Neck pillow

Abstract

Get good sleep. [Solution] The device is made of a band-shaped bag body 2. The bag body 2 has a plurality of support parts divided in the width direction and a connecting part that keeps the bag body wrapped around the neck. When the bag body is wrapped around the neck, the part of the support part located on the lower side has greater rigidity than the part located on the upper side.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neck pillow. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a neck pillow having the following configuration, for example, has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that is substantially U-shaped and includes an inflatable body that is used by filling it with air, and a structure that prevents air from leaking from the inflatable body. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a through hole that communicates between the neck side and the outside is formed in a U-shaped elastically deformable basic member. Patent document 3 discloses a configuration in which a cylindrical body having a hardness to stably support the neck is equipped with a line fastener, and the support state of the neck can be adjusted by adjusting the degree to which the line fastener is opened.

[0003] However, the structures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 merely support the neck, and it is unclear whether a good sleeping state can be achieved. Also, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 3 only aims to prevent the neck from falling, and it is unclear whether a good sleeping state can be achieved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-165919 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-63170 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6678978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a neck pillow that enables a person to sleep in a good state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a neck pillow consisting of a band-shaped bag body, the bag body having a plurality of support parts divided in the width direction and a connecting part for maintaining the state in which it is wrapped around the neck, and the support part has greater rigidity at a part located on the lower side when wrapped around the neck compared to a part located on the upper side.

[0007] According to this configuration, the bag body is divided into multiple parts in the width direction to provide different rigidities, and the rigidity is increased on the lower side, which is the cervical spine side, to stabilize the support state. On the other hand, the face side is softly supported to provide a comfortable state. This makes it possible to achieve a good sleeping state.

[0008] It is preferable that, when the bag body is wrapped around the neck, the support portion comprises a first support portion located on the upper side and a second support portion located on the lower side, the first support portion having a first storage portion and the second support portion having a second storage portion, and an elastic medium is respectively stored in the first storage portion and the second storage portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, the elastic support state can be freely adjusted by changing the type and amount of the elastic medium contained in each container.

[0010] The first support portion preferably includes a rear head support portion that supports at least a portion of the rear head.

[0011] With this configuration, the weight of the head is less likely to be placed on the neck muscles, relieving tension in muscles such as the trapezius and clavicle-mastoid muscles, making it easier to sleep.

[0012] The first support portion preferably includes a side head support portion that elastically supports the side head.

[0013] With this configuration, the weight of the head is less likely to be placed on the neck muscles, relieving muscle tension and making it easier to sleep.

[0014] The first support portion preferably includes a front chin support portion for supporting a lower jaw.

[0015] With this configuration, the weight of the head is less likely to be placed on the neck muscles, relieving muscle tension and making it easier to sleep.

[0016] The first support portion preferably includes a pressure prevention portion at a portion corresponding to the carotid artery when the bag body is wrapped around the neck.

[0017] With this configuration, even if the bag is wrapped around the neck, the carotid artery is not compressed and the user does not feel short of breath, making it easier for the user to fall asleep.

[0018] The second support portion preferably includes a shoulder contact portion that deforms to fit the shape of the collarbone or shoulder when the bag is wrapped around the neck.

[0019] With this configuration, the support state of the bag body on the shoulder can be stabilized, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the lower support portion being pressed against the collarbone.

[0020] It is preferable that the second support portion has a recessed portion which divides a portion where the shoulder contact portion is located and a portion above the portion when the bag is wrapped around the neck.

[0021] According to this configuration, even if the shoulder contact portion is configured to be easily deformed, the influence of this on the portion supporting the upper cervical vertebrae can be suppressed, and the support state of the cervical vertebrae can be stabilized.

[0022] The connecting portions are provided at both ends of the second support portion and consist of hook-and-loop fasteners that can be attached together in an overlapping state, and it is preferable that the attachment position of the hook-and-loop fasteners is such that the strength with which the bag body is wrapped around the neck can be adjusted.

[0023] With this configuration, by adjusting the attachment position of the hook-and-loop fastener, the degree of tightness around the neck can be freely adjusted, making it possible to achieve an appropriate condition according to the user's neck size and preferences. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the belt-shaped pouch is divided in the width direction, and the rigidity of the lower portion is increased when the pouch is wrapped around the neck, so that the support state on the cervical spine side is stabilized and the support state on the face side can be adjusted according to the user's preference, which allows the user to get a good night's sleep. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the neck pillow according to the embodiment in use. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the neck pillow shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 2 is a graph showing sleep states when the neck pillow shown in FIG. 1 is used and when it is not used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper", "lower", "side" and "end") are used as necessary, but the use of these terms is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the following description is essentially merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions, etc. differ from the actual ones.

[0027] The neck pillow 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of a belt-shaped bag 2, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. When the bag 2 is wrapped around the neck, at least the part that touches the skin is preferably composed of a material that feels good to the touch. The bag 2 may be made of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, rayon, etc. Furthermore, the bag 2 may be made of fabrics of various weaves, such as felt, satin, knit, mesh, and brushed fabric. The bag 2 may be made of fabrics that are cool to the touch in summer and fabrics that are warm in winter, depending on the season. The bag 2 may also be made reupholstered. The bag 2 may be made of a fabric that can be easily reupholstered using a hook-and-loop fastener, for example. Furthermore, the bag 2 may be made of a quilt in which thin cotton is layered and sewn together on the surface facing the inner space.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the bag body 2 is sewn together at a predetermined distance above the X-axis, which divides the bag body 2 into approximately two equal parts in the width (vertical) direction. An upper support part 4 and a lower support part 5 are formed in the bag body 2 by the sewn seam 3. Although not shown, the internal space is also divided by the seam 3 into an upper space part located at the upper support part 4 and a lower space part located at the lower support part 5.

[0029] The upper space contains an elastic medium. The elastic medium is a plurality of elastic bodies. The elastic bodies in the upper space are, for example, a number of marshmallow beads. The marshmallow beads are cylindrical foamed plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Moreover, an elastic medium is accommodated in the lower space. The elastic medium is a plurality of elastic bodies. The elastic bodies in the lower space include a number of soft pipes (not shown). Here, the soft pipes are cylindrical pipes made of plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, similar to the marshmallow beads. The soft pipes have a higher rigidity than the marshmallow beads. This makes the lower support part 5 more rigid than the upper support part 4, and less likely to deform. In other words, the lower support part 5 firmly supports the cervical vertebrae to prevent tilting, and the upper support part 4 can gently hold the chin, back of the head, etc.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the rear head support part 6 is provided at the center of the upper edge of the upper support part 4. The rear head support part 6 is formed on the inner surface of the bag body 2 (the part that is on the inside when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck; the same applies below), and has a shape that is recessed compared to the surroundings. This recess can be formed by bonding the front and back of the bag body 2 together. In other words, no marshmallow beads (elastic medium) are placed in the rear head support part 6. The rear head support part 6 is formed so as to fit along a part of the rear of the head when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck, and by supporting the rear of the head, it plays a role in preventing the weight of the head from being placed on the neck muscles.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper support part 4 is provided with side head support parts 7 on both sides of the rear head support part 6. The side head support parts 7 are inflated on the inner side by the marshmallow beads (elastic medium) contained therein, and are capable of supporting the sides of the head by pressing them when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck. The side head support parts 7, like the rear head support part 6, play a role in preventing the weight of the head from being placed on the neck muscles.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, first line fasteners 8 are provided on the upper edge of the upper support part 4 at positions corresponding to the occipital support parts 6 on both sides of the upper support part 4. The first line fasteners 8 can be opened to accommodate marshmallow beads (elastic medium) in the upper space. In other words, by opening the first line fasteners 8, the amount of marshmallow beads (elastic medium) accommodated can be freely changed, and the pressure on the neck can be freely adjusted.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, a front chin support part 9 is provided at each end of the upper support part 4. The front chin support part 9 is arranged along the lower chin and is configured to elastically support the lower chin when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck. The state of support of the lower chin by the front chin support part 9 can be adjusted by changing the bonding position of a hook-and-loop fastener 11, which will be described later.

[0034] The upper support part 4 is provided with a pressure prevention part 10 at a position along the seam 3 at the boundary between the side head support part 7 and the front chin support part 9. The pressure prevention part 10 is recessed from the inner surface of the bag body 2, and plays a role in suppressing pressure on the part where the carotid artery is located when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck. Therefore, even if the bag body 2 is wrapped tightly around the neck, it is possible to reliably prevent problems such as breathlessness caused by pressure on the carotid artery.

[0035] A surface fastener 11 is provided on one end of the inner surface of the lower support part 5. A surface fastener 11 is also provided on the other end of the outer surface of the lower support part 5 (the part that is on the outside when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck; the same applies below). These surface fasteners 11 are an example of a connecting part according to the present invention. The bag body 2 can be worn around the neck by wrapping the bag body 2 around the neck and overlapping the surface fasteners. Also, by changing the bonding position of the surface fastener 11, it is possible to adjust the tightness of the bag body 2.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lower support part 5 has shoulder contact parts 12 on both sides along the lower edge. No soft pipe (elastic medium) is housed in the shoulder contact parts 12, but urethane foam is arranged therein. Therefore, when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck, the shoulder contact parts 12 deform to fit the shape of the collarbone and shoulders.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower support part 5 has an elongated recess 13 extending in the longitudinal direction above the shoulder contact part 12. The recess 13 is formed by sewing together the inner and outer surfaces of the lower support part 5. The recess 13 does not contain a soft pipe (elastic medium), and when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck, a linearly folded portion is formed as shown in FIG. 2, forming upper and lower two-stage support areas 5a and 5b in the lower support part 5. When the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck, the upper support area 5a has sufficient rigidity while having elasticity due to the contained soft pipe (elastic medium), and can stably support the cervical vertebrae. On the other hand, in the lower support area 5b, the shoulder contact part 12 smoothly deforms along the shape of the clavicle and shoulder, stabilizing the placement on the shoulder. This stabilizes the support state of the cervical vertebrae, and also avoids the clavicle from being compressed and causing discomfort, as compared to when the entire lower support part 5 supports the cervical vertebrae. Similarly to the compression prevention part 10, the recessed part 13 prevents the portion where the carotid artery is located from being pressed when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck. Similarly to the recessed part 13 and the compression prevention part 10, the quilt 15 also prevents the portion where the carotid artery is located from being pressed when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, a second line fastener 14 is provided at the center of the lower edge of the lower support part 5. The second line fastener 14 can be opened to accommodate a soft pipe (elastic medium) in the lower space. In other words, by opening the second line fastener 14, the number of soft pipes (elastic medium) to be accommodated can be freely changed, and the rigidity of the lower support part 5, which is the part that supports the cervical vertebrae, can be adjusted.

[0039] It is preferable to provide a mark (not shown) on the center of the outer surface of the lower support part 5 so that it can be immediately recognized that this side should be on the outside and worn around the neck.

[0040] The neck pillow 1 having the above-mentioned configuration can be used as a neck cushion to support the head when taking a nap while sitting in a car, train, airplane, etc., or when working on a computer, etc. That is, when the neck pillow 1 is wrapped around the neck, the back head support part 6 guides a part of the back of the head, and the front chin support part 9 abuts the lower jaw. When the user judges that these support conditions are good, he or she fixes the neck pillow 1 to the neck by gluing the hook-and-loop fastener 11 together. It is said that taking a nap is more efficient when sitting than when lying down, and the neck pillow 1 according to this embodiment can fully demonstrate this effect.

[0041] The neck pillow 1 wrapped around the neck in this manner provides the following effects. (1) The state of fastening of the neck pillow 1 to the neck can be adjusted by adjusting the bonding position of the surface fastener 11. Therefore, an appropriate attachment state can be obtained according to the user's neck size (differences in length and thickness) and the wrapping state preference. (2) The back of the head is supported by the back head support part 6, the sides of the head are supported by the side head support part 7, and the lower jaw is supported by the front chin support part 9. This reduces the weight of the head on the neck muscles, which can relieve muscle tension. (3) Since the compression prevention portion 10 is provided, even if the neck pillow 1 is tightened somewhat tightly, the carotid artery is not compressed and the wearer does not feel short of breath, and a good attachment state can be maintained. (4) Since the lower support portion 5 has an appropriate rigidity, it can firmly support the cervical vertebrae and can position the head in a stable position. (5) Since the shoulder contact portion 12 is deformable to conform to the shape of the collarbone and shoulder, the lower support portion 5 can be stably placed on the shoulder. In particular, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the lower support portion 5 being pressed against the collarbone. (6) When the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck, the recess 13 can divide the area into two parts, the area where the shoulder contact part 12 is located and the area above it. This makes it possible to stabilize the support state of the cervical vertebrae on the upper side and reduce the uncomfortable feeling of pressure on the clavicle on the lower side.

[0042] The inventors also conducted an experiment to compare the sleeping conditions when the neck pillow 1 according to this embodiment was used and when it was not used. Figure 6 is a graph showing the results of the comparative experiment. As is clear from this graph, the sleep efficiency, that is, the percentage of the total sleep time during which the subject was actually asleep, was 51% when the neck pillow 1 was not used, whereas it was 74% when the neck pillow 1 was used. In addition, the number of sleep transitions was 20 when the neck pillow 1 was not used, whereas it was 9 when the neck pillow 1 was used. It can be considered that a person with a smaller number of sleep transitions has a more stable sleep, and it can be said that a better sleep state was achieved when the neck pillow 1 was used. In addition, the time it took to fall asleep was shorter when the neck pillow 1 was used.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the bag body 2 is configured with the upper support portion 4 and the lower support portion 5, but it may be configured with three or more portions. In this case, it is preferable to configure it so that the rigidity increases toward the portion located on the lower side.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion is configured with a hook-and-loop fastener 11, but it is not limited to this and can be configured with other means, for example, a wire fastener or a one-touch buckle. When a one-touch buckle is used, it is preferable to provide belts on both ends of the bag body 2, the length of which can be adjusted. However, the hook-and-loop fastener 11 is advantageous in that it allows the tightness around the neck to be adjusted without providing a separate structure.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a plurality of marshmallow beads are accommodated in the upper space and a plurality of soft pipes are accommodated in the lower space, but the objects to be accommodated are not limited to these, and any elastic medium that can elastically support the neck, etc. may be used. The elastic mediums accommodated may have different structures and materials, or may be the same. For example, it is also possible to accommodate air in both spaces and make the air pressure in the lower space higher than the air pressure in the upper space.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the neck pillow 1 is configured to accommodate the elastic medium by providing a plurality of accommodation sections in the bag body 2, but it may be configured as a simple strip without accommodation sections, instead of the bag body 2. For example, the support section may be configured to be made of multiple layers, and its rigidity may be changed by adjusting the material used, thickness, etc. In short, it is sufficient to configure the support section located on the lower side to have a greater rigidity than the support section located on the upper side when the bag body 2 is wrapped around the neck. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Neck pillow 2...Bag body 3...Suture area 4...Upper support part 5...Lower support part 6…Occidental head support part 7…Temporal head support part 8…First line fastener 9...Anterior jaw support part 10...Pressure prevention part 11...Hook and loop fastener 12...Shoulder contact part 13…Recess 14…Second line fastener 15...Quilt

Claims

1. It consists of a belt-shaped bag, The bag body is A plurality of support parts divided in the width direction; A connecting part that maintains the state of being wrapped around the neck, When the support part is wrapped around the neck, the rigidity of a portion located on the lower side is greater than that of a portion located on the upper side, The support portion includes a first support portion located on an upper side and a second support portion located on a lower side when the bag body is wrapped around the neck, The first support portion has a first housing portion, The second support portion has a second housing portion, The first storage section and the second storage section each store an elastic medium, the second support portion includes a shoulder contact portion that deforms to conform to the shape of the collarbone or shoulder when the bag is wrapped around the neck, The second support portion has a recessed portion that divides the portion where the shoulder contact portion is located and the portion above the shoulder contact portion into two portions when the bag body is wrapped around the neck.

2. the elastic medium is a plurality of elastic bodies; 2. The neck pillow according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body accommodated in the first accommodation portion is a cylindrical foamed plastic body, and the elastic body accommodated in the second accommodation portion is a cylindrical plastic body.

3. The first support portion includes a compression prevention portion at a portion corresponding to the carotid artery when the bag body is wrapped around the neck, The neck pillow according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure preventing portion is recessed from the inner surface of the bag body.

4. The first support portion includes a side head support portion that elastically supports the side head, 4. The neck pillow according to claim 3, wherein the side support portion is inwardly bulged by an elastic body contained therein.

5. The neck pillow of claim 1 , wherein the first support portion comprises a front chin support portion that supports a lower jaw.

6. 2. The neck pillow of claim 1, wherein the connecting portions are provided at both ends of the second support portion, and each connecting portion is made of a hook-and-loop fastener that can be attached to the second support portion while overlapping each other, and the attachment position of the hook-and-loop fastener is capable of adjusting the strength with which the bag body is wrapped around the neck.

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