INFLATABLE CHILD NECK PILLOW WITH REMOTE INFLATION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for remotely inflatable neck pillow for use on a child in a car seat, wherein a deflated neck pillow is disposed around the neck of the child in a car seat, a flexible tube is coupled to an air chamber in the deflated neck pillow at one end and to a pump at an opposite end, the air chamber in the deflated neck pillow being inflated when the pumping mechanism is activated, and wherein the inflated neck pillow may also be deflated by the same pump by changing a location of the tube on the pump to enable deflation instead of inflation.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an inflatable pillow. More specifically, the invention is an inflatable neck pillow that is installed around the neck of an infant or child who is in a car seat, with the critical feature of the pillow being the ability to place a deflated pillow around the neck of the child when the child is placed in the car seat, and later inflate the pillow using a remotely controlled inflation pump mechanism that can be used after the child has fallen asleep and without disturbing the child.

Description of Related Art

There are many pillows or cushioning devices that are designed for use with a child. Some of these are even intended for use for a child who is seated in a car seat.

FIG. 1 is an example of an inflatable pillow 10 for use in a child car seat 12 as taught in the prior art. The pillow 10 in this example is comprised of two separate halves that are inflated before they are placed around the neck of the child 14. Importantly, the inflated pillows 10 are never in a deflated state, so the child 14 is always aware of the restricted movement caused by the presence of the inflated pillows. In addition, there is no ability to deflate the pillows without removing the pillows from the car seat and having to move the child 14 in the process.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of an inflatable pillow 16 that is formed as a single unit and not two halves of the pillow 10 as in FIG. 1. This inflatable pillow 16 has the same drawbacks as the pillow 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that it must be inflated before it is placed around the neck of a child. A valve 18 for inflating and deflating the pillow 16 is shown on the bottom surface of the pillow.

These prior art neck pillows 10, 16 suffer from the same drawbacks of this design. First, there is no easy access to a port for inflating the neck pillows. Second, the neck pillows 10, 16 cannot be disposed around the neck of the child when being inflated because of the location of the valves 18. Third, there is no mechanism for remotely inflating the neck pillows 10, 16 and therefore they must be fully inflated before they are placed around the neck of the child whenever they are in use. Fourth, because the pillow 10, 16 is fully inflated when being put in place, the child is aware of its presence, and it may agitate the child. And fifth, the inflated neck pillows 10, 16 may also restrict movement of the child's head when the child is awake.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage over the prior art to provide an inflatable neck pillow for use in a child car seat that provides an access port for inflating the neck pillow that does not require the user to hold the neck pillow while it is being inflated. It would be another advantage to be able to install the neck pillow around the child's neck in a deflated state so that it lays flat on the child's shoulders before use. It would be another advantage to provide any person in the vehicle with control over inflation of the neck pillow, such as a parent or even a driver. It would be another advantage to be able to inflate the neck pillow without having to move or disturb the child by providing a remote pumping mechanism. It would be another advantage to avoid agitating the child with an inflated neck pillow by being able to wait until the child is asleep before inflating the pillow.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is a system and method for providing a remotely inflatable neck pillow for use on a child in a car seat, wherein a deflated neck pillow is disposed around the neck of the child in a car seat, a flexible tube is coupled to an air chamber in the deflated neck pillow at one end and to a pump at an opposite end, the air chamber in the deflated neck pillow being inflated when the pumping mechanism is activated, and wherein the inflated neck pillow may also be deflated by the same pump by changing a location of the tube on the pump to enable deflation instead of inflation.

In a first aspect of the invention, the neck pillow contains at least one inflation chamber that is inflated by the pump.

In a second aspect of the invention, the neck pillow contains a plurality of inflation chambers that may be inflated separately.

In a third aspect of the invention, a valve on the air chamber prevents a leak in the pump or tubing to cause accidental deflation of the neck pillow.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the pump is an electric device.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the pump is a manually operated rubber bulb that includes a valve that changes direction of airflow to and from the neck pillow.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, the neck pillow includes two separate air chambers with separate tubes connected to each of the air chambers, wherein the pump is switched between the tubes to control the amount of air in each of the air chambers.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art inflatable neck pillow for a child that must be inflated before it is disposed around the neck of the child.

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of another prior art inflatable neck pillow for a child that must be inflated before it is disposed around the neck of the child.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the inflatable neck shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the invention having a single air chamber in the neck pillow, a tube connected to the single air chamber, and a pump on the end of the tube.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electrical pump that may be used to inflate and deflate the neck pillow.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention having a single air chamber in the neck pillow, a tube connected directly to the air chamber, and a manual pump that may be used to inflate and deflate the neck pillow through manipulation of a valve on the manual pump.

FIG. 6 is a profile view of the manual pump that may be used to inflate and deflate the neck pillow through manipulation of a valve on the manual pump.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention having a single air chamber in the neck pillow and including a valve at the air chamber that may be closed to prevent air leakage if there is a leak in the tube of the pump.

FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention having two air chambers in the neck pillow, a manual valve on each of the air chambers so that the pump can be moved from one tube to the other when inflating and deflating the air chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various embodiments of the present invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description illustrates embodiments of the present invention and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims which follow.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a neck pillow 20 that may be used in the first embodiment of the invention. The neck pillow 20 may be made of a size so that it is easily disposable around the neck of a child or infant. Accordingly, there may also be more than one size of neck pillow 20 that may include the features of the first embodiment of the invention, with the larger size pillows more suitable for use with an adult.

The components of the neck pillow 20 may include an outer covering 22, an air chamber 24, an air pathway connector 26, a flexible tube 28, and a pump 30.

The outer covering 22 may be selected to be a sturdy but soft material which is also washable. Being washable is an important feature of any neck pillow being used with children. In the first embodiment, the outer covering 22 is removable for cleaning and therefore may include an opening so that it can be removed from the air chamber 24 disposed inside.

Alternatively, the outer covering 22 may be sealed so that the air chamber 24 is not accessible, and the outer covering must be washed by hand.

The outer covering 22 may also include a hole (not shown) on a bottom or on an edge for allowing access to the air chamber 22 from outside.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the neck pillow 20 has one air chamber 24 (not shown) within the neck pillow 20. The air chamber 24 substantially occupies all of the available space within the outer covering 22. The air chamber 24 may be made of any flexible material that is substantially airtight in order to hold air inside when the neck pillow 20 is inflated. The air chamber 24 may be manufactured from various types of plastic because it is operated at a relatively low air pressure when inflated. The plastic should just be airtight, capable of multiple inflations and deflations, and capable of operating at a pressure that can lift the head of a child as the child is resting on the neck pillow 20.

To keep the construction and operation of the neck pillow 20 as simple as possible, FIG. 3 shows that there is no valve on the air pathway connector 26 on the air chamber 24. The air pathway connector 26 may be disposed at any location that does not interfere with the comfort of the child that is wearing the neck pillow 20. For example, the air pathway connector 26 may be disposed on a bottom surface or an edge of the neck pillow 20 as shown in FIG. 3 that does not make contact with the child's neck. It is important that the air pathway connector 26 is not causing irritation and therefore is best disposed at an outer edge of the neck pillow where it is more likely to come in contact with clothing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tube 28 may be coupled to the air pathway connector 26 at a first end, and it may be coupled to a pump 30 at a second end. In the first embodiment, the tube 28 may be temporarily attached to the air pathway connector 26 using a friction fit connection or any other connection that allows the tube 28 to be removed.

In the first embodiment, the tube 28 may be of any appropriate material and length. However, it is important the tube be flexible so that the neck pillow 20 may be operated remotely by another occupant of a vehicle. Therefore, it must be capable of reaching another person such as a driver.

The tube 28 may be comprised of rubber, a rubber coated material, plastic, a plastic-coated material, or any other material that is abrasion resistant, and will not easily leak air. An important aspect of the embodiments of the invention is that the tube 28 be airtight as it will be under constant pressure when the neck pillow 20 is inflated because there is no valve at the air pathway connector 26.

In the first embodiment, the tube 28 may be of any desired length. The length may be selected to enable the tube to hang loosely and reach to the front seats of a vehicle to enable a parent or other operator in the front of the vehicle to activate the pump 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pump 30 of the first embodiment may be any electrically powered pumping mechanism that is commonly found on the market and does not have to look like the one shown. In this first embodiment, the pump 30 is a battery-operated device that is easily charged, or in the alternative it may use replaceable and rechargeable batteries.

The pump 30 shown in FIG. 3 may include a power button 32 to activate and deactivate the pump. When activated, the pump 30 may continue to pump until a certain pressure threshold is reached. After the pressure threshold is reached, the pump 30 may continue to operate but the air may be shunted through a relief valve (not shown) in order to prevent damage to the pump. The pump 30 may continue to function until a timer has expired or until a user presses the power button 32 again.

The pump 30 may be capable of both pushing and pulling air. The user selects whether to push or pull air by inserting the tube 28 onto one of the connectors 34 and 36. If the tube 28 is put on the air outlet connector 34, the pump 30 will push air and inflate the neck pillow 20. If the tube is put on the air inlet connector 36, the pump 30 will pull air and deflate the neck pillow 20. The pump 30 may also include an air intake and exhaust port 38.

The tube 28 is connected to the connectors 34 and 36 using a friction fit connection. Therefore, the tube 28 is properly sized to slide on and off the connectors 34 and 36 with the proper application of force.

It is noted that in order to maintain pressure within the neck pillow 20, the pump 30 is also airtight and will not leak air after the power button 32 is pressed to deactivate it.

The air chamber 24, the tube 28 and the pump 30, therefore form a complete pressurized chamber when the neck pillow 20 is inflated. However, the pressure is not great enough to constrict movement of the tube 28.

When the user decides to inflate the neck pillow 20, the user inserts the tube 28 onto the air outlet connector 34. The pump 30 is then activated by pressing on the power button 32. The user can watch the neck pillow 20 inflate and turn off the pump 30 when the desired level of inflation is achieved, or simply allow the pump 30 to continue pumping until the pump is no longer adding air to the neck pillow. This will be obvious from a change in sound from the pump 30 or the neck pillow 20 stops changing shape.

It is noted that the air chamber 24 is not in danger of being over-inflated as the pump 30 that is used with the first embodiment will stop pumping after a predetermined pressure has been reached. However, the pressure provided by the pump 30 is typically high enough to lift the head of a child as the neck pillow is inflated.

When the user wants to deflate the neck pillow 20, the user pulls the tube 28 from the air outlet connector 34 on the pump 30 and puts it on the air inlet connector 36. When the user pulls the tube 28 from the air outlet connector 24, the neck pillow 20 will immediately begin to deflate on its own. The user could wait for the neck pillow 20 to deflate to a desired level on its own, or the user may use the pump 30 to speed up the deflation process or deflate the neck pillow 20 completely by using the pump.

If the user wants to use the pump 30 to deflate, the user puts the tube 28 on the air inlet connector 36. The pump 30 is then activated by pressing the power button 32. The pump 30 will suck air from the neck pillow 20 until all air is removed. The user will again hear a change in the sound of the pump 30 or will see the deflation of the neck pillow 20.

The user should then press the power button 32 to deactivate the pump 30.

FIG. 5 is provided as an alternative embodiment of the invention. The construction of the neck pillow 20 and its components such as the air pathway connector 26 is the same, as is the tube 28. However, in this alternative embodiment, the pump 40 is a manually operated device. The manual pump 40 may be a rubber bulb that is operated by repeatedly squeezing it by hand as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 shows that the manual pump 40 includes a friction fit connector 44 that is coupled to the tube 28. Unlike the electric pump 30, the manual pump 40 only has one connector. To select inflation or deflation, the user turns a valve 42 that determines whether the manual pump 40 is directing air flow into or out of the tube 28.

The manual pump 40 is an airtight device and the valve 42 will maintain whatever pressure is on the tube 28 when the pump 40 has inflated the neck pillow 20. The user will be able to feel the pressure that is in the neck pillow 20 and not over-inflate it.

In order to inflate the neck pillow 20, the user turns the valve 42 to an inflation setting that directs airflow into the neck pillow when the bulb of the manual pump 40 is squeezed.

In order to deflate the neck pillow 20, the user turns the valve 42 to a setting that opens the valve and enables air to flow out of the tube 28 on its own or turns it to a deflation setting that requires the user to repeatedly squeeze the bulb of the manual pump 40 to suck the air out of the neck pillow 20.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, it is possible to install a shut-off valve 46 on the neck pillow 20. FIG. 7 shows that the shut-off valve 46 may be installed on the air pathway connector 26. The shut-off valve 46 may be installed between the connector 26 and the air chamber 24, or it may be installed after the connector.

The function of the shut-off valve 26 is to prevent accidental leakage of air from the neck pillow 20. For example, the tube 28, the electric pump 30, or the manual pump 40 may develop a leak. The leak may be small and therefore allow the neck pillow 20 to be inflated but to deflate over time. By installing a shut-off valve 46, a user may close the shut-off valve after the neck pillow 20 is inflated but before the air has a chance to leak out of the neck pillow 20.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, FIG. 8 is a top view of a neck pillow that includes more than one air chamber. In this embodiment, the neck pillow 20 includes a first air chamber 48 and a second air chamber 50. Likewise, each of the air chambers 48, 50 includes its own air pathway connector 26, its own shut-off valve 46, and its own tube 18. The shut-off valve 46 is required if there is only a single pump being used.

A single pump 30, 40 may be used in this embodiment. By including the shut-off valve 46, the pump 30, 40 may be moved between the tubes 18 and allow separate inflation and deflation of each of the air chambers 48, 50.

It is noted that the neck pillow 20 may be disposed only around the neck of the child, or it may also be attached to a shoulder harness of a child seat. Thus, the neck pillow 20 may be a device that is not attached to the car seat and is selectively placed on the shoulders of the child when the child gets into the car seat, or it may remain attached to the shoulder harness and is always available for use whenever any child is in the car seat.

It is observed that the child that is referenced in this document may be a child of any size from an infant to a child of any size that is still sitting in a car seat.

The embodiments of the invention are also adaptable for use by an adult and may be used for any person that wants to use a neck pillow for support when resting.

In summary, the invention is a neck pillow for use in a car seat and having a remotely operated system for inflating and deflating the pillow, wherein the neck pillow is comprised of the neck pillow that is disposed around the neck and lays on the shoulders of a child, the neck pillow having an outer covering, a single air chamber disposed within the neck pillow, the single air chamber including an air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the single air chamber, a pump that can push and pull air, wherein the pump includes a switch to activate and deactivate the pump, and a tube that is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump.

The invention also comprises a method for remotely inflating and deflating a neck pillow that provides support for a child in a car seat, wherein the method comprises providing the neck pillow having an outer covering, a single air chamber disposed within the outer covering of the neck pillow, the single air chamber including an air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the single air chamber, providing a pump that can push and pull air, wherein the pump includes a switch to activate and deactivate the pump, and providing a tube that is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump, disposing the neck pillow around the neck of the child such that it lays on the shoulders of the child in a deflated state, inflating the neck pillow by activating the pump, and deactivating the pump when the neck pillow is inflated to a desired level.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Claims

1. A neck pillow for use in a car seat and having a remotely operated system for inflating and deflating the pillow, wherein the neck pillow is comprised of: the neck pillow that is disposed around the neck and lays on the shoulders of a child, the neck pillow having an outer covering;a single air chamber disposed within the neck pillow, the single air chamber including an air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the single air chamber;a pump that can push and pull air, wherein the pump includes a switch to activate and deactivate the pump; anda tube that is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump.

2. The neck pillow as defined in claim 1 wherein the tube is further comprised of a flexible tube that enables the pump to be positioned anywhere that the flexible tube can reach.

3. The neck pillow as defined in claim 2 wherein the pump is further comprised of an air inlet connector and an air outlet connector, wherein the second end of the tube is connected to the air outlet connector when the pump is used to inflate the single air chamber and is connected to the air inlet connector when the pump is used to deflate the single air chamber.

4. The neck pillow as defined in claim 3 wherein the air pathway connector is further comprised of a friction fit connector to enable attachment of the first end of the tube to the single air chamber.

5. The neck pillow as defined in claim 4 wherein the air inlet connector and the air outlet connector are further comprised of a friction fit connector to enable attachment of the second end of the tube to the pump.

6. The neck pillow as defined in claim 5 wherein the pump is further comprised of an electric pump.

7. The neck pillow as defined in claim 6 wherein the pump is further comprised of a manual pumping device including a flexible bulb and a valve that may be used to select inflating or deflating of the neck pillow.

8. The neck pillow as defined in claim 7 wherein the pump is further comprised of a timer that is activated when the pump is activated, wherein the timer enables the pump to be operated for a specific amount of time that is sufficient to inflate or deflate the neck pillow.

9. The neck pillow as defined in claim 8 wherein the pump is further comprised of a switch that enables or disables use of the timer.

10. The neck pillow as defined in claim 1 wherein the air pathway connector is further comprised of a manual valve that is used to open or shut access to the single air chamber.

11. A neck pillow for use in a car seat and having a remotely operated system for inflating and deflating the pillow, wherein the neck pillow is comprised of: the neck pillow that is disposed around the neck and lays on the shoulders of a child, the neck pillow having an outer covering;two air chambers disposed within the neck pillow, the two air chambers each having its own air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the two air chambers;a pump that can push and pull air, wherein the pump includes a switch to activate and deactivate the pump; andtwo tubes coupled to the two air chambers, wherein each tube is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump.

12. A method for remotely inflating and deflating a neck pillow that provides support for a child in a car seat, wherein the method comprises: providing the neck pillow having an outer covering, a single air chamber disposed within the outer covering of the neck pillow, the single air chamber including an air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the single air chamber, providing a pump that can push and pull air, wherein the pump includes a switch to activate and deactivate the pump, and providing a tube that is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump;disposing the neck pillow around the neck of the child such that it lays on the shoulders of the child in a deflated state;inflating the neck pillow by activating the pump; anddeactivating the pump when the neck pillow is inflated to a desired level.

13. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the method further comprises; providing an air inlet connector and an air outlet connector on the pump, wherein the air inlet connector is used to deflate the neck pillow, and the air outlet connector is used to inflate the neck pillow;removing the second end of the tube from the air outlet connector;attaching the second end of the tube to the air inlet connector;activating the pump to deflate the neck pillow; anddeactivating the pump when the neck pillow is deflated to a desired level.

14. The method as defined in claim 13 wherein the method further comprises: providing a flexible tube; andmoving the pump to any location that the flexible tube can reach.

15. The method as defined in claim 14 wherein the method further comprises: providing an electric pump;disposing the flexible tube on the air outlet connector to inflate the neck pillow;disposing the flexible tube on the air inlet connector to deflate the neck pillow; andactivating and deactivating the electric pump in order to inflate or deflate the neck pillow, depending upon the placement of the flexible tube.

16. A method for remotely inflating and deflating a neck pillow that provides support for a child in a car seat, wherein the method comprises: providing the neck pillow having an outer covering, a single air chamber disposed within the outer covering of the neck pillow, the single air chamber including an air pathway connector that enables air to pass into and out of the single air chamber, providing a pump that can push and pull air, the pump including a flexible bulb and a valve that may be used to select inflating or deflating of the neck pillow, and providing a tube that is coupled at a first end to the air pathway connector and at a second end to the pump;disposing the neck pillow around the neck of the child such that it lays on the shoulders of the child in a deflated state;moving the valve of the pump to an inflate setting; andinflating the neck pillow by squeezing the flexible bulb of the pump to thereby inflate the neck pillow.

17. The method as defined in claim 16 wherein the method further comprises: moving the valve of the pump to a deflate setting; anddeflating the neck pillow by squeezing the flexible bulb of the pump to thereby inflate the neck pillow.