U.S. patent application number 14/508628 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for air-activated heated travel pillows and travel blankets.
The applicant listed for this patent is E & B Giftware LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Howard Ross, Scott Rubenstein.
Application Number | 20150257554 14/508628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51752018 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150257554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross; Paul Howard ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
AIR-ACTIVATED HEATED TRAVEL PILLOWS AND TRAVEL BLANKETS
Abstract
Heat packs are incorporated into various travel and comfort
items, such as pillows, blankets, and the like, in a designated
pocket and/or pouch within the items to provide a user with
soothing, targeted, and controlled heat in a consistent,
convenient, and comfortable application. A disposable heat pack may
comprise a soft, lightweight, air-permeable pouch. One side of the
heat pack is air-permeable to optimally direct the targeted heat to
a user. The contents of the heat pack may include a mixture of iron
powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, water, cellulose, and
vermiculite. The pocket into which the heat pack is inserted is
comprised of a spandex material or the like that is lightweight,
permeable, breathable, flexible, and stretchable, providing
superior contact while allowing for an optimal amount of heat to
permeate from the pocket to the user.
Inventors: |
Ross; Paul Howard; (Pound
Ridge, NY) ; Rubenstein; Scott; (Ridgewood,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
E & B Giftware LLC |
Elmsford |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51752018 |
Appl. No.: |
14/508628 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61951182 |
Mar 11, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/639 ;
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2009/1018 20130101;
A47G 9/066 20130101; A47G 9/1036 20130101; A47G 9/0215 20130101;
A47G 9/1081 20130101; A61F 7/034 20130101; A47C 27/086 20130101;
A47C 7/383 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A pillow comprising: a U-shaped pillow body comprising two legs
and a base therebetween, configured to receive and support a neck
of a user; a pocket formed on an inner radial portion of the base
of the U-shaped pillow body, wherein the pocket is adjacent to a
back portion of the neck of the user when in use; wherein the
pocket is at least partially formed by a lightweight, permeable,
breathable, flexible, stretchable material; and a heat pack
contained in the pocket for a sustained, targeted, and controlled
heat transfer to the user, wherein the heat pack is a disposable,
air-activated heat pack comprising an air-permeable pouch to
facilitate airflow into the heat pack and direct heat to the user
via the pocket.
2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped pillow body
comprises one or more of foam, visco-elastic memory foam,
polyurethane foam, cotton, polyester, polyester plush, spandex,
micro-beads, and Polystyrene foam beads.
3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pocket is comprised of one or
more of spandex, cotton, and polyester.
4. (canceled)
5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the heat pack comprises one or
more of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, water, and
vermiculite to generate heat via an oxidation reaction.
6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises one or more
open ends for removably receiving and containing the heat pack.
7. The pillow of claim 6, wherein the pocket further comprises a
fastener at the one or more open ends for securing the heat pack
therein, the fastener comprising one or more of a flap, spandex,
Velcro, a snap, a button, and a zipper.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pocket is configured to
simultaneously and removably receive and contain a plurality of
heat packs.
9. (canceled)
10. A support pillow comprising: a pillow body configured to
provide support to a user; and one or more pockets formed on a
contact portion of the pillow body, wherein the contact portion is
a portion at least partially adjacent to the user when in use;
wherein each of the one or more pockets are configured to contain a
respective heat pack for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat
transfer to the user.
11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow body comprises one
or more of foam, visco-elastic memory foam, polyurethane foam,
cotton, polyester, polyester plush, spandex, micro-beads, and
Polystyrene foam beads.
12. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the one or more pockets are
comprised of one or more of spandex, cotton, and polyester.
13. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the heat pack comprises an
air-activated, disposable heat pack.
14. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the heat pack comprises one or
more of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, water, and
vermiculite to generate heat via an oxidation reaction.
15. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the one or more pockets
comprise one or more open ends for removably receiving and
containing the respective heat pack.
16. The pillow of claim 15, wherein the one or more pockets further
comprise a fastener at the one or more open ends for securing the
respective heat pack therein, the fastener comprising one or more
of a flap, spandex, Velcro, a snap, a button, and a zipper.
17. The pillow of claim 10, wherein one or more of the one or more
pockets are configured to simultaneously and removably receive and
contain a plurality of heat packs.
18. The pillow of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more pockets
are comprised of one or more of a lightweight, permeable,
breathable, flexible, and stretchable material.
19. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow body is configured
to provide lumbar support in a lumbar region of the user's
back.
20. A blanket comprising: a body portion comprising a front portion
and a back portion; and one or more pockets formed on one or more
of the front portion and the back portion of the body portion;
wherein the one or more pockets are configured to contain a
respective heat pack for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat
transfer to a user.
21. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the body portion further
comprises at least one foldable portion, each foldable portion
configured to fold over an area of the body portion containing one
or more pockets.
22. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the body portion comprises one
or more of polyester and spandex.
23. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the one or more pockets are
comprised of one or more of spandex, cotton, and polyester.
24. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the heat pack comprises an
air-activated, disposable heat pack.
25. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the heat pack comprises one or
more of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, water, and
vermiculite to generate heat via an oxidation reaction.
26. The blanket of claim 20, wherein the one or more pockets
comprise one or more open ends for removably receiving and
containing the respective heat pack.
27. The blanket of claim 26, wherein the one or more pockets
further comprise a fastener at the one or more open ends for
securing the respective heat pack therein, the fastener comprising
one or more of a flap, spandex, Velcro, a snap, a button, and a
zipper.
28. The blanket of claim 20, wherein one or more of the one or more
pockets are configured to simultaneously and removably receive and
contain a plurality of heat packs.
29. The blanket of claim 20, wherein each of the one or more
pockets are comprised of one or more of a lightweight, permeable,
breathable, flexible, and stretchable material.
30. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pocket is sized and shaped
to provide air flow to and from the heat pack contained
therein.
31. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises
ribbing on at least one internal portion of the pocket, for
enhancing air flow of the heat pack within the pocket.
32. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped pillow body
comprises: an outer covering comprising (i) a flexible spandex
bottom portion substantially adjacent to shoulders of the user, and
(ii) a plush material on side and top portions of the U-shaped
pillow body; and a plurality of micro-beads internal to the outer
covering, wherein the micro-beads conform to and support the neck
of the user.
33. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped pillow body
comprises: an outer covering comprising a plush material; and a
supportive memory foam core internal to the outer covering.
34. The pillow of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
supplemental pockets formed on the inner radial portion of the
U-shaped pillow body, wherein the one or more supplemental pockets
are adjacent to a portion of the neck of the user; and one or more
supplemental heat packs contained in respective ones of the one or
more supplemental pockets for a sustained, targeted, and controlled
heat transfer to the user.
35. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the heat pack is formulated to
reach a targeted temperature and maintain the targeted temperature
for approximately eight hours.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/951,182, filed on Mar. 11, 2014 and entitled
"Air-Activated Heated Travel Pillows and Travel Blankets," the
contents of which are included in its entirety by reference
herein.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to travel and
comfort items, and more particularly to incorporation of heat packs
into travel and comfort products and the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Disposable heat packs, such as air-activated heat packs safe
for air travel, have not been implemented into various travel and
comfort items, such as a travel neck pillow, a travel lumbar
pillow, a travel-sized blanket, and the like, to provide air
travelers with soothing heat. Other methods of heat, such as via
USB power, battery power, electric power, silica gel, instant
chemical reactions (e.g., MREs and flameless heaters), microwavable
materials, hot water bottles, etc., are inefficient, require heavy
power consumption, are infeasible, and/or are not allowed on
various forms of transportation, such as airplanes, due to
hazardous or dangerous ingredients. Therefore, there is a need to
be able to provide users with heating capable items that are both
safe and efficient.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide for the
incorporation of heat packs into various travel or comfort items,
such as pillows, blankets, and the like.
[0005] In one embodiment, a pillow comprises a U-shaped pillow body
comprising two legs and a base therebetween, configured to receive
and support a neck of a user; and one or more pockets formed on an
inner radial portion of the U-shaped pillow body, wherein the inner
radial portion is a portion at least partially adjacent to the neck
of the user when in use. Each of the one or more pockets are
configured to contain a respective heat pack for a sustained,
targeted, and controlled heat transfer to the user.
[0006] In an embodiment, the U-shaped pillow body comprises one or
more of foam, visco-elastic memory foam, polyurethane foam, cotton,
polyester, polyester plush, spandex, micro-beads, and Polystyrene
foam beads.
[0007] In another embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow
body configured to provide support to a user; and one or more
pockets formed on a contact portion of the pillow body, wherein the
contact portion is a portion at least partially adjacent to the
user when in use. Each of the one or more pockets are configured to
contain a respective heat pack for a sustained, targeted, and
controlled heat transfer to the user.
[0008] In an embodiment, the pillow body comprises one or more of
foam, visco-elastic memory foam, polyurethane foam, cotton,
polyester, polyester plush, spandex, micro-beads, and Polystyrene
foam beads.
[0009] In an embodiment, the support pillow is a lumbar support
pillow configured to provide lumbar support to a user in a lumbar
region of the user's back.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a blanket is comprised of a
body portion comprising a front portion and a back portion; and one
or more pockets formed on one or more of the front portion and the
back portion of the body portion. The one or more pockets are
configured to contain a respective heat pack for a sustained,
targeted, and controlled heat transfer to a user.
[0011] The body portion of the blanket may comprise at least one
foldable portion, each foldable portion configured to fold over an
area of the body portion containing one or more pockets. In an
embodiment, the body portion of the blanket comprises one or more
of polyester and spandex.
[0012] In embodiments of the pillow, the support pillow, and the
blanket, the pockets may be comprised of, according to an
embodiment, one or more of spandex, cotton, and polyester. One or
more pockets may have one or more open ends for removably receiving
and containing a respective heat pack. One or more pockets may
further comprise a fastener at the one or more open ends for
securing the respective heat pack therein, the fastener comprising
one or more of a flap, spandex, Velcro, a snap, a button, and a
zipper. According to an embodiment, one or more of the pockets may
be configured to simultaneously and removably receive and contain a
plurality of heat packs. In an embodiment, the pockets may be
comprised of a lightweight, permeable, breathable, flexible, and/or
stretchable material.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the heat pack for the pillow,
the support pillow, and the blanket may comprise an air-activated,
disposable heat pack. The heat pack may be comprised of one or more
of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, water, and
vermiculite to generate heat via an oxidation reaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are
best understood from the following detailed description when read
in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific
instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the
following Figures:
[0015] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a
U-shaped travel neck pillow, according to embodiments provided
herein;
[0016] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a
travel pillow, according to embodiments provided herein; and
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a
travel-sized blanket, according to various embodiments provided
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the
incorporation of heat packs into various travel and comfort items,
such as pillows, blankets, and the like. By placing a heat pack
into a designated pocket or pouch within the item, a user is
provided with soothing, targeted, and controlled heat in a
consistent, convenient, and comfortable application.
[0019] Heat packs, also known as body warmers, heat pads, warmers,
heating pads, heating packs, hand warmers, foot warmers, toe
warmers, pack heat, oxygen-activated heat packs, and/or
air-activated chemical warming devices, are known to aid users in
keeping parts of the body warm in cold weather environments as well
as in heat therapy applications. Depending upon the chemical
composition of the heat pack, a sustained, controlled heat can be
generated for a period of up to 18 hours at a maximum temperature
of 131-170 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, a heat pack may
be disposable. In some embodiments, a heat pack may be safe for air
travel. This feature allows embodiments of the present invention to
meet recent increased security measures for air travel, for
example.
[0020] In one embodiment, the disposable heat pack may comprise a
soft, lightweight, air-permeable pouch. In one embodiment, one side
of the heat pack is air-permeable to more efficiently provide and
optimally direct the targeted heat to a user.
[0021] The contents of the heat pack may include, but are not
limited to, a mixture of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon,
salt, and water. Other ingredients may include cellulose and
vermiculite. A summary of exemplary ingredients and their role in
the chemical reaction is provided below:
[0022] Iron Powder--Iron is an active ingredient in the heat pack.
When the iron combines with oxygen and the other ingredients in the
pack, it starts to rust at an accelerated rate. The rusting process
is what gives off the heat that warms the heat pack.
[0023] Sawdust--Sawdust is used to retain and release moisture in
the heat pack, which in turns aids in the dispersion of the heat
from the oxidation reaction.
[0024] Activated Carbon--Activated carbon may be added to heat
packs because it helps absorb the oxygen. It also prevents external
odors because unpleasant smelling chemicals released during the
oxidation process stick to it.
[0025] Water--Water adds to the reaction within the heat pack as it
helps disperse the created heat.
[0026] Salt--Salt may be used to accelerate the oxidation process,
causing the iron to rust more quickly and generate more heat.
[0027] Optional Ingredients--Vermiculite may be added and used as
an insulator; it helps the heat pack retain its heat. Vermiculite
also absorbs excess moisture. Cellulose may be added as a filler.
It holds and releases moisture as well.
[0028] In one embodiment, a heat pack uses a specific formulation
of iron powder, water, salt, activated carbon, and vermiculite
filled to a predetermined maximum weight given their size to
provide a quick ramp-up temperature in a comfort temperature zone
(55-63 degrees Celsius), and to also provide maintenance of this
temperature once reached through an elapsed time of eight hours
after initial activation. This composition, based on proportion,
size, weight, and heat pack materials, provides a steady heat once
the temperature is obtained.
[0029] When the heat pack is removed from airtight packaging and
exposed to the air, an exothermic oxidation reaction activates,
generating controlled and sustained heat from the pouch. Once the
iron powder within the heat pack completely oxidizes and the heat
pack cools, the pouch will no longer generate heat. For this
reason, the heat pack is single use and disposable.
[0030] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate incorporation of a heat zone in a
U-shaped travel neck pillow 100, according to embodiments provided
herein.
[0031] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a
heated travel neck pillow 100 comprises a U-shaped pillow having
with two leg portions 110, 112 and a base 114 therebetween, forming
a U-shaped pillow body configured to receive and support a neck of
a user. The heated travel neck pillow 100 also includes one or more
pockets 120 formed on an inner radial portion of the U-shaped
pillow body, where the inner radial portion is a portion at least
partially adjacent to the neck of the user when in use (see
close-up view in FIG. 1D). The one or more pockets 120 are each
configured to contain (via an opening or insert 125) a respective
heat pack 130 for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat
transfer to the user (see FIG. 1E); and the one or more pockets 120
comprise a built-in heat zone on the inner radial surface of the
heated travel neck pillow 100. Features of the pocket 120, the
opening or insert 125, and the heat pack 130 are described in
greater detail below.
[0032] In one embodiment, the pillow 100 comprises a U-shaped
pillow having the built-in heat zone on the inner middle surface
(on the base 114) and the inner side surfaces (on leg portion 110
and/or 112) of the U-shaped pillow.
[0033] In some embodiments (see FIG. 1A), the pillow features a
soft, plush material on three sides and a flexible spandex bottom
so internal micro-beads can shape to and support the neck of a
user. In one embodiment, the material of the heated travel pillow
comprises the following composition: Outer Shell: 94% Polyester, 6%
Spandex; and Filling: 100% Polystyrene Foam Beads.
[0034] In some embodiments (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), the heated travel
neck pillow 100 is comprised of a supportive memory foam core and a
soft, plush material on all sides (i.e., a heated travel memory
foam neck pillow). In one embodiment, the material of the heated
travel memory foam pillow comprises the following composition:
Outer Shell: 99% Polyester, 1% Spandex; and Filling: 100%
Polyurethane Foam.
[0035] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate incorporation of a heat zone in a
travel pillow, according to embodiments provided herein.
[0036] In one embodiment, a heated travel pillow 200 is used to
support a user's back, such as a lumbar region of the user's back.
In another embodiment, the heated travel pillow 200 is used to
support a user's neck. In other embodiments, the heated travel
pillow 200 can be used in other regions desirable for the user,
such as an upper region of the user's back. The heated travel
pillow 200 may feature a soft, velvety plush on three sides and a
flexible spandex bottom, allowing internal micro-beads to shape to
the user. The heated travel pillow 200 includes one or more pockets
220 formed on a contact portion 210 of the pillow 200, where the
contact portion 210 is a portion at least partially adjacent to the
user when in use. The one or more pockets 220 are each configured
to contain (via an opening or insert 225) a respective heat pack
for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat transfer to the
user; and the one or more pockets 220 with the heat pack comprise a
built-in heat zone on the contact portion 210 of the heated travel
pillow 200. Features of the pocket 220, the opening or insert 225,
and the heat pack are described in greater detail below.
[0037] In one embodiment, the material of the heated travel pillow
comprises the following composition: Outer Shell: 94% Polyester, 6%
Spandex; and Filling: 100% Polystyrene Foam Beads.
[0038] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate incorporation of heat zones in a
travel-sized blanket, according to various embodiments provided
herein.
[0039] In one embodiment, a heated travel-sized blanket 300 has one
or more built-in heat zones to keep feet warm. In another
embodiment, the heat zone portions may be used to warm a user's
neck and/or chest. The heat zone may be comprised of one or more
pockets 320a, 320b at a bottom portion of a side 310 of the blanket
300 to correspond with a position of a user's feet, for example
(see FIG. 3A). This allows for the user to place the balls of their
feet on each of the heat zones and then wrap blanket around them to
stay warm.
[0040] In another embodiment, a large foot pouch 325 is provided
with one or more heat zones within the pouch to keep feet warm (see
FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D). In this embodiment, one side of the blanket
may be folded over to create the pouch 325, and separate inner
pockets 320a, 320b are configured to hold the heat packs. One or
more fasteners 330, 335 may be provided to secure the pouch 325,
allowing for the user to insert his or her feet into the pouch 325
near or on the pockets 320a, 32b, and then close the pouch 325.
[0041] In one embodiment, the heated travel blanket is comprised of
98% Polyester, 2% Spandex.
[0042] According to embodiments, the entire item (e.g., heated
travel neck pillow 100, heated travel pillow 200, heated
travel-sized blanket 300) in which the heat pack is incorporated is
not heated. For example, in the case of a heated U-shaped travel
neck pillow (e.g., the heated travel neck pillow 100), a designated
`heat zone` comprises an area that comes into contact with the back
of the user's neck. This `heat zone` may feature a sewn-in, or
otherwise attached (e.g., glued on), pocket or pouch (e.g., pocket
120), which may be fastened at one or more open ends 125 by Velcro,
zipper, spandex, elastic, snaps, buttons, or the like. The user
activates the heat pack 130 by exposing it to air, and then places
it within the pocket 120 on the item. The activated heat pack 130
warms the `heat zone` to provide soothing heat for a sustained
period of time in a targeted area during the user's trip, when
relaxing at home, or whenever used by the user.
[0043] In one embodiment, the pocket (e.g., the pocket 120, 220,
320a, 320b) is comprised of a lightweight material. In one
embodiment, the pocket is a permeable/breathable material. In one
embodiment, the pocket is a flexible material. In another
embodiment, the pocket is a stretchable material. In one
embodiment, the pocket is comprised of a spandex material or the
like that is lightweight, permeable, breathable, flexible, and
stretchable. These properties of the material (e.g., spandex)
provide superior contact with the user, while allowing for an
optimal amount of heat to permeate from the pocket to the user to
optimize warmth. Moreover, an optimal air flow is achieved due to
the permeability of the pocket.
[0044] The geometry of the pocket is such that the heat pack fits
within while having sufficient breathing room and tautness to allow
for maximum permeability. Thus, the material of the pocket and the
geometry of the pocket provide a `heat zone` with a sustained,
targeted, and controlled heat transfer to a specific area of the
user's body.
[0045] In another embodiment, vertical and/or horizontal ribbing
may be provided within the pocket to enhance air flow and in
particular enhance two-way air flow. The ribbing may be provided in
one or more portions of the pocket and on one or both internal
sides of the pocket.
[0046] Use of a flexible and/or stretchable material allows for
ease of insertion of a new heat pack, ease of removal of an
exhausted heat pack, support to keep the activated heat pack in
place to target the generated heat, and transfer the heat generated
to an area on the user's body providing sustained, controlled
warmth. The flexible/stretchable material may be expanded by, for
example, a user's hand to allow for easy insertion of the heat
pack, may return to its original shape or position to help hold the
heat pack in place during use, and then expand again to facilitate
removal of the exhausted heat pack.
[0047] As the heat packs are generally designed to be single use
and disposable, the heat pack is easily removed from the item's
`heat zone` pocket, so a new one can replace an exhausted pack at a
later time, such as the return leg of the user's trip. With this in
mind, for sales considerations, the item may be bundled with two or
more heat packs for the customer to use. Refill packs may also be
merchandised as a separate complementary item.
[0048] In one embodiment, the built-in heat zone comprises a pocket
with a heat pack disposed therein. In one embodiment, the built-in
heat zone comprises one or more pockets with one or more heat packs
disposed within each of the one or more pockets. In another
embodiment, the built-in heat zone comprises a plurality of pockets
with one or more heat packs disposed within each pocket.
[0049] In one embodiment, the heat packs are sized and shaped to
fit within a 3''.times.5'' heat zone (e.g., pocket) without
bunching or folding; in this particular embodiment, the size of the
heat pack is 2.75'' H.times.4.50'' W. In another embodiment, the
heat pack is roughly 2.75'' H.times.3.75'' W, with the pocket
accordingly sized to receive and contain the heat pack. In other
embodiments, if other sized heat packs are utilized, the pocket is
sized with a specific alignment and geometry to the heat pack to
provide for sufficient breathing room and tautness for maximum
permeability.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and
modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the
invention and that such changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover
all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, the application of various
embodiments is not limited to travel items and can also be applied
to any number of items that provide comfort/relaxation in the home,
during travel, and the like.
* * * * *