TRAVEL PILLOW, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND USE.

Abstract

The travel pillow (1) for airplane passengers has a cervical passage (6) which gives said travel pillow (1) the appearance of a bolster having a substantially inverted U shape in the resting position. The travel pillow (1) has an outer fabric cover (11) and has on its upper part (2) an opening (3) for access to the interior. The opening (3) is closed by a zipper (4). Seen in section, the travel pillow (1) comprises at least one outer surface made of fabric (11), an inner lining (13) also made of fabric enclosing with the outer fabric (11) a synthetic fabric padding material (12), an inner compartment (14) forming a storage space for light clothing.Use of the pillow (1) for posture maintenance, its ability to reduce neck pain and ease of falling asleep for the passenger and reduce stress by significant savings by moving the suitcase luggage to the clothing storage space (14) of the pillow (1). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: TRAVEL PILLOW, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND USE.

[0001] The present invention relates to a travel pillow for public transport passengers, typically airplane travelers. It is a portable pillow. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a travel pillow and its use.

[0002] Travelers seek optimal comfort while traveling and tend to doze off, especially on longer trips. Also, personal travel pillows are highly sought after by travelers on planes, trains, cars, or even camping, for their pillow and comfort functions.

[0003] There are travel pillows in the state of the art of various sizes and shapes.

[0004] Travelers are looking for cervical pillows, that is, pillows that have an opening for the neck to pass over the shoulders. These pillows are shaped like bolsters that are roughly in the shape of an inverted U.

[0005] Furthermore, luggage is always bulky, whether for train or coach travel. Above all, airlines are increasingly limiting the number, volume and weight of luggage, which means that travelers are looking for a storage solution for part of the luggage and it is known to use portable travel pillows having an opening for placing soft luggage such as clothes inside the pillow.

[0006] Travelers are aware, from documents US 2013 / 219624 and US 2011 / 0100382, of cervical travel pillows having a bolster appearance substantially in the shape of an inverted U in the resting position, the two ends being oriented downwards. These pillows are in the form of an outer fabric cover with an access opening to the interior of the travel pillow which is arranged at the level of their upper part. Thus, the pillow takes on its thickness when the traveler has filled the outer cover of the pillow with soft luggage such as clothing.

[0007] To summarize, these state-of-the-art pillows consist of a cover possibly including pockets and their flexibility is obtained by and depending on the products that the traveler has placed in the pillow. Luggage is essential for the known product to achieve the thickness, elasticity and flexibility of the pillow. The opening of the latter, once filled, is closed by a zipper placed at the top of the inverted U to close the opening.

[0008] State-of-the-art pillows have limitations.

[0009] Flexibility and need for comfort:

[0010] Since the passengers' goal is to fall asleep, the comfort of the pillow is important and the luggage does not necessarily have the regularity and flexibility required for optimal comfort during the journey.

[0011] Risk of neck pain and disturbance to neighboring passengers:

[0012] When flights are long, passengers sometimes collapse while napping or dozing and the purpose of neck pillows is to support passengers so that they do not collapse onto neighboring passengers, especially in crowded cabins.

[0013] The pillows of the state of the art have (and only possibly) means for closing said passage at the neck passage. These ends of the branches of the U called beads can be selectively connected at their lower ends by suitable fixing devices, such as rings, eyelets, loops, carabiners or the like. The latter serve to close the passage between the two ends of the U. These attachment means do not seek to maintain a firm and solid position of the wearer but guarantee that the pillow is kept comfortably wrapped around the traveler's neck.

[0014] That is to say that these means of attaching the two ends of the U, one with the other, only consist of blocking said passage. These closures do not allow adjustment and adaptation to the different sizes of passengers.

[0015] In short, these means of attachment are only a support for the pillow and not for the traveler.

[0016] Stress:

[0017] The problem of baggage congestion for travelers is further compounded for passengers of so-called low-cost airlines, which charge excessive fees for additional baggage.

[0018] Low-cost airlines attract many travelers with their low-cost airline tickets, but they often compensate for these low fares by charging high fees for checked baggage.

[0019] While so-called low-cost carriers have experienced significant growth in recent years, offering low-cost fares to budget travelers, the cost of additional baggage has created a major challenge for these travelers.

[0020] As a result, the total cost of travel, including baggage, can reach a considerable percentage of the price of the ticket itself, making travel much less affordable for many passengers.

[0021] This situation is even more problematic for budget travelers looking to save on travel costs. These high baggage fees of become a source of stress for some of these travelers from so-called low-cost airlines.

[0022] The travel pillow according to the invention is essential for travelers with many advantages that address the above limitations and improve the wearer's experience while traveling.

[0023] The object of the invention is to provide a pillow for travelers seeking comfort and optimization of their luggage. It is a new product adapted to ensure optimal comfort while providing adequate support for the head and neck, thus allowing the correct posture to be maintained during sleep. This can help prevent neck pain and muscle stiffness often associated with extended travel. This by making it possible to lighten luggage.

[0024] So-called low-cost airlines have distinguished themselves by offering competitive unit prices for airline tickets. However, these airlines often compensate for these low fares by charging high baggage fees. The invention aims to provide significant savings for travelers. The pillow according to the invention allows travelers to maximize the space in their carry-on suitcase, thus reducing the need to pay stressful additional baggage fees.

[0025] The invention aims to simplify travel, free up space in suitcases, save money and therefore stress while providing optimal comfort to travelers. The invention aims to provide the perfect solution, the travel pillow, which can meet the needs of passengers who want to travel light, without compromising their experience.

[0026] In order to achieve these advantages, the travel pillow according to the invention comprises the outer fabric surface which covers a synthetic fabric padding material held by an inner lining also made of fabric which encloses the padding material with the outer fabric. Said pillow comprises in its central part an inner compartment forming a storage space for light clothing or other soft products, the inner fabric lining enclosing with the outer fabric said synthetic fabric material, the whole surrounding and forming the storage space inside the portable pillow.

[0027] According to other characteristics of the portable luggage pillow according to the invention:

[0028] * The outer fabric is composed of approximately 80% polyester and elastane, this fabric is hydrophilic, i.e. waterproof and is suitable for printing, which allows information such as the name of the pillow to be placed on said pillow;

[0029] * The padding material is placed immediately under the outer cover and is made of wadding for the comfort of the traveler;

[0030] * The wadding filling is 100% recycled polyester.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a portable travel pillow, in accordance with that described above.

[0032] This method comprises at least the following steps: a. - production of an outer fabric made of synthetic fabric composed of approximately 80% polyester and hydrophilic elastane and suitable for use as a printing support; b. - production of padding panel(s) made from 100% recycled polyester wadding; c. - production of an inner fabric called lining also in synthetic fabric; d. - production of the pillow wall by enclosing the wadding padding between the inner lining and the outer surface fabric; e. - shaping the pillow by shaping the hollow bolster wall to have a U-shaped appearance, f. - creation of an upper opening of the inverted U; g. - installation of a sliding closure of the opening; h. - fixing position combining tie straps and self-gripping fasteners called Velcro at both ends of the pillow.

[0033] The invention further relates to the use of a portable travel pillow for posture maintenance, its ability to reduce neck pain and ease of falling asleep for the passenger and reduce stress by significant savings by moving suitcase luggage to a clothing storage space, interior compartment of the pillow.

[0034] [Fig.l] is a schematic view illustrating a travel pillow according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.2] is a sectional view with a detail illustrating the padding held against the outer fabric by a lining and the storage space of the pillow according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.3] is a photograph of a pillow according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.4] is a photo of the pillow part according to the invention where the means of fixing and adjusting the cervical passage.

[0038] The travel pillow 1 according to the invention is portable. It appears as a bolster having a substantially inverted U shape as shown in [Fig.l]. In its upper part 2, an opening 3 can be closed by a sliding closure 4 shown in the open position. This opening 3 allows the traveler to place soft objects 5 inside the pillow 1. This ingenious opening 3 makes it possible to optimize the space in the traveler's suitcase by carefully storing soft objects 5 such as underwear or other light clothing inside the travel pillow. This pillow remains light because the products placed inside are also light. The U shape of the pillow 1 allows the traveler to place the pillow 1 around his neck. Therefore, the pillow 1 has a cervical passage 6 for the neck.Means for holding in position by self-gripping fastening 7, 8 called Velcro are fixed to the end of the branches 9, 10 of the pillow 1, therefore in the lower part. These self-gripping fastening means. Velcro strips 7, 8 allow the two ends of the pillow 9, 10 to be held at a distance adapted to the size of the traveler. Thus, the pillow 1 according to the invention is firmly positioned and held in place by closing the cervical passage 6.

[0039] The travel pillow 1 according to the invention is shown in section in [Fig. 2] and the detail view comprises an outer fabric 11 made of synthetic fabric composed of approximately 80% polyester and hydrophilic elastane. This design allows the pillow 1 to fulfill a storage function by protecting the luggage 5 stored in the pillow 1 from bad weather. This outer fabric 11 covers one or more padding panels 12 made of 100% recycled polyester wadding and held against the outer fabric 11 by a lining 13 also made of synthetic fabric. Thus, over its entire circumference, the travel pillow 1 remains comfortable for the traveler and the interior of this pillow, which is in the form of a U-shaped curved bolster, remains hollow and thus forms a space 14 for storing objects and soft luggage 5 that the traveler takes with him.

[0040] To store these flexible objects 5, the pillow has an opening 3 closed by a slide 4 shown in the closed position in [Fig.2].

[0041] The detailed view shows the wall of the pillow 1 with its outer surface of synthetic fabric 11, the wadding padding 12 and the holding of the wadding against the outer fabric by the lining 13 shown in dotted lines.

[0042] The pillow 1 according to the invention photographed in [Fig. 3] shows that this pillow 1 is indeed in the form of a bolster folded into the shape of an inverted U. The opening 3 at the rounded top 2 of the inverted U is drawn as a closed sliding closure 4. This closure 4 is a zipper. The outer fabric 11 of said pillow 1 is a printable fabric as appears with the written mention 15 that can be seen on the pillow 1. It is possible to add labels and a label 16 appears fixed on the lower left branch 9 of the pillow 1. The fixing means are not visible in the photograph of the pillow 1, [Fig. 3].

[0043] The fixing means placed at the two ends 9, 10 of the pillow 1 are seen in the photograph placed in [Fig.4]. These fixing means are twofold. In this case, the possibility of adjusting the spacing of the two branches 9, 10 of the U that the pillow 1 forms once the pillow 1 is placed on the traveler's neck so as to be adjusted in its location relative to the size of the wearer. This first fixing and positioning means consists of braids 17, 18. Alternatively, these braids can be replaced by cords or the like and once the adjustment has been made to achieve the most comfortable way possible of carrying the pillow, the positioning is firmly maintained by the means of holding in position by self-gripping fixing 7, 8 called Velcro fixed to the end of the branches 9, 10 of the pillow 1.

[0044] Thus, by allowing travelers to gain in lightness, economy and comfort, the pillow 1 according to the invention is the essential travel companion for those who take the plane.

[0045] Thanks to its ingenious zipper 4 and its inner lining 13, the pillow 1 allows to optimize the space in the passenger's suitcase by neatly storing underwear, t-shirts or light objects inside the travel pillow. No more worries about overloaded luggage and unexpected excessive expenses causing stress. Now the passenger can travel with peace of mind and have more room for their souvenirs.

[0046] How does it work? A key feature of the pillow 1 according to the invention is its zipper 4 and its inner lining 13, which allows for practical use and maximizes the volume of the travel pillow to transform it into a storage space. The sturdy closure 4 ensures that everything stays in place, and the hook-and-loop fastener 7, 8 keeps the pillow 1 comfortably wrapped around the passenger's neck.

[0047] It is important to alleviate stress when choosing travel essentials and dealing with the additional fees that airlines apply. The purpose of the travel pillow 1 according to the invention is to offer a new product to travelers looking for comfort and optimization of their luggage.

[0048] Pillow 1 changes the way travelers manage their luggage space, eliminating the worries of excessive luggage and neck pain. Pillow 1 offers a smart solution to maximize carry-on suitcase capacity, saving travelers money by avoiding additional baggage fees.

[0049] The portable pillow 1 according to the invention provides flexibility and convenience. By avoiding excessive baggage fees, travelers have more flexibility to choose low-cost flights, while having the assurance that they have sufficient space for their personal belongings.

[0050] The portable pillow 1 according to the invention provides the travel comfort sought by the passenger. In addition to financial savings, the pillow 1 also provides travel comfort thanks to its design with an inner lining 13 and padding 12 and an inner compartment 14. With the use as a full travel pillow. Travelers can enjoy a more pleasant travel experience without being burdened by excessive luggage.

[0051] The purpose of the travel pillow 1 according to the invention is to maintain the traveler's posture. Reducing neck pain. Thanks to its ergonomic design, it provides targeted support to the cervical region, which can help relieve pain and tension accumulated during travel. It also helps reduce the risk of stiff necks and stiffness upon waking. The travel pillow 1 provides facilities for Falling asleep while traveling. When traveling, it can be difficult to find a comfortable position to fall asleep, especially for passengers who are seated or in an unconventional position. The travel pillow 1 according to the invention helps create an environment conducive to sleep by providing additional support and comfort, making it easier to fall asleep, even in less than ideal conditions. The pillow according to the invention also aims for versatility of use. It is not only limited to travel; it also provides storage space for clothes with its interior compartment 14. But, it can also be used during naps at the office, relaxing moments at home, or even to relieve certain pains and muscle tension. It is a versatile accessory that can accompany the wearer in many situations of daily life.

[0052] The portable travel pillow 1 according to the invention also has the purpose of supporting the sleeping traveler. For this, it is important that the pillow 1 is adapted to the size of the traveler.

[0053] The travel pillow 1 aims to solve this technical problem of good adaptation and support of the traveler by adjusting the spacing of the cervical passage. For this purpose, the pillow 1 in the working position is held around the traveler's neck by a means of fixing in position, combining both straps to be tied 17, 18 allowing the adjustment of the spacing and self-gripping fasteners called Velcro 7, 8 so as to firmly hold the two ends of branches 9, 10 of the pillow 1 at the appropriate distance obtained by the adjustment with the straps 17, 18, distance adapted to the size of the traveler and pillow 1 firmly positioned and held in place by closing the cervical passage 6.

[0054] According to another characteristic, the travel pillow 1 according to the invention comprises a means of fixing in position which combines knotting ropes and self-gripping fixings 7, 8 fixed to the two ends of branches 9, 10 of the U.

[0055] The pillow 1 according to the invention is compact and easy to carry. It folds or stores easily in a travel bag or even in hand luggage. Thus, the traveler can always have it at hand, ready to be used for instant comfort, wherever they are. The pillow 1 according to the invention allows travelers to maximize the space in their hand luggage, thus reducing the need to pay additional baggage fees. It reduces stress by significantly saving money for travelers.

[0056] The travel pillow 1 according to the invention is an essential accessory for ensuring optimal comfort during travel. Thanks to its posture support, its ability to reduce neck pain, its ease of falling asleep, its versatility of use and its portability, it is an ideal companion for making travel more enjoyable. This pillow 1 is important for achieving a quality trip that offers a restful sleep.

[0057] In summary, the travel pillow 1 according to the invention effectively addresses the problem of excess baggage fees by offering travelers a solution for maximizing the space in their hand luggage and thus reducing the need to pay additional baggage fees. This allows travelers to benefit from the competitive rates of so-called low-cost airlines while traveling comfortably and more lightly.

[0058] REFERENCE SIGNS.

[0059] 1. Portable travel pillow

[0060] 2. upper part

[0061] 3. opening

[0062] 4. sliding closure

[0063] 5. flexible objects

[0064] 6. cervical passage

[0065] 7. self-gripping fastening means

[0066] 8. self-gripping fastening means

[0067] 9. branch

[0068] 10. branch

[0069] 11. outer fabric

[0070] 12. synthetic fabric upholstery material

[0071] 13. lining

[0072] 14. interior compartment

[0073] 15. written mention

[0074] 16. label

[0075] 17. tie straps

[0076] 18. tie straps

[0077] The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims have the sole purpose of facilitating the understanding of the latter and do not in any way limit their scope.

[0078] The invention is described above with reference to an alternative embodiment, it will be obvious that it can be modified in many ways. These variations should not be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all modifications which would be obvious to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Portable travel pillow (1) for public transport passengers, typically airplane travelers, having a cervical passage (6) which gives said travel pillow (1) the appearance of a bolster having a substantially inverted U shape in the resting position, the two ends (9, 10) being oriented downwards, said travel pillow (1) having an outer fabric cover (11);the travel pillow (1) has on its upper part (2) an opening (3) for access to the interior of said travel pillow (1), the upper opening (3) being closed by a zipper (4) or the like, characterized in that seen in section, said travel pillow (1) comprises at least one outer surface of fabric (11), i.e. a fabric covering a synthetic fabric padding material (12), an inner lining (13) also of fabric enclosing with the outer fabric (11) said synthetic fabric material (12), an inner compartment (14) forming a storage space for light clothing, the inner lining of fabric (13) enclosing with the outer fabric (11) said synthetic fabric material (12), surrounding the storage space (14).;

2. Portable pillow (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer fabric (11) is composed of approximately 80% polyester and elastane.

3. Portable travel pillow according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer fabric (11) is hydrophilic.

4. Portable travel pillow according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer fabric (11) is suitable for being a printing support.

5. A portable travel pillow according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the padding material (12) is placed immediately under the outer cover and is composed of wadding for the comfort of the traveler.

6. Portable travel pillow according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the padding (12) composed of wadding is 100% recycled polyester.

7. Portable travel pillow (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the working position, it is held in its position around the traveler's neck by a means of fixing in position combining tie straps (17, 18) and self-fixings gripping (7, 8) so as to keep the two ends (9, 10) of the pillow (1) at the distance adapted to the size of the traveler, firmly positioned and held in place by closing the cervical passage (6).

8. Portable travel pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the working position, it is held in its position around the traveler's neck by a means of fixing in position combining knotting ropes and self-gripping fixings (7, 8).

9. Method for manufacturing a portable travel pillow (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - production of an outer fabric (11) made of synthetic fabric composed of approximately 80% polyester and hydrophilic elastane and suitable for being a printing support; - production of padding panel(s) (12) made of 100% recycled polyester wadding; - production of an inner fabric called lining (13) also made of synthetic fabric; - production of the pillow wall by enclosing the wadding padding between the inner lining and the outer surface fabric; - shaping the pillow (1) by shaping the hollow bolster wall having a U-shaped appearance; - production of an opening (3) in the upper part (2) of the inverted U; - installation of a sliding closure (4) of the opening (3);- fixing installation in position combining tie straps (17, 18) and self-gripping fasteners (7, 8) called Velcro at both ends of the pillow.;

10. Use of a portable travel pillow (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for maintaining posture, its ability to reduce neck pain and ease of falling asleep of the passenger and reducing stress by significant savings in moving suitcase luggage to a clothing storage space, interior compartment (14) of the pillow (1).

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