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

The present invention relates to a travel pillow that is designed to enhance user comfort by providing dynamic interaction with a seating area or headrest when in use. The pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow. The cap portion has reactive surfaces that are engageable with the seating area or headrest and a recess positioned between the reactive surfaces to allow for flexing of the cap portion as the user moves their head rearwardly against the seating area or headrest. This action results in the pillow conforming to the user's head and neck for enhanced support and comfort. Overall, the present pillow provides enhanced head and neck support and improves user comfort during travel.

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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