to 120mm,
more preferably from 70mm to 110mm, even more preferably from 80mm to 100mm, and most
preferably from 85mm to 95mm.
[0012] Preferably, the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section is from
5mm to 15mm, more preferably 7mm to 13mm and most preferably from 8mm to 12mm.
[0013] Preferably, the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section is from
50mm to 90mm, more preferably 60mm to 80mm, and most preferably 65mm to 75mm.
[0014] Preferably, the ratio of the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section
to the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is from 1:4 to 1: 24, more preferably
from 1:4 to 1:14, more preferably from 1:6 to 1:12, more preferably from 1:8 to 1:12,
most preferably from 1:8 to 1:10.
[0015] Preferably, the ratio of the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section
to the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is from 1:0.6 to 1:2.5, more
preferably from 1:0.9 to 1:2, more preferably from 1:1 to 1:1.5, more preferably from
1:1.1 to 1:1.5, most preferably from 1:1.2 to 1:1.4.
[0016] Preferably, the ratio of the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section
to the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is from 1:0.8 to 1:4.Preferably,
the ratio of the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section to the
thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section is from 1:3 to 1:18, more
preferably from 1:4 to 1:12, more preferably from 1:4 to 1:9, more preferably from
1:5 to 1:9, more preferably from 1:5 to 1:8, most preferably from 1:6 to 1:8.
Preferably, the thinnest portion of the bridging section is equidistant from each
wing. As a result, the bridging section is easiest to fold at a point equidistant
from each wing and so the pillow can be folded into a particularly small arrangement.
The bridging section according to the invention comprises one or more channels containing
the particulate material and extending between the wings. One such channel may be
provided on the outer edge of the bridging section. One such channel may be provided
on the inner edge of the bridging section.
Preferably, the bridging section comprises a cushioning means preferably containing
a material different from the particulate material. Preferably, the cushioning means
is defined by stitching in the surface material of the bridging section.
Preferably, the material of the cushioning means is a foam material. Preferably, the
foam material is provided inside the bridging section. Preferably, the foam material
is held in place by stitching. Preferably, the stitching joins a surface of the bridging
section to an opposing surface of the bridging section.
Preferably, the cushioning means or foam material is substantially rectangular or
substantially trapezoidal in plan view.
Preferably, the cushioning means forms a head zone.
Preferably, the bridging section has an axis extending between the wings, and the
longer sides of the substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal shape are
substantially parallel to the axis of the bridging section. This provides a wide cushioning
means to support the head of the user.
[0017] Preferably, the difference in thickness between the thinnest portion of the bridging
section and the thickest portion of the wings is from 70mm to 110mm, more preferably
80mm to 100mm, most preferably 85mm to 95mm. Such differences in thickness provide
a particularly advantageous balance of allowing the pillow to be folded easily while
providing sufficient support for the back of the user's head.
[0018] Preferably, the difference in thickness between the thinnest portion of the bridging
section and the thickest portion of the wings is from 45mm to 115mm.
[0019] Preferably, each wing has a free end located away from a point where each respective
wing is connected to the bridging section, and the distance between the wings at the
point that each wing is connected to the bridging section is larger than the distance
between the wings at a point adjacent to the free end of each wing. This means that
the wings wrap more closely around the neck and thereby provide closer support for
the sides of the user's head.
[0020] Preferably, at least part of the bridging section contains the or a particulate material.
Alternatively, at least part of the bridging section does not contain the or a particulate
material.
[0021] Preferably, the means for restricting the amount of particulate material in the bridging
section comprises stitching joining a surface of the bridging section to an opposing
surface of the bridging section. The stitching restricts the size of the space formed
by the opposing surfaces of the bridging section. There is preferably at least one
line of stitching located within the edge of the bridging section, preferably at least
two lines of stitching.
[0022] Preferably, the means for restricting the amount of particulate material in the bridging
section comprises padding or cushioning means provided in the bridging section.
[0023] Preferably, the surface of the bridging section is formed of a surface material,
and the particulate material in the bridging section provides support for the surface
material.
[0024] Preferably, the bridging section contains material other than the particulate material.
Preferably, the pillow further comprises a loop attached to one of the wings and a
fastening means or fastener attached to the other, the fastening means or fastener
being receivable in the loop to fasten the wings together. Preferably, the fastening
means or fastener comprises a button or toggle.
[0025] Preferably, the surface of the bridging section is formed from a separate piece of
material from the surface of the wings.
[0026] Preferably, the surface material of the wings and/or bridging section comprises fabric
or a stretchy or elastic material or fabric, for example Lycra (RTM).
[0027] Preferably, the surface material of the wings and/or bridging section is formed of
plurality of layers, and preferably one or more of the layers comprises a stretchy
or elastic material, for example Lycra (RTM).
[0028] Preferably, the surface of the bridging section or wings is formed from a plurality
of, preferably two, pieces of material stitched together to form a seam.
[0029] Preferably, the particulate material comprises beads, balls, beans, buckwheat, oats
or any combination thereof. The particulate material may comprise pieces of memory
foam. Preferably the particulate material comprises beads, balls or beans.
[0030] Preferably, the cushioning means contains a substance different from the particulate
material.
[0031] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, purely by way of example,
with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a pillow according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the pillow of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the pillow of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the pillow of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is front view of the pillow of Figure 1 showing the detail of the bridging
section;
Figure 6 is right side view of the pillow of Figure 1, and
Figure 7 is a left side view of the pillow of Figure 1.
[0032] Throughout this specification the pillow is described its unloaded state i.e. when
the pillow has not been manipulated, loaded or moulded by the user.
[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, a pillow 10 is provided comprising a pair of wings 12, and a
bridging section 14 connecting the wings 12. As shown in Fig. 1, the wings 12 and
bridging section 14 together form a substantially U shaped shape in plan view. The
surface of the wings 12 and bridging section 14 is formed of a surface material, and
the wings 12 and bridging section 14 contain beads in this embodiment (or other particulate
material such as balls or beans or any combination thereof in other embodiments) to
provide support for the surface material. The thickness (or depth - the dimension
in the direction away from the viewer in Fig. 1) of the thinnest portion of the bridging
section 14 is less than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings 12. This
is most clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In the present embodiment, the bridging section
14 comprises a cushioning means 16 containing a foam material. In the present embodiment,
the cushioning means has a constant thickness of approximately 10mm. In the present
embodiment, the cushioning means 16 provides the thinnest portion of the bridging
section 14, but in other embodiments the thinnest portion may be provided elsewhere.
[0034] In other embodiments, the bridging section 14 does not contain the particulate material,
and so the surface of the bridging section 14 is not supported by the particulate
material.
[0035] The cushioning means 16 forms a head zone to support the user's head.
[0036] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings 12
is shown by arrows X. The thickness of a portion of the bridging section 14 is shown
by arrows Y. However, it is not possible to see the thickness of the cushioning means
16 in Figs. 2 and 3 and so it is not possible to see the thickness of the thinnest
portion of the bridging section 14 in Figs. 2 and 3.
[0037] In Fig. 1 the wings 12 are divided from the bridging section 14 by stitching 28.
However, the wings 12 and bridging section 14 may be divided differently, for example
the wings 12 may extend further into the bridging section 14.
[0038] In this embodiment, the thickest portion of the wings 12 (which has the same thickness
in each wing 12) is approximately halfway between the free end 22 of each wing 12
and the outer edge of the bridging section 14, but the invention is not limited to
this.
[0039] In addition, in the present embodiment the thinnest portion of the bridging section
14 is equidistant from each wing 12. This is because the centre line CL of the pillow
10 shown in Fig. 1, which is equidistant from each wing 12, passes through the cushioning
means 16. The pillow 10 is axisymmetric about the centre line CL.
[0040] Referring to Fig. 2, the surface of the bridging section 14 is formed from two separate
pieces of material 30, 32 stitched together to form a seam on line of stitching 34
(preferably horizontal) around the middle in the depth direction of the bridging section
14. Similarly, the surface of each wing 12 is formed from two separate pieces of material
36, 38 stitched together to form a seam 40 (preferably horizontal) around the middle
in the depth direction of each wing 12. Lycra (RTM) (elastane) is used as the material
for the surface of the bridging section 14 and the wings 12 in this embodiment, but
the invention is not limited to this, and other fabrics instead may be used. However,
Lycra (RTM) provides a stretchy material that allows the pillow 10 to be easily moulded
for the user, but other stretchy materials may be used.
[0041] In addition, in the embodiment where the bridging section 14 does not contain the
particulate material, the surface of the bridging section 14 need not be formed of
a fabric such as Lycra (RTM).
[0042] An additional, inner layer of material, for example Lycra (RTM), may be provided
in the bridging section 14 and/or each of the wings 12. The or each additional layer
may be stitched to the or each respective outer layer of the bridging section 14 and/or
the wings 12.
[0043] During filling of the pillow 10, a tube is inserted into a small hole left in the
seam and beads are pumped along the tube at high pressure to fill the pillow 10. After
filling the hole in the seam is immediately sewn up. The filling with beads typically
takes under 3 second to complete because there are no internal walls inside the pillow
10 to slow down the filling. Internal walls would present a serious impediment to
filling of a pillow with beads. Such internal walls would also significantly reduce
the effectiveness of the product as a pillow because the beads must be allowed to
move freely throughout the pillow in order to achieve a moulded comfortable fit specifically
for the user. This is different from known inflatable pillows, which are suitable
for use during travel but contain such internal walls in order to ensure proper inflation.
[0044] In other embodiments where the bridging section 14 does not contain particulate material,
care must be taken as the two wings must be filled with beads separately, either sequentially,
or simultaneously for example by two operatives or in two operations. For example,
the tube may be passed through the inside of the bridging section 14 to fill a far
wing 12 before or after the near wing 12 has been filled.
[0045] Care must also be taken when filling the bridging section 14 when the bridging section
14 contains particulate material because the means for restricting the amount of particulate
material in the bridging section may make filling the bridging section 14 difficult.
The means may also make passing the tube through the bridging section 14 difficult.
[0046] Such known inflatable pillows typically are fabricated from weldable fabrics that
are welded by heat sealing. Such fabrics are welded together while the pillow is flat
and deflated on a press.
[0047] Preferably, the beads are polystyrene.
[0048] A loop 18, and a button 20 on a flap of material, are provided on the outer edges
of respective wings 12. The loop 18 and a button 20 are provided approximately halfway
between the free end 22 of each wing 12 and the outer edge of the bridging section
14.
[0049] When the pillow 10 is folded about the centre line CL the button 20 can be received
in the loop 18 to fasten the wings 12 together and to retain the pillow 10 in the
folded position.
[0050] In this embodiment the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is approximately
90mm. In addition, in this embodiment the thickness of the thickest portion of the
bridging section 14 is approximately 70mm. The thickest portion of the bridging section
14 is provided at the two points that the bridging section 14 connects to each wing
12. This is best shown in Fig. 2.
[0051] In this embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging
section to the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is approximately 1:9.
[0052] In this embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging
section to the thickness of the thickest portion of each wing is approximately 1:1.3.
[0053] In this embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging
section to the thickness of the thickest portion of the bridging section is approximately
1:7.
[0054] In the present embodiment, the bridging section 14 comprises two channels 24, 26
containing beads and extending between the wings 12. One channel 24 is provided on
the outer edge of the bridging section 14 (the upper edge as shown in Fig. 1). The
other channel 26 is provided on the inner edge of the bridging section 14 (the lower
edge as shown in Fig. 1). The channels 24, 26 allow beads to pass between the ends
of the bridging section 14, and between the wings 12, past the cushioning means 16.
[0055] The cushioning means 16 is defined by stitching in the surface material of the bridging
section 14. The foam material of the cushioning means is substantially trapezoidal
in plan view and the stitching surrounds the foam material to maintain the foam material
in position. Other material may be used instead of foam material.
[0056] In this embodiment, the stitching defining the cushioning means 16 and the foam material
of the cushioning means 16 provides means for restricting the amount of particulate
material in the bridging section 14, to restrict the thickness of the bridging section
16. The stitching defining the cushioning means 16 joins the lower surface of the
bridging section 14 to the upper, opposing surface of the bridging section 14. The
stitching restricts the size of the space formed by these opposing surfaces of the
bridging section 14. In addition, the foam material takes up space in the bridging
section 14 that would otherwise be occupied by the particulate material.
[0057] The bridging section 14 has an axis extending between the wings 12 (in this embodiment
substantially parallel with the straight section of the outer edge of the bridging
section 14), and the longer sides of the substantially trapezoidal shape of the cushioning
means 16 are substantially parallel to the axis of the bridging section 14. This provides
a wide cushioning means to support the head of the user.
[0058] In use of the pillow 10 the user places the bridging section 14 behind the head of
the user and the user wraps the wings 12 around the neck of the user. The pillow 10
is then placed upon a surface and the bridging section 14 provides support for the
back of the user's head and the wings 12 provide support for the sides of the user's
head.
[0059] In this embodiment, the difference in thickness between the thinnest portion of the
bridging section 14 (at the centre line CL) and the thickest portion of the wings
12 is approximately 80mm.
[0060] The free end 22 of each wing 12 is provided away from a point that each respective
wing 12 is connected to the bridging section 14. The distance between the wings 12
at the point that each wing 12 is connected to the bridging section 14 is larger than
the distance between the wings 12 at a point adjacent to the free end 22 of each wing
12. This is clearly shown in Fig. 1 where the wings 12 are closer at their free ends
22 than at their other ends where they connect to the bridging section 14.
[0061] It can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3 that the central portion of the bridging section
14, i.e. the portion adjacent to the centre line CL is considerably thinner than the
thickest portion of the wings 12.
[0062] Figs. 4 and 5 show the detail of the bridging section 14 and it can be seen from
Figs. 4 and 5 that the upper surface of the cushioning means 16 is below the highest
point of the rest of the bridging section 14, in particular is below the highest point
of channels 24 and 26. The pillow 10 is symmetrical about a horizontal plane and,
in this embodiment, about the seam 34 of the bridging section 14 and the seam 40 of
each wing 12. Therefore, the lower (underside) surface (not shown in Figs. 4 and 5)
of the cushioning means 16 is above the lowest point of the rest of the bridging section
14, in particular is above the lowest point of channels 24 and 26. As a result, the
cushioning means 16 provides the thinnest portion of the bridging section 14 in this
embodiment, but in other embodiments the thinnest portion may be provided elsewhere,
for example in the channel 24 and/or 26.
[0063] Figs. 6 and 7 show the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings 12 is shown
by arrows X. Figs. 6 and 7 show that, in this embodiment, the thickest portion of
the wings 12 (which has the same thickness in each wing 12) is approximately halfway
between the free end 22 of each wing 12 and the outer edge of the bridging section
14, but the invention is not limited to this.
[0064] The loop 18 and/or the button 20 is/are provided respectively on the seam 40 of each
wing 12 i.e. approximately in the middle in the depth direction of each wing 12.
[0065] Referring to Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the bridging section 14 curves (when viewed in plan;
towards the bottom in Fig. 1) from where it connects to each wing 12 to a substantially
flat section comprising the cushioning means 16 and the channels 24 and 26. In other
embodiments, the cushioning means may not be provided; instead, for example, a single
channel may extend between the wings 12.
[0066] In this embodiment, the width of a portion of the wings 12 (when viewed in plan)
is substantially the same as the width of a portion of the bridging section 14. The
width of each wing 12 is the distance between the outer edge of the wing 12 and the
inner edge of the wing 12 with reference to the pillow 10 shown in Fig. 1. The width
of the bridging section 14 is the distance between the outer edge and the inner edge.
[0067] In this embodiment, the width of the wings 12 and bridging section is from 120mm
to 140mm. The maximum width of the bridging section 14 is approximately 140mm and
the minimum width of the bridging section 14 is approximately 120mm. In this embodiment,
the minimum width of the bridging section 14 is at the centre line CL.
[0068] In this embodiment, the longer dimension of the substantially trapezoidal cushioning
means 16, which is substantially parallel with the longer side, is approximately 120mm.
The shorter dimension of the substantially trapezoidal cushioning means 16, which
is substantially parallel with the shorter side, is approximately 80mm.
1. A pillow (10) comprising:
two wings (12), and
a bridging section (14) connecting the wings (12),
wherein the wings (12) and bridging section (14) together form a substantially U shaped
shape in plan view, and the surface of each wing (12) is formed of a surface material,
and the wings (12) contain particulate material to provide support for the surface
material,
wherein the thickness of the thinnest portion of the bridging section (14) is less
than the thickness of the thickest portion of the wings (12),
wherein the bridging section (14) contains particulate material, and comprises means
for restricting the amount of particulate material in the bridging section (14), to
restrict the thickness of the bridging section (14), and
wherein the bridging section (14) comprises one or more channels (24, 26) containing
the particulate material and extending between the wings (12).
2. A pillow (10) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thickest portion
of the bridging section (14) is less than the thickness of the thickest portion of
each wing (12).
3. A pillow (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bridging section (14) comprises
a cushioning means (16) containing a material different from the particulate material.
4. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the material of the cushioning
means (16) is a foam material.
5. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushioning means (16)
is defined by stitching in the surface material of the bridging section (14).
6. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushioning means (16)
is substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal in plan view.
7. A pillow (10) according to claim 6, wherein bridging section (14) has an axis extending
between the wings (12), and the longer sides of the substantially rectangular or substantially
trapezoidal shape are substantially parallel to the axis of the bridging section (14).
8. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each wing (12) has a free
end (22) located away from a point where each respective wing (12) is connected to
the bridging section (14), and the distance between the wings (12) at the point that
each wing (12) is connected to the bridging section (14) is larger than the distance
between the wings (12) at a point adjacent to the free end (22) of each wing (12).
9. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for restricting
the amount of particulate material in the bridging section (14) comprises stitching
joining a surface of the bridging section (14) to an opposing surface of the bridging
section (14), or wherein the means for restricting the amount of particulate material
in the bridging section (14) comprises padding or cushioning means (16) provided in
the bridging section (14).
10. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the bridging
section (14) is formed of a surface material, and the particulate material in the
bridging section (14) provides support for the surface material.
11. A pillow (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate material comprises
beads, balls, beans, buckwheat, oats or any combination thereof.
1. Kissen (10), das Folgendes umfasst:
zwei Flügel (12) und
eine Überbrückungssektion (14), welche die Flügel (12) verbindet,
wobei die Flügel (12) und die Überbrückungssektion (14) zusammen eine im Wesentlichen
U-förmige Gestalt in der Draufsicht bilden und die Oberfläche jedes Flügels (12) aus
einem Oberflächenmaterial geformt ist und die Flügel (12) teilchenförmiges Material
enthalten, um eine Stütze für das Oberflächenmaterial bereitzustellen,
wobei die Dicke des dünnsten Abschnitts der Überbrückungssektion (14) geringer ist
als die Dicke des dicksten Abschnitts der Flügel (12),
wobei die Überbrückungssektion (14) teilchenförmiges Material enthält und Mittel zum
Beschränken der Menge an teilchenförmigem Material in der Überbrückungssektion (14)
umfasst, um die Dicke der Überbrückungssektion (14) zu beschränken, und
wobei die Überbrückungssektion (14) einen oder mehrere Kanäle (24, 26) umfasst, die
das teilchenförmige Material enthalten und sich zwischen den Flügeln (12) erstrecken.
2. Kissen (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Dicke des dicksten Abschnitts der Überbrückungssektion
(14) geringer ist als die Dicke des dicksten Abschnitts jedes Flügels (12).
3. Kissen (10) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Überbrückungssektion (14) ein Polsterungsmittel
(16) umfasst, das sich von dem teilchenförmigen Material unterscheidet.
4. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Material des Polsterungsmittels
(16) ein Schaumstoffmaterial ist.
5. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Polsterungsmittel (16)
durch Steppen im Oberflächenmaterial der Überbrückungssektion (14) definiert wird.
6. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Polsterungsmittel (16)
im Wesentlichen rechteckig oder im Wesentlichen trapezförmig in der Draufsicht ist.
7. Kissen (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Überbrückungssektion (14) eine Achse aufweist,
die sich zwischen den Flügeln (12) erstreckt, und die längeren Seiten der im Wesentlichen
rechteckigen oder im Wesentlichen trapezförmigen Gestalt in Wesentlichen parallel
zur Achse der Überbrückungssektion (14) sind.
8. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jeder Flügel (12) ein freies
Ende (22) aufweist, das entfernt von einem Punkt angeordnet ist, wo jeder Flügel (12)
mit der Überbrückungssektion (14) verbunden ist, und der Abstand zwischen den Flügeln
(12) an dem Punkt, wo jeder Flügel (12) mit der Überbrückungssektion (14) verbunden
ist, größer ist als der Abstand zwischen den Flügeln (12) an einem Punkt, angrenzend
an das freie Ende (22) jedes Flügels (12).
9. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Mittel zum Beschränken
der Menge an teilchenförmigem Material in der Überbrückungssektion (14) eine Heftung
umfasst, die eine Oberfläche der Überbrückungssektion (14) mit einer gegenüberliegenden
Oberfläche der Überbrückungssektion (14) verbinden, oder wobei das Mittel zum Beschränken
der Menge an teilchenförmigem Material in der Überbrückungssektion (14) Füllungs-
oder Polsterungsmittel (16) umfasst, die in der Überbrückungssektion (14) bereitgestellt
werden.
10. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Oberfläche der Überbrückungssektion
(14) aus einem Oberflächenmaterial geformt ist und das teilchenförmige Material in
der Überbrückungssektion (14) eine Stütze für das Oberflächenmaterial bereitstellt.
11. Kissen (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das teilchenförmige Material
Perlen, Kugeln, Bohnen, Buchweizen, Hafer oder eine beliebige Kombination derselben
umfasst.
1. Coussin (10), comprenant :
deux ailes (12) ; et
une section de liaison (14) connectant les ailes (12) ;
dans lequel les ailes (12) et la section de liaison (14) établissent ensemble une
forme sensiblement en U dans une vue en plan, la surface de chaque aile (12) étant
formée d'un matériau de surface, et les ailes (12) contenant du matériau particulaire
pour fournir un support pour le matériau de surface ;
dans lequel l'épaisseur de la partie la plus fine de la section de liaison (14) est
inférieure à l'épaisseur de la partie la plus épaisse des ailes (12) ;
dans lequel la section de liaison (14) contient du matériau particulaire, et comprend
un moyen pour restreindre la quantité de matériau particulaire dans la section de
liaison, pour limiter l'épaisseur de la section de liaison (14) ; et
dans lequel la section de liaison (14) comprend un ou plusieurs canaux (24, 26) contenant
le matériau particulaire et s'étendant entre les ailes.
2. Coussin (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'épaisseur de la partie la plus
épaisse de la section de liaison (14) est inférieure à l'épaisseur de la partie la
plus épaisse de chaque aile (12).
3. Coussin (10) selon les revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel la section de liaison (14)
correspond un moyen de rembourrage (16) contenant un matériau différent du matériau
particulaire.
4. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le
matériau du moyen de rembourrage (16) est un matériau de mousse.
5. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le
moyen de rembourrage (16) est défini par couture dans le matériau de surface de la
section de liaison (14).
6. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le
moyen de rembourrage (16) est sensiblement rectangulaire ou sensiblement trapézoïdal
dans une vue en plan.
7. Coussin (10) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la section de liaison (24) comporte
un axe s'étendant entre les ailes (12), les côtés pus longs de la forme sensiblement
rectangulaire ou sensiblement trapézoïdale étant sensiblement parallèles à l'axe de
la section de liaison (14).
8. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chaque
aile (12) comporte une extrémité libre (22) située à l'écart d'un point au niveau
duquel chaque aile respective (12) est connectée à la section de liaison (14), la
distance entre les ailes (12), au niveau du point où chaque aile (12) est connectée
à la section de liaison (14) étant supérieure à la distance entre les ailes (12) au
niveau d'un point adjacent à l'extrémité libre (22) de chaque aile (12).
9. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le
moyen destiné à restreindre la quantité de matériau particulaire dans la section de
liaison (14) comprend la liaison par couture d'une surface de la section de liaison
(14) à une surface opposée de la section de liaison (14), ou dans lequel le moyen
destiné à restreindre la quantité de matériau particulaire dans la section de liaison
(14) comprend un moyen de matelassage ou de rembourrage (16) agencé dans la section
de liaison (14).
10. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la
surface de la section de liaison (14) est formée par un matériau de surface, le matériau
particulaire dans la section de liaison (14) fournissant un support pour le matériau
de surface.
11. Coussin (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lesquels
le matériau particulaire comprend des perles, des billes, des fèves, du sarrasin,
de l'avoine ou une quelconque combinaison de ces produits.