US20100299838A1

US20100299838A1 - Travel pillow

Info

Publication number: US20100299838A1
Application number: US12/475,863
Authority: US
Inventors: Karen E. Lanci; Anna Wei Kronthal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-01
Filing date: 2009-06-01
Publication date: 2010-12-02

Abstract

A travel pillow comprising a front having a thin planar portion for receiving the user's head and one or two lateral forwardly projecting cushioning portions. The distance the lateral cushioning portions project forward gradually increases from the thin planar portion to a peripheral portion of the travel pillow in an arced manner. The back of the pillow comprises an anti-skid material such as silicone coated fiberglass weave which keeps the pillow stationary when the user rests his/her head against the pillow. The user places the pillow on the seat and then rest the back of his/her head on the thin planar portion of the pillow. The user can then tilt or turn his/her head in many different positions on a lateral cushion and the pillow will remain stationary.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to travel pillows, covers for travel pillows, and backings for travel pillows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sleeping in an upright or slightly reclined position is a challenge because of the natural tendency for a person's head to fall to the side or forward as he/she falls asleep. Various travel pillows have been developed to provide passengers on airplanes, trains, buses, cars, and other vehicles with improved comfort when sitting in seats within the vehicle and to allow passengers to sleep in an upright or slightly reclined position in such seats. Travel pillows are intended to improve comfort by offering additional support for the user's head and neck than what the seat ordinarily provides. A travel pillow may also aid in aligning the user's head and neck properly.
Travel pillows known in the art include a popular horseshoe-shaped cushion having a pair of spaced arms that project forwardly from behind the user's neck. These horseshoe-shaped pillows can be inflatable or may contain cushioning such as memory foam. A problem with this type of pillow is that the portion of the pillow which rests behind the user's neck has a considerable thickness which pushes the user's head forward and places the user's head and neck out of alignment. This causes discomfort when using the pillow for a moderate period of time. Additionally, the pillow does not remain stationary when the user tilts or turns his/her head, which makes it difficult for the user to obtain a comfortable position. The pillow also substantially limits the number of different positions the user can rest his/her head on the pillow.
Other prior art travel pillows have been designed to provide a more stationary pillow. For instance, some prior pillows are physically connected to the seat in order to maintain their position. However, these pillows are inconvenient, as they require the user to connect the pillow and then disengage the pillow from the seat. Additionally, since many seats on passenger vehicles have varying dimensions and obstructions including television screens, these pillows will not fit on all seats. Furthermore, these pillows may scratch or damage the seat.
Other prior art travel pillows have been designed to attach directly to the user's body. For instance, the “Pillowhead” disclosed in U.S. Patent Pub. 20080189863 to Zappas, et. al. teaches a travel pillow that is wrapped around the user's head to maintain the pillow's position with respect to the user. While the Pillowhead maintains the pillow's position with respect to the user's head, it will not stop the user's head from sliding down the seat as the user falls asleep. Additionally, the attachment to the user's head makes the pillow uncomfortable and unflattering. Furthermore, the user has to detach the pillow from his head in order to readjust the positioning of the user's head on the pillow.
Some prior art travel pillows have been designed to rely solely on the force of the user's body to maintain the pillow's position on the seat. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,192 to King is directed to a travel pillow having a rubber flap extending past the users' back and shoulders to allow the user's weight to maintain the pillow in a fixed position during use. The required flap on the travel pillow decreases the comfort of the pillow and makes the pillow more bulky. Furthermore, the rubber flap limits use of the pillow to one position with respect to the user's head and body. Other travel pillows solely utilize the weight of the user's head to maintain the pillows' positioning. While these pillows are more stationary than horseshoe-shaped pillows, which mainly receive the weight from the user's neck, these pillows are still easily displaced when the user moves his/her head.
Furthermore, prior art pillows which rely on the weight of the user's head to maintain the pillows' position are extremely difficult to keep stationary on leather upholstered seats. The prior art travel pillows will be easily displaced downwardly on leather seats when the weight of a person's head is placed thereon which prevents the user from resting comfortably on the pillow.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a travel pillow that will remain stationary on a seat solely by application of the user's head thereon and without requiring attachment of the pillow to the user or the seat, or the weight or engagement of the user's shoulders or back to maintain the pillow's position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow that will remain stationary on a fabric or leather upholstered seat solely by application of the user's head thereon and without requiring attachment of the pillow to the user or the seat, or the weight or engagement of the user's shoulders or back to maintain the pillow's position.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow that will accommodate the user's body in numerous different positions.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow having improved comfort that maintains the user's head and neck in alignment.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow that remains stationary as a user falls asleep and will not damage the surface of a seat.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow that is compact and easily transported.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a cover for a travel pillow that provides improved comfort and will remain stationary on a seat without attachment to the user or the seat or without requiring the weight of the user's shoulders or back thereon or engagement of the user's shoulder.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable travel pillow having contours that may be modified by the user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a backing for a pillow that will keep the pillow stationary solely by application of the weight of the user's head thereon.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a backing that keeps a pillow stationary solely by application of the weight of the user's head thereon which has attachment means that allows the backing to be easily added to an existing travel pillow.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a travel pillow that is efficient and cost effective to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects are met by the present invention directed to an improved travel pillow, travel pillow cover and pillow backing. The travel pillow has a front on which the user places his/her head for support. The front of the pillow has a thin planar portion for receiving the user's head and at least one lateral cushioning portion. The thin planar portion of the front of the cover is thin in order to prevent the user's head from being pushed forward and to maintain proper alignment with the spine. The lateral cushioning portion(s) extend forwardly from the thin planar portion and provide significant projecting support regions for the user's head. The distance the lateral cushioning portions project forward gradually decreases from the peak of the pillow to the thin planar portion in an arced manner to provide an improved contoured cushioning surface. The lateral cushioning portions may project forward from the lateral edge solely in an arcuate manner, solely in a planar manner, or may have portions that are planar and portions that are arcuate. The peak may be generally at the middle of the length of each lateral cushioning portion, may be closer to the thin planar portion, or may be closer to or at a lateral edge.
The user utilizes the pillow by placing the pillow on the seat and then resting the back of his/her head on the thin planar portion of the pillow. The user can use the pillow to keep his/her head in an upright position and have the cushioning on one or both lateral sides to provide support. The user may also tilt or turn his/her head in many different positions on a lateral cushion portion depending on the user's preference. To optimize comfort, the user may also position the pillow against the seat in different positions to alter the location of the lateral cushioning portions in relation to the user's head.
The back of the pillow comprises an anti-skid material to keep the pillow stationary when the user rests his/her head against the pillow. The anti-skid material is preferably fabricated out of a material that has a high coefficient of friction with respect to many surfaces. The anti-skid material may also have a second component for enhanced structural support. The anti-skid material is preferably fabricated out of silicone-coated fiberglass weave material. The material is preferably tacky to further maximize the coefficient of friction of the anti-skid material. When light pressure is applied, the anti-skid material has an ideal tack or “grabbiness” on the seat surface it rests against, which keeps the pillow stationary against the front of a seat. The second component for enhanced structural support provides structural integrity by resisting deformation of the anti-skid material and thereby increasing the intimate contact points between the front of the seat and the back of the pillow when in use. The large degree of intimate contact between the anti-skid material and the seat maximizes the coefficient of friction between the anti-skid material and the seat front allowing the travel pillow to remain stationary when only light force is applied to the pillow from the user's head. The user can shift his/her head without concern that an excessive movement will displace the pillow. The pillow resists movement on all conventional seat surfaces such as leather, vinyl, cloth, etc. and the anti-skid material leaves no residue.
The travel pillow may have a cover having dimensions that generally match the intended shape of the pillow and the internal cushioning. The cover for the travel pillow may have means for releasably sealing the pillow. In an embodiment where changing of the contours of the pillow is desired, the user can open the cover by using the releasable sealing means and modify the arrangement of the cushioning or remove a piece of cushioning. The user can also invert the travel pillow so that the one or more lateral cushioning portions switches sides.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a travel pillow cover having a back with an anti-skid material and having dimensions which form a thin planar portion and one or two lateral cushioning portions on the pillow front. The cover has releasable sealing means and may be filled by the user with various materials well known in the art.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a pillow backing having a body which includes anti-skid material. The backing has attachment means for attaching the backing to a pillow. The backing can easily be added to an existing travel pillow to provide an anti-skid surface which prevents the pillow from moving when rested against a seat back.
The pillow is designed to be compact so that a user can easily carry the pillow with them when traveling and it can be easily placed on any seat to provide improved comfort.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred but, nonetheless, illustrative embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the travel pillow having two lateral cushioning portions.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the travel pillow having one lateral cushioning portion.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the back of the travel pillow.

FIG. 4 provides a side elevational view of the pillow being used on an airplane seat.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the travel pillow having a cover.

FIG. 6 provides a sectional view of the travel pillow having first, second, and third cushioning members.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the wedge-shaped, travel pillow.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the backing.

FIGS. 9-11 provide perspective views of various head positions that can be assumed by the user when utilizing the pillow and different positions the travel pillow may be placed.

FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of the travel pillow cover.

FIG. 13 provides a sectional view of another embodiment of the travel pillow having a notch and comprising first, second, and third cushioning members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With particular reference to the drawings, the present invention is directed to an improved travel pillow 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the travel pillow 100 is comprised of cushioning 118 and may also include a cover 102. The travel pillow 100 has a front 104 which is intended for receiving the user's head and serves as a supportive surface for the user to rest his/her head. The back 106 of the pillow provides a frictional surface to keep the pillow 100 stationary when the user rests his/her head against the pillow. The pillow 100 is designed to be compact so that it is convenient to be transported when the user is traveling and the pillow is easily placed on a seat to provide improved comfort.
The front 104 of the pillow has a thin central, generally planar portion 108 for receiving the user's head and at least one lateral cushioning portion 110. The thin planar portion 108 of the pillow is thin in order to keep the user's head when rested against the pillow 100 from being pushed forward and to maintain the correct alignment of the user's head with the spine. A typical thickness of the thin planar portion 108 is roughly ⅜ inch and up to ½ inch in embodiments where the pillow includes a casing. The lateral cushioning portions 110 are designed to extend forward of the thin planar portion 108 and provide significant projecting support regions for the sides of the user's head.
With reference to FIGS. 4, 9-11, the user utilizes the pillow by placing his/her head on the thin planar portion 108 of the pillow. As shown in FIG. 4, the user can use the pillow to keep his/her head in a generally laterally upright position and have the cushioning on one or both lateral sides to provide support. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the user may also tilt and/or rotate his/her head against a lateral cushion depending on the user's preference. The thin planar portion 108 has enough space to allow the user to adjust the position of his/her head to the precise orientation desired by the user. The pillow allows the user to tilt his/her head to either side up to nearly 90 degrees when his/her head is rested thereon, providing great flexibility in resting positions. Alternatively, the user can turn his/her head nearly 90 degrees on each side and still receive the support of the pillow. As shown in FIG. 11, the user may rotate the position of the pillow behind his/her head to change the location of the lateral cushion(s) in relation to the user's face. In FIG. 11, the pillow is positioned diagonally across the back of the user's head and, as a consequence, the lateral cushion may be used more as a ledge support, to “catch” the user's head.
In the embodiment having two lateral cushioning portions shown in FIG. 1, the two forwardly projecting lateral cushioning portions 110 define the side portions of the front surface 104 with the thin planar portion 108 located therebetween. In the alternative embodiment having a single lateral cushioning portion 110 shown in FIG. 2, the lateral cushioning portion 110 forms one side of the front of the travel pillow and the substantially thin planar portion 108 is the only other region on the front of the pillow.
The lateral cushioning portions 110 are preferably configured so that the distance they project forward gradually increases from the thin planar portion 108 to a peak 166 in an arcuate manner to provide a contoured cushioning surface. The peak 166 may be generally at the middle of the length of each lateral cushioning portion, may be closer to the thin planar portion 108, or may be closer to or at a lateral edge 128, 130. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the peak 166 of the left lateral cushioning portion 111 is between the midpoint of the left lateral cushioning portion and the left lateral edge 128 while the right lateral cushioning portion 113 has its peak at the right lateral edge 130. When the peak 166 of the lateral cushioning portion 110 is not located at a lateral edge, the projecting distance of the lateral cushioning portion preferably decreases in an arcuate manner from the peak 166 to the lateral edges 128, 130 of the travel pillow.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the left lateral cushioning portion 111 projects forward from the back 106 of the pillow in a perpendicular manner forming a generally planar projecting face 178 at the left lateral edge 128 which projects forward in an arcuate manner towards the peak. The right lateral cushioning portion 113 projects forward in a perpendicular manner at the right lateral edge 130 forming a generally planar projecting face 180. Alternatively, a lateral cushioning portion may project forward from a lateral edge solely in an arcuate manner. For instance, in FIG. 13, the right lateral cushioning portion 172 projects forward at the right lateral edge 130 in an arcuate manner forming an arcuate projecting face 178 from the lateral edge to the peak 166. The provision of an arcuate projecting portion from a lateral edge of the pillow helps maximize the transfer of the weight from the user's head on the lateral cushioning portion to the back 106 of the pillow. The transfer of the weight from the user's head to the back 106 of the pillow results in improved anti-skid properties of the pillow.
In a further embodiment, one or more lateral cushioning portions 110 are contoured to include a projecting notch 158 which projects outwardly from the initial forward projection 182 of the lateral cushioning portion from the thin planar portion 108 which forms the contoured resting surface for the user's head. The projecting notch 158 projects forwardly from the initial forward projection of the lateral cushioning portion in a manner that provides a ledge-like face 162 on the portion of the notch 158 closest to the thin planar portion 108. For instance, in FIG. 13, the right lateral cushioning portion 172 is contoured to include a projecting notch 158 which projects outwardly from the arcuate portion of the lateral cushioning portion that projects forward from the thin planar portion 108 to provide a ledge-like face 162 on the portion of the notch 158 closest to the thin planar portion 108. The projecting notch 158 is semi-circular in shape and ends at the peak 166 of the forwardly projecting portion of the right lateral cushion 172. The ledge-like face 162 provides additional support for the portion of the user's head or face resting on the lateral cushioning portion 110. For instance, the user may rest his/her cheek or a temple on the ledge-like face 162. The support provided by the ledge-like face 162 also minimizes the pressure exerted on the user's ear by the foam for improved comfort.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the left cushioning portion 111 projects a first distance forward of the thin planar portion 108 and forms the largest cushioned portion of the pillow. The right lateral cushioning portion 113 is a lesser projection, but still forms a considerable cushioning surface. The right lateral cushioning portion 113 also serves to maximize the pressure placed on the back of the seat from the weight of the user's head which helps keep the pillow back against the seat. This configuration allows a user to rest his/her head on either lateral cushion and take advantage of the differing cushion effect. The cushion also may be inverted so that the left and right sides are switched if the user would like the locations of the lateral cushioning portions to be changed. In another embodiment, the cushioning portions 110 on both lateral sides may be identical.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the left cushioning portion 111 forwardly extends away from the thin planar portion 108 a maximum of approximately 5 to 6 inches and decreases in its projection in a semi-circular arc, which meets the thin planar portion approximately 5-6 inches from the left lateral edge 128. The right lateral cushioning portion 113 extends forwardly from the thin planar portion 108 in a perpendicular manner forming a generally planar projecting face 180 at the right lateral edge 130 approximately 2 to 3.5 inches and likewise decreases in its projection in a semi-circular arc which meets the thin planar portion approximately 2-3.5 inches from the right lateral edge. The dimensions of the thin planar portion 108 are preferably approximately 3-5 inches long, between 6-7 inches wide, and ¼-½ inch thick. The lateral cushioning portions are of a similar width.
In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the cushioning 118 comprises first, second, and third cushioning members 122, 124, 126, respectively. The lateral first cushioning member 122 comprising a firmer cushioning material as compared to the second 124 and third 126 member. For instance, the first cushioning member may comprise “35 lb” foam i.e. foam having an Indentation Force Deflection Rating of 35 pounds which signifies that 35 lbs of force from an 8 inch diameter (50 sq in) disc is necessary to be exerted on a 15″×15″×4″ foam sample in order to create a 1 inch dent. The first cushioning member 122 extends the entire length and width of the travel pillow, and a portion of this cushioning member forms the planar portion 108 of the pillow. In a preferred embodiment, the first cushioning member 122 has a length of approximately 11-13 inches and a width of approximately 6-7 inches. The thickness of the first cushioning member at its left edge is approximately 3.5-4 inches and then decreases its projection in a semi-circular arc to ⅜ inch 3.5 to 4 inches from the left edge 128. The thickness of the first cushioning member 122 remains ⅜ inch until 1.5 to 2 inches from the right edge 130 where it increases in height in an arcuate manner to achieve a 1.5 to 2 inch thickness at the right edge.
The second cushioning member 124 is a softer cushioning material than the first member. For instance, the second cushioning member 124 may comprise 16 lb foam. The second cushioning member 124 is either placed or otherwise affixed on top of the forwardly projecting arc of the first cushioning member 122 at the left edge 128. The second cushioning member 124 may be affixed by lamination, glue, or other affixation means well known in the art. The second cushioning member 124 provides a soft, comfortable surface for the user's head and helps prevent headaches caused by the exertion of excessive pressure on the user's head. The second cushioning member 124 is approximately 6-7 inches in length, 6-7 inches in width and has a thickness of approximately 1.5-2 inches. The third cushioning member 126 is placed or otherwise affixed on top of the forwardly projecting arc of the first cushioning member 122 at the right edge 130. The third cushioning member 126 is likewise made of a soft, comfortable material for the user's head such as 16 lb foam. The third cushioning member 126 has a length of approximately 3 inches, a width of approximately 6-7 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.5-1.5 inches.
In another embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the pillow has a length of approximately 11-13 inches and a width of approximately 6-7 inches. The left lateral cushioning portion 170 outwardly projects approximately 2-3 inches at its peak 166 a at the left lateral edge 128 while the right lateral cushioning portion 172 projects approximately 5-6 inches at its peak 166. The right lateral cushioning portion 172 projects forward at the right lateral edge 130 of the pillow in an arcuate manner. The right lateral cushioning portion 172 projects forward from the right lateral edge 130 in an arcuate manner forming a peak 166 approximately 5-6 inches from the right lateral edge 130. The right lateral cushioning portion projects forward from the thin planar portion 108 in a semi-circular arc approximately 2-3 inches in length from the thin planar portion and forms an initial arcuate portion 182 forming the main resting surface for the user's head. A notch 158 providing a ledge-like face 162 projects forward from the initial arcuate portion 182 approximately 1-1.5 inches in a semi-circular manner and forms the peak 166.
The right lateral cushioning portion 172 meets the thin planar portion 108 approximately 6-7 inches from the right lateral edge 130. The thin planar portion 108 is approximately 3-5 inches long, 6-8 inches wide and ¼ to ½ inches thick. The left lateral cushioning portion 170 projects forwardly at the left lateral edge 128 approximately 2-3 inches forming its peak 166 a and decreases in projection in a semi-circular arc which meets the thin planar portion approximately 2-3 inches from the left lateral edge 128.
The pillow shown in FIG. 13 comprises first 192, second 194 and third 196 cushioning members. The first cushioning member 192 is comprised of a firm cushioning material such as 35 lb foam. The first cushioning member 192 extends the entire length and width of the travel pillow and forms a portion of the forwardly projecting portions of the left and right lateral cushioning portions 170, 172. In a preferred embodiment, the first cushioning member 192 has a length of 11-13 inches and a width of 6-7 inches. The thickness of the first cushioning member 192 at its left edge is approximately 2-3 inches and then decreases its projection in a semi-circular arc 2-3 inches from the left edge 128 to ¼-½ inch. The thickness of the first cushioning member 192 remains ¼-½ inch until 5-6 inches from the right edge 130 where it increases its projection in a semi-circular manner to achieve a roughly 4-5 inch projection at its peak which is close to the right lateral edge 130. The projection then decreases slightly in an arcuate manner between the peak and the right lateral edge 130.
The second cushioning member 194 is a softer cushioning material than the first cushioning member 192, such as 16 lb foam. The second cushioning member 194 is placed or otherwise affixed on top of the forwardly projecting arc of the first cushioning member 192 between the thin planar portion and the right edge 130. The second cushioning member 194 provides a soft, comfortable surface for the right lateral cushioning portion 172 and the ledge-like face 162. The second cushioning member 194 is approximately 1.5-1.75 inches thick along the initial arcuate portion 182 and then extends to approximately 2.75 inches thick at its peak forming the semi-circular notch 158. The third cushioning member 196 is made of a soft, comfortable material such as 16 lb foam. The third cushioning member 196 has a thickness of approximately ½-1 inch and is affixed or placed over the top of the forwardly extending projection of the first cushioning member 172 between the left edge 128 and the thin planar portion 108.
As shown in FIG. 3, the back 106 of the pillow has a portion with an anti-skid material 112. The anti-skid material 112 is preferably fabricated out of a first component comprising material having a high coefficient of friction with common seat surfaces. The first material is preferably silicone which has a high coefficient of friction with most materials. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-skid material 112 is comprised of a second component 133 that serves to increase the structural integrity of the anti-skid material 112. The second component 133 may be a single or composite material or a plurality of materials which have a higher stability than the first material. The second component 133 preferably spans throughout the entire surface of the anti-skid material 112 and may be configured in a pattern which enhances the ability of the second component to provide structural integrity to the anti-skid material 112.
The second component 133 is preferably a fiberglass weave. The second component 133 decreases deformation of the anti-skid material 112 when contacting the seat surface during ordinary use and maximizes the contact points between the anti-skid material on the back 106 of the travel pillow and the seat front. In FIGS. 5 and 8 the fiberglass weave 133 is configured as a grid of squares spanning the entire surface of the anti-skid material 112. Silicone is generally susceptible to inadvertent tearing. An additional benefit of the second component 133 and in particular the fiberglass weave is that it prevents tearing of the first component and increases the life span of the product. The ability of the second component 133 to prevent tearing of the anti-skid material 112 is particularly useful in the manufacturing process where the anti-skid material 112 may be sewn.
The preferred embodiment of the anti-skid material 112 comprising silicone-coated fiberglass weave material has a very high coefficient of friction with seats that are upholstered with any commonly used material. Importantly, the silicone-coated fiberglass weave material exhibits excellent anti-skid properties on leather seats and avoids the problems with prior art pillows being unable to remain stationary on leather seats. The silicone-coated fiberglass weave material provides a highly frictional surface offering optimal grabbiness to the back 106 of the pillow. In other embodiments, the anti-skid material 112 may be an alternative material with equivalent properties. The anti-skid material 112 keeps the pillow stationary against the front of a seat 120 when a small amount of pressure is applied, which allows the user to place the pillow 100 on the seat front at head level, place his/her head thereon, and shift his/her head without concern that movement of the head will displace the pillow. It is preferred that there is no material between the cushioning 118 and the anti-skid material 112 to enhance the level of pressure exerted on the back of the pillow.
In order to further increase the coefficient of friction between the anti-skid material 112 and the seat front, in a preferred embodiment, the anti-skid material is very flat and highly polished. It has been discovered that while polished surfaces generally decrease the coefficient of friction of a material, a very highly polished and flat surface will increase the coefficient of friction by bolstering the molecular adhesive effects through increased contact between the surfaces. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the anti-skid material 112 has a maximal surface area on the back of the pillow to increase the intimate contact between the anti-skid material and the seat. To further increase the coefficient of friction, the surface of the exterior surface of the anti-skid material 112 preferably exhibits a tacky quality which is known to further increase the coefficient of friction. However, it is preferred that the tackiness is moderate in order to increase the coefficient of friction while avoiding contamination of the anti-skid surface from the unintended accumulation of debris on the tacky surface and preventing the anti-skid material from leaving a residue on the seat surface it contacts.
The anti-skid material 112 is preferably a panel of silicone-coated fiberglass weave material having a length between 5-13 inches and a width between 5-8 inches. The anti-skid material 112 is preferably thin and may have a thickness up to ¼ inch. The anti-skid material 112 may be attached to the cover 102 by stitching, rivets, velcro, fasteners, snaps, stapling, gluing, heat sealing or other means well known in the art. In embodiments of the pillow 100 with a cover 102, the cover may comprise a single material extending from the front 104 to the back 106 of the pillow and having the anti-skid material 112 attached in an overlying relationship to the cover material on the back 106 of the pillow. Alternatively, the back surface of the cover 102 may solely comprise the anti-skid material 112 which is secured to the remaining portion of the cover 102. It is preferred that the cushioning material underlying the anti-skid material 112 provides an even and unitary surface to prevent deformation of the anti-skid material when force is placed thereon.
The anti-skid material 112 of the present invention resists movement on all conventional seat surfaces such as leather, vinyl, cloth, etc. and the anti-skid material leaves no residue. The frictional relationship obviates the need to fixedly attach the pillow to the seat. Instead, the user utilizes the pillow by placing the pillow on the seat and after use removes the pillow therefrom without any unlocking or disengagement necessary. The anti-skid material 112 provides enough friction to only require a small weight on the pillow to maintain the pillow's position and eliminates the need for the user to place his shoulder or neck on the pillow to keep the pillow stationary. The contours in the lateral cushioning regions maximize the degree of pressure the user's head applies on the back 106 of the pillow to keep the pillow stationary.
The combination of the space provided by the thin planar portion 108 which allows the user to adjust his/her head while maintaining spinal alignment, the contoured, supportive surfaces of the lateral cushioning portions 111, 113 and the anti-skid material 112, allows the user to tilt his/her head against a lateral cushioning portion in many different positions so that the user can rest in his/her preferred orientation, as shown in FIGS. 9-11.
The anti-skid material 112 allows the pillow to be used on seats with a built-in head rest which are typically very firm. The pillow 100 can also be wedged in-between the seat and the window and perform as intended. The pillow also performs well in seats when the user is in a reclined position or a curled up position. The pillow is compact and may be used on airplane seats, car seats, or seats on any other common form of transportation. The pillow may also be used by the user in a supine position either on a bed or on a floor, as well as by the user sitting in a completely 90 degree position with the user's back upright against a wall. The versatility of the travel pillow allows a traveler at an airport or other terminal for an extended period of time to use the pillow on the floor, against his luggage or on the wall, as well as against any seat back. The pillow may also be used by a traveler in lieu of a bed pillow. In this scenario, a pillow having releasable means of attachment for the anti-skid material backing will allow a user to remove the backing when using the pillow to sleep in a bed. The pillow is also ideal for any chairs with a high seatback, such as a recliner or rocking chair.
The cover 102 is preferably fabricated of a comfortable material known in the art including natural textiles such as cotton, velour, etc. or a synthetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the front 108 of the cover is fabricated out of a stretch velour material. The cover 102 has means 116 for releasably sealing the pillow to allow the user to open the cover and add, remove, or adjust the cushioning 118 therein. The releasable sealing means 116 may be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, fasteners, zippers or other means well known in the art. The cushioning 118 of the pillow may be air, gel, beads, water, buckwheat, kapok, cotton, foam, fluid, gases, plush material, batting, feathers, any combination thereof, or any similar other cushioning well known in the art.
The cover 102 generally has dimensions to closely match the intended shape of the pillow 100 and the cushioning 118. In embodiments where modification of the contours of the pillow is desired, the user can open the cover 102 by using the releasable sealing means 116 and change the arrangement of the cushioning 118.
Another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 12 is a travel pillow cover 142 having a back 146 with anti-skid material 144 attached and having dimensions forming a thin planar portion 147 and one or two lateral cushioning portions 148. The cover 136 has releasable sealing means 138 and may be filled by the user with various materials well known in the art.
In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the travel pillow 132 comprises a wedge-shaped cushion 134 having dimensions of approximately 4-9 inches in length, 5-7 inches in width, and reaches 3-6 inches in thickness at its peak. The wedge-shaped cushion 134 gradually slopes down in a semi-circular manner and is fully enclosed in the pillow cover 136. The cover 136 of the pillow may alternatively enclose the front surface of the pillow 132 and does not enclose the anti-skid material on the back surface of the pillow. The cover 136 has releasable sealing means 138 to seal in the pillow. On the back of the pillow 132 is a thin sheet of anti-skid material 140 such as a silicone-coated fiberglass weave material.
In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the invention comprises a pillow backing 150 having a body 152 which includes anti-skid material 154 preferably being silicone-coated fiberglass weave material. The backing 150 has attachment means 156 for attaching the backing to a pillow. The attachment means 156 shown in FIG. 8 comprises adjustable straps. However, the attachment means can be other attachment devices well known in the art including non-adjustable straps, mating hook and loop fasteners, and snaps. The backing 150 can easily be added to an existing travel pillow to provide an anti-skid surface which prevents the pillow from moving when rested against a seat back.

Claims

1. A travel pillow having a front and back surface said front surface having a thin planar portion for receiving the user's head and one or two forwardly-projecting lateral cushioning portions, said back surface having an anti-skid material which maintains said pillow's position on the seat when light pressure is applied by a user's head resting against the pillow.

2. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein the distance said lateral cushioning portion(s) forwardly projects increases in an arcuate manner from said thin planar portion to a peripheral portion of said travel pillow to provide a contoured resting surface for the user's head.

3. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said travel pillow includes a cover having releasable closing means.

4. The travel pillow in claim 3 wherein said cover encloses said front surface of said pillow and does not enclose said anti-skid material on said back surface of said pillow.

5. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said anti-skid material comprises silicone.

6. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said anti-skid material includes a second component which increases the structural integrity of the anti-skid material and lessens deformation of said anti-skid material when contacting said seat.

7. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said anti-skid material comprises a silicone-coated fiberglass weave material.

8. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said anti-skid material has a tacky exterior surface.

9. The travel pillow in claim 2 wherein one or both lateral cushioning portions are contoured to include a projecting notch which projects outwardly from an initial arced projection of the lateral cushioning portion from the thin planar portion in a manner that provides a ledge-like face on the portion of the notch closest to the thin planar portion for providing additional support for the user's head.

10. The travel pillow in claim 1, wherein said one or two forwardly-projecting lateral cushioning portions have lateral edges, at least one of said one or two forwardly-projecting lateral cushioning portions projects forward in an arcuate manner from said lateral edge to a peak of said lateral cushioning portion.

11. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said front of said pillow has two forwardly projecting lateral cushioning portions of different sizes.

12. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein:

a first lateral cushioning portion has a thickness that forwardly projects from the thin planar portion approximately 5-6 inches, is approximately 5-6 inches long and 6-8 inches wide;

a second lateral cushioning portion has a thickness that forwardly projects from the thin planar portion approximately 2-3.5 inches, is approximately 2-3.5 inches long and 6-8 inches wide; and

said thin planar portion is approximately 6-8 inches wide, 3-5 inches long and ⅛-1.5 inches thick.

13. The travel pillow in claim 12 wherein said travel pillow has cushioning comprising first, second, and third cushioning members:

said first cushioning member comprising a relatively firm cushioning material which extends the entire length and width of the travel pillow;

said second cushioning member comprises a softer cushioning material than said first cushioning member, said second cushioning member being placed or otherwise affixed on a forward edge of said first cushioning member on a first lateral side of said first cushioning member and providing cushioning for said first lateral cushioning portion; and

said third cushioning member comprising a softer cushioning material than said first cushioning member, said third cushioning member being placed or otherwise affixed on a forward edge of said first cushioning member on a second lateral side of said first cushioning member and providing cushioning for said second lateral cushioning portion.

14. The travel pillow in claim 13 wherein said first cushioning member is comprised of 21-45 lb foam, and said second and third cushioning members are comprised of 12-16 lb foam.

15. The travel pillow in claim 13 wherein said first cushioning member has a length of approximately 11-13 inches and a width of approximately 6-8 inches, said second cushioning member has a width of approximately 6-8 inches, a length of approximately 6-7 inches, and a thickness of approximately 1.5-2 inches, and said third cushioning member has a width of approximately 6-8 inches, a length of approximately 3 inches, and a thickness of approximately ½-1 inch.

16. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein:

a first lateral cushioning portion has a thickness that forwardly projects away from the thin planar portion approximately 5-6 inches at its peak, is approximately 5-7 inches long and 6-8 inches wide;

a second lateral cushioning portion has a thickness that forwardly projects away from the thin planar portion approximately 1.5-3.5 inches, is approximately 1.5-3.5 inches long and 6-8 inches wide;

said thin planar portion is approximately 3-5 inches long, 6-8 inches wide, and ¼-1.5 inches thick; and

said first lateral cushioning portion having an initial arcuate portion adjacent to said thin planar portion and projecting from said thin planar portion, said first lateral cushioning portion having a notch at the end of the initial arcuate portion providing a ledge-like face.

17. The travel pillow in claim 16 wherein said cushioning comprises first, second, and third cushioning members:

18. The travel pillow in claim 17 wherein said first cushioning member has a length of approximately 11-13 inches and a width of approximately 6-8 inches, said second cushioning member has a width of approximately 6-8 inches, a length of approximately 6-7 inches, and a thickness of approximately 1.5-2 inches for said initial arcuate portion and having a thickness increasing to 2.75 inches for said notch, and said third cushioning member has a width of approximately 6-8 inches, a length of approximately 2-3 inches, and a thickness of approximately 0.5-1 inch.

19. The travel pillow in claim 16 wherein said first lateral cushioning portion projects forward at a lateral edge in an arcuate manner and forms a peak approximately 5-6 inches from said lateral edge.

20. The travel pillow in claim 1 wherein said anti-skid material has a length in the range of 5-13 inches, a width of between 3-8 inches and a thickness up to ¼ inch.

21. A travel pillow cover comprising a front and back surface, said front and back surface defining a cavity therebetween for receiving a pillow, said back surface having an anti-skid material which maintains the position of the pillow on the seat when light pressure is applied against said back surface.

22. The travel pillow cover in claim 21 wherein said cover defines a thin planar portion and one or two forwardly projecting lateral cushioning portions on said front.

23. The travel pillow cover in claim 21 wherein said cover has releasable closing means.

24. The travel pillow cover in claim 21 wherein said anti-skid material comprises a silicone-coated fiberglass weave material.

25. A travel pillow having a front and back surface said back having an anti-skid material which maintains the pillow's position on the seat when light pressure is applied against said back surface.

26. The travel pillow in claim 25 wherein said anti-skid material comprises a silicone-coated fiberglass weave material.

27. The travel pillow in claim 25 wherein said pillow comprises a wedge-shaped pillow.

28. The travel pillow in claim 27 wherein said wedge-shaped pillow has a length of approximately 4-9 inches, a width of approximately 5-7 inches and a thickness which reaches 3-6 inches at its peak, wherein said wedge-shaped cushion gradually slopes in an arc.

29. A pillow backing comprising:

a body;

said body includes an anti-skid material; and

attachment means for attaching the backing to a pillow.

30. The pillow backing in claim 29 wherein said anti-skid material comprises a silicone-coated fiberglass weave material.