CN113056220A

CN113056220A - Head support garment for travel

Info

Publication number: CN113056220A
Application number: CN201980076265.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·沃克
Original assignee: Supnos Innovation Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Supnos Innovation Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-26
Filing date: 2019-11-14
Publication date: 2021-06-29
Also published as: WO2020107059A1; US20220000200A1; AU2019345334B1

Abstract

The invention provides a head support garment (10) for travel, comprising: a torso cover (14) configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's torso in use; and a head engager (12), optionally configured to engage a wearer's head (18). The invention further comprises at least one securing strap (22) connected to the head adapter (12) and extending down the torso of the wearer; and a seat cushion (20) fixedly connected with the fixing strap (22) and deployable between a storage position and a deployed position, wherein, in the storage position, the seat cushion (20) is stored in the trunk covering (14); in the deployed position, the seat cushion (20) extends below the torso of the wearer such that the wearer can sit on the seat cushion (20) while the weight of the wearer (16) on the seat cushion (20) supports the head (18) of the wearer via the securing straps (22), resisting gravity to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the neck of the wearer, thereby supporting the head (18) of the wearer unobtrusively without the deliberate effort of the wearer (16).

Description

Head support garment for travel

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to personal comfort while traveling, and more particularly to a head support garment for traveling and a head support harness for traveling for the garment.

Background

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Travel is an integral part of the world today. With the advent of economical travel products such as air travel, millions of people travel around the world each year. Such travel typically requires a period of time in a seat, hours in international air or long-haul railway travel, and is in a confined space such as an airplane seat. Thus, comfort becomes an important consideration for travelers.

In order to provide comfort to travellers, head supports have been developed, typically in the form of travel pillows, typically found anywhere in airports. The pillow is generally in the shape of a conventional donut with an opening that the traveler can rest around their neck to support his head while traveling. Such known travel pillows are inflatable, filled with beads or seeds, and the shape of each travel pillow is slightly different, which attempts to thereby distinguish it from other existing travel pillows and provide more comfort to the traveler.

However, many people find these neck supports not only cumbersome and cumbersome to travel, but also uncomfortable. For example, a large travel pillow may take up a lot of space and load when traveling with a traveling case and bag, which often results in the traveler forgoing to carry the travel pillow in order to more easily carry luggage and belongings. In addition, many people find it too obtrusive to wrap around an object in the throat or neck, especially when relaxing or resting.

The applicant has identified a need in the art for an improved head support for travellers, and the present invention takes the above disadvantages into account when conceiving.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head support garment for travel, comprising:

a torso cover configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's torso in use;

a head engager, optionally configured to engage the head of a wearer;

at least one securing strap connected to the head adapter and extending down the torso of the wearer; and

a seat cushion fixedly connected with the fixing strap and deployable between a storage position and a deployment position, wherein, in the storage position, the seat cushion is stored in the trunk covering; in the deployed position, the seat cushion extends below the torso of the wearer so that the wearer can sit on the seat cushion with the weight of the wearer on the seat cushion supporting the head of the wearer via the securing straps to resist gravity to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the neck of the wearer, thereby supporting the head of the wearer unobtrusively without the deliberate effort of the wearer.

Typically, the torso covering comprises a jersey or jacket.

Thus, the head engager comprises a hood of a jersey or jacket, optionally for engaging the head of the wearer. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this optional engagement function is meant to be dependent upon the needs of the wearer, i.e. the time at which the wearer can select the head engager to engage their head.

Typically, the torso cover includes a pocket for storing and/or carrying items.

Typically, the hood includes an inner headband that forms a head adapter.

Typically, the head adapter is adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes.

In other embodiments, the head adapter may include a headband, hat, hood, and the like.

Typically, the head adapter includes a mask for operatively covering a portion of the wearer's face.

Typically, the mask is configured to cover the wearer's eyes, reducing light ingress, to facilitate rest.

Typically, the at least one securing strap comprises a resilient, resilient strap configured to operatively relieve loading of at least one of the neck muscles of a non-exhaustive combination of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the levator scapulae muscle, and the platysma napus muscle. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other muscles in the body may be supported.

In one embodiment, the at least one strap comprises a webbing configured to operatively relieve a load on at least one of the neck muscles in a non-exhaustive combination of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, platysma, and the like. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other muscles in the body may be supported.

In one embodiment, the securing strap comprises two or more securing straps operable to extend unobtrusively along the spine of the wearer and fixedly connect at each end thereof to the head adapter and the seat cushion.

Generally, the seat cushion is shaped and dimensioned to receive the buttocks and/or upper thighs of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the seat cushion is comfortable as a back cushion.

Typically, the securing strap is placed within a layer of material, such as a liner, that includes the torso covering.

In one embodiment, the securing strap is placed within an interior channel defined by the torso cover.

Typically, the torso cover defines a pocket or small pocket in which the seat cushion is retracted and/or stored in a storage position.

Typically, a pocket or small pocket is defined in the back of the torso cover so that the seat cushion can be deployed downward to a deployed position.

Typically, the pocket or pouch includes a fastener for sealing the seat therein in the storage position.

Typically, the fasteners include slide fasteners, buttons, snaps, and the like.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a head support harness for a garment having a torso cover configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's torso in use, the harness comprising:

a head engager, optionally configured to engage the head of a wearer;

Drawings

The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a travel head support garment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the travel head support garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the travel head support garment of FIG. 1 with the front open;

FIG. 4 is a schematic close-up view of a pocket or small pocket of the seat cushion of the travel head support garment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views of the travel head support garment of FIG. 1 showing the seat cushion in a stored position and a deployed position, respectively;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views of a wearer wearing a travel head support garment in use; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of the travel head support garment of FIG. 1 showing a head adapter with a face shield.

Detailed Description

In the following description of several non-limiting embodiments, further features of the present invention will be more fully described. This description is only intended to illustrate the invention to a person skilled in the art. And should not be taken as limiting the above broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts to illustrate exemplary embodiments or features of embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an embodiment of a travel head support garment 10 according to an aspect of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments include hooded sweaters or jackets, or so-called "hoodie", but those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. As described below, a sweater style garment is well suited for this application, but other garments are also suitable, due to the general requirements of head adapter 12 for certain modes.

The exemplary travel head support garment 100 generally includes a torso cover 14 configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's torso during use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of suitable torso coverings may be used, such as jackets, sweaters, vests, slings, shirts, tops, pullovers, and ball suits. As mentioned above, the hooded gown is particularly suitable for the exemplary embodiment due to the need for the head adapter 12.

As is known in the art, the torso cover 14 generally includes a pocket 24 for storing and/or carrying items. In addition, the torso cover 14 may be manufactured in a variety of fashions or in a variety of desired colors and designs using a variety of desired materials such as animal or natural fibers, synthetic materials, water-resistant or water-resistant materials, and the like.

The garment 10 further includes a suitable head adapter 12, optionally configured to engage a wearer's head 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the head adapter 12 includes a hood of a jersey or jacket, optionally for engaging the head 18 of the wearer. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the optional engagement function is meant to be dependent upon the needs of the wearer, i.e. the wearer can select when the head engager engages his head, as desired, by placing the head engager on or over the head of the wearer.

In a typical example, the torso covering 14 comprises a hooded shirt, the hood of which includes an inner headband that forms the head adapter 12. Generally, the head adapter 12 is adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes. Such adjustability may be accomplished in a variety of ways known in the art, such as by straps and fabric adjustment techniques. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the head adapter 12 may include a headband, hat, hood, and the like, but is not limited to a hooded shirt.

In a preferred embodiment, the head adapter 12 includes a mask 26 for operatively covering a portion of the wearer's face. In general, the mask 26 is configured to cover the wearer's eyes, reducing light ingress, for resting. Such masks may or may not be removable, as desired. As shown in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the face shield 26 may include a wind shield within the hood of the jersey that can be placed over the eyes of the wearer, or the like.

The garment 10 further includes at least one securing strap 22 that is connected to the head adapter 12 and extends generally down the torso of the wearer. Typically, the at least one strap 22 comprises webbing or the like to transfer the load of the wearer's head to the seat cushion. In another embodiment, the securing strap 22 comprises a resilient, resilient strap configured to operatively relieve the load on at least one of the neck muscles in a non-exhaustive combination of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the levator scapulae muscle, and the platysma napus muscle. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other muscles in the body may be supported. In one embodiment, the securing strap comprises two or more securing straps operable to extend unobtrusively along the spine of the wearer and fixedly connect at each end thereof to the head adapter and the seat cushion.

The securing strap 22 may be adjustable to adjust the support provided, such as adjusting the length or even the elasticity, etc.

The garment 10 further includes a seat cushion 20 fixedly attached to a securing strap 22. The seat cushion 20 is generally deployable between a stored position, wherein the seat cushion 20 is stored within the torso cover 14, and a deployed position; in the deployed position, the seat cushion 20 extends below the torso of the wearer such that the wearer 16 can sit on the seat cushion 10, while the weight of the wearer 16 on the seat cushion 10 supports the wearer's head 18 via the securing straps 22 against the force of gravity to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the wearer's neck, thereby supporting the wearer's head unobtrusively without the deliberate effort of the wearer 16.

In this manner, the deployable seat cushion 20 can be conveniently stored when not needed by the wearer and deployed to a deployed position when head support is needed by the wearer in a seated position. When deployed and the wearer is seated thereon, the seat cushion forms an anchor for the head adapter 12 by the securing strap 22, thereby generally preventing the wearer's head from tipping forward or rolling, facilitating rest when the wearer is seated, such as when traveling.

The seat cushion 20 is generally shaped and dimensioned to receive the buttocks and/or upper thighs of the wearer. Also, the seat cushion 20 can be comfortable as a back cushion, providing support for the lumbar region, such as lower back support, when seated thereon or in a storage position. Generally, the seat cushion 20 is foldable so that it can be folded in a storage position and unfolded in an unfolded position.

In the exemplary embodiment, securing strap 22 is disposed within a material layer that includes torso covering 14, such as between an inner and outer liner layer. In one embodiment, the securing strap 22 is placed within an interior channel defined by the torso covering 14 such that the securing strap is held in place while allowing the securing strap to slide within the channel for deployment and support, as well as storage of the seat cushion attached to the securing strap 22.

In the exemplary embodiment, torso cover 14 defines a pocket or small pocket 28 in which seat cushion 20 is retracted and/or stored in a storage position. Generally, as shown, a pocket or small pocket 28 is defined in the back of the torso cover 14 such that the seat cushion 20 may be deployed downwardly therefrom to a deployed position and facilitates lower back support when in the storage position. However, the location of the pocket or pouch 28 may be different, as desired.

In the exemplary embodiment, pocket or pouch 28 includes a fastener 30 for sealing seat cushion 20 therein in the storage position from obstruction. Typically, such fasteners include a slide fastener 30, such as a zipper, although buttons, snaps, or similar fasteners may also be used.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention comprises a travelling head support harness for a garment having a torso cover configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's torso in use. The harness comprises a head engager 12, optionally configured to engage the head of a wearer; at least one securing strap 22 connected to the head adapter 12 and extending down the torso of the wearer; and a seat cushion 20 fixedly connected with the securing strap 22 and deployable between a stored position in which the seat cushion is stored within the torso covering and a deployed position; in the deployed position, the seat cushion extends below the torso of the wearer so that the wearer can sit on the seat cushion. As described above, the weight of the wearer on the seat cushion supports the head of the wearer through the fixing band, and the weight is resisted to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the neck of the wearer, thereby supporting the head of the wearer without being conspicuous without the wearer's conscious effort. With such a harness, the wearer can provide his or her torso covering as desired.

The applicant believes that it is a particular advantage that the invention provides a travel head support garment 10 which is both fashionable and practical for travel and which is capable of supporting the head of a wearer with the body weight of the wearer whilst travelling without significant visible support. Particularly, the deployable cushion facilitates the wearer's use of his or her own weight as an anchor for supporting the head.

Alternative embodiments of the invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more, and where specific integers are mentioned in this specification which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated in the specification as if individually set forth. In the exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, device structures, and techniques have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.

The terms "a" and "an", "the" and/or similar references used in this specification to describe various embodiments, particularly of the claimed subject matter, are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Unless otherwise specified, "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., "including, but not limited to"). As used in this specification, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

For purposes of illustration, this description may use spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used in this specification interpreted accordingly.

One example may be illustrating certain aspects of the invention, while other examples may be illustrating other aspects of the invention. These examples are intended to assist those skilled in the art in practicing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or additions) to one or more embodiments described in this specification may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A travel head support garment comprising:

a head engager, optionally configured to engage the head of a wearer;

a seat cushion fixedly connected with the fixing strap and deployable between a storage position and a deployment position, wherein, in the storage position, the seat cushion is stored in the trunk covering; in the deployed position, the seat cushion extends below the torso of the wearer so that the wearer can sit on the seat cushion with the weight of the wearer on the seat cushion supporting the head of the wearer through the securing straps against the force of gravity to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the neck of the wearer, thereby supporting the head of the wearer unobtrusively without the deliberate effort of the wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the torso covering comprises a jersey or jacket.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the head engager comprises a hood of a jersey or jacket, optionally for engaging the head of the wearer.

4. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the torso covering comprises a pocket for storing and/or carrying items.

5. The garment of any of claims 1-4, wherein the hood includes an inner headband that forms the head adapter.

6. The garment of any of claims 1-5, wherein the head adapter is adjustable to fit a variety of head sizes.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the head adapter comprises a headband, hat, hood, or the like.

8. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head-engaging means comprises a mask for operatively covering a portion of the wearer's face.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the mask is configured to cover the wearer's eyes, reducing light ingress, to facilitate rest.

10. The garment of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one securing strap comprises a resilient, elastic strap configured to operatively relieve loading of at least one neck muscle from a non-exhaustive combination of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae and platysma.

11. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the securing strap comprises one or more securing straps operable to extend unobtrusively along the spine of the wearer and fixedly connect at each end thereof with a head adapter and a seat cushion.

12. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the seat cushion is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the buttocks and/or upper thighs of the wearer.

13. The garment of any of claims 1-12, wherein the seat cushion is comfortable as a back cushion.

14. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the securing strap is placed within a layer of material including a torso covering, such as a lining.

15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the securing strap is placed within an interior channel defined by the torso cover.

16. The garment of any of claims 1-15, wherein the torso covering defines a pocket or small pocket, wherein the seat cushion is retracted and/or stored in the storage position.

17. A garment as claimed in claim 16 wherein the pocket or sack is defined in the back of the torso covering such that the seat cushion can be deployed downwardly therefrom to the deployed position.

18. A garment according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the pocket or pouch comprises a fastener for sealing the seat therein in a storage position.

19. The garment of claim 18, wherein the fasteners include slide fasteners, buttons, snaps, and the like.

20. The garment of any of claims 1-19, wherein the at least one strap comprises webbing.

21. A travel head support harness for a garment having a torso cover configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's torso in use, the harness comprising:

a head engager, optionally configured to engage the head of a wearer;

a seat cushion fixedly connected with the fixing strap and deployable between a storage position and a deployment position, wherein the seat cushion is stored in the trunk covering; in the deployed position, the seat cushion extends below the torso of the wearer so that the wearer can sit on the seat cushion with the weight of the wearer on the seat cushion supporting the head of the wearer via the securing straps against the force of gravity to relieve the load of at least one muscle of the neck of the wearer, thereby supporting the head of the wearer unobtrusively without the deliberate effort of the wearer.