Patent Publication Number: US-2019191899-A1

Title: Self-inflating travel meditation mat and pillow

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/557,407, filed Sep. 12, 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to travel mediation pillows and mats. More specifically, the present invention relates to self-inflating travel mediation pillows and mats of various sizes and configurations. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a self-inflatable combination travel pillow and meditation device. The device includes a mat portion having a first geometry and a pillow portion having a second geometry. At least one nozzle is configured such that in a first position the nozzle allows and forces air into the device for inflating the mat or pillow portion and in a second position the nozzle maintains the air in the device, and in a third position the nozzle allows the air to be forced from the device for deflating the device. The mat portion and pillow portion are integrally formed such that when inflating the device, the pillow portion pops-up above the mat portion. The first geometry and the second geometry are different such that the mat portion and the pillow portion have different dimensions. 
     The pillow portion comprises two inner chambers, a center chamber and a perimeter chamber, for receiving air for inflating the pillow portion wherein the inner chambers are separated by one or more vertical sidewalls. The perimeter chamber further comprises one or more horizontal sidewalls positioned spaced apart from an upper and lower wall of the perimeter chamber along a height of the perimeter chamber. One or more of these sidewalls has an inlet (which is also an outlet when deflating the device) for allowing airflow between the cavities formed by the sidewalls and allowing inflation of both inner chambers of the pillow from a single nozzle. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first geometry of the mat portion is a square and the second geometry of the pillow portion is a rectangle wherein the mat portion is larger than the pillow portion. For example, the first geometry has a length at least two times larger than a corresponding length of the second geometry. The first geometry has a width that is about 20% greater than a corresponding width of the second geometry. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes a second nozzle, such that while the first nozzle is operably connected to the pillow portion for inflating only the pillow portion, the second nozzle is operably connected to the mat portion for inflating only the mat portion. When both the pillow and mat are inflated, a height of pillow is about four times greater than a height of the mat. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of inflating a combination travel and pillow and meditation device. Inflating the device includes providing a combination mat and pillow integrally formed and wherein the mat and pillow have different dimensions and inflating the device portion includes placing at least one nozzle in a first position and forcing air into the device through the nozzle such that the pillow inflates and pops-up from the mat. The method also includes maintaining the inflation of the mat and pillow at a selected firmness by placing the nozzle in a second position to lock the nozzle and deflating the mat and pillow portion by placing the nozzle in a third position allowing the air to be forced from the mat and pillow portion. 
     Inflating the mat includes forcing air into two inner chambers of the pillow portion wherein the inner chambers are separated by one or more sidewalls, where at least one side wall has an inlet opening therein to allow for the flow of air between the inner chambers. At least one of the inner chambers of the pillow portion further has one or more horizontal sidewalls positioned spaced apart from an upper and lower wall of the at least one inner chamber along a height of the perimeter chamber and wherein the one or more horizontal sidewalls have an inlet opening therein to allow for the flow of air within the at least one inner chamber. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, inflating the device further includes placing a second nozzle in a first position and forcing air into the device through the second nozzle such that the mat inflates. 
     The dimensions of the mat portion are greater than the dimensions of the pillow portion and wherein the dimensions of the mat portion comprise a length equal to a width and the dimensions of the pillow portion comprise a width greater than its length. 
     Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an inflatable meditation device that is a combination mat and pillow. The pillow has two inner chambers for inflation, wherein a vertical sidewall having an inlet for airflow physically separates the two inner chambers and wherein at least one inner chamber further has at least one horizontal sidewall having an inlet for airflow and wherein the pillow is fixedly secured to the mat while the mat and pillow are each provided with a nozzle such that the mat and pillow are individually inflatable. 
     The mat has first dimensions including a first width and a first length and wherein the pillow has second dimensions including a second width and a second length and wherein the first width is greater than the second width and the first length is greater than the second length and wherein the first width and the second width are substantially equal to one another and wherein the second width is greater than the second length. A height of pillow when inflated is about four times greater than a height of the mat when inflated such that the pillow pops-up from the mat when inflated. 
     The device described herein can be used for meditation, relaxation etc. Deflating the mat and pillow portion allows substantially all of the air to be forced from the mat and pillow portion. The mat can then be folded or rolled up compactly for travel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a self-inflating combination travel meditation pillow and mat. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the self-inflating combination travel meditation pillow and mat along line A-A in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the self-inflating combination travel meditation pillow and mat. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a cover for the combination travel meditation pillow and mat. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A self-inflatable, combination, travel pillow and meditation mat is illustrated in the figures. The combination travel pillow and mat may come in a variety of shapes and sized configured to support various meditation needs “on the go” or when a user is travelling or otherwise away from home. 
     A mat and a pillow are combined in a single unit, however it is contemplated that the self-inflatable travel pillow may also be separate from the also self-inflatable travel mat. When provided as separate components, the pillow and mat are individually inflatable and may be used together in various configurations. For example, the pillow may be secured to the mat with hook and loop fasteners, or the pillow may be used with the mat by way of a unitary cover (described in further detail below) where the cover has dimensions configured to receive the mat and the pillow with the pillow resting on the mat within the cover. 
     The combination travel pillow and meditation mat includes a mat portion and a pillow portion that, in one embodiment, are integrally connected such that one self-inflation mechanism and nozzle allows for inflation and deflation of both the mat and pillow portion. 
     One or both of the mat portion and the pillow portion may be equipped with the self-inflation mechanism and nozzle such that the mat portion and the pillow portion may be separable or individually inflated and/or deflated. 
     The pillow portion may be provided as a separate chamber from the mat portion wherein the chamber of the pillow portion is integral to the mat and extends at least partially thought the mat to provide the pillow portion on and above the mat when inflated. The chamber of the pillow portion has is a separate inflation mechanism and is inflatable separately from the mat chamber. 
     The self-inflation mechanism may comprise a nozzle for self-inflation such as a mouth nozzle or nozzle that can be used to manually inflate the mat and/or pillow using a hand pump, integrated pump, or a user&#39;s breathing into the nozzle. The nozzle may include a two-way or multi-way valve allowing for inflation and deflation of the device through the same nozzle. 
     The self-inflation mechanism may alternatively comprise a small motor operably connected to the nozzle such that manipulation of the nozzle (e.g., rotation, displacement, etc.) activates the motor to draw air into the mat and/pillow portion with an air pump. The self-inflation mechanism may alternatively or additionally be manually operated via a switch or button separately from the nozzle. 
     More specifically, the self-inflation mechanism may comprise a small air pump motor. The motor may be an electric air pump motor. The self-inflation mechanism is secured to at least one of an exterior surface of the mat portion and pillow portion and may installed in a compartment that protects the self-inflation mechanism while securing the mechanism to the unit and allowing for open access on at least one side of the air pump for drawing in air for inflating the unit. 
     The self-inflation mechanism may alternatively comprise a foam system wherein the mat and pillow comprise a porous foam (e.g., memory foam) that can be rolled or compacted by removal or expelling air from the foam to provide a compact mat and/or pillow. When unrolled or unpacked, the foam takes in air and expands to provide a cushion and depth to the mat and/or pillow. In this embodiment, the mat and pillow are constructed of a memory foam material or like foam that is porous and in which the air can be easily expelled when the foam is compacted. 
     The combination travel pillow and meditation mat, regardless of the mechanism of inflation can also be adjustable such that the for example, the pillow portion may be less inflated than the mat portion or vice versa. The pillow and mat are selectively inflatable and thus firmness is adjustable. 
     The combination travel pillow and meditation mat is a device that may be constructed of one or more materials. These materials may include one or more of the following: cotton, polyester, nylon, memory foam or blends thereof. The materials may also be durable and water resistant, such that the materials may easily be wiped down for cleaning. In the embodiment illustrated the travel pillow and mediation mat have outer layers are constructed from a synthetic waterproof fabric permeable to air and water vapor, examples of which including Gore-Tex®. Inner layers of the travel pillow and meditation mat may be comprised of polypropylene or like materials. This provides a durable inflatable device that can bear the weight of a user that is light weight and the outer layers are easily cleanable. 
     The mat portion is a cushion that may be construction of the same or a different material than the pillow portion. 
     The combination travel pillow and meditation mat may further comprise a cover portion. The cover portion may be a washable cover that is removable from covering the mat and/or pillow. The cover is configured to receive the mat and/or pillow therein and can be removably sealed around the mat and pillow via a resalable mechanism such as a zipper, button or other closure mechanism. The cover may be customizable with designs and/or labels or logos. The logos may be positioned on a top or side surface of the pillow and/or mat portion. The cover can receive the inflated and deflated combination travel pillow and meditation mat therein. 
     Further, the cover may be a singular construction having dimensions to receive the pillow and mat portion therein, and cover the devices when inflated. That is, the cover has dimensions that substantially match the dimensions of the inflated pillow and mat so as to smoothly cover the pillow and mat when inflated. 
     The cover may be constructed of a brushed or quilted cotton or organic cotton or like material that is washable, reusable, durable and soft. The cover may be constructed to provide additional padding to the mat and/or pillow and may be embroidered with identifying information, such as the name and/or source of the mat and/or pillow. 
     The cover or the combination travel pillow and meditation mat may further comprise one or more pouches, pockets, and/or flaps for storage or accessory attachment. For example, a storage pocket or pouch may be integrated into the cover or the outer surface of the pillow and/or mat portion, where the pocket or pouch has dimensions sufficient to receive a user&#39;s keys, mobile phone or other accessories. 
     A timer may be also be integrated or built into the cover, or alternatively integrated or built into the device, in the pillow or mat portion. The time can be used to allow the user to time sessions of mediation or relaxation or to alert the user as to the expiration of a set time for such activity. The timer may be selectively set to various time increments and have an audial, visual, and/or tactile alert to alert a user as to the passage of the selected time increment. For example, a bell, light, or a vibration may indicate the expiration of the selected time increment. 
     It is further contemplated that the cover or the device itself, such as the outer surface of the pillow portion or the mat portion, may be further adapted with pouches, pockets or attachment mechanisms such as D-rings, which allow for the receipt and carriage of accessories with the cover and/or mat and for securing the mat to a surface for use. Further examples of accessories include an incense holder with an integrated pouch in the cover or an inflatable alter with a pouch. As noted above, attachment mechanisms such as D-rings may be secured in one or more positions on the cover or on the pillow and/or mat portion for connection with various accessories or to allow for storage of the device. 
     When inflating the self-inflating combination travel pillow and meditation mat, the pillow is positioned to “pop up” or be elevated above the mat portion. 
     As illustrated in the figures, a combination meditation device  10  is a combination travel pillow and meditation mat  10  that includes a pillow portion  12  and a mat portion  14 . The combination device  10  includes a pillow  12  that is integrally formed with the mat  14  and configured to rise above the mat  14  when inflated. In the embodiment illustrated, the device  10  is constructed of two outer layers  22  and  24 , which are a top layer  22  and bottom layer  24 . The layers  22 , and  24  are secured to one another to form the device  10  around the perimeter of the mat  14 . While the bottom layer  24  may be a substantially flat layer, the top layer  22  is configured with a first, flat section corresponding to the mat  14  and a second, raised portion corresponding to the pillow portion  12 . 
     As illustrated in further detail in  FIG. 2 , the pillow portion  12  comprises at least two internal inflation chambers  16 A,  16 B separated by interior vertical sidewalls  17  which define a first  16 A and second chamber  16 B. The interior vertical sidewalls provide an outer perimeter to the second chamber  16 B and likewise an inner perimeter to the first chamber  16 A. The first chamber  16 A may also include one or more horizontal side walls  19  for added stability. The sidewalls may be comprised of polypropylene. The chambers  16 A,  16 B are then fluidly connected via inlets  28  positioned in the sidewalls  17  and  19  which allow for air flow from a nozzle  30  into the entire inner cavity of the pillow portion  12  during inflation and to exit through the nozzle  30  for deflation of the pillow portion  12 . The sidewalls  17 ,  19  provide additional stability without sagging to the pillow portion  12  when a user sits, lays, or rests on the pillow portion  12  as the chambers are reduced in size to prevent negative effects from under-inflation or adjusted inflation. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the chamber  16 A is an outer chamber  16 A surrounding the inner chamber  16 B, wherein chamber  16 A is about 2.5 inches wide and a perimeter surrounding the inner chamber  16 B, which is about 14 inches wide and 4.5 inches long. 
     The mat  14  includes one or more interior chambers  18  which provide an overall quilted quality to the mat  14 . The chambers  18  of the mat  14  can be formed by thermally sealing or adhering selected locations or areas  20  of the top  22  layer to the bottom layer  24  of the mat  14 . The top layer  22  and bottom layer  24  may each have a multi-layer construction. That is, each of the top layer  22  and bottom layer  24  have an inner layer and an outer layer wherein the inner layer is positioned within the device  10  and the outer layer is an outer surface of the device  10 . 
     As described above, the inner layer may comprise polypropylene and the outer layer may comprise a water resistant, lightweight material. 
     The locations  20  may be spaced apart across the surface of the mat  14  and may be spaced about 2.5 inches or about 3 inches apart. The chambers  18  only partially sealed and as such are fluidly connected to allow for air flow from the nozzle  30  positioned on the mat  14  to inflate the entire inner cavity of the mat  14 . 
     While the pillow  12  and mat  14  are independently inflatable, one or both portions  12  and  14  can be inflated for use as each portion includes its own respective inflation chambers  16 ,  18  and corresponding access nozzles  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the pillow portion  12  may have dimensions such that when inflated, the upper surface of the pillow portion  12  is raised above the upper surface of the mat  14  in the range of about 5 inches to about 8 inches, or for example, about 6.5 inches. When inflated, the height of the pillow portion  12  from the bottom layer  24  to the top layer  24  may be in the range of about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or for example, maybe about 8 inches. When inflated, the height of the mat portion may be in the range of about 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, for example, may be 0.5 inches. The mat  14  may have a length and a width each in the range of about 20 inches to about 30 inches, and may have an overall shape that is square or rectangular. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mat  14  is about 25 inches long by about 25 inches wide. The pillow portion  12  is offset along the length of the mat  14  such that the pillow portion  12  may be positioned near one end or edge of the mat  14 . The pillow portion  12  has a length and a width less than the length and the width of the mat  14  and for example, the pillow portion may have a width in the range of about 15 inches to about 25 inches and a length in the range of about 8 inches to about 12.5 inches. For example, the pillow portion  12  has a length of about 10.5 inches and a width of about 20 inches. 
     The pillow portion  14  is configured to “pop-up” above the mat portion  12  when inflated. As the inflation of the pillow portion  14  is adjustable, the pillow portion  14  height can be adjusted via inflation while the sidewalls and chambers in the pillow portion  14  allow the pillow portion  14  stability even when inflated to a lower height than the full inflation height of the pillow portion  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 , a cover  34  may be provided and configured to mate with the inflated mat portion  14  and pillow portion  12  inserted within the cover  34 . The inner dimensions of the cover  34  substantially match the outer dimensions of the device  10  allowing the cover  34  receive the device  10  in either an inflated or deflated state and accommodate and fit taught over the inflated device  10  for use. 
     The cover  34  is adapted with a plurality of attachment mechanisms such as b-rings  32 . The D-rings are secured to the cover  34  near two opposing corners on a bottom or near a bottom surface of the cover  14 . The D-rings  32  allow a user to secure the device to a surface for use, such as staking the device to the ground when using the device outside or on a soft surface. The D-rings may be positioned in one or more locations spaced apart on the cover  34 . It is also contemplated that the D-rings may be attached directly to one or more locations on the mat portion  14 , including the bottom surface of two opposing corners on the mat portion  14 . In this embodiment, the cover is adapted with apertures to allow the D-rings to fit through the cover  34  when the device  10  is inserted therein. 
     The cover  34  may also be adapted with one or more handles  36  such as handle  36  positioned on one or more sides of the mat portion  12 . In the embodiment illustrated, the cover  34  includes a handle  34  positioned on the rear of the mat portion  14 . Seams of the cover  24  are also double stitched and reinforced for durability and the cover  34  may also incorporate an invisible zip or covered zipper  38  on a side of the cover  34  to removably secure the cover  34  over the device  10 . 
     The raised pillow portion  12  may take a round shape, a curved orthopedic shape (e.g., the shape of a somewhat flattened fortune cookie) or be square or rectangular in shape. Overall the mat  14  may be square or rectangular in shape. The mat may also have non-straight edges allowing for additional areas of different cushioning. Additional configurations are within the scope of this disclosure as the configurations are configured to support a user when the user is in one of various poses or positions for meditation and/or relaxation. These positions include but are not limited to laying, sitting, and/or kneeling. 
     The self-inflating travel pillow and meditation mat combination may also include a leg area portion that is larger than the mat, providing elevation for the user&#39;s legs near a forward edge. The leg area portion may also be rounded which allows the user to not only elevate their legs, but also utilize a laying position or a cradling position. 
     A self-inflating nozzle  30  is positioned on an end of the mat  14  and/or additionally or alternatively may be positioned on or near the pillow or leg portion. The self-inflating nozzle is rotatable or displaceable to allow for and force air into the travel pillow and meditation mat to inflate the device. The nozzle also may be rotated to lock the nozzle in place thus retaining the air in the travel pillow and meditation mat and maintaining the travel pillow and meditation mat in an inflated state during use. The nozzle then may be counter rotated or otherwise displaced to deflate the travel pillow and meditation mat when the user has completed use of the mat. 
     The nozzle also allows the user to select the firmness of the mat and pillow for use. 
     Once the mat and pillow are deflated, the mat can then be folded or rolled up compactly for ease of transport and/or travel. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.