Cushion having a fragrance insert receivable therein

Abstract

The invention relates to a cushion (1) comprising an outer shell (4), a cushion body (2) and at least one fragrance insert (3), wherein the cushion body (2) and the at least one fragrance insert (3) can be received in the outer shell (4), wherein the outer shell (4) comprises a front side (V) and a rear side (R) which are releasably connected to one another at at least three sides, wherein the cushion (1) further comprises textile means (5) for exchangeably fixing the fragrance insert (3), wherein the textile means (5) are connected to the outer shell (4) and are designed in such a way that the fragrance insert (3) is received between the textile means (5) and the outer shell (4); or wherein the textile means (5) are connected to the cushion body (2) and are designed in such a way that the fragrance insert (3) is received between the textile means (5) and the cushion body (2).

Description

[0001] Pillow with a scented insert

[0002] The invention relates to a pillow comprising an outer cover, a pillow body and at least one fragrance insert, wherein the pillow body and the at least one fragrance insert can be accommodated in the outer cover and wherein the outer cover comprises a front side and a back side which are detachably connected to one another on at least three sides.

[0003] It's well known that good sleep is one of the most important factors for good health. It's also widely accepted that the sense of smell also influences sleep. For example, aromatherapy with certain scents can promote better sleep, make waking up easier in the morning, and even encourage more positive dreams.

[0004] Sleeping pillows are known from the prior art in which a scented insert is placed between two pillow bodies. This stack of pillows can be placed on an outer cover that is open on three sides, which is then closed to make the sleeping pillow ready for use. Such a sleeping pillow is disclosed in international design DM / 221485.

[0005] However, this type of "sandwich construction," in which the fragrance insert is sandwiched between two pillow bodies, has several disadvantages. On the one hand, the pillow consists of many loosely spaced elements, resulting in a large number of components. Another problem is that movement while sleeping can cause the inner components of the pillow to shift, causing the fragrance insert to slip to one side of the pillow. This is uncomfortable for the person sleeping on it and can also impede the fragrance release.

[0006] Another pillow for scent release is known from US 2009 / 173425 A1. This pillow features a flat liner containing the scent. The liner has an adhesive layer on one side, allowing it to be glued to a pillow body. A cover can then be slipped over the pillow body with the glued liner.

[0007] However, the adhesive layer is particularly problematic in the solution to US 2009 / 173425 A1. Many users strictly reject the use of adhesives in bedding, as they associate adhesives with the release of unpleasant-smelling and potentially harmful fumes. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that adhesive may remain on the pillow body after the liner is removed, causing further problems.

[0008] It is the object of the invention to provide a pillow for releasing fragrance in which the aforementioned problems do not occur.

[0009] This object is achieved by a pillow comprising an outer cover, a pillow body and at least one fragrance insert, wherein the pillow body and the at least one fragrance insert can be accommodated in the outer cover, wherein the outer cover comprises a front side and a back side which are detachably connected to one another on at least three sides, wherein the pillow further comprises textile means for the replaceable fixing of the fragrance insert, and:

[0010] - wherein the textile means are connected to the outer shell and are designed in such a way that the fragrance insert is accommodated between the textile means and the outer shell; or

[0011] - wherein the textile means are connected to the cushion body and are designed in such a way that the fragrance insert is accommodated between the textile means and the cushion body.

[0012] According to the invention, the fragrance insert is thus secured inside the pillow. This prevents the fragrance insert from slipping or being moved into an undesired position due to the movement of a person sleeping on the pillow. Furthermore, the pillow comprises only a small number of elements, and in particular, it is not necessary for the fragrance insert to be secured between two pillow elements.

[0013] A particular advantage of the aforementioned pillow is that no adhesives are required to hold the fragrance insert in place. The textile means even allow the fragrance insert to be used entirely without further modification and still be secured in the pillow. The inventive solution thus departs from the idea that the fragrance insert must be modified for fixation and now provides textile means that are connected to the outer shell or the pillow body to secure the fragrance insert.

[0014] The textile means also have the advantage that they are easy to clean and can be washed at the same time as the outer cover or pillow body. The textile means can thus be viewed as an "extension" of the existing outer cover or pillow body. An essential feature of the present invention is that the outer cover comprises a front side and a back side that are releasably connected to one another on at least three sides. This allows the front side to be completely folded away from the back side (if the front side is connected to the back side on one side) or the front side can be completely removed from the back side (if the front side is not connected to the back side on either side). This enables the inside of the outer cover to be easily accessible, making it possible to secure the fragrance insert using more complex means such as strips or a pocket wall that can be opened independently of the outer cover.If the outer cover were open on only one side, all components such as the pillow body and the fragrance insert would have to be pushed sideways into the outer cover, which could lead to clogging and snagging, especially of the fragrance insert, since it is not a rigid element. Consequently, the fragrance release would also be reduced. In other words, the textile means for interchangeably securing the fragrance insert can only achieve their full effectiveness if the outer cover comprises a front and a back that are detachably connected to each other on at least three sides.

[0015] In the variant in which the fragrance insert is accommodated between the textile means and the outer cover, it is preferably provided that at least at one point of the cushion the following layer structure is provided, seen from top to bottom in the intended use of the cushion: front of the outer cover, fragrance insert, textile means, cushion body, back of the outer cover.

[0016] In the variant in which the fragrance insert is accommodated between the textile means and the cushion body, it is preferably provided that at least at one point of the cushion the following layer structure is provided, seen from top to bottom in the intended use of the cushion: front of the outer cover, textile means, fragrance insert, cushion body, back of the outer cover.

[0017] The textile means enable in particular two preferred embodiments, in which the first embodiment with fabric strips aims to achieve the greatest possible fragrance release to the outside and the second embodiment with pocket wall aims to reduce contamination by the fragrance insert inside the pillow as much as possible.

[0018] In the first preferred embodiment, the textile means are formed by at least one fabric strip, with two sides of the fabric strip being attached, preferably sewn, to the outer cover or the cushion body, and the remaining sides of the fabric strip being exposed. This allows the fragrance insert to be pushed between the fabric strip and the front or back when the front side is folded away from the back or removed.

[0019] Particularly preferred is the fragrance insert larger than the fabric strip, so that the fragrance insert protrudes from the fabric strip, leaving some sections of the fragrance insert uncovered by the fabric strip. This allows more fragrance to be released from the fragrance insert to the outside, as the fragrance doesn't have to penetrate the additional barrier of the fabric strip.

[0020] The textile means can also be formed by at least two, preferably a maximum of five, fabric strips that run parallel to each other and are arranged equidistant from each other. This allows for better hold of the fragrance insert. However, it is also preferred if the fragrance insert is larger than the sum of the strips, so that the fragrance insert is partially uncovered by the fabric strips. This variant can also increase the release of fragrance to the outside.

[0021] Alternatively, the textile means can also be formed by a single fabric strip that fixes the fragrance insert, for example, in the center. It is preferable for the fragrance insert to protrude from the fabric strip on both sides, thus increasing the fragrance release to the outside.

[0022] To increase the fragrance release in the variants mentioned, it is preferred if the fabric strip(s) (i.e., preferably all fabric strips) each have a length and a width, with the width corresponding to a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, of the length, and with the fabric strips being connected to the outer shell or the cushion body at the ends opposite in the direction of the length. This allows for particularly narrow fabric strips to be achieved, from which the fragrance insert can protrude.

[0023] As already explained at the beginning, the aim can also be to reduce contamination within the pillow. To achieve this, the textile means can be formed by a pocket wall located on the outer shell or on the pillow body, in order to create a completely sealable pocket for the fragrance insert between the pocket wall and the outer shell or pillow body. The completely sealable pocket has the advantage that the fragrance insert can be completely accommodated within the pocket. In many cases, the fragrance insert is filled with loose fragrance carrier material such as pine shavings, which can fall out of the fragrance insert and thus contaminate the interior of the entire pillow. However, if the textile means are designed as a pocket wall to form a completely sealable pocket, any pine shavings that fall out will be localized within the pocket, which makes cleaning the pillow much easier.This is especially essential for hotel operations. However, the disadvantage is that the bag, which is sealed on all sides, results in less fragrance being released.

[0024] Preferably, the closable pocket wall has four sides, all of which are connected to the outer shell or the cushion body, and a pocket opening extends across the pocket wall. Alternatively, the pocket opening could also extend across one or more sides of the closable pocket wall, connecting the pocket wall to the outer shell or the cushion body, in which case, no pocket opening needs to extend across the pocket wall.

[0025] Preferably, the said pocket can be opened and closed with a zipper, a button closure, or a fold-over closure. A button closure and a fold-over closure theoretically create a small gap, but it has been shown that this gap does not contribute to the transfer of any fragrance carrier material present in the pocket into the rest of the pillow's interior.

[0026] The aforementioned pocket opening should also be designed such that the pocket can be opened and closed independently of the outer shell. In other words, the outer shell can be opened on at least three sides, so that the front can be folded away from the back or removed, while the pocket can remain closed. When the front is folded away or removed, the pocket can be opened and closed as desired. Independently of this, the fragrance insert can also have openable fragrance pockets. In summary, the outer shell, the pocket, and any fragrance pockets present can each be opened and closed independently of one another.

[0027] Furthermore, the outer cover preferably comprises at least one mesh strip on one side surface of the outer cover, wherein the mesh strip preferably runs around the cushion when the outer cover is closed. A mesh strip is understood to be a net strip, i.e., a textile with holes. Due to the holes present therein, such a mesh strip is particularly well suited for releasing fragrance to the outside, especially when the rest of the outer cover is made of a thicker material (e.g., from 300 g / m 2 or especially from 500 g / m 2 ), which is not well suited for the release of fragrance to the outside. Even if, as just explained, a thicker material reduces the release of fragrance to the outside, it is preferred that at least the front of the outer cover has a surface weight of at least 300 g / m 2 , preferably at least 500 g / m 2, has. The reason for this is that in the pillow according to the invention, the fragrance insert will be located directly beneath the front of the outer cover. If the fragrance insert is uneven, e.g., if it has at least two independently fillable fragrance pockets, this could lead to an unpleasant feeling for a person sleeping on the pillow. For this reason, a surface weight of at least 300 g / m² is required, at least for the front of the outer cover. 2 , preferably at least 500 g / m 2 , as this provides a thicker material that can compensate for the unevenness of the fragrance insert.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pillow is realized by combining the following measures: the fragrance insert is located between the front of the outer cover and the pillow body (i.e., in particular, there is no further pillow body between the front of the outer cover and the fragrance insert; the fragrance insert must be held in position by the textile means); the fragrance insert has at least two independently fillable fragrance pockets; at least the front of the outer cover has a surface weight of at least 300 g / m 2 , preferably at least 500 g / m 2 , and the outer shell has at least one mesh strip on a side surface of the outer shell.

[0029] This combination of measures creates a special synergy, as each of the measures has its own disadvantages, but the combination of the measures overcomes these disadvantages. The first two measures (uneven fragrance insert directly under the head) alone create an unpleasant sleeping experience, but this is eliminated by the third measure (thick front). The third measure (thick front) significantly inhibits fragrance release, but this is overcome by the fourth measure (mesh strips).

[0030] In a particularly efficient variant, the fragrance insert can be wider than the cushion body and can be arranged in the cushion in such a way that the fragrance insert lies at least next to one of the side surfaces of the outer shell, preferably on opposite side surfaces of the outer shell. In other words, the fragrance insert can lie directly next to the side surface(s), which promotes the release of fragrance to the outside, in particular if this side surface(s) comprise a mesh strip. In this variant, it is therefore provided that the fragrance insert lies both directly under the front side of the outer shell and directly next to the side surface, i.e. the fragrance insert forms, for example, at least a 90° curve, so that it is bent from the front side to the side surface.

[0031] In preferred variants, the pillow body is a foam preform, preferably a one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece foam preform, optionally enclosed in a fabric cover, or the pillow body is a fabric cover filled with foam flakes. This results in particularly high-quality pillows for excellent sleep quality. In the first variant, the foam preform can determine the shape of the pillow, while in the second variant, the fabric cover can determine the shape of the pillow. The outer shell is usually adapted to this predetermined shape.

[0032] In particular, it can further be provided that the foam blank has at least one notch on its underside into which the fragrance insert or another fragrance insert can be inserted, wherein the notch preferably runs essentially annularly on the underside of the foam blank. This allows the fragrance insert to be positioned directly next to the mesh strip, thereby achieving maximum fragrance release to the outside. Textile means can again be provided to hold the fragrance insert in the notch.

[0033] In the pillow according to the invention, the fragrance insert preferably has at least one, two, four, six, or eight fragrance pockets, which are accessible via one or more closable openings. This allows the fragrance insert to be refilled by the end user, and in particular, the same fragrance insert can be used to provide different fragrances. If the fragrance insert has multiple fragrance pockets, the fragrance insert can be filled individually; for example, only one, two, or all fragrance pockets can be filled, making it easier to dose the amount of fragrance released.

[0034] Alternatively, the fragrance inserts can also be permanently sealed, i.e. the fragrance carrier material is permanently present in the fragrance pockets. This makes it possible to offer fragrance inserts with different, pre-dosed fragrance carriers, so that the end user can purchase the fragrance inserts individually and thus vary their fragrance experience. Furthermore, it can be provided that at least two textile means are provided, with one of the textile means on one side of the cushion body and the other of the textile means on the other side of the cushion body. Each of these textile means can thus hold a fragrance insert, which makes it possible to have one fragrance insert on the underside and one fragrance insert on the top of the cushion in order to achieve improved fragrance release.

[0035] Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a first variant of the cushion according to the invention in a folded position.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the cushion of Figure 1 in an unfolded position.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a second variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the cushion body of Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an alternative variant of the cushion body of Figure 4 in a sectional position.

[0041] Figure 6 shows a third variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a fourth variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a fifth variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0044] Figure 9 shows a sixth variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0045] Figure 10 shows a seventh variant of the cushion according to the invention in an unfolded position.

[0046] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of an eighth variant of the cushion according to the invention in a folded position.

[0047] Figure 12 shows a fragrance insert in a first variant in a top view.

[0048] Figure 13 shows the fragrance insert of Figure 2 in a sectional view.

[0049] Figure 14 shows a second variant of a fragrance insert in a top view.

[0050] Figure 15 shows a one-piece foam blank with a notch on the underside. Figure 16a shows a scent insert shaped into a ring for the foam blank in Figure 15. Figure 16b shows a variant with multiple scent inserts that can be assembled into a ring.

[0051] Figure 17 shows a combination of the fragrance insert from Figure 16 with a foam cut-out according to Figure 15.

[0052] Figure 18 shows a three-piece foam blank with a notch on the underside.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a pillow 1, which in the variant shown is a pillow, i.e. it is generally used to support the head of a person lying on a bed. Conventional pillows can, for example, have a width of 40 cm, a length of 80 cm and a height of 20 cm, although these dimensions are by no means restrictive and all other dimensions can also be used. However, the pillow 1 does not have to be a pillow, but can also be used for other purposes, e.g. as a sleeping pillow, cuddle pillow, decorative pillow or the like. In general, the pillow 1 can, for example, have a width B of at least 20 cm up to a maximum of 250 cm, a length L of at least 20 cm up to a maximum of 250 cm and / or a height H (or H1, H2) of at least 3 cm up to a maximum of 80 cm. However, deviations from these dimensions are also possible, e.g. if the pillow 1 is to be designed as a special pillow such as a side sleeper pillow.

[0054] The pillow 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a pillow body 2, a fragrance insert 3 for releasing fragrance, and an outer cover 4. According to the invention, the pillow 1 further comprises the illustrated textile means 5, which are provided for the replaceable fixation of the fragrance insert 3. In the variant shown in Figure 1, the pillow 1 is in an assembled, ready-to-use state, in which it can be used, for example, as a pillow. Although the selected view is a sectional view, no hatching has been used for clarity.

[0055] The pillow body 2 is provided so that the pillow 1 has sufficient volume. The pillow body 2 can, for example, be a foam cut-out that determines the shape of the pillow body 2. The foam cut-out can be a cold foam or visco foam, such as a waterlily foam. The foam cut-out can, for example, take on a corrugated shape (not shown) to promote anatomically correct lying. Optionally, the foam cut-out can be covered by a fabric cover 10 (Figures 4 and 5). However, the pillow body 2 could also be formed by a fabric cover 10 filled with loose filling material 6, wherein the filling material 11 can be, for example, foam flakes, new wool, feathers, etc., in particular down, polyester flakes, Prima Loft, rubber flakes, etc. In this case, the shape of the pillow body 2 can be determined by the shape of the fabric cover 10.

[0056] Figure 1 shows that the cushion body 2 takes the shape of an extruded rectangular trapezoid (referred to herein as a truncated wedge), so that the cushion 1 offers an inclined support surface that runs from a first height H1 to a second height H2. This shape is predetermined by the foam cut. The exact shape, however, is not relevant, and a cuboid shape or an ergonomic shape could just as easily be provided. Alternatively, a fabric cover 10 filled with loose filling material 11 could be used, the cut of which could determine the shape. In particular, with a foam cut, the cushion 1 can also be provided with a wave to provide anatomical neck support.

[0057] The fragrance insert 3 in the pillow 1 is designed to release fragrance to the outside. The released fragrance can be particularly sleep-promoting, e.g., if a fragrance carrier material such as chamomile, lavender, or pine is present in the fragrance insert 3. Exemplary designs of the fragrance insert are explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 12 to 14.

[0058] The outer shell 4 of the pillow 1 is designed in such a way that the pillow body 2 and the fragrance insert 3 are accommodated therein. The outer shell 4 has the particular purpose of creating a comfortable and, if appropriate, visually appealing support surface for the user. The outer shell 4 comprises a front side V facing the user, a back side R facing away from the user, and four side surfaces S connecting the front side V to the back side R. The side surfaces S can, however, also be omitted, e.g. if the back side R and the front side V are flat textiles that are connected to one another at their outer sides. If the pillow body 2 is to have a special shape, which in particular is to deviate from a cuboid, the side surfaces S can each be designed differently.In the illustrated variant, in which the cushion body 2 forms a truncated wedge, the two lateral surfaces S can be designed as right-angled trapezoids, and the other two lateral surfaces S essentially as rectangles with different heights. The exact cut can be determined by a specialist, and other shapes are of course possible.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the outer shell 4 is designed such that the front side V and the back side R are detachably connected to one another on three sides. In Figure 1, this is represented by the schematically drawn opening O. In the present variant, the side surfaces S remain on the back side R and there can be a zipper connection between the front side V and the side surfaces S. However, the side surfaces S could also remain on the front side V and there can be a zipper connection between the back side R and the side surfaces S. However, the side surfaces S could also have a substantially central zipper connection, so that part of the side surfaces S remains on the front side V and part of the side surfaces S remains on the back side R. However, the side surfaces S can also be omitted, so that a zipper connection can be present directly between the front side V and the back side R.Instead of a zipper connection, any other detachable connection can be used.

[0060] Figure 2 further shows that the front side V and the back side R are permanently connected to one another at one side, allowing the outer shell 4 to be opened like a suitcase. However, this is not mandatory, so the front side V could also be completely removable from the back side R. In this case, for example, there may be a circumferential zipper connection or another circumferential connection between the front side V and the back side R.

[0061] The outer shell 4, or possibly only the front side V and / or only the back side R, can be, for example, a woven or knitted fabric, e.g., made of lyocell, polyester, and / or cotton. The outer shell 4 can be quilted with lyocell, polyester fleece, or other fiber blends. The outer shell 4 can, for example, have a basis weight of at least 150 g / m 2 but with a basis weight of 300 g / m 2 up to 500 g / m 2 is preferred, since in the cushion 1 according to the invention the fragrance insert 3 can be located directly under the front side V of the outer cover 4. In particular, if the fragrance insert 3 has several separate pockets, it is therefore preferred if the front side V has a basis weight of 300 g / m 2 up to 500 g / m 2 to compensate for unevenness of the fragrance insert 3.

[0062] From Figure 1, it is further apparent that the cushion 1 comprises means 5 for replaceably fixing the fragrance insert 3. The term "fixing" here means that the fragrance insert 3 can be held in a predetermined position. In the example of Figure 1, the fragrance insert 3 cannot slip in the direction of length L and height H because it is held by the means 5. The term "replaceable" here means that the fragrance insert 3 can be removed again from the means 5. In the example of Figure 2, it is apparent that the fragrance insert 3 can be pushed out of the means 5 in a direction of movement that runs parallel to the direction of extension of the width B of the cushion 1. However, the replaceability can also be realized in other ways, e.g., via a zipper in a pocket (Figure 3).

[0063] The means 5 are particularly designed as "textile" means 5, so that they can essentially consist of the same or similar material as other textile components of the cushion 1. For example, the textile means 5 can be woven or knitted fabric, e.g., made of lyocell, polyester, and / or cotton. This allows the means 5 to be easily cleaned. As explained in more detail below, the textile means 5 are, for example, a fabric designed as a strip or as a pocket wall.

[0064] The textile means 5 are further arranged such that the fragrance insert 3 is received between the textile means 5 and the cushion body 2 or the outer shell 4 (in particular the inner side of the outer shell 4). In other words, the textile means 5 at least partially encompass the fragrance insert 3 and thus fix it to the cushion body 2 or the outer shell 4. Since the textile means 5 encompass the fragrance insert 3, the textile means 5 are preferably designed with a low surface weight, so that they are thinner. This promotes the permeability of the fragrance from the fragrance insert 3 to the outside.

[0065] The textile means 5 are generally permanently connected to the cushion body 2 or the outer shell 4, e.g., sewn onto or integrally formed on the cushion body 2 or the outer shell 4 (e.g., as in Figures 4 and 5). However, the textile means 5 could also be detachably connected to the cushion body 2 or the outer shell 4, e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener or zipper.

[0066] A first variant of the textile means 5 is shown in Figure 2. Here, the textile means 5 comprise three fabric strips 6, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and equidistant from one another. The length of the fabric strips 6 corresponds, for example, essentially to the length or width of the cushion body 3, although this is not mandatory. Two opposite ends N of the fabric strips 6 are each sewn to the inside of the outer shell 4, and the other two sides F of the fabric strips 6 are exposed so that the fragrance insert 3 can be pushed between the fabric strips 6 and the inside of the outer shell 4. The width of the fabric strips 6 corresponds, for example, to a maximum of 20% or a maximum of 10% of the length of the fabric strips 6, regardless of whether the fabric strips are arranged parallel to the length (Figure 2) or the width (Figure 6) of the cushion 1.As shown, the fabric strips 6 are connected to the outer shell 4 (or the cushion body 2) in such a way that they are substantially straight, so that the opposite ends N are spaced apart substantially along the length of the fabric strip 6. The fabric strips 6 therefore do not form a loop shape.

[0067] In the example of Figure 2, the fragrance insert 3 is essentially the same size as the inside of the front side V of the outer shell 4 or as the cushion body 2, so that the fragrance insert 3 can lie congruently on the cushion body 2 when the outer shell 4 is moved from the open state (Figure 2) to the closed state (Figure 1). With such large fragrance inserts 3, two, three or more fabric strips 3 on the outer shell 4 are advantageous, since the fragrance insert 3 can be held at different points along the direction of the width B. In general, however, it is also possible for the means 5 to comprise only one fabric strip 6, i.e. the fragrance insert 3 is only fixed by a single fabric strip 6. This fabric strip 6 can then also have a greater width, which corresponds, for example, to the entire width of the cushion body 2.Here, two sides F of the fabric strip 6 will again be free, so that the fragrance insert 3 can be pushed between the fabric strip 6 and the outer cover 4 at these points. In this variant, a third side of the fabric strip could even be sewn to the outer cover 4.

[0068] In a variant not shown, the embodiment of Figure 2 can also be modified such that the fabric strips 6 are provided, e.g., sewn, on the fabric cover 10 of the cushion body 2 and not on the outer cover. All variants described above for Figure 2 are possible, with the difference that the fragrance insert 3 is inserted between the cushion body 2 and the fabric strips 6.

[0069] In variants with fabric strips 6, it is understood that these should be sufficiently tight to adequately secure the fragrance insert 3, while at the same time allowing a certain amount of play so that the fragrance insert 3 can be secured even by untrained users. It is particularly advisable to use elastic fabric strips 6, as these facilitate the insertion and securing of the fragrance insert 3, although this is not mandatory.

[0070] An alternative variant of the textile means 5 is shown in Figure 3, where the textile means 5 form a pocket wall 7 and are provided on the cushion body 2. This creates a pocket between the pocket wall 7 and the cushion body 2, in which the fragrance insert 3 can be accommodated. A pocket is understood here to be an interior space enclosed on all sides. To form the pocket, the pocket wall 7 is connected circumferentially to the cushion body, e.g., by sewing.

[0071] Said bag has a pocket opening 8 through which the fragrance insert 3 can be inserted into the bag from the outside. In Figures 3 and 4, the pocket opening 8 is designed as a zipper that runs parallel to the wide side of the cushion 1 and is arranged essentially centrally with respect to the long side of the cushion 1.

[0072] The variant in Figure 5 shows that the pocket opening can also be formed by a hotel closure. A hotel closure is formed, for example, by the pocket wall 7 having two wall elements 7-1, 7-2 that overlap in the area of ​​the pocket opening 8, but without being mechanically connected to one another. As a result, the fragrance insert 3 can only be removed from the pocket 5 by manual intervention and is consequently also fixed in the pocket. To form the hotel closure, the wall elements 7-1, 7-2 can be connected to the pillow body 2 on the three outer sides of the pocket, and the side facing the middle, which overlaps with the other wall element 7-1, 7-2, is left free. In a further variant, the pocket opening 8 could also be realized by a button closure.

[0073] Figures 4 and 5 also show how a cushion body 2 with pocket wall 7 can be manufactured in practice. In Figures 4 and 5, the solid lines show a fabric cover 10, i.e. flat textile. The fabric cover 10 is shaped such that a first, all-round closed chamber is present, in which the above-mentioned filling material 11, e.g. foam flakes, is provided, which gives the cushion body 2 its volume. This chamber is usually permanently closed, but can also be accessible via a closable opening. As an alternative to the filling material 11, a foam cut-out can also be located in this chamber. The pocket wall 7 is located directly above the top side of the chamber in order to form the pocket for receiving the fragrance insert 3. The pocket wall 7 can thus, for example, be sewn onto an existing fabric cover 10, or the fabric cover 10 can be designed directly to enclose the pocket wall 7.

[0074] In the example of Figure 3, the fragrance insert 3 is essentially the same size as the cushion body 2, so that the fragrance insert 3 also lies congruently with the cushion body 2 when the latter is inserted into the pocket. Therefore, the pocket wall 7 is connected to the cushion body 2, preferably along the outer perimeter of the upper side, in order to form a sufficiently large pocket. "Essentially the same size" can, for example, include a size difference of 10%.

[0075] In a variant not shown, the embodiment of Figure 2 can also be modified such that the pocket wall 7 is provided, e.g. sewn, on the inside of the front side V of the outer cover 4 and not on the cushion body 2. All variants are possible as described above for Figure 3, with the difference that the fragrance insert 3 is pushed between the outer cover 4 and the pocket wall 7.

[0076] In the variants of Figures 1 to 3, fragrance inserts 3 were used which are essentially the same size as the cushion body 2, ie, they have essentially the same width and length as the cushion body 2. However, this is not absolutely necessary, as can be seen from Figures 6 and 7.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a variant in which the textile means 5 are designed as fabric strips 6, wherein the fabric strip 6 is shorter than the side of the cushion body 2 running parallel to it. This allows a fragrance insert 3 to be fixed to the textile means 5, which is smaller than the cushion body 2. Likewise, as shown in Figure 7, a pocket wall 7 can be used which is shorter than the cushion body 2 in at least one direction. In the variants of Figures 6 and 7, several textile means 5 can also be present next to one another, each fixing a fragrance insert 3.

[0078] Figures 8 and 9 show variants of how it is possible to fix several fragrance inserts 3 to the outer shell 4 or to the cushion body 2 by means of a single pocket wall 7 (i.e., by means of a single textile means 5). This is achieved by stitching the pocket wall 7 in one or more places to create separate pockets and has several advantages, since, for example, more precise dosing is possible via smaller fragrance inserts. For example, in Figures 8 and 9, the user can provide one, two, or three fragrance inserts 3 in the cushion 1, depending on their personal preference.

[0079] According to Figure 8, the textile means 5 consist of a pocket wall 7 provided on the cushion body 2. As above, the pocket wall 7 is connected to the cushion body 2 with a circumferential seam or other connection. In Figure 8, however, two quilting seams 20 run across the pocket wall 7 from one wide side to the other wide side (or from one long side to the other long side), so that several pockets are formed between the cushion body 2 and the pocket wall 7, each of which is separated by the quilting seams 20. Quilting seams 20 are understood here to mean seams that directly connect the pocket wall 7 to the cushion body 2 in the region of the quilting seam 20.

[0080] Since the variant of Figure 8 features multiple pockets separated by the quilting seams 20, it is possible to provide multiple pocket openings 8, each of which runs parallel to the quilting seams 20. This allows each pocket to be individually accessible. Here, a separate pocket opening 8 can be provided for each pocket.

[0081] However, as shown in Figure 9, it is also possible for the pocket opening 8 to run normal (i.e., at a right angle) to the topstitching seam(s) 20. By opening the pocket opening 8, all pockets can be opened and closed simultaneously. To facilitate the production of the pocket opening 8, the topstitching seams 20 can be interrupted in the area of ​​the pocket opening 8, or the pocket opening 8 could be interrupted in the area of ​​the topstitching seams 20.

[0082] In special embodiments, the quilting seams 20 of Figure 6 can also be replaced by pocket openings 8, which also achieve a separation of pockets in the closed state of the pocket openings 8. For example, a male hook-and-loop fastener strip could be provided instead of the quilting seam 20 on the cushion body 2 in Figure 8. The pocket wall 7 is divided along the male hook-and-loop fastener strip into two parts, each of which has a female hook-and-loop fastener strip, to form a closable separation of two pockets.

[0083] In the variants of Figures 8 and 9, the pocket wall 7 was attached to the cushion body 2. However, it is understood that the pocket wall 7 could also be attached to the inside of the outer shell 4.

[0084] Figure 10 shows a variant in which the textile means 5 are formed by a strip 6 that is stitched at two points by means of a quilting seam 20. This allows the textile means 5 to be designed in such a way that they fix two or more fragrance inserts 3 at different points. It is understood that instead of one strip 6, two or more strips 6 can also be provided, which are preferably stitched using the same quilting seam 20. In the variant of Figure 10, the strip 6 was attached to the inside of the outer cover 4. However, it is understood that the strip 6 could also be attached to the cushion body 2.

[0085] As shown in Figure 11, in addition to the above variants, it is also possible for the fragrance insert 3 to have a greater length and / or width than the cushion body 2. In this case, the fragrance insert 3 is located not only between the cushion body 2 and the front side V of the outer shell 4, but also between the cushion body 2 and at least one of the side surfaces S of the outer shell 4. This is particularly advantageous because it is easily possible to design one of the side surfaces S as a mesh strip 30. Mesh strips 30 are particularly well suited to allowing fragrances to pass through. If the fragrance insert is thus located directly next to the mesh strip 30, as in Figure 11, a particularly good fragrance release to the outside is achieved.

[0086] In Figure 11, the textile means 5 can be used as explained above. Fabric strips 6 connected to the outer shell 4 or the cushion body 2 are particularly suitable. However, the textile means 5 could also be formed, for example, by a pocket wall 7 connected to the cushion body 2, which covers the upper side of the cushion body 2 and at least one, two, three, or four side surfaces of the cushion body 2, for example, to form an L-shaped pocket or a U-shaped pocket.

[0087] Figures 12, 13, and 14 disclose two variants of the fragrance insert 3 that can be used in the present invention. However, it is understood that other variants of the fragrance insert 3 could also be provided.

[0088] Figure 12 shows the fragrance insert 3 in a top view, so that it can be seen that it has an array of fragrance pockets 40, each of which can be filled with a fragrance carrier material such as chamomile, lavender, or stone pine. The fragrance pockets are usually filled with a loose material such as shavings, which form the fragrance carrier material. To make the filling softer, the fragrance carrier material can also be mixed with another material such as cotton wool, wool, or plastic beads in the respective fragrance pocket 40. Furthermore, a fleece could be present in the fragrance pocket 40, which is essentially the size of the interior of the fragrance pocket 40 and encloses the fragrance carrier material. These fillings can all be used independently of the specific structure of the fragrance insert 3. Figure 13 shows the fragrance insert 3 of Figure 12 in a side view. It can be seen that this fragrance insert 3 is formed by an upper textile 41 and a lower textile 42.The upper textile 41 and the lower textile are sewn together on two opposite sides Z and stitched both in the direction of length L and width B using topstitching 43. This creates several fragrance pockets 40, each accessible through external openings. A zipper can be provided on each of these outer sides, where the openings are located, so that the fragrance pockets 40 can be closed. This allows the end user to replace the fragrance carrier material in the fragrance pockets 40. However, the fragrance pockets 40 could also be permanently closed.

[0089] Figure 14 shows a variant of the fragrance insert 3 of Figure 12, wherein the upper textile 41 and the lower textile 42 are sewn together on all four sides. Furthermore, three quilting seams 43 are provided parallel to the length of the fragrance insert 3. A zipper is provided centrally along the length and parallel to the width, through which the fragrance pockets 40 separated by the quilting seams 43 are accessible.

[0090] It is understood that the fragrance insert 3 can also have any number of fragrance pockets 40, in particular only one fragrance pocket 40 (formed, for example, by an upper textile 41 and a lower textile 42, which are permanently closed all around on all four sides or on three sides) or two or more fragrance pockets 40, which are formed by means of the aforementioned quilting seams and / or zippers.

[0091] In all of the aforementioned variants, the fragrance insert 3 was located above the cushion body 2, i.e. the textile means 5 were provided such that the fragrance insert 3 was located substantially directly next to the inside of the front side V of the outer shell 4 (whereby, if applicable, only the textile means 5 were located between the fragrance insert 3 and the inside of the front side V). Alternatively or additionally, it could be provided that the textile means 5 were provided such that the fragrance insert 3 was located substantially directly next to the inside of the back side R of the outer shell 4 (whereby, if applicable, only the textile means 5 were located between the fragrance insert 3 and the inside of the front side V). In other words, it could also be provided that a first fragrance insert 3 was located above the cushion body 2 and a second fragrance insert 3 was located below the cushion body 2; or that the fragrance insert 3 was located only below the cushion body 2.Figure 15 shows a further variant of a cushion body 2 which has a notch E on the underside. Specifically, the variant of Figure 15 is a one-piece foam blank, wherein the notch E is formed by an annular recess on the underside of the foam blank. Thus, the foam blank has a contour on its upper side which is larger than the contour on the underside, wherein the contour of the underside lies within the contour of the upper side in a plan view of the cushion body 2. The notch E has a depth of, for example, up to 5 cm in the direction of the length L or width B and a size of, for example, up to 5 cm in the direction of the height H.

[0092] For the above-described cushion body 2 with notch E, an elongated fragrance insert 3 can now be used, which can be bent into a ring shape as shown in Figure 16a. As an alternative to a long, bent fragrance insert 3, several shorter fragrance inserts 3 could also be used, as shown in Figure 16b. In yet another variant, two fragrance inserts 3 could be used, each placed around a corner on a long and a short side, for example, to form a ring. The combination results in a flush connection of the cushion body 2 and the fragrance insert 3, as shown in Figure 17.

[0093] If this fragrance insert 3 is placed in the aforementioned notch E, it can be placed directly against a mesh strip running all the way around. This tight connection between fragrance insert 3 and the mesh strip ensures maximum fragrance release to the outside. Alternatively, several bent fragrance inserts could be used.

[0094] In further embodiments, the notches could, for example, also be present only on two opposite sides of the cushion body 2, so that a fragrance insert 3 can be placed in each of them, which consequently rests against a mesh strip of the outer cover 4.

[0095] However, the outer cover 4 can also be designed in such a way that the elongated scented cushion(s) is / are arranged all around between the mesh strip and the flush cushion body 2, without a notch being formed on the cushion body 2 below.

[0096] Instead of a single-piece foam blank, a two-piece foam blank can also be used, in which a lower plate rests on an upper molded part with a substantially flat underside. The lower plate is smaller than the underside of the molded part, allowing the aforementioned notch E to be formed.

[0097] Figure 18 shows a further embodiment in which the cushion body 2 comprises an upper molded part 2-1 with a substantially flat underside, a first plate 2-2 and a second plate 2-3. This allows the height of the cushion to be adapted to the body size. The first plate 2-2 and the second plate 2-3 are, for example, approximately 6 cm smaller in the direction of length L and width B than the underside of the molded part 2-1, so that notches of approximately 3 cm are created. The resulting cavity between the molded part 2-1 and the inside of the outer cover serves to accommodate one or more elongated fragrance inserts 3, which are attached one behind the other around the plates 2-2, 2-3. A fragrance insert 3 as in Figure 16 can also be used to form the combination of Figure 17.

[0098] Figures 15 to 18 show that the foam blank is essentially wedge-shaped. However, it is understood that it could also have an anatomical or ergonomic wave shape, be cuboid-shaped, or have a different design.

[0099] The variants of Figures 15 to 18 could again comprise textile means 5, as shown in Figure 15, to hold the fragrance insert 3 in the notch. The textile means 5 here are, for example, one or more strips that are optionally releasably attached to the foam blank or its cover and hold the fragrance insert 3 in position. However, the textile means 5 could also be present in the outer shell 4, with the fragrance insert 3 first being fixed in the outer shell 4 and then the cushion body 2 being inserted into the outer shell 4. In general, however, no textile means 5 would be required at the notch for replaceably securing the fragrance insert 3. In this case, the following cushion could also be provided:

[0100] Pillow comprising an outer shell 4, a pillow body 2 and at least one fragrance insert 3, wherein the pillow body 2 and the at least one fragrance insert 3 can be received in the outer shell 4, wherein the outer shell 4 comprises a front side V and a back side R which are detachably connected to one another on at least three sides, wherein the pillow body 2 is a one-piece or multi-piece foam blank which has at least one notch on its underside into which a fragrance insert 3 can be inserted, wherein the notch preferably runs essentially annularly on the underside of the foam blank. The foam blank is preferably formed in one piece, wherein the notch is formed by a recess.Alternatively, the foam blank is formed by an upper molded part and at least one plate located below the upper molded part, which plate has a smaller length and / or smaller width than the upper molded part to form the notch. All variants of the cushion 1 described above are also applicable to this cushion without textile means 5.

[0101] The latter variant has the advantage that the fragrance insert(s) 3 can be held in the specified position by the upper molded part. At the same time, the pillow user has access to the maximum contact surface on the upper side of the foam cutout. Furthermore, the fragrance inserts 3 are not located on the upper side of the foam cutout, thus providing the user with a particularly comfortable sleeping experience. As described above, the fragrance inserts 3 are also located directly next to the mesh strip, allowing maximum fragrance to be released outward.

[0102] In a further special variant, the cushion body 2 is a foam cut-out which has a recess, e.g. a milled recess, into which the fragrance insert 3 can be inserted. The textile means 5 can be formed as described above or by a cover which is pulled completely over the cushion body 2 and thereby the fragrance insert 3 is received between the textile means 5 and the outer shell 4. By closing the cover and completely receiving the cushion body 2, it can be said that the textile means 5 are detachably connected to the cushion body 2. Alternatively, however, the textile means are non-detachably connected to the outer shell 4 or the cushion body, as in all variants described above. In the variant in which the cover represents the textile means, an outer shell 4 could also be dispensed with.

Claims

Claims:

1. A pillow (1) comprising an outer cover (4), a pillow body (2) and at least one fragrance insert (3), wherein the pillow body (2) and the at least one fragrance insert (3) are receivable in the outer cover (4), wherein the outer cover (4) comprises a front side (V) and a back side (R) which are detachably connected to one another on at least three sides, characterized in that the pillow (1) further comprises textile means (5) for the replaceable fixing of the fragrance insert (3), - wherein the textile means (5) are connected to the outer shell (4) and are designed such that the fragrance insert (3) is accommodated between the textile means (5) and the outer shell (4); or - wherein the textile means (5) are connected to the cushion body (2) and are designed such that the fragrance insert (3) is received between the textile means (5) and the cushion body (2).

2. Pillow (1) according to claim 1, wherein the textile means (5) are formed by at least one fabric strip (6), wherein two sides (N) of the fabric strip (6) are attached, preferably sewn, to the outer cover (4) or to the pillow body (2), and wherein the remaining sides (F) of the fabric strip (6) are free.

3. Cushion (1) according to claim 2, wherein the textile means (5) are formed by at least two, preferably a maximum of five, fabric strips (6) which run parallel to one another.

4. Cushion (1) according to claim 2, wherein the textile means (5) are formed by exactly one fabric strip (6).

5. Cushion (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fabric strip(s) (6) each have a length and a width, wherein the width corresponds to a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, of the length, and wherein the fabric strips (6) are connected to the outer cover (4) or the cushion body (2) by the ends opposite in the direction of the length.

6. Cushion (1) according to claim 1, wherein the textile means (5) are formed by a pocket wall (7) which is present on the outer cover (4) or on the cushion body (2) in order to form a to form a pocket for the fragrance insert (3) that can be closed on all sides, wherein the pocket can preferably be opened and closed via a zipper, a button closure or a hotel closure.

7. Cushion (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer cover (4) comprises at least one mesh strip (30) on a side surface (S) of the outer cover (4), wherein the mesh strip (30) preferably runs around the cushion when the outer cover (4) is in the closed state.

8. Cushion (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the front side (V) of the outer cover (4) has a basis weight of at least 300 g / m 2 , preferably at least 500 g / m 2 , has.

9. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fragrance insert (3) has a greater width than the pillow body (2) and is arranged in the pillow (1) such that the fragrance insert (3) comes to lie next to at least one side surface (S) of the outer shell (4), preferably next to opposite side surfaces (S) of the outer shell (4).

10. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pillow body (2) is a foam blank which is optionally accommodated in a fabric cover (10), or wherein the pillow body (2) is a fabric cover (10) filled with loose filling material (11) such as foam flakes.

11. Pillow according to claim 10, wherein the foam blank has at least one notch on its underside into which the fragrance insert (3) or a further fragrance insert can be inserted, wherein the notch preferably runs essentially annularly on the underside of the foam blank.

12. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fragrance insert (3) has at least one, preferably two, four, six or eight, fragrance pockets (40) which are accessible via one or more closable openings.

13. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least two fragrance inserts (3) and wherein the textile means (5) are stitched by means of at least one quilting seam (20), so that one of the fragrance inserts (3) can be fixed on one side of the quilting seam (20) by means of the textile means (5) and the other of the fragrance inserts (3) can be fixed on the other side of the quilting seam (20) by means of the textile means (5).

14. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising at least two textile means (5), wherein one of the textile means (5) is present on one side of the pillow body (2) and the other of the textile means (5) is present on the other side of the pillow body (2).

15. Pillow (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: the fragrance insert (3) is located between the front side (V) of the outer cover (4) and the pillow body (2); the fragrance insert (3) has at least two independently fillable fragrance pockets (40); the front side of the outer cover (4) has a basis weight of at least 300 g / m 2 , preferably at least 500 g / m 2 , and the outer shell (4) has at least one mesh strip (30) on a side surface (S) of the outer shell (4).

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