GB2373718A - Cushion / bag combination using a polystrene bead filling as cushioning medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A cushion / bag, eg. travel bag, combination 1 uses a polystyrene bead filling as a cushioning medium and features an additional small cushion 5, which may also contain polystyrene beads, and further incorporates securable storage are for a users possessions, which may comprise pockets 6 and security flap 7. The combination may comprise a large, polystyrene bead, cushion integrated into a shoulder bag. The additional small cushion 5 may be placed in a pocket 4 of the cushion / bag combination 1. The combination may feature a strap 2. The materials used may be strong lightweight, washable, and damp-proof.

Description

TRAVEL CUSHION This invention relates to comfort for the body in a sitting position during prolonged inactivity for reasons of travelling, in the workplace or at home, where pressure on the legs in particular, could lead to a variety of ailments and discomfort.

By necessity travel seating must be durable and this does not always allow for comfort when sitting is required for long periods. Prolonged sitting without being able to adjust the sitting position in order to alter the pressures on specific regions of the body can cause'pins and needles', limbs'going to sleep'and other discomforts. Space restrictions in travel seating, concentration on work at the office, spectating at outdoor events are instances of'inactive' seating which can cause problems.

Ordinary cushions flatten if too soft and if too hard are not helpful. Ordinary cushions are not designed to be portable, are bulky and not easily disguised.

Portable cushions intended for travel and outdoor use are usually inflatable, designed to be easily stowed and carried when deflated. They are therefore not instant comfort nor are they easily put away because of the need for deflation-which is not always easy.

The object of the Travel Cushion is a lightweight, easily carried, not bulky, cushion and bag providing carrying facilities and comfort, facilitating'weight shift'in confined seating areas, and instant damp-proof seating anywhere.

Essential features of the invention are :-moulable comfort for restricted movement seating using polystyrene beads or similar, with integral portability, variety and versatility for travel comfort and use anywhere.

It has been devised to be a multipurpose item with'flight bag'facilities and an extra auxiliary cushion which could be used for neck, head, elbow or heel comfort.

The use of polystyrene beads in the cushion creates cushioning that moves with the smallest of body movements permitted in restricted sitting positions, thereby reducing the pressure on one particular area of the body from conventional cushioning on travel seating or office chairs.

The bag and cushions made in a strong micro fibre washable material are very light weightlighter than the average un-laden flight bag.

The main cushioning is integrated into a shoulder bag which has pockets for the safe keeping of possessions, documents, umbrellas and magazines etc.

The shoulder strap is adjustable.

Documents and finances can be assured of safety during travel or work because they are being sat on by the owner and will be secure even when the owner is asleep. Because of the properties of the polystyrene beads, items stowed thus are not squashed.

The pockets can be zipped and secured for greater safety when carrying.

A smaller cushion for neck, head, elbow or heel support during travel or for lower back support anywhere, is included in a large pocket which can also take a magazine, book or newspaper.

Alternatively this auxiliary cushion can be left in the compartment for additional cushioning in the sitting position.

The bulk of the cushion when carried is reduced by gravity as the beads collect at the lowest point.

Without'plumping up'the cushion is'refreshed'immediately by picking it up.

Can be used for improving driving position or for extra height for a driver, avoiding constant repositioning of driving seats for shared vehicle users.

Can be used for damp-proof emergency seating where none is provided such as queues, vigils, picnics or on the beach.

The cushion could be filled with foam beads or a mixture of foam and polystyrene beads if 'bead noise'should prove a problem.

Can be made with removable inner cushions or as a sealed unit.

The bag can be customised with logo, design or decoration.

The bag can be adapted to fashion demands in shape, colour and outer material.

FIG. 1.

Back View. Shows the 1. Basic Cushion filled with polystyrene beads with 2. Adjustable Strap 3. Strap Sockets to guide the Strap and secure items. 4. Entry point for Auxiliary Cushion.

FIG 2.

Back View Shows the 5. Auxiliary Cushion, filled with polystyrene beads being placed into the 4. Auxiliary Cushion Compartment. 4. Auxiliary Cushion Compartment can be used for stowing magazines/newspapers during journeys as well.

FIG. 3.

Front View. Shows 6. Compartments for money, documents and necessities for travel. This would be hung against the body by the shoulder strap when carrying for greater security.

FIG. 4.

Front View. Shows the complete travel cushion. 1. Basic Cushion filled with polystyrene beads with 2. Strap and 3. Strap Sockets to guide Strap and secure items. 5. Auxiliary cushion being placed into (4) compartment on the other side. 6. Compartments for travel necessities with 7 Security Flap and 8. Umbrella attached to 3. Strap Socket, The travel cushion is designed to be adaptable to many needs and situations-in the home, at leisure, at the office as well as travelling. The travel cushion combines ease of carrying and instant use with adaptable cushioning and storage capabilities.

Claims (8)

1. CLAIMS 1. A cushion and bag amalgamation to facilitate comfort in restricted sitting positions, utilising polystyrene beads for mobile support to avoid continued pressure on one part of the anatomy during travel (or in general use), with an additional small cushion, and incorporating storage and security for possessions.
2. 2. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the larger main cushion is integrated into a shoulder bag.
3. 3. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein a smaller cushion is incorporated in a pocket for use separately or with the main cushion.
4. 4. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the contents of the two cushions are beads of polystyrene (or beads of foam or a mixture of foam and polystyrene beads) for movable comfort in confined sitting spaces.
5. 5. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 with pockets for securing travel and other items.
6. 6. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 with an adjustable strap for carrying.
7. 7. A cushion/bag as claimed in any preceding claim made from strong, lightweight, washable and damp proof, materials.
8. 8. A cushion/bag substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

   8. A cushion/bag as claimed in any preceding claim can be made in different shapes and fabrics to suit individuals.

   9. A cushion/bag substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS.

   1. A combined cushion and bag with additional small independent cushion contained in an integral pocket, the whole to facilitate comfort in restricted sitting positions, for sitting on or leaning against and/or limb, head or neck support; made of a strong, lightweight, water resistant material outer and filled with polystyrene beads, or beads with similar properties, for lightweight mobile support to avoid continued pressure on one part of the anatomy during travel, office, leisure and general use, with an integrated carrying strap and compartments incorporating storage and security for possessions.

   2. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the larger main cushion is integrated into a shoulder bag.

   3. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein a smaller cushion is incorporated in a pocket for use separately or with the main cushion.

   4. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the contents of the two cushions are beads of polystyrene, or beads with similar properties, for movable comfort in confined sitting spaces.

   5. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 with pockets for securing travel and other items.

   6. A cushion/bag as claimed in claim 1 with an adjustable strap for carrying.

   7. A cushion/bag as claimed in any preceding claim made from strong, lightweight, washable and damp proof, materials.