Portable cushioned support

Abstract

A support comprising a first pillow having a first pillow body comprising a first arm and a second arm, a second pillow comprising a third arm and a fourth arm, the first and third arms being attached to a first joint, and the second and forth arms being attached to a second joint wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the joints and optionally the joints are extendable to allow the relative angle and separation of the pillows to be varied. The support provides a user with myriad options for positioning the pillows and supporting their upper body, particularly during long periods of sitting upright, such as during travel in an aircraft or bus.

Claims

1. A support comprising: a first generally u-shaped pillow having a first arm and a second arm extending from a first pillow body defining an opening, a second generally u-shaped pillow having a third arm and a fourth arm extending from a second pillow body defining an opening, the first and third arms being directly attached to a first hinge joint and the second and fourth arms being directly attached to a second hinge joint, wherein the first and second pillows have a substantially similar perimeter profile; wherein the first and second pillows are configured to receive a portion of a user's neck between the first and second arms and the third and fourth arms such that the at least one of the first and second pillow bodies is configured to support a user's head; and wherein the first pillow has an upper surface and a bottom surface wherein the upper surface is curved, and the second pillow has an upper surface and a curved bottom surface, wherein the lower surface of the first pillow and the upper surface of the second pillow are configured to be substantially flush with each other when the first and second hinge joints are folded to a closed position.

2. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pillows can be rotated about the hinge joints, and wherein the user's head can rest on the second pillow body.

3. The support according to claim 1 further comprising a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a degree of rotation of the first pillow and the second pillow about the hinge joint can be releasably maintained, wherein rotation of the releasable locking mechanism of the hinge joint in a first direction activates the locking mechanism, and wherein rotation of the releasable locking mechanism in a second direction reduces restriction on the hinge joint.

4. The support according to claim 1 further comprising a harness that can be located between the support and a seat occupied by the user such that, in use, the harness bears part of a user's weight.

5. The support according to claim 4, wherein the harness is a strap of adjustable length having ends removably attachable from the support, wherein attachment points of the removably attachable strap are adjacent to the first and second hinge joints, and wherein the removably attachable strap can be looped around the seat.

6. The support according to claim 1, wherein the support is portable, and wherein the second pillow is of a same shape and dimensions as the first pillow.

7. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pillow and the second pillow is inflatable.

8. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint are extendable.

9. The support according to claim 8 further comprising a releasable locking mechanism, wherein an amount of extension or retraction of the hinge joint can be releasably maintained.

10. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint each comprises at least one extendable leaf attached to an extendable frame, and wherein the extendable frame is located inside at least one of the first and second pillows.

11. The support according to claim 1, wherein (i) a degree of rotation of the pillows around the hinge joints, and (ii) a separation between the pillows in a vicinity of the hinge joints can be varied.

12. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pillows further comprises a storage space, and wherein the storage space has a closure.

13. The support according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pillows includes an internal rigid structural support.

14. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first pillow and the second pillow are integral and the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint are flex points, wherein a degree of rotation around the hinge joints can be adjusted and releasably locked using a locking mechanism.

15. A method of using a support, the support comprising: a generally U-shaped first pillow having a first arm and a second arm extending from a first pillow body defining an opening, a generally U-shaped second pillow having a third arm and a fourth arm extending from a second pillow body defining an opening, the first and third arms being attached to an extendable first hinge joint, and the second and fourth arms being attached to an extendable second hinge joint, wherein the first and second pillows have a substantially similar perimeter profile and wherein the first pillow has an upper surface and a bottom surface wherein the upper surface is curved, and the second pillow has an upper surface and a curved bottom surface, wherein the lower surface of the first pillow and the upper surface of the second pillow are configured to be substantially flush with each other when the first and second extendable hinge joints are folded to a closed position; wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) rotating the first and second pillows about the hinge joints, (b) optionally extending the first and second hinge joints, (c) locating the front of a user's neck between the first arm and the second arm such that the first pillow body is configured such that a user's head can rest in a forward position on the first pillow body, (d) locating the second pillow on a surface to support a weight of the user's head, and (e) receiving a portion of the user's neck between the first and second pillows.

16. The method according to claim 15 further comprising: (f) connecting a harness between the support and the user or a structure to bear part of the weight.

17. The support according to claim 1, wherein the second and third arms form the second pillow body, and wherein the second and third arms are bilaterally symmetrical.

18. The support according to claim 1, wherein the first pillow is bilaterally symmetrical to the second pillow along a horizontal plane.

19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising depressing a knob connected to a splined shaft to disengage pins from at least one recess in a frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in side view in a closed position;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view in an open position;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view in an open position;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in a 90 degree open position;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the invention as depicted in FIG. 1 in front view with the joint in an open position and shows a storage compartment with a closed retaining flap;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in a closed position located around the neck of the seated traveler;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in side view with the joint in an open and angled position adjusted to support the head, neck and first body of a forward leaning, seated traveler and having an adjustable strap located around the traveler's neck;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates the invention of FIG. 1 in front view with the traveler's nose and mouth exposed to enable unrestricted breathing;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(16) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sixth mode of use of the support of FIG. 1;

(17) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a joint suitable for use in the support of the present invention; and

(18) FIG. 17 shows the joint of FIG. 16 in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) Embodiments disclosed herein provide a portable support for a user's head and neck which can be used in multiple modes.

(20) In a particularly preferred mode, the user's head and neck are supported. This first mode of operation is not dissimilar to a conventional travel pillow whereby the traveler positions the support on the shoulders and around the neck.

(21) In another preferred mode, the user's head, neck, shoulders and upper body are supported. This second mode of operation enables the user to open the two pillows of the support to an angle which provides a comfortable resting or sleeping position whereby the user's face, head, neck, shoulders and upper body are supported relatively forward of the upright seated position thus providing a comfortable position for sleep or rest.

(22) FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the support 8 of the present invention suitable for portable use during travel. In this view the support 8 is in the closed position with the inner surface 1a & 7a of each pillow 1 & 7 in abutting relationship. The pillows 1 & 7 are connected by jointed hinges 4a & 4b which are tightened and locked by rotating either or both of the knobs 5a or 5b. In the closed position, the support 8 is compact and portable and readily stored or carried.

(23) In this embodiment the first pillow 1 and second pillow 7 are of the same shape and dimensions. It can readily be seen that each pillow has a body and two arms. The end of each arm terminates at the hinge 4, thus connecting the two pillows 1 & 7.

(24) FIG. 2 depicts the support 8 of FIG. 1 from the front. In this view the first pillow 1 can be readily seen, and obscures from view the second pillow 7 which is directly behind. The pillows 1 & 7 in this embodiment are generally U-shaped and define a space 2 for receiving a travelers face, head and neck. The hinges 4a & 4b are folded and locked so that in this view the support 8 is maintained in the closed position. Each hinge 4a & 4b has two leaves 10a, 10b, 10c & 10d (10a & 10b associated with the first pillow 1; 10c & 10d associated with the second pillow 7). Each of knobs 5a & 5b can be rotated in a first direction to lock the hinge to which they are respectively attached.

(25) When the knobs 5a & 5b are rotated in a counter direction the restriction on their respective hinges 4a & 4b is reduced and the angle between the pillows 1 & 7 can be adjusted according to the desired support position of the traveler. In this embodiment the frames 9a & 9b can be extended from the leaves 10a & 10b of the joint hinges 4a & 4b.

(26) The U-shape 3 formed by the pillows 1 & 7 allows the user to position the support 8 on their neck and wear the support 8 as they board or disembark from an aeroplane, train or bus or when they are in transit, as well as providing head and neck support while seated relatively upright.

(27) FIG. 3 is a side view of the support 8 in the open position. In this view the hinges of the joints 4 have been rotated, moving the pillows 1 & 7 to a 180 degree angle of separation at the joints 4a & 4b as compared with the closed position shown in FIG. 1. The hinges of the joints 4a & 4b have been adjusted by rotating their respective knobs 5a & 5b as described with reference to FIG. 2.

(28) FIG. 4 is a front view of the support 8 as shown in FIG. 3. In this view the hinges of the joints 4a & 4b are both visible. Each joint hinge has a leaf 10a & 10b, each of which has an extendable frame 9a & 9b which in this view is shown adjacent an internal surface of the first pillow 1. The extendable frames 9a & 9b are inside the pillow and therefore cannot be seen. In other embodiments of the support however, other arrangements of the hinge leaves and extendable frames may be used, such as having all leaves and frames located inside the pillows, or all located on surfaces of the pillows, or a combination of the two. The buttons 6a & 6b are configured to engage with the leaves 10a & 10b to actuate extension or locking of the frames 9a & 9b. FIG. 4 depicts the frames 9a & 9b in the fully retracted position which brings the pillows 1 & 7 together in abutting relationship and the ends of their arms.

(29) FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the support 8 with two pillows 1 & 7 with the joints 4a & 4b adjusted with their respective pairs of leaves 10a & 10c and 10b & 10d at 90 degrees. The frames 9a & 9b of leaves 10a & 10b have been extended following pressing of the buttons 6a & 6b of the actuators, sliding along their respective hinge leaves 10a & 10b so that a user can achieve any desired position between full extension or full retraction of the frames 9a & 9b.

(30) FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the support 8 with the two pillows 1 & 7 and the pairs of joint leaves 10a & 10c and 10b & 10d adjusted to a straight angle of 180 degrees. This embodiment depicts the joint leaves 10c & 10d located fully inside the second pillow 7 while the leaves 10 & 10b are exposed with the frames 9a & 9b extended. Actuation of the knobs 5a & 5b, and buttons 6a & 6b is required to adjust the respective frames 9a & 9b and hinges 4a & 4b as previously described.

(31) This embodiment of the support further depicts a storage space 11 with a closure 12. The storage space 11 may be used for any miscellaneous item however typically it is used for the storage of travel related items, headphones, ear plugs, eye mask, pen, batteries and the like.

(32) FIG. 7 depicts a side view and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mode of use of the support 8. In the first mode the two pillows 1 & 7 are closed against each other with their inner surfaces (1b, 7b) pressed together. The support 8 is located around the neck of the seated user 14 in a position typical of a conventional U shaped travel pillow. The traveler 14 is able to shift their position to rest their head 15 against the support 8 or the seat 19. In this mode the user 14 does not have support for the head 15 if the weight of the head 15 shifts forward away from the seat 19 because the U-shaped opening 3 defined by the pillows 1 & 7 provides no support in that area.

(33) FIG. 11 depicts a second mode of use wherein the support 8 is more open with the joint 4 is locked to maintain an acute angle between the two pillows 1 & 7. The user can rotate the support around their neck to the desired position, resting the pillows on the seat.

(34) FIG. 12 depicts a third mode of use, the two pillows 1 & 7 are opened and the joint 4 is locked to form an acute angle about the joints 4a & 4b. The second pillow can be rested on a flat surface such as a bench or tray table extending from the rear of an aeroplane seat. Typically the user will place their forearms between the first and second pillow.

(35) FIG. 8 depicts a fourth mode of operation of the support 8 in a side view. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth mode of operation of the support 8. In this mode the two pillows 1 & 7 are in an open position. In this mode the user has their head 15 against the outer surface 1a or the first pillow 1 and their chest against the outer surface of the second pillow 7. The weight of the travelers head, neck and upper body is downwardly pressing against the pillow 1 in which the frames 9a, 9b may optionally be extended from the joint leaves 10 (not visible) providing a comfortable sleeping or resting position. Extending the frames may be particularly desirable, for example, for very tall users. The weight is also transferred to the user's 14 chest and second body through the frames 9a, 9b. In this embodiment an adjustable strap 13 is located around the neck of the user 14 and attached adjacent the joints 4a, 4b of the support 8 thus preventing the support 8 from falling downward if the user 14 lifts their head 15 or shifts their body position. The support 8 may also be rested against the seat arm 16 or in further embodiments a secondary frame (not drawn) may extend from the support 8 to provide a further brace which may rest or be affixed to the seat arm 16, seat 9 or any other conveniently located fixed structure.

(36) FIG. 9 depicts a front partial view of the support 8 with the user's face 20 resting against the second pillow 7. In this embodiment the U-shape 3 defined by the pillows of the support 8 enables the weight of the user's head to be dispersed through the support 8 whilst the space 2 defined by the pillows leaves the face 20 unrestricted so the user can breathe through their nose 17 and mouth 18. In this view the support is only partially shown and the second half 21 of the support 8 has been omitted. The support 8 herein is positioned against the user in the same manner as described in FIG. 8 whereby the travelers said weight is dispersed to the traveler's chest and lower body.

(37) FIG. 14 depicts a fifth mode of use of the support 8 wherein the adjustable strap 13 is looped around a seat headrest or otherwise attached to the seat. The ends of the strap are attached adjacent the joints 4 of the support 8, again preventing the support 8 from falling downward if the user 14 lifts their head 15 or shifts their body position. In this mode the user rests their face in the U-shaped recess.

(38) FIG. 15 depicts a sixth mode of use of the support 8, which is similar to the fifth mode, except that the user rests with one cheek on the first pillow.

(39) The fifth and sixth modes allow the user to lean forward in a manner similar to propping their head with their hands. When used in aeroplanes, these modes provide the advantage that the person in front can angle their seat backwards without interfering with use of the support. Furthermore the user does not need to incline their own seat.

(40) In a seventh mode the user loops the adjustable strap around a seat headrest, opens the pillows to form an obtuse angle at the joints and orients the support to their left or right side so the user sleeps upright with their back to the seat but with all their weight leaning sideways.

(41) There are multiple other modes of use of the support of the present invention which will be readily apparent to the user and which will fall within the scope of the present application.

(42) FIG. 16 depicts one embodiment of a joint according to the present invention. In this embodiment the joint can lengthen and shorten the distance between the pillows by virtue of a sliding ratchet mechanism which can be operated manually by pulling the pillows away or pushing the pillows toward each other. The ratchet comprises a tubular configuration of the leaf 10a which receives the frame 9a. The frame 9a has two integral legs sprung outwardly with a dome shaped end (not visible) that engages with the recesses 28 to lock the selected distance position.

(43) Furthermore as depicted in FIG. 17 in this embodiment the joint can be rotated by depressing the knob 20 which is connected to a splined shaft 21 which slides through an orifice 22 drawn in FIG. 16 and pushes the frame 9a to disengage the pins 29 which slide into any of the multiple recesses 30 located in the frame 9a. When the knob 20 is released the spring 24 pushes the frame 9a toward the pin and as the joint is rotated the pins 29 slide back into the recesses 30 to lock the desired angle of the frames 9a and 9b relative to each other and thus setting the angle of the pillows 1 & 7.

(44) It is also to be understood that the specific devices and modes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

(45) While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

(46) As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

(47) Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

(48) Comprises/comprising and includes/including when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, includes, including and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.