U.S. patent application number 11/494130 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for travel pillow.
Invention is credited to Kimberly A. Latour, Carol Stein.
Application Number | 20070180623 11/494130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34829890 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070180623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stein; Carol ; et
al. |
August 9, 2007 |
Travel pillow
Abstract
A pair of symmetrical pillow members each have an enlarged lower
portion and a narrowing upper portion with a strap extending from a
top end. The straps of the two pillow members are releasably
attachable to one another, behind the headrest of an automobile
seat, to adjustably position and support the pillow members on the
opposite sides of the head of a person occupying the seat. In a
preferred embodiment, the pillow members are structured to extend
over the seat occupant's shoulders with the lower portions
converging towards one another, thereby allowing the person to rest
their head to the left or right side. The pillow members are
adjustably positionable to accommodate for the size of the
individual, ranging from children to large adults.
Inventors: |
Stein; Carol; (Lake Worth,
FL) ; Latour; Kimberly A.; (Lake Worth, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT M. DOWNEY, P.A.
6751 N. FEDERAL HWY., SUITE 300
BOCA RATON
FL
33487
US
|
Family ID: |
34829890 |
Appl. No.: |
11/494130 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11051935 |
Feb 3, 2005 |
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11494130 |
Jul 27, 2006 |
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60541988 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/640 ; 297/397;
5/922 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101;
B60N 2/7005 20130101; B60N 2/882 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/640 ;
005/922; 297/397 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A pillow device comprising: a pair of symmetrical and individual
pillow members including a left pillow member and a right pillow
member, said left and right pillow members being separable from one
another and operatively connectable and positionable relative to
one another to form an open central area; said left and right
pillow members each including an outboard side and an inboard side,
and a lower portion, an upper portion and a top end, said lower
portion being enlarged relative to said upper portion and said top
end, and said inboard side curving inwardly at said lower portion
and said top end to partially surround the open central area; a
first strap extending from said top end of said left pillow member
and having an upper facing side and a bottom facing side, and
including a first component of a releasable fastener on said upper
facing side; a second strap extending from said top end of said
right pillow member and having an upper facing side and a bottom
facing side, and including a second component of a releasable
fastener on said bottom facing side; and said first and second
straps being releasably attachable to one another by mating
engagement of said first and second components of said releasable
fastener to adjustably connect said individual left and right
pillow members in opposing, symmetrical arrangement about the open
central area so that said lower portions converge towards one
another, and said lower portions of said left and right pillow
members remaining separated from one another.
2. The pillow device as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and
second components of said releasable fastener are hook and loop
fasteners.
3. The pillow device as recited in claim 1 wherein said left and
right pillow members each narrow in width, measured between the
outboard and inboard sides, towards the upper portion and top
end.
4. The pillow device as recited in claim 1 wherein a width of each
of said left and right pillow members, as measured between the
outboard and inboard sides, is widest at said lower portion.
5. A pillow device comprising: a pair of symmetrical and individual
pillow members including a left pillow member and a right pillow
member, said left and right pillow members being separable from one
another and operatively connectable and positionable relative to
one another to form an open central area between the left and right
pillow members; said left and right pillow members each including
an outboard side and an inboard side, and a lower portion, an upper
portion and a top end, said lower portion being enlarged relative
to said upper portion and said top end, and said inboard side
curving inwardly at said lower portion and said top end to
partially surround the open central area; a first strap extending
from said top end of said left pillow member; a second strap
extending from said top end of said right pillow member;
cooperating releasable fasteners on said first and second straps
for releasably attaching said first and second straps together, and
thereby attaching said left pillow member to said right pillow
member with said left and right pillow members adjustably
positioned in opposing, symmetrical arrangement about the open
central area; and a width of each of said left and right pillow
members, as measured between the outboard and inboard sides, being
widest at said lower portion.
6. The pillow device as recited in claim 5 wherein said lower
portions of the respective left and right pillow members are sized
and configured to converge towards one another when said left and
right pillow members are attached by the first and second
straps.
7. The pillow device as recited in claim 5 wherein said cooperating
releasable fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
8. A pillow device comprising: a pair of symmetrical and individual
pillow members including a left pillow member and a right pillow
member, said left and right pillow members being separable from one
another and operatively connectable and positionable relative to
one another to form an open central area; said left and right
pillow members each including an outboard side and an inboard side,
and a lower portion, an upper portion and a top end, said lower
portion being enlarged relative to said upper portion and said top
end, and said inboard side curving inwardly at said lower portion
and said top end to partially surround the open central area; said
left and right pillow members each narrowing in width, measured
between the outboard and inboard sides, from said lower portion and
upwardly to said upper portion and said top end; a width of each of
said left and right pillow members, as measured between the
outboard and inboard sides, being widest at said lower portion; a
first strap extending from said top end of said left pillow member
and having an upper facing side and a bottom facing side, and
including a first component of a releasable fastener on said upper
facing side; a second strap extending from said top end of said
right pillow member and having an upper facing side and a bottom
facing side, and including a second component of a releasable
fastener on said bottom facing side; and said first and second
straps being releasably attachable to one another by mating
engagement of said first and second components of said releasable
fastener to adjustably connect said individual left and right
pillow members in opposing, symmetrical arrangement about the open
central area so that said lower portions converge towards one
another, and said lower portions of said left and right pillow
members remaining separated from one another.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This Application is a continuation patent application of
co-pending patent application Ser. No. 11/051,935 filed on Feb. 3,
2005 which claimed the benefit of Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/541,988 filed on Feb. 5, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to pillow rests for traveling and,
more particularly, to a travel pillow device which is supported
around the headrest of a vehicle seat and which includes a pair of
releasably attachable pillow members that extend around the seat
headrest and over a persons shoulders, on opposite sides of the
head, thereby allowing the person to tilt their head slightly to
the left or right so that the side of their head rests comfortably
on one of the pillow members.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] When traveling in a car or airplane, and particularly when
traveling longer distances, passengers sometimes like to take a nap
or simply rest comfortably. The seats in an automobile or airplane,
while typically made for general comfort and safety of passengers,
are not ideally suited for napping or relaxing for extended periods
of time. While the headrest of an automobile seat is generally
suited for comfort and safety while seated upright and looking
forward, there is no provision for comfortably supporting the head
when leaning to the side in a resting or napping position. In many
instances, passengers in automobiles fall asleep with their head
resting against the side window or door casing. Not surprisingly,
most passengers do not stay in this position very long due to the
resulting discomfort. Also, when the vehicle passenger first begins
to fall asleep, and the neck muscles relax, the lack of sufficient
head and neck support sometimes results in a sudden bobbing and
jerking of the head which wakes the passenger.
[0004] In an attempt to overcome the problems of discomfort when
traveling as a passenger in an automobile or airplane, some people
place a small pillow to the side of their head. And, while use of a
pillow is certainly more comfortable than resting one's head
against the window or door structure, it is often difficult to
maintain the pillow in comfortable position. Usually, as the person
moves their head, the pillow falls and must be repositioned for
comfort. The constant need to adjust and reposition the pillow can
be annoying and will, in most instances, disrupt the person's
rest.
[0005] Accordingly, their remains an urgent need in the field of
travel for a pillow device which is particularly adapted for use on
an automobile seat and which will remain in adjusted position while
allowing a passenger to selectively rest their head to the right or
left side without having to reposition the pillow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a travel pillow which
includes a pair of symmetrical pillow members. Each pillow member
has an enlarged lower portion and an upper portion which narrows
towards a top end. A strap extends from the top end of each pillow
member and is structured and disposed for adjustable attachment to
the corresponding strap of the other pillow member. In a preferred
embodiment, hook and loop fasteners are provided on the straps for
adjustable and releasable attachment of the straps. In use, the
straps are secured behind the headrest of an automobile seat to
adjustably position and support the pillow members on the opposite
sides of the head of a person occupying the seat. The pillow
members are structured to extend over the user's shoulders, with
the lower portions converging towards one another and below the
user's chin. The pillow members are adjustably positionable to
accommodate for variations in individual user size, ranging from
smaller children to larger adults.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a travel pillow which allows a user to
comfortably rest their head, to the left or right side, while the
pillow remains in an adjusted position.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
travel pillow which is adapted for use in virtually any make and
model automobile, and wherein the travel pillow is specifically
structured to be supported about the headrest of a seat in an
automobile.
[0009] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel pillow which is specifically structured to allow a
person to comfortably rest their head when traveling in an
automobile, and wherein the travel pillow is adapted for use by
individuals of all ages, ranging from young children to large
adults.
[0010] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a travel pillow which is structured to be supported about
the headrest of an automobile seat, and wherein the position of the
travel pillow relative to the headrest and user is adjustable to
accommodate for personal preference, comfort and the size of the
individual.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating use of the travel
pillow of the present invention on an automobile seat;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating the manner of
releasable and adjustable attachment of the left and right pillow
members;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the travel pillow of the
present invention, showing the left and right pillow members
secured together, at the top straps, and with the lower portions of
the pillow members converging towards one another; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the travel pillow
secured about the headrest of an automobile seat, and wherein
adjustable positioning of the pillow members is illustrated in
phantom lines.
[0017] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] The travel pillow is shown throughout the several views of
drawings and is indicated generally as 10. The travel pillow 10 is
defined primarily by a pair of symmetrical left and right pillow
members 12, 14, respectively. Each pillow member 12, 14 includes a
lower portion 20 and an upper portion 22. The upper portion 22
narrows as it curves inwardly towards a top end 24. The right
pillow member 12 has a strap 30 extending from its top end 24, and
the left pillow member 14 has a strap 32 extending from its top end
24. The straps 30, 32 are structured for releasable, adjustable
attachment to one another to effectively secure the left and right
pillow members 12, 14 together in a generally horseshoe
configuration, as best seen in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment,
hook and loop fasteners, or like means, are provided on the straps
30, 32 for releasable and adjustable attachment of the straps. More
specifically, as seen in FIG. 2, an upper facing side 34 of strap
30 is provided with a hook or loop fabric component 36, while the
underside 35 of strap 32 is provided with a corresponding hook or
loop fabric component 38 for releasable attachment to the hook or
loop fabric component 36.
[0019] In use, the straps 30, 32 are secured together and
positioned behind the headrest of a vehicle seat (see FIGS. 1 and
4) with the left and right pillow members 12, 14 extending around
the front side of the headrest and for positioning over the
shoulders of the user. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lower portions
of the left and right pillow members converge towards one another
to position the pillow members 12, 14 along the sides of the user's
neck and extending partially across the upper chest. Depending upon
the particular preference of the user, as well as the size of the
individual user, the positioning of the left and right pillow
members 12, 14 can be adjusted to raise or lower the pillow members
relative to the headrest and user. Referring to FIG. 4, various
positions of the pillow members are shown. With the straps 30, 32
positioned in completely overlying relation, as seen in FIG. 3, the
pillow members 12, 14 are maintained at a higher level. This
positioning of the left and right pillow members is particularly
suited for a taller adult. By repositioning the straps 30, 32 in
partially overlying relation, the pillow members 12, 14 will drop
lower on the front side of the vehicle seat. As seen in FIG. 4, the
left and right pillow members can be adjusted to a intermediate
position for shorter adults and larger children, while the lowest
position is ideally suited for younger children.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the left and right pillow members
12, 14 are formed to have an outer casing including a top side and
a bottom side which are stitched about a peripheral seam. The outer
casing is stuffed with a polyester filler or other suitable pillow
stuffing. The outer casing may be made to be removable or,
alternatively, removable covers may be provided for the left and
right pillow members, to facilitate washing and replacement.
[0021] While the instant invention has been shown and described in
accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is
recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are
contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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