A cushion

Abstract

A cushion including: a pillow portion, an elongate trunk portion, and at least one scarf, the pillow portion projects from the trunk portion transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion from opposed first and second sides of the trunk portion and comprises a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a first lateral edge on the first side of the trunk portion, and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge on the second side of the trunk portion, and defines a support surface on the front side which is configured, in use, to support the head of a user of the cushion, the trunk portion extends away from the pillow portion, has a terminal end distal to said pillow portion, and is configured, in use, to be received under the chin of the user whilst the support surface of the pillow portion supports the head of the user, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion and comprises a first scarf portion and a second scarf portion, the first scarf portion comprises a first free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the first scarf portion to the pillow portion, the second scarf portion comprises a second free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the second scarf portion to the pillow portion, wherein, in use, with the support surface of the pillow portion supporting the head of the user and the trunk portion received under the chin of the user, one of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass around the back of the head / neck and / or around the back of a torso of the user, and the other of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass across the front of the head / neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user.

Description

[0001] A cushion

[0002] The present disclosure relates to cushions, particularly though not exclusively to portable travel pillows such as those for supporting the resting head of a traveller sat in a generally upright vehicle seat during a journey.

[0003] Cushions for use in supporting the resting head of a seated person are often referred to as travel pillows, even though they are not limited in their use by people in the act of travelling. Many differing designs of travel pillows exist and each aims to comfortably support the user's head in a position that can be maintained without strain or effort by the user. This has proven to be a difficult problem to solve effectively.

[0004] Though many cushion designs may provide comfort when ideally positioned about the person of the user, it is not uncommon that the shaping of the cushion is not conducive to maintaining that ideal position without some effort by the user. A common problem is the slipping of a cushion from the shoulder of a user where, ideally, the cushion should remain if it is to support the resting head of a user effectively. This is particularly the case with side-sleeper type cushions that are used on one shoulder on one side of the head. Users typically resort to attempting to hold the cushion in place by hand or by urging a shoulder upwardly to sandwich the cushion between head and shoulder. This inevitably brings discomfort.

[0005] Other designs may provide means for retaining a cushion in the intended position about a user. These can involve structures and shapes added to, or formed by, the cushion which reduce its versatility and / or ease of comfortable use. For example, complex and elaborate shapes designed to keep a cushion in place often limit the range of positions a user can place the cushion about their person in use.

[0006] The present invention desirably aims to provide a secure, versatile and comfortable cushion for supporting the resting head of a user in a generally upright seat or the like. At its most general, the present invention provides a cushion for supporting the head of a person, the cushion including a first portion that is useable to provide support for the back of the head or neck of the person and / or the side of the head of the person, a second portion that extends from the first portion and which is usable to provide support for the chin of the person, and first and second scarf portions which may be selectively wrapped around the front and back of user’s neck / torso, respectively, to aid in maintaining the cushion in the place during use.

[0007] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a cushion including: a pillow portion, an elongate trunk portion, and at least one scarf, the pillow portion projects from the trunk portion transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion from opposed first and second sides of the trunk portion and comprises a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a first lateral edge on the first side of the trunk portion, and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge on the second side of the trunk portion, and defines a support surface on the front side which is configured, in use, to support the head of a user of the cushion, the trunk portion extends away from the pillow portion, has a terminal end distal to said pillow portion, and is configured, in use, to be received under the chin of the user whilst the support surface of the pillow portion supports the head of the user, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion and comprises a first scarf portion and a second scarf portion, the first scarf portion comprises a first free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the first scarf portion to the pillow portion, the second scarf portion comprises a second free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the second scarf portion to the pillow portion, wherein, in use, with the support surface of the pillow portion supporting the head of the user and the trunk portion received under the chin of the user, one of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass around the back of the neck / head and / or around the back of a torso of the user, and the other of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass across the front of the head or neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user.

[0008] By virtue of such an arrangement a cushion is provided that provides unique support to the head of a user in a secure, comfortable and balanced manner, and which does not require a user to lean the cushion against any surface or object. The first and second scarf portions are preferably attachable to the trunk portion and / or to one another. The first and second scarf portions may be configured to be attached directly to the trunk portion and / or directly to one another. There may otherwise be provided a scarf portion attachment, which is attachable to the first and second scarf portions such that it extends between the first and second scarf portions. The scarf portion attachment may comprise a further scarf or a sling.

[0009] The first and second scarf portions are preferably the same length and / or width as one another.

[0010] The pillow portion is preferably conformable. The first and second pillow portions preferably wrap around the pillow portion, most preferably from a rear side of the pillow portion. The pillow portion may be considered to comprise ‘ears’, which are provided one on either side of the trunk portion and comprise the lateral edges of the pillow portion. Each scarf portion may apply a force to a respective one of the ears, urging the ears to conform to the profile of the users head providing support and balance. Preferably one ear supports a side of the user’s head and the other ear supports a rear of the user’s head, so as to comfortably maintaining the user’s head in an optimal position with respect to the cushion, without any user manipulation and without having to wedge it between user and chair, or otherwise.

[0011] The scarf portions may both attach to the trunk, may be tied (or otherwise connected) to one another around the trunk, or may cross a user’s body to be tied or otherwise connected to one another directly or indirectly, such as by use of a scarf portion attachment. In an arrangement in which the scarf portions cross a user’s body, at least one of the scarves may pass under an armpit of the user. In a cross body arrangement, the scarf portions may connect to another object, such as the arm of a chair, or otherwise to an arm or wrist of a user.

[0012] Preferably, the first scarf portion comprises a first scarf portion front side and a first scarf portion rear side, which is opposite to the first scarf portion front side, and the first scarf portion extends away from the attachment point and / or extends on the first side of the trunk portion with the first scarf portion front side facing the user. Preferably, the second scarf portion comprises a second scarf portion front side and a second scarf portion rear side, which is opposite to the second scarf portion front side, and the second scarf portion extends away from the attachment point and / or extends on the second side of the trunk portion with the second scarf portion front side facing the user.

[0013] As discussed, the first and second scarf portions preferably wrap around the pillow portion in use.

[0014] The first and second scarf portions may extend in substantially opposed directions to one another.

[0015] The first and second scarf portions may be attached to the pillow at a common attachment point. They may otherwise be attached at attachment points that are separated from one another.

[0016] The at least one scarf may comprise a single scarf, which comprises the first and second scarf portions. Alternatively, the at least one scarf may comprise a first scarf, which comprises the first scarf portion, and a second scarf, which comprises the second scarf portion.

[0017] The at least one scarf preferably extends from the rear side of the pillow portion. In such case, the first and second scarf portions may be attached with their front sides against or at least facing the rear face of the pillow. The at least one scarf may be attached to the rear side of the pillow.

[0018] The at least one scarf may be attached to the pillow portion along a line of attachment that extends in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion.

[0019] The at least one scarf may be attached to the pillow portion along a line of attachment that extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion. The line of attachment may be at or adjacent to an edge of the pillow portion that extends between the first and second lateral edges. The edge is preferably an upper edge of the pillow portion, in use.

[0020] The at least one scarf may be attached to the pillow portion at a point corresponding to a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion.

[0021] The pillow portion may comprise one or more pockets for stowage of the at least one scarf when not in use.

[0022] An attachment means may be provided for removably attaching the first scarf portion and / or the second scarf portion to the trunk portion. The attachment means may comprise one or more openings adapted to receive the trunk portion therethrough for hooking the at least one scarf on the trunk portion. A plurality of the openings may be provided in the at least one scarf, the openings being spaced from one another along a length of the at least one scarf.

[0023] The cushion is preferably substantially symmetrical, so that the pillow portion is usable to support the head of a user from either side of the head of the user. The cushion may be substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the pillow portion.

[0024] The trunk portion, in a rest state, preferably has a substantially curved profile.

[0025] A terminal end portion of the trunk portion, in a rest state, may have a hooked profile. The trunk may hook upwards towards the pillow portion.

[0026] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a cushion according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the cushion of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a rear view of the cushion of Figures 1 and 2 showing the scarf and an exemplary attachment arrangement of the scarf to the pillow and trunk portions;

[0029] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the cushion of Figures 1 to 3 with the first and second scarf portions shown attached to the trunk portion;

[0030] Figure 5 is a front view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use;

[0031] Figure 6 is a rear view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use;

[0032] Figure 7 is a front view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use, with the scarf portions tied together around the trunk of the cushion;

[0033] Figure 8 is a front view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use in a cross body arrangement with the scarf portions tied together;

[0034] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use in a cross body arrangement with the scarf portions joined together after one of the scarf portion is passed around the arm of a chair;

[0035] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a user of the cushion of Figures 1 to 4, showing the cushion in use in an arrangement in which one scarf portion is behind the user’s back, and the other scarf portion is tied to the user’s wrist;

[0036] Figure 11 is a rear view of a cushion according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 12 is a side perspective view of the cushion of Figure 11 ;

[0038] Figure 13 is a side perspective view of a cushion according to a third exemplary embodiment in use;

[0039] Figure 14 is a side perspective view of the cushion of Figure 13;

[0040] Figure 15 is a side perspective view of a cushion according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a cushion according to a fifth exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 17 is a front view of a user of the cushion according to a sixth exemplary embodiment, showing the cushion in use, with the scarf portions tied together around the trunk of the cushion;

[0043] Figure 18 is a side perspective view of a cushion according to a seventh exemplary embodiment in use; Figures 19a and 19b are front views of a user of the cushion according to an eighth exemplary embodiment, showing the cushion in use in alternative cross body configurations;

[0044] Figures 20a and 20b are perspective views of exemplary scarf portion attachments;

[0045] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of a cushion according to a ninth exemplary embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 22a to 22c show an exemplary jacket for attachment to a cushion.

[0047] With reference to the figures, embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed.

[0048] In accordance with all depicted arrangements, there is provided a cushion 1 including a pillow portion 2, an elongate trunk portion 3, and at least one scarf 4, which is attached to the pillow portion 2 and comprises first and second scarf portions 4a and 4b. The pillow portion 2 projects from the trunk portion transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion from opposed first and second sides 3a, 3b of the trunk portion and comprises a front side 2a, a rear side 2b opposite the front side 2a, a first lateral edge 2c on the first side of the trunk portion, and a second lateral edge 2d opposite the first lateral edge on the second side of the trunk portion 3, and defines a support surface 10 on the front side 2a which is configured, in use, to support the head of a user of the cushion. The trunk portion 3 extends away from the pillow portion 2, has a terminal end 5 distal to said pillow portion 2, and is configured, in use, to be received under the chin of the user whilst the support surface 10 of the pillow portion 2 supports the head of the user. The first scarf portion 4a comprises a first free end 4c of the at least one scarf 4, which is distal an attachment point 7a of the first scarf portion 4a to the pillow portion 2. The second scarf portion 4b comprises a second free end 4d of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point 7b of the second scarf portion 4b to the pillow portion 2. The arrangement is such that, in use, with the support surface 10 of the pillow portion 2 supporting the head of the user and the trunk portion 3 received under the chin of the user, one of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b is configured to pass around the back of the head / neck and / or around the back of torso of the user, and the other of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b is configured to pass across the front of the head / neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user.

[0049] The first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are preferably attachable to the trunk portion 3 and / or to one another. The first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b may be configured to be attached directly to the trunk portion 3 and / or directly to one another. There may otherwise be provided a scarf portion attachment 16, 18, as discussed below with particular reference to Figures 19a, 19b, 20a and 20b, which is attachable to the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b such that it extends between the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b.

[0050] Preferably, the first scarf portion 4a comprises a first scarf portion front side 4af and a first scarf portion rear side 4ar, which is opposite to the first scarf portion front side 4af, and the first scarf portion 4a extends away from the attachment point 7a and / or extends on the first side of the trunk portion 3a with the first scarf portion front side 4af facing the user. Preferably, the second scarf portion 4b comprises a second scarf portion front side 4bf and a second scarf portion rear side 4br, which is opposite to the second scarf portion front side 4bf, and the second scarf portion 4b extends away from the attachment point 7b and / or extends on the second side of the trunk portion 3b with the second scarf portion front side 4bf facing the user.

[0051] The trunk portion 3 preferably defines a resiliently compliant bend, as shown, which extends from the pillow portion 2 to render the trunk generally hooked in shape at least towards a free end (or terminal end 5) thereof, which is distal from the pillow portion 2. The trunk portion 3 may have a rest shape that has a frontwardly hooked configuration such that said terminal end 5 is located frontwardly of said pillow portion 2, as seen best seen in Figure 2. The trunk portion 3 preferably hooks upwardly, as also shown.

[0052] The pillow portion 2 preferably projects from the trunk portion 3 such that the head support surface 10 extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion. The elongation of the trunk portion is preferably directed to follow a bend (i.e. to hook) in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the head support surface extends to position the terminal end 5 of the trunk portion 3 adjacent to the head support surface 10. The degree to which the trunk bends may be varied. In some arrangements, the trunk portion may extend substantially straight along all, a minority or a majority of its length.

[0053] The trunk 3, whether straight or curved or otherwise shaped, may be manipulated to curve to a desired degree during use. The trunk 3 may have means for retaining the trunk in a manipulated form, such as but not limited to an integrated wire. It may additionally or alternatively be maintained in a curved form by virtue of the scarf portions 4a, 4b, engaging therewith.

[0054] The pillow portion 2 is preferably shaped to define a pillow structure comprising on one side (shown in Figure 1 ) the head support panel 10 bounded by peripheral pillow edges. In the present arrangement, these edges define a substantially semi-circular (e.g. "D"- shaped) boundary. The pillow portion could of course be alternatively shaped, such as but not limited to rectangular, triangular or oval shaped, with the pillow edges defining an appropriately shaped boundary. In other arrangements, the ‘ears’ of the pillow portion could bend downwards, such as is shown, by way of example, in Figure 21 . The pillow portion 2 is preferably formed such that the head support panel 10 is concave, and the pillow portion 2 is generally concave in shape, as shown. In alternative arrangements it could be flat or otherwise shaped.

[0055] The trunk portion 3 defines an elongated cushion extending from the pillow portion 2. It may be substantially continuously curved. It could take alternative forms, including an angular form, a form comprising one or more substantially straight portions, or otherwise. It is preferably integrally formed with the pillow portion 2 to extend from a rear side 2b of the pillow portion 2 reverse to the side 2a defining the head support panel 10. The trunk portion 3 if substantially continuously curved may be substantially crescent-shaped.

[0056] The trunk portion 3 may emerge from the rear side of the pillow portion as a spine or ridge. The trunk portion 3 may present a ridge or spine which bisects the rear surface 2a of the pillow portion 2. This adds strength to the cushion and renders the relative positioning and orientation of the pillow part and the hooked trunk part more robust and resilient - i.e. far less prone to sagging, deformation or floppiness of the pillow portion 2 relative to the trunk portion 3. It should be noted, however, that the trunk portion 3 may otherwise extend from the pillow portion 2. For example, rather than extending from the rear side 2b of the pillow portion 2 it could extend from a side edge of the pillow portion, or otherwise, in particular a bottom edge (in use, as seen for example in Figures 5 and 6).

[0057] The pillow portion 2 is wider than the trunk portion 3, as clearly shown. The pillow portion 2 projects from the trunk portion 3 transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion 2 from two opposite sides of the trunk portion 3, as discussed and again as clearly shown. The cushion is preferably substantially symmetrical, so that the pillow portion 2 is usable to support the head of a user from either side of the head of the user. The cushion is most preferably substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the pillow portion 2 and containing the trunk portion 3, as again shown. The trunk portion 3, as discussed, is preferably formed so that its rest shape is curved or bent. It may alternatively be resiliently compliant. In such case, the trunk portion may be manipulated to form a trunk that is bent or curved as desired.

[0058] There may be a single trunk portion 3, as shown. There may alternatively be multiple trunk portions provided. The trunk portion(s) 3 in any arrangement may have a forked second end portion, or otherwise. In any configuration the trunk portion(s) may have an acutely hooked terminal end 5.

[0059] Figures 5 to 10 illustrate the support position of the cushion lodged over the shoulder of a user, wherein the head support panel 2a of the cushion portion 2 supports a side / rear of a user's head and the hooked trunk portion 3 hooks under the head to support the chin of the user concurrently. The scarf portions 4a, 4b are shown to extend from the rear face 2b of the pillow portion (as is preferred).

[0060] The cushion is shown in use on the left hand side of the user’s head in Figures 5 and 6 and on the right hand side of the user's head in Figures 7 to 10. In the orientation shown in Figures 5 and 6, on the left hand side of the user’s head the second scarf portion 4b passes around the back of the head / neck and / or around the back of torso of the user, and the first scarf portion 4a passes across the front of the head / neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user. With the cushion used on the right hand side of the user’s head, as in Figures 7 to 10 the paths of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are swapped.

[0061] As discussed, the scarf portions 4a, 4b effectively maintain the cushion in place during use, in a balanced fashion, and are effective at pulling the ‘ears’ of the pillow portion 2 against the head of the user to conform to the profile of the user’s head. The ears comprise the portions of the pillow portion 2 provided on either side of the trunk portion and comprise the lateral edges 2c, 2d. Each scarf portion 4a, 4b may apply a force to a respective one of the ears, urging the ears to conform to the profile of the users head providing support and balance, preferably with one ear supporting a side of the user’s head and the other ear supporting a rear of the user’s head, and comfortably maintaining the user’s head in an optimal position with respect to the cushion, without any user manipulation. The first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b effectively counterbalance each other.

[0062] The pillow portion 2 preferably extends across substantially the whole of the side of the head of the user of the cushion 1 , i.e. the pillow portion 2 extends from substantially the back of the head of the user to substantially the front of the head of the user, e.g. to a position just beyond the front of the face of the user. One ear of the user is preferably completely covered by the pillow portion 2.

[0063] As seen in Figures 5, 7, 8 and 17, the trunk portion 3 preferably extends across the underside of the chin of the user of the cushion, to a point beyond the mid-point of the chin of the user. The trunk portion 3 provides support for substantially the whole of the underside of the chin of the user.

[0064] Whilst the cushion will generally be filled with a soft or compliant material, which may comprise foam, fibrous stuffing material, or otherwise, arrangements are possible that are memory foam or inflatable. The scarf 4 is preferably stretchable to aid in its function. It preferably comprises a soft fabric for comfort purposes. It need not be stretchable, however. It may be fleece with no stretch to look and feel more like a traditional scarf, and it could also be bamboo fabric. Non-slip material can be attached to the first and second scarf portions. Alternatively, the scarf portions can consist of a combination of more than one fabric, to provide non-slip regions. By either arrangement, the first and second scarf portions may each comprise a non-slip / high grip region on their rear faces 4ar, 4br in a region that overlaps with the pillow portion 2 in use.

[0065] In Figures 4 and 5, the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are attached to the trunk portion 3. A particularly preferred but non-limiting attachment means is shown in Figures 4 and 5. The scarf is provided with a plurality of openings 11 in the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b that are adapted to receive the trunk portion 3 therethrough for hooking the scarf portions 4a, 4b on the trunk portion 3. The provision of a plurality of openings 11 is preferred to provide for adjustability, and maintaining the tension of the scarf, which helps keep the pillow from slipping, however, alternative arrangements could be provided with a single opening 11 only. The plurality of openings 11 are spaced from one another along a length of each of the scarf portions 4a, 4b, as best seen in Figure 4. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous alternative attachment means could be provided including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons, poppers, clips, buckles, or otherwise.

[0066] The at least one scarf 4 will now be considered is more detail, with particular consideration given to the form and attachment of the scarf 4 / scarf portions 4a, 4b, and possible variations that may be implemented; and to different use configurations for cushions according to the arrangements shown.

[0067] The at least one scarf 4 preferably extends from the rear side 2b of the pillow portion 2. The at least one scarf is preferably attached to the rear side 2b of the pillow portion. It may be stitched, glued or otherwise attached.

[0068] In the arrangements of Figures 1 to 14, the scarf has a greater width than the pillow portion 2. In alternative arrangements, such as those shown in Figures 16 to 18, this need not be the case and it could be narrower. The scarf may also be the same width as the pillow portion 2. With this version, the scarf may be attached along the top edge of rear the pillow portion and will not come down lower than the bottom of the pillow portion. In any of the arrangements, the scarf may be adapted to be wider or narrower, such that no arrangement is limited to any particular scarf width or to a scarf that is necessarily narrower or wider than the pillow portion 2, or the same width as the pillow portion 2.

[0069] There may be a single scarf provided, which comprises the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b, such as is clearly seen in Figures 11 and 18. There may otherwise be provided first and second scarves 4, with the first scarf 4 comprising the first scarf portion 4a, and the second scarf 4 comprising the second scarf portion 4b, such as is clearly seen in Figures 3 and 13 to 16.

[0070] Regardless of whether the at least one scarf comprises one or two scarves 4, the, or each scarf 4, may be attached to the pillow portion along one or more lines of attachment that extend in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion, as seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 13 to 16, and / or along one or more lines of attachment that extend in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion, as seen, for example, in Figures 11 , 12, 14 and 18. The line(s) of attachment that extend in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion may be adjacent to an edge of the pillow portion that extends between the first and second lateral edges, most preferably the upper edge, in use, as seen for example, in Figures 12, 14 and 18. Attachment along line(s) of attachment that extend in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion are particularly beneficial, since they aid in directing the scarf portions on the right paths and maintaining them in position. The at least one scarf 4 may be attached to the pillow portion at a point corresponding to a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion, as best seen in Figure 3.

[0071] Considering the depicted scarf arrangements in more detail, in the arrangement of Figures 1 to 10, as best seen in Figure 3, the first scarf portion is defined by a first scarf 4, and the second scarf portion 4b is formed by a second scarf 4. Each scarf 4 is attached to the pillow portion 2 along a respective line of attachment 7a, 7b which extends in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion, and is located at a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion 2 in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion 2, as seen. The scarves are preferably attached along, or close to, their edges at first ends of the scarves 4 (their second, opposed, ends comprising free ends 4c, 4d). They may be attached along the entire length of these edges, as shown and as is preferred. They may otherwise be attached along part of these edges only. The lines of attachment 7a, 7b may comprise the only points of attachment for the scarves, such that the scarves are unattached to the cushion other than along the lines of attachment 7a, 7b, or there may be additional points / lines of attachment, such as but not limited to lines of attachment along the top and / or bottom edges of the scarves 4, such as in the manner of the lines of attachment 17a and / or 17b in the arrangement of Figures 11 and 12, or otherwise.

[0072] In the arrangement of Figures 11 and 12, there is a single scarf provided, which comprises the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b. The scarf 4 is attached along two lines of attachment 17a, 17b that each extend in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion, as best seen in Figure 12. The lines of attachment extend along upper and lower edges of the scarf 4. The upper line of attachment 17b extends adjacent to the upper edge of the pillow portion that extends between the first and second lateral edges. It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements one of the lines of attachment may be omitted and / or the lines(s) of attachment may be moved vertically up or down with respect to the scarf 4 and / or alternative or additional lines of attachment, such as one or more lines of attachment extending in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion, may be provided. In a particular alternative, there could, for example be provided a single scarf 4 with a line of attachment extending in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion and located at a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion 2 in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion 2.

[0073] In the arrangement of Figures 13 and 14, like the arrangement of Figures 1 to 10, the first scarf portion 4a is defined by a first scarf 4, and the second scarf portion 4b is formed by a second scarf 4. In contrast, however, to the arrangement of Figures 1 to 10, in which the scarves 4 are attached at a common attachment point (with both of the lines of attachment 7a, 7b located at a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion 2 in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion 2), the inner ends of the scarves are spaced apart from one another in the arrangement of Figures 13 and 14, as best seen in Figure 13. The scarves are preferably attached by lines of attachment 7a, 7b, which extend in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion, along their edges at first ends of the scarfs 4 (their second, opposed, ends comprising free ends 4c, 4d). They may be attached along the entire length of these edges, as shown and as is preferred. They may otherwise be attached along part of these edges only. The scarves 4 are preferably each further attached along a line of attachment 17b that extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion, as seen in Figure 14. The lines of attachment 17b preferably extend along upper edges of the scarf 4and preferably adjacent to the upper edge of the pillow portion 2 that extends between the first and second lateral edges. It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the lines of attachment may be varied, as discussed, for example, with respect to the other described arrangements.

[0074] Figures 15 and 16 show two further exemplary alternative arrangements. In both arrangements, like the arrangement of Figures 13 and 14, the first scarf portion 4a is defined by a first scarf 4, and the second scarf portion 4b is formed by a second scarf 4. In the arrangement of Figure 15, however, the inner ends of the scarves are spaced apart from one another by a greater distance as compared to the arrangement of Figures 13 and 14. In the arrangement of Figure 16, the inner ends of the scarves are spaced apart from one another by a yet greater distance. In both the arrangements of Figures 15 and 16, the scarves are preferably attached by lines of attachment 7a, 7b, which extend in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion, along their edges at first ends of the scarfs 4 (their second, opposed, ends comprising free ends 4c, 4d). They may be attached along the entire length of these edges, as shown and as is preferred. They may otherwise be attached along part of these edges only. In the arrangement of Figure 16, the lines of attachment may be provided at / adjacent to the lateral edges of the pillow portion 2, as seen. In the exemplary arrangement of Figure 17, a pocket 15 is provided on the rear side 2b of the pillow 2 for stowage of the at least one scarf 4 when not in use. Any of the arrangements discussed herein may be provided with one or more pockets for such purposes. There may be a single pocket only. The pocket(s) 15 may be attached to the rear side 2b of the pillow by any suitable attachment means, and may be permanently attached, such as by stitching, or may be removably attached, such as by use of buttons or zips The pocket 15 is preferably attached along two lines of attachment 18a, 18b that each extend in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion. The lines of attachment preferable extend along upper and lower edges of the pocket 15. The upper line of attachment preferably extends adjacent to the upper edge of the pillow portion that extends between the first and second lateral edges, as seen in Figure 17. The pocket 15 preferably has opposed open ends for the, respective, removal / insertion of the scarf portions 4a, 4b. Closure elements may be provided for closing the openings, such as poppers, hook and loops fasteners, buttons, or otherwise. In arrangements that comprise a pocket 15, the at least one scarf may be attached to the pocket rather than to the pillow 2, along any appropriate lines of attachment as discussed herein. With such an arrangement, the at least one scarf may be detachable by detachable attachment of the pocket 15.

[0075] With reference to Figures 22a to 22c, there is shown a removable jacket 20, which offers an alternative to a removable pocket 15, as discussed above. The jacket 20 is configured for attachment to a cushion, possibly of inflatable construction, which comprises a pillow portion and an elongate trunk portion, the pillow portion projecting from the trunk portion transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion from opposed first and second sides of the trunk portion (i.e. a cushion of the same form as in the remaining arrangements but omitting the scarf portions 4a, 4b), the jacket 20 allowing for the removable addition of scarf portions 4a, 4b. In a further alternative, not depicted, there could be provided an arrangement in the form of a pillowcase having a form suitable for covering an entire cushion.

[0076] The removable jacket 20 preferably has a front panel 21 that partially covers the front side of the pillow portion 2, and rear panels 22 that partially cover the rear side of the pillow portion 2, wherein the front and rear panels 21 , 22 are joined to one another so as to define side holes 23. In use, as seen in Figures 22b and 22c, the pillow's ears come out of the side holes 23. A top hole 25 may be provided for accommodating the snap loop fastener 14. This may otherwise be omitted. The one or more scarves 4 comprising the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b may take any of the forms discussed herein and / or be attached in accordance with any of the discussed arrangements. The scarf portions 4a, 4b may, for example, be sewn onto the outside of the jacket 20, as shown, or be sewn on the inside of the jacket to come out of the side holes 23 along with the ears. A hole 24 is provided at the bottom of the jacket for the trunk to go through which gives the jacket stability. The rear panels 22 may be joined (during attachment of the jacket) by use of any suitable fastening means, such as a zip, buttons, poppers, hook and loop fasteners, or otherwise. In alternative arrangements, there may be a single rear panel 22 with an opening provided to allow for attachment and detachment of the jacket to the cushion. The opening may be closable using any suitable fastening means, including those mentioned above. In further alternatives, the opening may be omitted if the jacket 20 is suitably stretchable to allow it attachment / removal without the need for an opening at the rear.

[0077] Figure 18, shows an exemplary arrangement that corresponds substantially to the arrangement of Figures 11 and 12 but which comprises a scarf 4 having a reduced width as compared to the scarf 4 of that arrangement. The arrangement of Figures 18 may be altered in accordance with the discussed possible modifications to the arrangement of Figures 11 and 12, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Regardless of the specific form / attachment of the at least one scarf 4, the scarf portions 4a, 4b, may be used to maintain the cushion in place during use, in a number of different configurations.

[0079] With reference to Figures 5 to 10, 19a and 19b, consideration will be given to use configurations for a cushion according to any of the described embodiments. In this regard, whilst Figures 5 and 7 to 10 show a cushion according to the first described arrangement in use, the discussion hereafter is applicable equally to any of the other described arrangements. As should be appreciated, the attachment means (in the exemplary form of openings 11 ) may be omitted from or included in any of the depicted arrangements discussed above.

[0080] In each of Figures 5 to 10, 19a and 19b, the support surface 2a of the pillow portion 2 supports the head of the user, the trunk portion 3 is received under the chin of the user, one of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b is configured to pass around the back of the head / neck and / or around the back of a torso of the user, and the other of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b is configured to pass across the front of the head / neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user.

[0081] As discussed, the scarf portions 4a, 4b effectively maintain the cushion in place during use, in a balanced fashion, and are effective at pulling the ‘ears’ of the pillow portion 2 against the head of the user to conform to the profile of the user’s head, each scarf portion 4a, 4b applying a force to a respective one of the ears, urging the ears to conform to the profile of the users head providing support and balance, preferably with one ear supporting a side of the user’s head and the other ear supporting a rear of the user’s head, and comfortably maintaining the user’s head in an optimal position with respect to the cushion, without any user manipulation.

[0082] The first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b may be attached to the trunk portion (such as seen in Figure 5), or may be attached to one another directly (such as seen in Figures 8, 9 and 17) or indirectly (such as seen in Figures 19a and 19b), .

[0083] In the use configuration of Figures 5 and 6 each of the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b is attached to the trunk portion 3 by hooking the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b onto the trunk using the openings 11 . As will be appreciated alternative attachment means may be provided than the openings 11 .

[0084] In the use configuration of Figure 7, the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are tied together about the trunk portion 3. In the use configuration of Figure 8, the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are used in a cross-body configuration and are tied together after at least one of the scarf portions 4a, 4b has passed under the armpit of the user.

[0085] In the use configuration of Figure 9, an alternative cross-body configuration is shown. The first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b are joined together after the scarf portion 4a has passed under the armpit of the user and around an armrest of a chair.

[0086] The scarf portions 4a, 4b, may be tied together or connected using any suitable connection means. In a variation of this use configuration, rather than passing around the armrest, the scarf 4 could be used in a sling configuration, in a similar manner to the arrangement of Figure 19b (but without the use of the scarf portion attachment 16).

[0087] In the use configuration of Figure 10, the first scarf portion 4a is behind the user’s back so it becomes wedged between the user’s back and a seat which enables the pillow to be kept in position at the side of the head. The second scarf portion 4b is tied to an anchoring object, such as the seat arm or the user’s wrist, as shown, to further secure the pillow.

[0088] In the use configurations of Figures 19a and 19b, there is provided a scarf portion attachment 16, which is attachable to the first and second scarf portions 4a, 4b such that it extends between the first and second scarf portions, such that the first and second scarf portions are attached to one another indirectly. The scarf portion attachment 16 may comprise a further scarf, as shown in use in Figures 19a and 19b, and shown separately in Figure 20a, or may otherwise comprise a sling 18, as shown in Figure 20b. The scarf portion attachment 16, irrespective of specific form, may be attached to the free end of the first scarf portion 4a and to the free end of the second scarf portion 4b to extend the length of the portions for cross-body use (if the first and second scarf portions are not long enough to reach cross body). The third scarf can be attached to the ends of the first and second scarves by means of any suitable fastening means, including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons, poppers, clips, buckles, or otherwise, or may be tied thereto. The length of the scarf portion attachment is preferably adjustable. In the use configuration of Figure 19a, the further scarf 16 is attached to the ends of the first and second scarf portions and is arranged tucked under the user’s arm. In the use configuration of Figure 19b, the same arrangement is rather used in the manner of a sling or armrest. It should be appreciated that in further use arrangements, the scarf portion attachment 16, 18 could engage alternative objects, such as the arm of a chair in the manner of the arrangement of Figure 9, or otherwise.

[0089] It is to be appreciated that any of the features of the different arrangements may be taken in isolation and integrated into any other arrangement. Moreover, numerous alternative arrangements within the scope of the claims will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The presently described arrangements are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A cushion including: a pillow portion, an elongate trunk portion, and at least one scarf, the pillow portion projects from the trunk portion transversely to the elongation of the trunk portion from opposed first and second sides of the trunk portion and comprises a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a first lateral edge on the first side of the trunk portion, and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge on the second side of the trunk portion, and defines a support surface on the front side which is configured, in use, to support the head of a user of the cushion, the trunk portion extends away from the pillow portion, has a terminal end distal to said pillow portion, and is configured, in use, to be received under the chin of the user whilst the support surface of the pillow portion supports the head of the user, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion and comprises a first scarf portion and a second scarf portion, the first scarf portion comprises a first free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the first scarf portion to the pillow portion, the second scarf portion comprises a second free end of the at least one scarf, which is distal an attachment point of the second scarf portion to the pillow portion, wherein, in use, with the support surface of the pillow portion supporting the head of the user and the trunk portion received under the chin of the user, one of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass around the back of the head / neck and / or around the back of a torso of the user, and the other of the first and second scarf portions is configured to pass across the front of the head / neck and / or across the front of the torso of the user.

2. A cushion as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the first and second scarf portions are attachable to the trunk portion and / or to one another.

3. A cushion as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second scarf portions are configured to be attached directly to the trunk portion and / or directly to one another.

4. A cushion as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 further comprising a scarf portion attachment, which is attachable to the first and second scarf portions such that it extends between the first and second scarf portions.

5. A cushion as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the scarf portion attachment comprises a further scarf or a sling.

6. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second scarf portions extend in substantially opposed directions to one another.

7. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second scarf portions are attached to the pillow at a common attachment point.

8. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one scarf comprises a single scarf, which comprises the first and second scarf portions.

9. A cushion as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one scarf comprises a first scarf, which comprises the first scarf portion, and a second scarf, which comprises the second scarf portion.

10. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one scarf extends from the rear side of the pillow portion.

11. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion along a line of attachment that extends in a direction generally parallel to the elongation of the trunk portion.

12. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion along a line of attachment that extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongation of the trunk portion.

13. A cushion as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the line of attachment is at or adjacent to an edge of the pillow portion that extends between the first and second lateral edges.

14. A cushion as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the edge is an upper edge of the pillow portion, in use.

15. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one scarf is attached to the pillow portion at a point corresponding to a substantial midpoint of the pillow portion in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pillow portion.

16. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pillow portion comprises one or more pockets for stowage of the at least one scarf when not in use.

17. A cushion as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an attachment means is provided for removably attaching the first scarf portion and / or the second scarf portion to the trunk portion and / or to one another.

18. A cushion as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the attachment means comprises one or more openings adapted to receive the trunk portion therethrough for hooking the at least one scarf on the trunk portion.

19. A cushion as claimed in Claim 18, wherein a plurality of the openings are provided in the at least one scarf, the openings being spaced from one another along a length of the at least one scarf.

20. A cushion according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushion is substantially symmetrical, so that the pillow portion is usable to support the head of a user from either side of the head of the user.21 . A cushion according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushion is substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the pillow portion.

22. A cushion according to any preceding claim, wherein the trunk portion, in a rest state, has a substantially curved profile.

23. A cushion according to any preceding claim, wherein a terminal end portion of the trunk portion, in a rest state, has a hooked profile.

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