Novelty neck pillow

Abstract

A novelty pillow is disclosed, having a compact size and a U-shape for cradling the head and neck of a (child) user while sitting in repose in a high backed chair or seat. The novelty pillow comprises a casing stuffed with a fill material, and has an optional opening in the casing allowing the user to add or remove fill material in order to adjust the firmness of the pillow. The pillow's casing is constructed of two similarly sized fabric members. When filled, the novelty pillow has a substantially uniform cross section through most of the pillow's U-shape. The end of one leg of the U-shaped body has a “critter head” affixed to it. A “critter head” is a stylized plush construct evoking the head of an animal or “critter.” Optionally, the end ofthe other leg can have features evoking an appendage of the “critter.”

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to pillow devices intended to receive the human body in a sitting position for the purpose of repose. More specifically, it relates to a child's U-shaped, novelty neck pillow, the pillow filled with a biologically inert material and having a leg of the U-shape configured as an animal head. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field has been motivated to provide neck pillows for use when a person is sitting in repose. For children, the field has produced novelty pillows representing an animal for use by child in repose. For example, Petrusek (U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,064) discloses a device for supporting the head of a child user. The Petrusek device consists of an inflatable air-cushion, which when inflated has the shape of the head of an animal with opened jaws. The lower jaw supports the child's head when placed in the open mouth. However, the Petrusek device is disclosed for use in a supine position, and is not disposed for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is a novelty pillow having a compact size and a U-shape for cradling the head and neck of a user while sitting in repose. The crotch of the U-shaped pillow fits around the user's neck sufficiently closely to hold the pillow in position. The U-shape of the present pillow does not close over the throat of a user, nor form a loop around the neck of a user. The novelty pillow is particularly useful for supporting the head and neck of the user while sitting in an upright or semi-reclining position in a high-backed chair, such as those on an airplane, automobile, bus, or the like. The pillow has a substantially-uniform cross section, and provides comforting support in a variety of head positions while the user is sitting in repose. The end of one leg of the U-shaped body has a “critter head” affixed to it. A “critter head” is a stylized plush construct evoking the head of a critter. Typically, the head is affixed to the U-shaped pillow body by sewing. Optionally, the end of the other leg can have features evoking an appendage of a critter. This element of the novelty pillow allows it to serve as a plush toy for a child user.

Problems solved by technology

However, the Petrusek device is disclosed for use in a supine position, and is not disposed for use in a sitting position.

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