Patent Application
20220211128
This invention relates to a travel comfort accessory. More particularly, the invention is for a personal and wearable item which has various features and structures which the wearer is able to use to selectively enhance the privacy as well as the comfort of the use. It may be used in a travel context or environment, but is not limited thereto, and can be used in any situation as desired by the wearer.
The travel comfort accessory may be especially useful for air travel, but would have many other applications as well. The travel comfort accessory may be beneficial when the wearer is in a public or crowded space, usually for an extended period, where privacy and comfort are desirable. Therefore, the accessory of the invention may be used in a library, transport vehicle, waiting room, or even by homeless people, to name a few but non-definitive examples of application only.
Corporate air travel is a huge industry. The business passenger may represent as much as 75 percent of an airlines' profits despite being only about 12% of total passengers. Within executive travel, there is also the issue of jet lag, a recognized circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness associated with trans meridian jet travel. It may be a consequence of circadian misalignment that occurs after crossing time zones too rapidly for the circadian system to keep pace. Almost everyone on a long flight suffers from jet lag to some degree. Even international flight attendants showed jet lag, with many respondents saying they suffered from jet lag despite being accustomed to long haul travel.
Regular passengers are usually even more affected by jet lag than the flight professionals because they are generally less accustomed to the factors causing jet lag and also because they are confined to a cramped space for long periods. There are also other factors such as a lack of fresh air in passenger areas. Of course, not all people suffer to the same degree. Young children often seem immune, but people who stick to a daily routine and who are bothered by changes to routine are often the worst sufferers. On the other hand, people whose normal lives involve highly varied routines can often adjust their circadian rhythms better and adapt to disruption of normal eating and sleeping patterns. People who sleep easily can also cope better with the adjustment.
It has been found that the length of the flight is not the critical issue. Rather, an important single factor is how many time zones are crossed in a flight. People may suffer jet lag just crossing the United States (a three-hour time change) but would often be much less affected by a north-south flight of about the same duration. The number of intermediate stops is also a factor, as each stop is accompanied by changes in cabin pressure. Pre-flight condition is also a consideration. If a person is not fit, rested and healthy, such person will probably suffer more jet jag than others on the same flight.
There are many types of sleep pillows and blankets on the market. However, the travel or privacy accessory device of the present invention addresses many issues which previous travel accessories have not. The potential discomfort and jet lag as described above provides an ongoing need for devices and aids to help reduce or minimize travel fatigue.
For example, privacy in travel accessories is currently unaddressed. This travel device of the present invention cannot of course completely change the flight environment such as the uncomfortable seats and limited space, but it can make travel more comfortable and tolerable in other ways, such as providing more than a modicum of privacy.
Product materials and dimensions may be important in constructing the device of the invention. For example, the use of a pillow material that maintains its shape yet is malleable enough to adjust to the user's comfort while maintaining ventilation and coolness throughout the sleeping process is of importance. Also, adding an anti-microbial layer may help too. The presence of vents, which may be comprised of, for example, sock bag material, placed on the top and back of the head allows more ventilation. Velcro® closures, snaps or other closure options, or even a mere split in the fabric or an open pocket space, may be used on the inner portion of the hoodie or other garment for easy laundering and removal of pillow portions of the head and neck.
The travel accessory of the invention is, therefore, one that may be worn by the user in various formats and permutations. Certain features of the accessory may be used when privacy is desired, while other features of the accessory may be used when comfort is desired. All, or none, of such features can of course be used at one time.
The travel or privacy comfort accessory may typically be wearable on the head of the user, and the attached blanket may work as a scarf. It may have flaps or folded components which can be activated when privacy is desired, and pillows or cushions which are built into the accessory, although potentially removable, and which can be positioned to suit the comfort needs of the user.
The travel comfort accessory may be worn over the head and at least a part of the body. In one embodiment, the travel comfort accessory is in the form of headgear, in that it is worn on the head of the user, with or without body sections such as blanket attachments which may be used as scarves, when the user is in motion for example, or used as a drape to provide warmth to the user.
Many people travel frequently for business, but dislike the inconvenience of flying which has none of the comforts and privacy of home. Moreover, many of the airlines no longer supply comfort accessories such as the coveted tiny pillow, which may or may not be new, and hence unhygienic if previously used. Also, the small and scratchy blanket is something from the past, for what comfort it was worth.
One purpose of the headgear of the invention is therefore to provide a wearable and easily transportable device for the frequent traveler. The headgear may have cool padding on either side of the face, and also support padding at the back of head. In one embodiment, the headgear may have two flaps or panels, one on either side of the face, which may be made of a fabric or other sturdy type of lining material which will help to ensure the privacy and seclusion of the traveler while sleeping or snoring or just dozing. It may also be used while simply relaxing or reading, and used to isolate from nearby or adjacent passengers. In one embodiment, the privacy flaps may be about 2-3 inches in width or diameter, but variable according to need, and located on either side of the face. The privacy flaps may have the capability of folding inward and under the headgear when not in use for privacy purpose, such as when talking with your neighbor or fellow traveler. They may be of a different color fabric to that of some or all of the remaining parts of the apparel. They may include stays which are sewn in at strategic points to ensure and facilitate folding inward and remaining outward when in use. Inner pillows which are provided and insertable into the headgear may be configured so that they are detachable thereby allowing the headgear to be more easily washed and dried.
The fabric for the Hoodie may be comprised of any suitable material such as, for example, French terry, cotton, synthetics and the like. These may provide warmth, but not necessarily excessive warmth to the user. The headgear may be configured to have vents or material so as to provide air flow to the user. Furthermore, the headgear of the invention may include a vent type bag to encase one or more of the pillows, for ease of washing, and enhance air flow. A vent or flow through area may be present at the top or crown of the head.
A further aspect of the headgear of the invention, in one embodiment thereof, is the attached blanket. The blanket may be attached permanently, or in a way that it can be removed and reattached as desired by the user. In other embodiments, the blanket may be permanently attached. The blanket may extend from the base of the front of the headgear, such as from under the neck pillow, which may resemble or emulate a hoodie. The blankets may be secured, for example, to the right and left sides of the hoodie at the front thereof, extend back circumferentially, and end at the midpoint of the back of the shoulder or left or right scapula. This may leave the majority of the back open to allow for additional coolness. The blankets may be visualized as components replacing a Hoodies' conventional arms. The length of the blankets may extend to cover the upper thigh region, such as having a length of 48 to 68 inches which would be suitable for most adults. This configuration will not only act as a blanket, but may also permit the user's arms to remain free for use, such as to eat, read, and readjust as to facilitate personal comfort. The headgear can be worn while not sitting such as when going to the restroom, and the blankets can wound around the waist or used as scarf during these situations. The blanket may provide a soft, comfortable, privacy enhancing structure for the user which allows the user to maintain his or her relative freedom of movement whilst at the same time reading a book, eating or sipping a beverage.
The headgear of the invention may far surpass the awkward travel pillows and associated products provided by, for example, airlines to the frequent flyer or traveler, to the cruise ship guest, to a student in libraries nationwide, or to the homeless just to name just a few examples. The extent of use of the headgear of the invention is not intended to be limited by these examples.
In addition to its features described above, the headgear of the invention may be comfortable and stylish. The blanket, which may be removable, and attached for example using Velcro®, allows for the relative freedom of movement for arms and hands. It is cool, yet cozy, helps to maintain privacy with the use of the privacy bands, and is hygienically sound since it may be washed as directed after each use, or multiple uses, as necessary. In one context, as an in-flight accessory, it offers many advantages and benefits, with increased privacy, and wherein an added lumbar pillow may be incorporated which may have the same materials to match construction and Hoodie material. Further, pillows and hoodies may be separately purchased or acquired in different colors and patterns, as the user may prefer. The headgear may incorporate an antimicrobial layer, a flame retardant, or such other layers and structure which add to its uses, safety, hygiene and other benefits.
The pillows used with the invention may be of various types and materials, including: memory foam pillow; bamboo fiber pillow; emulsion pillow, and others. Memory foam pillows may have an optimal value in that these pillows are exceptionally comfortable and change shape according to the user body positions, pressures and sizes.
Quality and durability of the fabric used is taken into account. Characteristics such as fabric coolness as well as anti-microbial properties of the fabric and pillow can be factored in. The pillow, hoodie and blanket and other components may be: washable (hygienic); have colors which vary to meet different demographics such as men and women; durability wash after wash on color sustainability; and the best or appropriate colors for sleep and tranquility. Fabrics tested for coolness and which are slowest to heat and easiest to cool may be used.
The hoodie and headgear of the invention would be durable, comfortable, maintain its structure and form, have a non-pilling fabric, and have strength of fabric. Preferably, the pillow type that is virtually non-degradable over time and use. Fabric examples include French terry, terry, with light weight hoodie material versus regular weight hoodie material. All drawstring types may be selected for smoothness, ease of operation, and durability (such as those which are not easily unraveled). There may be a plastic pully on the end of the drawstring, and the drawstring may be tested so it does not snap easily, is machine washable and dryer friendly, and has both hot and cold resistance. There may be a loop 67 on the headgear such as at the top of the head to grasp in order to open or closed or expose or cover the vent.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a travel comfort accessary comprising a head portion to be worn on or over the head of the user, the head portion having a back wall, side walls and an open front area, and a pair of lateral privacy panels extending from the side walls and adjacent the open front area so that they are able to project in front of the face outwardly and present a barrier or privacy wall for the face of the user.
Preferably, the front panels are movable between a folded position in which they are folded against the head portion, and an extended position in which they are in front or adjacent the face of the user. The panels may have stays or fasteners to secure them in position. The panels may be placed individually, and differently, in multiple positions relative to the face to suit the needs of the user. The panels may offer privacy for the user in many contexts, including travel and particularly during air travel and stopovers.
Preferably, the travel comfort accessory has one or more blankets or fabric strips attached thereto near the bottom of the head portion such as at or near the neck pillow, so be used to cover the shoulders, chest and/or legs when so desired by the user. The fabric strips may be permanently affixed to the head portion, or releasably filed thereto.
In one aspect, the head gear has openings or vents to facilitate airflow and help to cool the head of the user. The vents are preferably closable, having a lid or cover which can move so as to have the vent closed, partially open, or fully opened. They can be closed in a manner so that when traveling or walking about, the headgear resembles any other type of hoodie garment.
The open front area may be adjusted in size by, for example, a drawstring, so that it may be bigger or smaller as needed. The combination of the panels and the size adjustment ability for the open face area provides the user with considerable possibilities for modulating the size and privacy of the face covering portion.
In the drawings:
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which show various embodiments and versions of a comfort garment which may be made in accordance with the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings show examples of components and features of the comfort garment, in certain styles and positions, but the invention is not limited to those embodiments illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. A wide variety of differently configured garments are possible having the elements and structures of the invention.
The side walls 14a and 14b have lower ends 24 and 26, and attached to these lower ends 24 and 26, at the neck pillow area, are blanket portions 28 and 30 respectively. Each of the blanket portions 28 and 30 may be permanently attached to the lower ends 24 and 26 respectively, or they may be removably attached so that they can be selectively connected to the hoodie 10 depending upon whether the user has a need for these blanket portions 28 and 30. Each blanket portion 28 and 30 may comprise an elongate strip, which may in one embodiment be about 48 to 68 inches long, based on unisex average height, and about 6 inches wide. Other sizes are of course possible. The blanket portions are intended to cover, at least partially, the front and legs of the wearer.
In another embodiment, the hoodie 10 may attach to a garment such as a sweater, and the blanket portions may also attach to the sweater, so that the two may be connected to a common source or base support. The base support may be something other than a sweater.
Each blanket portion 28 and 30 is connected to the head portion 12 at the front near the lower ends 24 and 26, and there is an open space 34 between the blanket portions in the front area. Each blanket portion 28 and 30 extends around the base of the head portion 12, partway around the back of the head portion, as seen in
In certain versions of the invention, the blankets may be removable, as mentioned. Further, the head portion 12 or other part of the hoodie 10 may have at least one compartment or space into which one or both of the blankets 28 and 30 may be stored when not needed.
The hoodie 10 of the invention may include a drawstring 40 which extends in a seam around the face space 20 and out through apertures near the lower ends 24 and 26 so that by pulling or releasing the drawstring 40, the face space 20 may be enlarged or reduced in size, to meet the needs of the user. Aiglets may be provided on each drawstring end as is conventional to precent fraying and facilitate threading through the seam.
Each lateral flap 50 and 52 may be about 5 to 6 inches high and about 2.5 to 3 inches in width, although sizes may vary according to specific use environments and user preferences. The lateral flaps may be expandable or have fold outs to vary their operational size. Each lateral flap 50 and 52 has the ability to flip under the hoodie 10 when not in use, so as to fold away and remain unobtrusive and not cause discomfort to the user. The flaps may include logos, names, or other graphics or written material.
Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.
As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/134,758 filed Jan. 7, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63134758 | Jan 2021 | US |
