U.S. patent application number 16/671937 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for mutipurpose cushion system.
The applicant listed for this patent is VELMA TOY HUNG LEE. Invention is credited to VELMA TOY HUNG LEE.
Application Number | 20210127867 16/671937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004482607 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210127867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; VELMA TOY HUNG |
May 6, 2021 |
MUTIPURPOSE CUSHION SYSTEM
Abstract
A multipurpose cushion system that meets multiple needs by
providing at least two distinct cushion designs: a convex shaped
cushion that acts as a closed seat type cushion and a concave
cushion designed as a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion. The
convex outer cushion casing has a circular or regular polygonal
shape that includes a flat front face and a flat back face and a
side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face
and a perimeter edge of the flat back face, the outer cushion has a
closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat
front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face. The two
cushions are nested to provide a synergistic effect in which the
concave cushion acts as fill for a closed convex seat type cushion
and the outer convex cushion casing acts as a cover for a concave
(hippocrepiform shaped) neck cushion. The hippocrepiform neck
cushion shape and dimensions facilitate function as cushion for a
seat cushion while also optimizing neck support.
Inventors: |
LEE; VELMA TOY HUNG;
(POTOMAC, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEE; VELMA TOY HUNG |
POTOMAC |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004482607 |
Appl. No.: |
16/671937 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/1045 20130101;
A47G 9/1081 20130101; A47G 2009/1018 20130101; A47C 7/425 20130101;
A47C 16/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A47C 16/00 20060101 A47C016/00; A47C 7/42 20060101
A47C007/42 |
Claims
1) A multipurpose cushion system comprising: a convex outer cushion
casing have a convex shape that includes a flat front face and a
flat back face and a side wall extending between a perimeter edge
of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face
so the cushion has a substantially uniform thickness, the outer
cushion having a closeable opening removed from both the perimeter
edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back
face; a concave inner cushion configured in a hippocrepiform-shape
and having a substantially uniform rectangular cross section around
the hippocrepiform-shape of the body, the inner cushion comprising
a casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric casing having a
substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front
face and a flat back face with an inner side wall and an outer side
wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and
a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a
substantially uniform thickness, the inner cushion having a
closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat
front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face, and the
inner cushion containing a fill material, the inner cushion
hippocrepiform-shape having a crotch formed by the joining of two
legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely
to hold the inner cushion in position, and the closeable opening
covered, the opening for adding or removing fill material; wherein
the inner cushion is compressible to fit within the outer cushion
casing such that the inner cushion acts as fill for a closed seat
type cushion and the outer cushion casing acts as a cover for a
hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion.
2) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the fill
material for the inner cushion is a hippocrepiform-shaped insert
that has a flat front face, a flat back face and a side wall
extending from the front face to the back wall so that the
hippocrepiform-shaped insert has a substantially uniform
uncompressed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the
inner cushion casing, and the inner cushion casing has a thickness
that is greater than the thickness of the outer cushion casing,
such that the inner cushion is compressed when encased within the
inner cushion casing and the hippocrepiform shaped inner cushion is
compressed when encased within the outer casing.
3) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the flat top
and bottom surfaces of the concave hippocrepiform shaped cushion
align to provide a flat cushion for the flat surfaces of the convex
cushion.
4) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the concave
cushion wraps around a storage space inside the outer cushion
casing to provide a storage space with lateral cushioning.
5) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a
zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided on the outer
sidewall of the outer cushion casing.
6) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a
zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the outer
cushion casing.
7) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a
zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the inner
cushion casing.
8) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a
zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided on one of the
front face and the back face of the outer cushion casing.
9) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the outer
cushion casing cover is formed of a lyrca spandex blend stretchable
fabric.
10) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the outer
cushion casing cover is formed of a clear polymer fabric.
11) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the inner
cushion casing cover is formed of a plush washable fabric.
12) A multipurpose cushion system comprising: a convex outer
cushion casing have a convex ovate shape that includes a flat front
face and a flat back face and a side wall extending between a
perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the
flat back face so the cushion has a substantially uniform
thickness, the outer cushion having a closeable opening to allow
access to the interior of the casing; a concave inner cushion
configured in a hippocrepiform-shape that includes an outer
perimeter that conforms to the shape of the outer cushion casing
and a substantially uniform rectangular cross section around the
hippocrepiform-shape of the body, the inner cushion comprising a
casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric casing having a
substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front
face and a flat back face with an inner side wall and an outer side
wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and
a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a
substantially uniform thickness, the inner cushion having a
closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat
front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face, and the
inner cushion containing a fill material, the inner cushion
hippocrepiform-shape having a crotch formed by the joining of two
legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely
to hold the inner cushion in position, and the closeable opening,
the opening for adding or removing fill material; wherein the inner
cushion is compressible to fit within the outer cushion casing such
that the inner cushion acts as fill for a closed seat type cushion
and the outer cushion casing acts as a cover for a
hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion.
13) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the fill
material for the inner cushion is a hippocrepiform-shaped insert
that has a flat front face, a flat back face and a side wall
extending from the front face to the back wall so that the
hippocrepiform-shaped insert has a substantially uniform
uncompressed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the
inner cushion casing, and the inner cushion casing has a thickness
that is greater than the thickness of the outer cushion casing,
such that the inner cushion is compressed when encased within the
inner cushion casing and the hippocrepiform shaped inner cushion is
compressed when encased within the outer casing.
14) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, further comprising
an elongated positioning strap having a first end secured to the
side wall of the outer cushion casing and a second end detachable
secured to the sidewall of the outer cushion casing.
15) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 14, further comprising
a snap connector having a first snap part secured to the side wall
of the outer casing and a second snap part secured to the second
end of the elongated positioning strap to provide a snap connection
between the second end of the positioning strap and the outer
casing.
16) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 15, wherein the
concave cushion wraps around a storage space inside the outer
cushion casing to provide a storage space with lateral
cushioning.
17) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 16, further comprising
a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the outer
cushion casing.
18) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, further comprising
a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the inner
cushion casing.
19) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the outer
casing is made of leather.
20) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the inner
cushion casing is made of a plush material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A cushion system that meets multiple needs by providing at
least two distinct cushion designs: a convex shaped cushion that
acts as a closed seat type cushion and a concave cushion that
functions as a neck cushion.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pillow. pad or foam type cushions are used to provide
comfortable support users sitting, kneeling, leaning, resting one's
head or supporting one's neck. Outside of the home, portable
cushions are used in various settings including stadium seats,
additional seat or leg supports for those sitting in car or
airplane seats, office chairs, cushions for car drivers and
passenger and neck and back supports for travelers.
[0003] Efforts have been made to optimize cushions for a specific
purpose such as a chair cushion, a stadium seat cushion, a back
support cushion and a head or neck support cushion. Conventional
detachable seat cushions are seldom easily portable. U.S. Pat. No.
4,843,662 describes a two person seat case. The need for a headrest
for supporting the head of a user while the user is seated in a
high-backed seat and is in a relaxed, dozy or even sleeping
condition has been addressed by, for example, u-shaped neck support
pillows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,264, discloses a horseshoe-shaped
pillow support having spaced-apart legs projecting forwardly from a
horseshoe return, the pillow support being inflatable by air. Other
u-shaped neck support pillows are known with foam, gel beads or
another fill.
SUMMARY
[0004] A multipurpose cushion system that meets various needs.
Embodiments of the invention include various advantageous features.
The system includes at least two distinct cushion designs: a convex
shaped cushion that acts as a closed seat type cushion and a
concave cushion designed as a hippocrepiform-shaped neck
cushion.
[0005] The two cushions are nested to provide a synergistic effect
in which the concave cushion acts as fill for a closed convex seat
type cushion and the outer convex cushion casing acts as a cover
for a concave (hippocrepiform shaped) neck cushion.
[0006] The shape of the inner cushion is particularly important. A
hippocrepiform form (sometimes referred colloquially as horseshoe
shape) differs from a straight u-shape in that the legs are curved
inward. In an embodiment of the invention, it has been found that
advantages result from a hippocrepiform shape in which the space
when the surfaces of the legs nearest to one another (near the end
of the legs) is less than one-half the maximum spacing. In
addition, the thickness of the cushion is preferably less than that
maximum spacing between the legs and more than the minimum spacing
between the legs. These dimensional relationships and the generally
flat side walls provide firm but comfortable neck support. The
hippocrepiform shaped cushion offers advantages over a straight
U-shape form in that the shape provides better neck support and
also facilitates storing the inner cushion in the outer cushion
case in a way that aligns the flat top and bottom surfaces of the
inner cushion to support the flat top and bottom surfaces of the
outer cushion casing.
[0007] The flat top and bottom surfaces of the concave cushion
align to provide a flat cushion for the flat surfaces of the convex
cushion. The concave cushion may also wrap around a storage space
to provide a storage space with lateral cushioning. Additional
cushions may be nested within the system such as foot cushions
nested within the arms of the hippocrepiform shaped neck
pillow.
[0008] More specifically, the multipurpose cushion system includes
a convex outer cushion casing having a convex (e.g., circular,
ovate, or regular polygonal shape) that includes a flat front face
and a flat back face and a side wall extending between a perimeter
edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back
face. The outer cushion has a closeable opening removed from both
the perimeter edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of
the flat back face.
[0009] The system further includes a concave inner cushion
configured in a hippocrepiform-shape (or horseshoe shape) and
having a substantially uniform rectangular cross section around the
hippocrepiform-shape of the body, the inner cushion comprising a
casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric member having a
substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front
face and a flat back face with an inner side wall and an outer side
wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and
a perimeter edge of the flat back face, the inner cushion having a
closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat
front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face, and the
inner cushion containing a fill material, the inner cushion
hippocrepiform-shape having a crotch formed by the joining of two
legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely
to hold the inner cushion in position, and the closeable opening
covered by a fly, the opening for adding or removing fill
material.
[0010] The inner cushion insert has an uncompressed thickness that
is greater than the thickness of the inner cushion casing and the
inner cushion casing has a thickness that is greater than the
thickness of the outer cushion casing. Moreover, the lateral
dimensions of the inner cushion are equal to or greater than the
outer cushion casing, which is made of stretch material--such as
lycra--that stretches to cover the inner cushion. Thus, the inner
cushion insert is compressible to fit within the inner cushion
casing such that the inner cushion acts as fill for a
hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion and the encased inner cushion is
compressible to fit within the outer cushion casing so as to
function as fill for a closed seat type cushion and the outer
cushion casing acts as a cover for a hippocrepiform-shaped neck
cushion.
[0011] A positioning strap is provided at the top of the cushion to
allow the cushion to be detachably secured to a fixture (such as a
head rest, luggage handle) so that the cushion is held in position.
In an embodiment. Because the length between the strap snap and the
attachment point is longer than the distance between the case shape
and the attachment point a loop is formed when the strap snap is
snapped onto the case snap. This loop allows the strap to be
secured to a fixture such as a head rest of luggage handle to hold
the cushion in position. Various snaps may be used and the snaps be
magnetic to facilitate attachment.
[0012] The snap attachment may be a grommet snap fastener in the
form of a pair of interlocking discs (metal or plastic) secured to
the strap and case respectively. A circular lip under one-disc fits
into a groove on the top of the other, holding them fast until a
certain amount of force is applied. Different types of snaps can be
used--an S-type snap has springs in the socket part. Two springs
open to allow the snap to fit in or ring-type springs that open to
allow the snap to fit in. The ring type snap has a stronger action
than that of the S-Spring Snap.
[0013] The provision of the outer case provides additional function
as a circular or egg shaped (ovate) cushion. The case also keeps
the inner cushion clean when in public and passing through security
checkpoints and other others where the cushion might otherwise
contact strangers or unclean surfaces Providing an ovate (egg)
shaped outer case that conforms closely to the shape of the inner
cushion ensures that the inner cushion is not overly compressed
such that a cushioned open space is preserved within the outer
case. This open void in the outer cushion may serve various
purposes. To begin with, for some people a doughnut-shaped pillow
is used to bring some temporary relief from discomfort associated
with hemorrhoids or similar conditions. The "doughnut shape" offers
relief who suffer from inflamed hemorrhoids by relieving pressure
on the swollen tissues. Because of their shape, there is no cushion
to press against the affected tissues. Because doughnut pillows do
not properly support the area, some specialists contend that a
doughnut shaped pillow cannot provide adequate support. With the
void covered, however, a hybrid support--a light support in the
center of the cushion may be superior to an open void. In addition,
the cushioned void provides a convenient cushioned storage space
for valuables. To provide easy access to the storage space, a
zipper (or other sealable closure) may be provided on one planar
face of the outer casing to allow direct access to the cushion
void. This closure may be in addition to or in lieu of the zipper
provided on the outer side wall. Thus, in the egg-shaped
embodiment, the centrally located open space can be used for
storage and provide a more comfortable to a user having irritation
in the seat area.
[0014] Piping trim may be used at the seams between the side edges
and the top and bottom sides of the cushions. Piping is a trim or
embellishment that is typically cut on the bias and folded to
create a pipe, which is inserted into a seam. The addition of
piping helps maintain a flat top and bottom surface of the cushion.
When the outer cushion is used for a face pillow, the piping could
create discomfort and a seam without piping may be preferable.
[0015] The multipurpose cushion system provides a wide variety of
options for the user. The cushion may be used to support the neck
(inner cushion), seat/bottom (outer cushion), back (outer cushion),
leg (outer cushion), arm (inner or outer cushion), head (outer
cushion). Such an adaptable multipurpose cushioning system is
useful in various environments such as car, train, office and
especially in an airplane or similar environment where a user may
find themselves in a variety of tight spaces. A single cushion
configuration is not optimal for the many types of cushion a user
might desire when confined in a tight space such as the window,
middle or aisle seat of an airplane. The multipurpose system is
adaptable to the unique needs of individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convex outer cushion
casing filled with the compressed inner cushion.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the outer cushion casing filled
with the compressed inner cushion.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the outer cushion casing filled with
the compressed inner cushion.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the outer cushion casing
unzipped to reveal a portion of the inner cushion that acts as
fill.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the positioning
strap positioning the outer cushion on a seat back.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a cross section along the lines indicated in FIG.
8B.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion uncompressed.
[0026] FIG. 9A is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion compressed into an oblong cushion.
[0027] FIG. 9B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion compressed into an L-shaped elongated cushion.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion compressed into a coil.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion compressed to provide a storage space.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
foam cushion insert uncompressed.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert uncompressed.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective side view of the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert uncompressed.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an ovate (egg shaped) convex
outer cushion casing that conforms to the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion filled with the compressed
inner cushion.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an the ovate (egg shaped)
convex outer cushion casing that conforms to the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion filled with the compressed
inner cushion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. As
shown, the multipurpose cushion system includes a concave
hippocrepiform-shaped compressible foam cushion insert the is
encased within a concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing
that, in one embodiment, is slightly smaller than the foam cushion
insert so that the foam cushion insert is compressed and fills the
concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing. The filled
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing may be encased within a
convex outer casing that is less thick than the
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing so that the
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion acts as compressed fill for a
convex shaped cushion
[0036] FIGS. 1-3 show various views of the convex outer cushion
casing filled with the compressed inner cushion. The convex outer
cushion casing 100 has a convex (e.g., circular or regular
polygonal shape) that includes a flat front face 110 and a flat
back face 120 and a side wall 130 extending between a perimeter
edge 133 of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat
back face 134. The outer cushion has a zippered closeable opening
140 removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face 133
and the perimeter edge of the flat back face 134. A strap 150 is
provided to facilitate carrying and storage of the cushion 100. The
strap 150 has one end affixed to the sidewall 130 of the casing and
an opposed end detachably connected to the casing by a snap
connection. FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the
positioning strap 150 positioning the outer cushion on a seat
back.
[0037] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the outer cushion casing
100 unzipped to reveal a portion of the inner cushion 200 that acts
as fill. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200 may be compressed into a
coil or compressed to provide a storage space 170 with lateral
cushioning within the outer casing 100.
[0038] FIGS. 5-8A show various views of a concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200. As shown, the inner
cushion 200 is configured in a hippocrepiform-shape that has a
substantially uniform rectangular cross section (FIG. 8A) between
the rounded tips of the hippocrepiform-shape of the body. The inner
cushion includes a casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric
member 200F having a substantially rectangular cross section to
provide a flat front face 210 and a flat back face 220 with an
inner side wall 2301 and an outer side wall 2300 extending from the
rounded tips of legs between a perimeter edge 233 of the flat front
face and a perimeter edge 234 of the flat back face. The inner
cushion 200 has a zippered closeable opening 240 removed from both
the perimeter edge 233 of the flat front face and the perimeter
edge 234 of the flat back face. The inner cushion 200 containing a
fill material, which in the embodiment shown is a concave
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert 300 that when
uncompressed has a thickness dimension greater than that of the
inner cushion so that the insert is compressed when encased within
the inner cushion 200. The hippocrepiform-shape of the inner
cushion 200 has a crotch formed by the joining of two legs,
configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely to
hold the inner cushion in position, and the zippered closeable
opening for adding or removing fill material.
[0039] The inner cushion casing 200 may be formed of a plush
washable material. To facilitate use as a neck pillow, straps 250a
and 250b may be provided at the ends of the opposed legs of the
inner cushion casing 200. Snaps, Velcro or some other connectors
are provided to connect the straps 250a, 250b to secure the neck
pillow around a user's neck.
[0040] In addition to use as a neck cushion, the inner cushion 200
may be compressed into various shapes to meet the wide variety of
cushioning needs one might experience while traveling. FIG. 9A is a
top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion
compressed into an oblong cushion for supporting a leg or seat, for
example. FIG. 9B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped
inner cushion compressed into an L-shaped elongated cushion to
support and arm or leg, for example.
[0041] As noted above, FIG. 10 shows the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200 compressed into a coil.
FIG. 11 shows the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion
compressed to provide a storage space 170 when encased within the
outer casing. Importantly, in both the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and
11, the flat top surface 210 and flat bottom surface 220 are
aligned along a plane to provide a flat cushion support for the
flat top surface 110 and flat bottom surface 120 of the outer
cushion casing. The storage space 170 is protected laterally by the
cushion 200 and also by the outer casing 100. A zippered opening
may be provided on the face of the cushions as shown, for example,
in FIGS. 15 and 16. A storage pocket may be attached to the inside
of the outer casing 200 to provide secure cushioned storage within
the outer casing 200.
[0042] FIGS. 12-14 show various views of the concave
hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert 300 uncompressed. The
cushion insert 300 has a flat top surface 310, flat bottom surface
320 and sidewalls extending between the top and bottom surfaces to
provide a substantially rectangular cross section.
[0043] Various fabrics and fill material may be used. A stretch
lyrca-spandex blend is advantageous for the outer casing to allow
limited stretching to facilitate insertion of the inner cushion.
Alternatively, a clear polymer material may be used to permit the
cushion to be used in venues, such as stadiums, that restrict
opaque containers. The inner cushion is ideal as a neck support
pillow. A washable plush fabric may be most comfortable for this
purpose. A polyurethane or memory foam insert may be used as the
insert for the inner cushion. The insert may be one piece or two
more pieces that themselves act as cushions such as foot cushions,
for example.
[0044] As described, the multipurpose cushion system meets various
needs by providing at least two distinct cushion designs: a convex
shaped cushion that acts as a closed seat type cushion and a
concave cushion designed as a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion.
The two cushions are nested to provide a synergistic effect in
which the concave cushion acts as fill for a closed convex seat
type cushion and the outer convex cushion casing acts as a cover
for a concave (hippocrepiform shaped) neck cushion.
[0045] The shape of the inner cushion is particularly important. A
hippocrepiform form differs from a straight u-shape in that the
legs are curved inward. In an embodiment of the invention, it has
been found that advantages result from a hippocrepiform shape in
which the legs curve inward so that the distance/space (Smin) when
the surfaces of the legs nearest to one another (near the end of
the legs) is less than one-half the maximum spacing (Smax). In
addition, the thickness T200 of the inner cushion 200 is preferably
less than that maximum spacing Smax between the legs and more than
the minimum spacing Smin between the legs. These dimensional
relationships and the generally flat side walls provide firm but
comfortable neck support when the inner cushion is used as a neck
pillow. The hippocrepiform shaped cushion offers advantages over a
straight U-shape form in that the shape provides better neck
support and also facilitates storing the inner cushion in the outer
cushion case in a way that aligns the flat top and bottom surfaces
of the inner cushion to support the flat top and bottom surfaces of
the outer cushion casing.
[0046] The inner cushion has an uncompressed thickness T300 that is
greater than the thickness T200 of the inner cushion casing and the
inner cushion casing has a thickness T200 that is greater than the
thickness T100 of the outer cushion casing. By virtue of this
dimensional relationship, the inner cushion 300 is compressed when
encased within the inner cushion casing 200 and the hippocrepiform
shaped inner cushion 200 is compressed when encased within the
outer casing 100. The flat top 210 and bottom 220 surfaces of the
concave hippocrepiform shaped cushion 200 align to provide a flat
cushion for the flat surfaces 110, 120 of the convex cushion. The
concave cushion may also wrap around a storage space 170 to provide
a storage space with lateral cushioning. Additional cushions may be
nested within the system such as foot cushions nested within the
arms of the hippocrepiform shaped neck pillow.
[0047] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternative outer casing design. In
this embodiment, the outer casing 100V has an ovate (egg shape)
that conforms to the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion
200 filled with the compressed inner cushion 300. If desired the
thickness of the outer casing may, as in the previous embodiments,
have a thickness that is less than the thickness T200 of the inner
cushion casing, but this is not necessary. When the thickness of
the outer casing conforms to, or is slightly greater than, the
uncompressed thickness T200 of the inner cushion casing the inner
cushion is snugly contained and the space between the legs of the
cushion 200 is not compressed. In this way, the space available as
a cushioned storage space 170 is maximized when the inner cushion
casing is encased within the outer cushion casing. In addition, the
peripheral support combined with the covered void may be more
comfortable for some users as explained above. In addition to or in
lieu of the zippered closeable opening 140 provided along the side
edge at a location removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat
front face 133 and the perimeter edge of the flat back face 134. A
closeable opening may be provided on one of the flat front face 133
and the flat back face 134 to allow direct access to the cushioned
storage space provided by the opposed legs of the encased inner
cushion. When the closeable opening is provided on a flat face of
the inner cushion casing, the inner cushion may be inserted into
the casing through that opening and the closure on the side edge
may be omitted, if desired.
[0048] A positioning strap 150 is provided at the top of the
cushion to allow the cushion to be detachably secured to a fixture
(such as a head rest (e.g., FIG. 4B), luggage handle) so that the
cushion is held in position. In an embodiment. The strap 150 is
about an inch wide and sewn or otherwise non-detachably secured to
the outer case at an attachment point. The opposed end of the strap
has a strap snap piece attached (as by grommet) that snaps together
with a mating case snap piece attached (as by grommet) to the outer
case at a location spaced from the attached end of the strap that
is about 2.25 inches less than the length of the strap from the
attachment point to the strap snap piece on the strap. Because the
length between the strap snap and the attachment point is longer
than the distance between the case shape and the attachment point a
loop is formed when the strap snap is snapped onto the case snap.
This loop allows the strap to be secured to a fixture such as a
head rest of luggage handle to hold the cushion in position. The
snaps may be magnetic to facilitate attachment.
[0049] The snap attachment may be a grommet snap fastener in the
form of a pair of interlocking discs (metal or plastic) secured to
the strap and case respectively. A circular lip under one-disc fits
into a groove on the top of the other, holding them fast until a
certain amount of force is applied. Different types of snaps can be
used--an S-type snap has springs in the socket part. Two springs
open to allow the snap to fit in or ring-type springs that open to
allow the snap to fit in. The ring type snap has a stronger action
than that of the S-Spring Snap.
[0050] Though the outer cushion casing is described as part of a
multipurpose cushion system, the casing can be used to encase other
forms of inner cushions including other forms of neck pillows.
Features, such as the storage access closure (zipper) and
positioning strap, described herein in the context of the
multipurpose cushion system may be used for a separate casing for
other neck pillows and inner cushions. The outer casing could also
be used to store a travel blanket or other soft material in
addition to or in lieu of an inner cushion. The firmness of the
outer cushion can be adjusted be changing or addition to the
material encased. The outer casing provides an important function
in preserving the inner cushion in a sanitized state when traveling
in environments where the cushion might get dirty or
unsanitary.
[0051] A wide variety of fabric, leather and synthetic materials
may be used for the outer and inner cushions with each offering
advantages and limitations. Leather provides durability and
strength. PU leather is an artificial leather material made with
split leather (that's the fibrous part of the hide left over from
making genuine leather) which has been coated with polyurethane
(hence the name "PU"). Velour and similar plush materials provide
comfortable and are available in stretch and non-stretch blends.
Nylons such as nylon packcloth, ripstop nylon (lightweight and
resistant to tearing), ballistic nylon (thick and durable). Others
include Cordura (water resistant and abrasion and puncture
resistant), denim, neoprene Polyutherane (PU) Synthetic leather.
For the outer casing in particular, washability can be an important
factor in material choice.
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