Patent Publication Number: US-8984688-B1

Title: Inflatable resting pillow

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a device for allowing or facilitating a person to rest comfortably in a basically upright sitting position. More specifically, the device that is placed on the lap of a user or directly in front of the user while in an upright or sitting position is intended to provide means for supporting the upper torso as well as the head and neck of the user and to reduce as possible stress on the spine. 
     It is well recognized that for the majority of passengers on common carriers, it is often difficult to relax in the seats provided. In most aircraft, the economy seats, even some of the more recent designs of reclining seats, typically provide closely spaced forward facing seats in rows separated by relatively small or inadequate space, known in the air transport trade as “pitch”. Pitch configurations though designed to maximize economy of passenger miles for the carrier, do not maximize the comfort of the passengers. While the discussion of the present invention will be directed to aircraft seating, it is to be understood that similar problems and the solutions thereto likewise reside in other venues, including other common carriers including buses, trains and even multi-passenger motor vehicles. Reclining seats in most instances recline only a modest amount, insufficient to provide comfort on a long term basis. While some reclining seats provide a modicum of comfort, the instability of support provided by such seats allows a passenger&#39;s head and neck to be unstable both laterally and forwardly, especially during sleep or when dozing, which can impose more discomfort in the long term than the benefits of the semi-reclined position. 
     In recent years, a number of devices have become available intended to alleviate this discomfort. An early such device was the “neck pillow”—a donut-shaped inflatable cushion which surrounds the user&#39;s neck, passing under the chin. This can be worn when sitting upright, but best in a reclined position, and provides some support for the head and neck. More sophisticated designs are intended to provide enhanced stability for the head and neck and, in other advanced designs, more stability as well for the upper torso of the user. There have been a number of proposals which are found in the prior art, that provide enhanced degrees of stability for the slumbering passenger however, none of the prior art provides the degree of comfort and stability than does the design of the present invention, as will be completely set forth hereinafter. As restrictions increase upon the amount of hand baggage that a passenger may bring aboard an aircraft, it is important to enhance compactness when not in use so as to make a resting device easily transportable amidst the belongings of the passenger without being bulky or becoming an item of “checkable” or revenue-bearing baggage. A key factor then is to maximize the “inflatability” of the support device. Contrary to the design concepts of seats designed with limited backward reclination, the present invention addresses the use of a resting device in which the user positions himself in a forward leaning position. There exist in the prior art a number of designs which employ a comparable concept of the forward leaning resting device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,319 (Parks) discloses an inflatable pillow that is attached to or rests upon a tray table or other surface directly in front of the user. When inflated, the device takes up the space between the tray table and the seatback in front of the user and provides for head support on a flat cushioned surface upon which the user&#39;s head may rest. No provisions are made for the arms or shoulders of the user or means to provide any other type of support for the upper torso of the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,185 (Cowgur) discloses an inflatable rectangular device that rests upon the lap of the user providing a flat surface to rest the head, arms and shoulders upon requiring the user to lean the upper body forward onto the pillow. The shortcomings of Cowgur are that the head and shoulders and optionally the arms of the user merely lean on the top surfaces of the rectangular pillow while providing neither lateral support nor restraint. Neither is any restraint provided for the arms and hands. 
     U.S. Application 2004/0064893 (Sharp) is similar to Cowgur in disclosing an inflatable pillow of substantially rectangular configuration that rests upon the lap of the user. The inflated outer shell provides an upper portion upon which the user&#39;s head may be placed as the person leans forward over the device. No lateral restraints are disclosed nor suggested. Arm retention pockets are provided along the sides, but they are merely for restraining the arms of the user and do not provide a means for using the arms to assist supporting the body of the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,691 (Cordova) discloses a head, neck and upper body support pillow disposed between the chin and lap of the user to limit both head and torso movements occurring during resting or sleeping while sitting in an upright position. While Cordova discloses some limited means for restraining lateral movement of the head and neck of the user by cradling the chin and face, restraint of the neck and head is limited. While straps or pockets are provided for restraint of the hands and arms, Cordova does not suggest the utilization of forearm surfaces for additional support of the upper torso. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,751 (Diemer) discloses an inflatable neck support where the user sits in an upright position with the head tilted forward, engaging the upper surfaces of the support device. While pockets or loops are provided for retaining the hands or arms of the user, the Diemer device discloses no means for providing upper torso support other than the support of the head and nominally the neck of the user. Neither does this patent disclose the use of the arms or forearms of the user to obtain stability or to provide additional upper torso support. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The known prior art do not appear to provide adequate measures or means of comfort and stability. It is the principle object of the present invention to provide in a resting pillow, vertical stability as well as lateral support for the user and in particular the user&#39;s head while resting or sleeping. It may be noted that in prior art devices, the head and/or neck are usually supported on a flat surface, where the head is turned on a side, facing either right or left, and the neck is bent significantly forward, curving the spine in the cervical region into an unnatural position. Likewise, most prior art devices like some mentioned above show the thoracic region of the spine curved in a unnatural forward configuration; and some devices result in a posture where even the lumbar spine is curved forwardly. 
     It is a particular advantage of the present invention that the head has “full-face” support much as is the posture achieved in the use of a sitting massage chair. Support of the full face (forehead, chin and both sides) achieves reduction of stress on more body parts than the prior art. It is an advantage of the present invention that the full-face “plant” provides both forward and lateral support for the head, which achieves a resting position which preserves to a great degree the ideal curvature of the spine; that is, the ideal “S” curvature of an upright posture, rather than a forward curled “C” shape which in leaning far forward causes the unnatural positions seen in the prior art devices. Resting in a position which preserves near-normal spine posture causes the least stress on the spine and hence more comfort for the entire body. The prior devices that allow the head to tilt too much downwardly can impart stress not only to the cervical spine, but can promote backward curvature of the lower spine which can stress the lumbar area as well. 
     Accordingly, it is a specific object of the invention to provide enhanced head, neck and spinal stabilization for the sleeping or resting passenger. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide stabilization of the user&#39;s head and neck as well as support of the user&#39;s shoulders and upper torso. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide improved stabilization of the user&#39;s head, neck and upper torso as well as the stabilization of the user&#39;s arms. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a resting device that stabilizes the head, neck, upper torso and arms of the user, while also providing limitations of exposure of the eyes of the user to ambient light, thereby enhancing the sleeping experience. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, are achieved in part by the user&#39;s body leaning only slightly forward, with the chest and forearms supporting the upper arms, shoulders and upper torso; while the head of the user is supported upright in the upper opening of the pillow in a full face plant disposition, thereby gaining lateral stabilization for all sides of the head. Support of the chin and forehead stabilizes the neck of the user, gaining substantially increased comfort and support. Positioning the entire upper body leaning slightly forward, but upright, and with the head tilted slightly backward, diminishes stress on the cervical spine (around the neck area), and reduces stress on the lower spine or lumbar area as well. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of at least one embodiment of the present invention will be more distinctly set forth and described in the ensuing specification and drawings; and delineated in the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a person sitting in a seated position, utilizing the resting pillow of the present invention, wherein the full face plant insertion is illustrated, with the spine shown in dotted line. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevation of the facing side of the inflatable pillow of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional elevation view taken substantially along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , with an outline of a user shown in dotted line to illustrate the principle support points of the pillow, the interior construction features; and with the spine shown in dotted line. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation of the back side of the pillow; and 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the bottom of the pillow. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     In all the drawing Figures, where like numerals refer to the same item, the pillow generally designated  10  consists primarily of two compartments, an upper compartment  12  and a lower compartment  14 . The two compartments are fastened together by any suitable means and each is air inflatable by means of air valves  13  and  15  respectively. These air valves are of a conventional design which can allow the user to inflate each compartment and close off the valve in well-known fashion. The upper and lower compartments are separately inflatable so that a different degree of firmness may be obtained for each. For example, greater air pressure may be desired in lower compartment  14  so as to provide a more stable support base for the entire device, while the pressure in the upper compartment  12  can be selected to be softer or more firm according to the desired comfort of the user. The construction of the pillow employs a flexible, air-retentive material and the outer surfaces of compartments  12  and  14  are preferably covered by a fabric covering (not specifically shown) so as to absorb body moisture. 
     In  FIG. 5  it will be seen that the lower compartment or support base  14  has an arcuate surface  16 . This is the portion of the base which is intended to confront the user and the arcuate shape accommodates the shape of the lower torso. Upper compartment  12  likewise has a generally arcuate shape which confronts the upper torso and receives the head of the user. The sidewalls of upper compartment  12  are provided with a number of pass-through holes or passageways. 
     The lateral passageways  18  in the lower half of upper compartment  12  are provided to accommodate the arms of the user. By extending forearms  19  through passageways  18 , the user can embrace the pillow to keep it close to the user&#39;s torso thus providing a stable relationship between the user and the pillow. In a similar manner, the user&#39;s arms  19  while extending through passageways  18  provide the user with the ability to lean on the forearms in the resting position so as to provide added support for the shoulders and upper torso of the user. 
     The upper portion of compartment  12  has lateral passageway  20  open to each side and a third passageway  22  open from the backside of the pillow extending through the pillow and away from the face of the user. Passageways  20  and  22  provide the user with airflow access when the head is in place. As may best be seen in  FIG. 3 , the nose and mouth of the user are fully accessible to outside air through passage way  22  and although the face of the user may not be fully seen in  FIG. 1 , the user also has access to air through passageways  20 . 
     Turning again to  FIG. 5 , it will be seen that the lower compartment  14  has a hollow center portion at  24 . Hollow center  24  does not provide a passageway but rather is provided to diminish the volume of the lower compartment  14  thus requiring less air be injected, while the sidewalls  25  of hollow center  24  provide added vertical and lateral stability to support base  14 . In  FIGS. 2 and 3  a lower passageway  23 - 27  extends through from back side to face side providing reduced inside airspace and affords enhanced rigidity to the upper compartment. Opening  27  on the face side provides an indentation to accommodate a user&#39;s abdomen and/or breasts. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the unique support features of the present invention are best illustrated. The person figure shown in dotted lines will be seen with the shoulder area at support structure  30  in contact with the upper compartment  12  gaining a pressure point  30   a . The head and face of the user is seen in Figures land  3  in a “full-face” insertion into opening  22  in the upper area of compartment  12  which generally comprises a head receiving structure, wherein the chin of the user is conferred with chin rest structure  32  in compartment  12  conferring a pressure point  32   a , and the forehead of the user is afforded an inner resting structure  33  in the head receiving structure obtaining a pressure point at  33   a . Inner sidewalls  21  (see  FIG. 2 ) of compartment  20  will contact the sides and cheeks of the user&#39;s head to provided lateral support structures for the head and neck; thus achieving the full-face plant support for the user&#39;s head. 
     The arms  19  of the user shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 3  and in solid lines in  FIG. 1  pass through passageways  18 . In this posture, the forearms contact portions of passageway  20  at support structure  34  obtaining pressure points  34   a , as the user embraces or pulls the pillow toward the torso. The forward leaning user may rest on forearms  19 , contacting structure of the passageway  18  at  35 , obtaining pressure points  35   a  at said structure, thereby providing through the forearms, support for the user&#39;s upper arms and shoulders. Embracing the pillow with the arms  19  enhances the stability and effectiveness of the device by engaging support structure at  30  at pressure points  30   a  against the chest and/or shoulders. 
     It will be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3  that the face of the user is substantially inserted into the open face of the head receiving structure and that the eyes of the user are at least partially shielded from ambient light, at least in the lateral direction. While the upper portion of passageway  22  may partly shield the user&#39;s eyes from ambient light available through passageways  20  and  22 , additional light shielding could be obtained, if desired, by placing an optional flap (not shown) over the outer opening of passageway  22  or hanging inside the passageway, without substantially diminishing air ventilation to the user which would still be available through passageways  20  and  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it will be seen that the user is substantially stable when in position the head receiving structure, leaning forward with the face fully planted, because the spine  39  remains substantially as straight as that obtained in an upright posture, except in the cervical area  39   a , which is preferably caused to be tilted slightly back from the upright disposition, to hereby further relieve stress in the upper spinal area. There may be some forward curvature in the lumbar area, but to a minor degree. This is all a result of the optimum full face head support structures at  32 ,  33  and  21 , as well as support of the upper torso at  30 - 30   a , augmented by the support emanating from the forearm supports at  35   a . This maintenance of overall body support thus achieves a substantially straight and stable optimal spinal posture providing an optimum resting position nearly as ideal as laying in a supine position with a neck support; which, by the way, fully reclining passenger seats do not achieve. 
     A person using the resting pillow will first inflate the upper and lower compartments through the air valves until the desired degree of inflation is obtained in each compartment. The pillow is then placed upon the user&#39;s lap and lateral passageways  18  and  20  are preferably dimensioned to adequately span the vertical space between the person&#39;s lap and head. The person using the device then leans forward as shown in  FIG. 1  so that the head and neck are supported as shown in  FIG. 3  with the full face of the user obtaining full support at structures  32  and  33  and  21 , and the shoulders of the user obtaining support at pressure supports  30 - 30   a . The full weight of the person&#39;s head thereby obtains vertical support at pressure points  32   a  and  33   a , while the head receives lateral support by the inside wall structures  21  (see  FIG. 2 ) which rest against the sides of the head. The full-face support of the user&#39;s head stabilizes the user&#39;s head and upper spine with the head and cervical spine tilted very slightly back, all of which diminishes the tendency of the user&#39;s head to curve at all forwardly or to allow a reverse or backward curvature of the lower spine; the overall posture hence informing an enhanced and improved beneficial posture for a resting or sleeping user. With the user&#39;s arms  19  extending through passageways  18 , the user will embrace the pillow to keep it in stable contact with the body and may comfortably lean upon the forearms to obtain the benefit of supports at pressure points  35   a  to provide additional support for the upper arms and shoulders of the user. 
     As is clear from the foregoing description, the pillow will readily assist a person using it to comfortably rest or sleep while sitting in an upright, forward leaning position. When it is desired to terminate use and store the resting pillow, air valves  13  and  15  may be opened to exhaust the air so that the pillow may be folded up and stored in a compact condition. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in some detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to employ alterations or variations of the design without departing from the inventive concepts; hence, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the single embodiment or features thereof as shown and described above, rather that the invention enjoy the full scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.