Travel pillow with integrally stored banket

Abstract

A travel pillow with an integrally stored blanket is disclosed. The blanket is stored in an appropriately sixed cavity on the inside of the pillow. The pillow comprises a zipper that can be opened to deploy the integrally stored blanket. The present invention helps solve the problem of having to carry a blanket and a separate pillow when travelling.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Passengers on airplanes often appreciate having blankets and pillows to enhance their comfort during flights, especially on long-haul or overnight journeys. Airplane cabins can be chilly due to air conditioning, so a blanket provides warmth and helps passengers stay cozy. Pillows offer neck and head support, making it easier to relax or sleep, particularly in economy class, where seats often do not recline sufficiently and where legroom is often be limited. Many travelers request these amenities to improve their in-flight experience, whether for napping, reading, or simply feeling more at ease during their trip.

[0002] Many airlines, however, have reduced or eliminated complimentary blankets and pillows, especially on shorter domestic flights and budget carriers, as a cost-cutting measure. Some airlines cite hygiene concerns, while others charge extra for these amenities as part of their à la carte pricing model. Passengers on low-cost airlines often need to bring their own travel blankets and neck pillows or purchase them onboard. Even on longer flights, some airlines now provide these items only in premium cabins, leaving economy-class passengers without the same level of comfort unless they bring their own.

[0003] Bringing a pillow and a separate blanket on a flight can be challenging for passengers due to space and baggage restrictions. Airlines have strict carry-on size limits, and a bulky pillow together with a separate blanket can take up valuable space in a carry-on bag or personal item. Carrying them separately can also be inconvenient, as travelers must juggle them along with other belongings while navigating busy airports. Additionally, some airlines may count larger travel pillows or blankets as an extra item, potentially leading to additional fees. For passengers trying to travel light, packing these comfort items can be impractical, making it frustrating when airlines no longer provide them onboard.

[0004] The present invention solves these and other problems of having to carry a blanket and a separate pillow when travelling.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a pillow with an integrally stored blanket. The blanket is stored in an appropriately sized cavity on the inside of the pillow. The pillow comprises a zipper that can be opened to deploy the blanket.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a travel pillow with an integrally stored blanket, the pillow comprising a pillow body having an outer shell defining an enclosed interior space filled with a cushioning material, a storage compartment within the pillow body configured to house a blanket, and a closure mechanism for securing the blanket within the storage compartment, wherein the blanket is selectively deployable and retractable from the compartment for use.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a travel pillow with an integrally stored blanket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention, with the interior pad and stored blanket shown in broken lines;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the invention, with the zipper cover retracted and with the zipper opened;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention, with the blanket deployed;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the invention, with the pillow in an opened position; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a front view of the invention, shown in use.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0016] As described above, bringing a pillow and a separate blanket when travelling, particularly on a flight, poses many challenges, especially given the space and baggage restrictions imposed by airlines.

[0017] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pillow that has an integrally stored blanket therein. The pillow has a zipper in the bottom and is filled with a foam material. The foam in the bottom of the pillow has a recess around the that stores the blanket that is sewed to the fabric that covers the neck pillow. Accordingly, the present invention helps solve problems while travelling by eliminating the need to carry a pillow and a separate blanket together.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of pillow 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, pillow 10 is crescent-shaped, such that the pillow can be easily placed around the neck of the user. The pillow forms an outer shell defining an enclosed interior space filled with a cushioning material, with the cushioning material having a storage compartment within the pillow body configured to house a blanket, and a closure mechanism for securing the blanket within the storage compartment, wherein the blanket is selectively deployable and retractable from the compartment for use.

[0019] As seen in FIGS. 1-7, pillow 10 comprises an outer shell 12 that has a strap 18 connected to the bottom of the pillow, as seen by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2. Pillow 10 also comprises a zipper 22 (see FIG. 4) that is covered by a zipper cover 14. Pillow 10 is substantially crescent shaped, with the two ends being connectable via first and second closure tabs 24 / 26. Pillow 10 expands into a larger arc when closure tabs 24 and 26 are released, as seen in FIG. 6.

[0020] FIGS. 1-3 show pillow 10 with the zipper 20 closed and blanket 20 stored inside pillow 10. The user can grip the zipper pull to open the zipper to gain access to the integrally stored blanket 20. In a preferred embodiment, the closure mechanism comprises a zipper, but a hook-and-loop fastener, or snap button system to secure the blanket when stored within the compartment can also be sued as a matter of application specific design choice. In addition, the pillow body may further comprise a strap 16 or attachment loop for securing the travel pillow to a piece of luggage or another personal item for easy transport.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a pillow 10 with an integrally stored blanket 20 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the outer shell 12 is filled with a foam material 18. Blanket 20 fits into a recess formed in the foam material, as seen in FIG. 3, with the blanket 20 being contained in the recess in the foam 18 via zipper 22 and zipper cover 14.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows zipper cover 14 in a retracted state, with the zipper 20 opened revealing the blanket 20 inside pillow 10. The blanket may be permanently attached to the pillow body along at least one edge, allowing it to be folded and retracted into the storage compartment without becoming separated from the pillow.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows blanket 20 in its deployed state, extending from the recess in the foam material 18. FIG. 7 shows a user 28 wearing a pillow 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Pillow 10 is generally worn around the neck of the user 28. With the zipper 22 opened, the blanket 20 can be deployed to help keep the user 28 warm when travelling.

[0024] To use the pillow of the present invention, a user opens the zipper in the bottom, deploys the blanket which is attached (sewed) to the foam material that allows support in the upper side, and cover yourself with the blanket. When done traveling, the blanket can be stored again in the pillow in the storage compartment in the bottom of the pillow, the zipper can be closed the user can continue traveling.

[0025] The pillow with an integrally stored blanket of the present invention offers several benefits for travelers, especially on airplanes, including, but not limited to, the following:

[0026] Convenience – The blanket is neatly stored inside the pillow, reducing clutter and making it easy to carry as a single compact item.

[0027] Space-Saving – Instead of packing a separate pillow and blanket, this dual-purpose design conserves space in carry-on luggage.

[0028] Hygiene – Since passengers bring their own set, they can ensure it’s clean, avoiding the uncertainty of airline-provided blankets and pillows. The cover of the pillow and the blanket are removable and washer machine friendly.

[0029] Easy Access – The blanket can be quickly pulled out when needed and stored back into the pillow when not in use, making it practical during flights.

[0030] Comfort – Having both a pillow for head and neck support and a blanket for warmth enhances relaxation, especially on long-haul flights.

[0031] Versatility – These pillow-blanket combos can also be useful beyond the airplane, such as in cars, trains, or hotel stays, making them a great travel companion.

[0032] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A travel pillow with an integrally stored blanket, the pillow comprising:a pillow body having an outer shell defining an enclosed interior space with a cushioning material therein;a storage compartment within the pillow body configured to house a blanket; anda closure mechanism for securing the blanket within the storage compartment, wherein the blanket is selectively deployable and retractable from the compartment for use.

2. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is an internal cavity within the pillow body, and the blanket is stored inside the cavity through an access opening.

3. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper to secure the blanket when stored within the compartment.

4. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the blanket is permanently attached to the pillow body along at least one edge, allowing it to be retracted from the storage compartment without becoming separated from the pillow.

5. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the blanket is permanently attached to the cushioning material along at least one edge, allowing it to be retracted from the storage compartment without becoming separated from the pillow.

6. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow body further comprises a strap or attachment loop for securing the travel pillow to a piece of luggage or another personal item for easy transport.

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