Patent Publication Number: US-2022211128-A1

Title: Travel Comfort Accessory

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/134,758 filed Jan. 7, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a travel comfort accessory. More particularly, the invention is for a personal and wearable item which has various features and structures which the wearer is able to use to selectively enhance the privacy as well as the comfort of the use. It may be used in a travel context or environment, but is not limited thereto, and can be used in any situation as desired by the wearer. 
     The travel comfort accessory may be especially useful for air travel, but would have many other applications as well. The travel comfort accessory may be beneficial when the wearer is in a public or crowded space, usually for an extended period, where privacy and comfort are desirable. Therefore, the accessory of the invention may be used in a library, transport vehicle, waiting room, or even by homeless people, to name a few but non-definitive examples of application only. 
     Corporate air travel is a huge industry. The business passenger may represent as much as 75 percent of an airlines&#39; profits despite being only about 12% of total passengers. Within executive travel, there is also the issue of jet lag, a recognized circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness associated with trans meridian jet travel. It may be a consequence of circadian misalignment that occurs after crossing time zones too rapidly for the circadian system to keep pace. Almost everyone on a long flight suffers from jet lag to some degree. Even international flight attendants showed jet lag, with many respondents saying they suffered from jet lag despite being accustomed to long haul travel. 
     Regular passengers are usually even more affected by jet lag than the flight professionals because they are generally less accustomed to the factors causing jet lag and also because they are confined to a cramped space for long periods. There are also other factors such as a lack of fresh air in passenger areas. Of course, not all people suffer to the same degree. Young children often seem immune, but people who stick to a daily routine and who are bothered by changes to routine are often the worst sufferers. On the other hand, people whose normal lives involve highly varied routines can often adjust their circadian rhythms better and adapt to disruption of normal eating and sleeping patterns. People who sleep easily can also cope better with the adjustment. 
     It has been found that the length of the flight is not the critical issue. Rather, an important single factor is how many time zones are crossed in a flight. People may suffer jet lag just crossing the United States (a three-hour time change) but would often be much less affected by a north-south flight of about the same duration. The number of intermediate stops is also a factor, as each stop is accompanied by changes in cabin pressure. Pre-flight condition is also a consideration. If a person is not fit, rested and healthy, such person will probably suffer more jet jag than others on the same flight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many types of sleep pillows and blankets on the market. However, the travel or privacy accessory device of the present invention addresses many issues which previous travel accessories have not. The potential discomfort and jet lag as described above provides an ongoing need for devices and aids to help reduce or minimize travel fatigue. 
     For example, privacy in travel accessories is currently unaddressed. This travel device of the present invention cannot of course completely change the flight environment such as the uncomfortable seats and limited space, but it can make travel more comfortable and tolerable in other ways, such as providing more than a modicum of privacy. 
     Product materials and dimensions may be important in constructing the device of the invention. For example, the use of a pillow material that maintains its shape yet is malleable enough to adjust to the user&#39;s comfort while maintaining ventilation and coolness throughout the sleeping process is of importance. Also, adding an anti-microbial layer may help too. The presence of vents, which may be comprised of, for example, sock bag material, placed on the top and back of the head allows more ventilation. Velcro® closures, snaps or other closure options, or even a mere split in the fabric or an open pocket space, may be used on the inner portion of the hoodie or other garment for easy laundering and removal of pillow portions of the head and neck. 
     The travel accessory of the invention is, therefore, one that may be worn by the user in various formats and permutations. Certain features of the accessory may be used when privacy is desired, while other features of the accessory may be used when comfort is desired. All, or none, of such features can of course be used at one time. 
     The travel or privacy comfort accessory may typically be wearable on the head of the user, and the attached blanket may work as a scarf. It may have flaps or folded components which can be activated when privacy is desired, and pillows or cushions which are built into the accessory, although potentially removable, and which can be positioned to suit the comfort needs of the user. 
     The travel comfort accessory may be worn over the head and at least a part of the body. In one embodiment, the travel comfort accessory is in the form of headgear, in that it is worn on the head of the user, with or without body sections such as blanket attachments which may be used as scarves, when the user is in motion for example, or used as a drape to provide warmth to the user. 
     Many people travel frequently for business, but dislike the inconvenience of flying which has none of the comforts and privacy of home. Moreover, many of the airlines no longer supply comfort accessories such as the coveted tiny pillow, which may or may not be new, and hence unhygienic if previously used. Also, the small and scratchy blanket is something from the past, for what comfort it was worth. 
     One purpose of the headgear of the invention is therefore to provide a wearable and easily transportable device for the frequent traveler. The headgear may have cool padding on either side of the face, and also support padding at the back of head. In one embodiment, the headgear may have two flaps or panels, one on either side of the face, which may be made of a fabric or other sturdy type of lining material which will help to ensure the privacy and seclusion of the traveler while sleeping or snoring or just dozing. It may also be used while simply relaxing or reading, and used to isolate from nearby or adjacent passengers. In one embodiment, the privacy flaps may be about 2-3 inches in width or diameter, but variable according to need, and located on either side of the face. The privacy flaps may have the capability of folding inward and under the headgear when not in use for privacy purpose, such as when talking with your neighbor or fellow traveler. They may be of a different color fabric to that of some or all of the remaining parts of the apparel. They may include stays which are sewn in at strategic points to ensure and facilitate folding inward and remaining outward when in use. Inner pillows which are provided and insertable into the headgear may be configured so that they are detachable thereby allowing the headgear to be more easily washed and dried. 
     The fabric for the Hoodie may be comprised of any suitable material such as, for example, French terry, cotton, synthetics and the like. These may provide warmth, but not necessarily excessive warmth to the user. The headgear may be configured to have vents or material so as to provide air flow to the user. Furthermore, the headgear of the invention may include a vent type bag to encase one or more of the pillows, for ease of washing, and enhance air flow. A vent or flow through area may be present at the top or crown of the head. 
     A further aspect of the headgear of the invention, in one embodiment thereof, is the attached blanket. The blanket may be attached permanently, or in a way that it can be removed and reattached as desired by the user. In other embodiments, the blanket may be permanently attached. The blanket may extend from the base of the front of the headgear, such as from under the neck pillow, which may resemble or emulate a hoodie. The blankets may be secured, for example, to the right and left sides of the hoodie at the front thereof, extend back circumferentially, and end at the midpoint of the back of the shoulder or left or right scapula. This may leave the majority of the back open to allow for additional coolness. The blankets may be visualized as components replacing a Hoodies&#39; conventional arms. The length of the blankets may extend to cover the upper thigh region, such as having a length of 48 to 68 inches which would be suitable for most adults. This configuration will not only act as a blanket, but may also permit the user&#39;s arms to remain free for use, such as to eat, read, and readjust as to facilitate personal comfort. The headgear can be worn while not sitting such as when going to the restroom, and the blankets can wound around the waist or used as scarf during these situations. The blanket may provide a soft, comfortable, privacy enhancing structure for the user which allows the user to maintain his or her relative freedom of movement whilst at the same time reading a book, eating or sipping a beverage. 
     The headgear of the invention may far surpass the awkward travel pillows and associated products provided by, for example, airlines to the frequent flyer or traveler, to the cruise ship guest, to a student in libraries nationwide, or to the homeless just to name just a few examples. The extent of use of the headgear of the invention is not intended to be limited by these examples. 
     In addition to its features described above, the headgear of the invention may be comfortable and stylish. The blanket, which may be removable, and attached for example using Velcro®, allows for the relative freedom of movement for arms and hands. It is cool, yet cozy, helps to maintain privacy with the use of the privacy bands, and is hygienically sound since it may be washed as directed after each use, or multiple uses, as necessary. In one context, as an in-flight accessory, it offers many advantages and benefits, with increased privacy, and wherein an added lumbar pillow may be incorporated which may have the same materials to match construction and Hoodie material. Further, pillows and hoodies may be separately purchased or acquired in different colors and patterns, as the user may prefer. The headgear may incorporate an antimicrobial layer, a flame retardant, or such other layers and structure which add to its uses, safety, hygiene and other benefits. 
     The pillows used with the invention may be of various types and materials, including: memory foam pillow; bamboo fiber pillow; emulsion pillow, and others. Memory foam pillows may have an optimal value in that these pillows are exceptionally comfortable and change shape according to the user body positions, pressures and sizes. 
     Quality and durability of the fabric used is taken into account. Characteristics such as fabric coolness as well as anti-microbial properties of the fabric and pillow can be factored in. The pillow, hoodie and blanket and other components may be: washable (hygienic); have colors which vary to meet different demographics such as men and women; durability wash after wash on color sustainability; and the best or appropriate colors for sleep and tranquility. Fabrics tested for coolness and which are slowest to heat and easiest to cool may be used. 
     The hoodie and headgear of the invention would be durable, comfortable, maintain its structure and form, have a non-pilling fabric, and have strength of fabric. Preferably, the pillow type that is virtually non-degradable over time and use. Fabric examples include French terry, terry, with light weight hoodie material versus regular weight hoodie material. All drawstring types may be selected for smoothness, ease of operation, and durability (such as those which are not easily unraveled). There may be a plastic pully on the end of the drawstring, and the drawstring may be tested so it does not snap easily, is machine washable and dryer friendly, and has both hot and cold resistance. There may be a loop  67  on the headgear such as at the top of the head to grasp in order to open or closed or expose or cover the vent. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a travel comfort accessary comprising a head portion to be worn on or over the head of the user, the head portion having a back wall, side walls and an open front area, and a pair of lateral privacy panels extending from the side walls and adjacent the open front area so that they are able to project in front of the face outwardly and present a barrier or privacy wall for the face of the user. 
     Preferably, the front panels are movable between a folded position in which they are folded against the head portion, and an extended position in which they are in front or adjacent the face of the user. The panels may have stays or fasteners to secure them in position. The panels may be placed individually, and differently, in multiple positions relative to the face to suit the needs of the user. The panels may offer privacy for the user in many contexts, including travel and particularly during air travel and stopovers. 
     Preferably, the travel comfort accessory has one or more blankets or fabric strips attached thereto near the bottom of the head portion such as at or near the neck pillow, so be used to cover the shoulders, chest and/or legs when so desired by the user. The fabric strips may be permanently affixed to the head portion, or releasably filed thereto. 
     In one aspect, the head gear has openings or vents to facilitate airflow and help to cool the head of the user. The vents are preferably closable, having a lid or cover which can move so as to have the vent closed, partially open, or fully opened. They can be closed in a manner so that when traveling or walking about, the headgear resembles any other type of hoodie garment. 
     The open front area may be adjusted in size by, for example, a drawstring, so that it may be bigger or smaller as needed. The combination of the panels and the size adjustment ability for the open face area provides the user with considerable possibilities for modulating the size and privacy of the face covering portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a comfort garment in accordance with one aspect of the invention, with privacy flaps tucked in; 
         FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  show a front view and a rear view respectively of a comfort garment in accordance with the invention, similar to that in  FIG. 1  but with certain components thereof in the operative position; 
         FIG. 3  a front view of a comfort garment in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, including ventilation related structures (closed); 
         FIG. 4  shows a rear view of the comfort garment in accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, including the presence of pillows; 
         FIG. 5  shows a front view of a comfort garment of the invention in another embodiment, showing a plurality of integrated features and their respective positions; 
         FIG. 6  shows a front view of a comfort garment of the invention in yet a further version thereof, illustrating components and their position on the comfort garment; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view of a comfort garment of the invention, including illustration of a ventilation system when in the open position; and 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a further embodiment of a comfort garment of the invention, including pillows, pockets and blankets. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which show various embodiments and versions of a comfort garment which may be made in accordance with the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings show examples of components and features of the comfort garment, in certain styles and positions, but the invention is not limited to those embodiments illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. A wide variety of differently configured garments are possible having the elements and structures of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  of the drawings illustrates a comfort garment  10  of the invention, which is in the form of a hoodie or headgear which is worn on the head. The hoodie  10  has a head portion  12  having side walls  14   a  and  14   b  respectively, a dome  16  and a back wall  18 . In the front and central part of the hoodie  10 , there is a face space  20 , which keeps the face generally uncovered when the hoodie  10  is worn by a user. 
     The side walls  14   a  and  14   b  have lower ends  24  and  26 , and attached to these lower ends  24  and  26 , at the neck pillow area, are blanket portions  28  and  30  respectively. Each of the blanket portions  28  and  30  may be permanently attached to the lower ends  24  and  26  respectively, or they may be removably attached so that they can be selectively connected to the hoodie  10  depending upon whether the user has a need for these blanket portions  28  and  30 . Each blanket portion  28  and  30  may comprise an elongate strip, which may in one embodiment be about 48 to 68 inches long, based on unisex average height, and about 6 inches wide. Other sizes are of course possible. The blanket portions are intended to cover, at least partially, the front and legs of the wearer. 
     In another embodiment, the hoodie  10  may attach to a garment such as a sweater, and the blanket portions may also attach to the sweater, so that the two may be connected to a common source or base support. The base support may be something other than a sweater. 
     Each blanket portion  28  and  30  is connected to the head portion  12  at the front near the lower ends  24  and  26 , and there is an open space  34  between the blanket portions in the front area. Each blanket portion  28  and  30  extends around the base of the head portion  12 , partway around the back of the head portion, as seen in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. At the back, there is also an open space  36 . The open spaces  34  and  36  allow some flexibility in the use of the blanket portions  28  and  30 , so that the user can benefit from their presence, but still have relative freedom of movement of the arms or the torso or other parts of the body for other activities, such as reading and eating, shifting for comfort, leaning etc. without unnecessary restrictions. 
     In certain versions of the invention, the blankets may be removable, as mentioned. Further, the head portion  12  or other part of the hoodie  10  may have at least one compartment or space into which one or both of the blankets  28  and  30  may be stored when not needed. 
     The hoodie  10  of the invention may include a drawstring  40  which extends in a seam around the face space  20  and out through apertures near the lower ends  24  and  26  so that by pulling or releasing the drawstring  40 , the face space  20  may be enlarged or reduced in size, to meet the needs of the user. Aiglets may be provided on each drawstring end as is conventional to precent fraying and facilitate threading through the seam. 
       FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  of the drawings show an embodiment of the invention similar to that in  FIG. 1 . Where appropriate, the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or corresponding components in the hoodie  10 .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a front and rear view of the hoodie  10  respectively. The front view in  FIG. 2A  shows the presence of a first lateral privacy flap  50  extending outwardly from the side walls  14 , and which can be adjusted in position to shield or cover the face of the user, or to generally project away from the face so as to offer a type of curtain of privacy for the user. Any intermediate position may be selected for optimal privacy and comfort. A second lateral privacy flap  52  is also available on the other side of the head portion  12 . Both the first and second lateral privacy flaps  50  and  52  may be used at the same time, or not, and each of these privacy flaps  50  and  52  can be independently adjusted to some extent so that user can select independently a preferred position for each one of them, to take account different situations and activity on each side of the user, such as a passenger on one side and a plane window on the other. 
       FIG. 2B , a back or rear view of the hoodie  10 , also shows the presence of a vent flap  56 , which is in the closed position in this figure, but which can be opened, using for example a loop or tab  58 , when ventilation is desired. Various structures such as Velcro® may be used to keep the vent flap  56  open or closed or anywhere in between these positions, as may be needed. This  FIG. 2B  also identifies the open space  36  between the blanket portions  28  and  30 , allowing for increased flexibility and also improved ventilation at the user&#39;s back, as described above. 
       FIG. 3  of the drawings shows a front view of the hoodie  10  of the invention, including a ventilation opening  60  at the top of the hoodie  10 . The ventilation opening  60  comprises a movable door or flap  62 , which can conveniently be opened and closed using the tab loop  64  on the door  62 . In  FIG. 4  of the drawings, there is shown the back view of the hoodie  10 . In this figure, it will be seen that the ventilation opening  60  is such that the door or flap  62  extends from the crown of the head to the back of the head, where it ends at about 6 inches above the neck of the user, although this distance can vary and will also depend upon the size of the user. The ventilation opening  60  can be opened or closed independently of other components of the hoodie  10 , being closed, partly open or fully open without reference to the position of other components including the lateral privacy flaps  50  and  52 , drawstring, blankets  28  and  30  and pillows. The many permutations of positions which can be achieved therefore makes the hoodie  10  of the invention extremely adjustable and flexible for use so that it can cater optimally to the varying needs of the users in a myriad of different situations. 
       FIG. 4  of the drawings also shows the presence and positioning of a neck pillow  66 , which may typically fit under the hoodie  10  material. The neck pillow  66  may be loosely positioned under the hoodie  10  material or, in other versions, it may fit in a pocket inside or outside the hoodie  10 . Further, there may be mechanisms for securing the neck pillow in a preferred position to prevent it from sliding or moving, and the securing may be achieved by straps, Velcro®, fasteners or, indeed, any other suitable device. This  FIG. 4  also shows the arrangement whereby the blankets  28  and  30  define an open space  36  at the back of the user, for flexibility reasons as already discussed above. Note that pillow  60  can in one embodiment be removed, and stored either in another pocket of the hoodie  10  or an attached garment, or in a bag or other structure which is carried separately. 
       FIG. 5  of the drawings illustrates a front view of a hoodie  10  or comfort garment of the invention, with several of the accessories shown and present on embodiment. In this figure, the first and second lateral privacy flaps  50  and  52  can be seen in the unfolded and operative position. Furthermore, a pair of lateral pillows  70  and  72  are shown, for supporting and providing comfort to the side of the head of the user. The pillows  70  and  72  may have many different forms or varieties. They may be loose or contained in pockets or compartments. They may be inflatable. They may have storage capability on the hoodie  10 . They may, further, have straps, fasteners or other devices for holding them in a preferred position, once found by the user. 
     Each lateral flap  50  and  52  may be about 5 to 6 inches high and about 2.5 to 3 inches in width, although sizes may vary according to specific use environments and user preferences. The lateral flaps may be expandable or have fold outs to vary their operational size. Each lateral flap  50  and  52  has the ability to flip under the hoodie  10  when not in use, so as to fold away and remain unobtrusive and not cause discomfort to the user. The flaps may include logos, names, or other graphics or written material. 
       FIG. 5  further shows the ventilation opening  60  in the open position to allow cooling and air flow. Under the door flap or opening of the ventilation opening  60 , there may be an open breathable material or fabric or mesh  80  so that the hoodie  10  maintains its shape when the vent is open, but at the same time allows air flow to operate substantially unrestricted.  FIG. 5  further shows the presence of the neck pillows  70  and  72  with a slit  71  or opening constructed in the hoodie material for convenient removal or replacement, also illustrated in  FIG. 4  of the drawings, as seen from the front. 
       FIG. 6  of the drawings shows another front view of a hoodie  10  in accordance with the invention. The ventilation opening  60  is open to allow air flow and cooling. The lateral flaps  50  and  52  are positioned for use and are located on each side of the face to provide a degree of privacy.  FIG. 7  shows a rear view of the hoodie  10  with the crown exposed by the opening of the ventilation system. 
       FIG. 7  of the drawings shows a further embodiment of the invention including the hoodie  90  having lateral flaps  92  and  94 , which are on each side of the face in use as described to provide privacy and convenience. There are lateral flaps  96  and  98 , and there are pillows  100  located in these flaps as well as at the neck and shoulders. The pillows may be inserted or removed as desired by the user depending upon the circumstances. Blankets  102  and  104  are provided, and at least one of the blankets has an inside pocket  106  which may hold personal items such as wallet, keys, phones and the like. The pockets  106  may have a closure mechanism for keeping the contents safe, since these could quite easily fall out inadvertently during a plane trip or while in transit or at other points of the travel routine. 
     Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments. 
     As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.