GB2506910A

GB2506910A - Connected two pillow travel system

Info

Publication number: GB2506910A
Application number: GB201218369A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Astley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-12
Filing date: 2012-10-12
Publication date: 2014-04-16
Also published as: GB201218369D0; WO2014057287A1

Abstract

A travel pillow system 10 comprises first and second pillows 12, 14 and a first strap connecting the pillows 12, 14 together for passing around the person's torso. The travel pillow system 10 also comprises a second strap 32 adapted to hold the pillows 12, 14 together one against the other. In use, the pillows 12, 14 can be disposed at different angles for providing variable support. The pillows can be substantially cylindrical, and can either be stuffed or inflated. The straps connecting the pillows can be made of elastic, adjustable in length and releasably connected. The second strap can also be formed into a loop to fit around and retain the pillows. The pillow system may also have a bag which can be reversible and made from an outer polymeric material which can be splash proof and an inner soft fabric which can be fleece. The bag can be configured to form a rectangular pillow when the pillows are supported next to each other and can have a plurality of compartments for storing items.

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL .*.. PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. 0B1218369.5 RTM Date:11 Deccniber 2012 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: iPod Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

TRAVEL PILLOW SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a travel pillow system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Whilst traveling, be this on an aeroplane, a train or in a car, many passengers wish to relax, doze or even sleep. Often this can be for sustained periods of time and without the usc of cushioning or support to a passenger's head, discomfort can arise.

Travel pillows are known and are used to provide cushioning or support. Whilst there are many different types of design of travel pillow, such pillows are most commonly provided in the form of an inflatable pillow shaped to wrap around the wearer's neck.

Travel pillows are adapted for use by passengers seated in a partially reclined position, with the user tilting their head back against the pillow for maximum support.

However, seats having a reclining function are not always present and as such, many traditional travel pillows can often lend only little support. Furthermore, there is often only little adjustability in the support provided, with most of the support or cushioning available when in a partially reclined position.

To maximise seating, particularly in aircraft, but also on buses and trains, the seats are configured with thc seat backs in a gcncrally vertical position, or with little rcclining capability. As such, passengers wishing to sleep have to do so in a seated position, often using the headrest of the seat and the side walls of the vehicle to provide lateral support. This can cause discomfort, particularly on longer journeys, journeys on which a passenger is more inclined to sleep.

It is an object of the invention to provide a travel pillow system which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a travel pillow system which provides variable support to a user.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a travel pillow system for supporting a person's head, the travel pillow system comprising first and second pillows and a fir st strap coimecting the pillows together for passing around the person's torso, and a second strap adapted to hold the piliows together one against the other, in use, the pillows being disposable at different angles for providing variable support.

The travel pillow system is advantageous in that it can be used by a person seated or reclined in a variety of positions. In particular, the travel pillow system provides support to a user when leaning to one side, for example, when travelling on different forms of transport, where a reclining seat option is not available. The pillows can be arranged with one pillow being rested on the user's shoulder, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to their body and the second pillow being rested on the first pillow, at an angle, parallel or substantially parallel to the user's face. This is advantageous in allowing the user to configure the pillow system to provide support at a number of different angles, as a result of being seated in a variety of positions. The travel pillow system also provides cushioning if a user is leaning against the side of a vehicle, protecting their head from vibration and providing comfort.

The pillows may be generally cylindrical and each pillow may be formed from a single piece of fabric. The pillows may be of a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride and further, the pillows may be coated with fibres to provide a soft feel. The coating may be a flock.

The first strap may be connected to an end of each of the first and second pillows. The first strap may be releasably attached to the pillows. Alternatively, the first strap may be permanently secured to each pillow. A permanent connection is advantageous in preventing the pillows from becoming separated and lost when in use.

The first strap may be adjustable in length for fastening the system to users of different sizes. This is advantageous in allowing the user to lengthen or shorten the connecting strap such that the system is held tightly around their torso to prevent it from becoming loose during use.

The first strap may further be provided with releasable fastening means for releasably fastening the first strap at a desired length, once extended around the user's torso. The releasable fastening means may be provided in the form of a buckle for allowing the length of the first strap to be adjusted to the desired length. Alternatively, the first strap may be provided with a number of openings along its length. In this configuration, the releasable fastening means may be provided simply in the form of a button and a number of spaced button holes for allowing the first strap to be fastened at one of the openings, once adjusted to the desired length.

The first strap may be elastieated.

The second strap may be provided with two openings. Each opening may receive a respective pillow when the system is in use. In one arrangement, one of the openings of the second strap is permanently secured to one of the pillows, with the other opening being free to receive the other pillow. The second strap may be provided in the shape of a figure of eight, with each opening provided around a respective pillow.

Again this arrangement is advantageous in that the second strap is permanently secured to one of the pillows, so as to not come free during use. Furthermore, positioning the second strap in this arrangement promotes ease of manipulation of the pillows when the system is in use.

In an altemative arrangement, the second strap may be releasably attached to each pillow. In this respect, the second strap is a separate member and again may be provided in the shape of a figure of eight, with each opening being provided to extend around a respective pillow.

The second strap may be elasticated. Alternatively, the second strap may be provided with adjustable fastening means for adjustably fastening the strap in position around the first and second pillows.

The first and second pillows may be provided in any suitable form for providing comfort to the user. The first and second pillows may be formed from a single piece of material, which may be folded and glued or heat welded in position. In one arrangement, the first and second pillows may be stuffed with a filler material. In an alternative arrangement, the first and second pillows may be provided with an air valve and may be inflatable.

The first and second pillows may have a width in the range of from 10cm to 20cm.

Further, the first and second pillows may have a length in the range of from 20cm to 40cm. Thesc dimensions arc advantageous in allowing a first pillow to be positioned on the user's shoulder and provide sufficient surface area upon which the second pillow may be aligned.

One of the first or second pillows may be provided with a tab on one side of its major edge. The tab may be provided midway along the length of the pillow and may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pillow. The tab may frirther be provided with a hole in the form of a slot for receiving the second strap. This arrangement is advantageous for use when the second strap is permanently secured to one of the pillows, as described.

The travel pillow system may further be provided with a bag for housing and transporting the travel pillow system. The bag may be reversible and may be provided with an outer polymeric material and an inner soft fabric material. The outer polymeric material may be a splash proof nylon. The inner material may be a fleece.

The bag may further be used to convert the system into a more conventional pillow, in an alternative configuration. In this respect, the pillows, once inflated or as supplied, stuffed, can be positioned side by side inside the bag and the bag closed by suitable means, such as a button or elastic strap or Velcro (RTM) The bag may be provided with a number of compartments for housing different items.

For example, the bag may be provided with a dedicated pocket for housing the pillows when deflated, and also a pocket for a mobile telephone or iPod or the like. These may be securely fastened with a zip fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a travel pillow system in a deflated state; and Figure 2 shows a perspective vicw of a sccond embodiment of a travel pillow in an inflated state, ready fix use; Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic view of the first embodiment of a travel pillow in use, with a user in a seated position and the user's head angled to one side; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of a travel pillow system in use, with a user leaning heavily to one side; and Figures Sa shows a view of one side of the outside of a bag fix housing and transporting the pillows of Figure 1 when not in use, and fbr housing the pillows of Figure 1, when inflated, to form a rectangular pillow.

Figures Sb shows a view of the other side of the outside of a bag fbr housing and transporting the pillows of Figure 1 when not in use, and ±1w housing the pillows of Figure 1, when inflated, to form a rectangular pillow.

Figures Sc shows a view of one side of the inside of a bag fix housing and transporting the pillows of Figure 1 when not in use, and fix housing the pillows of Figure 1, when inflated, to form a rectangular pillow.

Figures Sd shows a view of the other side of the inside of a bag ±1w housing and transporting the pillows of Figure 1 when not in use, and ±1w housing the pillows of Figure 1, when inflated, to form a rectangular pillow.

S

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a travel pillow system is shown, indicated generally at 10. The travel pillow 10 includes first and second pillows 12, 14 and a first connecting strap 16.

Each of the first and second pillows 12, 14 is of a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, and the surface is coated with small fibre particles by flocking to provide a soft feel. The first and second pillows 12, 14 are formed from a single piece or net of fabric, which is folded and glued or hcat welded along a periphcral edge on three sides.

A flexible tab 18, 20 is provided on each of the first and second pillows 12, 14, and is formed by a portion of the nct of fabric which is left unglucd, thus having an uppcr and lower surface which can be separated. A button 22 is provided on flexible tab 1 of the first pillow 12.

The first strap 16 is provided to connect together the fir st and second pillows 12, 14.

The first strap 16 is elasticated and is inserted into the opening of each tab 18, 20 and secured into place by stitching, gluing or the like. The first strap 16 is provided with a number of button hole openings 24 along its length. In this respect, the length of the first strap 16 may bc shortcncd by gathering any excess length of material and securing it to the pillow at the button 22.

A valve 24, 26 is inset in the fabric of each pillow 12, 14, proximate each strap conncction. The valves 24, 26 cnablc inflation of thc pillows using thc mouth and deflation as required. The first and second pillows 12, 14 are generally cylindrical when inflated and when deflated, collapse to a substantially flat rectangular profile and can be easily folded or rolled, so as to be stored.

A tab 28 is provided on the major edge of the first pillow 12 and is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pillow 12. An aperture 30 in the form of a slot is provided on the tab 28. A second strap 32 is provided and extends around the first pillow 12, passing through the apcrturc 30 in the tab 28 to form a first loop around the pillow 12. The free end in the form of a ioop, of the second strap 32 is then twisted proximate the first pillow 12 and stitched to form a figure of eight profile. Consequently, the second strap 32 has two openings, each opening for receiving a respective pillow 12, 14. The second strap 32 is elasticated to conform and stretch to the profile of the pillow 12, 14 when inflated.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a travel pillow system, indicated generally at 110. The travel pillow system 110 includes first and second pillows 12, 14 and a first or connecting strap 16 having features in common with the first embodiment denoted by common reference numerals, as indicated.

The travel pillow system 110 is further provided with a button 134. The button 134 is positioned on the first strap 16 proximal the second pillow 14. This alternative arrangement provides for the first strap 16 to be adjusted in length and secured on itself, at the button 134.

The travel pillow system 110 also has a second strap 136. The second strap 136 is provided in the form of a figure of eight and is supplied as a separate component to the system. The second strap 136 has two openings, each opening for extending around a respective pillow 12, 14. In another arrangement, the second strap 136 may be provided by a loop and twisted to a figure of eight, when required.

Referring now to Figure 3, a travel pillow system 10 is shown in use. A person using the travel pillow is in a seated position with their head angled to one side, indicated generally at 210. Initially, the first and second pillows 12, 14 are inflated using valves 24, 26. The first pillow 12 is placed on the user's shoulder, substantially perpendicular to the body. The second pillow 14 and the first strap 16 are then passed around the user's torso and under the opposing shoulder upon which the first pillow 12 is positioned. The first strap 16 is then adjusted in length, with any excess material held in a secured position at button 22. The second pillow 14 is bought up to and then inserted into the free end of the second strap 32 at an angle to the first pillow 12, aligning substantially parallel to the user's face. The second pillow 14 is moved about the first pillow 12 to a comfortable position. Once the user has initially aligned the pillows 12, 14, the pillows can be manipulated to a desired position to provide the necessary support required and can be adjusted during use in accordance with a change in the user's position.

Figure 4 shows a travel pillow system 10 in use by a user in a seated position leaning heavily to one side, indicated generally at 310. Again the first and second pillows 12, 14 arc inflated using valves 24, 26. A first pillow 12 is placed on the user's shoulder and the second pillow 14 and first strap 16 passed around the back of the user and under their opposing shoulder onto which the first pillow 12 is placed. The first strap 16 is then adjusted in length and the second pillow 14 is inserted into a free cnd of the sccond strap 32 and held in position against thc first pillow 12, against thc facc of the user.

Figures 5a to Sd each show a bag indicated generally at 410 for housing the pillows of the system when in inflated and deflated modes. Figures Sa and Sb show the outside of the bag 410. The bag 410 is generally rectangular and has a width substantially equal to the length of the pillows. The outside of the bag 410 is of a splash proof nylon material. A hem 412 surrounds one end of the bag 410. A fabric loop 414 is provided on each side of the bag, distal from the hem 412. A cord 416 is provided and extends wholly around the hem 412 and passes alongside the major edge of the bag 410 and through each fabric loop 414. The drawstring of nylon cord 416 is terminated at each end by suitable means, for example by a knot, and is prevented from passing back through the fabric loop 414. The drawstring 416 can be used to adjust the size of the opening in the bag and thus be used to close the bag to secure any contents inside.

A pocket 418 is provided the front of the outside of the bag 410 and has an opening which extends the length of the bag. The pocket 418 has a zip fastener 420 along its length for releasably closing the pocket 418, to contain the pillows of the system when deflated and not in use. The pocket 418 can also be used to store other personal belongings. A button 422 is stitched to the lower or bottom edge for securing the bag in a folded over and closed position as described in more detail below.

Figures Sc and Sd show the inside of the bag 410. The inside of the bag, as shown, is revealed when the bag is reversed, by turning it inside out. Accordingly, the drawstring 416 for adjusting the opening of the bag 410 can be seen to be housed inside the bag in a reversed manner when in this mode. The inside of the bag 410 is of a fleece material, which provides a soft outer surface when the bag is inside out. A button 424 is provided on the inside of the bag and again can be used to secure the bag in a folded over and closed position. The inside of the bag 410 is also provided with a pocket 426, for example, for a mobile telephone or Pod or the like. The pocket 426 is stitched to the upper end of the bag, adjacent the inside portion of the hem 412.

An opening 428 is provided in the pocket 426 and has a zip fastener 430 for releasably fastening the opening 428 in the pocket 426. An elastic tab 432 is stitched to the underside of the hem 412 at the top of the bag 410.

In usc, the bag 410 has two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the bag 410 is used with the splash proof nylon on the outside, with the fleece lining on inside. In this mode, the bag 410 can be used as a day bag, for transporting the pillows and other personal items, and secondly also as a conventional pillow. To achieve this, the pillows are inflated and inserted inside the bag, so as to be aligned side by side in one half of the bag. The remainder of the bag material is then wrapped around the pillows, which are inside the bag, and secured by attaching the elastic tab 432, which extends from inside the bag, to the button 422. In a second mode of operation, the bag 410 is used in a reversed mode, with the fleece lining on the outside of the bag. In this mode of operation, the pillows are inflated and the bag is reversed by pulling the fleece lining out. Again, the pillows are inserted inside the reversed bag, side by side, and the excess material is wrapped around the pillows, which are inside the bag. The closed flap of material is secured to the bag by attaching the elastic tab 432 to the button 424. In this mode, the pillow is more comfortable because the pillow has a soft fleece outer.

The travel pillow system is advantageous in that it can be used by a person seated or reclined in a variety of positions. In particular, the travel pillow system provides variable support to a user, for example when the user is leaning to one side, when travelhng on different forms of transport. The pillows can be arranged with one pillow being rested on the user's shoulder and the second pillow being rested on the first pillow, at an angle, parallel or substantially parallel to the user's face.

Advantageously, the system permits the user to manipulate the pillows to provide support depending on their seating position. The arrangement shown in Figures 5a to 3d allows the system to be used in the manner of a conventional pillow, whilst additionally providing some useful storage, in particular for a mobile telephone or other electronic device such as a digital music player.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A travel pillow system for supporting a person's head, the travel pillow system comprising first and second pillows and a first strap connecting the pillows together for passing around the person's torso, and a second strap adapted to hold the pillows together one against thc other, in usc, the pillows being disposable at different angles for providing variable support.
2. A travel pillow system according to claim 1, in which each pillow is substantially cylindricaL
3. A travel pillow system according to any of claims 1 or 2, in which the first strap extends between an end of first pillow and an end of the second pillows.
4. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first strap is adjustable in length.
5. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 4, in which the first strap is provided with releasable fastening means for releasably fastening the connecting strap at a desired length.
6. A travcl pillow system as claimed in any prcccding claim, in which thc first strap is elasticated.
7. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second strap is provided with two openings, each opening for receiving a respective pillow.
8. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 7, in which one of the openings is permanently secured to one of the pillows.
9. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 7, in which the second strap is releasably attachable to each pillow.
10. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second strap is an elasticated strap and is adapted to extend around the circumference and retain each of the pillows.
11. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pillows are stuffed with a fillermaterial.
12. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pillowsare inflatable.
13. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each pillow has a width in the range of fit,m 10cm to 20cm.
14. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each pillow has a length in the range of from 20cm to 40cm.
15. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 8, in which one of the pillows is provided with a tab midway along one side of its major edge substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis.
16. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 15, in which the tab is provided with a slot %r receiving the second strap.
17. A travel pillow system as claimed in any proceeding claim, the system further coii.piising a bag for housing and transporting the travel pillow system.
18. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 17, in which the bag is reversible and has an outer polymeric material and an inner soft fabric material.
19. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 18, in which the outer polymeric material is splash proof nylon.
20. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 18, in which the inner soft fhbric material is fleece.
21. A travel pillow system as claimed in any one ofclaims 18 to 20, in which the bag is configured to contain the pillows side by side when inflated to form a rectangular pillow.
22. A travel pillow system as claimed in any preceding claim, the bag having a plurality of compartments for housing different items.
23. A travel pillow system as claimed in claim 22, in which at least one compartment is provided for housing the deflated pillows, when not in use.
24. A travel pillow system substantially as described herein with reference and as illustrated in Figures 1,2, 3 to 4 and 5a to Sd of the accompanying drawings.