Patent Application
20220287483
Not applicable
The present invention relates to the field of cases and enclosures, more particularly to cases providing antibacterial protection for plush objects.
Traveling can be physically stressful and result in nerve damage or tissue damage to the spine and back of many travelers. Generally, travel companies such as airlines, trains, busses, or car pools maximize their profits be reducing the area per passenger. This requires that the passenger sit in an upright position which is generally not conducive to proper spine alignment.
Trying to sleep during travel is hampered by the lack of space and the lack of adjustment for the traveler's position. For this reason, travel pillows or neck pillows were created to allow the passenger to sleep comfortably in an upright position. Generally, these pillows are a crescent shape with a plush material inside. The crescent shape accepts the user's neck and the plush material supports the users head by extending between the user's head and the user's shoulder.
These pillows are convenient and helpful, but pose a difficulty during travel and when they are not in use. They can be cumbersome and require packing inside of suitcases to ensure that they do not contact undesirable surfaces or receive damage from abrasive surfaces. The floor and even walls of some travel departure points can harbor an overwhelming amount of bacteria and germs that can promote sickness and disease if transferred to the traveler by the pillow.
The issue is that the exterior surface of the pillow must provide a comfortable surface to contact the user's skin, which often means a type of fabric. These fabrics can be absorbent and actually promote the transfer of fluids and micro organisms during travel. Further, the cleaning of these pillows is difficult as they take extensive time to dry, if they are washable at all.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art a device to promote proper health and hygiene when using a neck or travel pillow without providing more of a burden on the packing or traveler itself.
Generally, travel pillow protective case may have a hollow interior configured to receive a travel pillow, the hollow interior having a geometry configured to match the geometry of the travel pillow, wherein the travel pillow is defined by a fill encapsulated by a layer of material, and at least one sealable opening to the hollow interior, wherein the hollow interior is less than an entire interior of the protective case.
In some examples, the at least one sealable opening is configured to receive a first arm of the travel pillow. The hollow interior may be crescent shaped. The device may be comprised of a hypoallergenic material. The device may be comprised of a bamboo material. The protective case may be comprised of an antimicrobial material.
The protective case may have a power source in electrical communication with a processor and one or more speakers; and a wireless receiver in communication with the processor and at least one media storage device, wherein a mobile device wirelessly communicates with the wireless receiver to transmit data to the device. The data can be audio, and wherein the audio may be played through the one or more speakers. The protective case may have a plurality of leds configured to emit light of a preset wavelength, wherein the light is configured to promote circadian rhythms. The protective case may have a transmitter in communication with the power source, wherein the transmitter can be configured to transmit a signal to the mobile device, wherein the signal indicated a location of the device.
The protective case may have one or more sidewalls separating the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein an aperture extends through at least one of the one or more sidewalls to the hollow interior. The protective case may have fastener positions around the aperture, wherein the fastener is configured to close the aperture. A pocket can be disposed on an exterior surface of the top side, wherein the pocket is configured to store the device in a closed position, wherein the closed position is defined by the device rolled into the pocket
The protective case may have at least two openings, one of the two openings configured to open to the hollow interior and a second of the at least two openings configured to open to a second hollow interior positioned within the protective case between a first arm and a second arm of the travel pillow. The pouch may be selectively sealable.
In general a protective case for a travel pillow may have a crescent shaped hollow interior configured to receive and retain a travel pillow therein, at least one opening into the hollow interior, the at least one opening being selectively sealable with a closure means, at least one connection means configured to connect the protective case to a substrate a divider within the hollow interior, the divider configured to separate a first arm and second arm of the travel pillow inserted therein.
In some examples, the protective case may be configured such that the at least one sealable opening can be configured to receive a first arm of the travel pillow, wherein the hollow interior is crescent shaped, wherein the device is comprised of a hypoallergenic material. The protective case may be comprised of a bamboo material. The protective case may be comprised of an antimicrobial material.
The protective case may also have a power source in electrical communication with a processor and one or more speakers; and a wireless receiver in communication with the processor and at least one media storage device, wherein a mobile device wirelessly communicates with the wireless receiver to transmit data to the device, wherein the data is audio, and wherein the audio is played through the one or more speakers, a plurality of leds configured to emit light of a preset wavelength, wherein the light is configured to promote circadian rhythms, a transmitter in communication with the power source, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to the mobile device, wherein the signal indicated a location of the device, wherein a pocket is disposed on an exterior surface of the top side, wherein the pocket is configured to store the device in a closed position, wherein the closed position is defined by the device rolled into the pocket, and at least two openings, one of the two openings configured to open to the hollow interior and a second of the at least two openings configured to open to a second hollow interior positioned within the protective case between a first arm and a second arm of the travel pillow.
In general, a protective case may have a top side a bottom side, wherein a hollow interior is configured to accept a crescent shaped pillow.
In some examples, the protective case may have a hypoallergenic material, a bamboo material, an antimicrobial material or a combination thereof.
The protective case may also have a power source in electrical communication with a processor and one or more speakers; and a wireless receiver in communication with the processor and at least one media storage device, wherein a mobile device wirelessly communicates with the wireless receiver to transmit data to the device. data may be audio, and wherein the audio is played through the one or more speakers.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises a plurality of leds configured to emit light of a preset wavelength, wherein the light is configured to promote circadian rhythms.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises a transmitter in communication with the power source, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to the mobile device, wherein the signal indicated a location of the device.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises one or more sidewalls separating the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein an aperture extends through at least one of the one or more sidewalls to the hollow interior.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises a fastener positions around the aperture.
In an embodiment, a pocket is disposed on an exterior surface of the top side, wherein the pocket is configured to store the device in a closed position, wherein the closed position is defined by the device rolled into the pocket.
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.
References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.
As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
A travel pillow protective case generally has an interior configured to accommodate or receive a travel pillow therein. Accommodation of the travel pillow by the interior of the protective case may include a channel or interior that is restrictive in volume and geometry based on the shape and geometry of the travel pillow inserted therein.
A travel pillow generally is defined by a pillow that is contoured to engage a user's neck. For example, a crescent shape or horseshoe shape may be most advantageous as a user may engage the pillow inside of the two arms of the pillow such that a first arm is on a first side of the user's neck and a second arm is on the opposite side. In some examples, a travel pillow is a soft foam, padding, fill, or other acceptable material configured to accept and distribute weight of a user's neck, head, or other anatomy engaged by the pillow. The fill of the pillow is general covered in some textile that can define a shape of a pillow. For example, pillows used on a bed are generally rectangular in shape with the fill encapsulated by rectangular shaped textiles that act as a pocket to retain the fill of the pillow. Continuing the bed-pillow example, a case may be used such that the exterior textile of the pillow is deposited into the case. Bed-pillows are generally configured to be paced on a bed and used for sleep. They are devoid of additional features that would allow someone to use the pillow while traveling and are generally not conducive for use outside the surface of a bed.
A travel pillow may have fill encapsulated entirely by one or more crescent shaped textiles as the crescent shape is conducive for use while a user is traveling or using the travel pillow anywhere other than a flat surface. In the example of a travel pillow, the crescent shaped textile encapsulating the fill may not be inserted into a case, such that the fill-encapsulating textile is not exposed to the environment. However, in such a configuration, the removable case is often configured to be used in combination with the pillow resulting in contact with a user after the exterior surface of the pillow-pillow case combination has been exposed to the environment. Public areas are often common places for use of the travel pillow and the exterior surface of the travel pillow is highly likely to contact unclean surfaces or transfer of biological materials from other people as the exterior surface of the pillow case is allowed to be exposed to the environment. The present invention provides and effective temporary protective cover for the travel pillow.
Considering
In some embodiments, the travel pillow travel case is a one size fits most case for u-shaped travel pillows. The case is made of a fabric that is antibacterial (like a bamboo) to allow the actual pillow to stay clean. The case has a closure device (a clip or Velcro/lock & loop) to allow for the bag with the pillow inside to be attached to a suitcase, bag, backpack or any travel bag. The case may also have a pocket to allow for an eye mask and ear plugs.
In some embodiments, the purpose of this universal case is to keep travel pillows from being expose to germ when traveling, allow for the pillow to be carried in an easy way by clipping onto luggage and without taking up space in the luggage.
In some embodiments, one or more sidewalls separate the top side and the bottom side. Where sidewalls are provided, an aperture into the hollow interior extends through at least a portion of one of the sidewalls. The aperture is selectively sealable through the use of a hook and loop system, one or more fasteners, a plurality of magnets, a zipper, or another type of fastener to attach sides of the aperture into a closed position.
In some examples, the one or more opening of the travel pillow protective case are selectively sealable and configured to facilitate retention of the travel pillow within the case and prevent expose to the environment while the pillow is within the protective case. For example, the openings of the protective case may include a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, friction fasteners, snap fasteners, locking closure mechanisms, clips, resealable adhesives, drawstring closure systems, shock cord and more.
In some embodiments, the pillow case has a power system in communication with one or more speakers. A wireless receiver may be provided to remotely communication with a mobile device such that the mobile device can transmit, and the Bluetooth receiver can receive signals to be played as audio through the one or more speakers.
In another embodiment, the pillow case has a storage media device and a plurality of buttons to selectively access and provide a user interface between the pillow case buttons and the media stored within the storage media device. For example, a flash drive may be provided and electrically in communication with the power source and one or more processors. When the user presses the necessary buttons, music media is recalled from within the flash drive and played through the one or more speakers.
In another embodiment, the pillow case has a plurality of led lights connected to the processor and the power source such that the plurality of leds are configured to provide preset light arrangement displays to promote sleep. For example, light of a certain wavelength may be known to promote healthy circadian rhythms and sleep habits such that the plurality of led lights can promote such light and display it through the pillow case as ambient lighting.
In an embodiment, a fan or other temperature control device is electrically connected to the power course and the one or more processors. The temperature control device may provide a forced flow of air circulation throughout the case and between the pillow and the interior surface of the case to provide a preset optimal temperature. The temperature is then appreciated by the user as the pillow case may contact the skin
In some embodiments, the pillow case is removed from the pillow when the pillow is in use. The pillow case may further have a pocket on the exterior surface of the top side or the bottom side configured to accept the pillow case when the case is in a folded position.
In an alternative embodiment, the pillow case is integrated with the pillow. In such an embodiment, the pillow case is attached to the pillow at one or more locations or segments. Where the pillow case is integrated with the pillow, the case may be transitioned from a first position to a second position. The first position describes an enclosed position or operational position such that the pillow case is inclosing the pillow within the hollow interior of the pillow case. The first position may be transitioned to the second position such that the pillow is substantially removed from the pillow case and the pillow case is compacted into a stored position. For example, the operation of transitioning the pillow case from the first position to the second position may involve opening the aperture and pulling the pillow from within the hollow interior. The pillow case would be integrated to a section of the pillow opposite of the aperture and as the pillow is removed from the hollow interior, the pillow case is rolled toroidally about the aperture perimeter all the way until the pillow case is rolled up to the segment where it is integrated with the pillow. In some embodiments, one or more straps or enclosures may be provided substantially near the integrated segment of the pillow and pillow case such that the one or more straps are configured to retain the pillow case in the second position. For example, a user may desire to enclose the pillow within the pillow case until such time the user requires the pillow be removed from the pillow case, the case is transitioned to the second position without concern for losing the pillow case, as both the pillow case and the pillow are integrated together.
In some embodiments, the integrated segment of the pillow and pillow case are connected by one or more fasteners, clips, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive, or stitched into the pillow.
In some embodiments, the pillow case has one or more additional compartments configured to store additional objects therein. These additional compartments are attached to the pillow case and may have different volumetric interiors based on the size and shape of object they are configured to retain. In a non-limiting example, one of the additional compartments is configured to retain an absorbent material. The absorbent material is configured to receive essential oils or another aromatic compound placed therein by the user. The aromatic compound may provide additional benefits to the user such as promoting a calming physiological response to improve sleep. In such an example, the additional compartment facilitates the distribution of the scent of the aromatic compound through pores or a semipermeable material comprising the additional compartment. The additional compartment may be sealed or selectively accessible through an opening into the interior of the additional compartment, wherein the interior of the additional compartment shares at least one side with the pillow case.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15968749 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 17827781 | US |
