U.S. patent application number 15/556260 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-22 for resting device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL WOOLLIP COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL WOOLLIP COMPANY. Invention is credited to Franck Levy.
Application Number | 20180049550 15/556260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52988322 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180049550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levy; Franck |
February 22, 2018 |
RESTING DEVICE
Abstract
Device intended to allow a user to adopt a seated rest position,
the device comprising at least an upper portion for maintaining the
head and a lower supporting portion, the upper portion for
maintaining the head comprising an upper opening suitable for
receiving the face of the user, the lower supporting portion
allowing the device to be kept bearing on a support, the device
bearing on the support being suitable for supporting the weight of
the head of the user, the device also comprising at least two
lateral openings allowing the user to position the arms of the user
under the upper portion for maintaining the head.
Inventors: |
Levy; Franck; (Neuilly Sur
Seine, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL WOOLLIP COMPANY |
Neuilly-sur-Seine |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL WOOLLIP
COMPANY
Neuilly-sur-Seine
FR
|
Family ID: |
52988322 |
Appl. No.: |
15/556260 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
February 22, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2016/050405 |
371 Date: |
September 6, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101;
A47G 9/1027 20130101; A47C 16/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38; A47C 16/00 20060101 A47C016/00; A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 9, 2015 |
FR |
PCT/FR2015/050577 |
Claims
1. A device, wherein the device is a totally-inflatable device and
is designed to allow a user to adopt a seated rest position, the
device comprising at least a head-maintaining upper portion for
maintaining the head and a supporting lower portion, the
head-maintaining upper portion for maintaining the head comprising
an upper opening suitable for receiving the face of the user, the
supporting lower portion allowing the device to be kept bearing on
a support, the device bearing on the support being suitable for
supporting the weight of the head of the user, Characterized in
that the device also comprises at least two lateral openings
allowing the user to position the arms of the user under the upper
portion for maintaining the head and in that the supporting lower
portion comprises an inner face located inside the device and
extending between the two lateral openings, the lateral openings
and the inner face allowing the user to position the arms and hands
of the user during the use of the device.
2. The device according to the previous claim, wherein the
supporting lower portion comprises a peripheral portion, the
peripheral portion comprising a front portion and a rear portion,
the two lateral openings extending between the front portion and
the rear portion, respectively.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the two lateral
openings are opposite to each other, the device being passed
through on either side between the two lateral openings.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the two lateral
openings is closed by a closing device.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper opening
comprises a rear side suitable for the user to be able to rest the
face of the user, at the forehead, on the device.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper (7) opening
comprises a front side (7A) suitable for the user (8) to be able to
rest the face of the user, below the mouth, on the device.
7. The device according to claim 2, wherein the front portion
and/or the rear portion comprises an opening allowing the air and
the heat given off by the user to be evacuated outside of the
device.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an
inner structure suitable for allowing the device to be
deployed.
9. (canceled)
10. The device according to claim 1, comprising an inflation valve
allowing the device to be inflated manually and/or the device to be
inflated via an air output.
11. The device according to claim 1, having a height equal to
approximately 40 centimetres, as well as a width and a length
between 20 and 30 centimetres.
12. The device according to claim 1, comprising an additional
element in contact with the lower supporting portion in order to
allow the device to be raised.
13. The device according to claim 1, suitable for use in a means of
transportation, the device being in particular suitable for being
placed on an open tray table of a seat located in front of the
user.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the rest position of
the user also corresponds to a safety position suitable for
absorbing the impacts in the case of a collision of the means of
transportation.
15. The device according to claim 1, comprising an extension at the
upper portion for maintaining the head allowing the user to be
protected in the case of impacts, in particular front impacts.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper opening
and/or the lateral openings of the device comprise flaps extending
from the sides of their respective openings.
19. The Device according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion and
the lower portion define an inner space and wherein the upper
opening opens into the inner space.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device intended to allow a user
to adopt a comfortable resting seated position.
[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the field of
rest in a means of transportation. In particular, the device
according to the invention can be used during transportation in an
airplane, bus, train, etc. In general, the device according to the
invention can be used in any type of transportation. However, the
device according to the invention is not limited to the field of
rest during transportation and can also be used in any other field
in which a user wishes to rest or relax, for example in the home,
at the office, etc.
[0003] While traveling on means of transportation, a traveller must
often remain in a seated position in a seat for a long time. This
seated position can, however, be particularly uncomfortable and can
be unsatisfactory for resting or for sleeping.
[0004] Devices allowing a traveller to rest or relax more easily
during journeys in a seated position are already known. Thus,
document U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,319 describes an inflatable pillow on
which a seated passenger can lean forward and rest his head in
order to rest. The shape of the pillow, once inflated, is
predetermined in such a way as to occupy substantially the space in
front of the passenger and be supported by a supporting means, for
example such as a tray table of a seat.
[0005] However, such a device does not allow the traveller to have
an optimal position during long journeys in order to sleep. In
particular, this position does not allow the head of the traveller
to be maintained in a comfortable position. This can lead to
painful muscle contractions, in particular in the back of the
neck.
[0006] The document U.S. 2010205743 that describes a device for
supporting the head and the neck that also allows a user to rest is
also known. The device has a circular shape with an opening in the
middle that allows the user to insert and rest the user's head. The
supporting device also comprises holes at its base that allow the
circulation of air to and from the face of the user in order to
allow the user to breathe.
[0007] The document U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,978 that describes a device
that comprises a support for supporting the head and a support for
supporting the thorax is also known. In particular, the support for
supporting the head comprises an opening allowing a user to insert
and rest his head.
[0008] These devices, however, do not provide a particular position
for maintaining the arms and the hands of the user.
[0009] There is therefore a need to improve the position of a user
in order for the user to be able to relax in a seated position
during medium or long journeys.
[0010] To overcome the aforementioned problem, the invention
relates to a device intended to allow a user to adopt a seated rest
position, the device comprising at least a head-maintaining upper
portion for maintaining the head and a supporting lower portion,
the upper portion for maintaining the head comprising an upper
opening suitable for receiving the face of the user, the supporting
lower portion allowing the device to be kept bearing on a support,
the device bearing on the support being suitable for supporting the
weight of the head of the user, the device also comprising at least
two lateral openings allowing the user to position the arms of the
user under the upper portion for maintaining the head.
[0011] Via these arrangements, the user has a rest position
allowing the user to both maintain the head of the user, or even
the chest, as well as the arms and the hands of the user in a
comfortable position in order to relax or to sleep.
[0012] In various embodiments of the method according to the
invention, one and/or the other of the following arrangements can
optionally also be implemented:
[0013] the supporting lower portion comprises a peripheral portion,
the peripheral portion comprising a front portion and a rear
portion, the two lateral openings extending between the front
portion and the rear portion, respectively;
[0014] the two lateral openings are opposite to each other, the
device being passed through on either side between the two lateral
openings;
[0015] each of the two lateral openings is closed by a closing
device;
[0016] the upper opening comprises a rear side suitable for the
user to be able to rest the face of the user, at the forehead, on
the device;
[0017] the upper opening comprises a front side suitable for the
user to be able to rest the face of the user, below the mouth, on
the device;
[0018] the front portion and/or the rear portion comprise an
opening allowing the air and the heat given off by the user to be
evacuated outside of the device;
[0019] the device comprises an inner structure suitable for
allowing the device to be deployed;
[0020] the device is an inflatable device;
[0021] the device comprises an inflation valve allowing the device
to be inflated manually and/or the device to be inflated via an air
output;
[0022] the device has a height equal to approximately 40
centimetres, as well as a width and a length between 20 and 30
centimetres;
[0023] the device comprises an additional element in contact with
the supporting lower portion in order to allow the device to be
raised;
[0024] the device is suitable for use in a means of transportation,
the device being in particular suitable for being placed on an open
tray table of a seat located in front of the user;
[0025] the rest position of the user also corresponds to a safety
position suitable for absorbing the impacts in the case of a
collision of the means of transportation;
[0026] the device comprises an extension at the upper portion for
maintaining the head allowing the user to be protected in the case
of impacts, in particular front impacts;
[0027] the device is totally inflatable;
[0028] the supporting lower portion comprises an inner face located
inside the device and extending between the two lateral openings,
the lateral openings and the inner face allowing the user to
position the arms and hands of the user during the use of the
device; and
[0029] the upper opening and/or the lateral openings of the device
comprise cutouts extending from the sides of their respective
openings.
[0030] Of course, the various features, alternatives and/or
embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each
other in various combinations as long they are not incompatible
with each other or mutually exclusive.
[0031] The present invention will be better understood and other
features and advantages will also appear upon reading the following
detailed description comprising embodiments given for information
purposes with reference to the appended drawings, given as
non-limiting examples, which can be used to supplement the
understanding of the present invention and the disclosure of its
production and, if necessary, contribute to its definition, in
which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
and
[0035] FIGS. 4a and 4b are side views of a passenger using the
device of FIGS. 1 to 3 under normal conditions of use, the device
being placed on a seat tray table;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a device according to a
second embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a side view of the device of FIG. 5 in which
curtains close the lateral openings of the device;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device according to a
third embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a side view of the device of FIG. 7;
[0040] FIGS. 9a and 9b are side views of a passenger using a device
according to the invention in a safety position, the device being
placed on the knees of the passenger;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a side view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 10;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 10 in
which the upper portion for maintaining the head is covered with a
cover; and
[0047] FIG. 16 is a view of the flat template intended to be
assembled in order to form the device of FIG. 10.
[0048] Below is a detailed explanation of a plurality of
embodiments of the invention accompanied by examples and references
to the drawings.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a device 1 according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0050] According to this first embodiment, the device 1 has a
generally parallelepipedic shape, in particular cubic. However, the
device 1 according to the invention is not limited by such a shape
and can have, for example, a spherical, cylindrical or other
shape.
[0051] The device 1 comprises a head-maintaining upper portion 3
for maintaining the head (hereinafter called "upper portion") and a
supporting lower portion 4 (hereinafter called "lower
portion").
[0052] The lower portion 4 can also comprise a peripheral portion 5
extending up to the upper portion 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the
peripheral portion 5 can in particular comprise a front portion 5A,
a rear portion 5B.
[0053] It is understood that the adjectives "front" and "rear"
applied to the device 1 and to its components are meant in
reference to when a person uses the device 1 under normal
conditions in order to rest, the term "front" thus denoting an
element relatively close to the user, the term "rear" thus denoting
an element farther away.
[0054] Under normal conditions of use of the device 1, the
peripheral portion 5, in particular the front portion 5A and the
rear portion 5B of the device 1, extend substantially vertically.
Also under normal conditions of use, the lower portion 4 comprises
a lower face 4A that extends substantially horizontally.
[0055] The adjectives "vertical" and "horizontal" applied to the
device and to its components are meant according to their normal
meaning and are understood namely when the lower face 4A of the
lower portion 4 of the device 1 is placed under normal conditions
of use on a support that is itself horizontal, such as a tray table
11, completely unfolded, of a seat 12 as will be described below,
or on the knees of the user, if necessary with an interposed
cushion or bag. When the device 1 is used by a user seated behind a
seat 12 in front, the rear portion 5B can bear, at least partially
on the rear of the backrest of the seat 12 in front.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 10, the faces of the front and/or
rear portions 5A, 5B of the device 1 can also be slightly curved.
The front portion 5A thus allows the thorax of a user 8 to bear on
the device 1 as will be described below. The front portion 5A can
further comprise a recess 6 at its lower portion as shown in FIGS.
1, 5 and 7.
[0057] As is visible in FIGS. 2 and 8, the upper portion 3 is
preferably slightly inclined forward. The upper portion 3 thus
comprises an upper face 3A for example inclined by an angle .alpha.
between 1 and 60 degrees, and more specifically of approximately 40
degrees, with respect to the lower face 4A of the lower portion
4.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of the device 1 according to
an embodiment of the invention. In this FIG. 3, the upper portion
3, and namely its upper face 3A, comprises an upper opening 7. The
upper opening 7 is in particular centred on the upper portion 3.
The upper opening 7 is at least defined by a front side 7A. The
upper opening can also be defined by a rear side 7B. These front
and/or rear sides 7A, 7B are preferably surfaces inclined towards
the inside of the device 1 and suitable for coming into contact
with a portion of the face of the user 8. More specifically, the
front side 7A of the upper opening 7 is suitable in order for the
user 8 to be able to bear on the device 1 via the face of the user
below the mouth. The rear side 7B of the upper opening 7 is
suitable in order for the user 8 to be able to bear on the device 1
via the forehead of the user.
[0059] FIG. 11 shows an overhead view of the device 1 according to
another embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment,
the upper opening 7 has the shape of a trapezoid. The front side 7A
and the side 7B are positioned in parallel to each other. The front
side 7A has a length less than the rear side 7B. The opening 7 has
an axis of symmetry.
[0060] Moreover, the upper opening 7 can also comprise lateral
sides 7C, 7D, in particular inclined towards the inside, extending
between the front side 7A and the rear side 7B, respectively. The
lateral sides 7C, 7D of the upper opening 7 are suitable for
supporting the cheeks and the temples of the face of the user
8.
[0061] Thus, the upper opening 7 is defined by the front side 7A,
the rear side 7B and by the lateral sides 7C. The upper opening 7
thus comfortably maintains the head of the user 8 at the chin, the
forehead and along the opposite sides of the face. The front side
7A, the rear side 7B and/or the lateral sides 7C can also comprise
flaps 23. Flaps 23 consist of extensions of matter, advantageously
flat, extending partly at the upper opening 7. The flaps 23 are for
example made from the same material as the device 1, in particular
made as a single piece with the material of the device 1.
[0062] The flaps 23 are suitable for preventing the face of the
user from being irritated or even getting cut when the user places
the face of the user in contact with the sides 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D of
the upper opening 7. They also allow marks on the face during
prolonged use to be prevented.
[0063] The upper opening 7 is thus dimensioned in order to receive
the face of the user 8, including the mouth, the nose and the eyes,
in order for this user 8 to be able to rest the head of the user
facing downwards on the device 1. In particular, the mouth, the
nose and the eyes of the user 8 are thus located inside the upper
opening 7 and are therefore not directly in contact with the device
1. The head of the user 8 is thus positioned straight, that is to
say, without the user 8 having to turn the head of the user to the
side. This position, even when held for a long time, is
particularly comfortable since it prevents the appearance of
possible painful muscle contractions in the neck.
[0064] Moreover, the lower portion 4, and namely the peripheral
portion 5, contains holes. As illustrated in the drawings, the
peripheral portion 5 thus comprises at least two lateral openings
9. In particular, these lateral openings 9 can namely be contained
between the front portion 5A and the rear portion 5B of the device
1. Moreover, these lateral openings 9 can each be substantially
rectangular in shape or have another shape such as circular or
other.
[0065] As illustrated in the embodiment visible in FIG. 13, the
lateral openings 9 advantageously have a rectangular shape, rounded
at its edges. Each lateral opening 9 is thus defined by at least a
lower side 9A and an upper side 9B. The lower side 9A and the upper
side 9B are parallel to each other. Two lateral sides 9C, 9D extend
between the lower side 9A and the upper side 9B, respectively. The
lower side 9A, the rear side 9B and/or the lateral sides 9C, 9D can
also comprise flaps 23, such as those described above with regard
to the sides 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D of the upper opening 7. Advantageously,
only the lower side 9A comprises a flap as visible in FIG. 13. The
flap 23 of the lower side 9A allows irritation of the arms of the
user to be prevented when the user places them in the lateral
openings 9 of the device 1. The flaps 23 thus participate in better
comfort during the use of the device 1.
[0066] The lower portion 4 further comprises an inner face 10
located inside the device 1. "Inside" should be understood as
meaning that the inner face 10 is located in an inner space 2 of
the device 1 more particularly defined by the upper portion 3 and
the lower portion 4. The inner face 10 can thus be defined by the
peripheral portion 5 and namely by the front portion 5A and by the
rear portion 5B of the device 1. The inner face 10 is preferably
substantially horizontal and extends in parallel to the lower face
4A of the lower portion 4 of the device 1 as shown for example in
FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner
face 10 can also be slightly curved. The lower face 4A is
advantageously a plain face, that is to say, does not have an
opening or hole, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0067] The inner face 10 also extends between the two lateral
openings 9 of the device 1. Thus, the device 1 is passed through on
either side laterally between the two lateral openings 9. The upper
opening 7 also opens into the inner space 2, and in particular onto
the inner face 10 inside the device 1.
[0068] The lateral openings 9 and the inner face 10 allow the user
8 to position the arms and the hands of the user during the use of
the device 1. More precisely, the user 8 can pass each of the arms
of the user through a lateral opening 9 under the upper portion 3.
The user can thus place the hands of the user, for example one on
top of the other, on the inner face 10 of the device 1.
[0069] By positioning the head of the user in the upper opening 7
and the arms of the user in the lateral openings 9 of the device 1,
the user 8 can thus occupy a rest position in order to sleep, rest
or relax, in particular in means of transportation. FIG. 4a shows
more particularly a use of the device 1 under normal conditions,
wherein the user 8 has a seated rest position, the device 1 being
placed on an unfolded tray table 11 of a seat 12 located in front
of the user 8. In this use, the rear portion 5B of the device 1 can
bear against the seat 12 in front, as shown in FIG. 4b.
[0070] In particular in the embodiment in which the device 1 is
used in a means of transportation, the device 1 can also comprise a
vertical extension 13 located to the rear of the upper portion 3,
as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9. The extension 13 thus extends the
rear portion 5B vertically upwards. This extension 13 is in
particular suitable for preventing the head of the user 8 from
directly impacting an object placed behind the device 1 in the case
of an impact or collision. In particular, in the embodiment in
which the device 1 is placed on a tray table 11 of a seat, the
extension 13 allows the user 8 to be protected and a possible
impact between the user 8 and the seat 12 located in front of the
user to be absorbed. The extension 13 also allows such an impact to
be prevented when the device 1 is placed on the knees of the user
8, in particular in a safety position as illustrated in FIG. 9a or
9b and as will be described below, if there is violent braking
during an emergency landing.
[0071] Alternatively, in the absence of an extension, the rear
portion of the upper portion 3 for supporting the head can allow
the head of the user 8 to be prevented from directly impacting an
object placed behind the device 1.
[0072] The front and rear portions 5A, 5B can be plain, that is to
say, not comprise openings as shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 14. The
front portion 5A can thus namely be used to support the thorax of
the user 8. However, the front and/or rear portions 5A, 5B can also
comprise an opening 14.
[0073] In particular, the front portion 5A of the device 1 can be
completely or partially open, the upper opening 7 thus no longer
being defined by a front side 7A but also at least partially
extending at the level of the front portion 5A of the device 1.
According to this embodiment, the user 8 in a seated rest position
does not bear on the device 1 at the chin of the user but only at
the forehead of the user on the rear side 7B of the upper opening
7.
[0074] The rear portion 5B can also comprise an opening 14 having
any shape, for example circular or rectangular, as shown in FIG. 5.
The opening 14 located on the rear portion 5B of the device 1, as
well as the two lateral openings 9, thus allow the air and the heat
given off by the user to be easily evacuated from the inside, and
in particular from the inner space 2 of the device 1, towards the
outside. The lateral openings 9 also allow such an evacuation of
air.
[0075] According to an embodiment shown by FIG. 6, each lateral
opening 9 can be closed by a closing device 15. The closing devices
15 are thus positioned facing each lateral opening 9 and can be
fastened for example to the device 1. Such closing devices 15 allow
the user 8 to be insulated from the outside when the user is in a
rest position. The rest position is thus more suitable for relaxing
or for a nap and allows, for example, one to be in at least partial
or even total darkness in order to watch a film or read on a
tablet, or play for example. For this purpose, the inner space 2 of
the device 1 can comprise a holder for a smartphone or tablet.
[0076] As illustrated by FIG. 6, the closing devices 15 are for
example curtains, in particular fastened above the lateral openings
9, via self-fastening means or via dome fasteners in order for the
user 8 to be able to detach them if necessary. Alternatively, the
closing devices 15 can, for example, be one or more flexible
shutters fastened onto the sides of each lateral opening 9.
[0077] The device 1 has a height h suitable for preventing the user
8 from leaning too far forward when in the rest position. For
example, the device 1 can have a vertical height h at the rear
portion 5B equal to approximately 40 centimetres. The device 1 can
also have a width L and a length 1 between 20 and 30 centimetres,
respectively. As shown in FIG. 4a, the device 1 can have a size and
a shape more precisely suitable for being placed on a tray table
11, of a seat 12, located in front of the user 8, or even bearing
on the seat 12 in front, as shown in FIG. 4b. Moreover, in order to
prevent the device 1 from being able to slide on the support, and
in particular on the tray table 11, the device 1 can comprise a
nonslip edge or a nonslip surface 17 at least partially covering
the lower face 4A of the lower portion 4 of the device 1.
[0078] More generally, the device can have a size, and in
particular a height h, adapted according to its user 8. As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, and in order to be able to be used by tall persons,
the device 1 can also comprise an additional element 16, namely
inflatable, intended to raise the device 1. In particular, the
additional element 16 is placed under the lower portion 4 of the
device 1. The additional element 16 can be fastened to the device 1
for example via self-fastening strips, dome fasteners, or other.
The additional element 16 can namely be used when the device 1 is
placed directly on the knees of the user 8, in particular in a
safety position as will be described below. According to this
embodiment, the additional element 16 is thus placed between the
knees of the user 8 and the lower portion 4 of the device 1.
[0079] The device 1 is preferably formed from a light material in
order to be easily transportable. The weight of the device 1 is
preferably less than 300 grams (g), or even less than 250 grams
(g). It is for example greater than 100 grams.
[0080] Moreover, in order to improve the comfort in the rest
position, the device 1 can namely comprise a material suitable for
being slightly deformed, for example a shape-memory material, such
as a foam or a gel, in order to ergonomically conform to the shape
of the face and/or the hands of the user 8. The device 1 is
moreover covered by a trim cover made of a plastic material,
fabric, velvet or other. The trim cover can itself also comprise a
foam or a gel in order to improve the ergonomics of the device 1.
The trim cover can also comprise the closing devices 15, in
particular curtains or flexible shutters as described above.
[0081] For reasons of hygiene, a disposable single-use coating can
also be placed on the device 1 for each use or for each different
user 8. This coating can, for example, allow at least the upper
portion 3 of the device 1 to be covered, in particular the front,
rear and lateral sides 7A, 7B, 7C of the upper opening 7. As
visible in FIG. 15, the coating can, for example, be a cover 22
that can be removably mounted on the device 1. The cover 22
advantageously covers the upper portion 3 while leaving the upper
opening 7 accessible. The cover 22 is maintained on the device 1 by
any means, for example via an elastic band of the cover placed
around the device 1.
[0082] The device 1 can also be an inflatable device. The device 1
can thus alternately be in two states, a folded state and an
inflated state. In the folded state, the device 1 does not contain
any gas and has a small or even zero inner volume. The device 1 can
thus be folded in order to occupy less space. It can thus be easily
transported or stored in a compartment, for example on the side or
under the seat 12 of the user 8. If the device is inflatable, the
weight given above is the weight of the folded device. In the
inflated state, the device 1 is unfolded in order for the user 8 to
be able to use it, in particular by taking up the rest position as
shown in FIG. 4a. In particular, in the inflated state, the device
1 is suitable in order for the user 8 to be able to bear on the
device in the rest position, in particular at the upper opening 7
on which the head of the user 8 is placed. Thus, the device 1
bearing on a support 11 is suitable for supporting the weight of
the user 8, and in particular of the head of the user.
[0083] The device 1 can be totally inflatable. Totally inflatable
is understood to mean that the device 1 does not comprise
additional rigid non-inflatable elements suitable for supporting
the weight of the head of the user 8, as visible for example in the
embodiment in FIG. 10. Alternatively, the device can be partially
inflatable. According to this alternative, the device 1 can for
example comprise a portion of the supporting lower portion 4 made
of foam, in particular the portion between the inner face 10 and
the lower face 4A, while the rest of the device 1 is inflatable.
When the device is totally inflatable, it can comprise flaps, as
described above, the flaps being non-inflatable while being
separated from an inner chamber via a weld.
[0084] In order to be able to be inflated, the device 1 comprises
an inflation valve 18, that is to say, a passage for injection of
inflation gas. The inflation valve 18 is namely located on the
lower portion 4 of the device 1, in particular on the front 5A or
rear 5B portion. The device 1 thus comprises a single chamber to be
inflated.
[0085] The inflation 8 can be carried out manually by the user by
blowing directly into the inflation valve 18 via the mouth. The
device 1 is suitable for being inflated rapidly by a user 8.
Advantageously, the device 1 is sufficiently inflated after the
user 8 has blown between 3 and 8 breaths of air into the device, in
particular less than six breaths of air. The inner volume of the
device is thus between 10 and 20 litres, namely between 12 and 15
litres.
[0086] Alternatively, the inflation can be carried out by
connecting the device 1 to an automatic inflation system such as a
foot pump or an electric pump (not shown in the drawings).
Moreover, an inflation tube having a variable length can be
connected to the inflation valve 18 with, opposite, an input for
injection into the device 1. The inflation tube thus allows the
device to be inflated via an air output located for example near
the seat 12 of the user 8. For example, such an air output can be
an air conditioning output of the means of transportation.
[0087] The inflation valve 18 can also consist of an evacuation
valve allowing the device 1 to be rapidly deflated. The inflation
valve 18 can for example be closed by a plug.
[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflation
valve 18 can comprise a double inflation system. A first inflation
system allows the device 1 to be inflated or deflated quickly,
possibly quasi-instantly. Such a first inflation system is
particularly useful if the device 1 must be inflated or deflated in
an emergency situation for example. A second inflation system
allows more precise inflation, for example directly via the mouth
by the user 8, namely if the preceding inflation using the first
inflation system is not sufficient to inflate the device 1
completely. An inflation valve 18 comprising such a double
inflation system is known per se and will not be described in more
detail.
[0089] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 10, the inflation valve 18 can be a valve comprising a check
valve. A check valve is suitable for pivoting in front of the
opening of the valve in order to close it or open it.
[0090] The check valve allows the device 1 to be inflated,
advantageously manually, for example by blowing directly into the
inflation valve 18 via the mouth. However, when the user stops
blowing into the valve 18, the check valve closes the opening of
the valve under the effect of the overpressure of the air contained
in the device 1. The device 1 does not therefore deflate.
[0091] Moreover, a valve comprising a check valve is also suitable
for allowing quick deflation of the device 1. For this purpose, the
user bears on the check valve of the valve, in such a way that the
opening of the valve is no longer closed and the air can escape
from the device 1. This leads to an ease of use of the device 1,
for example when the user has finished using the device 1 and
wishes to deflate it. A valve comprising such a check valve is
known per se and will not be described in more detail.
[0092] The device 1 can be inflated differently according to the
desire and the preferences of the user. In particular, a user can
wish to underinflate the device 1 in order for the latter to be
more flexible during its use or more suitable to the size of the
user or to the seated position of the user. However, although
under-inflated, the device 1 remains suitable for supporting the
weight of the face of the user, in particular in order to be used
in a rest position as shown in FIG. 4a.
[0093] The device 1 can also comprise an inner structure suitable
for allowing the device to be automatically inflated, for example
via the first inflation system described above. More precisely, the
inner structure of the device 1 allows the device 1 to be expanded
in terms of volume as soon as the inflation valve 18 is opened. The
inner structure can, for example, consist of a cellular structure,
the cells being in fluid communication with each other. The inner
structure can also comprise an "accordion" structure that, when
being deployed, deploys and quickly inflates the device 1. A
non-limiting example of such an inner structure of the device 1 is
already known per se and is described for example in document U.S.
Pat. No. 3,378,864.
[0094] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above and provided only as examples. It covers various
modifications, alternative forms and other variants that a person
skilled in the art could think of in the context of the present
invention and namely all combinations of the various operating
modes described above, which can be taken separately or in
combination.
[0095] In particular, although the invention was described for use
in the field of rest, the invention can also have an advantageous
use in the field of safety during transportation. In particular,
the device 1 can be used by a user 8 in order to take up a seated
safety position similar to the rest position described above. For
example, this can be the case for preventing an impact during an
emergency landing upon orders from an airplane crew.
[0096] According to this latter embodiment, the device 1 can also
be used as an "airbag" safety device. A cartridge that generates
inflation gas can thus allow gas to be injected very quickly into
the device 1 in order to obtain very quick, see quasi-immediate,
inflation. This cartridge allows the required quantity of gas to be
injected. This cartridge can be actuated by a dedicated gripping
device, as shown in FIG. 9b. The device 1 can thus be positioned on
the knees of the user 8. As shown in FIG. 9a, the user 8 thus has a
position similar to the rest position described above while leaning
farther forwards than in the rest position. The user 8 thus adopts
a safety position suitable for protecting during a collision of the
means of transportation or for absorbing an impact. In this case,
the device 1 bears on the seat in front, as shown in FIG. 9b.
Namely, this position allows the head and the vital organs to be
protected.
[0097] The integration of an inflation cartridge and of a dedicated
gripping device into a device that does not provide the safety
function, is also envisaged.
[0098] In order to allow easy evacuation of the user 8 during an
emergency, the device 1 can be quickly deflated by the user 8.
According to this embodiment, the device 1 can comprise a
pre-tearable portion 19 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8 allowing
the wall of the device 1 to be torn in order to quickly deflate the
device 1. Once the wall has been torn, the device 1 thus becomes
unusable and must be replaced.
[0099] The device 1 is advantageously made from a template 28. The
template 28 has the shape of a cross or of a T, more particularly
shown in flat form in FIG. 16. The template 28 allows to outline
two layers 26, 27 which, superimposed on one another, are connected
to each other in order to define an inflation chamber of the device
that can be inflated by the user 8. The two layers 26, 27 are more
particularly connected together at their circumference 29, as well
as around the openings 7 and 9, by a peripheral weld. A single
layer 26 is more particularly visible in FIG. 16.
[0100] The two layers 26, 27 are advantageously impermeable to air.
The two layers 26, 27 are for example made of a plastic material,
namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0101] The two layers 26, 27 can namely be different from each
other. The two layers 26, 27 can have different colours in order to
form a device 1 that has two colours once assembled. For example,
the inner space 2 of the device 1, formed by the layer 27, can have
a different colour than the exterior of the device 1, formed by the
other layer 26.
[0102] Moreover, one of the layers 26, 27 or both layers 26, 27 of
the device 1 can be transparent.
[0103] The device 1 is then made by assembling the edges to each
other. According to the example in FIGS. 10 and 16, each layer 1 of
the device 1 comprises more particularly 6 faces. The assembly of
the device 1 can be carried out using the template 28 by sewing or
by gluing the edges to each other, or via any other means. This
step can namely be carried out in the factory, in order to
guarantee its reliability. In this case, the device is delivered
closed, and no step of assembly by the user is necessary. "Closed"
in this context does not refer to the air chambers, which are
necessarily closed, apart from the fact that they allow their
inflation via a valve, but to the device itself, in that all the
edges are rigidly connected together. It is not therefore intended
to be possible for the user to place the device in the
configuration of FIG. 16.
[0104] Certain portions of the device 1 can further comprise
structural welds. A structural weld locally connects the two layers
26, 27 to each other. Such a structural weld can be made via high
frequency gluing or by any other means.
[0105] Thus, as visible in FIG. 12, the lower portion 4, in
particular the lower face 4A, can comprise at least one structural
weld 21. The lower portion 4 can namely comprise two structural
welds 21A, 21B. The two structural welds 21A, 21B extend
longitudinally, at least partially, between the front face 5A and
the rear face 5B of the device 1, without reaching two other
peripheral welds of the device. The two structural welds 21A, 21B
allow a flatter lower face 4A to be obtained, in order to improve
the retention of the device 1 on a support 11. In particular, the
lower portion 4 thus comprises three inflatable beads 24A, 24B,
24C, separated from each other by the structural welds 21A,
21B.
[0106] Moreover, the presence of a structural weld allows the inner
volume of the inflation chamber of the device to be inflated to be
limited, while providing better resistance of the device 1. Other
portions of the device 1 can also comprise such structural welds.
In particular, as visible in FIG. 14, the rear portion 5B can
comprise at least one structural weld 20. The structural weld 20 of
the rear face extends vertically in a rectilinear manner, at least
partially, between upper portion 3 and the lower portion 4.
[0107] The structural weld 20 thus defines two inflatable beads
25A, 25B having an equal size. The inflatable beads 25A, 25B extend
substantially vertically, in parallel to one another. The
inflatable beads 25A, 25B provide better resistance of the device 1
during its use.
[0108] According to one embodiment, the structural welds 20, 21A
and 21B described above are the only three structural welds of the
device.
[0109] Although the device 1 has been described above with regard
to a specific seated rest position of the user 8 as shown in FIG.
4a, in particular in which the face of the user 8 is received in
the upper opening 7, other positions using the device 1 are
possible. As an example not shown in the drawings, the user 8 can
also occupy a rest position by placing the chin of the user on the
upper portion 3 for maintaining the head without placing the head
of the user in the upper opening 7. According to another example,
the user 8 can also use the device 1 as a lateral bearing device.
The user can, for example, place one arm through the two lateral
openings. The device thus comprises either its front portion or its
rear portion placed between the arm and the lateral portion of the
chest of the user. Alternatively, the user can hug the device 1
with one arm, the latter being positioned between the arm and the
lateral portion of the chest of the user, the inner device being
thus deformed in such a way that the inner space 2 is greatly
reduced.
[0110] Moreover, the device 1 can comprise other accessories not
shown in the drawings in order to facilitate the use of the device
1 while traveling. As non-limiting examples, the device 1 can
comprise a pocket in order to store the belongings of the user 8
when the user wants to rest. The device 1 can also comprise an
attachment element, such as a ring, in order for the user 8 to be
able to attach the glasses of the user to the device 1 before
adopting a rest position.
* * * * *