US20180132621A1

US20180132621A1 - Portable cushioned support

Info

Publication number: US20180132621A1
Application number: US15/871,788
Authority: US
Inventors: David Scrimshaw; Rosslyn Ruwhiu
Original assignee: Hairy Turtle Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hairy Turtle Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-09
Filing date: 2018-01-15
Publication date: 2018-05-17

Abstract

A support comprising a first pillow having a first pillow body comprising a first arm and a second arm, a second pillow comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first joint, and the second and forth arms being attached to a second joint wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the joints and optionally the joints are extendable to allow the relative angle and separation of the pillows to be varied. The support provides a user with myriad options for positioning the pillows and supporting their upper body, particularly during long periods of sitting upright, such as during travel in an aircraft or bus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/479,148, entitled “PORTABLE CUSHIONED SUPPORT,” filed Apr. 4, 2017. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/479,148 is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/AU2016/000194, filed Jun. 7, 2016. International Application No. PCT/AU2016/000194 claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2015902144, filed Jun. 9, 2015. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pillows or cushions.
In one form, the invention relates to a portable cushion for supporting a user's head, neck, shoulders or upper body to enable comfortable resting or sleeping when the user is sitting in an upright or forward position.
It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the present invention in relation to a seated user who is travelling by air, road, or rail, however, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. The present invention also has a wide range of applications wherein the user is stationary. By way of example the present invention could be used in a medical application where a patient is required to sit still in a relatively forward upright position while a procedure is being carried out, or because they have a condition that makes lying down inadvisable.
It will be further convenient to hereinafter describe the present invention as a support considering that such support is cushioned or configured to provide comfortable surfaces to engage with the travellers head or other part of their body. The support is portable however it may also be removably attachable to a further supporting non-portable device or structure such as a seat.

BACKGROUND ART

It is to be appreciated that any discussion or documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realization of the inventor or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.
Many travellers are required to sit upright for long periods of time. Due to seating arrangements and space constraints they are unable to lay horizontal or near horizontal to facilitate comfortable sleeping. Often this results in tiredness, pain and discomfort with a negative effect on the traveller's health and wellbeing.
Similarly, the nature and environment of travel provides vibration, bumps, noise and other interruptions to rest or sleep that are not usually experienced in a resting or sleeping environment. In an effort to gain extra comfort, travellers typically use U shaped pillows or adjustable flaps built into an airline seat to support the head from falling left, right or to the rear. However these devices rely on the head and body to be oriented rearward, resting on the seat back, and they do not stop the head from falling forwards.
In an attempt to find a comfortable position when seated, an airline traveller may try leaning forward and bracing their head in their hands. This is not sustainable as the arms relax as the traveller falls asleep and the brace collapses. Similarly a traveller may rest their head on a stack of pillows or other makeshift support items on an outwardly folded tray table, however this position may not be particularly comfortable for a sustainable period. Some devices, such as the device described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0167571, provide a support that rests upon a tray table extending from the back of an airline seat so that a traveller may sit in a relatively forward upright position. However these types of devices are often unsuitable in confined spaces, such as the economy section of an aircraft, because they are large in volume and cumbersome. Furthermore, devices of the prior art that require support from the tray table fixed to the seat of a passenger in front typically move if the passenger in front moves. This tends to disturb the traveller using the support.
Sustaining a seated position for extended periods is not only uncomfortable but can cause neck injuries or soreness to the traveller. In particular, sleep or comfortable rest can be difficult to achieve in aircraft when a traveller is required to sit in a relatively upright position in an environment that is noisy, vibrating and punctuated by disturbances due to aircraft movement and the activities of passengers or crew.
Given the nature of upright and seated travel, travellers may also take sleeping pills or similar. Such drugs may cause drowsiness or other unwanted side effects. In the case of an emergency, such drowsiness or side effects may limit the traveller's ability to react appropriately to avoid injury or life threatening situations.
In addition, travellers often use miscellaneous aids such as headphones, ear plugs, eye masks and other items. Travellers often pack such aids into carry-on baggage that is stored in overhead lockers or under their seat making them inconvenient to access. Furthermore, the aids often become lost, disorganized or are simply inconvenient to carry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that improves sleep or rest in the seated position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for improved sleep or rest for road, rail or air travellers.
It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art.
In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a support comprising: a first pillow comprising a first pillow body having a first arm and a second arm, a second pillow comprising a second pillow body having a third arm and a fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first joint, and the second and fourth arms being attached to a second joint wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the joints.
The first pillow and second pillow may be discretely connected or integral at the joints but must be able to be rotated about the joints by bending (if integral), or by virtue of inclusion of a hinge or other rotatable mechanism. When the first pillow and second pillow are integral the first joint and the second joint may be, for example flex points wherein the degree of rotation around the joints can be adjusted and releasably locked using a locking mechanism.
Typically each of the first pillow and the second pillow has an internal surface and an external surface. The support has a first, fully ‘closed’ position in which the two internal surfaces are pressed together and are in contact over most of their surface area. The support also has a second fully ‘open’ position in which the two internal surfaces, i.e. the bottom of the top pillow and the top of the bottom pillow are not in contact. The support can be changed between the fully open and fully closed positions by rotation about the joints.
In use, at least one of the external surfaces is in contact with the user's body, typically their face, if they are at rest.
In one embodiment of the present invention the first pillow and second pillow are of complementary size and shape. In another embodiment of the present invention the first pillow and the second pillow are of different sizes or shapes. For example, one pillow could be conformed to fit within a recess in the other pillow.
The pillows may be made of any material suitable for bearing the weight of a person at rest, and in some aspects may be subject to the user's personal preference with regard to pillow softness and density. In a particularly preferred embodiment the pillows are made of expanded polymeric foam, such as memory foam, expanded styrene beads or foam pieces. Alternatively the pillows may be inflatable. The pillow may be constructed of any number or combination of materials. For example, the pillows may have relatively soft or low density material encapsulating a higher density material that is configured to give shape and structural support to the pillow. In some examples, at least one higher density material forms all or part of an internal frame.
The pillows may be filled with the same or different materials in the same or different densities and have the same or different amounts of surface curvature. For example, in some embodiments, the surface of one pillow may curve more than the other pillow, or they may have complementary curvature. In one aspect, the lower pillow may be contoured such that when the support is closed, the two pillows are flush with each other, such that the top of the lower pillow fits into contours in the bottom of the upper pillow. In other embodiments, the pillows may be mirror images of each other. In an additional embodiment, the top of the bottom pillow and the bottom of the top pillow may be planar. In further embodiments, the top surface of the first pillow may be more curved than the bottom surface of the bottom pillow. In another aspect, the top surface of the upper pillow and the bottom surface of the bottom or second pillow may have regular or variable amounts of contouring to support various aspects of the body. For example, the upper surface of the top pillow may be shaped to fit the planes of the face, providing raised areas or lowered areas following the standard outline of a face. In other aspects, the bottom surface of the first pillow and the top surface of the bottom pillow may be shaped to better support arms placed between the pillows. The top and bottom surfaces of a pillow may have the same amount of curvature, have different amounts of curvature, be mirror images of one another, have different or opposite amounts of concavity, i.e. one may be convex while the other is concave, have complementary or contrasting amounts of curvature, i.e. one may be planar while the other is more curved, or any combination thereof.
One or both pillows may comprise a rigid structural support located internally or externally to the pillows. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rigid structural support is internal to one or both pillows and is generally U-shaped with each end located adjacent one of the joints.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the first pillow and the second pillow are U-shaped but the pillow shapes may vary for purposes such as styling, additional comfort, or for better spreading of any load imparted to the pillows by the weight of a user.
In the second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a support comprising: a first pillow comprising a U-shaped pillow body having a first arm and a second arm, a second pillow comprising a U-shaped pillow body having a third arm and a fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first joint, and the second and forth arms being attached to a second joint, wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the joints and configured to receive the front of user's neck between the first and second arms and the user's head can rest in a forward position on the first pillow body.
In this manner the user can rest their head in a forward position, the pillow comfortably resting the weight of the user's head without them being required to provide assistance with their arms, hands or any other part of their person.
The support can be adjusted to support the travellers head as it tilts to the left, right, rear or forward position or any position in between.

Pillows

The shape and configuration of the support can provide clear space for the traveller to breathe when head rests on the first pillow, their face being located in the U-shaped void defined by the pillows leaving the user's nose and mouth unobstructed.
As such, the support of the present invention has multiple modes of use some of which are described and depicted herein. These modes are possible by virtue of the support enabling a user to better use the space available in and around their seat in order to find their most optimum comfort position. Travel pillows of the prior art do not offer as many different options.

Harness

In another preferred embodiment, the support includes a harness. Typically the harness is in the form of a strap of adjustable length having ends adapted for removable attachment to the support. For example the adjustable strap may be attached by buckles or Velcro adjacent the joints.
It will be readily apparent to the relevantly skilled person that it would be optimum to have a seat configured for ready attachment to the pillows or the harness.
The harness may be used in several ways. For example, the harness may be used to retain the support around the user's seat back or neck so that it does not fall when the weight of the travellers head is lifted from the support. Alternatively, the harness may be used as a shoulder or neck strap for carrying the support when not in use and leaving the user's hands free for carrying luggage and for other tasks.

Joints—Rotation

The first joint and second joint may be integral with one or both pillows. Alternatively the joints may be removably attached to one or both pillows.
Preferably the joints are configured to allow the angle between the first pillow and second pillow to be adjusted and then releasably locked in a desired position. For example, the support may include a releasable locking mechanism so that the degree of rotation of the first pillow and second pillow about the joint can be releasably maintained. The ability to lock the pillows into position is particularly useful for providing support to the user's head and body in a forward upright or rearward upright position when the user is seated.
In one embodiment the joint is rotatably adjusted using a ratchet mechanism or screw thread mechanism. In another embodiment the joint is spring loaded and self locking.

Joints—Extension

In a preferred embodiment each joint is extendable. In a particularly preferred embodiment each joint comprises a hinge with one, two or more extendable leaves. For example, one or two leaves may be in slidable arrangement with a frame that can be extended from the leaf and then retracted relative to the leaf.
Each leaf and any associated frame may, independently, be embedded within a pillow, or adjacent an external surface of a pillow. Preferably the frame, or frame in combination with the leaf, is capable of providing structural strength to the support and is capable of bearing some of the load imparted on the pillows.
Preferably the joints are configured to allow the extension or retraction of the joint to be adjusted and then releasably locked in a desired position. For example the support may include a releasable spring loaded locking mechanism.
Thus in a third aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a support comprising: a first pillow comprising generally U-shaped body portion having a first arm and a second arm, a second pillow comprising a generally U-shaped body portion having a third arm and a fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first joint, and the second and forth arms being attached to a second joint, wherein the first joint and the second joint are extendable.
The extendable leaves allow the pillows to be moved apart, varying the distance between them at least in the vicinity of the joints. Thus the user has the ability to (i) vary the degree of rotation of the pillows around the joints, and (ii) vary the separation between the pillows in the vicinity of the joints. This provides a user with myriad options for positioning the pillows and supporting their upper body.

Storage

In another preferred embodiment the support is adapted to provide storage for example for the harness or a removable joint. For example a storage area may be provided as a recess in one or both pillows. The recess may be formed of or lined with a material that holds its contents in place, or may be formed of or covered with the same or a different material as the material covering the support, with a closure mechanism allowing the recess to be opened and shut as desired. In some aspects, the recess is of an appropriate size to permit the placement of objects in the recess without interfering in the closing of the support such the first pillow and the second pillow are substantially flush with one another. For example, the recess may be sufficient to allow the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the second pillow to be pressed together and in contact over most of their surface area without interference from the items in the recess. In one aspect, the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the second pillow may be contoured to accommodate the presence of objects in the recess without interfering with the closing of the support and/or the contact between the first and second pillow. In other embodiments, the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the second pillow may be substantially planar with the recess of sufficient depth to allow for the insertion of items without disrupting the closure of the device.
Alternatively the storage recess may be in the form of a pocket or other receptacle that is integral, or removably attached to the support. The storage recess typically includes a suitable closure such as a zipper or flap secured by Velcro. In some aspects, the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the second pillow may be contoured to allow for the presence of objects in the storage recess and still permit the support to fully close.

Modes of Use

There are multiple modes of use of the support of the present invention which will be apparent from the description and drawings herein.
In a fourth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of using a support, the support comprising: a generally U-shaped first pillow having a first arm and a second arm extending from a first pillow body, a generally U-shaped second pillow having a third arm and a fourth arm extending from a second pillow body, the first and third arms being attached to an extendable first joint, and the second and forth arms being attached to an extendable second joint, wherein the method comprises the steps of: rotating the first and second pillows about the joints, optionally extending the first and second joints, locating the front of user's neck between the first arm and second arm so that a user's head can rest in a forward position on the first pillow body, and locating the second pillow on a surface to support the weight of the user's head.
The weight of the user's head resting in a forward position on the first pillow body can thus be dispersed to the second pillow and then onto the surface on which it rests, such as the user's shoulder, user's torso, horizontal surface such as a table top or chair arm, vertical surface such as a wall.
The method of use may further comprise the step of connecting a harness between the support and the user, or structure for bearing part of the load.
Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.
In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a travel pillow can be configured to better support the weight of a user's head when they are confined in an upright sitting position for extended periods of time. The configuration of the travel pillow can be angled or extended to provide more options for the user to comfortably orient themselves in a forward sitting position within a limited space such as an airline seat.
Advantages provided by the support of the present invention comprises the following: ability to support the head, neck and first body in a relatively forward position when sitting; can be used in a multitude of travel applications in aircraft, trains, buses, cars, boats, in addition to other non-travel related applications such as sitting at an office desk, or during medical procedures where patients are required to have their body upright, or any other situation requiring an upright sitting position; is portable and can remain comfortably placed around the neck while a user is walking, such as between transit services, thus providing free hands to carry other items; may be attached to a secondary non-portable device or structure to provide additional support to the user; provides an additional and improved level of comfort and increases the user's likelihood of gaining sleep when compared to devices of the prior art designed for this said purpose; allows a user to make the best use possible of the space around them, even very confined space, by enabling them to bend forward, or to either side; may be worn by the traveler and therefore not considered to be carry-on or check-in luggage; provides all the advantages of a conventional U shape pillow of the prior art; can be used to carry, organize and store various accessory & travel related items.
Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in side view in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the invention of FIG. 1 in side view in an open position with and without a recess in the first pillow.

FIG. 4 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view in an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in a 90 degree open position.

FIG. 6 illustrates the invention as depicted in FIG. 1 in front view with the joint in an open position and shows a storage compartment with a closed retaining flap.

FIG. 7 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in a closed position located around the neck of the seated traveller.

FIG. 8 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in an open and angled position adjusted to support the head, neck and first body of a forward leaning, seated traveller and having an adjustable strap located around the traveller's neck.

FIG. 9 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view with the traveller's nose and mouth exposed to enable unrestricted breathing.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sixth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a joint suitable for use in the support of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows the joint of FIG. 16 in greater detail.

FIG. 18 illustrates an internal frame for the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 19 illustrates an underside view of an embodiment of a support.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top down view of the embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 21A and B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 in a closed position with and without a storage recess for miscellaneous items.

FIG. 22 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 19 in an open position.

FIG. 23 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 19 in an extended open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a portable support for a user's head and neck which can be used in multiple modes.
In a particularly preferred mode, the user's head and neck are supported. This first mode of operation is not dissimilar to a conventional travel pillow whereby the traveller positions the support on the shoulders and around the neck.
In another preferred mode, the user's head, neck, shoulders and upper body are supported. This second mode of operation enables the user to open the two pillows of the support to an angle which provides a comfortable resting or sleeping position whereby the user's face, head, neck, shoulders and upper body are supported relatively forward of the upright seated position thus providing a comfortable position for sleep or rest.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the support 8 of the present invention suitable for portable use during travel. In this view, the support 8 is in the closed position with the inner surface 1 a & 7 a of each pillow 1 & 7 in abutting relationship. The pillows 1 & 7 are connected by jointed hinges 4 a & 4 b which are tightened and locked by rotating either or both of the knobs 5 a or 5 b. In the closed position, the support 8 is compact and portable and readily stored or carried.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first pillow 1 and second pillow 7 are of the same shape and dimensions though in alternate embodiments, the first pillow 1 and the second pillow 7 may be different sizes. It can readily be seen that each pillow has a body and two arms. The end of each arm terminates at the hinge 4, thus connecting the two pillows 1 & 7. The arms of each pillow join at the point farthest from the pillow to form a U-shape. That is, the first and second arms of the first pillow join to form a U shape at the point farthest from the hinges where they connect to the second pillow and the third and fourth arms of the second pillow join to form a U shape at the point farthest from the hinges where they connect to the first pillow. While the first pillow 1 and the second pillow 7 are shown as having planar inner surfaces and rounded outer surfaces, other shapes may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the top surface of the bottom pillow 7 may be contoured. Such a contoured shape may fit the bottom surface of the top pillow 1, such that when the support 8 is in a closed position, the first pillow 1 and the second pillow 7 are substantially flush. In some aspects, contouring may be such that when viewed from the side as in FIG. 1, the contouring on the bottom of the first pillow and top of the second pillow are is not visible. In other aspects, the contouring may be such that when in a closed position, the bottom of the first pillow 1 and the top of the second pillow 7 are pressed together and are in contact over most of their surface area. Contouring may also be useful, for example, in certain modes of the invention, such as when the arms of the user are placed between the two pillows or for cosmetic purposes.
The top surface of the first pillow 1 and the bottom surface of the second pillow 7 may have the same or different shapes. In some examples, they may both be slightly rounded as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the second pillow 7 may be substantially planar to fit comfortably against the chest. In another aspect, the top or exposed surface of the first pillow may be more rounded or contoured than the bottom surface of the second pillow to provide better support for a face. For example, the top surface of the first pillow 1 may slope towards the center opening of the first pillow. In additional embodiments, the top surface of the first pillow may be thicker or more convex where the arms join, thinning through the curve of the arms and then thickening again as the arms approach the hinges connecting the first and second pillow. For example, the top surface may be convex at the join of the arms at the point furthest from the pillows where the first arm and the second arm come together to form the U shape of the pillow, concave at the midpoint of the arms and then convex at the lower third of the arms approaching the hinges. In an additional embodiment, the top surface of the first pillow may be thicker, or more raised at the point where the first arm joins the second arm and/or the third arm joins the fourth arm, decreasing in thickness as the arms approach the terminal hinges. In a further embodiment, the arms of one or both of the pillows increase in thickness as they approach the hinges. Such thickness may be evenly distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of one or both of the pillows, or may be predominantly on one surface or another. For example, in some embodiments, the upper surface of the first pillow may be thicker as the arms approach the hinge, while the bottom surface of the first pillow is substantially planar or contoured to receive the top surface of the second pillow. Top and bottom surfaces of the two pillows may be independently contoured, planar, both contoured, both planar, or any combination thereof. Further, the shape of each pillow and the shape of the top and bottom surfaces of each pillow may be determined independently of the other pillow, i.e. the first pillow may have a contoured top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface and the second pillow may have a substantially planar top surface and a contoured bottom surface or any combination thereof.
FIG. 2 depicts the support 8 of FIG. 1 from the front. In this view the first pillow 1 can be readily seen, and obscures from view the second pillow 7 which is directly behind. The pillows 1 & 7 in this embodiment are generally U-shaped and define a space 2 for receiving a travellers face, head and neck. The hinges 4 a & 4 b are folded and locked so that in this view the support 8 is maintained in the closed position. Each hinge 4 a & 4 b has two leaves 10 a, 10 b, 10 c & 10 d (10 a & 10 b associated with the first pillow 1; 10 c & 10 d associated with the second pillow 7). Each of knobs 5 a & 5 b can be rotated in a first direction to lock the hinge to which they are respectively attached.
When the knobs 5 a & 5 b are rotated in a counter direction the restriction on their respective hinges 4 a & 4 b is reduced and the angle between the pillows 1 & 7 can be adjusted according to the desired support position of the traveller. In this embodiment the frames 9 a & 9 b can be extended from the leaves 10 a & 10 b of the joint hinges 4 a & 4 b.
The U-shape 3 formed by the pillows 1 & 7 allows the user to position the support 8 on their neck and wear the support 8 as they board or disembark from an aeroplane, train or bus or when they are in transit, as well as providing head and neck support while seated relatively upright.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the support 8 in the open position. In this view the hinges of the joints 4 have been rotated, moving the pillows 1 & 7 to a 180 degree angle of separation at the joints 4 a & 4 b as compared with the closed position shown in FIG. 1. The hinges of the joints 4 a & 4 b have been adjusted by rotating their respective knobs 5 a & 5 b as described with reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 3B is a side view of the support 8 in the open position with a recess 65 in the first pillow 1. The recess or storage space 65 may be used for the storage of any miscellaneous item, however typically it is used for the storage of travel related items, headphones, ear plugs, eye mask, pen, batteries and the like. While the recess 65 is shown as being open to the environment, it may alternatively have a covering with or without a closure mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3B, the presence of such a storage space 65 does not interfere with the closure of the support 8. Thus, when miscellaneous items are stored in the recess or storage space 65, closure of the support 8 will have a profile substantially similar to the profile shown in 1. Alternatively, the bottom surface of pillow 1 and the top surface of pillow 7 may be contoured to accommodate the presence of miscellaneous objects in the recess or storage space 65 without interfering with the closing of the support 8 so that the pillows 1 and 7 are substantially flush with one another in which when the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the bottom pillow are pressed together they are in contact over most of their surface area.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the support 8 as shown in FIG. 3. In this view the hinges of the joints 4 a & 4 b are both visible. Each joint hinge has a leaf 10 a & 10 b, each of which has an extendable frame 9 a & 9 b which in this view is shown adjacent an internal surface of the first pillow 1. The extendable frames 9 a & 9 b are inside the pillow and therefore cannot be seen. In other embodiments of the support however, other arrangements of the hinge leaves and extendable frames may be used, such as having all leaves and frames located inside the pillows, or all located on surfaces of the pillows, or a combination of the two. The buttons 6 a & 6 b are configured to engage with the leaves 10 a & 10 b to actuate extension or locking of the frames 9 a & 9 b. FIG. 4 depicts the frames 9 a & 9 b in the fully retracted position which brings the pillows 1 & 7 together in abutting relationship and the ends of their arms.
FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the support 8 with two pillows 1 & 7 with the joints 4 a & 4 b adjusted with their respective pairs of leaves 10 a & 10 c and 10 b & 10 d at 90 degrees. The frames 9 a & 9 b of leaves 10 a & 10 b have been extended following pressing of the buttons 6 a & 6 b of the actuators, sliding along their respective hinge leaves 10 a & 10 b so that a user can achieve any desired position between full extension or full retraction of the frames 9 a & 9 b.
FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the support 8 with the two pillows 1 & 7 and the pairs of joint leaves 10 a & 10 c and 10 b & 10 d adjusted to a straight angle of 180 degrees. This embodiment depicts the joint leaves 10 c & 10 d located fully inside the second pillow 7 while the leaves 10 & 10 b are exposed with the frames 9 a & 9 b extended. Actuation of the knobs 5 a & 5 b, and buttons 6 a & 6 b may be required to adjust the respective frames 9 a & 9 b and hinges 4 a & 4 b as previously described.
This embodiment of the support further depicts a storage space 11 with a closure 12. The storage space 11 may be used for any miscellaneous item however typically it is used for the storage of travel related items, headphones, ear plugs, eye mask, pen, batteries and the like.
FIG. 7 depicts a side view and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mode of use of the support 8. In the first mode the two pillows 1 & 7 are closed against each other with their inner surfaces (1 b, 7 b) pressed together. The support 8 is located around the neck of the seated user 14 in a position typical of a conventional U shaped travel pillow. The traveller 14 is able to shift their position to rest their head 15 against the support 8 or the seat 19. In this mode the user 14 does not have support for the head 15 if the weight of the head 15 shifts forward away from the seat 19 because the U-shaped opening 3 defined by the pillows 1 & 7 provides no support in that area.
FIG. 11 depicts a second mode of use wherein the support 8 is more open with the joint 4 locked to maintain an acute angle between the two pillows 1 & 7. The user can rotate the support around their neck to the desired position, resting the pillows on the seat. This position provides a significant improvement over a regular U shaped neck pillow. In some aspects, the users head is supported higher up, in a straighter or more elevated position than can be achieved with a standard U shaped neck pillow, transferring the weight away from the neck and distributing the weight to the user's shoulders and providing a larger surface area for support. Such an embodiment, redistributes the weight of the head and alleviates strain on the neck, allowing for a more comfortable resting position. A regular U shaped neck pillow provides a hinge point at the users neck whereas the position of FIG. 11 evenly distributes the weight of the user's head over a larger area, away from the neck, to the shoulders. The seatback and the internal frame of the two pillows combined with the lockable hinges also provides support in this mode.
FIG. 12 depicts a third mode of use in which the two pillows 1 & 7 are opened and the joint 4 is locked to form an acute angle about the joints 4 a & 4 b. The second pillow can be rested on a flat surface such as a bench or tray table extending from the rear of an aeroplane seat. Typically the user will place their forearms between the first and second pillow.
FIG. 8 depicts a fourth mode of operation of the support 8 in a side view. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth mode of operation of the support 8. In this mode the two pillows 1 & 7 are in an open position. In this mode the user has their head 15 against the outer surface la or the first pillow 1 and their chest against the outer surface of the second pillow 7. The weight of the travellers head, neck and upper body is downwardly pressing against the pillow 1 in which the frames 9 a, 9 b may optionally be extended from the joint leaves 10 (not visible) providing a comfortable sleeping or resting position. Extending the frames may be particularly desirable, for example, for very tall users. The weight is also transferred to the user's 14 chest and second body through the frames 9 a, 9 b. In this embodiment an adjustable strap 13 is located around the neck of the user 14 and attached adjacent the joints 4 a, 4 b of the support 8 thus preventing the support 8 from falling downward if the user 14 lifts their head 15 or shifts their body position. The support 8 may also be rested against the seat arm 16 or in further embodiments a secondary frame (not drawn) may extend from the support 8 to provide a further brace which may rest or be affixed to the seat arm 16, seat 9 or any other conveniently located fixed structure.
FIG. 9 depicts a front partial view of the support 8 with the user's face 20 resting against the second pillow 7. In this embodiment, the U-shape 3 defined by the pillows of the support 8 enables the weight of the user's head to be dispersed through the support 8 whilst the space 2 defined by the pillows leaves the face 20 unrestricted so the user can breathe through their nose 17 and mouth 18 leaving the chin 67 supported on the sides but otherwise unobstructed. In this view the support is only partially shown and the second half 21 of the support 8 has been omitted. The support 8 herein is positioned against the user in the same manner as described in FIG. 8 whereby the travellers said weight is dispersed to the traveller's chest and lower body.
FIG. 14 depicts a fifth mode of use of the support 8 wherein the adjustable strap 13 is looped around a seat headrest or otherwise attached to the seat. The ends of the strap are attached adjacent the joints 4 of the support 8, again preventing the support 8 from falling downward if the user 14 lifts their head 15 or shifts their body position. In this mode the user rests their face in the U-shaped recess.
FIG. 15 depicts a sixth mode of use of the support 8, which is similar to the fifth mode, except that the user rests with one cheek on the first pillow.
The fifth and sixth modes allow the user to lean forward in a manner similar to propping their head with their hands. When used in aeroplanes, these modes provide the advantage that the person in front can angle their seat backwards without interfering with use of the support. Furthermore the user does not need to incline their own seat.
In a seventh mode the user loops the adjustable strap around a seat headrest, opens the pillows to form an obtuse angle at the joints and orients the support to their left or right side so the user sleeps upright with their back to the seat but with all their weight leaning sideways.
There are multiple other modes of use of the support of the present invention which will be readily apparent to the user and which will fall within the scope of the present application.
FIG. 16 depicts one embodiment of a joint according to the present invention. In this embodiment the joint can lengthen and shorten the distance between the pillows by virtue of a sliding ratchet mechanism which can be operated manually by pulling the pillows away or pushing the pillows toward each other. The ratchet comprises a tubular configuration of the leaf 10 a which receives the frame 9 a. The frame 9 a has two integral legs sprung outwardly with a dome shaped end (not visible) that engages with the recesses 28 to lock the selected distance position.
Furthermore as depicted in FIG. 17, in some embodiments the joint can be rotated by depressing the knob 23 which is connected to a splined shaft 31 which slides through an orifice 22 (shown in FIG. 16) and pushes the frame 9 a to disengage the pins 29 which slide into any of the multiple recesses 30 located in the frame 9 a. When the knob 23 is released, the spring 24 pushes the frame 9 a toward the pin and as the joint is rotated the pins 29 slide back into the recesses 30 to lock the desired angle of the frames 9 a and 9 b relative to each other and thus setting the angle of the pillows 1 & 7. In some examples, a depressable locking tab 25 may prevent frame 9 a from being separated from leaf 10 a. Depression of the locking tab 25 releases the frame 9 a, guiding the extension or retraction from slot 26 allowing the user to change the distance between the first pillow 1 and a second pillow 7. In some aspects, the depression of the locking tab 25 allows for the first pillow 1 and second pillow 7 to be separated into two individual pieces, such as for cleaning purposes. A similar mechanism may be found on the opposite side, with a corresponding depressable locking tab assisting in the interaction with the frame 9 b and the leaf 10 b.
In one aspect, a support 8 comprises a first pillow 1 and a second pillow 7. Either or both pillows may comprise an internal support structure. While such a support structure may be made of any material generally used, in some embodiments such an internal support structure may be made of a higher density material than the surrounding material of the pillows. In some examples, this internal support structure provides structural support to each of the pillows 1 & 7. Referring to FIG. 18, a first pillow 1 and a second pillow 7 are shown in a closed position as seen in an alternate embodiment in FIG. 2. The first pillow 1, shown in a solid line, has an internal support structure 64, shown in a dash-dot pattern of lines. Such an internal support structure 64 may be in one or both pillows of the support 8. The second pillow 7 is shown by a dashed line as it would not be visible from the front when the support 8 is in the closed position.
In some aspects, each pillow has two arms which terminate at a hinge joint 4 (not shown in FIG. 18), thus connecting the two pillows 1 & 7. As shown in FIG. 18, the support may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid support structure 64. In some aspects the support structure may abut or connect to extendable frame 9 a and 9 b (shown in a combination of long and short dashes). In other aspects, the rigid support structure 64 is part of the extendable frame 9 a and 9 b. In additional embodiments, the extendable frames 9 a and 9 b and the rigid or semi-rigid support structure 64 form one piece that forms a U shape, or otherwise follows the shape of the pillow bodies. The extendable frames and/or the rigid or semi-rigid support structure may be manipulated using buttons or knobs such as those described in reference to FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 19, which depicts an underside view of a support 32 in a closed position, in one example, the support 32 may comprise a first pillow 34 and a second pillow 36. The first pillow 34 may comprise a first arm 40 and a second arm 42 forming a first opening 44 with space for receiving a traveller's face, head and neck. In some aspects, the first pillow 34 and second pillow 36 may be connected by hinges which can be actuated using knobs 56 a and b and/or buttons 54 a & b. In some aspects, the first opening 44 may be U-shaped. In other aspects, the exterior perimeter of the pillows may be U-shaped. The two pillows may be connected at hinges 46 and the positions of the two pillows relative to one another may be manipulated by actuating the knobs 56 a & 56 b, and/or buttons 54 a & 54 b to adjust the respective frames 52 a & 52 b shown in FIG. 22 and as previously described above in reference to knobs 5 a and 5 b and buttons 6 a and 6 b.
FIG. 20 illustrates a top down view of the support 32 of FIG. 19 with only the first pillow 34 showing. As seen in FIG. 19, the first pillow 34 has a first arm 40 and a second arm 42, with the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 joined at the point furthest from joint hinges 46 and 48 to form a U shape. Actuation of the knobs 56 a & 56 b, and/or buttons 54 a & 54 b may be required to adjust the respective frames 52 a & 52 b shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 and hinges 46 & 48 as previously described above in reference to knobs 5 a and 5 b and buttons 6 a and 6 b. The knobs and buttons may be located at any useful location in any suitable configuration. For example, they may be located with both the buttons and the knobs on the exterior edge of the support 32 and/or hinges as shown in FIG. 19, with the buttons near the interior edge of the support 32 and the knobs on the exterior edge of the support and/or hinges as shown in FIG. 20, or with both the buttons and the knobs on the interior edge of the support and/or hinges as shown in FIG. 23, or any combination thereof.
The first pillow 34 and the second pillow 36 may be the same or different sizes. In some aspects, the second pillow 36 is designed to fit in a recess 38 within the first pillow 34. Thus, when viewed from the side in the closed position, all or part of the second pillow 36 is hidden from view as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 21A and 21B. The first pillow 34 and the second pillow 36 may have the same or different perimeter profiles. When in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the support 32 functions as a regular neck pillow and can be worn around the neck for both comfort and transport of the support. In further embodiments, when in the closed position, the support 32 can easily be transported, for example, it may be carried as part of a traveller's carry-on allotment.
As shown in FIG. 21B, in some aspects, one or both of the pillows may have a recess 66 (shown in the first pillow in FIG. 21B). The recess or storage space 66 may be used for the storage of any miscellaneous item however typically it is used for the storage of travel related items, headphones, ear plugs, eye mask, pen, batteries and the like. While the recess 66 is shown as being open to the environment, it may alternatively have a covering with or without a closure mechanism. As shown in FIG. 21B, the presence of such a storage space 66 does not interfere with the closure of the support 32 to the closed position. In some aspects, the bottom surface of pillow 1 and the top surface of pillow 7 may be contoured to accommodate the presence of miscellaneous objects in the recess or storage space 66 without interfering with the closing of the support 32. In some aspects, when closed, the pillows 1 and 2 are substantially flush with one another such that when the bottom of the first pillow and the top of the second pillow are pressed together they are in contact over most of their surface area.
FIG. 22 is an open view of the support 32 with joint hinges 46 and 48. The second pillow 36 has a third arm 58 and a fourth arm 60 forming a second opening 62 with space for receiving a traveller's neck in the modes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In some aspects, the second opening 62 may be U-shaped, with the third arm 58 and the fourth arm 60 joining at the point farthest from joint hinges 46 and 48 to form the U-shape. Each joint hinge 46 or 48 has a leaf 50 a & 50 b (not shown), each of which has an extendable frame 52 a & 52 b respectively, which in this view is shown as dotted lines indicating that the extendable frame is internal to the first pillow 34 and cannot be seen from the outside. The first pillow 34 has a space 44 for receiving a traveller's face in a further mode as depicted in FIG. 14 wherein the first pillow 1 is considered to provide the same function as the first pillow 34 of FIG. 21. In other embodiments of the support, however, other arrangements of the hinge leaves and extendable frames may be used, such as having all leaves and frames located inside the pillows, or all located on surfaces of the pillows, or a combination thereof. FIG. 22 depicts the frames 52 a & 52 b in the fully retracted position which brings the pillows 34 & 36, together in abutting relationship at the ends of their arms.
FIG. 23 depicts a front view of the support 32 with the two pillows 34 & 36 and the joint leaves 50 a & 50 b adjusted to a straight angle of 180 degrees and extended. Actuation of the knobs 56 a & 56 b and/or buttons 54 a & 54 b may be required to adjust the respective frames 52 a & 52 b and hinges 46 & 48 as previously described in reference to knobs 5 a and 5 b and buttons 6 a and 6 b. The first pillow 34 has a first arm 40 and a second arm 42 forming a first opening 44 with space for receiving a traveller's face, head and neck as depicted in the modes of FIGS. 10, 11 and 14. In some aspects, the first pillow 34 has a recess 38 designed to hold the second pillow 36 with the support 32 is in the closed position. The second pillow 36 has a third arm 58 and a fourth arm 60 forming a second opening 62 with space for receiving a traveller's neck as depicted in the modes of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 and to support the traveller's chest as depicted in the mode of FIG. 14. In some aspects, the second opening 62 may be U-shaped. Each joint hinge has a leaf 50 a & 50 b, each of which has an extendable frame 52 a & 52 b which in this view is shown adjacent an internal surface of the first pillow 34. As seen in FIG. 23, in some embodiments the leaves 50 a and 50 b may be extended. In other embodiments of the support, however, other arrangements of the hinge leaves and extendable frames may be used, such as having all leaves and frames located inside the pillows, or all located on surfaces of the pillows, or a combination of the two. The buttons 54 a & 54 b are configured to engage with the leaves 50 a & 50 b to actuate extension or locking of the frames 52 a & 52 b. In some examples, the respective frames 52 a and 52 b may connect to or may form a rigid internal support as shown in and described in FIG. 18.
It is also to be understood that the specific devices and modes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.
While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.
As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.
Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
“Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Claims

1. A support comprising:

a first pillow having a first arm and a second arm extending from a first pillow body and forming a first opening between the first arm and the second arm,

a second pillow having a third arm and a fourth arm extending from a second pillow body and forming a second opening between the third arm and the fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first hinge joint, and the second and fourth arms being attached to a second hinge joint,

the first and second pillows being adapted to receive a portion of a user's neck in the first opening and the second opening, wherein the user's head rests on at least one pillow.

2. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the joints, and wherein the user's head can rest on the second pillow body.

3. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pillow and the second pillow is generally U-shaped.

4. The support according to claim 1, wherein the second pillow is conformed to fit in a recess of the first pillow.

5. The support according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the second pillow are smaller than the dimensions of the first pillow.

6. The support according to claim 5, wherein the first pillow and the second pillow are generally U-shaped.

7. The support according to claim 1 further comprising a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a degree of rotation of the first pillow and the second pillow about the joint can be releasably maintained,

wherein rotation of the releasable locking mechanism in a first direction activates the locking mechanism, and

wherein rotation of the releasable locking mechanism in a second direction reduces restriction on the joint.

8. The support according to claim 1, wherein the harness can be located between the support and a seat occupied by the user such that, in use, the harness bears part of a user's weight.

9. The support according to claim 8, wherein the harness is a strap of adjustable length,

wherein attachment points of the removably attachable strap are adjacent to the first and second joints, and

wherein the removably attachable strap can be looped around the seat.

10. The support according to claim 1, wherein the support is portable, and wherein the second pillow is of a same shape and dimensions as the first pillow.

11. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pillow and the second pillow is inflatable.

12. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first joint and the second joint are extendable.

13. The support according to claim 12, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism, wherein an amount of extension or retraction of the joint can be releasably maintained.

14. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first joint and the second joint each comprises at least one extendable leaf attached to an extendable frame, and

wherein the extendable frame is located inside at least one of the first and second pillows.

15. The support according to claim 1, wherein (i) a degree of rotation of the pillows around the joints, and (ii) a separation between the pillows in a vicinity of the joints can be varied.

16. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pillows is adapted to receive the user's face in the first opening.

17. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pillows includes an internal rigid structural support.

18. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first pillow and the second pillow are integral and the first joint and the second joint are flex points, wherein a degree of rotation around the joints can be adjusted and releasably locked using a locking mechanism.

19. A method of using a support, the support comprising:

a generally U-shaped first pillow having a first arm and a second arm extending from a first pillow body forming a first opening,

a generally U-shaped second pillow having a third arm and a fourth arm extending from a second pillow body forming a second opening, the first and third arms being attached to an extendable first joint, and the second and fourth arms being attached to an extendable second joint,

wherein the method comprises the steps of:

rotating the first and second pillows about the joints,

optionally extending the first and second joints,

locating the front of a user's neck between the first arm and the second arm so that a user's head can rest in a forward position on the first pillow body,

locating the second pillow on a surface to support a weight of the user's head, and

receiving a portion of the user's neck between the first and second pillows.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

connecting a harness between the support and the user or a structure to bear part of the weight.