Multi-Position Travel Pillow

Abstract

A travel pillow configured to support a person's head in multiple different positions that includes a number of shaped surfaces configured to support a user's head and/or neck in different positions. The top side includes a chamfered neck support surface and a flat top surface. The chamfered neck support surface further includes a pair of humps providing additional side-to-side support for the head. The rear side includes two flat rear surfaces and a rounded forehead support surface. The bottom side includes a beveled support surface and a flat connector surface and a slight chamfer surface for comfort against the neck. The travel pillow may also carry a hook-and-loop fastener for removably attaching a head strap to the pillow, which can be used for holding the pillow to the user in various support configurations, for binding the pillow in a compressed state, and as a blindfold to aid in sleeping.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 609,819 entitled “Multi-Position Travel Pillow” filed Mar. 12, 2012, which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention is directed to travel pillows and, more particularly, to a travel pillow configured to support a person's head and / or neck in multiple positions to accommodate sleeping while traveling.BACKGROUND[0003]A common problem when traveling long distances by airplane or automobile is not being able to sleep in the head-forward position. This is an important concern as sleeping with one's head tilted back can be uncomfortable and may even lead to irritating sinus drainage while trying to sleep. Additionally, even those for whom sleeping with their head tilted back is comfortable, there is still the desire to change positions occasionally to prevent soreness and discomfort that can arise from maintaining a single position for an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The travel pillow of claim typically includes a resilient foam core providing at least about nine inches of support between the rear side and the U-shaped front surface when positioned between the horizontal surface and the person's forehead. The foam core may also include a memory foam portion forming the chamfered neck support surface. The foam core may be covered by a soft cover carry one or more high friction surfaces to help prevent the pillow from slipping while supporting the person's head or neck in various support position. For example, a high friction surface may be located on the beveled support surface.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem when traveling long distances by airplane or automobile is not being able to sleep in the head-forward position.

This is an important concern as sleeping with one's head tilted back can be uncomfortable and may even lead to irritating sinus drainage while trying to sleep.

Further, there are numerous other situations, such as waiting for hours at the airport for a delayed flight, where the lack of headrests on the seats make resting comfortably a near impossibility.

Besides being bulky and awkward in appearance, is terribly inconvenient for other than the actual sleeping part of one's travel.

It is remarkably unwieldy to manage for such basic activities as getting up to go to the restroom or stretch.

This product also is limited to a single user position.

These drawbacks are too significant for such a product to gain mass acceptance.

They can be too bulky around the back of the neck, not allowing the shoulders to go back against the rest.

This puts unnecessary, uncomfortable pressure on the nerves and muscles in the back of the neck.

Many users may find the size and wrap-around shape to be too confining, awkward and even hot.

These smaller collars do not provide the lateral support of the larger collars.

As with the larger collar, users may not like the feeling of having a large item wrapped around their neck.

However, it does not allow forward support or even use behind the head in an upright sleeping position.

Those drawbacks, combined with its large size and awkward shape greatly limit this product's acceptance in the market.

This pillow provides no support for head-forward positions, and is too low on the sides to provide useful lateral support.

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