GB2480478A

GB2480478A - Inflatable device for supporting the head of a user

Info

Publication number: GB2480478A
Application number: GB1008417A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Alan Ball
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-20
Also published as: GB2480478B; GB201008417D0

Abstract

An inflatable device for to supporting the head of the user when traveling comprises an inflatable structure which receives at least part of the head of a user between two inflatable side walls 3, 4. The inflatable structure comprises at least one support portion 8, 9 which engages the shoulders of a user in use. In one embodiment the device in worn on the head of the user (figure 1) and may comprise a front wall 13 with face aperture 14 and a top wall 20. This embodiment may further include a privacy sheet for covering the face of a user in use. In another embodiment the device may be worn around the head and neck of the user (figure 4). The inflatable device may comprise a chin support 15, and rear wall 23.

Description

Title: A DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING THE HEAD OF A USER

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a device for supporting the head of a user, and more particularly relates to a device for supporting the head of a user whilst the user is seated in an upright or semi reclined position.

Conventional travel pillows usually take the form of a curved pillow which fits around the back of the neck of a user. The pillow acts as a support which is intended to keep the head of the user upright to allow the user to rest or sleep comfortably whilst sitting in an upright or semi reclined position.

One problem with conventional travel pillows of this type is that they do not offer enough support to keep the head of a user upright. Invariably the head of a user still tilts to one side in an uncomfortable manner if the user is sleeping. A further problem is that conventional travel pillows of this kind only provide support laterally to the head of a user and do not provide any support in the forward direction. Consequently, conventional travel pillows of this kind do not prevent the head of a user from lolling forward in an uncomfortable manner when the user is sleeping.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved device for supporting the head of a user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for supporting the head of a user, the device comprising an inflatable structure which, when inflated, defines a chamber to receive at least part of the head of a user to allow the device to be worn on the head of the user, the inflatable structure incorporating a support portion which, in use, engages at least one shoulder of a user wearing the device to support the device and the head of the user.

Preferably the inflatable structure incorporates two inflatable side walls which are spaced from one another and which define the chamber therebetween.

Conveniently the support portion is a portion of one of the side walls.

Advantageously the inflatable structure incorporates a further support portion which, in use, engages the other shoulder of a user wearing the device.

Preferably the further support portion is a portion of the other side wall.

Conveniently the support portions diverge outwardly away from one another so that, in use, the support portions at least partly cover the shoulders of a user wearing the device.

Advantageously the or each support portion is provided with a recess which is configured to receive part of one of the shoulders of a user wearing the device.

Preferably the device incorporates a front wall which connects the two side walls together at the front of the device.

Conveniently the front wall is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.

Advantageously the front wall is provided with a face aperture which, in use, is positioned adjacent the face of a user wearing the device.

Preferably the device incorporates a lower support member which is positioned adjacent a lower end of the face aperture to support the chin of a user wearing the device.

Conveniently the lower support member is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.

Preferably the device incorporates an upper support member which is positioned adjacent an upper end of the face aperture.

Conveniently the upper support member is a planar sheet.

Preferably the device further comprises a planar sheet which can be releasably attached to the front wall to at least partially close the face aperture.

Conveniently the sheet is partially translucent.

Advantageously the sheet is opaque.

Preferably the sheet is of a material which provides a barrier to moisture.

Conveniently the device incorporates a rear wall which connects the side walls to one another at the rear of the device.

Advantageously the rear wall is a planar sheet.

Preferably the planar sheet comprises two planar portions which are releasably attachable to one another.

Conveniently the planar sheet is a single planar element.

Preferably the device incorporates a top wall which connects the side wall to one another at the top of the device.

Conveniently the top wall is a planar sheet.

In one embodiment, the device has an open upper end which defines an opening in the chamber.

In another embodiment the side walls extend partway up each side of the head of the user to cover the user's ears.

In a further embodiment, the side walls extend partway up the sides of the head of the user to just below the ears of the user.

Preferably the device is provided with at least one inflation tube which allows at least part of the inflatable structure to be inflated by a user.

Conveniently the at least one inflation tube is provided with a release valve which is configured to be activated to release gas from the device to deflate the device.

Advantageously the device incorporates at least one release valve provided on the inflatable structure to allow gas to be released from the inflatable structure to deflate the device.

Preferably the device is at least partly covered with a hypoallergenic material.

Conveniently the device is provided with a display panel to display a message.

Advantageously the inflatable structure is self-supporting when the inflatable structure is inflated.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the device shown in figure 1, FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic rear view of the device shown in figure 1, FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic side view of a device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, and FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a device in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a device 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an inflatable structure 2 which is shown fully inflated. The inflatable structure 2 is preferably of flexible plastic, such as PVC sheeting which is fused to define inner and outer layers.

As discussed below, the inflatable structure 2 is configured to allow gas, preferably air, to be introduced between the inner and outer layers to inflate the inflatable structure 2. Once inflated, the inflatable structure 2 is self-supporting.

The inflatable structure 2 incorporates two elongate inflatable side walls 3,4 which are spaced apart from one another and which define a chamber 5 therebetween. The chamber 5 is configured to receive the whole or at least part of the head 6 of a user 7 to allow the device 1 to be worn on the head 6 of the user 7, as shown in figure 2.

The walls of the chamber 5 are coated with a soft natural or synthetic material such as cotton towelling fabric so that the device 1 is comfortable to wear.

The side walls 3,4 incorporate sound insulating portions 3a,4a which are each positioned substantially mid-way along each of the side walls 3,4. The sound insulating portions 3a,4a comprise an air gap between the layers of each of the side walls 3,4. In use, the sound insulating portions 3a,4a are positioned adjacent the ears of a user 7 wearing the device 1 to shield the ears of the user 7 from external noise. A user 7 wearing the device 1 can therefore rest peacefully without being disturbed by external noise.

The inflatable structure 2 incorporates two elongate side support portions 8,9 which, in this preferred embodiment, are formed integrally with the inflatable side walls 3,4. The side support portions 8,9 extend below the chamber 5 on each side of the device 1. The support portions 8,9 diverge or flare outwardly from one another towards the base of the device 1 to cover at least part of each shoulder of a user 7 wearing the device 1. The diverging lower ends of the support portions 8,9 form a base which is wider than the upper head portion of the device 1 so that the device 1 takes the form of an inflatable cowl.

The underside of the end of each side support portion 8,9 is provided with a recess 10,11. Each recess 10,11 receives part of a shoulder of a user 7 wearing the device 1. The side support portions 8,9 extend down to contact the shoulders of a user 7 wearing the device 1. The side support portions 8,9 support the device 1 on one or both shoulders of a user 7 wearing the device 1. The diverging support portions 8,9 provide a wide base to the device 1 which improves the stability of the device 1 as the device 1 rests on the shoulders of the user 7. The wide base to the device 1 therefore minimises lateral tilting of the device 1 and the head 6 of a user 7 wearing the device 1. As will become clear from the description below, the device 1 holds the head 6 of the user 7 securely so that the device 1 supports the head 6 of the user 7.

A ventilation hole 12 may be provided at the bottom of each of the side support portions 8,9. In other embodiments, the side walls 3,4 and/or the side support portions 8,9 incorporate one or more ventilation holes at different position to provide ventilation to the head 6 of the user 7.

The device 1 incorporates a front wall 13 which connects the front edges of the side walls 3,4 and the side support portions 8,9 together. The front wall 13 is provided with a face aperture 14 which is positioned adjacent the face of a user 7 wearing the device 1, as shown in figure 2. The face aperture 14 provides an opening in the front of the chamber 5. The side support portions 8,9 and the front wall 13 extend down below the lower edge of the face aperture 14. The face aperture 14 allows the user 7 to see out from the device 1 and allows the user 7 to eat and drink and communicate.

The front wall 13 incorporates a lower support member in the form of a chin support member 15 which is positioned beneath the lower end of the face aperture 14. The chin support member 15 is preferably an inflatable member which forms part of the front wall 13. In other embodiments, however, the chin support member 15 may be a separate member which is attached to the front wall 13. In use, the chin support member 15 is positioned below the chin of a user 7, as shown in figure 2. The chin support member 15 provides a resilient surface against which the user 7 can rest their chin to prevent the user's head 6 from tilting forwardly.

In some embodiments the chin support member 15 is provided at a lower position to the preferred embodiment described above to make it easier for a user 6 wearing the device 1 to open their mouth to talk, eat and drink.

In some embodiments the chin support member 15 is omitted entirely. In these embodiments, there is a space adjacent the chin of a user 7 wearing the device 1 to provide a larger breathing space for the user. The lower part of the front wall 1 3 is still provided in planar or inflatable form to join the lowermost parts of the support portions 8,9 together. In embodiments where the chin support member 15 is omitted, other portions of the device 1 provide support to the head 6 of a user 7 to prevent the head 6 of the user 7 from tilting forwardly.

The front wall 13 incorporates an upper support member 16 which is positioned adjacent the upper part of the face aperture 14. The upper support member 16 is preferably a planar sheet and forms part of the front wall 13 above the face aperture 14. In other embodiments, however, the upper support member 1 6 is inflatable and forms part of the inflatable structure 2. In use, the upper support member 16 is spaced in front of the forehead and upper front part of the head 6 of a user 7.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the front wall 13 is provided with three inflation tubes 17-19 beneath the face aperture 14. The inflation tubes 17-19 incorporate valves (not shown) so that air blown through the inflatable tubes 17-19 is retained in the inflatable structure 2. The valves are preferably push-release valves which can be opened and closed by hand.

In other embodiments, the inflatable structure 2 is provided with one or more other valves which allow the inflatable structure 2 to be inflated with air from a user's mouth or using a manual or electric pump or with gas from a source of compressed gas. The first inflation tube 1 7 is connected to inflate the first side wall 3 and the first support portion 8. In use, a user 7 can use their mouth to blow into the first inflation tube 17 to inflate the first side wall 3 and the first support portion 8 to a comfortable pressure to minimise lateral movement of the head 6 of the user 7.

The second inflation tube 18 is connected to inflate the chin support member 15. In use, a user 7 can use their mouth to blow into the second inflation tube 18 to inflate the chin support member 15 to a comfortable pressure which gives the chin support member 15 sufficient resilience to support the chin of the user 7.

The third inflation tube 19 is connected to inflate the second side wall 4 and the second support portion 9. In use, a user 7 can use their mouth to blow into the third inflation tube 19 to inflate the second side waIl 4 and the second support portion 9 to a comfortable pressure to minimise lateral movement of the head 6 of the user 7.

Whilst the embodiment shown in figure 1 incorporates three inflation tubes 17-19, other embodiments incorporate a greater or fewer number of inflation tubes. In one embodiment, there is only one inflation tube positioned centrally beneath the face aperture 14. The single inflation tube is connected to inflate some or all of the portions of the device 1.

The device 1 incorporates a top waIl 20 which is positioned at the top of the device 1. The top wall 20 is connected to the two side waIls 3,4 and the upper support member 16. The top wall 20 is preferably a planar sheet or net which is not inflatable. In other embodiments, however, the top wall 20 may be inflatable and form part of the inflatable structure 2. In further embodiments, the top wall 20 may be omitted entirely so that the device 1 has an open upper end which can provide ventilation to the top of the head 6 of a user 7 wearing the device 1.

One edge of a planar flexible privacy sheet 21 is attached along the upper support member 16, above the face aperture 14. The privacy sheet is preferably a breathable membrane which is partially translucent but in other embodiments the sheet is opaque. The privacy sheet 21 is movable between an open position, as shown in figure 1 and a closed position as shown in dotted line in figure 2. In the open position, the privacy sheet 21 rests over the top wall 20 of the device 1 and may be releasably attached to the top wall and/or to the top of the side walls 3,4 by a releasable attachment, such as VELCRO or another press snap or hook and loop attachment means. In the open position, the privacy sheet 21 does not cover the face aperture 14, thereby allowing the user 7 to see out from the device 1.

In other embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 may releasably attach to the side walls 3,4 along the side edges of the face aperture 14. In further embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 may be completely removable from the device 1.

If the user 7 wants some privacy, for instance to sleep, the user 7 moves the privacy sheet 21 down to at least partially close the face aperture 14. The privacy sheet 21 incorporates a releasable attachment such as VELCRO or another press snap or hook and loop attachment means which allows the privacy sheet 21 to be releasably attached to the front wall 13 beneath the face aperture 14 to keep the privacy sheet 21 in the down position covering the face aperture 14. In some embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 may also be releasably attached along its side edges to the front wall 13 along each side of the face aperture 14 so that the privacy sheet 21 substantially seals the face aperture 14.

In the embodiments in which the privacy sheet 21 releasably attaches to the side walls 3,4, the user 7 closes the face aperture 14 by attaching the privacy sheet 21 to one side wall and then to the other side wall, across the front of the face aperture 14. In these embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 may also be configured to attach along the edges of the front wall 13 above and below the face aperture 14 to substantially seal the face aperture 14.

In other embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 is attached to the front wall 13 along the lower edge of the face aperture 14 and is configured to releasably attach to the front wall 13 along the upper edge of the face aperture 14 to close the face aperture 14. The privacy sheet 21 may also be releasably attached along its side edges to the front wall 13 along each side of the face aperture 14 so that the privacy sheet 21 substantially seals the face aperture 14.

In further embodiments, the privacy sheet 21 is completely removable and provided with releasable attachment means to releasably attach to the front wall 13 along any of the edges of the face aperture 14.

The privacy sheet 21 acts as a shade which shields the user's eyes from light to help the user sleep. The privacy sheet 21 also provides a moisture barrier which retains moisture in the space between the front of the user's face and the privacy sheet 21. This retention of moisture maintains the humidity of air in front of the user's face and minimises exposure to cold and dry air. The privacy sheet 21 thus minimises dry nose and dry eye problems which are often experienced when travelling in an air-conditioned environment, such as an aeroplane or coach.

The device 1 incorporates a display panel 22 on one of the side walls 3,4.

The display panel 22 may alternatively be on one of the side support portions 8,9. The display panel 22 is a panel which can receive a label carrying a message, such as "do not disturb" or "wake me at next meal time". In other embodiments, the display panel 22 may be an electronic display which can display a message.

Referring now to figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, the device 1 incorporates a rear wall 23 which is a non-inflatable wall that is formed, for example, of a planar sheet or net. In other embodiments, however, the rear wall 23 may be inflatable. The rear waIl 23 connects the rear edges of the side walls 3,4 and the side support portions 8,9 together. The rear wall 23 is also connected to the top wall 20 at the top of the device 1. The front and rear walls 13,23 define the front and rear walls of the chamber 5.

In this preferred embodiment, the rear wall 23 is defined by two planar flaps 24,25. One flap 24 is connected to the rear edge of one side wall 4 and the rear edge of one of the side support portions 9, and the other flap 25 is attached to the rear edge of the other side wall 3 and the rear edge of the other side support portion 8. The flaps 24,25 are provided with a releasable attachment which allows the flaps 24,25 to overlap and be releasably attached to one another, as shown in figure 3. The releasable attachment is preferably VELCRO, but may alternatively be a different releasable attachment, such as another hook and loop, press snap attachment, buckle, zip or popper and the like. The flaps 24,25 define a quick release rear wall at the back of the device 1 which can be released by a user detaching the flaps 24,25 from one another. This quick release arrangement enables a user to remove the device 1 quickly from their head, for instance in the event of an emergency situation.

In another embodiment, the rear wall 23 is defined by a single flap which is attached along the side wall and support portion on one side of the device 1 and releasably attached to the side wall and side support portion on the other side of the device 1.

In a further embodiment, the rear wall 23 is defined by a single flap which is completely removable and configured to releasably attach to the side walls and side support portions on either side of the device 1.

The rear wall 23 is provided with an upper ventilation aperture 26 to provide ventilation to the top of the head 6 of a user 7 wearing the device 1. The upper ventilation aperture 26 also enables the hair or ponytail of a user 6 wearing the device 1 to extend through the upper ventilation aperture 26 and hang comfortably on the outside of the device 1. In other embodiments, however, it is to be appreciated that the upper ventilation hole 26 is omitted.

A rapid release valve 27 is provided towards the rear of the device 1 in the outer wall of the first support portion 8. The rapid release valve 27 is a manually operable valve which can be operated to release air or gas from within the inflatable structure 2 to deflate the inflatable structure 2 rapidly. In other embodiments, the rapid release valve 27 may be omitted or there may be one or more rapid release valves positioned in the walls of different portions of the inflatable structure 2.

The device 1 is preferably at least partly covered in a hypoallergenic fabric.

The device 1 is initially deflated and folded into a small package so that the device 1 can be transported easily. A plurality of devices 1 may be packaged together for use on an aeroplane or other long distance transport means.

In use, a user 7 inserts their head 6 into the device 1 so that their head 6 is received at least partly in the chamber 5, as shown in figure 2. The user 7 then blows into the inflation tubes 17-19 to inflate the various portions of the device 1 to a comfortable pressure. Alternatively, the user 7 can inflate the device 1 partially and then insert their head into the chamber 5 of the device 1.

The user 7 can then continue inflating the device 1 to a comfortable pressure.

The device 1 rests on the shoulders of the user 7 and the side support portions 8,9 minimise lateral movement of the head 6 of the user 7. The pressure of the inflated side walls 3,4 on the sides of the head 6 of the user 7 also minimises lateral movement of the head 6 of the user 7. The pressure of the inflated side walls 3,4 on the head 6 of the user 7 also minimises forward movement of the head 6 of the user 7 since the side walls 3,4 provide a gentle clasping grip on the head 6 of the user 7. The chin support member 15 supports the chin of the user 7 to help minimise forward movement of the head 6oftheuser7.

The device 1 therefore provides support to the head 6 of a user 7 in not only the lateral directions, but also in the forward direction. In embodiments where the rear wall 23 is inflatable, the device 1 also provides support to the head 6 of the user 7 in the rear direction. Consequently, the device 1 supports the head 6 of a user 7 in an upright position to enable the user 7 to rest or sleep comfortably when sitting in an upright or semi reclined position.

When the user 7 has finished using the device 1, the user 7 deflates the device 1 by pressing any of the release valves in the inflation tubes 17-19 to allow air or gas to be released from the device 1 through the inflation tubes 17-19. In embodiments which incorporate one or more rapid release valves 27, the or each rapid release valve 27 can also be activated to release air or gas to deflate the device 1. The deflated device 1 can then be removed easily from the head 6 of the user 7. Alternatively or in addition to the user 7 deflating the device 1 using any of the release valves in the inflation tubes 17- 19 and/or the rapid release valve 27, the user can separate the flaps 24,25 at the rear of the device 1 to open the rear wall 23 so that the device 1 can be pulled forwardly off the head 6 of the user 7. Once the device 1 has been removed and deflated, the device 1 can be folded into a small package to be transported easily. The device 1 can then be reused at a later date.

Referring now to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of the invention incorporates some of the same portions as the preferred embodiments described above. Corresponding portions will be described using the same reference numerals as those used above to describe the preferred embodiment.

Whilst the preferred embodiment described above incorporates side walls 3,4 which are joined at the top by a top wall 20, in this further embodiment, the side walls 3,4 extend only partway up the sides of the head 6 of a user 7 wearing the device 1 to cover the ears of the user 7. The device 28 incorporates a lower front wall 29 which is identical to the lower part of the front wall 13 of the preferred embodiments described above. The device 28 incorporates a rear waIl 23 which is equivalent to the rear wall 23 of the preferred embodiments describe above but shorter in height.

It is to be appreciated that the side walls 3,4 and the side support portions 8,9 of this further embodiment are inflatable and define an inflatable structure.

When the inflatable structure is inflated, the inflatable structure defines an open ended chamber which receives at least part of the head 6 of the user 7 to allow the device 28 to be worn on the head 6 of the user 7. The inflatable structure is self-supporting when it is inflated.

The side walls 3,4, side support portions 8,9 and the optional chin support member 15 provide lateral and forward support to the head 6 of the user 7 in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above.

Since the side walls 3,4 and the side support portions 8,9 are inflatable and since the front and rear walls 23,29 are inflatable or of a planar material, the device 28 can be deflated and folded into a small package.

Referring now figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, a yet further embodiment of the invention is in the form of a device 30 which is identical to the device 28 of the further embodiment described above, except that the side waIls 3,4 of this yet further embodiment are of reduced height. The side walls 3,4 of this yet further embodiment extends partially up each side of the head 6 of a user 7 to just below the ears of the user 7. The pressure of the inflated side walls 3,4, the side support portions 8,9 and the optional chin support member 15 still provide support to the head 6 of the user 7 in the lateral and forward directions.

The device of the embodiments of the invention is available in different sizes.

For instance, one size for adults and a smaller size for children.

Whilst the embodiments described above incorporate first and second support portions 8,9, other embodiments of the invention incorporate only one support portion. In these other embodiments, the single support portion is configured to engage one shoulder of a user wearing the device to support the device and the head of the user.

Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages over conventional foam cushion head supports; firstly, the device 1 offers more rigid support when it is inflated than a conventional foam cushion whilst still being comfortable to wear; secondly, the device 1 can be deflated and folded into a small package, whereas a conventional foam cushion cannot be folded into such a small package; and thirdly, the different portions of the device 1 may be inflated independently of one another to an appropriate hardness or rigidity according to the preference of a user wearing the device -no such adjustment is possible with a foam cushion.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for supporting the head of a user, the device comprising: an inflatable structure which, when inflated, defines a chamber to receive at least part of the head of a user to allow the device to be worn on the head of the user, the inflatable structure incorporating a support portion which, in use, engages at least one shoulder of a user wearing the device to support the device and the head of the user.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable structure incorporates two inflatable side walls which are spaced from one another and which define the chamber therebetween.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the support portion is a portion of one of the side walls.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable structure incorporates a further support portion which, in use, engages the other shoulder of a user wearing the device.
5. A device according to claim 4 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the further support portion is a portion of the other side wall.
6. A device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support portions diverge outwardly away from one another so that, in use, the support portions at least partly cover the shoulders of a user wearing the device.
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each support portion is provided with a recess which is configured to receive part of one of the shoulders of a user wearing the device.
8. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device incorporates a front wall which connects the two side walls together at the front of the device.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the front wall is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.
10. A device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the front wall is provided with a face aperture which, in use, is positioned adjacent the face of a user wearing the device.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the device incorporates a lower support member which is positioned adjacent a lower end of the face aperture to support the chin of a user wearing the device.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the lower support member is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.
13. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the device incorporates an upper support member which is positioned adjacent an upper end of the face aperture.
14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the upper support member is a planar sheet.
15. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the device further comprises a planar sheet which can be releasably attached to the front wall to at least partially close the face aperture.
16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the sheet is partially translucent.
17. A device according to claim 15, wherein the sheet is opaque.
18. A device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the sheet is of a material which provides a barrier to moisture.
19. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device incorporates a rear wall which connects the side walls to one another at the rear of the device.
20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the rear wall is a planar sheet.
21. A device according to claim 20, wherein the planar sheet comprises two planar portions which are releasably attachable to one another.
22. A device according to claim 20, wherein the planar sheet is a single planar element.
23. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device incorporates a top wall which connects the side wall to one another at the top of the device.
24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the top wall is a planar sheet.
25. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device has an open upper end which defines an opening in the chamber.
26. A device according to claim 25, wherein the side walls extend partway up each side of the head of the user to cover the user's ears.
27. A device according to claim 25, wherein the side walls extend partway up the sides of the head of the user to just below the ears of the user.
28. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is provided with at least one inflation tube which allows at least part of the inflatable structure to be inflated by a user.
29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the at least one inflation tube is provided with a release valve which is configured to be activated to release gas from the device to deflate the device.
30. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device incorporates at least one release valve provided on the inflatable structure to allow gas to be released from the inflatable structure to deflate the device.
31. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is at least partly covered with a hypoallergenic material.
32. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is provided with a display panel to display a message.
33. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable structure is self-supporting when the inflatable structure is inflated.
34. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
35. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
36. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
37. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A travel pillow comprising: an inflatable structure which incorporates two inflatable side walls that are spaced from one another and which, when inflated, define a chamber therebetween to receive at least part of the head of a user to allow the travel pillow to be worn on the head of the user, the inflatable structure incorporating a support portion which, in use, engages at least one shoulder of a user wearing the travel pillow to support the travel pillow and the head of the user, wherein the travel pillow incorporates a front wall which connects the two side walls together at the front of the travel pillow, the front wall incorporating an upper support member which, in use, is positioned in front of an upper part of the head of a user.L() 15 Q 2. A travel pillow according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is a portion of one of the side walls.3. A travel pillow according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inflatable structure incorporates a further support portion which, in use, engages the other shoulder of a user wearing the travel pillow.4. A travel pillow according to claim 3 as dependent on claim 2, wherein the further support portion is a portion of the other side wall.5. A travel pillow according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the support portions diverge outwardly away from one another so that, in use, the support portions at least partly cover the shoulders of a user wearing the travel pillow.6. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each support portion is provided with a recess which is configured to receive part of one of the shoulders of a user wearing the travel pillow.7. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.8 A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall is provided with a face aperture which, in use, is positioned adjacent the face of a user wearing the travel pillow.9. A travel pillow according to claim 8, wherein the travel pillow incorporates a lower support member which is positioned adjacent a lower end of the face aperture to support the chin of a user wearing the travel pillow. cD10. A travel pillow according to claim 9, wherein the lower support member is inflatable and defines a portion of the inflatable structure.11. A travel pillow according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the travel pillow further comprises a planar sheet which can be releasably attached to the front wall to at least partially close the face aperture.12. A travel pillow according to claim 11, wherein the sheet is partially translucent.13. A travel pillow according to claim 11, wherein the sheet is opaque.14; A travel pillow according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the sheet is of a material which provides a barrier to moisture.15. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper support member is a planar sheet.16. A travel pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the upper support member is inflatable.17. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow incorporates a rear wall which connects the side walls to one another at the rear of the travel pillow.18. A travel pillow according to claim 17, wherein the rear wall is a planar sheet.19. A travel pillow according to claim 18, wherein the planar sheet comprises two planar portions which are releasably attachable to one another.20. A travel pillow according to claim 18, wherein the planar sheet is a single planar element.21. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow incorporates a top wall which connects the side wall to one another at the top of the travel pillow.22. A travel pillow according to claim 21, wherein the top wall is a planar sheet.23. A travel pillow according to claim 2, wherein the travel pillow has an open upper end which defines an opening in the chamber.24. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow is provided with at least one inflation tube which allows at least part of the inflatable structure to be inflated by a user.25. A travel pillow according to claim 24, wherein the at least one inflation tube is provided with a release valve which is configured to be activated to release gas from the travel pillow to deflate the travel pillow.26. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow incorporates at least one release valve provided on the inflatable structure to allow gas to be released from the inflatable structure to deflate the travel pillow.27. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow is at least partly covered with a hypoallergenic material.28. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel pillow is provided with a display panel to display a message.29. A travel pillow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable structure is self-supporting when the inflatable structure is inflated.30. A travel pillow substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.