Patent Publication Number: US-10321765-B2

Title: Travel pillow

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/951,421 to Wong, filed on Mar. 11, 2014 and entitled “Travel Pillow”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/518,719 to Wong, filed on Oct. 20, 2014 and entitled “Travel Pillow”, each of which is fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to pillows, and more particularly to an improved travel pillow. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Travel pillows are well known for helping people rest or sleep when in a seated position. However, such prior art travel pillows suffer from common drawbacks such being bulky, trapping heat and moisture between the pillow and the user&#39;s neck and head, and generally being unable to adequately or comfortably support the person&#39;s head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,686 to Cheatham on Aug. 9, 2005, discloses a travel pillow with some of these drawbacks. Little air is allowed to circulate between the pillow and the person&#39;s neck with this type of product, often resulting in an uncomfortably hot and sweaty neck. Further, this type of travel pillow causes the user&#39;s head to tilt forward due to a relatively large back portion that, when contacting the seat, puts pressure on the rear of the person&#39;s neck. U.S. Design Pat. No. D619,402 to Sternlight et al. on Jul. 13, 2010 teaches a similar device. PCT Application PCT/US2013/035646, published on Oct. 17, 2013 to Sternlight et al., teaches a similar device, albeit with a thinner back portion. However, low air circulation is also a drawback of this device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present device is a pillow for supporting the head of a person when seated, such as when sitting in an airline seat. The pillow comprises a generally U-shaped frame that has two side members and a rear member. A padded generally U-shaped cushion is fixed with the frame and is adapted to support the person&#39;s head when the frame and the cushion are fixed about the person&#39;s neck. In one embodiment, the pillow includes a plurality of cushions each fixed along the frame and adapted to support the person&#39;s head when the frame and cushions are fixed about the person&#39;s neck. The cushions may be contoured to conform to the person&#39;s jaw, shoulders, and head. The frame may be fixed completely within the cushions, be fixed with an outside surface of the cushions, or both by traversing the cushions at frame apertures of the cushions. 
     The present device is a travel pillow for a person. A preferably U-shaped resilient inner frame includes a rear portion and two side portions. Each side portion, and optionally the rear portion, includes at least one lateral, transverse air apertures therethrough. Each side portion of the inner frame further includes a forward end. 
     In one embodiment, the frame and the cushions both include a plurality of mutually-aligned ventilation apertures traversing from an inside surface of the frame and cushions to the outside surface of the frame and cushions. As such, heated air between the person&#39;s neck and the pillow may escape through the ventilation apertures, resulting in the cooling of the person&#39;s neck and head. 
     A removable outer cover may be adapted for receiving therein each cushion and frame. The cover may include a bag configuration for transporting or storing the pillow when not in use. Alternately, a separate carrying bag may be included. 
     In certain other embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of connectable segments. Adjacent such segments are preferably selectively adjustably connectable, such as with a pin-and-aperture type mechanical fastening mechanism, or the like. As such, the size of the frame is selectively adjustable to fit the person&#39;s head and neck. In one embodiment, the frame includes an inner L-shaped segment and an outer L-shaped segment that are mutually rotatably fixed at a pivot. As such, the segments may be rotated between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the frame includes a living hinge between each side member and the rear member. Alternately, the side members and rear member of the frame are each separate segments, with each side member and the rear member pivotally mutually fixed at a hinge mechanism. As such, the pillow may be folded at each living hinge between a collapsed position and an expanded position. 
     In one embodiment, the pillow includes the padded, generally U-shaped cushion having two side sections, a rear section, the inside surface and the outside surface, but no internal frame. The cushion is adapted for supporting the person&#39;s head when the cushion is fixed about the person&#39;s neck. The cushion further includes the plurality of ventilation apertures traversing the cushion between the inside and outside surfaces, thereof. In one such embodiment, each ventilation apertures may further include a rigid or resilient grommet adapted to add rigidity and support to the pillow. Such an embodiment may include the outer cover made from an air-permeable mesh or woven material. Alternately the cover may include cover apertures therethrough, each aligned with a corresponding ventilation aperture of the cushion. 
     In one such embodiment, each ventilation apertures may further include a rigid or resilient grommet adapted to add rigidity a30nd support to the pillow. Such an embodiment may include the outer cover made from an air-permeable mesh or woven material. Alternately the cover may include cover apertures therethrough, each aligned with a corresponding ventilation aperture of the cushion. In one embodiment, adjacent grommets may be connected to form framing grommets. In such an embodiment, the grommets may include an L-shaped radial cross-section or an elongated radial cross-section, so as to add sufficient rigidity to the pillow at the two side sections to support the person&#39;s head when worn. 
     Alternately, the pillow includes the U-shaped cushion and a pair of lateral frames at the two side sections. Each such lateral frame includes at least one of the ventilation apertures therethrough. In one embodiment, each lateral frame is fixed to either the inside surface or the outside surface of one of the side sections. Alternately, each lateral frame is fixed within one of the side sections. Each lateral frame is preferably made with a material of higher density than the cushion. 
     In one embodiment, the pillow further includes a pair of tie strings each looped through one of the forward-most ventilation apertures and adapted to me mutually and selectively fastened, preferably with a two-part mechanical fastener. In the embodiment of the pillow having the cover, each tie string may be threaded between the cover and the cushion, exiting the cover at a forward end of the cover at a tie string aperture. 
     In one embodiment, a plurality of vertical supports is fixed within the cushion on either side of the ventilation apertures. Each vertical support has a density higher than the cushion, and may be fixed between the outside surface of the cushion and each lateral frame. 
     In one embodiment, each side portion of the cushion terminates a lower side thereof with an outwardly-extending flared portion. As such, the lower side and the front sides of each side portion rest on the person&#39;s chest to help support the person&#39;s head when worn. 
     The pillow may further include a plurality of vertical ventilation apertures, preferably each intersecting one of the horizontal ventilation apertures. The framing grommets may be fixed externally to the cushion, internally to the cushion, partially or fully within either the horizontal ventilation apertures, partially or fully within either the vertical ventilation apertures, or both. In one embodiment, the inside surface of the cushion further includes a plurality of vertical ventilation channels, each of which preferably intersects one of the horizontal ventilation apertures. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the pillow having the pair of lateral frames, each lateral frame includes at least one ventilation aperture having a supporting grid thereacross, the frame and grid being integrally formed from a resilient polymer material. 
     The present invention is a travel pillow that is compact and provides for a collapsed configuration for easier travel or storage when not in use. The present device further provides for heat and moisture dissipation between the pillow and the user&#39;s head and neck, and is contoured and internally supported to better retain the user&#39;s head in a comfortable position even while seated. The present invention is further relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a U-shaped outer cushion is fixed about the inner frame and includes a rear portion and two side portions. Each side portion, and optionally the rear portion, includes at least one lateral, transverse air apertures therethrough that are each aligned with one of the air apertures of the inner frame. Each side portion of the outer cushion further includes a forward end. 
     In one embodiment, an upper front portion of the side portions extends upward for contacting the person&#39;s jaw and cheek areas to support the person&#39;s head in a neutral position. The upper front portion of each side portion is padded such that the cushion compresses at least slightly for continuous support of the person&#39;s head when the person&#39;s head is in the neutral position, upright and balanced from side-to-side. 
     The air apertures provide for an abundance of air flow through to the person&#39;s neck. The relative size of each of the apertures may vary in size to allow different compression characteristics along the top of the travel pillow. Pillars defined between each aperture are provided to control flexion of the top portion of the outer cushion and inner frame, improve support of the person&#39;s head, and provide for a wide range of sizes. 
     For example, apertures, at the rear portions, may be relatively large so that the top side of the cushion at the rear portion may flex more than, for example, along areas of the side portion. Alternately, larger apertures towards the front of the side portions allow for greater air flow and flexing at the front area of the travel pillow, while smaller apertures and more rigid pillars in the back portion provide for greater support at the back of the person&#39;s head. 
     The travel pillow preferably can further include a closure mechanism fixed with the side portions of the inner frame and outer cushion. Preferably the side portions each include a drawstring aperture at a forward end, thereof. The closure mechanism may include, for example, a drawstring traversing the drawstring apertures of each side portion. Such a drawstring is adapted to selectively and adjustably hold the forward ends mutually together. Alternately, the closure mechanism may be the drawstring traversing at least one of the air apertures, instead of the drawstring apertures. 
     The drawstring preferably includes two halves, each of which is fixed at a proximal end thereof to the side portions at one of the drawstring apertures thereof. Each drawstring half is mutually and selectively fixable at a distal end thereof at one part of a two-part mechanical fastener. Such a two-part mechanical fastener preferably includes at least one magnet for holding each part together. Each part of the two-part mechanical fastener further preferably includes a spring-biased drawstring cinch mechanism for selectively fixing the part to one of the drawstring halves at a selected position along the length of the drawstring half. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, each side portion of the outer cushion includes an ear depression formed in a top side thereof. Such an ear depression is adapted to reduce the chance of contact between the top side of the outer cushion with the person&#39;s ears, earphones, ear buds, or the like. 
     The inner frame is preferably C-shaped in cross section at least along part of the side portions. As such, the top portion of the inner frame may flex under the weight of the person&#39;s head as the lower part of the inner frame resists flexing. Each side portion of the outer cushion may further include a jawbone depression formed in the top side thereof, such that the travel pillow generally fits under and around a person&#39;s jaw to support his head. 
     A flexible, preferably elastic chin sling may be fixed between the forward ends of each side portion of the outer cushion. Such a chin sling is adapted to support the person&#39;s chin to keep the person&#39;s head in a substantially upright position. The sling may be removable, adjustable in length and elasticity, include cooling and forming materials such as gel or micro beads, and may also function as the closure mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the travel pillow further includes a flexible cover that has an opening therethrough into which the inner frame and the outer cushion are inserted. The cover includes at least one ventilation area through which air may travel. Preferably the cover includes a flexible 4-way stretch fabric. 
     The present invention is a travel pillow that has a dynamic compression frame and cushioning that has superior support architecture. The present device allows proper flexion for load distributions and dissipations, adjusts to the person&#39;s particular anatomy, promotes air flow between the pillow and the person&#39;s neck for reducing sweat and increasing comfort. The present device comfortably maintains the user&#39;s head in an upright, neutral position during use, and supports the user&#39;s head even if tilted to one side or back. The present invention is contoured and internally supported to better retain the user&#39;s head in a comfortable position while seated. The present device is further relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention, showing a frame embedded within a padded cushion; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having ventilation apertures through side members of the frame and cushion; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken generally along line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the frame comprises multiple separated segments mutually adjustably fixed at a mechanical fastener; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of  FIG. 7  illustrated with the segments mutually affixed; 
         FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of  FIG. 9  illustrated with the segments mutually affixed; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment wherein two segments are mutually pivotally attached, the pillow being illustrated in an expanded configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of that shown in  FIG. 11 , except the pillow being in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective diagram of  FIG. 11 , except the pillow being in the collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of  FIG. 12 , except the pillow being in the expanded configuration; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having a living hinge formed between the side members and the rear member of the frame, the pillow being shown in an expanded configuration; 
         FIG. 15B  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15A  in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having a hinge mechanism between the side members and the rear member of the frame, and further illustrated a removable cover of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having multiple cushions; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 19  but further including the ventilation apertures; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20  but further including the ventilation apertures; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having the cushion but no frame, and instead having resilient or rigid grommets fixed about the ventilation apertures; 
         FIG. 24  is an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26A  is a cross-sectional view through one of the apertures of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26B  is a cross-sectional view through one of the apertures of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two internal frames; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the invention having two external frames; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of  FIG. 27  but having a ventilated material covering the apertures of the frame; 
         FIG. 30  a perspective view of  FIG. 28  but having a ventilated material covering the apertures of the frame; 
         FIG. 31A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment having two frames made with a higher density cushioning pad than the cushion thereof; 
         FIG. 31B  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment wherein the frame is made with a higher density cushioning pad than the cushion thereof; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27 , having a tie string looped through two of the ventilation apertures; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 27  having vertical supports; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 38A  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38B  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38C  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38D  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a forth embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38E  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38F  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38G  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38H  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a eighth embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38I  is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal ventilation apertures, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the frame; 
         FIG. 38J  is a cross-sectional view of a tubular grommet inserted into a horizontal ventilation aperture; 
         FIG. 39K  a cross-sectional view of a tubular grommet inserted into a vertical ventilation aperture; 
         FIG. 39  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the cushion, showing a plurality of vertical ventilation channels; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the pillow, showing an ear depression in a top contoured surface of the cushion; 
         FIG. 40A  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 40  along line  40 A; and 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the framing grommet. 
         FIG. 42  is a front elevational view of the invention; 
         FIG. 43A  is a top plan view of an inner frame of the invention; 
         FIG. 43B  is a right-side elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 43C  is an alternate right-side elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 44A  is a top plan view of the invention; 
         FIG. 44B  is a right-side elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 45A  is a front elevational view of the invention, illustrating in phantom outline the position of the internal frame within an outer cushion of the invention and; 
         FIG. 45B  is a front elevational view of a closure mechanism of the invention, illustrated with the inner frame and the cushion omitted for clarity of illustration; 
         FIG. 46  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the inner frame; 
         FIG. 47  is a front elevational view of another embodiment, illustrated with the inner frame and outer cushion cut away to show the interface between the invention and a person&#39;s jaw; 
         FIG. 48  is a partial side elevational view of another embodiment showing a rear portion of the invention sloped with respect to vertical; 
         FIG. 49A  is a side elevational view of the invention, showing an air aperture area as compared to a non-aperture area; 
         FIG. 49B  is a rear elevational view of the invention, showing an air aperture area as compared to a non-aperture area; and 
         FIG. 50  is a bottom perspective view of a cover of the invention; 
         FIG. 51A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of a chin sling of the invention; and 
         FIG. 51B  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the chin sling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” 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.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. When the word “each” is used to refer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least one in number, the word “each” does not necessarily imply a plurality of the elements, but can also mean a singular element. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a pillow  10  for supporting the head  25  of a person  20  when seated, such as when sitting in an airline seat (not shown). The pillow  10  may also be used for those lying in a supine position on a bed (not shown) or other flat surface, or even a slanted surface (not shown). The pillow  10  supports the head  25  of the person from falling to the left or right uncomfortably. 
     The pillow  10  comprises a generally U-shaped frame  30  that has two side members  40  and a rear member  50 . The frame  30  may be made from a suitably resilient or rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum, wood, rubber, or the like. In one embodiment, the frame  30  is made with a higher-density foam material than is the cushion  60  ( FIG. 31B ). 
     A padded generally U-shaped cushion  60  is fixed with the frame  30  and is adapted to support the person&#39;s head  25  when the frame  30  and the cushion  60  are fixed about the person&#39;s neck  23 . The cushion  60  may preferably include a contoured lower surface  62  for conforming to the curvature of the person&#39;s shoulders  27 . Likewise, the cushion  60  may further include a contoured upper surface  68  conforming to the curvature of the person&#39;s jaw  24 . A contoured upper surface  68  of the cushion  60  may further conform to the curvature of the back  26  of the person&#39;s head  25 . Further, the contoured upper surface  68  may include an ear depression  350  for receiving a person&#39;s ear without contacting the ear, and for making room for access to the ear with headphones, so-called “ear buds,” or the like ( FIG. 40 ). The cushion  60  may be made from a suitably padded, resilient foam material, either open or closed foam, or other suitable material such as low-density rubber, foam rubber, or the like. Further, such a cushion  60  may further include a closed outer shell (not shown) that is generally water resistant. 
     In one embodiment, the frame  30  is fixed completely within the padded cushion  60  and the frame  30  is made from a rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum, or the like ( FIG. 1 ). Alternately, the frame  30  may be fixed to an outside surface  69  of the padded cushion  60  ( FIG. 2 ). Alternately, the frame  30  may be fixed partially within the cushion  60 , wherein the frame  30  projects through the cushion  60  at a plurality of frame apertures  70  in the cushion  60  ( FIG. 3 ). In such an embodiment, the rear member  50  may be fixed within the cushion  60  and the side members  40  of the frame  30  traverse the frame apertures  70  of the cushion  60  and are fixed to the outside surface  69  of the cushion  60  ( FIG. 3 ), or alternately the rear member  50  of the frame  30  is fixed with the outer side  69  of the cushion  60  and the side members  40  of the frame  60  each traverse the frame apertures  70  in the cushion  60  and are at least partially fixed within the cushion  60  (not shown). 
     In one preferred embodiment, the frame  30  and the cushion  60  both include a plurality of mutually-aligned horizontal ventilation apertures  80  ( FIG. 4A ) traversing from an inside surface of the frame  31  and cushion  61  to the outside surface of the frame  39  and cushion  69  ( FIG. 4B ). As such, heated air between the person&#39;s neck  23  and the pillow  10  may escape through the ventilation apertures  80 , resulting in the cooling of the person&#39;s neck  23  and head  25 . 
     In one embodiment, the pillow  10  includes a plurality of cushions  60  ( FIGS. 19-22 ), each fixed along the frame  30  and adapted to support the person&#39;s head  25  when the frame  30  and cushions  60  are fixed about the person&#39;s neck  23 . In such an embodiment, the frame  30  may traverse at least one of the cushions  60  ( FIGS. 20 and 22 ) through frame apertures  70  of the at least one cushion  60 . For example, the rear member  50  may be fixed within one of the cushions  60  and the side members  40  of the frame  30  may be fixed to the outside surface  69  of the other cushions  60  (not shown), or alternately the rear member  50  of the frame  30  may be fixed with the outer side  69  of one of the cushions  60  and the side members  40  of the frame  30  may each traverse the frame apertures  70  in the other cushions  60  and be at least partially fixed within the other cushions  60  (not shown). Alternately, the frame  30  may be fixed to the outside surface  69  of all of the padded cushions  60  ( FIGS. 19 and 21 ). The ventilation apertures  80  may further be included in one or more of the cushion  60  in such an embodiment ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ). 
     In such an embodiment having the plurality of cushions  60 , two of the cushions  60  may include the contoured lower surface  62  for conforming to the curvature of the person&#39;s shoulders  27 . Likewise, such cushions  60  may further include the contoured upper surface  68  conforming to the curvature of the person&#39;s jaw  24 . A rear cushion  60  may include the contoured upper surface  68  for conforming to the curvature of the back  26  of the person&#39;s head  25 . 
     A removable outer cover  160  ( FIG. 18 ) may be included, the outer cover  160  adapted for receiving therein the cushion  60  or cushions  60  and frame  30 . The cover  160  may include a bag configuration (not shown) for transporting or storing the pillow  10  when not in use. Alternately, a separate carrying bag (not shown) may be included. 
     In certain other embodiments, the frame  30  includes a plurality of connectable segments  90  ( FIGS. 7-14 and 18 ). Adjacent such segments  90  are preferably selectively adjustably connectable, such as with a pin-and-aperture type mechanical fastening mechanism  100 , or the like ( FIGS. 7-10 ). Telescoping mechanisms (not shown) may alternately be utilized as the fastening mechanism  100 . As such, the size of the frame  30  is selectively adjustable to fit the person&#39;s head  25  and neck  23 . 
     In one embodiment, the frame  30  includes an inner L-shaped segment  110  and an outer L-shaped segment  120  ( FIGS. 11-14 ) that are mutually rotatably fixed at a pivot  130 . As such, the segments  110 , 120  may be rotated between a collapsed configuration  140  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) and an expanded configuration  150  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
     In one embodiment, the frame  30  includes a living hinge  170  ( FIGS. 15A-17 ) between each side member  40  and the rear member  50 . Alternately, the side members  40  and rear member  50  of the frame  30  are each separate segments  90 , with each side member  40  and the rear member  50  pivotally mutually fixed at a hinge mechanism  210  ( FIG. 18 ). As such, the pillow  10  may be folded at each living hinge  170  between a collapsed position  180  ( FIG. 15A ) and an expanded position  190  ( FIGS. 15A and 18 ). 
     In one embodiment, the pillow  10  includes the padded, generally U-shaped cushion  60  having two side sections  220 , a rear section  230 , the inside surface  61  and the outside surface  69 . The cushion  60  is adapted for supporting the person&#39;s head  25  when the cushion  60  is fixed about the person&#39;s neck  23 . The cushion  60  further includes the plurality of ventilation apertures  80  traversing the cushion  60  between the inside and outside surfaces  61 , 69  thereof. In one embodiment, each ventilation aperture  80  is covered with a ventilating material  280 , such as a mesh or loosely-woven material ( FIGS. 29 and 30 ). 
     In one such embodiment, each ventilation apertures  80  may further include a rigid or resilient grommet  240  ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ) adapted to add rigidity and support to the pillow  10 . Such an embodiment may include the outer cover  160  made from an air-permeable mesh or woven material. Alternately the cover  160  may include cover apertures  250  therethrough, each aligned with a corresponding ventilation aperture  80  of the cushion  60 . In one embodiment, adjacent grommets  240  may be connected with a connector  261  to form framing grommets  260  ( FIG. 25 ). 
     In such an embodiment, the grommets  24  may include an L-shaped radial cross-section  261  or an elongated radial cross-section  262  ( FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 38A-38I ), so as to add sufficient rigidity to the pillow  10  at the two side sections  220  to support the person&#39;s head  25  when worn. 
     Alternately, the pillow  10  includes the U-shaped cushion  60  and a pair of lateral frames  270  ( FIGS. 27-34 ) at the two side sections  220 . Each such lateral frame  270  includes at least one of the ventilation apertures  80  therethrough. In one embodiment, each lateral frame  270  is fixed to either the inside surface  61  or the outside surface  69  of one of the side sections  220  ( FIGS. 28 and 30 ). Alternately, each lateral frame  270  is fixed within one of the side sections  220  ( FIGS. 27 and 29 ). Each lateral frame  270  is preferably made with a material  271  of higher density than the cushion  60  ( FIG. 31A ). 
     In one embodiment, the pillow  10  further includes a pair of tie strings  290  ( FIGS. 32 and 33 ) each looped through one of the forward-most ventilation apertures  80  and adapted to me mutually and selectively fastened, preferably with a two-part mechanical fastener  300 . In the embodiment of the pillow  10  having the cover  160 , each tie string  290  may be threaded between the cover  160  and the cushion  60 , exiting the cover  160  at a forward end  162  of the cover  160  at a tie string aperture  164  ( FIG. 32 ). 
     In one embodiment, a plurality of vertical supports  310  ( FIGS. 34-36 ) is fixed within the cushion  60  on either side of the ventilation apertures  80 . Each vertical support has a density higher than the cushion  60 , and may be fixed between the outside surface  69  of the cushion  60  and each lateral frame  270 . 
     In one embodiment, each side portion  220  of the cushion  60  terminates a lower side  61  thereof with an outwardly-extending flared portion  320  ( FIGS. 36 and 37 ). As such, the lower side  61  and the front sides of each side portion  220  rest on the person&#39;s chest to help support the person&#39;s head  25  when worn. 
     The pillow  10  may further include a plurality of vertical ventilation apertures  330  ( FIGS. 38E-38H and 38K ), preferably each intersecting one of the horizontal ventilation apertures  80 . The framing grommets  260  may be fixed externally to the cushion  60 , internally to the cushion  60 , partially or fully within either the horizontal ventilation apertures  80 , partially or fully within either the vertical ventilation apertures  330 , or both ( FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 38A-38I ).  FIG. 39  illustrates an embodiment wherein the inside surface  61  of the cushion  60  further includes a plurality of vertical ventilation channels  340 , each of which preferably intersects one of the horizontal ventilation apertures  80 . The framing grommets  260  may take the form of a tube  242  insertable into either the horizontal ventilation aperture  80  ( FIG. 38J ), or the vertical ventilation aperture  330  ( FIG. 38K ). 
       FIG. 41  illustrates an embodiment of the pillow  10  wherein each lateral frame  270  includes at least one ventilation aperture  80  having a supporting grid  360  thereacross, the frame  270  and grid  360  being integrally formed from a resilient polymer material. The frame  270  and grid  360  may be externally mounted with the cushion  60 , or internally mounted. 
       FIGS. 42-45B  illustrate a travel pillow  510  for a person  520 . The travel pillow  510  is well suited for use while the person  520  is sitting, such as while traveling by plane, train, automobile, or the like. 
     A resilient inner frame  530  includes a rear portion  540  and two side portions  550 . The inner frame  530  is preferably U-shaped ( FIG. 43A ). Each side portion  550 , and optionally the rear portion  540 , includes at least one lateral, transverse air apertures  560  therethrough ( FIG. 43B ). Each side portion  550  of the inner frame  530  further includes a forward end  532 . A top portion  539  of the inner frame  530  is preferably linear ( FIG. 43B ), or concave ( FIG. 43C ) to allow for a comfortable interface between the person&#39;s jaw and cheek areas  522  and the travel pillow  510 . The top portion  539  of the side portions  550  of the inner frame  530  may also be concave in shape in a front elevational view ( FIG. 47 ), further providing for cupping of the person&#39;s jaw and cheek areas  522 . The inner frame  530  is made with a resilient plastic or foam material. While the inner frame  530  is preferably U-shaped, as illustrated in  FIG. 43A , other embodiments may include a two-part inner frame comprising of the two side portions  550  without the rear portion  540 , or three discrete pieces comprising the two side portions  550  and the rear portion  540  that are not in mutual contact, or the like. 
     A U-shaped outer cushion  570  is fixed about the inner frame  530  and includes a rear portion  580  and two side portions  590 . Each side portion  590 , and optionally the rear portion  580 , includes at least one lateral, transverse air apertures  600  therethrough that are each aligned with one of the air apertures  560  of the inner frame  530 . Each side portion  590  of the outer cushion  570  further includes a forward end  572 . The outer cushion  570  is made with a pliable or malleable material, such as so-called memory foam, soft rubber, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, an upper front portion  559  ( FIG. 44B ) of the side portions  590  extends upward for contacting the person&#39;s jaw and cheek areas  522  to support the person&#39;s head  525  in a neutral position. The upper front portion  559  of each side portion  590  is padded such that the cushion  570  compresses at least slightly for continuous support of the person&#39;s head  525  when the person&#39;s head  525  is in the neutral position, upright and balanced from side-to-side. 
     The air apertures  560 , 600  preferably cover a surface area A 1  of between 5% and 85% compared to the non-aperture area A 2  ( FIGS. 49A and 49B ), providing for flexion under load compression, and an abundance of air flow through to the person&#39;s neck  526 . As such, the air apertures  560 , 600  in the inner frame  530  and the outer cushion  570  allow the top side  571  to flex under the weight of the person&#39;s head  525 . The relative size of each of the apertures  560 , 600  may vary in size to allow different compression characteristics along the length of the travel pillow  510 . For example, apertures  560 , 600  at the rear portions  540 , 580  may be relatively small for better structurally support. Moreover, a plurality of reinforcements  720  ( FIG. 46 ) may be fixed with the inner frame  530  between certain of the air apertures  560  on pillars  722  formed therebetween in order to reduce bending of the inner frame  530  except at a top portion  539  thereof. One or more flex grooves  725  may also be formed in one or more of the resilient pillars  722  to further promote flexing thereof when under pressure at the flex grooves  725 . 
     Each side portion  550  of the inner frame  530  preferably further includes at least one folding groove  770  proximate the rear portion  540  ( FIG. 43A ). As such, the side portions  590  of the outer cushion  570  and the side portions  550  of the inner frame  530  may each be folded towards the rear portions  540 , 580  for compact storing of the travel pillow  510 . A similar folding groove  770  may be included at corresponding locations on the outer cushion  570  as well (not shown). Another folding groove  770  proximate the front end  532  of the inner frame  530  may be included for providing better fitting around a smaller person  520 . 
     The travel pillow  510  preferably further includes a closure mechanism  620  fixed with the side portions  532 , 572  of the inner frame  530  and/or the outer cushion  570 . Preferably the side portions  550 , 590  of the inner frame  530  and the outer cushion  570  each include a drawstring aperture  610  at a forward end  532 , 572  thereof, respectively. The closure mechanism  620  may include, for example, a drawstring  621  traversing the drawstring apertures  610  of each side portion  550 , 590 . Such a drawstring  621  is adapted to selectively and adjustably hold the forward ends  532 , 572  mutually together. Alternately, the closure mechanism  620  may be the drawstring  621  traversing at least one of the air apertures  560 , 600  instead of the drawstring apertures  610 . Alternately, the closure mechanism  620  may be a length of hook-and-loop type fastening material (not shown) looped through at least one of the air apertures  560 , 600 , or a strap with a mechanical snap fastener (not shown), or the like. 
     The drawstring  621  preferably includes two halves  625 , each of which is fixed a a proximal end  624  thereof to the side portions  550 , 590  of the inner frame  530  and the outer cushion  570  at one of the drawstring apertures  610  thereof. Each drawstring half  625  is mutually and selectively fixable at a distal end  626  thereof at one part  631  of a two-part mechanical fastener  630  ( FIGS. 42, 45A &amp; 45B ). Such a two-part mechanical fastener  630  preferably includes at least one magnet  640  for holding each part  631  together. Each part  631  of the two-part mechanical fastener  630  further preferably includes a spring-biased drawstring cinch mechanism  650  for selectively fixing the part  631  to one of the drawstring halves  625  at a selected position along the length of the drawstring half  625 . 
     A pair of drawstring anchors  680  ( FIGS. 45A, 45B ) may be included, each having a tube  690  fixed with a center portion  705  of a disk  700 . The tube  690  is adapted for fitting within one of the drawstring apertures  610 , and the disk  700  is large enough to prevent the anchor  680  from traversing the drawstring aperture  610 . The proximal end  624  of each drawstring half  625  terminates at a T-shaped anchor  710  which is able to traverse each drawstring apertures  610  when aligned with the end  624  of the drawstring half  625 , but when flipped  90 -degrees is retained by the disk  700  and prevented from being pulled back through the drawstring aperture  610 . As such, the drawstring  621  may not be pulled through the inner frame  530  or outer cushion  570 . Both the inner frame  530  and the outer cushion  570  may further include a thicker anchor reinforcement area  611  about the drawstring apertures  610  to further inhibit the drawstring  620  from being pulled through or ripping the outer cushion  570  or the inner frame  530 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, each side portion  590  of the outer cushion  570  includes an ear depression  660  ( FIG. 49A ) formed in a top side  571  thereof. Such an ear depression  660  is adapted to reduce the chance of contact between the top side  571  of the outer cushion  570  with the person&#39;s ears  528 , earphones (not shown), ear buds (not shown), or the like. 
     Preferably, at least a portion of an inside surface  574  of the outer cushion  570  at the top side  571  thereof or a center portion  575  thereof ( FIG. 47 ) is sloped inwardly with respect to a bottom side  579  thereof, preferably at an angle α of between 2 and 85-degrees. Preferably, along the inside surface  574 , the center portion  575  protrudes inwardly along at least one portion of its length with respect to the top and bottom sides  571 , 579  of the outer cushion. This angle α may vary along the length of the side portions  590  and rear portion  580 . 
     In such an embodiment, the inner frame  530  is preferably C-shaped in cross section ( FIG. 47 ), preferably at least along part of the side portions  550 . As such, the top portion  539  of the inner frame  530  may flex under the weight of the person&#39;s head  525  as the lower part of the inner frame  530  resists flexing. 
     In one embodiment, an outside surface  576  of the outer cushion  570  at the top side  571  thereof is sloped outwardly with respect to the bottom side  579  thereof, preferably at an angle β of between 2 and 30-degrees ( FIG. 48 ). As such, contact between the outer cushion  570  and a seat (not shown) urges the travel pillow  510  to tilt forward rather than backward, a forward tilt of the travel pillow  510  being more comfortable to the person  520  and reducing the choking effect caused when such a travel pillow is tilted upward. That notwithstanding, the rear portions  540 , 580  are thin enough to minimize pressure transmitted from the seat through the rear portions  540 , 580  to the back of the person&#39;s head  525 . 
     In one embodiment, each side portion  590  of the outer cushion  570  further includes a jawbone depression  670  formed in the top side  571  thereof, such that the travel pillow  510  generally fits under and around a person&#39;s jaw  522  to support his head  525  ( FIGS. 44A and 47 ). Preferably when the person&#39;s head  525  is in a neutral vertical position, the top side  571  of the outer cushion  570  is compressed slightly to provide support to the person&#39;s head  525  in the neutral position ( FIG. 42 ). 
     A flexible, preferably elastic chin sling  760  ( FIGS. 44A, 51A , &amp;  51 B) may be fixed between the forward ends  572  of each side portion  590  of the outer cushion  570 . Such a chin sling  760  is adapted to support the person&#39;s chin  527  to keep the person&#39;s head  525  in a substantially upright position. The sling  760  may be adjustable in location, length and elasticity, and may also function as the closure mechanism  620 . 
     Such a chin sling  760  may include the mechanical two-part fastener  630  such as buttons ( FIG. 51A ), snaps (not shown), a buckle ( FIG. 51B ), magnets ( FIG. 44A ), hook and loop-type material (not shown), or the like. Such a chin sling  760  may be selectively removable from one of the side portions  590  or both of the side portions  590 . 
     In one embodiment, the travel pillow  510  further includes a flexible cover  730  ( FIG. 50 ) that has an opening  740  therethrough into which the inner frame  30  and the outer cushion  570  are inserted. The cover  730  includes at least one ventilation area  750  through which air may travel through the cover  730 , the air apertures  560 , 600  of the inner frame  530  and the outer cushion  570 , and through the cover  730  again. Preferably the cover includes a flexible 4-way stretch fabric. 
     While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 
     Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
     The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
     Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
     While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.