US4031578A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contoured travel pillow
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-05-20
•
Granted: 1977-06-28
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Expires: 1996-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A travel pillow is described for use with seats which provide an accommodating headrest. This pillow cushions the user's neck and head in a cavity and thus provides support against `head-rolling` and the sudden `head-drooping` which usually results when a traveler attempts to sleep while sitting in a generally upright position.
Inventors
- 👤 Doris Sweeney
- 👤 Mary Ellen Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:11
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C7/00; A47C7/36; A47C7/38; A47C7/383; B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/80; B60N2/882; B60N2/885
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A travel pillow comprised of three discrete and resilient sections: (1) a central section which serves as a spacer and supports the back of the user's head and (2) a matching pair of lateral head sections located on opposite sides of said spacer (1) to form a generally H-shaped configuration therewith; and a snug-fitting cover which accommodates all three sections and maintains them in their generally H-shaped configuration; both of the head sections (2) being of greater thickness than spacer (1) and possessing a tapered appearance which begins with a flat and generally wide back-wall and a narrower, rounded front portion; said back-wall being disposed at an angle which slopes toward the central section so that the backward pressure of the user's head on said spacer (1) will cause the said back-walls to form an essentially parallel plane and draw the inner side-walls toward one another, for contact with the user's head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A travel pillow comprised of three discrete and resilient sections: (1) a central section which serves as a spacer and supports the back of the user's head and (2) a matching pair of lateral head sections located on opposite sides of said spacer (1) to form a generally H-shaped configuration therewith; and a snug-fitting cover which accommodates all three sections and maintains them in their generally H-shaped configuration; both of the head sections (2) being of greater thickness than spacer (1) and possessing a tapered appearance which begins with a flat and generally wide back-wall and a narrower, rounded front portion; said back-wall being disposed at an angle which slopes toward the central section so that the backward pressure of the user's head on said spacer (1) will cause the said back-walls to form an essentially parallel plane and draw the inner side-walls toward one another, for contact with the user's head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 in which the top and bottom sides are essentially flat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 in which the edges of the head sections are rounded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 in which the head sections are of such size that they cushion both the user's head and ears.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 constructed of inflatable material so that the pillow can be deflated for storage and inflated for use.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 constructed of foam rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 in which the cover is fabricated from flame resistant material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The travel pillow of claim 1 in which the angle of the back-wall with respect to the support surface is such that, in use, the inner side-walls of the two head sections are caused to move toward one another and engage the user's head.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-27 | 1980-12-27 | 1981-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-27 | 1984-12-27 | 1985-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-27 | 1988-12-27 | 1989-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |