US20040064893A1

US20040064893A1 - Inflatable resting device

Info

Publication number: US20040064893A1
Application number: US10/264,759
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Sharp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-04
Filing date: 2002-10-04
Publication date: 2004-04-08

Abstract

An inflatable resting device comprises a bell-shaped outer shell having a larger base portion and a smaller upper portion. The base portion is configured for being placed on the lap of a person with the upper portion positioned so as to receive the head of the person as the person leans over the device and rests. The inflatable resting device is comprised of at least one air chamber having a generally bell-like shape. Arm support structures are provided along the sides of the resting device for supporting the arms of the user in a comfortable resting position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a device for allowing a person to rest in a sitting position, and more specifically to devices that are placed in the lap of a person resting in a sitting position for supporting the upper torso and the head of the person.

2. Description of the Related Art

It has been recognized in the art that resting a sleeping while in a sitting position, as for example, when riding on an airplane, in an automobile, on a train, bus or the like, is usually uncomfortable because of the lack of head, neck and upper torso support when the person is sitting in an upright position. Some accommodations have been made by providing passenger seats that recline. Be that as it may, reclining seats, particularly in airplanes and buses, recline a relatively small distance and therefore do not come close to tilting back far enough to place the weight of the user's head and upper torso against the seat back so as to prevent the passenger from slumping during sleeping or resting. In some automobiles, such as rental moving trucks, the passenger seats do not provide any means for reclining and therefore keep the passenger in a completely upright position. Trying to sleep or rest in an upright sitting position is typically extremely uncomfortable and prevents the person from gaining any significant amount of meaningful rest.

As such, there have been several attempts in the art to provide a device that can be placed on the lap of the passenger to support the head and upper torso of the user. In 1980, U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,472 issued to Sparks et al. for a sleeping device for a person resting in sitting position. The sleeping device is comprised of a set of block-like pillow components which can be assembled in various ways so to accommodate different body resting positions while sitting up, instead of laying down. The components include one so to serve as a food tray, and in a modified design, the assembled units form a container for carrying food. The components are molded of plastic Styrofoam. The components include various channels for receiving an arm of a person, to receive the chin of a person, etc.

Because of the construction of the device which includes several block-like pillow components, the device tends to be of a generally bulk nature, not easy to store in a small place, and difficult to closely conform to persons of various sizes. Because of its relatively large nature, the device would not be particularly advantageous for taking on airline trips, as it would likely count as a carry-on and therefore limit the amount of other luggage that a person would otherwise be able to take into the plane.

Another example of a device for facilitating rest for a person in a sitting position is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,611,601 and 6,042,185 to Cowgur. In Cowgur, a rest pillow comprises an inflated flexible substantially rectangular compartment having top, bottom, front and rear portions and opposite side portions. An inflation port is located in the compartment to selectively inflate or deflate the compartment. A strap is secured by its ends to the sides of the compartment for securing the compartment to the waist of the person using it. A plurality of baffles extend from the front interior of the compartment to the rearward portion thereof to prevent the compartment from becoming substantially distorted when the person using the device rests his or her head on the top portion thereof. The method for facilitating rest of a person in a sitting position, comprises the steps of placing an inflated substantially rectangular flexible compartment on the lap of a sitting person, causing the person to lean forward to rest the persons's head and arms on the top of the compartment to bind the compartment between the head and arms, and the lap of the person, and to provide resting support for the person's head and arms.

The Cowgur device, however, is a relatively complex structure requiring various baffles to hold its shape. In addition, the device is, including the exterior of the device, is formed from flexible plastic material. Such a material will cause a person to perspire at the points of the users body that is in contact with the device. Moreover, because the device must be manually inflated, the user must be able to physically blow air into the device before it can be utilized. Finally, the generally rectangular shape of the device is not the most suitable for comfort of a person resting upon such a device.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an inflatable resting device configured to be placed upon the lap of a person in a sitting position which provides adequate support for the person's head and upper torso having a non-rectangular configuration that is more conforming to the shape of a person leaning against the device.

It would be a further advantage to provide such a device that includes a compartment that is inflated and a compartment that is filled with a conventional pillow filling material.

It would be a further advantage to proved an outer shell for the device which is formed from a fabric so as to prevent perspiration of the person at points in contact with the user and is removable from the inflatable portion of the device so as to be separately washable when soiled.

It would still be a further advantage to provide a simple means for inflating the device by utilizing the air vents on a typical jet liner.

These and other advantages over the prior art will be realized upon examination of the various embodiments of the present invention presented herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an inflatable resting device allows travelers by plane, train, bus and automobiles to sleep comfortably while seated through the use of an inflatable device. The device allows travelers to take advantage of the open space in front of them. Travelers can find comfort by leaning forward against the device and resting in this position.

The inflatable resting device of the present invention comprises a bulbous, pear or bell-shaped outer shell having a larger base portion and a smaller upper portion. The base portion is configured for being placed on the lap of a person with the upper portion positioned so as to receive the head of the person as the person leans over the device.

In its most simple form, the resting device of the present invention is comprised of a single air chamber having a generally pear or bell-like shape and formed from a material such a “flocked,” coated or fabric covered vinyl, similar to that used on inflatable mattresses, so as to prevent perspiration of the person utilizing the device. The upper portion of the device is configured to receive the head of the person while the bulbous shape is configured to support the upper torso of the user while resting against the device. In addition, the bell shape provides a place around the device at the transition between the base portion and the upper portion for receiving the arms of the person so that the person can wrap his or her arms around the device, and, by clasping the hands or grasping a wrist, the user can easily maintain the device against the torso while resting.

The inflatable resting device of the present invention is configured to be easily inflated and deflated. In one embodiment, the device is provided with a hose that can be connected between the inflatable chamber and an air vent that are commonly provided above the seats of a commercial aircraft. Likewise, a small pump may be provided to allow quick inflation in locations where such an air vent is not available. In order to quickly deflate the device, a ripcord or large air door is provided to allow for immediate clearing of space in case of a need for immediate evacuation.

In another embodiment of the invention, a pullover cover is provided. The pullover cover may be padded for added comfort. The cover may be configured to be removable from the air chamber so as to allow a user to machine wash the cover that may become soiled through use of the device. The cover also enhances the breathability of the device to reduce perspiration caused by resting on the device.

In yet another embodiment, the inflation chamber of the device is divided into at least two compartments. The various inflatable compartments may be separately inflatable so as to allow a user to vary the overall size or shape of the device to fit a particular user. For example, by providing a separate air chamber at the location adjacent the user's stomach, partial inflation/deflation of this chamber can be customized to accommodate variously sized waistlines.

In yet another embodiment, at least one leg contour is provided on the bottom of the base portion in order to allow the legs to relax while being laterally supported by the base of the device. In the case where a pair of leg contours are provided, the portion extending between the legs may be configured to rest upon the seat so as to divert the weight of the user onto the seat and away from the tops of the legs. In this example, it may be necessary to form the portion extending between the legs of a more rigid material, such as a foam product, to adequately direct pressure onto the seat surface. In addition, an internal support structure may also be provided to transfer the weight of the user's upper body onto the portion extending between the legs and onto the seat surface.

At the upper portion of the device, a pillow area is provided to support the head of the user. To provide a more comfortable surface upon which to rest one's head, a separate pouch may be provided which is filled with a filler such as Styrofoam beads, polyester fibers, or other materials known in the art. Using such materials in a separate pouch or pocket attached to the upper portion of the inflatable resting device of the present invention allows the user to shape the pillow portion to comfortably support the user's head.

In another embodiment, the pillow portion comprises an empty pocket into which a pillow provided by an airline or other passenger carrier can be inserted. Likewise, the outer contour of the inflatable resting device of the present invention may be provided with a recess or indentation to accept and hold in place such a pillow.

In order to keep the inflatable resting device of the present invention in place relative to the user, various other features may be provided. For example, in one embodiment, a loop is attached to the outer surface of the device at a location that will be adjacent the waist of the user when in use. The loop is configured to receive the lap belt provided on all commercial aircraft. By placing the lap belt through the loop and securing the lap belt in a normal fashion, the inflatable resting device of the present invention is prevented from sliding away from the user.

In another embodiment, a tunnel or passageway transversely extends through the resting device configured for insertion of the user's arms through the tunnel. Placement of the arms through such a tunnel causes the resting device to be held against the user without the user having to exert any muscle force against the resting device. The tunnel may be lined with a material that will allow breathability and thus reduce sweating of the arms while located in the tunnel. In addition, the tunnel may be padded with Styrofoam pellets to provide further breathability. Likewise, a pair of tunnels, one for each arm may extend through the sides of the resting device to allow the user to cradle the resting device relative to their body.

In yet another embodiment, a pair of arm support loops or straps may be secured to the outside surface of the resting device. The arm support straps are positioned on opposite sides of the resting device for placement of the arms therein. As with the tunnel configuration, the arm support straps help to hold the resting device relative to the user as caused by the weight of the user's arms within the straps to effectively maintain the resting device against the user's body. The arm support straps may be held to the resting device with hook and loop fastener to allow for adjustability of the arm support straps relative to the resting device in order to fit that particular user. Whether the resting device of the present invention utilizes arm support tunnels or arm support straps, such features allow the user to hold the device relative to their body while fully resting their arms, as the weight of their arms is fully supported by such features.

In still another embodiment, a temperature control device is incorporated into the resting device of the present invention. The temperature control device helps to regulate the internal temperature of the resting device, either warm or cold, to match the comfort level of the user. As such, the temperature control device is provided with controls for adjusting the temperature of the resting device as desired by the user.

In order to accommodate quick deflation of the resting device of the present invention, a ripcord activated release valve may be provided in which a large valve is opened upon pulling of the rip cord. Likewise, a large air door may be provided in which opening of the air door will allow the air inside the resting device to be quickly and easily evacuated. Such large air doors are commonly used on various air mattresses.

In yet another embodiment, the resting device of the present invention is filled with a filler material, such as Styrofoam beads or pellets, and does not include an inflatable chamber. Such a device may be useful in automobiles and the like where storage size is not as large of a consideration as it may be on a commercial aircraft.

The resting device of the present invention has the added benefit as acting as a secondary safety device in the case of a collision or crash landing. The device would act in a similar fashion to an automobile air bag. Indeed, the position assumed while using the resting device of the present invention is similar to the position airline passengers are instructed to assume while in an emergency situation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a user sitting in a commercial airline seat utilizing a resting device in a resting position in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0030]
FIG. 2 is a side view of the user utilizing the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0031]
FIG. 3A is a side view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0032]
FIG. 3B is a perspective back view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0033]
FIG. 3C is a perspective side view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0034]
FIG. 3D is a perspective bottom view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0035]
FIG. 3E is a perspective front view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0036]
FIG. 3F is another perspective bottom view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0037]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an air valve apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0038]
FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of an air bladder for forming a resting device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0039]
FIG. 6A is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a resting device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0040]
FIG. 6B is a perspective bottom view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 6A; [0041]
FIG. 6C is a perspective side view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 6A; [0042]
FIG. 7A is a perspective front view of yet another embodiment of a resting device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0043]
FIG. 7B is a perspective bottom view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 7A; [0044]
FIG. 7C is a perspective side view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 7A; [0045]
FIG. 8 is a front view of two users seated in commercial aircraft passenger seats utilizing resting devices in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0046]
FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a resting device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0047]
FIG. 9B is a side view of the resting device illustrated in FIG. 9A; and [0048]
FIG. 10 is a partial front view of another embodiment of an upper portion of a resting device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.[0049]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a [0050] user 10 sitting in a commercial aircraft seat 12 using an inflatable resting device, generally indicated at 14, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. By utilizing the resting device 14, the user 10 has naturally assumed a comfortable fetal position, with a base portion 16 of the resting device 14 placed against the stomach 17 of the user 10 and the upper portion 18 supporting the head 20 of the user 10. A pair of straps 22 and 24 are secured to the outside surface 25 of the resting device 14 at its right and left sides, respectively, and are configured for receiving the arms 26 and 28, respectively, of the user 10. Use of the straps 22 and 24 allows the user 10 to rest his arms 22 and 24 within the straps 22 and 24 without having to physically grasp the resting device 14 in order to hold the resting device 14 against the upper torso 30 of the user 10. Of course, the resting device 14 may be adequately utilized without the use of such arm straps 22 and 24 since the pear or bell shape provides a place around the device 14 at the transition between the base portion 16 and the upper portion 18 for receiving the arms of the person so that the person can wrap his or her arms around the device 14, and, by clasping the hands or grasping a wrist, the user can easily maintain the device 14 against the torso while resting.
As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the resting [0051] device 14 has a larger base portion and a smaller upper portion 18 with the shape of the device resembling, to some degree, a pear or bell shape or a triangle with curvilinear sides and corners. It should be noted that reference to the shape of the device as bell or pear are intended to generally describe the same overall shape. Thus, the device 14 is a generally asymmetrical shape with a wider base portion and a narrower head support portion. The upper portion 18 is positioned to allow the user 10 to rest his head against the outer surface 25 of the resting device 14. While the arms 26 and 28 of the user can be used to wrap around the resting device 14 in order to hold it in position for resting, as will be shown in more detail, the resting device 14 can be secured relative to the user by being coupled to the lap belt 32 secured to the seat 34. As such, the user 10 can rest comfortably without the resting device 14 falling away from the user 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the resting [0052] device 14 is provided with two air chambers 40 and 42, one for inflating the upper portion 18 and one for inflating the lower portion 16. The air chambers 40 and 42 are formed from inflatable compartments from such materials as various plastics including vinyl and the like. The air chambers 40 and 42 can be separately inflated utilizing inflation tubes 44 and 46, respectively. The inflation tubes 44 and 46 are provided with fittings 48 and 49, respectively, configured for mating with a typical air vent opening in a commercial aircraft. The tips of the fittings 48 and 49 are formed from a rubber material that will form to the shape of the air vent in order to provide an adequate seal between the air vent and the fitting.
As shown in FIG. 4, a fitting [0053] 50 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is comprised of a resilient sealing member 52 configured to match the contour of the air vent 54 of a commercial aircraft. The sealing member 52 is supported and retained by a housing 56 that is configured to fit over the air vent 54 in order to properly align the sealing member 52 with the air vent 54. The housing 56 is also provided with a tube attachment portion 58 for securing to the tubing 60. By holding the fitting 50 against the air vent as illustrated, air flowing from the air vent 50 will flow through the fitting 50 and into the tube 60 in order to inflate one of the chambers of the inflation device of the present invention. A one-way valve 62 is positioned between the back of the sealing member 52 and the housing 56. The valve 62 is comprised of a flexible diaphragm 64 supported by a diaphragm support member 66. The diaphragm can flex away from the sealing member 52 when air is flowing out of the air vent 54, but will press against the back of the sealing member when the tube 60 is pressurized and air is not flowing into the sealing member 52 from the air vent 54. Of course, the resting device could be inflated by the user blowing air into the fitting 50. It is also contemplated that various other one way type valves known in the art may be utilized and various occlusion devices provided in the tubing to allow the resting device to be inflated without air leaking back out of the tube once the resting device is properly inflated.
Referring again to FIG. 3B, a pocket or [0054] pouch 68 is provided in the back 70 of the resting device 14. The inflation tubes 44 and 46 can then be pulled from the pocket 68 when inflation of the device is desired as shown. When inflation is complete or when it is desirable to store the resting device 14, the tubes 44 and 46 can be fitted into the pocket 68 for storage of the tubes 44 and 46.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the resting [0055] device 14 is divided into two inflatable chambers 40 and 42. By varying the pressure within each chamber 40 and 42, a user can customize the resting device 14 to the size and shape of the user and also to customize the firmness of the resting device 14 to the desire of the user.
As further illustrated in FIG. 3C, the resting [0056] device 14 is provided with a lap belt loop 72 which may be provided with hook and loop tape for securing the loop 72 relative to the outer cover 74 of the resting device 14. The loop 72 is sized to receive the lap belt provided in a typical commercial aircraft and to hold the resting device 14 relative to the lap belt when inserted through the loop 72. As such, the lap belt will hold the resting device 14 against the waistline of a user when inserted through the loop 72.
As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the bottom [0057] 76 of the resting device 14 is provided with a laterally extending opening 78 that may be provided with a zipper or hook and loop tape so as to allow selective access into the opening 78 while keeping the opening 78 in the covering 74 closed when the device is in use. Inside the opening 78 are release valves or air doors that can be easily accessed by a user to quickly evacuate the air from the resting device 14, as may be the case in an emergency situation when it is desired to quickly deflate the resting device in order to move it out of the way.
As illustrated in FIG. 3E, arm support straps [0058] 80 and 82 are removably securable to the outer cover 74 of the resting device 14. A patch of loop material 84 is provided on both sides 86 and 88 of the resting device 14. The arm straps 80 and 82 are each formed from a loop of material with segments of hook material 92, 94, 96, and 98 attached to the inside surfaces of the arm straps 80 and 82. As such, the arm straps 80 and 82 can be selectively attached to the sides of the resign device 14 at any desired location within the patches of loop material 84 in order to fit the needs of the particular user.
As shown in FIG. 3F, the [0059] opening 78 in the bottom 74 provides access to safety deflation valves or air doors 100 and 102. By reaching into the opening 78, a user can quickly and easily open the air deflation valves 100 and 102. Because of the relative size of the deflation valves 100 and 102, air can be quickly evacuated from the air chambers contained within the resting device 14. Also, by placing the safety deflation valves 100 and 102 on the bottom of the device 14, when the resting device is in use, the safety deflation valves 100 and 102 will be positioned on the lap of the user, thereby preventing another person from opening one or more of the valves 100 and 102 while the user is resting.
FIG. 5 illustrates an [0060] air chamber bladder 120 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The bladder 120 may be formed from a material such a “flocked,” coated or fabric covered vinyl, similar to that used on inflatable mattresses, so as to prevent perspiration of the person utilizing the device. The inflatable bladder 120 is divided into two internal chambers 122 and 124. The upper chamber 122 is configured to support the upper torso, shoulders and head of a user, while the lower chamber is configured to provide a base for the device and fit to the lower torso or waistline of a user. The two chambers 122 and 124 are independently inflatable/deflatable. Inflation is provided for the upper chamber through inflation tube 126 which is in fluid communication with the upper chamber 122. Likewise, inflation of the lower chamber 124 is provided through inflation tube 128 which is in fluid communication with the lower chamber 124. Deflation of the lower chamber is provided by opening release valve 130 which is in fluid communication with the lower chamber through tube portion 132. Similarly, deflation of the upper chamber 122 is provided by opening of release valve 134, which is in fluid communication with the upper chamber 122 by tube portion 136. While the upper and lower inflation chambers 122 and 124 are illustrated as being formed from a single bladder structure, it is also contemplated that each chamber 122 and 124 could be formed from individual bladders that are held in relative position by insertion into a cover or shell having the desired external shape of the resting device of the present invention. As such, the deflation valves may be located at different positions to accommodate the position of the various bladders. In addition, it is also contemplated that the bladder 120 may form a single chamber generally of the shape illustrated with only one inflation tube and one deflation tube. Furthermore, the bladder 120 may be provided with multiple chambers to allow more customizable inflation and shape of the bladder to fit the desires of a user. It is another contemplation of the present invention that some of the various air chambers may be filled with other filler materials. For example, it may be desirable to fill the bottom chamber with air while having the top chamber prefilled with a material such as polystyrene beads or pellets. With such a configuration, part of the device would be collapsible to save space while providing the comfort of a “bean-bag” like feel to the surfaces upon which a user will rest. As such, it may be that only the bladder only fills the bottom portion of the device with the cover filled with Styrofoam pellets in the top portion.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and [0061] 6C, there is shown another embodiment of an inflatable resting device, generally indicated at 200, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The upper portion 202 of the resting device 200 is provided with a pocket or pouch 204 for receiving a small cushion or pillow 206, such as those commonly provided for passengers on commercial aircraft. The position of the pouch 204 is such that the pillow 206 will be positioned to receive a user's head when the user is resting upon the device 200. The pouch 204 is formed from a breathable material, such as fabric, in order to minimize sweating. By utilizing such a pillow 206 in the pouch 204, heat from the user's head can be dissipated through the fabric of the pouch 204 and the pillow 206 to help keep the user cool while resting.
Along the [0062] sides 208 and 210 of the resting device 200 are arm support pouches 212 and 214, respectively. The arm support pouches 212 and 214 are provided with openings at both ends so that the forearm and/or upper arm can extend at least partially through the pouch. The pouches 212 and 214 are also provided with adjustment straps 216 and 218 to allow for customization of the fit of each arm support pouch 212 and 214.
The [0063] base portion 220 of the resting device 200 has a similar configuration to other embodiments disclosed herein, but is provided with leg contours 222 and 224 for fitting over the thighs of the user when in use. The leg contours 222 and 224 are defined by a central support structure or base support 226 extending downwardly from the base portion 220. The central support structure 226 extends laterally along the bottom 228 of the base portion 220 and has a height sufficient to rest upon the seat between the legs of the user. By forming the central support structure 226 from a more rigid material, such as a heavy foam, the central support structure 226 can support at least some of the weight of the resting device and the upper torso of the user to support that weight on the surface of the seat rather than upon the tops of the thighs of the user. It is further contemplated that the entire bottom 228 of the resting device, including the central support structure 226 be formed from a more rigid material, such as a heavy foam or sheet of plastic to form a support base that transfers the weight of the device 200 onto the seat cushion between the legs of the user. Likewise, a rigid internal support frame may be incorporated into the device 200 to place the weight of the user directly upon the central support structure 226 to again at least partially remove weight from the tops of the thighs of the user when using the device 200 in a resting position.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and [0064] 7C show yet another embodiment of an inflatable resting device, generally indicated at 300, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The resting device 300 has a shape similar to that of the resting device illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C with an upper portion 302 and a wider base portion 304. Like that shown in FIG. 6A, a pillow pouch 306 is provided in the upper portion for supporting the user's head and the base portion 304 includes leg contours with a center support portion 308. The base portion 304 defines a pair of arm support tunnels 310 and 312 extending laterally along the sides 314 and 316, respectively, of the base portion 304 from front 320 to back 322. Thus, rather than having separate arm support pouches attached to the outside of the resting device 300, as illustrated with respect to other embodiments, herein, the user's arms are supported internally within the device. The tunnels 310 and 316 may be formed from a padded external shell 324 which defines the outer surface and shape of the resting device 300 with inflatable chambers held therein, the inflatable chamber in the base portion 304 extending between the tunnels 310 and 312.
As further illustrated in FIG. 7C, the resting device is provided with a [0065] climate control device 330 that is configured to regulate the internal temperature of the resting device 300. The climate control device 330 is provided with temperature controls 332 and 334 for selecting the desired internal temperature, one for each air chamber. Vents 336 and 338 are also provided to allow air to be circulated through the resting device into vent 336 and out vent 338 or vise versa. Because the temperature control device 330 is provided with one or more internal fans for circulating air through the resting device 300, the temperature control device may also configured for inflating the resting device and thus eliminating the need for external inflation tubes 340 and 342. Likewise, the tubes 340 and 342 could be included as well in order to provide a secondary means of inflation.
As shown in FIG. 8, resting [0066] devices 400 and 402 in accordance with the principles of the present invention are configured to be wide enough to support the head and upper torso of the user by utilizing an adequately wide base, but not so wide as to interfere with a passenger in an adjacent seat. As such, each resting device provides a relatively compact and comfortable support structure for allowing a person to rest or sleep while in a somewhat upright, sitting position, that helps maintain the person in this upright sitting position without inadvertently leaning to one side or the other.
FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustrate another embodiment of a resting device, generally indicated at [0067] 500, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The resting device 500 has a base portion 502 similar to other base portions herein described with reference to other embodiments. The upper or head support portion 504, however, is configured similar to that of a typical massage table in which an aperture 506 is formed in the upper portion 504 of the device 500. The upper portion 504 thus forms a partial toroid or archway for supporting the forehead, chin and sides of a user's face. The passageway or aperture 506 allows the user to freely breath while their face is engaging the upper portion 504 of the device 500. The upper portion 504 may be formed from a separate chamber, as previously described, in order to provide adequate rigidity for supporting the head of the user or separately formed from such materials as memory foam that will shape itself to the contour of the user's head or face. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper portion 600 may be provided with a chin rest receptacle 602 defined by side support portions 604 and 606 that extend upwardly from the upper portion 600 to provide lateral support for the user's head. With either configuration, the contours in the upper portion for receiving the user's head or face allow the user to rest his or her head in a forward facing direction to thereby reduce the possibility of neck fatigue while resting.
It should be noted that reference herein to specific details of the illustrated embodiments is by way of example and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many additions, deletions, combinations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. [0068]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A resting device for a user in a sitting position, comprising:

a shell having a generally bell shape with an upper portion for supporting the head of a user and a base portion for resting upon the lap of a user in a sitting position, said base portion being wider than said upper portion;

a filler disposed within the shell for filling the outer shell and generally holding its generally bell shape; and

arm support structures laterally extending along the sides of the base portion for supporting the arms of the user in a resting position.

2. The device of claim 1, further wherein said filler is comprised of air and said shell comprises an inflatable bladder.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said bladder is divided into at least two air chambers.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one tube coupled to and in fluid communication with said bladder for inflating said bladder.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a fitting coupled to a proximal end of said at least one tube for coupling said at least one tube to an air vent on an aircraft for inflating the bladder.

6. The device of claim 1, further including an outer shell comprised of a breathable material for fitting over said shell and preventing perspiration of a user.

7. The device of claim 1, further including padding secured to said upper portion for receiving the head of a user thereon.

8. The device of claim 1, further including a climate control device for regulating the internal temperature of the shell.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of pouches removably securable to opposite sides proximate the base portion.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of tunnels laterally extending through the shell for receiving and supporting a user's arms therein.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said base portion defines at least one leg contour for placement on the top of the thighs of the user.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a base support structure for positioning between the legs of the user and resting upon a seat cushion when in use.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one contour in the upper portion for supporting a user's head in a forward facing direction.

14. A resting device for a user in a sitting position, comprising:

an inflatable bladder having a generally bell shape with an upper portion for supporting the head of a user and a base portion for resting upon the lap of a user in a sitting position, said base portion being wider than said upper portion, the inflatable bladder forming at least one internal air chamber;

at least one tube in fluid communication with said at least one internal air chamber for filling said at least one internal air chamber with air; and

an air door for allowing rapid evacuation of air from said inflatable bladder.

15. The device of claim 14, further including arm support structures laterally extending along the sides of the base portion for supporting the arms of the user in a resting position.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein said bladder is divided into at least two air chambers, at least one tube coupled to each of said air chambers for inflating said air chambers.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a fitting coupled to a proximal end of each of said at least one tube for coupling said at least one tube to an air vent on an aircraft for inflating the bladder.

18. The device of claim 14, further including an outer shell comprised of a breathable material for fitting over said bladder and preventing perspiration of a user.

19. The device of claim 18, further including padding secured to said upper portion of said outer shell for receiving the head of a user thereon.

20. The device of claim 14, further including a climate control device for regulating the internal temperature of the bladder.

21. The device of claim 15, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of pouches removably securable to opposite sides proximate the base portion.

22. The device of claim 15, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of tunnels laterally extending through the shell for receiving and supporting a user's arms therein.

23. The device of claim 15, wherein said base portion defines at least one leg contour for placement on the top of the thighs of the user.

24. The device of claim 15, further comprising a base support structure for positioning between the legs of the user and resting upon a seat cushion when in use.

25. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one contour in the upper portion for supporting a user's head in a forward facing direction.

26. A resting device for a user in a sitting position, comprising:

a first air chamber for filling and supporting a base portion;

a second air chamber for filling and supporting an upper portion; and

a shell disposed over said first and second air chambers having a generally bell shaped configuration with the first air chamber disposed within the upper portion of said shell and the second air chamber disposed within the base portion of said shell.

27. The device of claim 26, further including arm support structures laterally extending along the sides of the shell for supporting the arms of the user in a resting position.

28. The device of claim 26, further including at least one tube coupled to each of said air chambers for inflating said air chambers.

29. The device of claim 28, further comprising a fitting coupled to a proximal end of each of said at least one tube for coupling said at least one tube to an air vent on an aircraft for inflating the first and second air chambers.

30. The device of claim 26, wherein said shell is comprised of a breathable material for preventing perspiration of a user.

31. The device of claim 30, further including padding secured to said upper portion for receiving the head of a user thereon.

32. The device of claim 26, further including a climate control device for regulating the internal temperature of the first and second air chambers.

34. The device of claim 27, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of pouches removably securable to said shell.

35. The device of claim 27, wherein said arm support structures are comprised of tunnels laterally extending through the shell for receiving and supporting a user's arms therein.

36. The device of claim 26, wherein said base portion defines at least one leg contour for placement on the top of the thighs of the user.

37. The device of claim 26, further comprising a base support structure for positioning between the legs of the user and resting upon a seat cushion when in use.

38. The device of claim 26, further comprising at least one contour in the upper portion for supporting a user's head in a forward facing direction.