Travel pillow with reactive surfaces for enhanced comfort

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite travel pillow that fits about the neck of a wearer for support in a seated or semi-reclined position. Notably, the present pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow, with the cap portion defining a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces that can engage an associated seating area. During use, the reactive surfaces provide dynamic interaction with the seating area, with the cap portion mechanically flexing and shaping the pillow on the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in used in a seated or semi-reclined position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE[0003]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates generally to travel pillows and the like that fit about the neck of a wearer for support in a seated or semi-reclined position, and more particularly to composite travel pillow having a cap portion with a pair of reactive surfaces that engage an associated seating area during use for mechanically flexing and shaping the pillow on the user for enhanced comfort.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Pillows which are configured to fit about the neck of a wearer while seated in an airplane, train, car, or the like, typically have a generally U-shaped configuration which defines a neck opening for fitment to the wearer. These types of pillows, commonly referred to as travel pillows, are especially popular for air travel, since aircraft seating ordinarily does not ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In accordance with the present invention, a composite travel pillow is particularly constructed to promote user comfort by providing dynamic interaction with a seating area or headrest when the pillow is in use. Notably, the present pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow. The configuration of the cap portion is such that when a user reclines against a seating area or headrest, reactive regions of the cap portion engage the seating area and mechanically shape leg portions of the pillow to conform and fit to the neck of the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in use.

Problems solved by technology

These types of pillows, commonly referred to as travel pillows, are especially popular for air travel, since aircraft seating ordinarily does not permit the passenger to recline to any significant degree.

Experience has shown that the typical travel pillow does not always provide the desired level of comfort and support for the wearer when in use.

This is because the typical pillow cannot comfortably conform to the wearer, detracting from comfortable and consistent head support.

In some instances, the shape of the pillow can actually cause the pillow legs to diverge or splay outwardly from each other, detracting from a conforming fit and head support, thus detracting from user comfort

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