Abstract:
The invention relates to a pillow ( 10 ), comprising two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space, suitable for inflating to provide a cushioned support. The pillow has a head zone ( 16 ) for providing cushioning means to a user&#39;s head and two wings ( 18 ), configured to extend away from the head zone such that the pillow is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pillow, when deflated. A channel ( 22 ) is provided between the sheets of flexible material to connect the wings ( 18 ). The channel ( 22 ) is positioned at a point in the head zone ( 16 ) furthermost from the wing ends ( 20 ). The width of the channel increases from the center line ( 24 ) such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile, formed about the center line ( 24 ) and centered on the channel ( 22 ).

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention relates to pillows, and in particular to inflatable travel pillows that provide a comfortable support for a person using said pillow by providing a cushion support for a user&#39;s head when interposed between a user&#39;s head and a surface upon which a user&#39;s head is resting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Known pillows come in various forms. The most basic pillows are generally rectangular in shape and can be inflated to provide a cushioned support. Although basic pillows often have an indentation, or similar such feature, for locating a user&#39;s head therein, such pillows are not adapted, or optimised, for user comfort because the three-dimensional shape formed by the pillow does not complement the natural shape of a user&#39;s head and neck when resting upon a surface. These pillows are adapted for use in a horizontal position. 
     Known improvements upon the generally rectangular shaped pillows have, in plan view, a U-shape profile. When inflated, these U-shaped pillows function like a collar, allowing a user&#39;s neck to be surrounded by the U-shaped profile of the pillow. These pillows are adapted for use in an inclined position. 
     Unfortunately, in use, the inventors have found that the “collar” type pillows provide limited lateral support to user&#39;s head. Further, the U-shaped profile, in particular the base portion of the “U”, prevents a user&#39;s head and neck from resting in a natural position because a user&#39;s head located within the U-shaped pillow cannot fully rotate backwards to lie flat, or close to, the surface upon which the user is resting. 
     In effect, the portion immediately behind the neck unnaturally pushes the user&#39;s head forward towards the user&#39;s chest. Moreover, an inflated “collar” type pillow has a tendency to wrap around, or constrict a user&#39;s throat area. 
     Improvements to known collar-type pillows have had limited success. In one known example, the area at the base of the “U” that locates beneath a user&#39;s neck has been reduced in size to allow a user&#39;s head to rotate further rearwards towards the surface upon which a user is resting. Unfortunately, some of the other problems mentioned above remain. 
     It is against this background that the present invention has been made. This invention results from efforts to overcome the problems of known pillows. Other aims of the invention will be apparent from the following description. 
     STATEMENT OF INVENTION 
     The pillow of the invention is configured to channel a user&#39;s head towards the apex of a V-shaped profile formed in the pillow when inflated, to secure the user&#39;s head therein. A channel, furthermost from wing ends of the pillow is configured to provide a “pinch-point”, or constriction zone, between the wings of the pillow to form the V-shape profile. 
     In one aspect, the invention resides in a pillow, comprising two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space, suitable for inflating to provide a cushioned support. The pillow has: a head zone for providing cushion means interposed between a user&#39;s head and the surface upon which said user is resting; two wings, configured to extend away from a centre line of the head zone towards wing ends such that the deflated pillow is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pillow; a channel, defined between the sheets of flexible material, configured to connect the wings, and positioned at a point in the head zone remote from the wing ends, wherein the width of the channel increases from the centre line such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile, formed about the centre line and centred about the channel. Other profiles may be formed at other parts of the pillow. Preferably, the channel is adjacent the edge of the pillow furthermost from the wing ends. 
     The pillow of the invention is advantageous because the pillow is configured to form, when inflated, a wedge shaped gap when viewed in elevation, such as a substantially V-shaped channel, between the wings, to securely locate a user&#39;s head therein. The pillow, when inflated, retains this shape relatively rigidly. 
     The gap may be defined by the wings extending upwardly, with respect to the surface on which the pillow is resting, from a point close to where the centre line passes through the head zone. Preferably, the apex of the V-shaped profile extends from the intersection of the centre line with the channel. 
     The channel narrows towards the centre line, when seen in elevation (normal to plane of sheets of flexible material) when inflated. The sides of the V-shape, defined by an upper sheet of the inflated pillow, may curve. 
     The V-shaped profile may define an angle, at the apex of the “V” greater than 10 degrees. The angle may be between of between 10 degrees and 180 degrees. Preferably, the angle is 150 degrees. 
     The V-shape profile may be dictated the degree by which the width of the channel increases from the centre line. By way of example, a small increase of the width of the channel over a predetermined distance may function to form a substantially obtuse apex, while a large increase in width over the same distance may function to form a narrower apex. 
     In effect, the channel has a waist formed about the centre line, where it narrows towards the narrowest point of the channel. Preferably, the width of the channel decreases smoothly towards the centre line. Preferably, the width of the channel at its narrowest point is not zero, as this helps to form a rigid V shape. 
     In effect, the V-shaped profile secures a user&#39;s head therein such that the centre of gravity of a user&#39;s head is biased towards the apex of the “V” and substantially recessed between the wings of the pillow, thus providing greater support and stability to a user&#39;s head, in use. 
     The centre line may be substantially equidistant between the wings, or may be symmetrical about the centre line. 
     The pinch-point, or constriction point, results in the wings adopting a V-shaped profile in its inflated resting position. In turn, this pushes the wings up in a direction of the user&#39;s jaw line and/or chin, rather than merely resting on the shoulder blades in the same way as known pillows. 
     The head zone may be circular in shape in the plane of the cushion, or the head zone may take any shape, provided that it complements the forming of a V-shaped profile, when the pillow is inflated, by ensuring that the width of the channel increases from the centre line. The width direction is defined by the direction of the centre line. 
     The head zone may define an inflatable chamber to provide a cushioning surface for a user&#39;s head without the need for additional foam or cushioning. The inflatable chamber may be connected to the channel and/or the wings. The head zone may comprise a foam filled portion. The head zone may be an inflatable chamber and have a foam filled portion. The foam may be memory foam. 
     The head zone may be configured with a bridge connecting the wings. Preferably, the bridge may be arranged at a point in the head zone nearest the wings. The bridge may have a second channel configured to connect, by fluid communication, the wings. 
     The second channel and/or the bridge may increase in width from the centre line such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile, centred about the second channel and/or the bridge. Therefore, the bridge may be shaped, and configured, to complement the formation of a V-shaped profile when the pillow is inflated. 
     The shape of the bridge may be configured such that the head zone is substantially flat, or preferably profiled to ergonomically match the shape of a user&#39;s head. In order to do so, the head zone may comprise foam, an air cushion, or a combination of foam and an air cushion portion. 
     Preferably, the second channel and/or the bridge may be shaped such that when the pillow is inflated, the head zone is substantially flat in the region closest to the wing ends and substantially V-shaped in profile, centred about the centre line of the channel. 
     The width of the second channel and/or the bridge may be greater than the width of the channel. It may be advantageous to control the shape of the head zone by controlling the width of the channel and the second channel and/or the bridge, the differences in the width dimensions between said elements being configured to control the shape of the head zone. 
     The width of the smallest part of the channel, bridge and/or second channel may be smaller than the width of the widest part of an adjacent wing. 
     The profile of the bridge and/or second channel may be dictated the degree by which the width of the bridge and/or second channel increase from the centre line. 
     The shape of the pillow, in plan view, is substantially U-shaped when in a deflated and an inflated condition. The edges of the “U” may be rounded or comprise straight line sections. In use, the U-shape may be arranged to leave open the area in front of a user&#39;s neck. 
     The pillow may have further additional sheets or layers of material, and may include 3 or more sheets. The additional sheets may be the same size, as the two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space, or may be smaller in size to cover a specific area of the exterior of the pillow. Additional sheets may be added to improve strength, comfort, durability and or appearance. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a known rectangular inflatable pillow,  FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view of a known U-shaped, or collar-type, inflatable pillow, and  FIG. 1   c  is a perspective view of a known collar-type pillow having a shaped neck portion; 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are schematic drawings showing a plan view and an elevation view, respectively, of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1   b;    
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are schematic drawings showing a plan view and an elevation view, respectively, of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1   c;    
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show a schematic representation of a user&#39;s head positioned, in use, in a known collar-type pillow typical of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1   b;    
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show a schematic representation of a user&#39;s head located in a pillow of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a plan view of the pillow of the invention in a deflated condition; 
         FIG. 7   a  shows an end elevation view of an inflated pillow of the invention of the type shown in  FIG. 1   b , while  FIG. 7   b  shows an end elevation view of an inflated pillow according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an inflated pillow of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a plan view of the invention, including indications of additional cushion areas, section X-X and section XI-XI; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken through section X-X of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken through section XI-XI of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c  show known cushions in perspective view. Each cushion has an inflatable portion  2  and a rest area  4  for resting a head. The “collar-type” pillows shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c  have arms  6  extending from the rest  4 . A valve (not shown) is provided to inflate the pillows. 
     The pillow shown in  FIG. 1   a  has a rest  4  defined by a flat portion in the centre of the inflatable portion. The recess created by the rest  4  allows a user&#39;s head to rest therein. When the inflatable portion  2  is inflated, the rest  4  is raised from the surface upon which the pillow is resting as a result of the inflatable portion expanding in each direction away from the rest  4 . Therefore, in use, a user&#39;s neck would rest on the inflatable portion immediately adjacent the rest  4  upon which the user&#39;s head would rest. Ergonomically, a user&#39;s head, resting upon the cushion of  FIG. 1   a , would be unnaturally biased towards the chest of the user. 
       FIG. 1   b  has substantially the same features as the pillow of  FIG. 1   a . The principal difference between said pillows is the removal of the rest area  4  and a section of inflatable portion  2 . As a result, the inflatable portion defines a U-shaped pillow. In light of the rest  4  being omitted, a user would rest their neck upon a neck rest  8 , positioned in the base of the “U”. 
     The pillow of  FIG. 1   b  was developed to provide a cushion support for a user&#39;s neck when they are resting in a non-horizontal position. In use, a user&#39;s neck would rest between the arms  6  and rest upon the neck rest  8 . In effect, the pillow forms a collar around the user&#39;s neck. Although the pillow shown in  FIG. 1   b  enables a user&#39;s head and neck located therein to lie closer to the surface upon which a user is resting. Unfortunately, the neck rest  8  continues to bias the neck and head of a user towards the user&#39;s chest. 
     The arms  6  provide a degree of lateral support to a user&#39;s head; however, the forward biased position of the head is such that the head can easily roll between the arms  6 . In effect, the position of the arms  6  with respect to a user&#39;s head is such that the centre of gravity of a user&#39;s head is held in a raised position above the plane defined by the pillow, which results in there being insufficient support for the head. 
     The pillow of  FIG. 1   c  provides a rest  4 , or neck rest  8 , having a reduced depth, with respect to the arms  6 , in the plane defined by the pillow. The lowered neck rest  8  of  FIG. 1   c  allows a user&#39;s head to be positioned closer to the surface upon which the user is resting. However, the broad void created by the neck rest  8  exacerbates the problem of unsupported movement of a user&#39;s head when rested therein. Moreover, the thickness of the arms  6  maintain the rest  8  in a raised position such that the centre of gravity of a user&#39;s head is held in a raised position above the plane defined by the pillow, which results in there being insufficient support for the head. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 4   a  shows the pillow of  FIG. 1   b  in use. The position of the pillow with respect to the user&#39;s neck and head allows the user&#39;s head to fall, or turn, to one side, as shown.  FIG. 4   b  illustrates that the pillow of  FIG. 1   b  biases the user&#39;s head towards the user&#39;s chest. In other words, known pillows provide limited lateral support and push a user&#39;s head forward because said pillows, in particular the pillows shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c , provide support primarily for the neck of a user without taking into account the heavy weight of a user&#39;s head and the centre of gravity of said head being at a raised distance from the plane defined by the cushion. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show a pillow according to the present invention, in use, in comparable circumstances to those shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . In can be seen that the pillow of the invention provides lateral support to a user&#39;s head and enables a user&#39;s head to lie flat, with respect to the rest of the user&#39;s body, upon a surface upon which the user is resting. In effect, the pillow provides, simultaneously, support to the head and the neck of a user. By enabling a user&#39;s head to be channelled into the pillow, the centre of gravity of a user&#39;s head is biased towards the plane defined by the cushion, and greater comfort is achieved. 
       FIG. 6  shows the components of a pillow  10  according to the present invention. Sheets of flexible material  12  are fixed together at welds  14  to define a head zone  16 , wings  18 , wing ends  20  and a channel  22 , defined between the sheets of flexible material that connect the wings. A centre line  24 , defined by a central portion of the bead zone  16 , approximately equal distances from each of the wings  18 , represents the centre line of the pillow. 
     As viewed in  FIG. 6 , the channel  22  is located at the top of the pillow, in the uppermost area of the head zone  16 , while a bridge  26  is provided between the wings at the bottom of the head zone  16 . The term “width” is defined as being a distance in the direction of the centre-line. An inflation point  28  is provided. 
     Structurally, the shape of the welds  14  on the sheets  12  defines the pillow. During manufacture, front and back sheets  12  are layered together before being connected by connection means such as stitching, adhesive, welding (heat, resistance, RF, ultrasound) or a combination to create the welds  14 . The welds define the shape of the pillow  10 , the head zone  16 , the wings  18  and the wing ends  20 . More importantly, the weld pattern defines the shape of the channel  22  and the bridge  26 . 
     The pillow may be constructed of any suitable material, such as PVC. The pillow may be assembled from individual sheets, or a single sheet, folded over. 
     After the sheets are welded together, excess material is trimmed from the sheets to leave a footprint of material as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the head zone  16  is effectively sealed off from the wings  18 . The head zone  16  may be provided with a foam cushion or may be inflated separately from a separate inflate point (not shown) from the inflate point  28 . The formation of the welds  14  and head zone  16  are such that the channel defined between the sheets of flexible material increases in width as it extends from the centreline  24 . In other words, the width of the smallest part of the channel is smaller than the width of the widest part of an adjacent wing. 
     In effect, the shape of the channel  22  as it extends from centreline  24  towards the wings  18  and wing ends  20  has a waist, narrowing about the centre line. On one side of the waist, the channel may have a corniculate, or funnel-like form. To be clear, the narrow end of the horn, or funnel, is represented by the waist, narrowest point, or “pinch-point” of the channel  22 . 
     The pillow  10  is inflated via the inflation point  28 . Upon inflation, the cavity between the sheets  12  expands such that the wings  18 , the wing ends  20 , and the channel  22  have a three-dimensional form. 
     Upon expansion, the pillow takes a three-dimensional form. In plan view, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the inflated pillow maintains a substantially U-shaped form. However, in an elevation view with respect to the surface upon which the pillow is resting, the pillow  10  is substantially V-shaped when viewed along the axis defined by the centreline  24 . 
       FIG. 7   a  shows a known pillow in end elevation of view. The end elevation view is representative of a view of a pillow shown in  FIG. 1   b . The pillow is generally elongate in shape having rounded ends and indentations created as a result of the expansion of the arms  6 . 
     In comparison, the pillow of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 7   b , has a substantially V-shaped end elevation profile. The V-shaped profile is defined by the apex, which is formed in the region of the intersection between the centre line  24  and the channel  22 . 
     As shown, the arms of the “V” extend vertically and are defined by the wings. Between the wings  18 , a substantially flat head zone  16  is formed. The V-shaped profile allows a user&#39;s head to be channelled into the pillow such that the centre of gravity of a user&#39;s head lies closer to the surface upon which a user rests in comparison to known pillows. 
     Further, the wings of the pillow extend in an outward direction with respect to the head zone  16  such that the throat air of a user&#39;s neck remains exposed, the formation of the pillow  10  being formed such that the wings are inhibited from constricting the throat area. This difference can clearly be seen by comparing  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 5   a.    
     The pillow of the invention provides cushioning support for both the head and the neck of a user. Referring back to  FIG. 5   b , it can be seen that the user&#39;s head rests upon the head zone  16  such that the wings  18  extend along the jaw line of a user providing adequate lateral support to the user&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view looking down into the pillow of the invention, in a direction from the channel towards the wing ends  22 . It can be clearly seen that the channel  2 . 2  functions to provide the substantially V-shaped profile. The generally curved shape of the wings corresponds, ergonomically, to the shape of a user&#39;s head and neck to provide both head and neck support. 
     A user&#39;s head may rest in the apex of the V-shaped profile, being channelled therein, while providing sufficient space for the head to prevent a user feeling trapped. 
       FIG. 9  shows a plan view of the pillow of the invention, which is similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 . In addition to the sheets  12 , the pillow may be provided with a flocked panel  30 , a fleece cover  32  and areas incorporating memory foam  34 . Stitching  36  is provided to secure the additional coverings to the pillow. 
     In order that the structure of the pillow  10  may be better understood, section X-X and section XI-XI are indicated in  FIG. 9 , with said sectional detail being shown, respectively, in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show in detail the front and back sheets  12 , in addition to further sheets, in an inflated condition. When inflated, the sheets  12  form chambers to create the wings  18  and the channel  22 . The application of additional coverings, in the form of the flocked covering  30 , the fleece cover  32  and the memory foam portion  34  can be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11  in relation to the chambers of the channel  22  and the wing  18 . 
     The bridge  26  forms a channel between the wings  18 . Alternatively, the bridge  26  may form a sealed barrier between the wings  18 . The shape of the bridge may be formed to complement the formation of the V-shaped profile of the pillow. 
     In another embodiment, not shown, the head zone  16  is not enclosed by welds  14  and, instead, is connected to the wings  18  and/or the channel  22 , such that air blown into the pillow through the inflation point  28  serves to inflate the head zone  16  such that it functions as a cushion for a user&#39;s head. 
     A circular shape, or a series of ever decreasing circles, to complement the shape of a user&#39;s head, may define the head zone  16 . However, any shape may be used that enables the pillow to form a substantially V-shaped profile around the centre line  24 . 
     A crease along a portion of the centre line  24 , in effect, forms the V-shaped profile. The crease is formed by a “pinch-point” that is formed by the limited size of the aperture in the channel  22  between the wings  18 . By restricting the air passage between the wings  18 , the channel  22  effectively buckles around its narrowest point. 
     The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also exists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of such features or any generalisation of such features of combination.