MATERIAL CUSHIONS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a maternity pillow.

[0002] The teachings of KR 2011 0010076 U, DE 20 2014 003099 U1, DE 20 2014 004565 U1 and CA 2 505 699 A1 can be considered as having varying degrees of relevance to the invention.

[0003] Maternity pillows are cushions used in a variety of ways by pregnant women and / or those who have recently given birth. Like any cushion, a maternity pillow has a cover, typically made of fabric, and filling inside the cover. The defining characteristic of maternity pillows is their shape: a curved U-shape, or elongated banana. This shape allows the maternity pillow to be used during pregnancy, particularly by unfolding the pillow along the body of a lying pregnant woman to provide support and relieve the weight of her belly. Also during pregnancy, the maternity pillow can be used as a back support, with the central area of ​​the pillow cradling the lumbar region of the pregnant woman when she is sitting or semi-reclining, while the arms of the pillow provide armrests.This explains why this type of U-shaped maternity pillow is also commonly called a "pregnancy pillow." After childbirth, the maternity pillow can be used to support some of the baby's weight during breastfeeding. The pillow is placed both laterally and around the woman's belly, while also providing at least partial support for the baby's body, which is held by the woman. Of course, the maternity pillow can also be used in the same way by anyone bottle-feeding the baby.

[0004] That said, the aforementioned U-shaped maternity pillow, highly valued during pregnancy, isn't always the most suitable for postpartum use, particularly for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, due to the considerable length and relatively thin arms of the U-shaped pillow. To address this issue, nursing pillows, which are more compact than U-shaped maternity pillows, are available. However, this increases the number of maternity products needed, leading to problems with cost, storage, practicality, and so on.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to offer a new maternity pillow that is more practical, in particular being usable for multiple purposes in a more satisfactory manner.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a maternity cushion, as defined in claim 1.

[0007] The idea behind the invention is, in a way, to combine two maternity pillows of different shapes into a single unit, typically a pregnancy pillow and a nursing pillow. To achieve this, the cover of the maternity pillow according to the invention incorporates two interconnected sections whose internal volumes are open to each other, allowing the filling of the maternity pillow to be completely moved from one internal volume to the other.The first of the two covers is designed, particularly in terms of its dimensions, to unfold and stretch into a U-shape when all the padding, along with the second cover folded in on itself, are placed inside the first cover. By giving the first cover this U-shape, the maternity pillow can then be used typically as a pregnancy pillow, as mentioned in the introduction to this document. The second cover, on the other hand, is designed, particularly in terms of its dimensions, to unfold and stretch into a C-shape when all the padding, along with the first cover folded in on itself, are placed inside the second cover. By giving the second cover this C-shape, the maternity pillow can then be used typically as a breastfeeding / feeding pillow.Thus, the maternity pillow according to the invention can be used in two distinct configurations, in which its cover has two different shapes: a U-shape, formed exclusively by the first cover when unfolded, and a C-shape, formed exclusively by the second cover when unfolded. The practicality of the maternity pillow according to the invention is therefore remarkable, as it can be easily switched from one of the two configurations to the other, depending on the user's needs. Switching between the two configurations is simple and easy, requiring only that the filling be moved from one to the other of the respective internal volumes of the two covers and that the unfolded cover be folded back on itself to place it inside the unfolded cover.

[0008] In practice, the maternity pillow according to the invention advantageously features modifications, particularly in structure or shape, which further improve its performance, as detailed below. Thus, additional advantageous characteristics of the maternity pillow according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are set forth in claims 2 and following.

[0009] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is an elevational figure of a maternity pillow according to the invention, illustrated in a non-functional configuration; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 illustrating the maternity pillow of the figure 1 in an initial usage configuration; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a schematic cross-section along line III-III of the figure 2 ; Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of using the maternity pillow in its initial configuration; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 2 illustrating the maternity pillow of the figure 1 in a second usage configuration; and [ Fig. 6 The figure is a view similar to the figure 4 illustrating an example of the use of the maternity pillow in its second configuration of use.

[0010] On the figures 1 à 6 is shown a maternity pillow 1.

[0011] The maternity pillow 1 includes a cover 2, as well as padding 3, which is only visible at the figure 3 and which is contained inside envelope 2.

[0012] As clearly visible on the figure 1 , envelope 2 comprises, or rather, as here, is made up of two covers, namely a cover 10 and a cover 20, which are distinct from each other but which, as detailed later, are permanently joined to each other.

[0013] Each of the covers 10 and 20 defines its own internal volume. Thus, cover 10 defines its own internal volume, and cover 20 defines its own internal volume, which is distinct from the internal volume of cover 10. In practice, covers 10 and 20 are flexible, so their internal volume varies depending on the degree of unfolding and filling of the cover in question. In particular, the internal volume of cover 10 or cover 20 is smaller when the cover is folded upon itself than when it is fully unfolded and taut. Preferably, covers 10 and 20 are made of fabric, for example, cotton. Covers 10 and 20 are therefore comfortable and easy to wash. To further improve their comfort, as well as to give them elasticity or stretch, the fabric covers 10 and 20 are advantageously made of jersey.In all cases, the joining between covers 10 and 20 is preferably, but not exclusively, achieved by sewing.

[0014] Covers 10 and 20 are joined together in such a way that their respective internal volumes are freely interconnected. In other words, in the assembled state of the casing 2, the internal volume of cover 10 communicates freely with the internal volume of cover 20. This connection between the internal volumes of covers 10 and 20 is established at a junction where they are permanently joined. Furthermore, the padding 3 is contained within the internal volumes of covers 10 and 20, and can be moved from one to the other via this junction.Depending on the distribution of the padding 3 between the inside of the covers 10 and 20 and according to the relative arrangement of the covers 10 and 20, the maternity cushion 1 has different configurations which will be detailed successively below, namely a first configuration of use, which is illustrated at the . figures 2 à 4 , a second usage configuration, which is illustrated in figures 5 And 6 and a non-functional configuration, which is illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0015] In the first configuration for using the maternity cushion 1, the cover 20 is folded over itself and placed, along with all of the padding 3, inside the cover 10. The presence, within the cover 10, of all of the padding 3 and the folded cover 20 stretches the cover 10, which is sized accordingly, and gives it an unfolded U-shape, that is to say, a sausage shape, the profile of which is U-shaped, as clearly visible on the figure 2 , and whose cross-section is convex, even nearly circular, as clearly visible on the figure 3 Of course, this U-shape is present in the cover 10 when it is at rest, that is, when the cover 10 is not deformed by external forces applied to the maternity pillow 1. As clearly visible on the figure 2 The cover 10 is then shaped with a central region 11, with a curved profile, and two branches 12 extending from the central region 11 in a generally parallel fashion. The cover 10 then has a length, that is to say a maximum dimension along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the branches 12, which is denoted L1 on the figure 2 and a height, that is to say a maximum dimension along the longitudinal direction of branches 12, which is denoted L2 on the figure 2 The central region 11 of the cover 10 then has a thickness, that is to say a transverse dimension, which is denoted E1.1 on the figure 2 Each of the branches 12 of the cover 10 then has a thickness, that is to say a transverse dimension, which is noted E1.2 on the figure 2 .

[0016] The maternity pillow 1, in its initial configuration, can be used in various ways. figure 4 This illustrates an example of use, in which a pregnant woman W1, lying on her side, uses the maternity pillow 1 by spreading the arms 12 of the cover 10 apart to position the central region 11 of the cover 10 against one side of her abdomen, thus supporting it. Meanwhile, one of the arms 12 is positioned along the upper part of her body, possibly extending to her head, which can then rest against this arm 12, and the other arm 12 is positioned between her bent legs. Other examples of using the maternity pillow 1 in this first configuration are conceivable, in all cases utilizing the U-shape of the cover 10.

[0017] In the second usage configuration, which is illustrated in figures 5 And 6The cover 10 is folded over itself and placed, along with all the padding 3, inside the internal volume of the cover 20. The presence, within the internal volume of the cover 20, of all the padding 3 and the folded cover 10 stretches the cover 20, which is dimensioned accordingly, and gives it an unfolded C-shape, that is to say, a sausage shape, the profile of which is C, as clearly visible on the figure 5 , and whose cross-section is convex, even nearly circular, as with the cross-section of the sausage shape of cover 10 when maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration of use. Of course, following considerations similar to those indicated above for cover 10 when maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration of use, the C-shape of cover 20 when maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration of use is also present when cover 20 is at rest. As clearly visible on the figure 5 The cover 20 is then shaped with a central region 21, with a curved profile, and two arms 22 extending from the central region 21 in a generally parallel fashion. Following considerations similar to those concerning the length L1, height H1, and thicknesses E1.1 and E1.2 of the cover 10 when the maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration of use, the cover 20, at rest, in the second configuration of use of the maternity pillow 1, has a length L2 and a height H2, while its central region 21 has a thickness E2.1 and each of its arms 22 has a thickness E2.2, as shown in the diagram. figure 5 .

[0018] The maternity pillow 1, in its second configuration, can be used in various ways. figure 6 This illustrates an example of use in which a woman W2, sitting and breastfeeding a baby B, uses the maternity cushion 1 to partially support her abdomen, so that the arms 22 of the cover 20 are positioned respectively to the left and right of woman W2's torso, and the central region 21 is positioned in front of woman W2's torso. The breastfeeding baby B rests, at the level of its head, on one or the other of the arms 12 of the cover 20, possibly supported by one of woman W2's arms. Other examples of using the maternity cushion 1 in this second configuration are conceivable, which take advantage of the C-shape of the cover 20.

[0019] By definition, the C-shape of cover 20 when maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration differs geometrically from the U-shape of cover 10 when maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration. While both the C and U shapes resemble a banana, the arms 22 of cover 20 when maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration are shorter than the arms 12 of cover 10 when maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration. Therefore, maternity pillow 1 in its second configuration is more practical to handle during use compared to maternity pillow 1 in its first configuration, and vice versa.For example, it proves more practical that the branches 22 of the cover 20 when the maternity pillow 1 is in the second configuration are relatively short for the purpose of supporting the baby who is being breastfed in the example of use of the . figure 6 , compared to the branches 12 of the cover 10 of the maternity pillow 1 in the first configuration of use for the purpose of supporting the belly of the pregnant woman W1 in the example of use illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0020] Following a preferential sizing, which reinforces the differentiation of use between the maternity cushion 1 in the first configuration of use and the maternity cushion 1 in the second configuration of use, the aforementioned length L1 and height H1 are respectively greater than the aforementioned length L2 and height H2, while the aforementioned thicknesses E1.1 and E1.2 are respectively smaller than the aforementioned thicknesses E2.2 and E2.2.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that the filling of cover 10 when the maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration consists primarily of all the padding 3, as well as, to a lesser extent, of the folded cover 20, whereas the filling of cover 20 when the maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration consists primarily of all the padding 3, as well as, to a lesser extent, of the folded cover 10: these two fillings are therefore virtually identical. Consequently, it is clear that the firmness of the maternity pillow 1 depends directly on the internal volume of cover 10 at rest when the maternity pillow is in its first configuration and directly on the internal volume of cover 20 at rest when the maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration.Thus, assuming that the two aforementioned values ​​are substantially equal, typically within 10%, maternity pillow 1 exhibits similar firmness in both the first and second usage configurations. Alternatively, assuming that the internal volume of cover 10 when maternity pillow 1 is in its first usage configuration is at least 10% greater than the internal volume of cover 20 when maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration, maternity pillow 1 feels firmer in its second usage configuration than in its first usage configuration.

[0022] In the non-functional configuration illustrated in the figure 1 The cover 10 is deployed outside the internal volume of the cover 20, which is itself deployed outside the internal volume of the cover 10. The padding 3 is distributed freely between the respective internal volumes of the covers 10 and 20, and can be entirely moved from one to the other. This non-functional configuration of the figure 1 illustrates how the maternity cushion 1 is able to switch reversibly between the first and second configurations of use, by moving all of the padding 3 from one to the other of the respective internal volumes of the covers 10 and 20.

[0023] According to a preferred arrangement, illustrated in the figures and particularly practical for use with the maternity cushion 1, the covers 10 and 20 are connected to each other by a zipper 30 of the maternity cushion 1, such as a zipper (registered trademark). In practice, this zipper 30 has edges that can be separated when the zipper 30 is open and that are joined when the zipper 30 is closed. These edges of the zipper 30 are each attached to the cover 10 and to the cover 20, typically by stitching, at the junction between the covers 10 and 20 where the latter are permanently joined to each other. When the zipper 30 is open, as in the figure 1 It allows the maternity cushion 1 to pass between the first and second usage configurations. When zipper 30 is closed while the maternity cushion 1 is in the first usage configuration, as on the figures 2 à 4 The zipper 30 closes the internal volume of the cover 10. When the zipper 30 is closed while the maternity pillow 1 is in the second configuration of use, as on the figures 5 And 6The zipper 30 closes the internal volume of the cover 20. In order to control the opening and closing of the zipper 30, the latter is provided with a slider 31 which is reversible, i.e., whose pull tab is designed to pass freely between the two opposite sides of the zipper 30: in this way, the pull tab of the slider 31 is positioned on the side of the zipper 30, turned towards the outside of the cover 10 when the maternity cushion 1 is in the first configuration of use and is positioned on the side of the zipper 30, turned towards the outside of the cover 20 when the maternity cushion 1 is in the second configuration of use, so that the pull tab is always easily grasped by the user.

[0024] Depending on the preferred aspect, padding 3 consists of microbeads, for example polystyrene or corn. Padding 3 is therefore particularly light and malleable, while also being particularly practical to move by transferring the contents from one to the other of the respective internal volumes of covers 10 and 20 when the maternity pillow is switched between the first and second configurations of use.

[0025] Based on the explanations provided so far, it is clear that the maternity pillow 1 has the advantage of being usable in various ways in both the first and second configurations, and can be easily switched between them. Furthermore, switching the maternity pillow 1 between these two configurations is quick and simple. For example, to switch the maternity pillow 1 from the first to the second configuration, the cover 20 is removed from the inner compartment of the cover 10, if necessary after opening the zipper 30. The padding 3 is then moved from the inner compartment of the cover 10 to the inner compartment of the cover 20.In practice, this movement of the padding 3 is advantageously achieved under the effect of gravity, being notably facilitated by transfer when the padding 3 is made up of the aforementioned microbeads. The maternity cushion 1 then presents an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations of use, which is similar to the non-functional configuration illustrated in Figure 1. figure 1 Once all the padding 3 is placed inside the cover 20, the cover 10 is folded over itself and placed inside the cover 20. The maternity pillow 1 is then in the second configuration of use, if necessary after closing the zipper 30. Of course, to move the maternity pillow 1 from the second configuration of use to the first configuration of use, the reverse operations to those just described are carried out.

[0026] Finally, various modifications and variations to the maternity pillow 1 described so far are possible. For example: The maternity pillow 1 may have two separate and distinct overcovers, the first of which is designed to be removably attached to the cover 10 when the maternity pillow 1 is in its first configuration of use, covering this cover 10 snugly, while the second overcover is designed to be removably attached to the cover 20 when the maternity pillow 1 is in its second configuration of use, covering this cover 20 snugly; the first overcover is shown in dotted lines only on the figure 3, under reference 40; these over-covers allow in particular for greater hygiene, being designed to be washable, as well as adapting the aesthetics of the maternity pillow; rather than providing the zipper 30, other means of closure are conceivable to connect the respective internal volumes of the covers 10 and 20; rather than being made of microbeads, the padding 3 may include one or more other materials, such as wadding; and / or in order to be able to periodically recharge the padding 3, at least one of the covers 10 and 20 is advantageously provided with a closable opening through which additional padding can be introduced into the internal volume of the cover concerned.

Claims

1. A maternity pillow (1), comprising a shell (2) and padding (3) which is contained inside the shell (2), wherein the shell (2) comprises a first cover (10) and a second cover (20) which each delimit an internal volume and which are permanently attached to one another, the respective internal volumes of the first and second covers (10, 20) being in communication with each other such that the padding (3) is movable in its entirety from one of the respective internal volumes of the first and second covers (10, 20) to the other in order to reversibly switch the maternity pillow (1) between: - a first use configuration, and - a second use configuration, wherein all the padding (3) and the first cover (10) folded on itself are arranged in the internal volume of the second cover (20), giving the second cover (20) a C shape when unfolded, characterised in that, in the first use configuration, all the padding (3) and the second cover (20) folded on itself are arranged in the internal volume of the first cover (10), giving the first cover (10) a U shape when unfolded.

2. The maternity pillow according to claim 1, wherein the respective internal volumes of the first and second covers (10, 20) are connected to each other by a zip fastener (30), such as a zipper, which: - allows the maternity pillow (1) to switch between the first and second use configurations when the zip fastener (30) is open, - closes the internal volume of the first cover (10) when the zip fastener (30) is closed while the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration, - closes the internal volume of the second cover (20) when the zip fastener (30) is closed while the maternity pillow (1) is in the second use configuration, and - is fitted with a reversible opening / closing control slider (31).

3. The maternity pillow according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first cover (10), when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration, and the second cover (20), when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration, have a first length (L1) and a second length (L2) respectively, the first length being greater than the second length, wherein the first cover (10), when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration, and the second cover (20), when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration, have a first height (H1) and a second height (H2) respectively, the first height being greater than the second height, wherein a central region (11) of the cover (10) when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration and a central region (21) of the second cover (20) when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration have a first thickness (E1.1) and a second thickness (E2.1) respectively, the first thickness being smaller than the second thickness, and wherein each of the two arms (12) of the first cover (10) when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration and each of the two arms (22) of the second cover (20) when the maternity pillow is in the second configuration have a third thickness (E1.2) and a fourth thickness (E2.2) respectively, the third thickness being smaller than the fourth thickness.

4. The maternity pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal volume of the first cover (10) when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration has a value which is substantially equal to that of the internal volume of the second cover (20) when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration.

5. The maternity pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal volume of the first cover (10) when the maternity pillow (1) is in the first use configuration has a value which is at least 10% greater than the internal volume of the second cover (20) when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration.

6. The maternity pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the padding (3) consists of microbeads.

7. The maternity pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second covers (10, 20) are textile.

8. The maternity pillow according to claim 7, wherein the first and second covers (10, 20) are made of jersey.

9. The maternity pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second covers (10, 20) are stitched together.

10. The maternity pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maternity pillow (1) further comprises: - a first outer cover (40), which is adapted to be removably attached to the first cover (10) when the maternity pillow is in the first use configuration, covering this first cover in a fitted manner, and - a second cover, which is distinct and separate from the first cover (40) and which is adapted to be removably attached to the second cover (20) when the maternity pillow is in the second use configuration, covering this second cover in a fitted manner.