TW202306518A - Disposable hygienic and anti-allergenic pillow protector - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of making a hygienic disposable pillow protector involves a step of folding a pillow protector material to define a first surface and a second surface, and to also define a closed end and an open end that is opposite the closed end. The pillow protector material is aligned to further define two unsealed edges. The method then involves sealing the unsealed edges of the pillow protector material by ultrasonic welding or bonding to define two sealed edges extending from the closed end to the open end to thereby define an opening sized to enable insertion of pillow into the disposable pillow protector. The method then involves applying a first strip of double-sided adhesive tape and applying a second strip of double-sided adhesive tape. A pillow may inserted into the disposable pillow protector and the opening sealed by forming folded seams with the first and second strips of tape.

Description

Disposable hygienic and hypoallergenic pillow insert protector

The present invention relates generally to bedding, and more particularly to pillow insert protectors.

Pillow inserts used in homes, hospitals, hotels, rental properties (e.g. Airbnb), and other communal living facilities can be allergens and Sources of microorganisms (hereinafter referred to as "allergens" or "contaminants").

It is not customary to wash or frequently replace used pillow inserts, nor is it routine to wash or sanitize regularly throughout the life of a used pillow insert. The best way to do this is to use a regular pillowcase (also known as an insert protector or insert cover) to cover the pillow insert to protect it from contamination while sleeping on it. Regular pillowcases are cleaned regularly when they become soiled, become smelly, or are used by patients in hospitals or guests in public facilities. However, simply washing or changing to a clean regular pillowcase will not remove pre-existing allergens and microbes that inhabit and grow inside the used pillow insert. Traditional pillow covers are made of interwoven porous material which helps create an environment in which allergens can accumulate. This material allows moisture from the ambient air or the sleeper's breath, saliva, dandruff and dead skin cells to penetrate and accumulate in or on the pillow insert. Thus, it creates an environment that promotes the accumulation and growth of microorganisms and allergens such as dust mites. Additionally, conventional pillowcases are open on one end, have a zipper, or have alternative closures with inherent gaps and/or perforations created by the seam assembly process. These gaps or holes provide opportunities for contaminants to enter the pillow and establish colonies in the pillow. Additionally, dead skin cells that penetrate and accumulate on the surface of the pillow core can become a source of nourishment for pollutants. Combined with porous materials, conventional outer shells allow airborne contaminants to deposit on the pillow core, or allow the transfer of contaminants to pass freely between the user and the pillow core.

Therefore, there is a need for a practical solution to preventing user exposure to pre-existing contaminants found on pillow inserts.

In general, the present invention provides a disposable hygienic and hypoallergenic pillow protector that prevents the transfer of contaminants from the pillow to the user.

By using a custom material and a reliably sealed outer cover, the disposable pillow protector completely isolates the user from the pillow and thus minimizes the risk of contamination by allergen-generating entities and leakage of the allergen. To provide a protective barrier between the user and the pillow insert, the material must prevent the passage of moisture, pollutants, allergens and skin exfoliation, yet remain breathable and comfortable for sleeping.

As described further below, the disposable pillow protector is made using three or more layers of spunbonded nonwoven filter fabric that is impermeable, hydrophobic, antimicrobial, and breathable. This disposable pillow protector is manufactured using ultrasonic welding/bonding technology, which eliminates holes from sewing needles. Therefore, all seams of the disposable pillow protector are protected from allergens and moisture. The disposable insert protector includes a compatible opening for inserting the insert therein. The opening can be sealed with a strip of double sided tape covered with an easy peel backing paper bonded to the opening, thus making it ready to use and sealed after the insert has been inserted inside. This disposable pillow protector provides a sterile barrier around the pillow insert to prevent contamination and minimize allergen leakage.

Although this disposable pillow protector can be used by people of any age, there is a clear need for this product to protect vulnerable populations who are at risk of asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments. This product can be used as a pillow insert protector or as a protective layer between a regular pillowcase and pillow insert. The open closure feature is intended for single use allowing easy wrapping around the pillow insert. This affordable, single-use, disposable pillow insert protector promotes personal hygiene and minimizes interaction with pre-existing microorganisms and allergens on the pillow insert. This single-use disposable pillow protector effectively reduces the chance of spreading respiratory infections among users sleeping on shared pillows, especially those provided by public facilities such as hotels.

An inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a method of making a hygienic disposable pillow protector that involves folding the pillow protector material to define a first surface and a second surface, and also to define a closed end and opposite the closed end. The open end of the step. Align the insert insert material to further define the two unsealed edges. The method then involves sealing the unsealed edges of the pillow protector material by ultrasonic welding or bonding to define two sealed edges extending from the closed end to the open end, defining dimensions designed to enable insertion of the pillow insert into a disposable The opening in the insert protector. The method then involves applying a first double-sided tape and applying a second double-sided tape. The pillow insert can be inserted into the disposable pillow insert protector and the opening is sealed by forming a folded seam with the first tape and the second tape.

Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a disposable pillow protector comprising pillow protector material folded to define a first surface and a second surface, and further defining a closed end and a closed end opposite the closed end. Open end, align insert protector material to further define the two unsealed edges. The disposable pillow protector includes two sealed edges that are ultrasonically welded or bonded and extend from a closed end to an open end to define an opening dimensioned to enable insertion of a pillow insert into the disposable pillow protector . The disposable pillow protector also includes a first strip of double-sided tape and a second strip of double-sided tape.

The foregoing has presented a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify essential, critical or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later. Other aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In general, as will be described in more detail below, a first aspect of the invention is a method for the manufacture of a single-use disposable hygienic and anti-allergic pillow insert (hereinafter referred to as "disposable pillow insert") Methods. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the disposable pillow protector is constructed of three or more layers of spunbond nonwoven filter cloth or equivalent material. In the illustrated embodiment, the disposable insert protector is manufactured by ultrasonic welding/bonding techniques, rather than traditional stitching with needle and thread. Openings can be sealed with double-sided tape or strips of this tape. These components together form an integrated leak-proof barrier to surround the pillow insert, which effectively prevents or at least mitigates the transfer of allergens and microorganisms between the sleeper and the pillow insert. The beneficial properties of the finished disposable pillow inserts are confirmed by American PPE testing standard ANSI/AAMI PB70 (level 2 or higher), however it should be understood that this new method and the disposable pillow protectors produced by this method are not Limited to this test standard. Any other compatible industry-accepted test methods and standards may be used to demonstrate the hypoallergenic properties of the disposable pillow insert cover.

Reference will be made to the embodiments depicted in the drawings. In addition to the drawings, this specification discloses embodiments other than the drawings. Therefore, there is no intention to limit the invention to the single embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. The present invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a first step in a method of manufacturing a disposable pillow insert denoted by reference numeral 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this first step of the method, the disposable insert protector material 12 is folded and aligned, as shown, for the next step of the manufacturing method. In this embodiment, the disposable insert protector material 12 has a generally elongated rectangular shape. Disposable pillow insert protectors can be made to fit standard or custom pillow insert sizes.

The disposable insert insert material 12 has an inner insert insert backing layer 14 . The disposable insert protector 12 is folded to define a first surface 11 and a second surface 13 . As shown in these figures, the second surface 13 extends beyond the first surface at the opening. In other words, the second surface 13 has an upper protruding edge 15 provided as a designated space for a strip of double-sided adhesive tape to be bonded, as will be explained below. The width of this edge can be made compatible with the expected width of the double-sided tape. For example, align the material below to have a 2 cm edge sticking out opposite the crease (opening), although another size edge could be used to match the width of any particular double-sided tape being used. FIG. 1B also shows that the folds of the insert protector material 12 define a closed end 17 and an open end opposite the closed end. Once the unsealed edges are sealed, the open end defines the opening 16 of the insert protector. By folding and aligning the insert protector material as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, two unsealed edges are defined.

Figure 2 shows the result of the next step of the method, where the two edges are firmly bonded and sealed using ultrasonic welding/bonding techniques to make them hydrophobic and anti-allergic. Sealing of the edges can be accomplished by alternative methods to make the disposable insert protector hydrophobic and hypoallergenic. This step of sealing the edges produces an opening 16 and two sealing edges 18 as shown in FIG. 2 .

Figure 3 shows the result of the subsequent step of applying two strips of industrial grade double sided tape covered with an easy release liner. In this embodiment, the upper strip 20 and the lower strip 22 are parallel and separated by a gap between the strips. The gap between the upper strip 20, lower strip 22 may be greater than the thickness of each individual strip shown in this figure, or another spacing may be used. The upper strip 20 may be positioned along the edge of the opening 16 as shown, although in another embodiment it may be spaced from the opening. Bonding these strips to the designated upper edge of the disposable insert protector material makes it ready for immediate use after inserting the insert inside. This easy leak-proof closure is easy for the user to seal the opening with a simple D-I-Y (Do It Yourself) folding process. This sealing of the opening can be achieved by alternative methods. Figure 3 also shows the completed disposable insert protector ready for use by the user.

Figure 4 is the disposable pillow protector after the pillow has been inserted into the interior of the disposable pillow protector via the opening 16 . As shown in this figure, the easy release liner is in place to prevent contamination of the upper 20 and lower 22 strips of double-sided tape.

Figure 5 shows the disposable pillow insert protector with the insert inside after the upper strip of double sided tape has been folded down (with the backing paper peeled off) and the opening sealed. It should be noted that the insert is inserted into the insert protector before the upper strip 20 of the double-sided tape is folded down. Folding of the upper strip 20 creates an upper fold seam 24 (also referred to herein as a first fold seam, as will be explained below). Since the double-sided tape is intended for single use only, the sealed disposable insert protector should not be reopened until it needs to be discarded.

FIG. 6 shows the formation of the second fold seam by further folding the first fold seam onto the lower strip 22 . The first fold seam 24 is precisely adhered on top of the lower strip 22 of double-sided tape (with the backing paper peeled off) to further secure (ie, double seal) the pillow insert enclosed inside. Since the double-sided tape is intended for single use only, the sealed disposable insert protector should not be reopened until it needs to be discarded.

Figure 7 shows the front side of the disposable pillow protector, which does not have any folded seams to seal the opening, and is therefore the preferred surface on which to sleep. Since the double-sided tape is intended for single use only, the sealed disposable insert protector should not be reopened until it needs to be discarded.

Various inventive features and aspects are apparent from the foregoing description. Pre-forming the disposable insert protector by applying an ultrasonic welding/bonding method (instead of needle-based stitching) seals all seams adjacent to the insert fold to make it hydrophobic and hypoallergenic. This method can be performed using an alternative seam sealing technique that does not puncture the material, protecting its protective barrier against allergens and moisture.

The application of built-in industrial-grade double-sided tape enables closure using a simple D-I-Y process, allowing the user to easily seal the opening after enclosing the pillow insert inside. This method of securing the encapsulated insert and making it hydrophobic and anti-allergic can be achieved using any alternative to D-I-Y closures, which completely seal the opening to ensure no moisture or allergens can enter or exit. This off-the-shelf closure, which aids in maintaining personal hygiene, enables the manufacture of a versatile and cost-effective single-use, disposable pillow insert protector.

In one embodiment, the disposable pillow protector material is composed of three or more layers of spunbond nonwoven fabric designed or designed to be water impermeable, hydrophobic and breathable. This spunbond nonwoven filter cloth composite can be tailored with suitable combinations of polyurethane-, polyethylene- and polytetrafluoroethylene-based membranes with microporosity, but is not limited to other alternative composites with compatible properties. Therefore, the disposable pillow protector made from the above-mentioned spunbond nonwoven fabric provides desirable hygienic properties.

The methods described herein enable the manufacture of disposable pillow protectors that avoid traditional stitching with thread and needles that result in numerous perforations and gaps. Due to the novel method of manufacturing this disposable pillow protector, it is impermeable to moisture, water and contaminants. Thus, it minimizes the amount of allergens, pollutants, moisture and microorganisms that are transmitted from the packaged pillow insert to the user. By minimizing the outflow of pollutants and allergens from the encapsulated pillow insert, the user is protected from exposure that would exacerbate a respiratory or skin medical condition.

Similarly, the disposable insert protector minimizes the amount of contaminants, bacteria, food sources, and moisture that enter the packaged insert from the user and the environment. This minimizes the creation or maintenance of an environment that sustains organisms such as bacteria, bed bugs, dust mites and other microorganisms.

For purposes of explaining this specification, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said," when referring to elements of various embodiments of the invention, are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprises," "comprises," "has," "involves," and "involves," and their verb tense conjugations, are intended to be inclusive and open-ended, thereby meaning that there may be elements other than the listed ones. Add-ons.

This new technology has been described in terms of specific implementations and configurations, which are intended to be exemplary only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many obvious changes, improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive concepts presented in this application. Accordingly, the scope of exclusive rights sought by applicants is limited only by the appended claims.

10: Disposable pillow cover 11: First surface 12: Pillow protective cover material 13: Second surface 14: Backing layer of pillow protector 15: Upper protruding edge 16: opening 17: closed end 18:Seal the edges 20: last article 22: next article 24: Folded seams

Further features and advantages of the present technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a rear view of a disposable pillow protector material folded with the user side on the outside as a method of making the disposable pillow protector according to an embodiment of the present invention. first step. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the disposable pillow protector material shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2 is a rear view showing the sealing of the two side seams by ultrasonic welding/bonding techniques, leaving an opening at the top accessible for insertion of the pillow insert. Figure 3 is a rear view showing a completed pillow protector with two double sided tapes, covered with an easy release liner bonded to the designated location at the opening of the disposable pillow protector material. Figure 4 is a rear view showing an unsealed disposable pillow protector wherein a pillow insert is inserted through the unsealed opening prior to sealing the opening of the disposable pillow protector. Figure 5 is a rear view showing the sealed disposable pillow protector with the pillow enclosed inside, the pillow sealed by folding the top strip of double sided tape to seal the opening. Figure 6 is a rear view showing the disposable pillow protector with the pillow insert inside, where the upper folded seam of the disposable pillow protector is further folded down to precisely adhere to the lower strip of double-sided tape on the top, thereby doubly sealing the opening. Figure 7 is a front view showing the sealed disposable insert protector with the insert sealed inside.

It should be noted that in all figures, the same features are denoted by the same reference numerals.

16: opening

20: last article

22: next article

Claims (13)

A method of manufacturing a hygienic disposable pillow protector, the method comprising: folding the insert material to define a first surface and a second surface, and also defining a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, the insert material aligned to further define two unsealed edges ; sealing said unsealed edges of said insert protector material by ultrasonic welding or bonding to define two sealed edges extending from said closed end to said open end, thereby defining an opening, said opening being sized to enabling insertion of a pillow insert into said disposable pillow insert protector; Apply the first double-sided tape; and Apply a second strip of double-sided tape. The method of claim 1, wherein the second surface extends beyond an edge of the first surface at the open end, and wherein the first strip of double-sided tape is applied to the edge. The method of claim 2, wherein applying the second double-sided tape comprises spacing the second double-sided tape from the first double-sided tape. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pillow protective cover material is composed of three or more layers of spun-bonded non-woven filter cloth. The method according to claim 4, wherein the non-woven filter cloth is water-impermeable, hydrophobic, antibacterial and breathable. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a pillow insert through the opening. The method of claim 6, further comprising folding the first strip of double-sided tape onto the first surface to create a sealed folded seam. The method of claim 7, further comprising refolding said sealed folded seam onto said second strip of double-sided tape to double seal said opening of said disposable pillow insert protector. A disposable pillow protector, comprising: inserter material folded to define a first surface and a second surface and also defining a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, the inserter material being aligned to further define the two unsealed edges; two sealing edges that are sealed by ultrasonic welding or bonding and that extend from the closed end to the open end to define an opening that is dimensioned to enable Inserting the pillow core into the disposable pillow core protective cover; the first piece of double-sided tape; and A second piece of double-sided tape. The disposable pillow protector of claim 9, wherein said second surface extends beyond an edge of said first surface at said open end, and wherein said first strip of double-sided adhesive tape is applied to the edge. The disposable pillow protective cover according to claim 10, wherein the second double-sided tape is spaced apart from the first double-sided tape. The disposable pillow protective cover according to claim 9, wherein the material of the pillow protective cover is composed of three or more layers of spun-bonded non-woven filter cloth. The disposable pillow protective cover according to claim 12, wherein the non-woven filter cloth is water-impermeable, hydrophobic, antibacterial and breathable.

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