KR101808156B1 - Travel Pillow And Method For Storing - Google Patents

Abstract

The pillow for supporting the user's head and neck has a tubular body. The tubular body includes a first cone portion and a second cone portion. A concave portion is formed between the first cone portion and the second cone portion, and the concave portion supports the user's neck.

Description

[0001] Travel Pillow and Method For Storing [0002]

The present invention relates to a pillow, and more particularly, to a traveling pillow which is compact so that it can be easily stored when not in use, and can be easily assembled to support the neck and vertebrae when traveling or sleeping.

Travelers often have to sit in a proper position for an extended period of time while traveling by plane, car, bus, train or other means of transportation. Having a back or other proper posture without supporting your back or neck can result in discomfort, pain or potentially negative effects on your spine or neck. Several types of neck pillows have been developed in the past and have pointed out problems with neck support. The neck pillow that is currently in use minimizes the neck breakage that can occur when a person falls down and slips down his head, filling the space between the neck and the chair, supporting the neck and making it comfortable when sitting in a tight space. Typically, a neck support pillow is a horseshoe-shaped rim that surrounds a user's neck and is held on the user's shoulder to support the back of the neck and prevent the head from breaking rapidly from one side to the other.

In the past, there were two main forms of horseshoe-shaped neck pillows: pre-filled neck pillows and inflatable neck pillows. The inflatable neck support pillow is compact when not inflated and can be easily stored in the bag until the user uses the flat neck pillow. When you want to use an inflatable neck pillow, you must remove the neck pillow from the suitcase and inflate it before use.

One of the disadvantages of the inflatable neck support pillow is that it must be blown in for several minutes through the air hole in the inflatable neck support pillow. This can take a lot of time and exhaust users. In addition, the neck support pillow can not provide adequate and sufficient support unless it is fully inflated. If the neck support pillow is too loose, the support may be too much, and if the neck support pillow is loosened, the support may be inadequate.

In addition, plastics materials commonly used to make air bags of inflatable back pillows are generally not breathable and can be constantly heated around the neck or wet with sweat during use.

Prefilled horseshoe neck pillows use small pieces of foam-filling, feathers or organic particles or bark-like materials as fillers. The disadvantage of a pre-filled neck support pillow is that it does not push the neck too far forward or it does not support it enough to put the head and neck in an uncomfortable position and can make your neck health worse. The pre-filled neck support pillow can not reflect the user's different taste of the pillow's rigidity and neck position.

Another drawback of the pre-filled neck support pillow is that it takes up a lot of space and takes up a lot of space in the bag when it is put in the user's bag. A pre-filled horseshoe neck pillow can account for about one-third of the storage space of the carrying bag.

Restrictive air regulation for portable luggage bags is becoming increasingly important for the size and portability of neck pillows when purchasing or selecting a neck support tool. In addition, the pre-filled horseshoe-shaped neck pillows have become burdensome to store or transport because of their weight and size after the journey.

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a neck support pillow which is light and breathable, is suitable for a neck support, occupies a small space and can be easily stored.

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved method of storing a neck pillow.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of storing an improved neck support pillow and an improved neck support pillow.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a neck support pillow capable of supporting a user's head and neck. The neck support pillow may include one continuous support pillow body. The support pillow body may be generally tubular. The substantially tubular pillow body may be similar to an hourglass shape or may have a cylinder-like shape. The tubular support pillow body comprises a first cone portion and a second cone portion. And a concave portion may be formed between the first cone portion and the second cone portion. The recess can support the neck of the user.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the substantially tubular support pillow body may comprise a flexible foam cell or a cell of an elastomeric polymer material. The foam material may be a flexible rubber, a stretch polymer, a polyurethane, a synthetic or natural material. Other types of flexible materials, such as other polymers or synthetic materials, may also be used to make the support pillow body. The thickness of the foam support pillow body cell can be varied to control compression, support, comfort level, and the like. The hardness of the foam material constituting the support pillow body may also be varied to control the degree of compression, support, and comfort.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the foam support pillow body shell may be thinner at the center to reduce resistance and increase compression of the support pillow body in the region where the user rests his neck. In another embodiment of the present invention, the foam cells of the support pillow body are thinner at both ends to reduce the compression of the support pillow body in the region used to support both sides of the user ' s neck and / or head, can do.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the foam back pillow body shell reduces the density of the foam material at the center to increase the compression of the back pillow body and reduce resistance in the area where the user puts his head. In another embodiment of the present invention, the foam-supporting pillow cell is provided with a means for increasing the density of the article material at both ends to compress the support pillow body in an area used to support both sides of the user's neck and / And increase the resistance.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the support pillow body shell may include a soft foam material at the center to increase the compression of the support pillow body and reduce resistance in the region where the user is necked. In another embodiment of the present invention, the support pillow body shell includes rigid foam material at both ends to reduce the compression of the support pillow body in the area used to support both sides of the user ' s neck and / or head And increase the resistance.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the foam support pillow body shell may comprise a flexible foam material having substantially the same density and thickness throughout the support pillow body shell. The support pillow body having the same overall foam thickness and density can be assembled in an almost hourglass shape.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the neck support pillow can be disassembled into a substantially flat body including a substantially square shape. The substantially flat body may be held in a folded state using a flap that allows the foldable and flat body to remain folded.

The neck support pillow can be assembled by unfolding the substantially rectangular flat body and fixing one edge of the flat body to the other edge of the flat body. When assembled, a recess for supporting the user's neck of the neck support pillow may be formed on the support pillow body between the first cone portion and the second cone portion to form an almost hourglass shape.

The support pillow body may be composed of a single piece or a plurality of pieces. For example, a pair of cone-shaped cone-shaped support pillow bodies can be formed that are almost hourglass-shaped. The support pillow body may include a flexible foam comprising a plurality of parallel and flexible cords or rods disposed between the foams along the length or width of the substantially flat body constituting the support pillow body. The rigidity or rigidity of the plurality of parallel flexible cords or rods may increase or decrease to increase or decrease the resistance of the support pillow body or to increase or decrease the flexibility of the shape of the neck support pillow. The cord or rod may be made of a foam material. The foam material may be made of a rubber, a stretch polymer, a polyurethane, a material having flexibility as a synthetic or natural material. Other flexible materials suitable for increasing resistance may also be used.

A securing means is provided to maintain the support pillow body in a tubular configuration. Color elements tie one or more of the support pillow bodies to hold the support pillow body in a tubular configuration.

According to the present invention, there is provided a neck support pillow which is lightweight, breathable, suitable for neck support, occupies a small space and can be easily stored.

It also provides an improved method of storing a neck support pillow, and provides a method of storing an improved neck support pillow and an improved neck support pillow.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a neck support pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
1B is a perspective view of the neck support pillow of FIG. 1A with the center portion of the neck pillow being pushed slightly as pressed by the weight of the user neck; FIG.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a neck pillow used by an individual according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a neck pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that the neck pillow is opened in a longitudinal direction so as to unfold and fold the pillow for storage; FIG.
FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate various configurations for assembling a neck pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS.
5 is an end perspective view of a neck pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6A is an enlarged view of an end ring or color member used to adjust the resistance of a neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 6b is another enlarged view of the end ring or color member shown in Figure 6 according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 6C is an enlarged view of another embodiment of an end ring or color member used to adjust the resistance of a neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 6d is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end ring or color member shown in Figure 6 formed at the end of the support pillow portion of the neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
7 is an end perspective view of a neck support pillow having a solid end cap in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
8A and 8B are enlarged sectional views showing a cross section of a support pillow portion having a skeletal configuration according to embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention having a support pillow portion including a skeletal configuration according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 8C is an enlarged view showing a cross-section of a neck support pillow including the configuration of the support pillow portion shown in FIGS. 8AA and 8AB; FIG.
Figures 9a-9i illustrate a method for folding and storing a neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
10 illustrates a neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 11a-11c are perspective views of a support pillow showing channels disposed at various locations in a support pillow according to embodiments of a neck support pillow shown in FIG. 10;
Figure 12a is a partial perspective view of a lock strip in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 12b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lock strip in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of a neck support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figures 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of a support pillow showing resistance cords or rods according to embodiments of the present invention;
15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a neck pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
16 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
17 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
18 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention;
19 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention; And
20 is a cross-sectional view of a support pillow according to embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention can be realized as a neck pillow and a storage method such as those disclosed in the drawings and detailed description below. Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention are disclosed in the drawings and the detailed description that illustrate the features and embodiments of the present invention.

The drawings illustrate, but do not limit, the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the specific drawings are shown in exaggerated or generalized form for the sake of brevity and clarity. The embodiments illustrate the objects and various aspects of the present invention. It is to be understood that it is not possible to clearly show each configuration and aspect of the present invention in a single figure, and the plural views are presented to explain the various details of the present invention as clearly as possible. Likewise, not all embodiments complete all the advantages of the invention.

The detailed description set forth below with reference to the drawings is intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments herein and is not intended to be limited to the aspects in which the invention may be constructed or realized. The detailed description sets forth the procedures and functions of the steps for constructing and implementing an application related to the presented implementations. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and procedures may also be accomplished by other embodiments that fall within the scope and spirit of the specification. For example, it can be used for back support pillows as a similar embodiment.

The invention and the accompanying drawings are discussed in order to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The drawings and detailed description are a preferred embodiment of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 3, 5, 7, 9A, 10, 13, and 15, a neck support pillow 10 is disclosed in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The neck support pillow (10) includes a support pillow (12). The support pillow portion 12 may be configured as shown in Figs. 4A to 4F. The support pillow portion 12 may be made of foam. The foam material may be made of rubber, stretch polymer, polyurethane or artificial or natural material having flexibility. The support pillow portion 12 may be made of a flexible material, such as a polymer or composite, including soft plastics or rubber. Preferably, the support pillow portion 12 may be formed by injection molding or foam molding. The liquid foam can be spilled or dispensed onto a mold similar in shape to one of the forms shown in Figures 4A-4F. The liquid foam may expand in the mold to create a cavity or tube shaped foam body having an appearance similar to one of the shapes shown in Figures 4A-4F. The hollow or tubular foam body may be cut or separated in the longitudinal direction so that the support pillow portion 12 can be deployed in an approximately flat or substantially flat body having an hourglass shape.

The shape of the support pillow portion 12 may affect the shape of the neck pillow 10. According to embodiments of the present invention, the support pillow portion 12 may be composed of almost a pair of trapezoidal halves when the neck pillow 10 is not assembled. The trapezoidal halves may be symmetrical, as shown in Fig. However, asymmetric halves can also be used to the extent that they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

At least one coupling device is formed along both edges of the support pillow portion 12 at a cut portion where the support pillow portion 12 is fixed or separated into two portions.

16, 17, and 18, the foam cells constituting the support pillow portion 12 are arranged in the vicinity of the central region in order to increase the compressive force of the support pillow portion close to the area where the user's neck is laid, Can be thinner. The foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 are thickened at both edges to reduce the compressive force of the support pillow portion 12 close to the area used to support both sides of the user's neck and / .

Alternatively, the foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 may be formed such that the portion of the foam cells constituting the support pillow portion 12, which is close to the central region, includes a low density foam material, It is possible to increase the compressive force of the nearby support pillow portion and reduce the resistance. The foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 may include a high density foam material on both edges to reduce the compressive force of the support pillow portion 12 close to the area used to support both the neck and / And increase the resistance.

The foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 are formed such that the foam cells constituting the support pillow portion 12 are formed such that a portion near the center region includes a softer foam material and is supported near the neck and / The compression force of the pillow portion can be increased and the resistance can be reduced. The foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 include a foam material having both harder edges and a compressive force of the support pillow portion 12 close to the area used to support both the neck and / And the resistance can be increased.

The foam cells of the support pillow portion 12 may comprise a flexible foam material having substantially the same density and thickness throughout the support pillow portion 12. [ Where other means for increasing or decreasing the resistance to compressive forces across the support pillow portion 12 may be provided.

The resistance, compression, support and comfort of the neck support pillow 10 can be adjusted according to the shape of the support pillow portion 12 and the shape, thickness, density and rigidity of the support pillow portion 12 have. Other mechanisms for managing and controlling compression and resistance in the neck support pillow 10 of the present invention may also be provided. Of course, air bags, filling or heating or cooling, vibration mechanisms may also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a neck support pillow 10 according to embodiments of the present invention is disclosed. When assembled, the neck support pillow 10 may be hollow or tubular in shape. The neck support pillow 10 is provided with two cone-shaped portions and is formed in the shape of a pair of cone-shaped half portions 22 so that the support pillow portion 12 is formed in an almost hourglass shape, Lt; / RTI > In embodiments of the present invention, there may be a recess 30 between the pair of cone halves 22 near the central portion of the neck support pillow 10. The user places his or her neck in the recess 30 as shown in Fig. The expanding characteristics of the half portions 22 of the cone shapes can be used to support a shape that is slightly inclined or sideways on the side of the user's head that is inclined.

1B, when a pressure is applied to the neck support pillow 10 in the vertical direction, such as when the user 11 places the neck on the concave section 30, Compresses both ends of the neck pillow 10 and moves laterally toward the center of the neck pillow 10, that is, the center of the recess 30 supporting the neck of the user. Movement of both ends 10A of the neck support pillow 10 toward the center of the neck support pillow 10 provides a comfortable fit of the neck support pillow 10 wrapping around the neck and head of the user, Can be used to help improve the support and comfort of the neck and head and to alleviate the tendency of the user ' s head side to lean when seated in an inclined position.

The neck support pillow 10 shown in Figures 1-3 may be configured with other shapes as shown in Figures 4A-4F. Each of the configurations shown in Figs. 4A to 4E may include a recess 30 and both edges 10.

The neck support pillow 10 having a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 4F may be configured to improve neck support when the user applies a vertical pressure to the neck 30 of the neck support pillow 10. 17, the cylindrical neck support pillow 10 is in the shape of an hourglass with its hollow interior, and the cell or wall of the support pillow portion 12 is thinner in the vicinity of the central portion 30A, And is thicker near both edges of the support pillow 10. Alternatively, the cylinder-shaped neck support pillow 10 shown in FIG. 4F includes a central region 30A of a softer or less dense flexible foam material and is tighter or more rigid than the central region 30A And may include both ends 10B of a dense, flexible foam material. Thus, when the user places the neck in the central region 30A and applies pressure, the central region 30A is recessed and both ends of the neck support pillow 10 are moved slightly inward, It is used to support the user's head tilting sideways when seated in a tilted position.

It is apparent that the configurations shown in Figs. 4A to 4F are not shown for limiting the configurations of the present invention. Other configurations may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the neck support pillow 10 shown in FIGS. 4A-4F may appear symmetrical, but the neck support pillow 10 may include an asymmetrical embodiment.

As mentioned above, the neck support pillow 10 can be made of a single continuous support pillow 12 made of foam. The foam material may be made of rubber, stretch polymer, polyurethane or artificial or natural material having flexibility. The support pillow portion 12 may be made of other flexible materials such as a flexible polymer or compound. As shown in Figs. 8aa and 8ab, the support pillow portion 12 may further include a skeleton for improving resistance and supporting force.

The skeleton may be made of a foam material, which may be made of rubber, a stretch polymer, polyurethane, or a flexible or artificial or natural material. The skeleton may be made of other flexible materials such as a compound or polymer including rubber or soft plastics. The skeleton may be flexible and may be stiffer or less rigid depending on the level of resistance or trend desired.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the support pillow portion 12 may be composed of one or more other layers. For example, FIG. 3 shows that the neck support pillow 10 consists of a pillow portion 12 made of a single layer. The support pillow portion 12 may not include a skeleton as shown in FIG. According to embodiments of the present invention, the support pillow portion 12 may be composed of a plurality of layers 12A as shown in Figs. 8A to 8B. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the support pillow portion 12 may include one or more hard foam layers 14. The soft foam layer 16 may be located on the exposed side of the neck support pillow 10. [ Each of the plurality of layers 12A may have different density or hardness at various layer locations. (I.e., the outer cone shape includes a hard layer and the inner cylinder portion is relatively soft). These various designs can be provided to the product to provide a variety of comfort and support for the pressure or compressive force of the user's neck or head.

As shown in Figs. 8aa-8c, the layers 14 may comprise a plurality of skeletons or strips 14A. The skeleton or strip 14A may be made of foam. The foam material can be made of rubber, stretch polymer, polyurethane or artificial or natural materials with flexibility. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the strips 14A may be trapezoidal in shape. Accordingly, when the neck support pillow 10 is curled and assembled, the trapezoidal formation of the plurality of strips 14A can be pressed against each other as shown in Figs. 8A to 8C to provide additional supporting force.

As shown in Figures 8c, 14a and 14b, the support pillow portion 12 may include one or more flexible cords or rods (not shown) disposed within the foam layer 12 in a longitudinal or horizontal 15). The flexible cord or rod 15 may be made of a harder foam. The foam material may be made of rubber, a stretch polymer, polyurethane, or a flexible artificial or natural material. The cord or rod 15 may be made of a flexible polymer or compound, such as a rigid or less rigid flexible rubber or plastic, depending on the level of resistance or tensile force required. The flexible cord or rod 15 may be used to provide a more rigid feel to the neck support pillow 10 or may be used to help maintain the shape of the neck support pillow 10.

According to one embodiment, the support pillow portion 12 may have a plurality of holes or openings 31 penetrating therethrough as shown in FIG. 4E. The opening 31 may be formed to allow air to flow through the neck pillow 10 through the support pillow 12. [ Thus, the opening 31 enhances the breathability of the neck support pillow 10, reduces sweating, and prevents the neck support pillow 10 from increasing in temperature during use.

One or more engagement devices 15 may be attached to the support pillow portion 12. [ 9A and 9B, the coupling device 16 is formed by attaching both edges of the supporting pillow part 12 to each other to form a substantially flat shape of the unassembled supporting pillow part 12, ) Tubular support pillow portion (12). Although the tubular design of the assembled neck support pillow 10 may be hollow, the assembled neck support pillow 10 may, in other embodiments, be provided with a filled foam support pillow 10 having varying degrees of foam density or rigidity, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in many other forms.

9 (a) to 9 (d), the engaging device 16 may be a zipper 20. The zipper 20 forms a first set of teeth 21 formed at one end of the support pillow 12 and a second set of teeth 23 formed at the other end of the support pillow 12 can do. The slide portion 25 is used to engage the first tooth set 21 and the second tooth set 23 to form the tube structure of the assembled neck support pillow 10. 9A and 9B, the coupling device for attaching the opposite ends of the neck support pillow 10 includes hooks, loop fasteners, buttons or snaps used to engage the opposite ends of the support pillow portion 12 with each other, May include the same temporary joining means.

Alternatively, the support pillow portion 12 may include an integrated male and female connector connected to the mating end portions of the support pillow portion 12. In this embodiment, one end of the support pillow portion 12 may have a female connector and the other end may have a male connector. In the coupling structure, the male connector is inserted into the female connector to form the tube structure of the neck support pillow 10 as shown in FIG.

Other embodiments of the coupling device 16 may also be used to assemble the support pillow portion 12 with the neck support pillow 10, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In the embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device (16 in Figs. 12A and 12B) assembles the support pillow portion 12 shown in Figs. 11A to 11B with a neck support pillow similar to that shown in Fig. 10 Can be used. Locking strips 17, such as those shown in Figures 12A and 12B, may be in corresponding channels 17A or recesses as shown in Figures 10 to 11B. The locking strip 17 may be positioned around the neck support pillow 10 to maintain the neck support pillow 10 in an assembled form. The locking strip 17 as shown in FIG. 12A may include a locking device at each end of the locking strip 17. The coupling device of the locking strip 17 of Figure 12a can be used to secure the locking strip 17 around the assembled neck support pillow 10. The coupling device may be a hook 19a and a loop 19B as shown in Fig. 12A, a male connector 31A and a female connector 31B shown in Fig. 12B. The foregoing is presented by way of example only and not limitation, and other combinations of fixing methods known in the art may be used.

The locking strips 17 help maintain the shape of the neck support pillow 10 and increase resistance to improve neck support and comfort. Thus, the locking strip 17 may serve as a resistance mechanism 47. [ The resistance mechanism 47 may be used to prevent the neck support pillow 10 from bending and / or breaking inward when the locking strip 17 is used to assemble the neck support pillow 10. According to one embodiment, the resistance mechanism 47 may include a plurality of teeth 47A and may include a foam that is denser or harder than the material of which the support pillow portion 12 is made. The foam material may be made of rubber, a stretch polymer, polyurethane or a flexible artificial or natural material. The plurality of teeth 47A, 49 may also be made of a flexible compound or polymer material such as rubber or plastic. When a pressure is applied to the neck support pillow 10, the plurality of teeth 47A, 49 can apply pressure to adjacent teeth 47A, 49, respectively. When more pressure is applied, such as when the user moves his head close to the locking strip 17, the plurality of toothed shapes 47A and 49 push or move closer to the adjacent toothed shapes 47A and 49, respectively. Thus, as the pressure increases, the adjacent teeth 47A, 49 increase the resistance and prevent further compression and prevent the end of the neck support pillow 10 from further bending or breaking.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 12B, a locking strip 17 having a male male connector 19 may be used as the engaging device 15 by connecting the male male plug 31A and the male female plug hole 31B . The locking strip 17 shown in Fig. 12B is placed in the first and second external channels 17A of the support pillow 12 in the folded state as shown in Figs. 11B and 11C, It may be used to fix the support pillow part 12 in a folded state for storage by connecting the two lock strips 17 by connecting the terminal arm plug hole 31B and the terminal arm plug hole 31B.

The locking strips 17 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B may be longitudinally arranged to fix both longitudinal edges of the support pillow portion 12 together with the fastener 16, such as a zipper.

A cover 24 may be used to wrap the support pillow portion 12 as shown in FIG. The cover 24 may be provided for various purposes. For example, the curve 24 may be used as a locking device 16 for holding the support pillow portion 12 of the neck support pillow 10 coupled with the tubular structure. The cover 24 may also be used as a part for the neck support or supplementarily when it is spread over the dried support pillow part 12. [ The cover 24 may improve the comfort and texture of the neck support pillow 10, or may display a brand such as an additional logo. The cover 24 is removable and can be washed. The cover 24 may contain bacteria, including antimicrobial properties. The cover 24 may be made of microfiber or similar material to improve breathability. Other types of materials may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

When assembled, the neck support pillow 10 has a rim 32 positioned at each end 12A of the neck support pillow 10. The rim 32 is designed so that when the neck support pillow 10 is assembled and pressure is applied to the neck support pillow 10, it is not pressed. The rim portion 32 may be made of a material that is harder than the material used to form the other portion of the support pillow portion 12. When the neck support pillow 10 is disassembled, the rim portion 32 is loosened in a flat linear shape. The rim 32 may be removable or may be attached to the neck support pillow 10 at all times.

One embodiment of the rim portion 32 is shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, and another embodiment of the rim portion 32 is shown in Figs. 6C and 6D. As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the rim portion 32 may be formed of a frame portion 34. The frame portion 34 can be used to attach the rim portion 32 to the periphery of each end of the neck pillow 10. Attached to the frame portion 34 is a resistance tool. The rim portion 32 may serve as a resistance means or a regulating means for preventing the neck support pillow 10 from being folded or broken more inward than when the neck support pillow 10 is used. The rim 32 may be used to prevent the ends of the neck support pillow 10 from being folded too far inwardly or broken.

According to embodiments, the rim portion 32 may be a foamed material that is harder than the material of the support pillow portion 12. The foam material may be made of rubber, stretch polymer, polyurethane or artificial or natural material having flexibility. The rim 32 may also be made of a flexible compound or polymer such as rubber or plastic. The rim portion 32 may be divided into a plurality of portions or a rim 40. 6A, when the neck support pillow 10 is assembled, the plurality of rim teeth 40 may apply pressure to adjacent rim teeth 40, respectively. The plurality of rim teeth 40 may be made of a material that is denser and harder than the material used to make the support pillow portion 12. The plurality of rim teeth 40 increases the resistance of both ends 10A of the assembled neck support pillow and reduces potential compression. As the ends of the neck support pillow 10 are compressed and the plurality of rim teeth 40 begin to compress against each other, the increased support force causes the ends 10A of the neck support pillow 10 to be folded too far inwardly Or to prevent them from breaking.

In another embodiment, the rim 32 may be attached directly to the perimeter of each end of the neck support pillow 10. In this embodiment, the rim portion 32 may be integral with the support pillow portion shown in Fig. 6D.

6A to 6D show the rim portion 32 configured as a ring, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The rim portion 32 may adopt other structures as long as it does not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, FIG. 7 shows a textured portion 32 constructed as a continuous end cover.

The neck support pillow 10 of the present invention may be coupled to place the neck support pillow 10 at the back of the neck of the user 11 and place the neck around the center of the neck support pillow 10. In an embodiment of the present invention having a structure similar to an hourglass, the user may place the hourglass-shaped central recess 30 as shown in FIG. As the user places his neck on the neck support pillow 10 and applies more pressure to the neck support pillow 10 the compression of the vicinity of the center of the neck support pillow 10 causes the compression of the neck support pillow 10 To help move both ends toward the center line direction, which is perpendicular to the length of the neck pillow 10, respectively. As the neck or head pressure of the user is applied to the central region of the neck support pillow 10, the neck support pillow 10 will wrap around the back and sides of the user's neck, Help.

9A-9I, a method of disassembling and preparing a neck support pillow 10 for storage and storage of a neck support pillow 10 is disclosed. When the user tries to store the neck support pillow 10, the temporary attachment device 16, which is attachable to both sides of the support pillow section 12 as shown in Figs. 9a-9c, is released and the neck support pillow 10 are disassembled. For example, the user releases the zipper device 20, or releases the buttons or snaps, so that the attachable edges of the support pillow portion 12 are separated from each other. The neck support pillow 10 may then be folded as shown in Figures 9d through 9g. The neck support pillow according to the present invention can be configured so that the hourglass-shaped neck support pillow 10 can be folded in a substantially flat and flat shape by the user.

9d to 9g, the neck support pillow 10 is folded into a form for folding and holding the neck support 12 so that the outer sides of the neck support pillow 10 are folded together, 10 may be exposed on the two folded sides of the support pillow portion 12.

9C-9F, the support pillow portion 12 includes a flap 12 that is pulled over one side of the folded neck support pillow 10 over another portion of the folded neck support pillow 10 shown in Figs. 9G-9I, And the support pillow portion 12 can be easily stored in an almost flat structure capable of storing the storage space. A flap pulled over the folded support pillow portion 12 helps the support pillow portion 12 to be held in a folded state.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B or 11C, the folded neck support pillow 10 may have a substantially flat or flat structure (not shown) by securing both locking strips 17 on both sides of the folded neck support pillow, Lt; / RTI > The both locking strips 17 can be located in recesses or channels 17A and the locking strips 17A can be inserted into the recesses or channels 17A using the male connecting plug 31A and female connecting plug 31B, They can be fastened to each other. It is understood that other fastening means well known to those skilled in the art can be used to connect the locking strip 17.

Fastening means such as hooks, loops, buttons, snaps, ties or other fastening means available to those skilled in the art can also be used to secure and hold the collapsed neck support pillow 10 folded and of a substantially flat and flat construction .

To reassemble the neck support pillow 10, the user simply inverts the decomposing step shown in Figures 9A-9I.

It is to be understood that the neck support pillow 10 may be constructed in other ways or in other forms, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the neck support pillow 10 may be a single continuous filled neck support pillow 10. The single consecutively filled neck support pillow 10 may be constructed of a foam having a density and rigidity at the end of the foam and a small foam at the periphery of the central region. The foam material may be made of rubber, a stretch polymer, polyurethane or a flexible artificial or natural material. This embodiment may be more suitable for home users with less consideration of portability.

Alternatively, the neck support pillow 10 may be configured such that when the support pillow assembly 12 is assembled into the neck support pillow 10, the neck support pillow 10 is not hollow or tubular, or a portion of the hollow area is reduced The cells or walls of the support pillow portion 12 may have a thicker structure. This neck support pillow 10, which has a thicker cell or wall and is substantially hollow-free, also has a density and / or hardness of the foam that is large at the end and can be made of a reduced polyurethane foam or other flexible, have. Similarly, the neck support pillow 10 may be composed of a single continuous support pillow portion 12 that is not divided or cut in the longitudinal direction of the cell or wall.

The outer surface of the neck support pillow 10 may be surface textured to provide additional support along with the effect of the compression resistant structure of the neck support pillow 10. The cloth cover may be spread or covered over the support pillow portion 12 and the thickness and texture may be variously modified to have the desired characteristics for comfort. In addition, the structured surface of the neck support pillow 10 enhances airflow for breathability, inhibits perspiration, and keeps neck and head cool.

While the present invention may be understood to be illustrative of the neck support pillow 10, it may be used in other parts of the body without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Accordingly, an excellent neck support pillow and a storage method thereof are disclosed. Although the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (21)

A flexible backing pillow;
A central region disposed between both ends of the support pillow portion;
A first end connected to one end of the support pillow portion;
And a second end connected to the other end of the support pillow portion,
The support pillow portion has a central region having a lower resistance to compression than the first and second end portions of the support pillow portion,
The support pillow portion is tubular,
The support pillow portion includes a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge that can be connected to each other,
And a temporary coupling device for coupling the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge,
Wherein the support pillow portion includes a cover or a lock strip located at both sides of the support pillow portion, the cover being pullable to an outer surface of the support pillow portion attached to an inner side surface of one end of the support pillow portion,
Wherein the support pillow part is separated in the longitudinal direction by releasing the temporary coupling device so that the support pillow can be opened in a square shape or an open hourglass shape. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the support pillow portion is of an hourglass shape. The method of claim 3,
Wherein said support pillow portion comprises a flexible foam. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > The method of claim 4,
Wherein said support pillow portion further comprises a plurality of layers. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > The method of claim 5,
An outer layer and at least one inner layer,
Wherein the outer layer comprises a more flexible foam than the material comprising the at least one inner layer. The method of claim 6,
Wherein the innermost layer of said at least one inner layer comprises a plurality of skeletons or strips. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > The method of claim 7,
Wherein the plurality of skeletons or strips each have a trapezoidal shape. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said temporary coupling device comprises a zipper system. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said temporary coupling comprises a locking strip. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a first rim portion at one end of the support pillow portion and a second rim portion at the other end of the support pillow portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said support pillow portion comprises at least one structured resistance cord. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 15 > 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the one or more resistance cords comprise a foam having a greater resistance than the foam that forms the majority of the walls of the support pillow portion. delete Selecting an assembled neck support pillow according to claim 1;
Separating the first and second longitudinal edges of the support pillow portion using the temporary coupling device;
Folding the support pillow portion in a central region of the support pillow portion and exposing an inner side of the support pillow portion to first and second faces of the folded support pillow portion; And
And spreading the flaps of the support pillow portion over the first and second side of the folded back pillow portion. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the temporary coupling device is a zipper system. Selecting a pillow for supporting the user's neck and head according to claim 1 spread in a square shape or an unfolded hourglass shape; And
And connecting the first and second longitudinal edges of the support pillow portion using a temporary coupling device to form a tubular support pillow portion. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the temporary coupling device is a zipper system. The method of claim 19,
Wherein said support pillow portion includes a plurality of channels adapted to receive a locking strip, wherein said temporary coupling device is a plurality of locking strips.

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