Travel pillow for head support

Abstract

A pillow for supporting a user's head includes framing portions made of a soft material, the framing portions conforming to applied pressure while providing support when the user's head rests against the framing portions. A connecting portion extends between the framing portions and forms a pillow body with the framing portions. The pillow body is configured to surround the user's head and position the framing portions in front of and on either side of the user's head. A pair of shells are attached to corresponding framing portions. The pair of shells are made of a sturdy, flexible material. At least one strap extends from at least one of the pair of shells. The at least one strap is configured to connect one of the framing portions to the other framing portion, thereby stabilizing the user's head within the pillow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims and related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,676, entitled "Head Stabilizing Travel Pillow," filed November 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to pillows and cushions, and more particularly to pillows and cushions that include a structure for supporting a user's chin. Pillows are used to support a user's neck and head, such as by airline travelers. Such pillows are typically formed in a form factor that facilitates their portability and allows the pillow to fit around the lower part of a user's head, for example, while the user is seated on an airplane, a passenger train, or as a passenger in an automobile. [Background technology]

[0003] A primary objective in providing maximum comfort to a user is to maintain the user's head in an upright position, thereby preventing strain on the user's neck. Many prior art pillows support the user's head but do not prevent the user's head from collapsing forward.

[0004] Travel pillows are typically formed as a U-shaped member with a cushion that is adequate to support the user's head but soft enough to provide some comfort. The U-shaped member may have two sections that extend along the sides of the user's head, and these sections may be joined at the rear by a rear member or at the front by a front member. Pillows with a front member joining the side sections can provide some forward motion support to the user. However, such pillows tend to be uncomfortable for many users by putting pressure on the user's throat or simply pushing the user's chin upward. Some travel pillows with a rear member joining the side sections teach bringing the front ends of the side sections together to provide chin support. In many cases, the effect is similar to that of using a front member to support the chin, or bringing the front ends of the side sections together may simply not provide enough support for the user's chin.

[0005] Prior art pillows did not provide sufficient support for the user's head and tended to trap heat around the user's neck and head. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure, a pillow is provided to comfortably stabilize a user's head in any direction it may fall. A user's head typically falls forward because the weight of the head itself causes the head to fall forward in a seated position. The pillow is designed to support the user's head on both sides under the chin, providing support for the user's head in all three planes (both sides and forward).

[0007] Because the head is held at the front and sides and the rear is supported by the aircraft seatback, no specific movement by the user, such as leaning to the side, is required. The pillow is configured to keep the front of the neck exposed to provide body heat management by allowing airflow to the neck region. Approximately 25% of newly oxygenated blood from the heart passes through the neck region. The pillow is also made using as little fabric as possible, especially in the rear of the pillow, to prevent heat from being trapped in that area.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the pillow includes a pair of framing portions made of a soft material that conforms to applied pressure while providing support when a user's head rests against the framing portions. A connecting portion extends between the pair of framing portions and forms a pillow body with the framing portions. The pillow body is configured to surround the user's head and position the framing portions in front of and on either side of the user's head. A pair of shells are configured to fit into corresponding framing portions. The pair of shells are made of a sturdy, flexible material. At least one strap extends from at least one of the pair of shells. The at least one strap is configured to connect one of the framing portions to the other framing portion, thereby stabilizing the user's head within the pillow.

[0009] In another embodiment, the pillow includes a flexible extension portion between two framing portions.

[0010] In another aspect, the extensions between the framing portions include vents that allow air to flow therethrough for a cooling effect.

[0011] In another aspect, the pair of shells have a substantially arrowhead shape with a slight wedge contour and slight creases such that the shells are configured to wrap around the cheek and chin area of ​​a user when the pillow is worn by the user.

[0012] In another aspect, the shell is attached to the outer surface of the framing portion. The pillow further includes an outer fabric for covering the outer surface of the framing portion and the shell attached therein.

[0013] In another aspect, an inner fabric is provided to cover the inner surface of the framing portion, thereby providing a soft surface for contact with the user's face.

[0014] In another embodiment, the at least one strap includes a pair of straps extending from the corresponding shell toward the front edge of each framing portion, the pair of straps being attached to each other at the front of the framing portion.

[0015] In another aspect, an extending strap connects each of a pair of straps around the rear of the pillow.

[0016] In another aspect, the pair of shells each have a substantially rectangular shape with a slight curvature that aligns with the pillow when positioned around the user's neck.

[0017] In another aspect, the pair of shells each comprise a hollow cup-like structure extending inwardly into a corresponding section of the framing portion.

[0018] In another aspect, the cup-shaped structure includes a vent opening.

[0019] In another embodiment, the pair of framing portions are made from memory foam.

[0020] In another aspect, the pillow includes an integrated extension portion made of memory foam such that the framing portion and the integrated extension portion form an integrated pillow body.

[0021] In another aspect, the pair of shells each include a hollow cup-like structure extending inwardly into a corresponding section of the framing portion, each shell having a slot formed in a rear portion of the shell, and the at least one strap is a single strap having a first end attached to a first of the shells, extending from the first end around an integrally extending portion of the pillow body, extending through a slot in the opposite shell from the first of the shells, and extending beyond the front edge of the framing portion an amount sufficient to engage an outer surface of the first end of the strap via a hook-and-loop mechanism.

[0022] In another embodiment, the pillow further includes a fabric covering the surface of the integrated pillow body.

[0023] In another embodiment, the fabric is a first fabric and the pillow further comprises a second and a third fabric covering each of the shells, the second and third fabrics being combined with the first fabric.

[0024] In another embodiment, the fabric is made of a soft material selected from the group consisting of jersey material, nylon, lycra, polyester, and cotton polyester blends.

[0025] In another embodiment, the second and third fabrics are made of a material selected from the group consisting of jersey material, nylon, lycra, polyester, cotton polyester blends, and mesh material.

[0026] In another aspect, each of the pair of shells is an outer shell, and the pillow further comprises a pair of inner shells inserted into the framing portion, the inner shells configured to receive a corresponding outer shell of the pair of outer shells.

[0027] In another aspect, the inner shell is insert molded into the foam material that forms the framing portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a head support pillow. [Figure 1B] 1B is a schematic diagram of the pillow of FIG. 1A being used to support a user's head. [Figure 2] 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a head support pillow. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top side isometric view of the head support pillow of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front side isometric view of an integrated pillow body with a pair of inner shells inserted therein. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the integrated pillow body of FIG. 4 with the inner shell removed. [Figure 6] 3 is a top side isometric view of the outer shell of the head support pillow of FIG. 2 with the strap surrounding the inner fabric layer of the integrated pillow body, but with the integrated pillow body removed. [Figure 7] 3 is a top side isometric view of the outer shells of the head support pillow of FIG. 2, with straps extending from one of the shells to the other. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a bottom side isometric view of the head support pillow of FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the head support pillow of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a side isometric view of the opposite side from that shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of the pillow shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of the pillow of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 1A and 2 show pillows 100, 200 for supporting a user's head. Referring to FIG. 1A, pillow 100 includes two pads or shells 104 made of a sturdy and / or flexible material, such as plastic, disposed at opposite ends of pillow 100 within an outer fabric portion 106 configured to wrap around the user's neck. Shells 104 are configured by their shape, material, and location within pillow 100 to provide resistance to movement of the user's head so as to maintain the head in a substantially upright position.

[0030] The outer fabric portion 106 may be a stretchable material with a desired amount of elasticity, or may be a non-stretchable material such as ballistic nylon. In some examples, the non-stretchable material can provide tension around the back of the neck to allow the shells 104 to move closer together, thereby tightening the pillow 100 around the user's neck. In some examples, the tension may be provided by straps that surround the pillow and are configured to allow the user to pull the shells 104 toward each other.

[0031] Shell 104 may be flexible or rigid and may be made of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and ABS. In an exemplary embodiment, shell 104 may have a shape similar to an arrowhead, with a slight wedge-like contour and slight creases that cradle the user's cheek and chin area. In another shape, the shell has a slightly elongated, hollow, cup-like shape with a slight curvature that aligns with a pillow that extends around the user's neck. In one embodiment, shell 104 may be symmetrical about a horizontal line. In other embodiments, shell 104 may extend further downward or upward relative to the user's cheek and chin area, or may be configured to sit under the user's chin. The shape and size of shell 104 in any exemplary embodiment may depend on its fit, the desired contour to the user's face, and the degree to which more support is desired against the user's head or under the user's cheeks.

[0032] 1A as a transparent layer separated from the pad or shell 104 for clarity of illustration. The shell 104 and outer fabric portion 106 may be securely connected and configured to create tension between the two shells 104. The assembly includes adjustable straps 110 on either side of the pillow.

[0033] The shell 104 and outer fabric portion 106 may include framing portions 102 formed in one or several pieces. The framing portions 102, in combination with the shell 104, may be configured to support the user's head by gently holding the head in a substantially upright position. The example of FIG. 1A includes a framing portion 102 formed as a single piece with opposing portions formed to surround the shell 104 in an appropriate shape to enhance the support provided by the shell 104. In one example, the framing portions 102 may be made of memory foam or other suitable compressible yet supportive material. The opposing framing portions 102 may be connected by a narrow connecting portion 112 extending between the opposing framing portions 102, which narrows to follow the contours of the user's occipital region, and the opposing framing portions 102 cover the user's chest and / or chin area, substantially as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0034] 1B shows the pillow on a user's head in use. The framing portion 102 may be wrapped with a comfortable layer of fabric that forms an inner fabric portion 108 that faces toward the user to contact the user's face and neck, as shown in FIG. 1B. The inner fabric portion 108 may be made of a soft, stretchy material to contact the user's face and provide comfort.

[0035] When wearing the pillow, as shown in FIG. 1B, two straps 110 can be temporarily connected. The straps may be tightened to create the appropriate amount of tension in the assembly, which in turn creates pressure from the framing portions 102 on either end that hold the pad against the user's cheeks, as shown in position A, thereby holding the pillow comfortably in place. The pillow rests on the sternum / clavicle at position B. In the exemplary embodiment, the pillow is symmetrical from top to bottom so that positions A and B are identical.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a head support pillow 200. Referring to FIG. 2, the head support pillow 200 includes a pair of framing portions 202, a pair of shells 204 attached to corresponding ones of the framing portions 202, a flexible extension portion 212 between the two framing portions 202, and a strap 210 attached to one of the shells 204. The framing portions 202 and the flexible extension portion 212 may be formed from memory foam as a single, integrated pillow body 250 (described further below with reference to FIG. 5). The strap 210 can extend around the rear of the flexible extension portion 212 and pass through the other shell 204. The strap extends beyond the front edge of the framing portions 202 and meets the strap 210 extending rearward from its attachment point in the other shell 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the extending strap portion and the attached strap portion are configured to connect using a hook and loop mechanism (eg, Velcro®).

[0037] The head support pillow 200 of FIG. 2 includes a fabric 206 covering an integrated pillow body 250 that provides a soft surface for the user's face and head. The fabric 206 can be made of a soft material such as jersey, cotton, nylon-lycra, cotton-polyester blends, polyester, and any other suitable fabric. The shell 204 may also be covered with second and third fabrics 208. The second and third fabrics 208 may be made of mesh or any other suitable material. In another example, the fabric 206 can be provided with an opening for the shell 204, which can then be attached to the framing portion 202 without a fabric cover.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a top side isometric view of the head support pillow 200' of FIG. 2 without the user's head. FIGS. 8-12 depict the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 in different views illustrating details to explain features of the pillow 200'. FIG. 8 is a bottom side isometric view of the head support pillow 200' of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the head support pillow 200' of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a side isometric view of the side opposite the side shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a side isometric view of the pillow 200' shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is a top isometric view of the pillow 200' of FIG. 2.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8-12, pillow 200' is an exemplary embodiment similar to pillow 200 shown in FIG. 2, but with straps attached and exiting from opposite ends. A pair of shells 204 each have a hollow cup-like structure, indicated at 205, extending inward into a corresponding section of framing portion 202. Each shell 204 includes a slot 216 formed in the rear of the shell. In slot 216, shown in FIG. 3, strap 210 extends around pillow body 250 and outward beyond shell 204a. Strap 210 is attached to attachment point 217 positioned at the front of the opposite shell 204b, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10-12. An opening in shell 204 allows the attached end of strap 210 to extend exposed toward the rear of the pillow body, allowing the loose end to exit slot 216 and extend around the front of pillow 200 to be attached to the attached end of strap 210.

[0040] The shells 204 may each include a ventilation opening 218 to provide a cooling effect while the pillow is in use. The ventilation openings 218 may be formed in the bottom surface of the hollow cup-shaped structure of the shells 204.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a front-side isometric view of the integrated pillow body 250 with a pair of inner shells 220 inserted therein. The inner shells 220 may be made of a rigid material, such as any plastic, for example, but not limited to, polyurethane, polycarbonate, ABS, or a combination thereof. The inner shells 220 may be insert molded into the framing portion 202 of the integrated pillow body 250 to provide a secure attachment for the outer shell 204 (see FIG. 3). The outer shell 204 may be made of the same material as the inner shells 220 and may be configured to snap-fit ​​onto the inner shells 220, thereby remaining attached within the inner shells 220. The outer shells 204 and inner shells 220 may combine to provide rigidity and support the user's head in an upright position.

[0042] Figure 5 is a view of the integrated pillow body 250 of Figure 4 with the inner shell 220 (see Figure 4) removed. The integrated pillow body 250 of Figure 4 shows a hollow recess 225 having a configuration that matches the inner surface of the inner shell 220 that fits therein. The integrated pillow body 250 includes vent openings 218 that match the vent openings in the inner shell 220 and outer shell 204. The integrated pillow body 250 of Figure 5 may be made of memory foam or other suitable compressible and moldable material.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a top side isometric view of the outer shell of the head support pillow of FIG. 2, with the straps surrounding the space for the integrated pillow body 250, which is not shown in FIG. 6 for illustrative purposes. That is, the integrated pillow body 250 shown in FIG. 6 is shown "hollowed out," leaving the inner fabric portion 213 of the fabric 206 that contacts the user's face and head during use. Note that in some examples, the inner fabric portion 213 may be an elastic material that form-fits to and surrounds the shape of the integrated pillow body 250. In other examples, the inner fabric portion 213 may be an inner panel that is connected (e.g., sewn) to the outer panel to form the fabric 206.

[0044] Figure 7 is a top side isometric view of the outer shell 204 of the head support pillow 200' of Figure 3, with the strap 210 extending from the right shell 204 (relative to the user's head) to the left shell 202 (relative to the user's head). Figure 7 illustrates the shell 204 and strap 210 without the inner surface of the pillow body 250 shown in Figure 6. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the shell 204 may be an outer shell that fits over the inner shell 220 shown in Figure 4, or a shell that can be coupled to the surface of the pillow body 250.

[0045] The strap 210 is shown extending from an attachment point 217 at the front end of the right shell 204. The strap 210 surrounds the integrated pillow body 250 and slides into a slot 216 at the rear end of the left shell 204 (relative to the user's head). The strap 210 may be configured to slide within the slot 216 to change the length of the strap around the user's neck, thereby allowing for adjustable tension around the neck. The strap 210 may be made of a webbing or fabric-like material, preferably without substantial elasticity to provide tension. The strap 210 includes a hook-and-loop surface to allow attachment of one end of the pillow to the other. Other forms of attachment, such as buckles, hooks, etc., may be used as well.

[0046] Shell 204 has a hollow cup-like structure that may be elongated and curved to align with pillow body 250 configured to encircle a user's head. The opening in shell 204 may be wide enough to allow air flow to vent opening 218 with strap 210 extending across the opening.

[0047] It is understood that various attributes and elements from any one configuration can be included in other configurations. While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. The actual scope of the present disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed configurations but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the present disclosure. While specific configurations and examples of the present disclosure have been described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Elements and operations of the various configurations described above may be combined to provide additional configurations. Furthermore, the teachings of the disclosure provided herein may be applied to products and systems other than travel pillows.

Claims

1. It is a pillow, a pair of framing portions made of a compressible material that conforms to applied pressure while providing support when a user's head rests against said framing portions; a connecting portion extending between the pair of framing portions and forming a pillow body together with the framing portions, the pillow body being configured to surround a user's head and position the framing portions in front of and on both sides of the user's head; a pair of shells configured to fit over corresponding framing sections, the shells being made of a sturdy flexible material; at least one strap extending from at least one of the pair of shells, the at least one strap configured to connect one of the framing portions to the other framing portion, thereby stabilizing the user's head within the pillow; and Equipped with pillows.

2. The pillow of claim 1 further comprising a flexible extension portion between the two framing portions.

3. 3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein the extensions between the framing portions include vents that allow air to flow therethrough for a cooling effect.

4. 2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pair of shells have a substantially arrowhead shape with a slight wedge contour and slight folds such that the shells are configured to wrap around the cheek and chin area of ​​the user when the user wears the pillow.

5. 5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the shell is attached to an outer surface of the framing portion, and the pillow further comprises an outer fabric for covering the outer surface of the framing portion and the shell attached therein.

6. The pillow of claim 4 , further comprising an inner fabric covering an inner surface of the framing portion, thereby providing a soft surface for contacting the user's face.

7. 5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the at least one strap includes a pair of strap ends extending from a corresponding shell and extending toward a front edge of each framing portion, the pair of straps configured to be attached to the front of the framing portion.

8. 8. The pillow of claim 7, further comprising a low-elasticity strap connection member connecting each of the pair of straps around the rear of the pillow to provide tension to the pillow.

9. 2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pair of shells each have a substantially rectangular shape with a slight curvature that aligns with the pillow when positioned around the user's neck.

10. 10. The pillow of claim 9, wherein the pair of shells each comprise a hollow cup-like structure extending inwardly into a corresponding section of the framing portion.

11. The pillow of claim 10 , wherein the cup-shaped structure includes a ventilation opening.

12. The pillow of claim 1 , wherein the pair of framing portions are made of memory foam.

13. 13. The pillow of claim 12, further comprising an integrated extension portion made of memory foam such that the framing portion and the integrated extension portion form a unitary pillow body.

14. the pair of shells each comprising a hollow cup-like structure extending inwardly into a corresponding section of the framing portion, each shell having a slot formed in a rearward portion of the shell; the at least one strap is a single strap having a first end attached to a first one of the shells, extending from the first end around the integrated extension portion of the pillow body, extending through the slot in the shell opposite the first one of the shells, and extending beyond a front edge of the framing portion by an amount sufficient to engage with an outer surface of the first end of the strap via a hook-and-loop mechanism; 14. The pillow of claim 13.

15. 15. The pillow of claim 14, wherein the at least one strap is made of a material having low elasticity to provide adjustable tension around the pillow.

16. The pillow of claim 13, further comprising a fabric covering the surface of the pillow body and the shell.

17. 17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the fabric is a first fabric, and the pillow further comprises second and third fabrics covering each of the shells, the second and third fabrics being combined with the first fabric.

18. 17. The pillow of claim 16, wherein the fabric is made of a soft material selected from the group consisting of jersey material, nylon, lycra, polyester, and cotton-polyester blends.

19. 18. The pillow of claim 17, wherein the fabric is made of a material selected from the group consisting of jersey material, nylon, lycra, polyester, cotton polyester blends, and mesh material.

20. 11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of shells is an outer shell, and the pillow further comprises a pair of inner shells inserted into the framing portion, the inner shells configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of outer shells.

21. 14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the inner shell is insert molded into the foam material forming the framing portion.

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