US20210030175A1

US20210030175A1 - Inflatable Travel Pillow

Info

Publication number: US20210030175A1
Application number: US16/939,532
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald J. Fogel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-02
Filing date: 2020-07-27
Publication date: 2021-02-04

Abstract

Inflatable pillow apparatuses are provided herein that include a neck support pillow and a lumbar support pillow that are each fluidly connected to an inflation device. A first fluid pathway permits air to flow from the inflation device to the neck support pillow, and a second fluid pathway permits air to flow from the inflation device to the lumbar support pillow. The pillows may be simultaneously or selectively inflated by the inflation device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/882,457, entitled “Inflatable Travel Pillow,” filed on Aug. 2, 2019, currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to inflatable pillows, and particularly inflatable pillows intended for use when a person is in a seated position, such as during travel.

BACKGROUND

Often, seats are not optimally ergonomically designed for the comfort of an individual person. Seats for use in travel vehicles, in particular, such as cars, buses, trains, and airplanes, tend to be designed based on special efficiency, and are intended to accommodate any of a large number of individuals rather than a specific person. As a result, a given individual sitting in the seat, particularly for an extended period of time, may experience discomfort. Such discomfort often takes the form of pain in the neck or back of the given individual. A variety of travel pillows have been developed in an attempt to prevent or alleviate such discomfort, which are often singular bulky pillows containing some sort of stuffing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present technology provides an inflatable pillow apparatus that includes two inflatable pillows, each of which is adjustable for the comfort of the user.
In one example, an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology includes an inflation device, a neck support pillow fluidly connected to an inflation device along a first fluid path, and a lumbar support pillow fluidly connected to an inflation device along a second fluid path.
In another example, an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology includes an inflation device, a neck support pillow fluidly connected to an inflation device along a first fluid path, and a lumbar support pillow fluidly connected to an inflation device along a second fluid path. The inflatable pillow apparatus also includes a first control vent valve connected to the first fluid path, between the inflation device and the neck support pillow, and a second control vent valve connected to the second fluid path, between the inflation device and the lumbar support pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology.

FIG. 3A illustrates one example of a control vent valve of the present technology.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second example of a control vent valve of the present technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a cross-section of an inflatable pillow of the present technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in use.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a pillow of the present technology that includes a pillow cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Inflatable pillow apparatuses of the present technology are intended for use to support the neck and lumbar region of a person in a seated position, such as when a person is traveling. Inflatable pillow apparatuses of the present technology are intended to provide for a wide range in degree of inflation, and thus level of support, for both the neck and lumbar (lower back) regions of a user while in operation due to the nature and configuration of the construction and the connected inflation device.
FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an inflatable pillow apparatus 100 of the present technology.
As shown in FIG. 1, the inflatable pillow apparatus 100 includes a neck support pillow 102, a lumbar support pillow 104, and an inflation device 106. Each pillow is inflatable, or, as further described below, comprises at least an inflatable bladder. The neck support pillow 102 is fluidly connected to an inflation device 106 along a first fluid path 108, which may include one or more hoses. The first fluid path may have any desired length, but preferably has a length that up to about forty-eight inches, including being from about twelve inches to about forty-eight inches. The lumbar support pillow 104 is fluidly connected to the inflation device 106 along a second fluid path 110, which may include one or more hoses. The second fluid path may have any desired length, but preferably has a length that up to about forty-eight inches, including being from about six inches to about twenty-four inches. The one or more hoses of any fluid pathway may be formed from any suitable material, including for example, rubber, plastic, or any other suitable flexible material.
The inflation device 106 is connected to the first and second fluid pathways via a T-connector 116. In this example, the inflation device 106 is connected directly to the T-connector 116. A T-connector may be formed from any suitable material, including for example, stainless steel, brass, or plastic.
It should be understood that fluid connections as described herein refer to connections that allow at least air to pass between the components that are fluidly connected. Accordingly, during inflation, air may pass from the inflation device 106 into the neck support pillow 102 through the first fluid pathway 108 and/or the lumbar support pillow 104 through the second fluid pathway 110. Further, during deflation, air may pass out of the neck support pillow 102 into the first fluid pathway 108 and/or the lumbar support pillow 104 into the second fluid pathway 110.
The neck support pillow 102 may include a first air vent 118, which may permit air to vent out of the neck support pillow 102 when in an open position and not permit air to vent out of the neck support pillow 102 when in a closed position. Similarly, the lumbar support pillow may include a second air vent 120, which may permit air to vent out of the lumbar support pillow 104 when in an open position and not permit air to vent out of the lumbar support pillow 104 when in a closed position.
A first control vent valve 112 is connected to the first fluid path 108, between the inflation device 106 and the neck support pillow 102. A second control vent valve 114 is connected to the second fluid path 110, between the inflation device 106 and the lumbar support pillow 104.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of control vent valves that can be used as control vent valve 112 and/or 114. Control vent valves may be formed from any suitable material, including for example, stainless steel, brass, or plastic.
A first example of a control vent valve is shown in FIG. 3A. Control vent valve 300 of FIG. 3A has two positions, a first position 302 and a second position 304. The first position 302 may be a check valve positon, in which air is permitted to flow one direction through the valve from the inflation device 106 to either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 300 is connected. The second position 304 may be a venting position, in which air from either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 300 is connected, may flow out to deflate the relevant pillow. Alternatively, in examples where the neck support pillow 102 and lumbar support pillow 104 each have an air vent 118, 120 on the pillow, the second position 304 may be a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing from the inflation device 106 to either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 300 is connected. Each control vent valve 300 can independently be adjusted between the first position 302 and the second position 304.
In an example where first control vent valve 112 and second control vent valve 114 are both of the type shown in FIG. 3A, the inflatable pillow apparatus 100 may also include at least one movable hose clamp. FIG. 1 shows a first movable hose clamp 122, which may be connected or connectable to first fluid path 108, and a second movable hose clamp 124, which may be connected or connectable to second fluid path 110. Each movable hose clamp 122, 124 may be manually movable from an open position, in which air is permitted to flow through the movable hose clamp, to a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing through the movable hose clamp and any hose to which the movable hose clamp is connected. Alternatively, each movable hose clamp may be configured to be connected to a hose in a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing through the movable hose clamp and any hose to which the movable hose clamp is connected, and removed from the hose to permit air to flow through the hose. In operation, when the first control vent valve 112 is in the first position, it may permit air to flow from the inflation device 106 through the first flow path 108 and into the neck support pillow 102. Similarly, when the second control vent valve 114 is in the first position, the second control vent valve 114 may direct air from the inflation device 106 through the second flow path and into the lumbar support pillow 104. A user may inflate both the neck support pillow 102 and the lumbar support pillow 104 at the same time by pumping air from the inflation device 106, which may travel simultaneously through the first fluid pathway 108 into the neck support pillow 102 and through the second fluid pathway into the lumber support pillow 104. The user may inflate only the lumbar support pillow 104 by connecting first movable hose clamp 122 to a hose of the first fluid pathway 108, or by manually placing the first movable hose clamp 122 in a closed position on a hose of the first fluid pathway 108. Air from inflation device 106 would then flow only to the lumbar support pillow 104, because first movable hose clamp 122 would prevent air from flowing to the neck support pillow 102. Similarly, the user may inflate only the neck support pillow 102 by connecting second movable hose clamp 124 to a hose of the second fluid pathway 110, or by manually placing the second movable hose clamp 124 in a closed position on a hose of the second fluid pathway 110. Air from inflation device 106 would then flow only to the neck support pillow 102, because second movable hose clamp 124 would prevent air from flowing to the lumbar support pillow 104. In examples where the neck support pillow 102 has a first air vent 118 and the lumbar support pillow 104 has a second air vent 120, the user can selectively vent air from either or both pillows using the respective air vent 118, 120. Alternatively, when the second position of the first and second control vent valves 112, 114 is a venting position, the user can selectively vent air from either or both pillows by placing either or both of the first and second control vent valves 112, 114 in the venting position, as desired. Accordingly, a user can inflate or deflate each pillow individually, and can adjust the amount of inflation in each pillow.
A second example of a control vent valve is shown in FIG. 3B. Control vent valve 306 of FIG. 3B has three positions, a first position 308, a second position 310, and a third position 312. The first position 308 may be a check valve positon, in which air is permitted to flow one direction through the valve from the inflation device 106 to either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 306 is connected. The second position 310 may be a venting position, in which air from either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 300 is connected, may flow out to deflate the relevant pillow. The third position 312 may be a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing into or out of either the neck support pillow 102 or the lumbar support pillow 104, depending on which fluid path to which the control vent valve 300 is connected. Each control vent valve 306 can independently be adjusted between the first position 308, second position 310, and third position 312.
In an example where first control vent valve 112 and second control vent valve 114 are both of the type shown in FIG. 3B, one or more movable hose clamps may not be needed. In other examples, the first control vent valve 112 and the second control vent valve 114 may be of the same or different configurations. For example, one of first control vent valve 112 and second control vent valve 114 may be of the type shown in FIG. 3A, and the other may be of the type shown in FIG. 3B. One or more movable hose clamps may be provided as desired in any example of an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology.
In operation, when the first control vent valve 112 is a control vent valve 306, a user may place the first control vent valve 112 in the first position 308 to permit air to flow from the inflation device 106 through the first flow path 108 and into the neck support pillow 102. The user may place the first control vent valve 112 in the second position 310 to permit air to vent from the neck support pillow 102. The user may place the first control vent valve 112 in the third position 312 to prevent air from flowing into or out of the neck support pillow 102. Similarly, when the second control vent valve 114 is a control vent valve 306, a user may place the second control vent valve 114 in the first position 308 to permit air to flow from the inflation device 106 through the first flow path 108 and into the lumbar support pillow 104. The user may place the second control vent valve 114 in the second position 310 to permit air to vent from the lumbar support pillow 104. The user may place the second control vent valve 114 in the third position 312 to prevent air from flowing into or out of the lumbar support pillow 104. Accordingly, a user can inflate or deflate each pillow individually, and can adjust the amount of inflation in each pillow.
FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of an inflatable pillow apparatus 200 of the present technology.
As shown in FIG. 2, the inflatable pillow apparatus 200 includes a neck support pillow 202, a lumbar support pillow 204, and an inflation device 206. The neck support pillow 202 is fluidly connected to an inflation device 206 along a first fluid path 208, which may include one or more hoses. The first fluid path may have any desired length, but preferably has a length that up to about forty-eight inches, including being from about twelve inches to about forty-eight inches. The lumbar support pillow 204 is fluidly connected to the inflation device 206 along a second fluid path 210, which may include one or more hoses. The second fluid path may have any desired length, but preferably has a length that up to about forty-eight inches, including being from about six inches to about twenty-four inches. The inflation device 206 is connected to the first and second fluid pathways via a tee connector 216. As shown, an extension hose 218 is connected to and extends between the inflation device 206 and the tee connector 216. The extension hose may be any suitable length, such as from about six inches to about thirty inches, including from about eight inches to about 24 inches, or about twelve inches.
The neck support pillow 202 may include a first air vent 228, which may permit air to vent out of the neck support pillow 202 when in an open position and not permit air to vent out of the neck support pillow 202 when in a closed position. Similarly, the lumbar support pillow 204 may include a second air vent 230, which may permit air to vent out of the lumbar support pillow 204 when in an open position and not permit air to vent out of the lumbar support pillow 204 when in a closed position.
A first control vent valve 212 is connected to the first fluid path 208, between the inflation device 206 and the neck support pillow 202. A second control vent valve 214 is connected to the second fluid path 210, between the inflation device 206 and the lumbar support pillow 204. The first and second control vent valves 212 and 214 can be the same or different, and may be configured as any suitable control vent valve, such as control vent valve 300 as shown in FIG. 3A or control vent valve 306 as shown in FIG. 3B. One or more movable hose clamps may be provided as desired or needed, depending upon the configuration of the first and second control vent valves 212 and 214.
In an example where first control vent valve 212 and second control vent valve 214 are both of the type shown in FIG. 3A, the inflatable pillow apparatus 200 may also include at least one movable hose clamp. FIG. 2 shows a first movable hose clamp 224, which may be connected or connectable to first fluid path 208, and a second movable hose clamp 226, which may be connected or connectable to second fluid path 210. Each movable hose clamp 224, 226 may be manually movable from an open position, in which air is permitted to flow through the movable hose clamp, to a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing through the movable hose clamp and any hose to which the movable hose clamp is connected. Alternatively, each movable hose clamp 224, 226 may be configured to be connected to a hose in a closed position, in which air is prevented from flowing through the movable hose clamp and any hose to which the movable hose clamp is connected, and removed from the hose to permit air to flow through the hose. In operation, when the first control vent valve 212 is in the first position, it may permit air to flow from the inflation device 206 through the first flow path 208 and into the neck support pillow 202. Similarly, when the second control vent valve 214 is in the first position, the second control vent valve 214 may direct air from the inflation device 206 through the second flow path 210 and into the lumbar support pillow 204. A user may inflate both the neck support pillow 202 and the lumbar support pillow 204 at the same time by pumping air from the inflation device 206, which may travel simultaneously through the first fluid pathway 208 into the neck support pillow 202 and through the second fluid pathway into the lumber support pillow 204. The user may inflate only the lumbar support pillow 204 by connecting first movable hose clamp 224 to a hose of the first fluid pathway 208, or by manually placing the first movable hose clamp 224 in a closed position on a hose of the first fluid pathway 208. Air from inflation device 206 would then flow only to the lumbar support pillow 204, because first movable hose clamp 224 would prevent air from flowing to the neck support pillow 202. Similarly, the user may inflate only the neck support pillow 202 by connecting second movable hose clamp 226 to a hose of the second fluid pathway 210, or by manually placing the second movable hose clamp 226 in a closed position on a hose of the second fluid pathway 210. Air from inflation device 206 would then flow only to the neck support pillow 202, because second movable hose clamp 226 would prevent air from flowing to the lumbar support pillow 204. In examples where the neck support pillow 202 has a first air vent 2288 and the lumbar support pillow 104 has a second air vent 230, the user can selectively vent air from either or both pillows using the respective air vent 228, 230. Alternatively, when the second position of the first and second control vent valves 112, 114 is a venting position, the user can selectively vent air from either or both pillows by placing either or both of the first and second control vent valves 112, 114 in the venting position, as desired. Accordingly, a user can inflate or deflate each pillow individually, and can adjust the amount of inflation in each pillow.
In operation, when the first control vent valve 212 is a control vent valve 306, a user may place the first control vent valve 212 in the first position 308 to permit air to flow from the inflation device 206 through the first flow path 208 and into the neck support pillow 202. The user may place the first control vent valve 212 in the second position 310 to permit air to vent from the neck support pillow 202. The user may place the first control vent valve 212 in the third position 312 to prevent air from flowing into or out of the neck support pillow 202. Similarly, when the second control vent valve 214 is a control vent valve 306, a user may place the second control vent valve 214 in the first position 308 to permit air to flow from the inflation device 206 through the first flow path 208 and into the lumbar support pillow 204. The user may place the second control vent valve 214 in the second position 310 to permit air to vent from the lumbar support pillow 204. The user may place the second control vent valve 214 in the third position 312 to prevent air from flowing into or out of the lumbar support pillow 204. Accordingly, a user can inflate or deflate each pillow individually, and can adjust the amount of inflation in each pillow.
Optionally, any inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology, such as the inflatable pillow apparatus 200, may include a travel case 220. The travel case 220 may be configured to store the all of the components of an inflatable pillow apparatus of the present technology, such as inflatable pillow apparatus 100 or 200, when the inflatable pillow apparatus is in a deflated and folded position. The travel case 220 may be formed from any suitable material, such as vinyl, plastic, or fabric. The travel case 220 may be closable, and may have any suitable closure, such as a zipper, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more snaps or buttons, or a fold-over construction at one end.
FIG. 5 illustrates one example of inflatable pillow apparatus 200 in use. In order to use inflatable pillow apparatus 200, a user may follow the following steps. First, the user may close both control vent valves 212 and 214 prior to inflating the pillows. Then, the user may operate the inflation device 206, such as by manually pumping the inflation device 206, to at least partially inflate both the neck support pillow 202 and the lumbar support pillow 204 to a first level of inflation. As illustrated, the user may position the neck support pillow 202 behind the neck and lumbar support pillow 204 behind the lower back, according to personal preference. If the first level of inflation is not initially at the desired firmness, the user may continue to inflate the relevant pillow or pillows using the inflation device 206, until the desired firmness is achieved. If either pillow is too firm, the user may open the appropriate air vent or control vent valve to vent air, closing air vent or control vent valve when desired pressure is achieved. Accordingly, at any time during use, the inflation pressure of either pillow may be increased or decreased with simple operation of the inflation device and/or control vent valve. Upon completion of use, the user may open both air vents or control vent valves; squeeze, fold or roll up each of the pillows to vent air; and then secure each of the pillows and the other components of the inflatable pillow apparatus inside the travel case 220.
In the illustrated examples, the inflation device 106 and the inflation device 206 are each shown as being a squeeze bulb, which can be used to manually pump air into the first and second fluid paths. A squeeze bulb may be of any suitable size, such as about 3.25″ long×1.5″ diameter, smaller for aesthetics or user comfort, or larger to provide for higher air flow. In other examples, an alternative inflation device may be used, which may be manual or battery operated, and may include a battery pack.
The neck support pillow, such as neck support pillow 102 or 202, has a shape that may be the same as or different from the shape of the lumbar support pillow, such as lumbar support pillow 104 or 204. In various examples, the neck support pillow may have a shape that is generally rectangular, kidney shaped, horseshoe shaped, arched, curved, or any other suitable shape. The use of “generally” as used herein to describe any shape allows for a reasonable degree of variation in the shape, including the use of hard edges, curved edges, rounded edges, straight lies, curved lines, straight sides, and curved sides. For example, the neck support pillow 102 shown in FIG. 1 has a generally rectangular shape, with curved edges and sides. The neck support pillow 202 shown in FIG. 2 has a curved shape, which is generally rectangular on three sides and has a u-shaped bottom edge 222. The lumbar support pillow may have a shape that is generally rectangular, triangular, arched, curved, or any other suitable shape.
While FIGS. 1 and 2 show each neck support pillow, such as neck support pillow 102 or 202, and lumbar support pillow, such as lumbar support pillow 104 or 204, from a front perspective, it should be understood that each such pillow has a cross-section. The cross-section of each pillow changes as the pillow goes from being deflated to being fully inflated. The cross-section of each pillow may be generally rectangular, triangular, ovoid, arched, curved, or any other suitable shape. FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a cross-section 400 of one example of a lumbar pillow 206, which is generally triangular, with a curved upper edge and a curved lower edge.
When the first and second fluid paths 108 and 110, or 208 and 210, include one or more hoses, the hoses may be secured to pillows and the inflation device using one or more securing devices (not illustrated) to ensure an air-tight connection.
The neck support pillow 102, 202 and the lumber support pillow 104, 204 may each be made of any material suitable to be inflated, such as rubber, polyurethane, vinyl, or any other suitable flexible inflatable material. Additionally, any neck support pillow 102, 202 or lumber support pillow 104, 204 may include a pillow cover. Pillow covers may be made of fabric, or any suitable material, and may or may not have padding. One example of a pillow 600, which may be a neck support pillow 102, 202 or lumber support pillow 104, 204, is shown in FIG. 6. Pillow 600 has an inner inflatable bladder 602 that is fluidly connected to hose 604, and a cover 606 that includes padding 608. Inner bladder 602 is inflatable, and can be made from any suitable flexible, preferably expendable material, such as rubber or flexible plastic. Padding 608 may be any suitable type of padding. Hose 604 may be part of the first or second fluid pathway, and may extend through the cover 606 and the padding 608.

Example 1

The specifications for the components for one example of an inflatable pillow apparatus of the current technology are provided below. The components can be assembled to form a travel pillow of the current technology.
1. Squeeze Bulb

- Rubber construction with internal bladder and vent on one end and open connection on the other end
- Approximately 3.25″ long×1.5″ diameter (alternate larger bulb may be utilized to provide for higher air flow)

2. T-Connector

- Stainless Steel, brass, or plastic construction
- ¼″ fittings with barbed ends for hose connections
- Approximately 2″ long×1″ wide

3. Hoses (Tubing)

- ¼″ outer diameter rubber flexible hose
- Approximate lengths: 3-6″ from squeeze bulb to T-fitting and 12-18″ from T-fitting to pillows
- Rubber hoses from pillows can be integral with the pillows (no connection fittings)

4. Adjustable Pillow—Neck

- Rubber or flexible plastic construction with an optional fabric covering
- Approximate dimensions (deflated): 6″ by 11″ with a kidney-shaped contour to conform to neck
- Pillow may or may not include a fitting for hose connection

5. Adjustable Pillow—Lumbar

- Rubber construction with an optional fabric covering
- Approximate dimensions (deflated): 7″ by 12″ (optionally with a triangular cross-section to conform to lumbar and seat)

6. Control Vent Valves

- Stainless Steel (or alternate material) construction with knurled handle for hand operation
- One-directional flow in first positon; self-venting in second position (optional third position that prevents air flow in any direction)

7. Travel Case

- Vinyl (or alternate material) construction with zipper closure
- Approximate dimensions: 7″×4.5″×1.5″

Example 2

The specifications for the components for a second example of a travel pillow of the current technology are provided below. The components can be assembled to form a travel pillow of the current technology.
1. Squeeze Bulb with internal check (Quantity: 1)
2. T-Connector (Quantity: 1)

- Stainless Steel or Brass construction

3. Hose A (Quantity: 2)

- ¼″ outer diameter rubber flexible hose
- Approximate Length: 2″

4. Hose B (Quantity: 2)

- ¼″ outer diameter rubber flexible hose
- Approximate Length: 30″

5. Adjustable Pillow—Neck (Quantity: 1)

- Inflatable bladder
- Bladder valve for releasing air from bladder

6. Adjustable Pillow—Lumbar (Quantity: 1)

- Inflatable bladder Bladder valve for releasing air from bladder

7. Control vent valve (Quantity: 2)

- One-directional flow when closed; self-venting when opened (optional third position that prevents air flow in any direction)

8. Movable hose clamps (2)
9. Travel Case

- Sized to receive and entirely enclose all other components in deflated and folded orientation

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable pillow apparatus comprising:

an inflation device;

a neck support pillow fluidly connected to the inflation device along a first fluid path; and

a lumbar support pillow fluidly connected to the inflation device along a second fluid path.

2. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first control vent valve connected to the first fluid path, between the inflation device and the neck support pillow.

3. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control vent valve has a check-valve position in which the first control vent valve permits air to flow in one direction from the inflation device to the neck support pillow.

4. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control vent valve has a venting position in which the first control vent valve vents air from the neck support pillow.

5. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control vent valve has a closed position in which air is prevented from flowing into or out of the neck support pillow.

6. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second control vent valve connected to the second fluid path, between the inflation device and the lumbar support pillow.

7. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second control vent valve has a check-valve position in which the second control vent valve permits air to flow in one direction from the inflation device to the lumbar support pillow.

8. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second control vent valve has a venting position in which the second control vent valve vents air from the lumbar support pillow.

9. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second control vent valve has a closed position in which air is prevented from flowing into or out of the lumbar support pillow.

10. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the neck support pillow and the lumbar support pillow each comprise an air vent.

11. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more hose clamps.

12. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflation device comprises a squeeze bulb.

13. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fluid path and second fluid path each comprise one or more hoses.

14. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a travel case configured to store the inflation device, neck support pillow, and lumbar support pillow, and first and second flow pathways.

15. An inflatable pillow apparatus comprising:

an inflation device;

a neck support pillow fluidly connected to the inflation device along a first fluid path;

a lumbar support pillow fluidly connected to the inflation device along a second fluid path;

a first control vent valve connected to the first fluid path, between the inflation device and the neck support pillow; and

a second control vent valve connected to the second fluid path, between the inflation device and the lumbar support pillow.

16. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first control vent valve and the second control vent valve each have a check-valve position in which the first control vent valve permits air to flow in one direction from the inflation device to the neck support pillow.

17. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first control vent valve has a venting position in which the first control vent valve vents air from the neck support pillow.

18. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first control vent valve has a closed position in which air is prevented from flowing into or out of the neck support pillow.

19. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second control vent valve has a venting position in which the second control vent valve vents air from the lumbar support pillow.

20. The inflatable pillow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second control vent valve has a closed position in which air is prevented from flowing into or out of the lumbar support pillow.