GB2598153A

GB2598153A - Weighted pillow for aided sleep

Info

Publication number: GB2598153A
Application number: GB2013090.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dunne Sine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-21
Filing date: 2020-08-21
Publication date: 2022-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-21
Also published as: IE20210147A3; GB202013090D0; GB2598153B; IE20210147A2

Abstract

A sleep aid formed from a cylindrical pillow containing a weighted material 104. The weighted 104 material may be beads of glass, quartz, wood, metal or grains of sand. The pillow is also filled with a stuffing material 109. A fabric sleeve 110 encases the weighted material 104 and the stuffing material 109. A fabric liner 105 may be provided reduce movement of the weighted material within the casing. Preferably, the pillow includes a planar fabric liner 106 having pockets filled with weighted material 104. The shape of the pillow is generally cylindrical but may have bulges located at either or both ends (Fig.1), (Fig.2), as well as a bulge in the mid-section (Fig.3). The weighted pillow seeks to minimise movement of the pillow during use, but also to applies a pressure upon the users’ body in an attempt to aid comfort and relaxation and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Description

WEIGHTED PILLOW FOR AIDED SLEEP

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighted pillow designed to aid sleep.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a pillow filled with a weighted material, designed to aid sleep.

[0003] The use of weighted material in blankets has gained popularity in recent years. Weighted blankets have been shown to aid relaxation and sleep by applying deep pressure to the user's body, creating a feeling of security and calm. This can be an effective way of treating anxiety, and has also been used to treat individuals with insomnia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and various other sensory and sleep disorders.

[0004] There remain problems, however, with the use of weighted blankets. For example, their large size means that an even distribution of the weight is hard to achieve, and many conventional blankets suffer from uneven weight distribution, or weight which shifts inside the blanket during use.

[0005] Furthermore, the fact that weighted blankets are designed to cover the user entirely means that they can sometimes be uncomfortable or hot to use, and are often unsuitable for those living in hot climates or those sharing a bed.

[0006] While weighted blankets have been on the market for several years now, the technology has not yet been adapted for use in other sleep aids, which may be more suitable for some users.

[0007] The present application seeks to harness the benefits of weighted material in aiding sleep and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, while also offering improved comfort. A further object of the invention is to provide a sleep aid which is well suited to users who share a bed, move around a lot during the night, or who live in climates poorly suited to a heavy blanket. A still further object is to provide a sleep aid which is easily transportable to facilitate use when travelling from home. It is also an object of the invention to provide a sleep aid which does not have to cover the entire body which can weight parts of the body or can be held or hugged to provide comfort and anxiety relief and to promote sleep.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the invention relates to a sleep aid formed as a substantially tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: i. a weighted material; ii. a stuffing material; and iii. a fabric sleeve encasing the weighted material and the stuffing material.

[0009] Desirably, the pillow is suitably sized to be approximately the same length as the torso of the user. For example, it may be suitably sized for use by an adult or suitably sized for use by a child. Similarly, different embodiments of the invention may be suitably sized or shaped in order to be adapted for use by a male or female user.

[0010] The weighted material may comprise weighted beads or pellets. The weighted beads or pellets may be substantially spherical in shape. The weighted material may comprise weighted beads or pellets made of a material which is substantially inaudible or emits substantially no sound when the beads or pellets come into contact with or rub against one another. The weighted material may comprise beads or pellets made from glass, quartz, plastic, wood, or metal. The weighted material may comprise sand. The weighted material may comprise a combination of one or more of the above materials. Desirably, the weighted material comprises glass beads.

[0011] The stuffing material may comprise any material known to be suitable as a filler for pillows or cushions. Suitable examples include without limitation polyester fibres, other synthetic fibres, polystyrene beads, feathers, cotton stuffing, soy stuffing, foam, or biofoam. The stuffing material may comprise a combination of one or more of the above materials. Desirably, the stuffing material comprises a sustainable filler material.

[0012] The stuffing material may form a layer surrounding the weighted material. In some embodiments the stuffing material may be wrapped around the weighted material, forming a 'sausage roll'-type configuration. Suitably, the weighted material may be held within a flexible casing which keeps the weighted material separate from the stuffing material. The casing may be divided into a plurality of pockets which retain the weighted material.

[0013] The stuffing material may form a layer surrounding the weighted material with additional stuffing material also being distributed throughout the weighted material.

[0014] Alternatively, the stuffing material may be rolled up to form a cylinder extending along an axis, with the weighted material being distributed throughout the layers of stuffing material, forming a 'Swiss roll'-type configuration. Preferably, the weighted material is evenly distributed throughout the layers of stuffing material.

[0015] In a still further embodiment the sleep aid may comprise a fabric liner which is constructed so as to substantially restrict movement of the weighted material within the pillow. The fabric liner may be a planar element which extends to substantially all of the periphery of the weighted pillow and which comprises a series of pockets which retain the weighted material. The fabric liner may be secured to the fabric sleeve along its periphery. The stuffing material may be located on either side of the fabric liner within the fabric sleeve. The pockets may be sealed so as to completely encase the weighted material within. They may be sealed by secure stitching. This limits movement of the weighted material within the liner and ensures an even distribution of the weighted material. The fabric may be secured by stitching. The plurality of pockets may be positioned at regular intervals along the liner's length, in which the weighted material is evenly distributed. The plurality of pockets may be arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis along which the body of the pillow extends. [0016] In some embodiments, four pockets are arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis, but any number of pockets could be used.

[0017] The fabric liner may be constructed from any suitable type of fabric. Suitable examples include without limitation cotton, polyester, nylon, or blends thereof Desirably, the fabric liner is constructed from a sustainable fabric.

[0018] The fabric liner may be constructed from fabric cut on the bias. This allows the fabric to stretch slightly during construction and form a snug fit around the weighted material. [0019] The fabric liner may be constructed from two or more pieces of fabric, placed one on top of the other, in an envelope type construction, so as to fully enclose the weighted material. Alternatively, it may be constructed from one piece of fabric, folded to create one sealed edge and then secured around the entirety of the remaining edges so as to fully enclose the weighted material. The method for constructing the fabric liner may be chosen depending on the desired shape of the pillow.

[0020] The fabric liner may be constructed from two pieces of fabric, where one larger piece is substantially the same size and shape as the entire pillow and one smaller piece is attached to the larger piece, forming a pocket or pockets which can fully enclose the weighted material. The smaller piece may be attached to or near the centre of the larger piece, so that the pocket or pockets created are positioned substantially in the centre of the pillow. The smaller piece may be rectangular and be attached to or near the centre of the larger piece, aligned along the axis along which the body of the pillow extends.

[0021] The stuffing material may form a layer around the fabric liner and the enclosed weighted material.

[0022] Alternatively, where the fabric liner comprises two pieces of fabric, where one piece is substantially the same size and shape as the entire pillow, this larger piece may be attached around the entirety of its edges to the fabric sleeve, creating two large pockets, separated from one another along the axis along which the body of the pillow extends, between which the stuffing material is evenly distributed.

[0023] Optionally, the invention may comprise a further removable, outer fabric covering. This outer covering can be patterned and is removable to allow washing.

[0024] The fabric sleeve, liner and cover may be constructed from any suitable type of fabric. Suitable examples include without limitation cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, satin, linen, jersey, or blends thereof. Desirably, the fabric sleeve, liner and cover are constructed from a fabric suitable for machine washing.

[0025] Desirably, the fabric sleeve is constructed from a sustainable fabric. The fabric sleeve may be constructed from two or more pieces of fabric, substantially attached to one another around their edges so as to almost entirely enclose the stuffing material and weighted material, leaving an opening through which the stuffing material and weighted material can be removed or replaced. The opening through which the stuffing material and weighted material can be removed or replaced may comprise two or more edges of the fabric sleeve, which meet or overlap but are not secured to one another. Alternatively, the opening may comprise two or more edges of the fabric sleeve, secured to one another by a zip, button(s), snap fasteners, hook and loop tape, or any other suitable fastening which can be repeatedly opened and closed.

[0026] The fabric sleeve is constructed so that the weighted material and stuffing material fit snugly within the sleeve and do not move around inside it.

[0027] The sleep aid may be substantially cylindrical in shape. It may comprise a tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the pillow is substantially cylindrical save for a portion at one end of the pillow which extends laterally from two parallel sides of the pillow, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. This portion thus forms a bulge or a 'head' at one end of the pillow. The bulge formed by the head portion may be used to support the head, neck, or legs of the user.

[0028] Alternatively the sleep aid comprises a substantially tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the pillow is substantially cylindrical save for two portions, one at either end of the pillow. Each of these portions extends laterally from two parallel sides of the pillow, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. In other words, these portions form two bulges, one at each end of the pillow. The axes along which these extend are parallel to one another.

[0029] In a still further embodiment the pillow may be substantially cylindrical in shape and further comprise one or more sections at which the pillow extends along one or more axes perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. These sections may be adapted to fit the contours of the torso or neck of the user. Alternatively, these sections may be larger in order to create a 'pressure point' when held by the user.

[0030] The presence of a weighted material in the centre of the pillow means that the pillow can be used as a sleep aid and can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety or of sleep disorders. A pillow according the invention may be used as a therapeutic device to aid sleep or relaxation. In addition to the benefits of the presence of a weighted material, the pillow of the invention may also induce calm and comfort in the user through touch.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention having an enlargement at one end; [0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention having an enlargement at either end; [0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention having three enlargements, one at either end and one in the middle; [0034] Figure 4 is a cross-section of the first embodiment when cut along line A as marked in Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-section of the second embodiment when cut along line C as marked in Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-section of the first embodiment when cut along line A as marked in Figure 1 but cut along an axis perpendicular to that of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 7 is a cross-section of the second embodiment when cut along line C as marked in Figure 2 but cut along an axis perpendicular to that of Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the first embodiment when cut along line B as marked in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] The sleep aid of the invention comprises a substantially tubular pillow extending along a single longitudinal axis. The pillow comprises a weighted material 104 and a stuffing material 109, both housed within a fabric sleeve 110. The sleep aid is suitably sized to be approximately the same length as the torso of the user.

[0040] The sleep aid is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may also feature one or more expanded sections, which can be used to provide support or increased pressure to particular areas of the user's body, such as the head, neck, or legs.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention may be available in different shapes, which the user can choose from depending on how they intend to use the pillow and whether they require support, pressure, or comfort in any particular areas of the body.

[0042] In a first embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the sleep aid comprises a tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the pillow is substantially cylindrical save for a bulge or 'head' portion at one end of the pillow, which extends laterally from two parallel sides of the pillow, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. The head portion thus forms a bulge at one end of the pillow. The bulge formed by the head portion may be used to support the head, neck, or legs of the user.

[0043] In a second embodiment, shown in Figure 2, the sleep aid comprises a substantially tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the pillow is substantially cylindrical save for two portions, one at either end of the pillow. Each of these portions extends laterally from two parallel sides of the pillow, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. In other words, these portions form two bulges, one at each end of the pillow. The axes along which these extend are parallel to one another. The bulges formed by the end portions may be used to support the head, neck, or legs of the user. [0044] In a third embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the sleep aid comprises a substantially tubular pillow extending along a single axis, wherein the pillow is substantially cylindrical save for three expanded sections, one adjacent either end of the pillow, and one towards the midpoint of the pillow. At each of these portions, the pillow extends laterally on one long side of the pillow, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends. These wider portions thus form three bulges, one at each end of the pillow and one in the middle. This third embodiment could thus also be viewed as a substantially elliptic cylindrical pillow with two indentations along its length. The resulting sleep aid is a pillow adapted to contour to the shape of the human torso when hugged by a user.

[0045] The sleep aids comprise a weighted material which is held within a fabric liner constructed so as to form a plurality of pockets amongst which the weighted material is distributed. The fabric liner is a planar element extending to substantially all of the periphery of the pillow, and is secured to the fabric sleeve 110 along its periphery. Stuffing material 109 is held within the fabric sleeve 110 on either side of the fabric liner containing the weighted material 104.

[0046] The arrangement of these components within the sleep aids can be seen in Figures 4-8. The fabric liner is constructed from two pieces of fabric. A larger piece 105 is substantially the same size and shape as the pillow. A smaller, rectangular, piece 106 is attached to the larger piece 105 by stitching around the entirely of its edges, along stitch line 107 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Further stitching, along pocket stitch lines 108 as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is used to attach fabric pieces 105 and 106 to one another at regular intervals along the length of 106, forming four pockets of roughly equal size arranged end-toend longitudinally. The weighted material 104 is held within the pockets formed between fabric pieces 105 and 106 and is distributed approximately evenly between the four pockets. Larger fabric piece 105 is attached around the entirety of its edges to the fabric sleeve 110, forming two large cavities. The stuffing material 109 is held within these cavities, distributed approximately evenly between the two cavities on either side of the planar fabric liner. The fabric sleeve 110 and the material enclosed therein are further enclosed within a removable outer fabric cover 111.

[0047] The invention can be used in a number of ways depending on the needs of the user. The presence of weighted material within the sleep aid means that it can apply increased pressure to the body. For example, the user may lie on their back with the sleep aid placed on top of them along their torso. The increased pressure may calm and comfort the user, helping them to reach sleep more easily. When used in this manner, the invention can be adjusted as desired to direct pressure to different parts of the body.

[0048] Due to the presence of the weighted material, the increased weight of the sleep aid of the invention means that, when placed on top of a user as described above, the pillow can stay in place despite slight movement of the user during their sleep. The comfort provided by the increased pressure is therefore consistent, providing a constant sense of calm throughout use. Furthermore, the user does not need to worry that the pillow will fall off, roll away, or move to a less comfortable position during the night.

[0049] The sleep aid is also designed so as to be comfortable when hugged by the user. The user could lie on their side, hugging the pillow to their torso or placing it between their legs. Alternatively, the user could prefer to lie on their front, leaning on the pillow or hugging it to their neck or side. The different shapes available mean that the user can choose an embodiment of the invention which best suits their needs and adapts to the shape and size of their body.

[0050] The user may prefer to lean on the sleep aid, using it for support or to help maintain a comfortable sleeping position. For example, the user may lie on their side with the pillow placed along the length of their back. They could either lean partially onto the pillow or simply use it to stop them rolling onto their back. Similarly, the user may choose to position the sleep aid so that it supports their legs. Again, the presence of weighed material inside the pillow means that it will stay firmly in whichever position it is placed in. The user can therefore rely on it for support throughout the night, without worrying that it will shift or roll away.

[0051] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof [0052] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

SClaims 1 A sleep aid formed as a substantially tubular pillow extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: i. a weighted material; ii. a stuffing material; and iii. a fabric sleeve encasing the weighted material and the stuffing material.
2 The sleep aid of claim 1, further comprising a fabric liner which holds the weighted material and is constructed so as to substantially prevent movement of the weighted material.
3 The pillow of any of claims 1 or 2 comprising a planar fabric liner which extends to substantially all of the periphery of the weighted pillow and which comprises a series of pockets which can retain the weighted material.
4. The sleep aid of any preceding claim, wherein the weighted material comprises weighted beads or pellets.
5. The sleep aid of any preceding claim, wherein the weighted material comprises glass beads.
6. The sleep aid of any preceding claim, further comprising a removable cover.
7 The sleep aid of any preceding claim, which is substantially cylindrical save for an enlarged portion at one end of the pillow, which extends from two parallel sides of the pillow along a single axis, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends, thus forming a bulge adjacent one end of the pillow.
8. The sleep aid of any one of claims 1 to 5, which is substantially cylindrical save for two enlarged portions, one at either end of the pillow, each of these portions extending from two parallel sides of the pillow along a single axis, perpendicular to the axis along which the body of the pillow extends, thus forming two bulges, one adjacent each end of the pillow, wherein the axes along which these two portions extend are parallel to one another.
9 The sleep aid of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aid is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of circumferentially wider sections along its length, at least one of which is adjacent either end of the sleep aid, and one adjacent the midpoint of the pillow, the wider sections extending laterally on one long side of the pillow, such that the expanded sections form three bulges, one at each end of the pillow and one in the middle.A sleep aid substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.