Neck pillow

Abstract

The present invention provides a neck pillow comprising an elongate cushioned member extending from a first end to a second end of the pillow. Each end comprises at least one fastening element for mutual engagement such that the pillow may be arranged in a closed configuration in which the pillow defines a closed loop and an open configuration in which the ends are spaced apart from each other.

Claims

1. A neck pillow comprising an elongate cushioned member extending from a first end to a second end of the pillow, each end comprising a substantially planar abutment surface, a pocket adjacent the abutment surface, a magnet disposed in the pocket, the magnets being located for mutual releasable engagement such that the pillow has a closed configuration in which the pillow defines a substantially annular closed loop in which the respective substantially planar abutment surfaces of the first and second ends are adjacent one another and an open configuration in which the ends are spaced apart from each other, the pillow further comprising stiffening members located adjacent respective pockets at each end of the pillow, the stiffening members being arranged to ensure that the corresponding abutment surface is substantially flat.

2. A neck pillow as claimed in claim 1, in which the pillow comprises a chin support region.

3. A neck pillow as claimed in claim 1, in which the stiffening members form respective parts of the pockets.

4. A neck pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stiffening member is composed of stiff material.

5. A neck pillow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stiffening member is composed of stiff material selected from fabric, non-woven material, cardboard, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate views from above of one embodiment of the neck pillow of the present invention in the open configuration (FIG. 1A) and in the closed configuration (FIG. 1B) respectively;

(3) FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the neck pillow of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(4) FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an end of the neck pillow of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(5) FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an end of the neck pillow of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(6) FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view and a schematic cross-sectional view of one end of the pillow of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

(7) FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the ends of the neck pillow of FIG. 1B in the closed configuration;

(8) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a child in a sleeping position when sat in a vehicle; and

(9) FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a child in a sleeping position whilst wearing a neck pillow of FIGS. 1A-C when sat in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) The neck pillow 1 comprises an elongate cushioned member 2 extending between a first end 4 and a second end 6 of the pillow 1. The elongate cushioned member 2 provides an arcuate surface on the inner surface 3 which is arranged in use to be located adjacent the neck of the user. The elongate cushioned member 2 has a substantially oval cross-section. It is however to be understood that the elongate cushioned member 2 may have any suitable shape.

(11) The neck pillow 1 is moveable between an open position in which ends 4,6 are spaced apart from each other (FIG. 1B), and a closed position in which the ends 4,6 are in contact with each other such that pillow 1 forms a closed loop (FIG. 1A). In the closed configuration the closed loop is substantially annular. The pillow 1 is arranged to extend around the neck of a user, in particular a child.

(12) While travelling in cars or on planes it is difficult for passengers, in particular, for children to sleep comfortably. This can result in the head and the neck of the passenger being placed in uncomfortable positions. As shown in FIG. 6, this is particularly a problem for children who's heads often fall forward while sleeping in an upright position. FIG. 7 shows that in the closed position, the pillow 1 is arranged to substantially surround the neck of a user and provide a chin support region 15 for supporting the chin of a user in use.

(13) Each end 4,6 of the neck pillow 1 provides an abutment surface 8,8. The abutment surfaces 8,8 are substantially planar. The substantially planar abutment surfaces 8,8 of the pillow 1 ensure good contact is formed between the ends 4,6 in the closed position. As a result, any gaps between the ends 4,6, particularly at the inner surface 3, of the pillow 1 are minimised. It is however to be appreciated that the abutment surfaces 8,8 may be of any suitable shape.

(14) A pocket 10,10 is provided at each end 4,6 of the neck pillow 1. Each pocket 10,10 is located adjacent the abutment surface 8,8 at each end 4,6 of the neck pillow 1.

(15) The pockets 10,10 are formed from woven fabric material, but could also be made from rubber, plastic, cardboard, none woven material

(16) The neck pillow 1 further comprises a stiffening member 12,12 located adjacent the abutment surfaces 8,8 at each end 4,6 of the pillow 1. The stiffening members 12,12 are arranged to ensure that the abutment surfaces 8,8 provided by each end 4,6 are substantially flat. Each pocket 10,10 is located adjacent a stiffening member 12,12.

(17) The stiffening members 12,12 are formed from stiff material, such as for example fabric, none woven material, cardboard, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof.

(18) Each pocket 10,10 comprises a pair of spaced apart walls 11,13 providing a cavity 14 therebetween. The cavity 14 is offset from the centre of the ends 4,6 of the pillow 1. Each pocket 10,10 is arranged to receive a magnet 16,16. The pockets 10,10 are aligned at each end 4,6 of the pillow so that the magnets 16,16 are aligned in the closed configuration (FIG. 5).

(19) As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4A and 4B, each end 10 comprises a woven fabric pocket 12 providing a cavity 14 for a magnet 16. The pocket 10 is covered with a stiffening member 12 to provide the abutment surface 8. The stiffening member 12 is then covered with an outer material, such as for example a fabric material.

(20) In use, the user, in particular a child, places the neck pillow 1 around their neck in the open configuration as shown in FIG. 1A. The ends 4,6 of the pillow 1 are brought together by the user into the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1B. The magnetic attraction between the magnets in each end 4,6 retains the pillow 1 in a closed annular loop around the neck of the user. The stiffening members 12,12 ensure that the abutment surfaces 8,8 are substantially planar ensuring a smooth transition between the ends 4,6 of the pillow. The smooth transition between the ends 4,6 of the pillow ensures increased comfort and/or support for the user when resting on the join between the ends 4,6 of the pillow. The neck pillow 1 may move during use about the neck of the user. However, due to the shape of the pillow, in particular its annular configuration, the pillow may simply rotate about the neck of the user. The pillow 1 will however be able to provide the necessary comfort and/or support to a user during use regardless of its position about the neck of the user. As shown in FIG. 7, the pillow 1 provide support to the chin of a user, such as for example a child.

(21) To remove the neck pillow, the user, in particular a child, simply pulls apart the ends 4,6 of the pillow with a force greater than the attraction between the magnets. As the neck pillow is retained in the closed configuration by magnets the neck pillow can be removed easily by a child. The neck pillow 1 does not require an unnecessary amount of force to undo the magnets so that a child can remove the pillow 1.

(22) Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort.