GB2604370A

GB2604370A - Smart travel pillow

Info

Publication number: GB2604370A
Application number: GB2102995.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Mark
Original assignee: New Journeys Halifax Ltd
Current assignee: New Journeys Halifax Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-03
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Also published as: GB202102995D0

Abstract

A travel pillow 100, worn around neck to support cervical spine, neck, and weight of a head is provided. The travel pillow comprises a brace 102, made of cushioning material, having a first end 1022 and a second end 1024, wherein the brace 102 has a slot 104 or cut-out section on an inside edge of the brace 102, a string 106 fixed to the first end 1022 and to the second end 1024, and then attached to a buckle for tightening/loosening, wherein the string 106 is adjustable to alter the brace 102 and a space therebetween, and a cord lock 108 disposed on the string 106, the cord lock 108 configured to lock the string 106 at an adjusted position of the string 106. The slot of cut-out section enabling an audio device 103 to be attached therein.

Description

A SMART TRAVEL PILLOW FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a travel pillow and particularly to a smart travel pillow, with a cut-out section for attaching a personal audio device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the digitization of music, it is expedient to carry songs and audio files around and access them at will. Listening to music has become extremely convenient and a good way to lighten up. A number of devices are available in market facilitating ease of listening music. A study suggests 62% of music listeners fall asleep to music. When a person falls asleep unconsciously, they usually forget to pay attention to their sleeping posture. This results in agonizing muscular pain and in the long run improper body structure. While sleeping and relaxing, a good posture is of utmost importance. A bad posture results in various bodily issues. In fact, it affects the way a person's walk, stand, and also structure of the spine.

Cervical spine is affected mostly by the sitting and resting posture. For example, keeping ill sized pillow while sleeping or resting results in sprain or in longer run, painful cervical related problems. Therefore, sleeping with a straight spine and head is vital for protection against muscular/skeletal pain and improper structure of skeleton of human body. Also, it is important to rest in a proper posture while listening to music in order to support the cervical spine and neck in case the listener falls asleep unconsciously and damage their neck, spine, or back. Furthermore, a person with paralytic disability may suffer neck injuries more often due to lack of bodily control.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a smart travel pillow that enables attaching a personal audio device such as a headphone or earphone.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a smart travel pillow with a cut-out section for attaching a personal audio device such as a headphone or earphone.

Another object of the present invention is to improve sitting and resting posture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a travel pillow with an audio output to support cervical spine, neck, and weight of a head.

According to an aspect of the present invention a travel pillow, worn around neck to support cervical spine, neck, and weight of a head comprises a brace, made of cushioning material, having a first end and a second end, wherein the brace has a slot on an inside edge of the brace, a string fixed to each end and then attached to a buckle for tightening/loosening. The string is adjustable to alter the brace and a space therebetween, the string along with the buckle is configured to lock and adjusted position of the pillow.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the slot is adapted to receive an audio unit having a neck band. The neckband is disposed inside the slot.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the smart travel pillow comprising a communication module, configured to establish communication between the audio unit and a user device or an implant, a processing module configured to send and receive information on to and from the user device through the communication module, and a battery module configured to power the communication module, the audio unit, or any material in the pillow that may require power for activation.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the audio unit comprises a first speaker proximal to the first end and a second speaker proximal to the second end In an aspect, the audio unit may be integrated with the communication module and may be facilitate with Bluetooth.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the audio unit comprises a first resonator proximal to the first end and a second resonator proximal to the second end.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first resonator and the second resonator generate sound through resonance and transmit to the user using bone conduction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning material includes a phase change material (PCM). The PCM is adapted to activate a heating or cooling action of the travel pillow by changing phase of the PCM using electrical input from the battery module.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning material includes an electroactive material. The processing module is configured to charge electroactive material to adjust an aspect of the travel pillow selected form a group comprising hardening, softening, swelling, or shrinking of the travel pillow, using the battery module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein: Fig. l a, fig. 1 b, and 1 c illustrates an exploded view of a smart travel pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. id illustrates the smart travel pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates an audio unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the smart travel pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modification/s, equivalent/s and alternative/s falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e. meaning must).

Further, the words "a" or "an" means "at least one" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the likes are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of', "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

This invention described herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described.

These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Figure la, 1 b, and 1 c illustrates an exploded view of a smart travel pillow (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure la, the travel pillow (100) comprises a brace (102), a string (106), and a cord lock (108). The brace (102) may be worn on the neck by a user. The brace (102) may be made of a cushioning material. The cushioning material such as, may be, but not limited to, memory foam, springs, a phase change material (PCM), an electroactive material, antibacterial, and anti-microbial fabrics such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cellulose, acetate, polyester, polyester-vinyl composites, vinyl, acrylics, and the like. The travel pillow (100) facilitates attaching an audio unit such as a headphone or earphone in a cut-out section of the travel pillow (100).

The cushioning material may be infused with biocides to provide protection against harmful germs. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the brace may be filled with fluid such as, may be, but not limited to, air, water, heating, or cooling gels. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the brace (102) may include a reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may be disposed inside the brace (102) along with the cushioning material. The reinforcing structure may be adapted to retain a shape of the brace (102).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 a, the brace (102) has a slot (104). The slot (104) is disposed on an inside edge of the brace (102). Further, as shown in figure la and figure lb, the travel pillow (100) may comprise an audio unit (110). The audio unit has a neck band (1103). Figure id illustrates the travel pillow (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure id, the audio unit (110) is disposed on said slot (104). In an embodiment, the audio unit (110) may be attached inside the slot by the neck band (1103) using a snap fit mechanism. The neck band (1103) may be detachable from the slot. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the audio unit (110) may be fixed on the inside edge of the brace (102). The audio unit (110) may be, but not limited to, earphones, earpieces, headphones, music players, MP3 players, MP4 players, wireless earphones, wireless neck bands, wireless headphones, or resonating headphones.

Figure 2 illustrates the audio unit (110), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2, the audio unit (110) comprises a first speaker (1101) and a second speaker (1102). Returning to the figure 1 a, the brace (102) has a first end (1022) and a second end (1024). The first speaker (1101) is disposed proximal to the first end (1022). Further, the second speaker (1102) is disposed proximal to the second end (1024). In a preferred embodiment, the first speaker (1101) and the second speaker (1102) are earpieces to be inserted inside the ear canals of the user. In an aspect, the audio unit (110) may be separate device that could be attached to the travel pillow's cut-out section.

In an additional or alternate embodiment, the audio unit (110) may comprise a first resonator and a second resonator. The first resonator is disposed proximal to the first end (1022) and the second resonator disposed proximal to the second end (1024). In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the audio unit may comprise a cushion (1104) on an inside edge of the neck band (1103). In a preferred embodiment, the cushion may be made of, but not limited to, memory foam, anti-bacterial and antimicrobial fabrics such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cellulose, acetate, polyester, polyester-vinyl composites, vinyl, and acrylics. The cushioning material may be infused with biocides to provide protection against harmful germs. The neck band (1103) may be curved in shape to match with the shape of the inside edge of the brace (102).

Returning to figure la, as shown, the travel pillow further comprises a string (106). As shown in figure 1 a, the string (106) is fixed to the first end (1022) and to the second end (1024), and the ends of the string (106) are io attached to the buckle for tightening/loosening. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the string (106) may be disposed on an outside edge of the brace (102) covering the periphery of the brace (102).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the string (106) is adjustable to alter the brace (102), the neck band (1103), and a space therebetween. For example, on pulling the string from the first end (1022) and the second end (1024), the space therebetween will decrease. Further, on moving the first end (1022) and the second end (1024) apart, the space therebetween will increase. A user wearing the travel pillow may adjust the string (106) according to their neck diameter and their level of comfort.

Further, as shown in figure 1 a, the cord lock (108) is disposed on the string (106). The cord lock (108) is configured to lock the string (106) at an adjusted position of the string (106). In case the user has adjusted the string to modify the brace to their personal comfort, the user may then put the cord lock (108) on the string (106) in order to prevent it from regaining loosen state of the string (106).

Further, figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the travel pillow, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 3, the travel pillow may comprise a communication module (152), a processing module (154), a battery module (158). In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module (152) is configured to establish communication between the audio unit (110) and a user device (156). The user device (156) may be, but not limited to, a laptop computer, desktop computer, palm computer, mobile phone and tablet PC. The user device (156) is held by a user wearing the travel pillow (100). The user may provide information such as may be, but not limited to, choice of song, a level of volume, change of song. In an additional embodiment, the audio unit may comprise a microphone. The microphone may be configured to receive vocal information from the user. The user may orally provide information such as but not limited to, choice of song, a level of volume, or change of song using the microphone. Further, as shown in figure 3, the processing module (154) is configured to send and receive information to and from the user device (156) through the communication module (152).

In an optional embodiment, as shown in figure 3, the battery module (158) is configured to power the audio unit, the communication module, or any other material in the travel pillow that may require activation. The battery module (158) may include a chargeable battery. The chargeable battery may be but not limited to a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydroxide battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, or a lithium-ion battery.

In an additional or alternate embodiment, the cushioning material includes the phase change material (PCM). The PCM such as, may be, but not limited to, hydrated salts, paraffin waxes, fatty acids, and eutectics of organic and non-organic compounds. The PCM is adapted to activate a heating or cooling action of the travel pillow (100) by changing phase of the PCM using electrical input from the battery module (158). The processing module (154) may be configured to direct the battery module (158) to provide a phase changing energy to the PCM. The PCM, after changing its state, may cause a heating or a cooling effect on an area of body of the user in contact with the travel pillow (100).

In an additional or alternate embodiment, the cushioning material may include an electroactive material. The processing module (154) is configured to charge electroactive material using the battery module (158) to adjust an aspect of the travel pillow (100) selected form a group comprising hardening, softening, swelling, or shrinking of the travel pillow (100).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the travel pillow (100) may include a user interface. The user interface may be able to facilitate interaction between the travel pillow (100) and the user. The interaction may be enabled by vocal inputs. However, the interaction may be enabled by, but not limited to, vocal inputs, touch-based inputs or input via buttons, keypads, or keyboards. The travel pillow may be able to provide tactile feedback such as vibrations and vibration patterns to the user. In an embodiment, the audio unit (110) may have the user interface performing similar functions as in the travel pillow (100).

In an embodiment, the audio unit may be a wireless headset or earphone having the communication module (152), the processing module (154), and the battery module (158) functioning as modules in the travel pillow (100).

In an additional or alternative embodiment of the present invention, the travel pillow (100) may have one or more sensors such as, but not limited to, heart rate sensors, oxygen sensors, ECG sensor, accelerometer, temperature sensor, proximity sensor. The sensors may be used to collect information of the user. In an additional or alternative embodiment of the present invention, the travel pillow may be communicatively coupled with one or more implants inside a body of the user. the body implants such as may be, but not limited to, pacemakers, artificial heart, artificial heart valve, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac pacemaker, and coronary stent. The travel pillow may receive information from the implants and alert the user in case of detecting any unusual activity recorded from the information received from any of the implants.

The present invention has various advantages. The present invention provides support to the cervical spine and carry weight of the head of the body. The present invention prevents the user from any injury such as sprain, caused by improper sitting, resting or sleeping posture. The present invention prevents any long-term ill effect caused of improper posture of neck, spine, and head. Further, the invention provides ability to listen music, songs while resting. In addition, the present invention can provide a comfortable music listening experience and increase one's ability to immerse in songs and music.

Further, one would appreciate that a communication network may also be used in the system. The communication network can be a short-range communication network and/or a long-range communication network, wire or wireless communication network. The communication interface includes, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication is established over may be, but not limited to, wired network or wireless network such as LoRa, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Zigbee, Internet, intranet.

In general, the word "module," as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be appreciated that modules may comprised connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and may comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. The modules described herein may be implemented as either software and/or hardware modules and may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device.

Further, while one or more operations have been described as being performed by or otherwise related to certain modules, devices or entities, the operations may be performed by or otherwise related to any module, device or entity. As such, any function or operation that has been described as being performed by a module could alternatively be performed by a different server, by the cloud computing platform, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and/or nonvolatile (e.g., ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media.

Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publicly accessible network such as the Internet.

It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

I claim: A smart travel pillow (100), worn around neck to support cervical spine, neck, and weight of a head, the travel pillow comprising: a brace (102), made of cushioning material, having a first end (1022) and a second end (1024), wherein the brace (102) has a slot (104) on an inside edge of the brace (102); a string (106) is fixed to the first end (1022), and to the second end (1024), wherein the string (106) is adjustable to alter the brace (102) and a space therebetween; and a cord lock (108) disposed on the string (106), configured to lock the string (106) at an adjusted position of the string (106).
2. The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slot (104) is adapted to receive an audio unit (110) having a neck band (1103), wherein the neckband (1103) is disposed inside the slot (104).
3. The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a communication module (152), configured to establish communication between the audio unit (110) and a user device (156); a processing module (154) configured to send and receive information to and from the user device (156) through the communication module (152); and a battery module (158) configured to power the travel pillow (100).
The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the audio unit (110) comprises a first speaker (1101) proximal to the first end (1022) and a second speaker (1102) proximal to the second end (1024).
5. The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the audio unit (110) is a B luetooth enabled audio device 6.
The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the audio unit (110) comprises a first resonator proximal to the first end (1022) and a second resonator proximal to the second end (1024).
The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first resonator and the second resonator generate sound through resonance and transmit to the user using bone conduction.
The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioning material includes a phase change material (PCM); wherein the PCM is adapted to activate a heating or cooling action of the travel pillow (100) by changing phase of the PCM using electrical input from the battery module (158).
9. The travel pillow (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cushioning material includes an electroactive material; wherein the processing module (154) is configured to charge electroactive material to adjust an aspect of the travel pillow (100) selected form a group comprising hardening, softening, swelling, or shrinking of the travel pillow (100), using the battery module (158).