GB2349812A

GB2349812A - Travel pillow

Info

Publication number: GB2349812A
Application number: GB9911189A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Galletly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-14
Filing date: 1999-05-14
Publication date: 2000-11-15
Also published as: GB9911189D0

Abstract

A travel pillow comprises a shaped pad 2, and first and second attachment means 3, 4. The first attachments means 4 is adapted to attach the pillow to a seat 1. The second attachment means 3 is adapted to hold the pillow to the head of a user. The pillow may be adapted to support a visor, to hold earphones or to hold ear muffs..

Description

2349812 PASSENGER HEAD RESTRAINT AND SLEEP AID This invention is a device

to help seated passengers sleep by restraining the head in a comfortable and safe position.

A passenger in a seated position in an aircraft, train, bus.or motor car is usually in a vertical position or partially reclined towards the horizontal, with restricted knee clearance. In this way there is no opportunity to lie in a conventional horizontal sleep position. When a passenger attempts to sleep the head will roll forward or to the side resulting in neck stiffness, no sleep, or restricted breathing. Sudden movements of the vehicle or aircraft will also produce similar effects. Existing devices such as inflated neck supporting cushions do not address the problem of supporting the head, conventional soft pillows push the head forward creating neck stiffness and restricting breathing.

This invention will eliminate these factors and create support sufficient to allow sleep. A benefit is also that reduced head movement during accelerations and cornering will help maintain sleep and prevent injuries, particularly with infant passengers whose head weight is disproportionate with the body when compared with an adult.

The drawings FIGURE I Page 3 and FIGURE 2 Page 4 describe the principle of the invention.

(1) Is a typical head restraint formed as an integral part of a passenger seat, this can be fixed or moveable.

(4) Is a strap for securing the apparatus to the seat head restraint, this may be alternatively be replaced by a purpose made device specific to the actual seat application. For example press studs may be incorporated into the seat or locating shapes or a socket into which the shaped pad (2) can locate. Existing fastenings for replacable hygenic covers may also be utilised.

(2) Is a shaped cushioned pad which locates the rear crown of the head at the same " latitude" as the temple, FIGURE I shows it attached to the seat by a strap as an example.

( 3) Is the headband, which can either he open and adjustably fastened using proprietory method such as " Velcro " as illustrated, or be suitably flexible to stretch into place, being sufficiently firm to restrain the sleeping passenger's head without discomfort fitting across the forehead.

Ideally the headband (3) will be made from an absorbant decorative fabric and will allow application of trade logos, or other emblems for promotional or decorative reasons. The cushioned pad (2) may be fified with a padding medium, inflated or moulded from a resilient material, and may be integrated into the seat design either as original equipment, or as a retrospective improvement.

The headband may be adapted to hold an eye shade, acoustic sound protectors ( for the ears), or to hold earphones for entertainment services.

Claims

CLAIM

1. An appliance to enable a seated travelling passenger to sleep or rest, consisting of a shaped pad and two attaching devices.

2. An appliance as described in Claim 1 where the shaped pad can be located onto a passenger seat at head height by a special clip, adjustable strap, "Velcro" or specially designed method appropriate to a specific seat design.

3. An appliance as described in Caim 1 or Claim 2 where the shaped pad has a headband attached to it for the purpose of retaining the head of a seated passenger in an upright position. The headband can be in two halves capable of being joined at a desired length to suit the individual, or manufactured of a suitable stretch material.

4. An appliance as described in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 which can be adapted to hold or support a visor to cover the eyes or to hold or support earphones for entertainment or information purposes.

5. An appliance as claimed manufactured from fabric, webbing, foam filling or combinations of these also capable of carrying trade or brand logos if required.

6. An appliance as described above and in the accompanying drawings and written descriptions.