Functional pillow for wrinkle prevention

Abstract

The present invention relates to a functional pillow for preventing wrinkles and / or asymmetries on the face of a user, comprising; aback surface (1), comprising a substantially planar surface; and a functional surface (2), essentially opposite to the back surface (1), comprising a middle head section (3), a side head section (18), a neck section (19), a shoulder section (32), a rear section (20); wherein the middle head section (3) comprises a head cavity (4); wherein the head cavity (4) is configured to support the head of the user; wherein the side head section (18) comprises two side head sub-sections; wherein the two side head sub-sections extend in an elongated manner from the middle head section (3) up to opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow; wherein each of the two side head sub-sections comprises a side head recess (25); wherein the side head recess (25) is configured to distribute the weight of the head of the user.

Description

[0001] Functional pillow for wrinkle prevention

[0002] Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a pillow. More specifically, the present invention relates to a functional pillow and, in particular, to a functional pillow for preventing wrinkles or asymmetries on the face of a user.

[0004] Introduction

[0005] From a very general viewpoint, sleep plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the human organism and can be affected, among many other factors, by the pillow used for sleeping. In is therefore not surprising that much effort has been put into the design and functionalization of pillows, conceived to render the act of sleeping comfortable for a user of the pillow.

[0006] It is furthermore relevant, although many times overseen, that, when sleeping, the constant pulling, stretching, and compressing of facial skin against a pillow, may exacerbate or even start the formation of wrinkles or other sings of aging on the skin. Such an aspect is particularly relevant for sections of the face that are mostly prone to wrinkle formation and may not be taken into consideration in the design of traditional functional pillows, let alone of conventional pillows.

[0007] Patients, when addressing the issue of wrinkle formation and of wrinkle reduction, are often offered medical treatments, such as filler injections or muscle relaxants. However, the contribution that sleeping on pillows may have often times ignored.

[0008] As a result, there is a considerable demand for a pillow that can effectively address this problem.

[0009] US 10,080,450 B2 discloses a functional pillow. The functional pillow includes a back head placement part formed of a material with a predetermined shape and thickness and allowing the back of a user's head to be placed on an upper surface thereof when the user lies on the back; a pair of core parts coupled to the back head placement part, defining a space, into which an user's arm is allowed to be inserted, under both ends thereof, and configured to support a user 's face on an upper surface thereof when the user lies on the side while the back of the user's head is placed on the back head placement part; a cervical vertebra support part coupled to the back head placement part, and protruding with an inclination from the back head placement part to support the cervical vertebra; and a pair of wing parts formed to be coupled to the pair of core parts and the cervical vertebra support part, formed to be upwardly bent with an inclination, and defining a space, into which user's shoulder is allowed to be inserted, thereunder.

[0010] US 2020 / 0268183 describes head and neck pillows configured to provide proper support and advantageous positions of the head and neck for reducing spinal stress, maximizing air flow via the respiratory pathway and promoting healthy restorative sleep in a user. The head and neck pillow comprises an open head positioning support area, neck support areas when the user is resting in supine position. The invention further discloses a first side and a second side of the head and neck pillow comprising support areas for the side of the head and neck as well as curved transition surfaces for smooth transitioning of the head and neck of the user from supine or prone to side resting positions. In an embodiment, the invention discloses a head and neck pillow with an open head positioning area, a neck support area and a handle positioned adjacent to the open head positioning area.

[0011] US 2019 / 0069698 Al discloses a pillow. A pillow is of a dual-layer structure composed of a relatively soft upper main body and a relatively hard main body. The main body is centrally provided with a central unit that is flanked by two lateral units. The central unit has a raised portion for propping up a user's cervical vertebra so as to make the user's head lean backward, thereby keeping his trachea opening and preventing snoring. Each of the lateral units has a lateral depressed portion. When a user sleeps on his side with his head placed on the pillow, the depressed portion prevents his ear from being pressed and serves to lead his head lean backward. Each of the lateral units has its front edge recessed and provided with an inward inclined portion, for receiving the user's shoulder and preventing discomfort caused by pressure. The pillow thus provides comprehensive support to the user 's head.

[0012] US 5,727,267 details a therapeutic sleeping pillow for a user. A therapeutic sleeping pillow for a user is generally rectangular with longer front and rear edges and a pair of shorter side edges and upper and lower surfaces. A central portion of the upper surface is provided with a cavity for receiving the user's head, with a neck-supporting ridge formed between the front edge of the pillow and the cavity in the central portion. A wedge- shaped extension of the pillow projects from the front edge to support the upper back of the user. At least one of the pair of shorter side edges has an extension disposed thereon. Each such side extension is provided with a relatively shallow central cavity on the upper surface for receiving and supporting the user's head and a front edge for supporting the user's neck. The upper surface of each such side extension slopes generally downwardly from the front edge towards the rear edge. US 5,018,231 outlines a contoured pillow. A contoured pillow is provided which is designed to accommodate a person sleeping in the supine position or in a side position. The pillow includes a curved ridge along one edge of the pillow to support the neck. The ridge ends in an elliptical depression within the center of the pillow to support the back of a person's head. The elliptical depression allows a person's head a freedom of movement of 45° from either side of its normal vertical position and allows bending of the neck to a certain degree. Along the sides of the depression the pillow is of a greater dimension to support the head when resting on the side of the head. The pillow further includes longitudinal grooves within the side regions of the pillow to prevent a person's ear from being overly com pressed against the pillow when resting on one's side. The pillow is of a conventional size and shape and can be used with standard pillow cases, standard sized beds, etc.

[0013] US 7,165,279 Bl describes a pillow. A pillow is structured for preserving a user's facial beauty and includes a central portion, and upper and lower leg members extending from both the left and right sides of the central portion. The upper and lower leg members on each side are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped gap. The upper and lower leg members support the user's head and neck, while the face remains over the V- shaped gap avoiding contact with the pillow, and thereby preventing distortion and wrinkling of the facial skin. A case that covers the facial beauty pillow may include straps, allowing the facial beauty pillow to be secured to a conventional pillow to adjust the resting height of the head according to the individual comfort level of the user.

[0014] US 8,161,588 Bl discloses an anti-aging pillow. An anti-aging pillow provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a top surface providing a substantially central supine section flanked by an upwardly sloping left side section and a substantially symmetrical right side section, the left and right side sections elevated relatively higher than the supine section. The supine section is configured for accommodating a user when lying in a supine position, while each of the left and right side sections is configured for accommodating the user when lying in a respective side position. This configuration enables the pillow to both substantially prevent the user from unintentionally changing sleep positions as well as substantially assist in physically directing the user in selectively transitioning between each of the supine position and left and right side positions as desired, while substantially maintaining the user's head, neck, shoulders, and back in neutral alignment and substantially preventing facial contact with the pillow or underlying sleeping surface.

[0015] Existing technologies may firstly be generally directed at the provision of a pillow that allows comfortable sleep and reduces damages to the body due to bad sleeping positions. Secondly, existing technologies may also focus on pillows that may reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, by making use of dedicated contour designs. While prior technologies therefore may tackle two issues, namely comfortable sleep and the reduction of signs of aging, prior art technologies may have problems in concurrently facing both issues.

[0016] Even when prior art documents do explicitly mention both issues, they may fail to tackle both issues. For example, when the issue of reducing or preventing signs of aging is tackled, a strong preference for a supine sleeping position may be built in the structure of the pillow, so that a user may either be encouraged, by the very shape of the pillow, to favor a supine sleeping position, or the user may to even have to preferably choose a sleeping position, for example supine or on their side, before falling asleep. Similarly, as another example, the natural tilt that the head of a sleeping user may have, when sleeping on their side, is not fully looked after by the recesses of pillows in the prior art. Further, the pillows disclosed in existing technologies may features recesses with relatively sharp edges, therefore preventing the head of a user to comfortably turn or move from one recess to another.

[0017] Summary

[0018] In light of the above, it is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or at least to alleviate the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0019] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a functional pillow. The functional pillow comprises a back surface and a functional surface. The back surface comprises an essentially planar surface. The functional surface is essentially opposite to the back surface. The functional surface comprises a middle head section, a side head section, a neck section, a shoulder section and a rear section.

[0020] In one embodiment, the middle head section may comprise a head cavity.

[0021] Furthermore, the head cavity may be configured to support the head of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back. In other words, the head cavity may be configured to support the head of the user, preferably when the user adopts a supine position and rests their head on the head cavity while being in a supine position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the side head section may comprise two side head sub-sections.

[0023] Furthermore, the two side head sub-sections may extend in an elongated manner from the middle head section up to opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow. It will be therefore understood that the functional pillow may have two lateral sides, the lateral sides being opposite to each other. The lateral sides may be essentially parallel to each other.

[0024] Each of the two side head sub-sections may comprise a side head recess. The side head recess may be configured to distribute the weight of the head of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach. Put differently, the side head recess may be configured to distribute the weight of the head of the user, preferably when the user sleeps on their side or in prone position, and rests their head sideways on one of the side head sub-sections while sleeping on their side or being in a prone position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the neck section may extend from the middle head section to a front side of the functional pillow. The front side of the functional pillow may be essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow. The functional pillow may therefore have two lateral sides, the two lateral sides being essentially opposite to each other, and a front side, the front side being essentially perpendicular to the two lateral sides.

[0026] The neck section may comprise a convex surface. It will be understood that a convex surface may be a surface that bulges outward and / or that does not define indentations and / or recesses and / or hollows. The surface of a sphere and / or the surface of an ellipsoid may be examples of a convex surface.

[0027] The convex surface may extend farther off opposite to the back surface than the middle head section. In simpler terms, the convex surface may bulge further outward as compared to the middle head section. In other words, the convex surface may protrude further outward opposite to the back surface than the middle head section does.

[0028] The convex surface may be configured to provide elevation and support to the cervical spine of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back. Put differently, the convex surface may be configured to provide elevation and support to the cervical spine of the user, preferably when the user adopts a supine position and rests their neck on the convex surface while being in a supine position.

[0029] In one embodiment, the shoulder section may comprise two shoulder sub-sections, wherein the two shoulder sub-sections may extend in an elongated manner from the neck section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0030] Moreover, each of the two shoulder sub-sections may comprise an indentation.

[0031] The indentation may be an S-shaped indentation.

[0032] The indentation may be configured to accommodate the shoulders of a user.

[0033] In one embodiment, the functional pillow may comprise a back side. The back side may be essentially opposite to the front side. The back side may be essentially parallel to the front side. In one embodiment, the rear section may comprise the section of the functional surface adjacent to the back side of the functional pillow.

[0034] In one embodiment, the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow, adjacent to the front side of the functional pillow, may be essentially smaller than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow, adjacent to a back side of the functional pillow. In simpler words, the functional pillow may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in a section in proximity to the back side of the functional pillow than in a section in proximity to the front side of the functional pillow. For example, said sections may comprise part of a line running essentially parallel to a lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0035] For example, the functional pillow may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in a section proximity to the back side of the functional pillow than in proximity to the front side of the functional pillow

[0036] Said difference in thickness may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of end sections of the functional pillow, adjacent to the lateral sides, may be essentially larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow that lies midway between the lateral sides. In other words, the functional pillow may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in a section in proximity to the lateral sides of the functional pillow than in a section in proximity to a point that is located halfway between the lateral sides of the functional pillow. For example, said sections may comprise part of a line running essentially perpendicular to a lateral side of the functional pillow. In still other words, the functional surface may generally slope closer to the back surface towards a region of the functional pillow that lies midway between the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0038] Said difference in thickness may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0039] In one embodiment, the head cavity may extend in an elongated manner between the back side of the functional pillow and the front side of the functional pillow. Put differently, the head cavity may have an oblong section, with the direction of maximal extension of the oblong section lying between the back side and the front side. The direction of maximal extension of the oblong section may be essentially perpendicular to the back side and / or the front side. For instance, the head cavity may have elliptical section, wherein the major axis of the elliptical section may between the back side and the front side and / or may be may be essentially perpendicular to the back side and / or the front side.

[0040] The extension of the head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow may be in a range between 1 cm and 26 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 23 cm, most preferably between 5 cm and 20 cm.

[0041] The extension of the head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow may be in a range between 9 cm and 23 cm, preferably between 12 cm and 20 cm, most preferably between 15 cm and 17 cm.

[0042] The head cavity may comprise substantially smoothly curved edges.

[0043] The smoothly curved edges of the head cavity may comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the head cavity. That is, the curvature of the smoothly curved edges may not be constant along the surface of the smoothly curved edges.

[0044] The head cavity may be configured to fit essentially most head sizes. For at least this reason, the functional pillow may have an ergonomic effect.

[0045] The radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges may be larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the rear section than in a section of the of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the side head section.

[0046] The radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges may be larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the neck section than in a section of the of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the side head section.

[0047] The thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section may be larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the neck section. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the head cavity, may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in proximity to the rear section than in proximity to the neck section.

[0048] Said larger thickness may be configured to allow to control pressure points on the head of the user by means of allowing the user to rest their head with a comfortable tilt. For instance, when the user adopts a supine position and rests their head on the head cavity while being in a supine position, the user may contact the region of the head cavity in proximity to the rear section with the crown of the head and the region of the head cavity in proximity to the neck section with the occipital region of the head. The head of the user may therefore experience pressure on the crown of the head and on the occipital region of the head. The head of the user may further rest with a comfortable forward tilt thanks to the difference in thickness between the section of the functional pillow overlain by the crown of the head and by the occipital region of the head.

[0049] Said differences in thickness may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0050] The thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section may be larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the side head section. Furthermore, the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the neck section may be larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the side head section. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the head cavity, may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in proximity to the rear section and / or to the neck section than in proximity to the side head section.

[0051] Said larger thicknesses may be configured to allow the head of the user to comfortably turn when the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa. In simpler words, the middle head cavity may be configured not to induce the user to either sleep on their back or on their side. In other words, the middle head section may be configured not to oblige the user to select a sleeping position among at least sleeping on their back and sleeping on their side, before the user falls asleep. Rather, the middle head cavity may be configured not to be pose an impediment to the user when the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa. This may be advantageous as compared to already existing technologies. This is due at least in part to the fact that the functional pillow, in correspondence with the head cavity, may be generally less thick, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in proximity to the side head section than in proximity to other sections of the functional pillow.

[0052] Said differences in thickness may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0053] Said larger thicknesses may further be adapted to allow critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes, not to come into contact with the functional pillow when the user the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa. Put differently, a middle region of the face of the user, the middle region being comprised between the limit of the forehead and the limit of the chin, may not come into contact with the functional pillow when the user the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa. This may be advantageous, as compared to prior art, since it may avoid stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing of the skin of the user from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging not only when the user sleeps on their back and / or on their stomach, but also when the user is in the process of switching from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa.

[0054] The head cavity may comprise an essentially planar bottom.

[0055] The head cavity may comprise a plurality of ventilation holes. The ventilation holes may run through the functional pillow from the back surface to the functional surface.

[0056] The planar bottom may comprise the plurality of ventilation holes.

[0057] The ventilation holes may be arranged in a variety of geometries. The ventilation holes may have a variety of diameters and cross sections. For example, the ventilation holes may have, at least in part and without limitation, a circular, elliptical, polygonal cross section.

[0058] The head cavity may comprise between 1 and 20, preferably between 3 and 15 ventilation holes, more preferably between 4 and 7 ventilation holes.

[0059] The ventilation holes may have a circular cross-section with a diameter in a range between 0.1 cm and 4 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm, most preferably between 2 cm and 3 cm.

[0060] The head cavity may be configured to favor the cooling of the head of a user, when said user rests their head in the head cavity, by means of ventilation through the ventilation holes.

[0061] The head cavity may be configured to prevent fluid accumulation from sweating by means of allowing ventilation through the ventilation holes.

[0062] The head cavity may be configured to inhibit pathogen growth by means of allowing ventilation through the ventilation holes.

[0063] In some embodiments, the ventilation holes may not be present. This may advantageously, in a non-limiting example, reduce the costs of the functional pillow. In one embodiment, the two side head sub-sections may extend, in a symmetrically mirrored fashion with respect to the middle head section, from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0064] The extension of each side head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow may be in a range between 13 cm and 26 cm, preferably between 16 cm and 23 cm, most preferably between 19 cm and 20 cm.

[0065] The extension of each head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow may be in a range between 5 cm and 19 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 16 cm, most preferably between 11 cm and 13 cm.

[0066] Each of the two side recesses may be configured to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach.

[0067] The side head recesses may extend from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow. That is, side head recess within the two side head recesses may extend from the middle head section up to a lateral side of the functional pillow and another side head recess within the two side head recesses may extend from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0068] The side head recesses may extend, from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow, in an essentially non-perpendicular manner with respect to the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0069] The side head recesses may extend in a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow.

[0070] The side head recesses may be configured to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach, and with their face pointing to a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow. This may be advantageous with regard to the prior art, since the side head recesses may be configured to accommodate the natural tilt, a user may adopt in their head when sleeping on their side or on their stomach. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that the side head recesses may extend in a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow.

[0071] The side head recesses may comprise substantially smoothly curved edges in correspondence with sections of the side head recesses that are adjacent to the middle head section, to the rear section and to the shoulder section.

[0072] The side head recesses may comprise an opening in correspondence with sections of the side head recesses that are adjacent to the lateral sides of the functional pillow. The smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses may comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses. That is, the curvature of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses may not be constant along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses.

[0073] The radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses may be larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses farther from the closest lateral side of the functional pillow than in a section of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses closer to the closest lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0074] Said radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses may configured to assist in keeping the face of the user substantially centered when the user is in the process of switching from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa.

[0075] The thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section may be larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the side head recesses, may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in proximity to the rear section than in proximity to the shoulder section.

[0076] Said difference in thickness may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0077] Said larger thickness may configured to control pressure points on the head of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their back.

[0078] The pressure points may coincide with the temple of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section, and with the chin of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section.

[0079] Furthermore, the two side head sub-sections may be configured to distribute the pressure points away from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes.

[0080] Moreover, the two side head sub-sections may be configured to avoid, without limitation, the stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing of the skin of the user from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes. Put differently, a middle region of the face of the user, the middle region being comprised between the limit of the forehead and the limit of the chin, may not come into contact with the functional pillow when the user the user sleeps on their side and / or on their stomach. Therefore, the skin comprised in such middle region may not undergo, without limitation, stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing.

[0081] The thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the lateral sides may be larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the middle head section. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the side head recesses, may be generally thicker, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, in proximity to the lateral sides than in proximity to the middle head section. In still other words, the functional surface, in correspondence with the side head recesses, may generally slope, closer to the back surface, towards a region of the functional pillow that lies midway between the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0082] Said larger thickness may configured to prevent the user from excessively and / or too frequently turning from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side.

[0083] Said difference in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0084] In one embodiment, a center of curvature defining a curvature of the convex surface of the neck region may be located between the functional surface and the back surface.

[0085] The convex surface may be configured to support most neck sizes. For at least this reason, the functional pillow may have an ergonomic effect.

[0086] The convex surface may extend farther off opposite to the back surface than the shoulder section and than the middle head area in a range between 0.1 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 3 cm, most preferably between 1 cm and 2 cm.

[0087] The extension of the neck section cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow may be in a range between 1 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm.

[0088] The extension of the neck section cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow may be in a range between 1 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm, most preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0089] A support surface may underlie the neck section. The support surface may connect the functional surface and the back surface in correspondence with the front side of the functional pillow. The support surface may be essentially non-perpendicular to the back surface.

[0090] The support surface may have a tilt such that an end section of the support face adjacent to the functional surface extends farther off, in a direction going from the back side to the front side of the functional pillow, than an end section of the support face adjacent to the back surface.

[0091] Furthermore, the support surface may be configured to allow the neck section to comfortably support the neck of a user, when the user rests their neck on the neck section, by means of the bending of the support surface under the weight of the neck of the user.

[0092] Put differently, the support surface may not be essentially perpendicular to the back surface. Rather, it may be tilted. In other words, the neck section may therefore define an undercut, between the functional surface and the back surface of the functional pillow. Therefore, the support surface may not merely linearly contract under a compressive force, when the user rests their neck on the neck section. Consequently, the neck section may not merely get closer, in an essentially linear motion, to the back surface under a compressive force, when the user rests their neck on the neck section. Instead, the support surface may bend under a compressive force, when the user rests their neck on the neck section. Therefore, the neck section may get closer, in an essentially curved motion, to the back surface under a compressive force, when the user rests their neck on the neck section. The neck section may therefore comfortably support the neck of a user under a compressive force, when the user rests their neck on the neck section.

[0093] In one embodiment, the back surface may comprise a pocket. The pocket may be formed, at least in part, as a cavity, a recess, and / or a hole.

[0094] The pocket may comprise an adapted pouch.

[0095] The pocket may be located in proximity or in correspondence to the ventilation holes.

[0096] The adapted pouch may be configured to contain at least a fragrance-emitting body. This may be of advantage, with respect to existing technologies, since it may, without limitation, enhance a sleep environment and / or contribute to overall well-being during sleep and / or help relaxation and / or allow for aromatherapy. The fragrance-emitting body may comprise, without limitation, herbs, a herbal pouch, a herbal sachet, fragrance beads, bodies comprising essential oils.

[0097] The at least one fragrance-emitting body may comprise lavender buds.

[0098] The adapted pouch may be configured to contain at least a healing crystal.

[0099] The adapted pouch may be configured to contain at least a body for healing practices and / or for alternative healing practices. According to one embodiment, each of the shoulder sub-sections may extend, in a symmetrically mirrored fashion with respect to the neck section, from the neck section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0100] The extension of each shoulder sub-section a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow may in a range between 18 cm and 32 cm, preferably between 21 cm and 29 cm, most preferably between 24 cm and 26 cm.

[0101] The extension of each shoulder sub-section in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow may be in a range between 9 cm and 13 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm.

[0102] Each of the S-shaped indentations of the shoulder section may comprise a first curved segment that transitions into a second curved segment, thereby forming a continuous S- shape.

[0103] The first curved segment may terminate in the neck section. The second curved segment may terminate in a lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0104] The first segment may be configured to have a first concavity pointing to the front side of the functional pillow, wherein the second segment may be configured to have a second concavity pointing to the back side of the functional pillow.

[0105] The first concavity and the second concavity may be configured to allow the accommodation of the shoulders of the user in the indentation when the user sleeps in a lateral position or on their stomach.

[0106] The first concavity and the second concavity may be configured to prevent the shoulder of the user to contact the anti-aging pillow when the user sleeps in a lateral position or on their stomach.

[0107] In one embodiment, the functional pillow may be realized with a foam.

[0108] The functional pillow may feature a middle rigidity thanks to the density of the foam.

[0109] The foam may have a density between 20A and 80A, preferably between 35D and 65D, more preferably between 45D and 55D.

[0110] The foam may comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

[0111] In one embodiment, the functional pillow may comprise at least an insert.

[0112] The at least one insert may comprise two essentially parallel surfaces substantially coinciding with the back surface of the functional pillow. The thickness of the at least one insert, in a direction essentially perpendicular to said essentially parallel surfaces, may be in a range between 0.1 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm, most preferably between 1.9 cm and 2.1 cm.

[0113] The at least one insert may be realized with a foam.

[0114] Said foam may have a density between 20A and 80A, preferably between 35D and 65D, more preferably between 45D and 55D.

[0115] An assembly of inserts may comprise at least the at least one insert.

[0116] The assembly of inserts may further comprise inserts other than the at least one insert and wherein, in the assembly of inserts, the at least one insert and the inserts other than the at least one insert are configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the two essentially parallel surfaces comprised in the at least one insert.

[0117] The at least one insert may be configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface of the functional pillow, to the back surface of the functional pillow.

[0118] The assembly of inserts may be configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface of the functional pillow, to the back surface of the functional pillow.

[0119] Said connections may be realized by making the back surface adhere to one of said parallel surfaces.

[0120] Said connections may be realized by attaching the back surface to one of said parallel surfaces by means of Velcro connections.

[0121] The functional pillow may be configured to provide an adjustable thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, by means of connecting the at least one insert to the back surface.

[0122] The functional pillow may be configured to provide an adjustable thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, by means of connecting the assembly of inserts to the back surface.

[0123] The functional pillow may be configured to be used after connecting the at least one insert to the back surface of the functional pillow. the functional pillow may be configured to be used after connecting the assembly of inserts to the back surface.

[0124] The functional pillow may comprise a cover. The cover may be configured to cover the functional pillow snuggly, preserving the topography of the surfaces of the functional pillow.

[0125] The cover may be made of a material comprising silk. This may be particularly advantageous since it may reduce acne and hair breakage. Further, it may reduce eyelash breakage.

[0126] The cover may be made of a material comprising elastane.

[0127] The cover may be made of a material comprising silk and elastane.

[0128] The cover may be made of a material comprising Lyocell.

[0129] The cover may be made of a material comprising Tencel.

[0130] The cover may be made of a material comprising an elastane content in a range between

[0131] 1% and 60%, preferably between 3% and 20%, more preferably between 4% and 8%.

[0132] The cover may be made of a material that does not engage in friction with the skin and / or hair of a user, when the skin of the user is in contact with the cover.

[0133] The cover may be made of a material that favors evaporation of sweat and / or liquids on the cover.

[0134] The functional pillow may be for preventing wrinkles or asymmetries on the face of a user. The asymmetries may be due, inter alia, to a regular one-sided sleeping position.

[0135] The functional pillow may be for preventing a wrong posture.

[0136] The functional pillow may be for preventing neck pain.

[0137] The functional pillow may be for preventing hair damage.

[0138] The functional pillow may be for preventing hair disheveling.

[0139] The functional pillow may be for preventing signs of fatigue on the face of a user.

[0140] The functional pillow may be for preventing signs of aging on the face of a user.

[0141] The functional pillow may be for providing ergonomic support.

[0142] The functional pillow may be for camping.

[0143] The functional pillow may be for orthopedic use.

[0144] The functional pillow may be for post-surgery use.

[0145] The functional pillow may be for temperature regulation, preferably of the face of a user.

[0146] The functional pillow may be for regulating skin transpiration, preferably of the face of a user. The functional pillow may be for preventing acne.

[0147] The functional pillow may be for preventing snoring.

[0148] The functional pillow may be an ergonomic pillow.

[0149] The functional pillow may be for preventing wrinkles and / or asymmetries on the face of a user. The asymmetries may be due, inter alia, to a regular one-sided sleeping position.

[0150] The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for reducing and / or preventing morning swelling.

[0151] The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for reducing and / or preventing migration after hyaluronic acid filler treatments

[0152] In one or more embodiments, any thickness according to any other embodiment of the present invention may be reduced of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm. This may provide from an overall more plate-like structure of the functional pillow, which may be more ergonomic and / or more comfortable for some users.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, the foam may have a density below 80A, preferably below 50A, more preferably below 30A.

[0154] The present technology is also described by the following numbered embodiments.

[0155] 51. A functional pillow, the functional pillow comprising: a back surface, comprising a substantially planar surface, and a functional surface, essentially opposite to the back surface, comprising: a middle head section, a side head section, a neck section, a shoulder section, a rear section.

[0156] 52. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the middle head section comprises a head cavity.

[0157] 53. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the head cavity is configured to support the head of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back.

[0158] 54. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the side head section comprises two side head sub-sections, wherein the two side head sub- sections extend in an elongated manner from the middle head section up to opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0159] 55. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein each of the two side head sub-sections comprises a side head recess.

[0160] 56. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the side head recess is configured to distribute the weight of the head of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach.

[0161] 57. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the neck section extends from the middle head section to a front side of the functional pillow, wherein the front side of the functional pillow is essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0162] 58. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the neck section comprises a convex surface, wherein the convex surface extends farther off opposite to the back surface than the middle head section.

[0163] 59. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the convex surface is configured to provide elevation and support to the cervical spine of a user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back.

[0164] 510. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shoulder section comprises two shoulder sub-sections, wherein the two shoulder subsections extend in an elongated manner from the neck section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0165] 511. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein each of the two shoulder sub-sections comprises an indentation.

[0166] 512. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the indentation is an S-shaped indentation.

[0167] 513. The functional pillow according to embodiment Sil, wherein the indentation is configured to accommodate the shoulders of a user.

[0168] 514. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a back side, essentially opposite to the front side. 515. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear section comprises the section of the functional surface adjacent to the back side of the functional pillow.

[0169] 516. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow, adjacent to the front side of the functional pillow, is essentially smaller than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow, adjacent to a back side of the functional pillow.

[0170] 517. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein said difference in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0171] 518. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of end sections of the functional pillow, adjacent to the lateral sides, is essentially larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow that lies midway between the lateral sides.

[0172] 519. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein said difference in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0173] 520. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the head cavity extends in an elongated manner between the back side of the functional pillow and the front side of the functional pillow.

[0174] 521. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the extension of the head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow is in a range between 1 cm and 26 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 23 cm, most preferably between 5 cm and 20 cm.

[0175] S22. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the extension of the head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow is in a range between 9 cm and 23 cm, preferably between 12 cm and 20 cm, most preferably between 15 cm and 17 cm.

[0176] 523. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the head cavity comprises substantially smoothly curved edges.

[0177] 524. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S23, wherein the smoothly curved edges of the head cavity comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the head cavity.

[0178] 525. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the head cavity is configured to fit essentially most head sizes.

[0179] 526. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S23, wherein the radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges is larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the rear section than in a section of the of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the side head section.

[0180] 527. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S23, wherein the radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges is larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the neck section than in a section of the of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the side head section.

[0181] 528. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the neck section.

[0182] 529. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S28, wherein said larger thickness is configured to allow to control pressure points on the head of the user by means of allowing the user to rest their head with a comfortable tilt. 530. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S28, wherein said differences in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0183] 531. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the side head section.

[0184] 532. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the neck section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the side head section.

[0185] 533. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S31 and S32, wherein said larger thicknesses are configured to allow the head of the user to comfortably turn when the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side and vice versa.

[0186] 534. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S31 and S32, wherein said differences in thickness are in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0187] 535. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S31 and S32, wherein said larger thicknesses are adapted to allow critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes, not to come into contact with the functional pillow when the user the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side and vice versa. S36. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the head cavity comprises an essentially planar bottom.

[0188] 537. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S2, wherein the head cavity comprises a plurality of ventilation holes, wherein the ventilation holes run through the functional pillow from the back surface to the functional surface.

[0189] 538. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S36 and S37, wherein the planar bottom comprises the plurality of ventilation holes.

[0190] 539. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the ventilation holes are arranged in a variety of geometries, wherein the ventilation holes have a variety of diameters and cross sections.

[0191] 540. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the head cavity comprises between 1 and 20, preferably between 3 and 15 ventilation holes, more preferably between 4 and 7 ventilation holes.

[0192] 541. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the ventilation holes have a circular cross-section with a diameter in a range between 0.1 cm and 4 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm, most preferably between 2 cm and 3 cm.

[0193] 542. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the head cavity is configured to favor the cooling of the head of a user, when said user rests their head in the head cavity, by means of ventilation through the ventilation holes.

[0194] 543. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the head cavity is configured to prevent fluid accumulation from sweating by means of allowing ventilation through the ventilation holes. 544. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S37, wherein the head cavity is configured to inhibit pathogen growth by means of allowing ventilation through the ventilation holes.

[0195] 545. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S4, wherein the two side head sub-sections extend, in a symmetrically mirrored fashion with respect to the middle head section, from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0196] 546. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the extension of each side head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow is in a range between 13 cm and 26 cm, preferably between 16 cm and 23 cm, most preferably between 19 cm and 20 cm.

[0197] 547. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the extension of each head cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow is in a range between 5 cm and 19 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 16 cm, most preferably between 11 cm and 13 cm.

[0198] 548. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein each of the two side recesses are configured to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach.

[0199] 549. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses extend from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0200] 550. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses extend, from the middle head section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow, in an essentially non-perpendicular manner with respect to the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0201] S51. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses extend in a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow. 552. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses are configured to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach, and with their face pointing to a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow.

[0202] 553. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses comprise substantially smoothly curved edges in correspondence with sections of the side head recesses that are adjacent to the middle head section, to the rear section and to the shoulder section.

[0203] 554. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the side head recesses comprise an opening in correspondence with sections of the side head recesses that are adjacent to the lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0204] 555. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S53, wherein the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses.

[0205] 556. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S55, wherein the radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses is larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses farther from the closest lateral side of the functional pillow than in a section of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses closer to the closest lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0206] 557. The functional pillow according any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S55, wherein said radius of curvature is configured to assist in keeping the face of the user substantially centered when the user is in the process of switching from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side and vice versa.

[0207] 558. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section.

[0208] 559. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S58, wherein said difference in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0209] 560. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S58, wherein said larger thickness is configured to control pressure points on the head of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their back.

[0210] 561. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S60, wherein the pressure points coincide with the temple of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section, and with the chin of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section.

[0211] 562. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S60, wherein the two side head sub-sections are configured to distribute the pressure points away from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes.

[0212] 563. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S61, wherein the two side head sub-sections are configured to avoid the stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing of the skin of the user from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes.

[0213] 564. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S5, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the lateral sides is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the middle head section. 565. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S64, wherein said larger thickness is configured to prevent the user from excessively and / or too frequently turning from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side.

[0214] 566. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S64, wherein said difference in thickness is in a range between 0.1 cm and 3 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, most preferably between 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm.

[0215] 567. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S9, wherein a center of curvature defining a curvature of the convex surface is located between the functional surface and the back surface.

[0216] 568. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S9, wherein the convex surface is configured to support most neck sizes.

[0217] 569. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S9, wherein the convex surface extends farther off opposite to the back surface than the shoulder section and than the middle head area in a range between 0.1 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 3 cm, most preferably between 1 cm and 2 cm.

[0218] 570. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S9, wherein the extension of the neck section cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow is in a range between 1 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm.

[0219] 571. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S9, wherein the extension of the neck section cavity in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow is in a range between 1 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm, most preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0220] S72. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S9, wherein a support surface underlies the neck section, wherein said support surface connects the functional surface and the back surface in correspondence with the front side of the functional pillow.

[0221] 573. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S72, wherein the support surface is essentially nonperpendicular to the back surface.

[0222] 574. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S72, wherein the support surface has a tilt such that an end section of the support face adjacent to the functional surface extends farther off, in a direction going from the back side to the front side of the functional pillow, than an end section of the support face adjacent to the back surface.

[0223] 575. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S74, wherein said support surface is configured to allow the neck section to comfortably support the neck of a user, when the user rests their neck on the neck section, by means of the bending of the support surface under the weight of the neck of the user.

[0224] 576. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the back surface comprises a pocket.

[0225] 577. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S76, wherein the pocket comprises an adapted pouch.

[0226] 578. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S77 and S37, wherein the pocket is located in proximity or in correspondence to the ventilation holes.

[0227] 579. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S77, wherein the adapted pouch is configured to contain at least a fragrance-emitting body.

[0228] S80. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S77, wherein the adapted pouch is configured to contain at least a healing crystal. S81. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S77, wherein the adapted pouch is configured to contain at least a body for healing practices and / or for alternative healing practices.

[0229] 582. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S79, wherein the at least one fragrance-emitting body comprises lavender buds.

[0230] 583. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S10, wherein each of the shoulder sub-sections extends, in a symmetrically mirrored fashion with respect to the neck section, from the neck section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow.

[0231] 584. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S10, wherein the extension of each shoulder sub-section a direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow is in a range between 18 cm and 32 cm, preferably between 21 cm and 29 cm, most preferably between 24 cm and 26 cm.

[0232] 585. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S10, wherein the extension of each shoulder sub-section in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow is in a range between 9 cm and 13 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm.

[0233] 586. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S12, wherein each of the S-shaped indentations comprises a first curved segment that transitions into a second curved segment, thereby forming a continuous S-shape.

[0234] 587. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S86, wherein the first curved segment terminates in the neck section, wherein the second curved segment terminates in a lateral side of the functional pillow.

[0235] 588. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S87, wherein the first segment is configured to have a first concavity pointing to the front side of the functional pillow, wherein the second segment is configured to have a second concavity pointing to the back side of the functional pillow. 589. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S88, wherein the first concavity and the second concavity are configured to allow the accommodation of the shoulders of the user in the indentation when the user sleeps in a lateral position or on their stomach.

[0236] 590. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S89, wherein the first concavity and the second concavity are configured to prevent the shoulder of the user to contact the anti-aging pillow when the user sleeps in a lateral position or on their stomach.

[0237] 591. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S15, wherein the extension of the rear section, in direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow, is in a range between 48 cm and 62 cm, preferably between 51 cm and 59 cm, most preferably between 54 cm and 56 cm.

[0238] 592. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S15, wherein the extension of the rear section, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back side of the functional pillow, is in a range between

[0239] 14 cm and 22.5 cm, preferably between 9 cm and 17.5 cm, most preferably between 5 cm and 13.5 cm.

[0240] 593. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S15, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to the rear section is in range between 7 cm and 17 cm, preferably between 9 cm and

[0241] 15 cm, more preferably between 11 cm and 13 cm.

[0242] 594. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is realized with a foam.

[0243] 595. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S94, wherein the functional pillow features a middle rigidity thanks to the density of the foam.

[0244] S96. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S94, wherein the foam has a density between 20A and 80A, preferably between 35D and 65D, more preferably between 45D and 55D. S97. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S94, wherein the foam complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

[0245] 598. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow comprises at least an insert.

[0246] 599. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S98, wherein the at least one insert comprises two essentially parallel surfaces substantially coinciding with the back surface of the functional pillow.

[0247] 5100. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S99, wherein the thickness of the at least one insert, in a direction essentially perpendicular to said essentially parallel surfaces, is in a range between 0.1 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 3 cm, most preferably between 1.9 cm and 2.1 cm.

[0248] 5101. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S98 , wherein the at least one insert is realized with a foam.

[0249] 5102. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S101, wherein the foam has a density between 20A and 80A, preferably between 35D and 65D, more preferably between 45D and 55D.

[0250] 5103. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S98, wherein an assembly of inserts comprises at least the at least one insert.

[0251] 5104. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S103, wherein the assembly of inserts further comprises inserts other than the at least one insert and wherein, in the assembly of inserts, the at least one insert and the inserts other than the at least one insert are configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to said parallel surfaces.

[0252] 5105. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S98, wherein the at least one insert is configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface of the functional pillow, to the back surface of the functional pillow. 5106. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S104, wherein the assembly of inserts is configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface of the functional pillow, to the back surface of the functional pillow.

[0253] 5107. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S105 or S106, wherein said connection is realized by making the back surface adhere to one of said parallel surfaces.

[0254] 5108. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S105 or S106, wherein said connection is realized by attaching the back surface to one of said parallel surfaces by means of Velcro connections.

[0255] 5109. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S104, wherein the functional pillow is configured to provide an adjustable thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, by means of connecting the at least one insert to the back surface.

[0256] 5110. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S106, wherein the functional pillow is configured to provide an adjustable thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, by means of connecting the assembly of inserts to the back surface.

[0257] 5111. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S104, wherein the functional pillow is configured to be used after connecting the at least one insert to the back surface of the functional pillow.

[0258] 5112. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiments S106, wherein the functional pillow is configured to be used after connecting the assembly of inserts to the back surface.

[0259] 5113. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow comprises a cover.

[0260] S114. The functional pillow according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cover is configured to cover the functional pillow snuggly, preserving the topography of the surfaces of the functional pillow. 5115. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S113, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising silk.

[0261] 5116. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S113, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising elastane.

[0262] 5117. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S113, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising silk and elastane.

[0263] 5118. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S113, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising Lyocell.

[0264] 5119. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of embodiment S113, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising Tencel.

[0265] 5120. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of any of embodiments SI 16 and SI 17, wherein the cover is made of a material comprising an elastane content in a range between 1% and 60%, preferably between 3% and 20%, more preferably between 4% and 8%.

[0266] 5121. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of any of embodiments S115, S116, S117, S118, and S119, wherein the cover is made of a material that does not engage in friction with the skin and / or hair of a user, when the skin of the user is in contact with the cover.

[0267] 5122. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, with the features of any of embodiments S115, S116, S117, S118, and S119, wherein the cover is made of a material that favors evaporation of sweat and / or liquids on the cover.

[0268] 5123. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing wrinkles or asymmetries on the face of a user.

[0269] S124. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing a wrong posture. 5125. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing neck pain.

[0270] 5126. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing hair damage.

[0271] 5127. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing hair disheveling.

[0272] 5128. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing signs of fatigue on the face of a user.

[0273] 5129. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing signs of aging on the face of a user.

[0274] 5130. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for providing ergonomic support.

[0275] 5131. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for camping.

[0276] 5132. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for orthopedic use.

[0277] 5133. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for post-surgery use.

[0278] 5134. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for temperature regulation, preferably of the face of a user.

[0279] 5135. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for regulating skin transpiration, preferably of the face of a user.

[0280] 5136. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing acne.

[0281] S137. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing snoring. S138. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is an ergonomic pillow.

[0282] 5139. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for preventing wrinkles and / or asymmetries on the face of a user.

[0283] 5140. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for reducing and / or preventing morning swelling.

[0284] 5141. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional pillow is for reducing and / or preventing migration after hyaluronic acid filler treatments

[0285] 5142. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein any thickness according to any of the preceding embodiments is reduced of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm.

[0286] 5143. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding embodiments apart from S96 and S102, with the features of embodiment S94 and S101, wherein the foam has a density below 80A, preferably below 50A, more preferably below 30A.

[0287] Brief description of the Figures

[0288] Fig. 1 depicts, as an example, a 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow;

[0289] Fig. 2 depicts, as an example, another 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow;

[0290] Fig. 3 depicts, as an example, a side view of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow;

[0291] Fig. 4 depicts, as an example, a top view of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow;

[0292] Fig. 5 depicts, as an example, a further 3D model illustrating a process of connecting two inserts of the functional pillow to the functional pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0293] Fig. 6 depicts, as an example, a further 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow. Detailed description of the Figures

[0294] It is noted that not all the drawings carry all reference signs. Instead, in some of the drawings, some of the reference signs have been omitted for sake of brevity and simplicity of illustration.

[0295] Hereafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, referring to the accompanying figures.

[0296] From a very general viewpoint, the present invention relates to a functional pillow. In particular, the present invention relates to a functional pillow for avoiding wrinkles or asymmetries on a user's face.

[0297] Fig. 1 depicts, as an example, a 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow.

[0298] Fig. 2 depicts, as an example, another 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow.

[0299] The functional pillow can comprise a back surface 1 and a functional surface 2. According to one embodiment, the back surface 1 may be substantially planar. It will be understood that the functional pillow may be made of a flexible or elastic or ductile material. Therefore, the back surface will be understood to be substantially planar when the functional pillow is not deformed from its rest shape. The functional surface 2 can lie opposite to the back surface 1.

[0300] Furthermore, the functional pillow can comprise a front portion 5. It will be understood that the front portion 5 of the functional pillow may be the section that is adjacent to the body of the user during the user's routine use of the functional pillow. Analogously, a back portion 6 of the functional pillow may be essentially opposite to the front portion. The functional pillow may further comprise lateral portions of the functional pillow 7.

[0301] Fig. 3 depicts, as an example, a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The thickness of the functional pillow at the back portion 14, 14' can be generally larger than the thickness of the functional pillow at the front portion 15, 15'. Furthermore, the thickness of the functional pillow at the lateral portion 14, 15 can be generally larger than the thickness of the functional pillow in the middle of the functional pillow 14', 15'. In other words, the thickness 15 might be larger than the thickness 15' and the thickness 14 might be larger than the thickness 14'.

[0302] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functional pillow may be described as essentially having the shape of a trapezoidal prism.

[0303] The edges of the functional pillow may be smoothed. The functional surface 2 can comprise a plurality of functional sections. For example, the functional surface can comprise a middle head section 3, a side head section 18, a neck section 19, a shoulder section 32 and a rear section 20. The side head section 18 can comprise two side head sub-sections. The shoulder section 32 can comprise two shoulder sub-sections.

[0304] Fig. 4 depicts, as an example, a top view of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow. The middle head section 3 can comprise a head cavity 4. The head cavity 4, according to a preferred embodiment, may have a bowl-like, oblong shape and may extend in an elongated way between the front portion 5 and the back portion 6 of the functional pillow. The head of a user may be accommodated and supported by the head cavity 4, preferably when the suer sleeps on their back. Moreover, the head cavity may accommodate and support a variety of head sizes of users.

[0305] According to a further embodiment, the edges of the head cavity may feature curved surfaces. Said surfaces may be less curved in correspondence with the front edge 9 or with the back edge 10 of the head cavity 4 than in correspondence to the lateral edges 11 of the head cavity.

[0306] In one embodiment, the head cavity 4 may have an essentially planar bottom 12, which may be essentially parallel to the back surface 1. Furthermore, the planar bottom 12 may comprise a plurality of ventilation holes 13. The ventilation holes 13 may traverse the functional pillow from the planar bottom 12 on the functional surface 2 to the back surface 1. The ventilation holes 13 may have a circular cross section and be arranged along two opposite sides of a rectangle lying on the planar bottom 12.

[0307] The thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the front edge 9 of the head cavity 4 may be larger than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral edges 11 of the head cavity 4. Likewise, the thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the back edge 10 of the head cavity 4 may be larger than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral edges 11 of the middle head cavity 4. That is, the front 9 and the back 10 edges of the head cavity overlie thicker sections of the functional pillow than the lateral edges 11 of the head cavity. A user may therefore comfortably turn their head when switching their sleeping position from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa.

[0308] A user may nevertheless comfortably sleep lying on their back. The thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral edges 11 of the middle head cavity 4 can provide the head of a user with a stable lateral side support when the user sleeps on their back. However, the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral edges 11 of the middle head cavity 4, being smaller than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the front edge 9 and to the back edge 10 of the middle head cavity 4, may also not be an impediment for the user to switch from sleeping from their side to sleeping on their back, and vice versa. In other words, the user may not decide beforehand, that is before falling asleep, whether they wish to sleep on their back or on their side, and be thereafter bound to a single sleeping position, but the user may comfortably switch between sleeping positions.

[0309] According to an embodiment, the side head section 18 can comprise two side head subsections, extending in an elongated manner, and in a symmetrically mirrored way with respect to the middle head section 3, from the middle head section 3 up to the lateral portions 7 of the functional pillow.

[0310] Each of the side head sub-sections can comprise a side head recess 25. The side head recesses 25 can terminate directly into the opposite lateral portions of the functional pillow 7. Each side head recess 25 can essentially accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of a user, when the user sleeps on their back or on their stomach.

[0311] The side head recess 25 may preferably not have an extension that is essentially perpendicular to the lateral portions 7 of the functional pillow. Rather, the side head recess 25 may essentially follow a direction that is tilted towards the front portion 5 of the functional pillow. Thus, as a user may habitually sleep on their side with a downward tilted head, the functional pillow, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may allow to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of a user in the side head recess 5 when the user sleeps on their side or on their back and with a downward tilted head.

[0312] According to a further embodiment, the edges of the side head recess may feature curved surfaces. Said surfaces may be less curved in correspondence with a lateral inner edge 26 of the middle head recess 25 than in correspondence with lateral outer edge 27 of the middle head recess 25. The flatter lateral inner edge 26 of each middle head recess 25, as compared to the sharper later outer edge 27 of the middle head recess 25, may help in keeping the face of a user centered during a head rotation of the user leading the user from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, or vice versa.

[0313] The thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the back side 28 of the side head recesses 25 may be essentially larger than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the front side 29 of the side head recesses 25. Such larger thickness may help provide control of pressure points on the head of a user, when the user sleeps lying on their side or on their stomach. As a matter of fact, the functional pillow can be configured to accommodate the ear and part of the cheek of the user in the side head recesses 25 when the user sleeps lying on their side or on their stomach. In other words, the user may contact the functional pillow essentially in correspondence to the back side 28 of the side head recesses 25 and to the front side 29 of the side head recesses 25. The contact points, on which most of the pressure is exerted, may therefore correspond, respectively, with the temple or skull region of the head of user and with the chin of the user. Thus, pressure can essentially not be exerted on, and driven away from, critical points on the face of the user that are prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of the eyes. In still other words, the skin of the user in correspondence with said critical points on the face of the user may be prevented from undergoing stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing.

[0314] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral outer edges 27 of the side head recesses 25 may be larger than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to the lateral inner edges 26 of the side head recesses 25. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the side head recesses 25, may exhibit an inclination, and decrease in thickness when going from a section adjacent to the lateral edges of the functional pillow 7 to the center of the functional pillow. When a user sleeps on the functional pillow, said inclination may prevent the user from too frequently turning from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side. Consequently, the user may be prevented from contacting the functional pillow on critical points of the face of the user, that are prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging.

[0315] The neck section 19 of the functional surface 2 of the functional pillow can comprise an elevated surface and can elongate itself from the middle head section 3 up to the front portion of the functional pillow 5. The elevated surface can comprise a convex surface, in correspondence to which the functional pillow is thicker than in correspondence to the sections of the functional pillow adjacent to the neck section 19, that is, the middle head section 3 and the shoulder section 32. The larger thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the elevated surface and concavity of the elevated surface may allow a user to rest their neck and cervical spine on the neck section 19, to receive elevation and support for their neck and cervical spine from the neck section 19 and to avoid excessive pressure on the cervical spine.

[0316] The shoulder section 32 of the functional surface 2 of the functional pillow can comprise two shoulder sub-sections 33, extending in an elongated manner, and in a symmetrically mirrored way with respect to the neck section 19, from the neck section 19 up to the lateral portions 7 of the functional pillow.

[0317] Each of the shoulder sub-sections 33 can comprise an indentation 34, which may be an S-shaped indentation. Each of the S-shapes indentation can comprise a first curved segment 35 and second curved segment 36, transitioning into each other. In particular, the first curved segment 35 can terminate in the neck section 19, while the second curved segment 36 can terminate in the lateral portions 7 of the functional pillow. When a user sleeps on the functional pillow, the indentations 34 may essentially provide accommodation for the shoulders of the user, and, in particular, prevent that the shoulders of the user may contact the functional pillow when the user sleeps on the functional pillow. In other words, the indentations 34 allow the shoulder of the user to have enough space when the user sleeps on the functional pillow.

[0318] It will be understood that the shoulder section 32, comprising the two shoulder subsections 33, may only be sections of the functional surface 2. In other words, when a user sleeps on the functional pillow, the shoulders of the user may not lie on the shoulder section 32, comprising the two shoulder sub-sections 33; rather, the shoulder of the user may be accommodated by the indentations 34, i.e. by a cutout defined, inter alia, by the first curved segment 35.

[0319] It will further be understood that the neck of a user or the lower jaw of a user may lie on the shoulder section 32, comprising the two shoulder sub-sections 33, when the user sleeps, preferably on their side, on the functional pillow. In other words, the shoulder section 32 and the shoulder sub-sections 33 may be configured to sustain the neck of a user or the lower jaw of a user, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow, preferably on their side.

[0320] Furthermore, the overall undular shape of the functional pillow in a region adjacent to the front portion of the functional pillow 5, as given by the indentations, may provide support to the functional pillow and avoid buckling of the functional pillow under the weight of the head of a user, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow.

[0321] The rear section 20 of the functional pillow can comprise the region of the functional pillow that is adjacent to the back portion 6 of the functional pillow. The thickness of the functional pillow in correspondence to the back side of the rear section 37 may be larger than the thickness the functional pillow in correspondence to front side of the rear section 38. In other words, the functional pillow, in correspondence with the rear section 20, may exhibit an inclination, and decrease in thickness when going from a section adjacent to the back portion 6 of the functional pillow to the center of the functional pillow. Such inclination allows the rear area 20 can be configured to provide support to the functional pillow and avoid buckling of the functional pillow under the weight of the head of a user, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow.

[0322] According to one embodiment, the functional pillow may be realized with a foam, allowing for firmness of the functional pillow.

[0323] Fig. 5 depicts, as an example, a further 3D model illustrating a process of connecting two inserts of the functional pillow to the functional pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that the functional pillow may comprise at least one insert.

[0324] In the embodiment of Fig.5, the functional pillow comprises, as an example, two inserts. More in detail, the first insert 39 may be connected to the functional pillow, in particular to the back surface 1 of the functional pillow. Analogously, the second insert 40 may be connected to the functional pillow, in particular to the back surface 1 of the functional pillow. Furthermore, the first insert 39 may be connected to the second insert 40, or vice versa, to form an assembly of insert. The assembly of inserts may subsequently be connected to the functional pillow, in particular to the back surface 1 of the functional pillow. The aforementioned connections may be realized by making the surfaces of the first insert 39 and / or of the second insert 40 and / or of the assembly of inserts adhere to the back surface of the functional pillow. Additionally, or alternatively, the aforementioned connections may involve an attachment mechanism, which may be based on Velcro connectors.

[0325] The overall thickness of the functional pillow may be adjusted by the means of utilizing the first insert 39 and / or of the second insert 40 and / or the assembly of inserts. In particular, the functional pillow may be utilized without connecting the first insert 39 and the second insert 40, or it may further be utilized after connecting the first insert 39 to the functional pillow, or it may further be utilized after connecting the second insert 40 to the functional pillow, or it may further be utilized after connecting the assembly of inserts and subsequently to the functional pillow. The overall thickness of the functional pillow may therefore be adjusted among four possible thicknesses, namely a standard thickness, when no insert is utilized, a first thickness, when the first insert 39 is utilized, a second thickness, when the second insert 40 is utilized, and a third thickness, the assembly of inserts is utilized. The adjustable overall thickness of the functional pillow may provide comfort for most head and neck sizes of most users.

[0326] Furthermore, the two inserts may exhibit ventilation holes 42, analogous in positioning and shape to the ventilation holes 13 that may be comprised by the middle head cavity 4.

[0327] Fig. 6 depicts, as an example, a further 3D model of a preferred embodiment of the functional pillow.

[0328] A support surface 43 may underlie the neck section 19. The support surface 43 can essentially connect the functional surface of the functional pillow to the back surface of the functional pillow, in correspondence with the front portion 5 of the functional pillow. The support surface 43 may be essentially not perpendicular to, e.g., the back surface 1 (as illustrated by the dashed straight arrow 44 in Fig. 6). That is, the support surface 43 may possess a general tilt with respect to the back surface 1. It will be understood that, in one embodiment other than the embodiment of Fig. 6, the support surface 43 may be essentially perpendicular to the back surface 1. It will be understood that the support surface 43 may be straight (as illustrated by the dashed straight arrow 44 in Fig. 6) or concave. The neck section may define an undercut, between the functional surface and the back surface of the functional pillow. The end sections of the front portion of the functional pillow, in correspondence to the lateral sides of the functional pillow, may instead feature surfaces that are essentially perpendicular to the back surface 1 (as illustrated by the dashed straight arrows 45 and 45' in Fig. 6). It will be understood that this may enable the end sections of the front portion of the functional pillow, in correspondence to the lateral sides of the functional pillow, to provide support to the head of a user, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow, preferably on their side. In other words, the configuration of the end sections of the front portion of the functional pillow, in correspondence to the lateral sides of the functional pillow, (as illustrated by the dashed straight arrows 45 and 45' in Fig. 6) is such to provide support to the head of a user, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow, preferably on their side, and to avoid excessive buckling of the functional pillow under the weight of the head of the user. The tilt in the support surface 43 may be beneficial in allowing the neck section 19 to comfortably support the neck of a user, when the user rests their neck on the neck section 19, by means of the bending of the support surface 43. In simpler words, the neck section 19 may not simply compress under the weight of the neck of a user. Rather, the neck section 19 may engage in a curved movement (see dashed curved arrow 46 in Fig. 6), possible thanks to the bending of the support surface 43. In turn, the neck section 19 can provide comfortable support to the neck of a user and adapt to a variety of neck sizes. If the support surface were to be essentially perpendicular to the back surface 1, then the neck section may only be move in an essentially straight line, essentially perpendicular to the back surface, and get closer to the back surface under the compression given by the weight of the head of a user. This might result in a discomfort for the neck of the user. In particular, the user might feel that the neck section 19 may not comfortably adapt to the weight of the head of the user.

[0329] While in in this specification embodiments of the present invention are described, the person skilled in the art will understand that the preferred embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and to render the disclosure of the present invention complete, and should by no means be construed to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0330] Whenever a relative term, such as "about", "substantially", "essentially" or "approximately" is used in this specification, such a term should also be construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g., "substantially straight" should be construed to also include "(exactly) straight".

Claims

Claims1. A functional pillow for preventing wrinkles and / or asymmetries on the face of a user, the functional pillow comprising: a back surface, comprising a substantially planar surface, and a functional surface, essentially opposite to the back surface, comprising: a middle head section, a side head section, a neck section, a shoulder section, a rear section; wherein the middle head section comprises a head cavity; wherein the head cavity is configured to support the head of the user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back; wherein the side head section comprises two side head sub-sections; wherein the two side head sub-sections extend in an elongated manner from the middle head section up to opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow; wherein each of the two side head sub-sections comprises a side head recess; wherein the side head recess is configured to distribute the weight of the head of the user, preferably when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach.

2. The functional pillow according to the preceding claim, wherein the neck section extends from the middle head section to a front side of the functional pillow, wherein the front side of the functional pillow is essentially perpendicular to the lateral sides of the functional pillow, wherein the neck section comprises a convex surface, wherein the convex surface extends farther off opposite to the back surface than the middle head section, wherein the convex surface is configured to provide elevation and support to the cervical spine of the user, preferably when the user sleeps on their back.

3. The functional pillow according to the preceding claim, wherein the shoulder section comprises two shoulder sub-sections, wherein the two shoulder sub-sections extend in an elongated manner from the neck section up to the opposite lateral sides of the functional pillow, wherein each of the two shoulder sub-sections comprises an indentation, wherein the indentation is configured to accommodate the shoulders of the user.

4. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow adjacent to the front side of the functionalpillow, is essentially smaller than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of an end section of the functional pillow, adjacent to a back side of the functional pillow, wherein the backside is essentially opposite to the front side, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of end sections of the functional pillow, adjacent to the lateral sides, is essentially larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow that lies midway between the lateral sides.

5. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the head cavity comprises substantially smoothly curved edges, wherein the smoothly curved edges of the head cavity comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the head cavity, wherein the radius of curvature of the smoothly curved edges is larger in a section of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the rear section than in a section of the of the smoothly curved edges adjacent to the side head section.

6. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the neck section; wherein said larger thickness is configured to allow to control pressure points on the head of the user by means of allowing the user to rest their head with a comfortable tilt.

7. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the rear section and / or to the neck section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the head cavity that is adjacent to the side head section.

8. The functional pillow according to the preceding claim,wherein said larger thickness is configured to allow the head of the user to comfortably turn when the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa, wherein said larger thickness is adapted to allow critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes, not to come into contact with the functional pillow when the user the user switches from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side, and vice versa.

9. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the head cavity comprises a plurality of ventilation holes, wherein the ventilation holes run through the functional pillow from the back surface to the functional surface, wherein the head cavity is configured to favor the cooling of the head of a user, when said user rests their head in the head cavity, by means of ventilation through the ventilation holes.

10. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side head recesses comprise substantially smoothly curved edges in correspondence with sections of the side head recesses that are adjacent to the middle head section, to the rear section and to the shoulder section; wherein the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses comprise a radius of curvature that varies along the surface of the smoothly curved edges of the side head recesses.

11. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the side head recess extends in a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow, wherein the side head recesses are configured to accommodate the ears and part of the cheek of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their stomach and / or with their face pointing to a direction tilted towards the front side of the functional pillow.

12. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section;wherein said larger thickness is configured to control pressure points on the head of the user when the user sleeps on their side or on their back.

13. The functional pillow according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressure points coincide with the temple of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the rear section, and with the chin of the user in correspondence with the section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the shoulder section, wherein the two side head sub-sections are configured to distribute the pressure points away from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes, wherein the two side head sub-sections are configured to avoid the stretching and / or wrinkling and / or pressurizing and / or scratching and / or tearing of the skin of the user from critical points on the face of the user prone to wrinkle formation or other signs of aging, such as cheeks and contours of eyes.

14. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the lateral sides is larger than the thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, of a section of the functional pillow in correspondence to a section of the side head recesses that is adjacent to the middle head section, wherein said larger thickness is configured to prevent the user from excessively and / or too frequently turning from sleeping on their back to sleeping on their side.

15. The functional pillow according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional pillow comprises at least an insert, wherein the at least one insert comprises two essentially parallel surfaces substantially coinciding with the back surface of the functional pillow, wherein the at least one insert is configured to be connected, along a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface of the functional pillow, to the back surface of the functional pillow, wherein the functional pillow is configured to provide an adjustable thickness, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the back surface, by means of connecting the at least one insert to the back surface.

Images