Patent Application
20240081539
The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable sleeping device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one vertical frame member, at least one bottom member with at least one inflatable cushion, at least one top member, at least one cushion and at least one carrying case. The vertical frame member holds the device upright while at least one hinge attaches both the top member and bottom member to the vertical frame at a 90-degree angle. A cushion is removably attached to the top member to enhance the device's comfort. Both the cushion and the top member are generally u-shaped. The bottom member features an inflatable cushion to further increase comfort. To use the device, a user can lean forward and rest his or her head on the cushion. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
A vast majority of people will find themselves traveling long distances at some point in their lives. For many, this may occur late at night or over a period of multiple hours. During these trips, travelers will want to rest either to pass the time or to get much-needed sleep. However, sleeping in cars, planes, trains, etc., is a tremendously uncomfortable experience. To a certain extent, this discomfort and inability to sleep can cause significant health problems, especially for those who travel often. Many individuals may try to rest their head on a window or position their elbow on an armrest and lay their head in their hand. However, these strategies are uncomfortable and only afforded to those privileged enough to sit by a window or have adequate elbow room. One common strategy is to cross your arms on a surface in front of you, lean forward, and lay your head down on your arms. However, this technique can cause tremendous strain and discomfort on a person's back and neck. Moreover, a person's arms are not optimal for comfortable sleep. Travel often leaves travelers sleep-deprived, sore and cranky for these reasons.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that reduces the discomfort of sleeping while traveling. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that provides a user with maximum comfort to boost the quality of the user's sleep. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that can be collapsed to fit into a carrying bag such that it is easily transportable.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable sleeping device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one vertical frame member, at least one bottom member with at least one inflatable cushion, at least one top member, at least one cushion and at least one carrying case. The vertical frame member holds the device upright while at least one hinge attaches both the top member and bottom member to the vertical frame at a 90-degree angle. A cushion is removably attached to the top member to enhance the device's comfort. Both the cushion and the top member are generally u-shaped. The bottom member features an inflatable cushion to further increase comfort. To use the device, a user can lean forward and rest his or her head on the cushion.
In this manner, the portable sleeping device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a device that allows a user to mitigate the discomfort, soreness and pain that results from sleeping while traveling. Further, because the device is comprised of additional cushions, a user's sleep is actually enhanced when he or she utilizes the device due to the ergonomic position the device places the user into. Lastly, because the device is collapsible and is comprised of lightweight materials, it allows a user to transport the device in a carrying case with ease.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable sleeping device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of at least one vertical frame member, at least one bottom member with at least one inflatable cushion, at least one top member, at least one cushion, and at least one carrying case. The vertical frame, bottom, and top members are preferably attached to one another via at least one spring hinge. The device can be collapsed and folded inward through the hinges, such that a user can transport the device in a carrying case. The hinges may be locked when the device is deployed at a position greater than 45 degrees. In this manner, the top and bottom members of the body connect perpendicular to the vertical frame. This results in a structure that is lifted high enough for a user to rest his or her head on it without straining his or her neck or back.
The top member of the device is further comprised of at least one fastener such that a cushion may be removably attached to the top member of the device. This creates a soft surface for a user to rest his or her head upon. Both the top member and the cushion are generally u-shaped, with the opening portion of the u-shape facing the user. In this manner, the user may lean into and onto the device comfortably. Different embodiments may feature other types of cushions, such as but not limited to inflatable cushions. The bottom member may also be comprised of an inflatable cushion. A valve is located on the inflatable cushion so that a user can inflate and deflate the cushion as necessary. When the cushion is inflated, a user may utilize the inflatable cushion by resting their hands comfortably upon it. A cover of the cushion may be removably attached to the underside of the device in other embodiments and may also be manufactured with a non-inflatable cushion.
A user may further collapse the device and place it in a carrying bag when the device is not deployed for use. The device folds together where the top member meets the vertical frame member, and the bottom member meets the vertical frame member. A flap is fixed on one side of the carrying bag and may be folded over and removably attached to the case by at least one fastener. A strap is fastened to the carrying bag to allow the user to transport the device.
Accordingly, the portable sleeping device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it eliminates the pain and discomfort commonly associated with sleeping while traveling by reducing the steepness of the angle that a user has to be in when they lean forward to put his or her head down. Because the device is fitted with a cushion, the device affords the user additional comfort when sleeping while traveling. Moreover, because the device is collapsible, it is easily transportable in a carrying bag. In this manner, the portable sleeping device overcomes the limitations of existing sleeping devices and methods known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that reduces the pain and soreness that results from sleeping in cars, planes, trains, etc. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that is comfortable. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable sleeping device that can be folded down so a user may transport it in a carrying bag.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a portable sleeping device. The device's body is mainly manufactured in three components: a top, a bottom and a vertical frame. The components are preferably fastened together through a series of hinges. The hinges allow the device to be collapsed and folded so a user can transport the device in a carrying case. When deployed, the hinges may be locked. In this manner, the top and bottom members of the body may be secured to the vertical frame at a 90-degree angle. The resulting structure creates a surface that is lifted high enough for a user to rest his or her head on it without straining the neck or back.
The top member of the device is further comprised of at least one fastener such that a cushion may be removably attached to the top member of the device. A cushion may be removably attached to the top segment of the device to create a soft surface for a user to rest his or her head on. The top member of the device and the cushion are generally u-shaped so that the opening portion of the u-shape faces the user. In this manner, the user may lean into and onto the device without being impeded. Other embodiments of the device may feature different types of cushions, such as but not limited to inflatable cushions. The bottom member of the device is preferably fixed with an inflatable cushion that can be inflated through a valve. The user may reach around the vertical frame of the device and rest their hands comfortably on the inflatable cushion. Other embodiments of the device may feature a cushion that can be removably attached to the bottom segment of the device. The device may also be manufactured with non-inflatable cushions similar to the removable cushion attached to the top member.
When the device is not deployed for use, a user may collapse the device and place it in a carrying bag. The device collapses where the top member meets the vertical frame member and where the bottom member meets the vertical frame member. Once placed in the carrying bag, a flap fixed to the carrying bag on one side may be folded over and removably attached to the case by at least one fastener. A strap is fastened to the carrying bag to allow the user to transport the device.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The top member 140 is generally u-shaped such that a user's 10 head 16 may lower into the device 100 while being held up and supported by the outer edges of the top member 140. The vertical frame member 120 is also preferably generally u-shaped such that a user's 10 body may lean forward into the device 100 (as seen in
The bottom member 130, vertical frame member 120 and top member 140 are further comprised of at least one hinge 150. One hinge 150 may be fastened between the bottom member 130 and the vertical framer member 120. Another hinge 150 may be fastened between the vertical frame member 120 and the top member 140. In this manner, the body 110 of the device 100 may collapse in on itself and fold to compactly fit in a carrying case 200. The hinges 150 may be any hinge 150 known in the art such as, but not limited to, an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge, a locking hinge, etc. Preferably, the hinge 150 is manufactured with a locking function such that the bottom member 130, vertical frame member 120, and top member 140 may form at least two 90-degree angles while being used. In this manner, the device 100 can withhold the weight of the user 100 while the hinges 150 remain locked in said position. In the preferred embodiment, the hinges 150 are spring-loaded (with a slight amount of give) and can be locked via at least one lever 141 in a position between 45 and 90 degrees relative to the vertical frame member 120. Alternatively, the hinges 150 can move between 180 degrees relative to the vertical frame member 120.
To enhance the appearance of the device 100, the bottom member 130, vertical frame member 120, top member 140 and cushion 160 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 170 such as but not limited to patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. Different embodiments of the device 100 may also be any color known in the art.
The user 10 may also reach his or her arms 14 around the vertical frame member 120 and rest the hands 12 on the bottom member 130 for comfort. The bottom surface 164 of the bottom member 130 preferably has a non-skid material such as but not limited to rubber or neoprene that prevents the bottom surface 164 from sliding on the lap of a user 10 or against the inflatable cushion 132. The bottom surface 164 of the bottom member 130 may be manufactured with at least one fastener 144 known in the art, which allows for attachment of an optional inflatable cushion 132. The inflatable cushion 132 can then be blown up or deflated through a valve 134 located on the surface of the inflatable cushion 132. The inflatable cushion 132 is preferably fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the bottom member 130 to provide height to the device 100 to ensure comfort in various seating arrangements. The cushion 132 may also have the same type of cover 161, as described above, as the cushion 160. In different embodiments, the inflatable cushion 132 may be removably attached from at least one fastener 144 located on the bottom surface 164 of the bottom member 130. Other embodiments of the device 100 may be comprised of a non-inflatable cushion 160 manufactured from any padded material known in the art such as, but not limited to, memory foam.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “portable sleeping device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the portable sleeping device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable sleeping device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the portable sleeping device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the portable sleeping device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable sleeping device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable sleeping device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
