Abstract:
An inflatable comfort means for a child car seat includes a pair of inflatable pillows each of which further comprises a cover and a fastening means. The pillows each comprise a kidney-shaped pillow with a soft exterior which provides comfort to a child occupying the child car seat. The fastening means comprises a pair of fabric strips provided with fasteners in order to allow the strips to removably attach to the straps of the child car seat and to removably secure the pillow in place. The inflating means is a user-activated means to inflate and deflate the pillow.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/371,055 filed on Aug. 5, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a pillow for a child, and in particular, to a pillow adapted to provide support to a child&#39;s head and neck while seated in a car seat. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Infants are delicate beings, and they require the utmost care in order protect them and keep them safe from harm. One (1) of the most common items utilized to protect infants is a car seat. A car seat holds an infant in place to protect them while being transported in a motor vehicle. 
     A problem associated with conventional car seats is that they are generally ergonomically unfriendly and place more emphasis on restraint than comfort. In particular, the child&#39;s head tends to end up at awkward angles when the child is sleeping. 
     Prolonged placement of a child&#39;s neck and head at a poor angle causes a number of problems. This is uncomfortable for the child and can cause great distress when the child wakes. Furthermore, this causes a large amount stress on the child&#39;s neck which can cause strain and even damage. This is particularly dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or crash. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide support pillows adapted for use in a vehicle. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents including U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,080; U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,611; U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,245; U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,255; U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,388; U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,195; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,363. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a neck support pillow exist, such as U.S. Pat. No. D 322,380. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more disadvantages. Many such devices are not readily adjustable. Many such devices do not work for a child, particularly a sleeping child, as they assume a certain level of coordination on the part of the user. Many such devices are not easily adaptable for use with a car seat. Furthermore, many such devices are adapted for comfort but not support, or are not adapted to support and protect the neck and head of a sleeping child. Accordingly, there exists a need for a support pillow for a child in a car seat without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a support adapted for use by a child while in a car seat, which provides unconditional comfort and support in an easily installed and adjustable manner. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pair of pillows for supporting each side of a child&#39;s head in an upright position while the child is seated in a child car seat. Each pillow assembly comprises an inflatable pillow having a removable cover and a pillow strap for attached the device to a car seat. 
     Another object of the present invention is to removably attach each pillow assembly to a seat belt of a child car seat utilizing a strap attached to the attached to each pillow cover. The straps include fasteners that allow the straps to encircle and secure to the seat belt. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise each pillow of a kidney-shape that provides a comfortable contoured surface conforming to the profile of a child&#39;s neck and lower head. The pillows provide upright support to both sides of the child&#39;s head and neck as well as forward support to the child&#39;s chin area to ensure that the child&#39;s neck remains at a safe and comfortable angle at all times, even while sleeping. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise each inflatable pillow of a foam pillow having a nozzle for selectively inflating the pillow. Each nozzle comprises a vented cap valve that enables air to enter the foam body and remain within the body to maintain its expanded form. The nozzle can be opened to remove are from within the body until a desired level of support is achieved. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise each cover of a removable fabric cover for providing comfort against a child&#39;s skin during use, providing protection to the inflatable pillow, and enabling removal of the cover for purposes of washing or replacement. Each cover further comprises a nozzle aperture enabling manipulation of the nozzles while the cover is in place. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of attaching a pair of pillow assemblies onto respective seat belts using the straps; actuating the nozzles to inflate or deflate each pillow as desired; positioning a child with respect to the pillows such that the apparatus provides support to both sides of the child&#39;s head and neck areas; and, increasing the comfort and providing increased safety for the child. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an inflatable comfort means for a child car seat  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the inflatable comfort means for a child car seat  10  depicting an inflated right pillow assembly  20  and a deflated left pillow assembly  25 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the inflatable comfort means for a child car seat  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the inflatable comfort means for a child car seat  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is another side perspective view of the inflatable comfort means for a child car seat  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a pillow cover  21 ,  26 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an inflatable pillow  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a section view of the inflatable pillow  40  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 7 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the inflatable pillow  40  depicting a removed nozzle  43 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  inflatable pillow for a car seat 
               15  child 
               16  child car seat 
               17  seat belt 
               20  right pillow assembly 
               21  right pillow cover 
               22  right cover strap 
               23  right pillow aperture 
               25  left pillow assembly 
               26  left pillow cover 
               27  left pillow strap 
               28  left pillow aperture 
               29  securing feature 
               30  fastener 
               40  inflatable pillow 
               41  outer cover 
               42  foam body 
               43  nozzle 
               44  threaded portion 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 9 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an inflatable pillow for a car seat (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , particularly suited to be used as a pair of pillows for supporting each side of a child&#39;s  15  head in an upright position while the child  15  is seated in a child car seat  16 . The apparatus  10  provides an increased level of comfort and protection to the child  15  while seated in the child car seat  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an inflated right pillow assembly  20  and a deflated left pillow assembly  25 , and  FIG. 3 , a rear view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes a pair of pillow assemblies  20 ,  25  each are removably attachable to a pair of seat belts  17 . The pillow assemblies  20 ,  25  can be inflated or deflated via respective nozzles  43  as desired and as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Each of the pillow assemblies  20 ,  25  comprise a respective pillow cover  21 ,  26  and an inflatable pillow  40 . The apparatus  10  is oriented on each shoulder of the child  15  to partially come in contact with the neck of the child  15 . The apparatus  10  is to be positioned below the chin of the child  15  as to prop the chin upwardly in a comfortable position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side perspective view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 5 , another side perspective view of the apparatus  10 , and  FIG. 6 , a front perspective view of the pillow cover  21 ,  26 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a right pillow assembly  20  and a left pillow assembly  25  which are mirror kidney-shaped images of each other, thereby providing a matching fit to a child&#39;s  15  neck and facial areas. The right pillow assembly  20  includes a kidney-shaped right pillow cover  21  and the left pillow assembly  20  includes an opposing kidney-shaped left pillow cover  26 . The pillow covers  21 ,  26  are removably attached from the respective inflatable pillow  40  with a securing feature  29  which is illustrated as a common zipper, yet other apparatuses can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The pillow covers  21 ,  26  protect the inflatable pillow  40  from damage. Each pillow cover  21 ,  25  include a strap  22 ,  27  which wrap around the respective seat belt  17  for fastening the apparatus  10  to the desired position. The right cover strap  22  extends from opposing intermediate perimeter edges of the right pillow cover  21  and the left cover strap  27  extends from opposing intermediate perimeter edges of the left pillow cover  26 . Each strap  22 ,  27  includes a fastener  30  which is preferably a hook-and-loop fastener to affix each assembly  20 ,  25  to the seat belt  17 . The straps  22 ,  27  are attached to the respective pillow covers  21 ,  26  with sewing techniques. Each pillow cover  21 ,  26  is fabricated from a washable and durable fabric which is available in various colors and patterns. A front surface of the pillow covers  21 ,  26  includes a pillow aperture  23 ,  28  which enables a nozzle  43  to be exposed for manipulation of the inflatable pillow  40  (also see  FIGS. 7 and 9 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the inflatable pillow  40 ,  FIG. 8 , a section view of the inflatable pillow  40  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 7 ), and  FIG. 9 , perspective view of the inflatable pillow  40  depicting a removed nozzle  43 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each pillow cover  21 ,  26  envelops an inflatable pillow  40  which provides comfort to the child  15  and also maintains an upright position to the child&#39;s  15  head. The inflatable pillow  40  comprises a kidney-shaped foam body  42  which is fabricated from an open or closed cell polyurethane material similar to THERM-A-REST® mattress. The foam body  42  is covered with an outer cover  41  which further protects the foam body  42  and also enables the foam body  42  to expand with the addition of ambient air (see herein below). The outer cover  41  is fixed to the foam body  42  with sewing techniques. 
     Each foam body  42  includes a nozzle  43  which allows inflation and deflation. Each nozzle  43  is comprised of a vented cap valve which enables air to enter the foam body  42  and be retained within the inflated pillow  40  for inflation purposes and also enables the air to be released from the inflated pillow  40  as needed. The opening of the nozzle  43  allows air to enter an internal portion of the inflated pillow  40  which causes the open or closed cell polyurethane foam body  42  to expand and inflate. The nozzle  43  is the closed for the foam body  42  to maintain its expanded form. The nozzle  43  is secured to the outer cover  41  with an integral threaded portion  44  which enables the nozzle  43  to be replaced as needed. The nozzle  43  is opened to deplete air from the internal portion and enable the foam body  42  to deflate. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; attaching the right pillow assembly  20  onto the respective seat belt  17  via wrapping the right cover straps  22  around the seat belt  17  and engaging fasteners  30 ; attaching the left pillow assembly  25  onto the respective seat belt  17  via wrapping the left cover straps  27  around the seat belt  17  and engaging fasteners  30 ; rotating the nozzles  43  to enable air to flow through the and inflate each inflatable pillow  40  as desired; allowing the child  15  to rest upon each pillow assembly  20 ,  25 ; deflating each pillow assembly  20 ,  25  as desired via opening the pillow nozzles  43 ; and, increasing the comfort for a child car seat  16  bound child  15  with regards to head support and providing increased safety in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. Alternately, either the right pillow assembly  20  or the left pillow assembly  25  can be utilized individually. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.