Inflatable travel aid

Abstract

having an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole, and a least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device also configured to remove air from the inflatable arrangement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to a travel aid. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable travel aid that allows a user to support body parts, such as the face and torso, during travel such that the individual is maintained in a comfortable and proper orthopedic supported position during travel.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002]Conventional travel aids attempt to provide a modicum of comfort to travelers. The results obtained by these devices, however, are not sufficient for travelers in that the devices do not provide travelers much comfort. The devices themselves are, at best, capable limited support. Airline pillows, for example, do little to provide comfort to traveling passengers as these small convenience items are not designed or intended to allow support for an individual's face in an upright seated position. Airline pillows, moreover, do not allow for positioning of the pillow in the cramped confines of the plane.

[0003]Pillows do not provide a capability to act as a floatation device of any significance. These pillows are merely units that help an individual with attaining a wedged position in a seat during travel. Pillows, additionally, are not customizable for a user. The pillows are provided with a predefined shape that is not adaptable for users in different traveling situations.

[0004]Pillows used during travel also do not have the capability to maintain a traveler in a proper orthopedic position. Travelers are provided with a simple stuffed unit that is positioned on one side of the body that consequently tends to move the spine of the individual into a position that is not optimal.

[0005]Pillows also have other significant drawbacks. Pillows do not provide any impact resistance for the user in the event of a crash. The pillows offer a very limited cushioning effect in the case of a vehicle impact on the side that the pillow is placed. The effect, however, is minor and virtually no crash protection is afforded the user.

[0006]There is therefore a need to provide a travel aid that supports a user in an orthopedically beneficial position during travel.

[0007]There is also a need to provide a travel aid that can be positioned effectively by the user during traveling, such as during a trip on an airliner, a train or in a car.

[0008]There is also a need to provide a travel aid that is customizable for the user such that differing sizes of individuals are supported according to the needs of the user.

[0009]There is a still further need to provide a cost effective travel aid to allow travelers to purchase the aid with minimal expense.

[0010]There is also a need to provide a travel aid that is collapsible, wherein the aid may be stored in a relatively small space while not be used by the individual.

[0011]There is also a need for a travel aid that is a floatation device to offer assistance to a user in a case of the user encountering a water-borne environment or a impact situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a travel aid that supports a user in an orthopedically beneficial position during travel.

[0013]It is also an object of the present invention to provide a travel aid that can be positioned effectively by the user during traveling, such as during a trip on an airliner, a train or in a car.

[0014]It is a further object of the present invention to provide a travel aid that is customizable for the user such that differing sizes of individuals are supported according to the needs of the user.

[0015]It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a cost effective travel aid to allow travelers to purchase the aid with minimal expense.

[0016]It is another object of the present invention to provide a travel aid that is collapsible, wherein the aid may be stored in a relatively small space when not used by the individual.

[0017]It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a need for a travel aid that can be used as a floatation device to offer assistance to a user in a case of the user encountering a water-borne environment or in a crash situation.

[0018]The objects of the present invention are achieved as illustrated and described. The present invention provides an inflatable travel aid, comprising an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole, and a least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device also configured to remove air from the inflatable arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable travel aid further comprises a contact surface positioned on a bottom face of the inflatable arrangement. The contact surface may be a hook and loop tape surface. The at least one inflation device may be a manual inflation valve or two manual inflation valves. Additionally the at least one inflation device may be a battery operated inflation/deflation device. The at least one inflation device is made of plastic. The at least one inflation device is on a back surface of the aid.

[0019]In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface is shaped in two concave arcs. The inflatable travel aid may further comprise an attachment surface on a front surface of the travel aid and a front surface covering attached to the attachment surface of the travel aid. The attachment surface on the front surface of the travel aid may comprise a hook and loop tape.

[0020]In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable travel aid is presented comprising an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole and at least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device having a bayonet mount for mounting a pump to the inflation device.

[0021]The inflatable travel aid may also comprise an abrasion surface positioned on a bottom face of the inflatable arrangement. Furthermore, the abrasion surface is a hook and loop tape surface in an alternative embodiment.

[0022]The at least one inflation device is on a back surface of the aid in another embodiment. Additionally, a bottom surface of the aid is shaped in two concave arcs. The inflatable travel aid may be made of plastic in all of the embodiments provided above.

[0023]The inflatable travel aid may also comprise an attachment surface on a front surface of the travel aid as well as a front surface covering attached to the attachment surface of the travel aid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a front view of an inflatable travel aid in conformance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is left side view of the inflatable travel aid of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a back view of the inflatable travel aid of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the inflatable travel aid of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a back view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029]Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an inflatable travel aid 10 in conformance with the present invention is presented. The purpose of the inflatable travel aid 10 is to support an individual during travel so that the individual may sleep or relax during extended travel periods in confined spaces. The user inserts arms into the hole 24 that extends through the body of the inflatable travel aid 10. The user also inserts their face into the facial hole 38 such that at least a portion of the periphery of the users face is supported by the inflatable travel aid 10. When inflated, the inflatable travel aid 10 supports the face, arms and upper torso of an individual.

[0030]In the exemplary embodiment presented for the inflatable travel aid 10, the aid 10 is configured with a right panel 12, a left panel 14, a front face 16, a back face 22 and a bottom surface 34.

[0031]In the front face 16 of the travel aid 10, a facial hole 38 is provided to support a portion of the periphery of a users face during relaxation. The facial hole 38 is configured such that it intersects with an additional hole 24 that penetrates through the body of the travel aid 10.

[0032]The inflatable travel aid 10 is inflated and placed upon a users lap such that the bottom surface 34 is placed in contact with the legs of the user. A user may then insert their face into the facial hole 38 such that at least a portion of the periphery of the face contacts the edges of the facial hole 38.

[0033]The inflatable travel aid 10 is constructed, in the exemplary embodiment, of polyvinyl chloride material that is joined at the respective seams such that the overall body of the travel aid 10 is air tight. Although listed as being made from polyvinyl chloride material, other choices of materials may be used, including plastics, leather, simulated leather and therefore the choice of materials presented above should not be considered limiting. Contact areas where a user may interface with the inflatable travel aid 10, such as the front face 16 and the bottom surface 34, can be made of a velour, suede, and/or felt.

[0034]Referring to FIG. 2, a left side view of the inflatable travel aid of FIG. 1 is presented. The left side view of the inflatable travel aid 10 has an additional hole 24 that allows a user to insert their arms into the openings. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the additional hole 24 is six inches (approximately 15 centimeters) such that users may rest their arms inside the aid 10. The facial hole 38 is provided with an eight inch (approximately 20.3 cm) diameter. The facial hole 38 is configured such that air is channeled to the facial hole 38 through the additional through hole 24 as the facial hole 38 and the additional through hole 24 intersect. The junction between the top surface 36 and the bottom surface 34 and the respective back face 22, the front face 16 and the left panel 14 and right panel 12 are rounded such that when inflated the edges of the panels do not have protruding sharp corners.

[0035]Referring to FIG. 3, a back view of the inflatable travel aid 10 of FIG. 1 is presented. The back face 22 of the inflatable travel aid 10 is provided with a manual inflation valve 26 and a second manual inflation valve 28 as well as a motorized inflation device 30. The motorized inflation device 30 is provided power by a battery 32. The manual inflation valve 26 and the second manual inflation valve 28 allow a user to insert air into the inflatable travel aid 10 to a desired level, therefore allowing a customizable size and support capability for the aid 10. The manual inflation valve 26 and the second manual inflation valve 28 are also configured such that during pinching (opening) of the valves 26, 28 air may be expelled from the travel aid 10. Two valves are provided in the exemplary embodiment such that air may be expelled quickly from the aid 10 so that an airline passenger, for example, may quickly deflate the aid 10 for disembarkation. Although illustrated as having two manual inflation valves 26, 28, the aid may be configured with one manual inflation valve, if desired. In a still alternate configuration, the manual inflation valves 26, 28 may be deleted and inflation of the aid 10 may be controlled by the motorized inflation device 30. The motorized inflation device 30 is also configured such that air may be evacuated from the aid 10 for quick deflation.

[0036]The motorized inflation device 30 has an external casing that is made of plastic. Power is provided to the motorized inflation device 30 through a battery 32, that, in this exemplary embodiment, is a standard D cell size. The motorized inflation device 30 is affixed to the back face 22 of the aid 10 through a chemically bonded connection between the back face 22 and the motorized inflation device 30. In the exemplary embodiment provided, the back face 22 is provided with a lip 46 that is created to allow the motorized inflation device 30 to be inserted into the aid 10. The motorized inflation device 30 may also be configured to be removable from the back face 22.

[0037]Referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the inflatable travel aid of FIG. 1 is presented. The bottom surface 34 of the aid 10 is configured such that bottom seams 42 connect the individual right 12, left 14, front 16 and bottom surfaces 34 into an integrated unit as illustrated. The bottom surface 34 is configured with a contact surface 40 that interfaces with the lap of the user. The contact surface 40, in the exemplary embodiment provided, is a double sided tape that allows the contact surface 40 to adhere to the lap of the individual using the aid 10. The contact surface may also use hook and loop tape or may be a roughened surface, thereby minimizing slip during use.

[0038]Referring to FIG. 5, a back view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is presented. In the back view of the secondary exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pump connection 44 is provided. The pump connection has the capability to accept a pump air hose connection so that the travel aid 10 may be inflated. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump connection 44 is a bayonet mount accepting device. The pump connection 44 is made of plastic and may also have a safety release such that air may exit the aid 10 during desired deflation. An arm rest hole 46 is located in the unit such that a user may place his/her respective arm within the hole 46 for comfort.

[0039]The present invention provides may advantages compared to conventional travel aids such as pillows. Through the embodiments presented above, the present invention provides a travel aid that supports a user in an orthopedically beneficial position during travel, unlike conventional pillows. Thus, for individuals with back and/or spine problems, the individual may rest without twisting of the spine. The travel aid 10 of the present invention does not require a user to twist his or her back while maintaining a seated position, but rather keeps the users spine in a more centrally located position.

[0040]The present invention also provides a travel aid 10 that can be positioned effectively by the user during traveling, such as during a trip on an airliner, a train or in a car. As the aid 10 is capable of being inflated and deflated, the aid 10 is movable and light weight, therefore an individual may easily transport the aid 10 during travel.

[0041]An additional advantage that the travel aid 10 has over conventional pillows is that a user may add or subtract air from the travel aid 10 so that the travel aid is customizable to fit the user according to the needs of the user. The present invention provides a cost effective travel aid to allow travelers to purchase the aid with minimal expense.

[0042]The present invention provides a floatation device to offer assistance to a user in a case of the user encountering a water-borne environment as well as a crash barrier in case of a more substantial impact. In periods before impact, if time allows, inflation of the aid 10 allows an additional measure of protection for occupants of the vehicle.

[0043]As the aid 10 is capable of holding air for prolonged periods of time, the aid 10 may also be used as a water floatation device. Thus, airlines can provide the travel aid 10 to passengers for general comfort during a flight, while the passengers have the added safety of a rugged floatation device. During water floatation times, the outside of the travel aid 10 may be affixed with an optically significant color or marking, thereby allowing visual identification of the aid 10 and the user during emergency situations.

[0044]In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An inflatable travel aid, comprising:an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole; anda least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device also configured to remove air from the inflatable arrangement.

2. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, further comprising:a contact surface positioned on a bottom face of the inflatable arrangement.

3. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 2, wherein the contact surface has at least a part of the surface being a hook and loop tape.

4. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation device is a manual inflation valve.

5. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation device is two manual inflation valves.

6. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation device is a battery operated inflation/deflation device.

7. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation device is made of plastic.

8. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation device is on a back face of the aid.

9. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is shaped in two concave arcs.

10. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 1, further comprising:an attachment surface on a front surface of the travel aid.

11. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 10, further comprising:a front surface covering attached to the attachment surface of the travel aid.

12. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 10, wherein the attachment surface on the front surface of the travel aid comprises a hook and loop tape.

13. An inflatable travel aid, comprising:an inflatable arrangement having a hole for supporting at least a periphery of a face of a user and an additional through hole for the inflatable arrangement, the hole for supporting at least the periphery of the face of the user intersecting with the additional through hole; anda least one inflation device configured to provide air to the inflatable arrangement, the inflation device having a bayonet mount for mounting a pump to the inflation device.

14. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 13, further comprising:an abrasion surface positioned on a bottom face of the inflatable arrangement.

15. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 14, wherein the abrasion surface is a hook and loop tape surface.

16. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 13, wherein the at least one inflation device is on a back surface of the aid.

17. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 13, wherein a bottom surface of the aid is shaped in two concave arcs.

18. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 13, further comprising:an attachment surface on a front surface of the travel aid.

19. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 18, further comprising:a front surface covering attached to the attachment surface of the travel aid.

20. The inflatable travel aid according to claim 13, wherein the aid is made of plastic.