Ergonomic pillow for the prevention of sleep wrinkles

Abstract

The invention relates to an ergonomic memory foam pillow comprising two layers of selected mechanical properties comprising: - an upper layer - a lower layer forming a base, the lower layer comprising a rubber structure of selected density forming vertically oriented hexagonal cells, configured to distribute the remaining weight substantially equally over the entire structure of said pillow, the hexagonal cell structure is configured to allow the lower layer to adopt semi-rigid properties along a vertical axis, while retaining deformable properties along the other axes of space, and capable of limiting the mechanical resistance and local densification of said pillow during a lateral rotation movement of the user's head;and in that- the lower layer and the upper layer when assembled together have a shaped structure comprising a central part having a depression configured to accommodate the user's head, and at least two extensions integral with the central part and arranged laterally, each lateral extension each having a depression configured to accommodate the lateral faces of the user's head when said head performs a lateral rotation, and capable of limiting, in combination with the hexagonal cells of the lower layer, the shearing effects of the skin of the user's head during a lateral rotation movement of the head.;

Description

Title of the invention: Ergonomic pillow for the prevention of sleep wrinkles

[0001] The present invention relates to an ergonomic pillow for the prevention of sleep wrinkles.

[0002] [It finds a general application in maintaining the head of a user during the sleep phase, and more particularly in reducing harmful dermatological effects on the face of said user.

[0003] The crushing that the skin of the face undergoes when the user's head moves is responsible for the formation of sleep wrinkles and damages the user's skin.

[0004] Much progress has been made in the field of pillows, and particularly in the field of ergonomic pillows, and many pillow-type devices focus on anatomical support allowing the user's neck and head to be properly supported.

[0005] These ergonomic pillows have the disadvantage of increasing the shearing effect of the skin when the user's head moves during sleep.

[0006] The shear effect on the skin is defined as the conjunction of two opposing surface forces parallel to the skin. These two forces generally result from the friction of the skin when the patient slides on a support. The greater the shear effect, the more it will cause crushing, which will result in the formation of tension or lesions in the blood capillaries, and consequently the formation of sleep wrinkles.

[0007] Ergonomic foam pillows are known comprising a structure of chosen shape having a central depression capable of accommodating the head of a user, as well as laterally arranged depressions configured to accommodate the lateral faces of the head of a user performing a lateral rotation and thus, in combination with the use of a chosen foam-type material, makes it possible to reduce the crushing of the skin of the user's face and thus the formation of sleep wrinkles.

[0008] These pillows have the disadvantage of having a very high shearing effect and of concentrating their technical effect on ergonomics intended to effectively reduce the formation of sleep wrinkles in a user.

[0009] Ergonomic pillow-type systems are also known which have a silicone honeycomb structure, providing a shape memory effect to adapt the shape of the pillow to the cervical anatomy of a user.

[0010] Such ergonomic honeycomb pillows have the major disadvantage of limiting the support provided to the cervical region and the head of a user, while having a high shear effect and not addressing the formation or reduction of sleep wrinkles.

[0011] These issues are all the more important as existing pillows generally focus on cervical / anatomical support or on reducing the shear effect but do not address the combination of the two issues without one of them being only partially answered.

[0012] The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

[0013] The invention relates to an ergonomic shape memory pillow comprising two layers of selected mechanical properties comprising:

[0014] -an upper layer configured to accommodate the head of a user and composed of a viscoelastic foam of chosen density, and capable of absorbing and partially distributing the weight of the head on the upper contact surface of the pillow; and

[0015] -a lower layer forming a base, capable of supporting the upper layer.

[0016] According to a general definition of the invention, the lower layer comprises a structure of selected density forming vertically oriented cells of selected hardness, configured to distribute the remaining weight substantially equally over the entire structure of said pillow, the cell structure is further configured to allow the lower layer to adopt semi-rigid properties along a vertical axis, while retaining deformable properties along the other axes of space, and capable of limiting the mechanical resistance and local densification of said pillow during a lateral rotation movement of the user's head, and making it possible to limit the shearing effect against the user's skin; and in that

[0017] -the lower layer and the upper layer when assembled together have a shaped structure comprising a central part having a depression configured to accommodate the user's head, and at least two extensions integral with the central part and arranged laterally, each lateral extension each having a depression configured to accommodate the lateral faces of the user's head when said head performs a lateral rotation, and capable of limiting, in combination with the cells of the lower layer, the shearing effects of the skin of the user's head during a lateral rotation movement of the head, and in particular the face.

[0018] Advantageously, the pillow according to the invention allows a distribution of the forces applied to the pillow while uniformly and progressively reducing the shearing effects of the skin of the user's head during movement, while guaranteeing optimal anatomical support.

[0019] In addition, the firmness of the material and structure of the pillow affects both the effect shear stress and stability. Indeed, the firmer a surface is, the greater the shear effect. Conversely, a surface that is too soft reduces stability.

[0020] The alveoli align in line with the body and flex according to the movement so as to reduce the shearing effect against the skin of the part of the body in contact with said pillow according to the invention.

[0021] Surprisingly, the Applicant observed that the combination of the lower and upper layers of the pillow according to the invention minimizes the shearing effect without sacrificing the stability and anatomical support of the user and drastically reduces the conditions for the formation of sleep wrinkles.

[0022] In practice, the cells of the lower layer belong to the group formed by hexagonal, honeycomb.

[0023] Advantageously, the alveolar structure allows the evacuation of heat and humidity thanks to the alveolar structure of the lower layer.

[0024] According to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, the lower layer has a variable vertical thickness depending on the shape of said pillow, and configured so that it is lower at the level of the center of the depressions relative to the edge of said depressions, said variation in thickness being progressive and configured to allow deformation along lines of force tangential to the force applied by the movement of the user's head.

[0025] In practice, the lower layer and the upper layer are assembled by gluing.

[0026] According to an embodiment according to the invention, the lower layer is made of a material belonging to the group formed by flexible molded polyurethane rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0027] In practice, the hardness of the lower layer is between 30 and 60 degrees SHORE A.

[0028] According to an embodiment according to the invention, the upper layer is made of molded polyurethane foam.

[0029] By way of non-limiting example, the density of the upper layer is between 50 kg / m3 and 90 kg / m3.

[0030] In practice, the pillow further comprises a pillowcase type protection, configured to envelop the entire surface of the pillow, substantially following the shape of said pillow.

[0031] By way of non-limiting example, the pillowcase is composed of several fabric panels belonging to the group formed by: bamboo fiber, silk, cotton and similar material configured to allow the evacuation of moisture.

[0032] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the description and the drawings in which: - [Fig.l] schematically represents the pillow according to the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents a side view of the upper layer of the pillow according to the invention; - [Fig.3] schematically represents a rear view of the upper layer of the pillow according to the invention; - [Fig.4] schematically represents a top view of the lower layer of the pillow according to the invention; - [Fig.5] schematically represents an exploded view of the cover of the pillow according to the invention; and - [Fig.6] schematically represents the alveoli of the lower layer according to the invention.

[0033] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the pillow 1 according to the invention comprises a lower layer 3 and an upper layer 2, configured to distribute the forces applied to said pillow in use and ensure progressive deformation during movement of the user.

[0034] The pillow according to the invention comprises an upper layer 2, configured to accommodate the head of a user and composed of a viscoelastic foam of chosen density, capable of absorbing and distributing at least partially the pressure exerted by the user's head on the upper contact surface of the pillow 1, and absorbing at least partly the forces applied.

[0035] By way of non-limiting example, the upper layer 3 is made of molded PU polyurethane foam.

[0036] Advantageously, the internal honeycomb structure of this material makes it extremely breathable, preventing moisture and bad odors from stagnating. In addition, being a natural material, it has the advantage of being completely antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

[0037] It also has the advantage of adapting to the curves and lines of the head, neck and shoulders.

[0038] By way of non-limiting example, the density of the upper layer 3 is between 50 kg / m3 and 90 kg / m3.

[0039] The pillow 1 according to the invention further comprises a lower layer 3 forming a base, capable of supporting the upper layer 2, comprises a structure of selected density forming cells 300 oriented vertically, configured to distribute the remaining weight substantially equally over the entire structure of said pillow.

[0040] The honeycomb structure of the lower layer 3 is further configured to adopt semi-rigid properties along a vertical axis, while retaining deformable properties along the other axes of space, and capable of limiting the mechanical resistance and local densification of said pillow 1 during a lateral rotation movement of the user's head, and making it possible to limit the shearing effect against the user's skin.

[0041] In practice, the cells 300 of the lower layer 3 belong to the group formed by hexagonal, honeycomb, each having a chosen section A.

[0042] By hexagonal is meant hexagonal structures with a section between 25 mm inclusive and 40 mm.

[0043] As a non-limiting example, the hexagonal cell has a section of 37 mm.

[0044] Honeycomb means hexagonal structures with a section between 10 mm and 25 mm.

[0045] As a non-limiting example, the honeycomb cell has a section of 13 mm.

[0046] The 300 cells help eliminate pressure points on the user's skin while surrounding and supporting the anatomy, thus allowing a personalized fit for each individual while providing excellent stability.

[0047] Furthermore, the cells 300 are dynamically compressed upon rotation of the user's head.

[0048] Said cells 300 compress along a vertical axis while deforming along the plane of rotation of the user's head to guarantee a uniform and reduced restoring force, applied to the user's face, and this throughout the rotation or movement.

[0049] The shearing effect is therefore greatly reduced and limits the local compression of the user's facial skin, thus reducing sleep wrinkles.

[0050] Advantageously, the cells 300 also allow air to circulate freely and moisture to be evacuated, which contributes to maintaining a chosen humidity and local temperature of the skin in contact with the pillow.

[0051] In practice, the cells 300 are semi-rigid, and have a capacity for deformation by flexion, advantageously allowing the stimulation of blood flow and promoting the circulation of the skin in contact with said pillow.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the lower layer 2 is made of a material belonging to the group formed by flexible molded polyurethane rubber, silicone, or the like, and having a chosen hardness.

[0053] By way of non-limiting example, the hardness of the lower layer 2 is between 30 and 60 degrees SHORE A.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower layer 3 and the upper layer 2 are assembled to each other, and form a shaped structure describing a central part 21 having a depression 211, configured to accommodate the user's head, and at least two extensions 22, 23 secured to the central part and arranged laterally relative to the central part 21.

[0055] In practice, each lateral extension 22, 23 has a depression 221, 231 configured to accommodate the lateral faces of the user's head when said head performs a lateral rotation, and capable of limiting, in combination with the cells of the lower layer 3, the shearing effects of the skin of the user's head during a lateral rotation movement of the head, and more particularly of the user's face.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower layer 2 has a variable vertical thickness depending on the shape of said pillow, and configured so that it is lower at the level of the center of the depressions 211, 221, 231 relative to the edge of said depressions 211, 221, 231.

[0057] The vertical thickness of the lower layer 3 is understood to mean the height of the cells 300 forming the lower layer 3.

[0058] In practice, said variation in thickness is progressive and configured to allow deformation along lines of force tangential to the force applied by the user's head in motion and thus reduce the shearing effect by limiting the force applied when crushing the skin of the user's face.

[0059] In other words, the vertical pressure resistance properties, in combination with the deformability of the cells on the other axes of space and the progressive reduction in the thickness of the lower layer to accompany the movement trajectory of the user's head, allows a progressive and sequential compression of the cells and thus reduces the pressure exerted locally on the skin.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pillow 1 further comprises a pillowcase type protection 12, configured to envelop the entire surface of the pillow 1 while substantially following the shape of said pillow 1.

[0061] In practice, said pillowcase 12 is composed of several panels of bamboo fiber fabric, assembled in three dimensions, and configured to allow the evacuation of moisture.

[0062] By way of example, the pillowcase comprises closing means, capable of locking the pillow 1 in the pillowcase 12.

[0063] Surprisingly, the pillow according to the invention allows dynamic adaptation of the contact surface with the user's head and distribution of the applied forces in such a way as not to generate epidermal compression sufficiently concentrated to crease and deform the user's skin and thus form sleep wrinkles.

Claims

1. Claims Ergonomic memory foam pillow (1) comprising two layers of selected mechanical properties including: - an upper layer (2) configured to accommodate the head of a user and composed of a viscoelastic foam of chosen density, and capable of absorbing and partially distributing the weight of the head on the upper contact surface of the pillow (1); - a lower layer (3) forming a base, capable of supporting the upper layer (2); characterized in that: - the lower layer (3) comprises a structure of selected density forming vertically oriented cells (300), of hardness between 30 and 60 degrees SHORE A, configured to distribute the remaining weight substantially equally over the entire structure of said pillow, the cell structure is further configured to allow the lower layer to adopt semi-rigid properties along a vertical axis, while retaining deformable properties along the other axes of space, and capable of limiting the mechanical resistance and local densification of said pillow (1) during a lateral rotation movement of the user's head, and making it possible to limit the shearing effect against the user's skin,; and in that -the lower layer (3) and the upper layer (2) when assembled together have a shaped structure comprising a central part (21) having a depression (211) configured to accommodate the user's head, and at least two extensions (22, 23) integral with the central part and arranged laterally, each lateral extension each having a depression (221, 231) configured to accommodate the lateral faces of the user's head when said head performs a lateral rotation, and capable of limiting, in combination with the cells of the lower layer (3), the shearing effects of the skin of the user's head during a lateral rotation movement of the head, the lower layer having a variable vertical thickness depending on the shape of said pillow, and configured so that it is lower at the level of the center of the depressions relative to the edge of said depressions,said variation in thickness being progressive and configured to allow deformation along lines of force tangential to the force applied by the, movement of the user's head.

2. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cells (300) of the lower layer (3) belong to the group formed by hexagonal, honeycomb.

3. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower layer (2) and the upper layer (3) are assembled by gluing.

4. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower layer (2) is made of a material belonging to the group formed by flexible molded polyurethane rubber, silicone, or the like.

5. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper layer (3) consists of molded polyurethane (PU) foam.

6. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the density of the upper layer (3) is between 50 kg / m3 and 90 kg / m3.

7. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pillow (1) further comprises a pillowcase type protection (12), configured to envelop the entire surface of the pillow (1) substantially following the shape of said pillow (1).

8. Ergonomic pillow (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the pillowcase (1) is composed of several fabric panels belonging to the group formed by: bamboo fiber, silk, cotton and similar material configured to allow the evacuation of moisture.

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