US20060200910A1

US20060200910A1 - Multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory

Info

Publication number: US20060200910A1
Application number: US11/284,667
Authority: US
Inventors: Rex Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-11
Filing date: 2005-11-22
Publication date: 2006-09-14

Abstract

A multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory that enables user-selective employ, either individually or in combination, of various articles of comfort, including a pillow, blanket, lumbar support, hand cozy, foot cozy, and/or seat cushion. The present invention is particularly characterized by its provision of a structurally compact or bundled arrangement of the foregoing listed articles; thereby, facilitating expeditious assembly, disassembly, and carriage of same.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present nonprovisional patent application claims priority to and the full benefit of provisional patent application entitled “Personal Warming, Cushioning and Supporting Device”, filed on Mar. 11, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 60/660,658.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to personal comfort devices, and more specifically to a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, conveniently offering, in compact combination, a pillow, blanket, and lumbar support, wherein the latter article may alternatively function as a hand cozy, foot cozy, or seat cushion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, seats and bleachers of most stadiums present a hard seat bottom and an unyielding seatback, both of which collectively contribute to an overall uncomfortable seating experience, especially in view of the typical length of most stadium-bound sporting events. Accordingly, stadium patrons will often utilize a conventional seat cushion, pillow or folded blanket to pad the stadium seat bottom and/or seatback and, thus, impart thereto a degree of comfort.
However, as a natural response to various plays of the sporting event, most stadium patrons often become excited and actively move around and/or abruptly jump from their seats. As expected, such activity results in frequent shifting of the seat cushion or pillow, and/or unraveling of the blanket; thus, requiring equally frequent readjustment of same. Consequently, the inconveniences associated with such readjustment become less than tolerable, ultimately leading to removal of the padding article altogether, and subjection of oneself to the discomfort of the bare, rigid stadium seat.
In addition to the foregoing padding articles, stadium patrons will further carry blankets, mittens and other body insulating devices to shield themselves from cold or harsh ambient weather conditions during the sporting event. Indeed, toting a combination of separate pillows, blankets, mittens, seat cushions, back cushions, and the like, quickly becomes burdensome and frustrating.
Similarly, although airline and train passenger seats are typically cushioned or padded, the underlying structural framework of such seats still present general discomforts to the average passenger, especially when considering lengthy travel times. Accordingly, when onboard personal pillows and blankets are not available, most passengers often bundle or roll-up their jacket, sweater or other clothing article to create a make-shift head pillow or lumbar/back support. Still others may utilize such articles as blankets. Of course, the decision to tote separate personal blankets, pillows, and/or back supports onto the plane or train, along with already cumbersome personal carry-on baggage, presents the obvious disadvantages of additional weight and bulk.
Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory that collectively functions to provide, in a compact and portable assembly, a pillow, blanket, and, selectively, a lumbar support, hand cozy, foot cozy, or seat cushion. There is still a further need for such an invention that provides a seat cushion adapted to securely receive the seat bottom or seatback of a hard seat; thereby, avoiding undesirable shifting or displacement of the cushion during use. There is still a further need for such an invention that avoids the overall bulk and inconveniences commonly associated with the practice of toting separate articles of comfort (i.e., blankets, pillows, lumbar supports, back supports, mittens, foot warmers, and the like).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory that enables user-selective employ, either individually or in combination, of various articles of comfort, including a pillow, blanket, lumbar support, hand cozy, foot cozy, and/or seat cushion. The present invention is particularly characterized by its provision of a structurally compact or bundled arrangement of the foregoing listed articles; thereby, facilitating expeditious assembly, disassembly, and carriage of same.
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a multi-article and multifunctional travel assembly, generally comprising a combination of articles that functional provide a pillow, blanket, lumbar support, hand cozy, foot cozy, and/or seat cushion.
More specifically, the present invention is a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, comprising in compact combination, a pillow, blanket, and lumbar support, wherein the latter article further alternatively functions as a hand cozy, foot cozy, or seat cushion. That is, the present invention comprises an outer cushioned, tubular casing having a zippered seam, wherein the casing comprises a durable, waterproof exterior side, and a soft (i.e., fleece or the like) inner side. The outer casing preferably encloses or wraps around the blanket and lumbar support articles. As such, the outer casing may be unzipped, and the blanket/lumbar support articles thereof removed, wherein the unzipped casing may then be inverted and re-zipped, such that the interior “soft” side now faces outward and, thus, serves as a pillow face. Alternatively, the blanket and/or lumbar support articles may simply be pulled and removed from the fully-zipped outer casing, wherein the casing may then be utilized as a pillow in this fashion or, alternatively, as a seat cushion, back support, or the like.
The blanket is preferably wrapped within the tubular-shaped lumbar support, wherein the lumbar support comprises a zippered seam; thereby, enabling the lumbar support to be unzipped into a flat, cushion-like structure which may be placed on a hard, stadium seat surface, or the like. Additionally, formed on the exterior or inner face of the lumbar support, proximate a peripheral edge thereof, is a pocket or slip-like structure, which, when the lumbar support is in a cushion configuration, facilitates placement of the article over a seat bottom, or, alternatively, a seat back. Furthermore, when in a tubular-configuration, the lumbar support may be selectively utilized as a hand or foot cozy.
The present invention further includes fully-removable coverings over each article to facilitate washing or cleaning of same; a carrying strap for convenient transport of the fully bundled invention; a strap or loop, dimensioned to be received over a suitcase handle, for convenient carriage of the fully bundled invention; “memory” foam for all padded or cushioned articles of the present invention; and, a structurally compact configuration that lends to overall portability of the invention.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its compact arrangement, bundling, and configuration, of various articles of comfort.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a compact arrangement of various articles of comfort.
Still another feature and advantage of the present invention its ability to provide a compact arrangement of multifunctional articles of comfort.
Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its multifunctional articles.
Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the general methodology employed in the assembly, disassembly and use of the present invention.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is the specific methodology employed in the assembly, disassembly and use of each multifunctional article of the present invention.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a fully compact or bundled configuration;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective and partial cutaway view of the pillow of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown disassembled;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the pillow of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown assembled;
FIG. 2C is a perspective and partial cutaway view of the lumbar support of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown disassembled;
FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the lumbar support of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown disassembled and utilized as a seat back; and, FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the lumbar support of a multi-article and multifunctional travel accessory, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown disassembled and utilized as a seat cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2E, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-2E, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a multi-article and multifunctional travel assembly 10, comprising pillow or outer casing 20, blanket 40, lumbar support 60, shoulder strap 80, and suitcase strap 90. Generally, outer casing 20 preferably houses or envelopes lumbar support 60, wherein lumbar support 60 similarly preferably houses or envelopes blanket 40. As more fully described hereinbelow, although outer casing 20 preferably functions as a pillow, outer casing 20 may further alternatively function as a seat cushion or back support. Additionally, and as also more fully described hereinbelow, lumbar support 60 may alternatively function as a hand cozy, foot cozy, or seat cushion.
Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1-2A, outer casing 20 preferably comprises covering or slip 22, wherein slip 22 preferably removably encases cushion or pad member 24 of outer casing 20. Preferably, terminal ends 22 a, 22 b of slip 22 preferably comprise cooperative zipper portions 21, 23, respectively, whereupon cooperative engagement of same yields zippered seam 25 and, thus, the general tubular construction of outer casing 20 best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2. Unzipping of zippered seam 25 preferably enables outer casing 20 to be laid open in a substantially flat configuration (see FIG. 2A), for purposes more fully described below.
Preferably, slip 22 comprises a durable, waterproof exterior side 26 (i.e., hydrophobic coated nylon, canvas, denim, or other suitable knitted or woven fabrics or textiles), and soft inner side 28 (i.e., fleece, cotton, or other knitted, woven and/or nonwoven fabrics or textiles) As such, when travel accessory 10 is in a compact or bundled configuration (see FIG. 1), durable, waterproof exterior side 26 of slip 22 of casing 20 preferably faces outwardly and, thereby, substantially shields blanket 40 and lumbar support 60 from dirt, moisture, and the like. However, as soilage or dirtying of outer casing 20 may occur, slip 22 further preferably comprises a series of snap-buttons 30 that generally seal opening 32 of slip 22, wherein unbuttoning snap-buttons 30 preferably facilitates removal of pad member 24 through opening 32 of slip 22; thereby, enabling slip 22 and/or pad member 24 to be independently and selectively washed or otherwise cleaned if so soiled or dirtied. Pad member 24 is preferably formed from a suitable sponge foam, foam rubber, “memory” foam, or the like.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 2B, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-2A, as described hereinabove, outer casing 20 preferably encloses or wraps around blanket 40 and lumbar support articles 60. As such, outer casing 20 may be unzipped via zipper seam 25, and blanket 40 and lumbar support 60 removed therefrom, wherein unzipped casing 20 may then be inverted and re-zipped via zipper portions 21, 23, such that soft inner side 28 of casing 20 now faces outward and, thus, serves as a pillow face. Alternatively, blanket 40 and/or lumbar support 60 may simply be pulled and removed from the fully-zipped outer casing 20, wherein fully-zipped casing 20 may then be utilized as a pillow in this fashion or, alternatively, as a seat cushion, back support, or the like. Still further, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2A, when outer casing 20 is unzipped and laid open in a substantially flat configuration, it may now selectively be utilized as a seat cushion, either independently or in conjunction with the seat cushion functionality provided via lumbar support article 60, as more fully described hereinbelow.
Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, 2C, 2D, blanket 40 is preferably wrapped within, and may be removed for use from, tubular-shaped lumbar support 60, wherein lumbar support 60 preferably comprises a construction similar to that of outer casing 20. Specifically, lumbar support 60 preferably comprises slip 62, wherein slip 62 preferably removably encases pad member 64 of lumbar support 60. Preferably, terminal ends 62 a, 62 b of slip 62 preferably comprise cooperative zipper portions 61, 63, respectively, whereupon cooperative engagement of same yields zippered seam 65 and, thus, the general tubular construction of lumbar support 60 best illustrated in FIG. 2. In such a tubular configuration, lumbar support 60 may be placed between the lumbar portion of the user's back and the seat back of the seating apparatus, or, alternatively, between any portion of the user's back and the seat back.
Additionally, unzipping of zippered seam 65 preferably enables lumbar support 60 to be laid open as a substantially flat, cushion-like structure (see FIG. 2C) that may now be placed on a hard, stadium seat surface, or the like; thereby functioning as a seat cushion. As described hereinabove, an open or flat configuration of outer casing 20 may be utilized in conjunction with lumbar support 60 of the foregoing seat cushion embodiment to thereby enhance overall user comfort.
Similar to slip 22 of outer casing 20, slip 62 of lumbar support 60 preferably comprises a durable, waterproof exterior side 66 (i.e., hydrophobic coated nylon, canvas, denim, or other suitable knitted or woven fabrics or textiles), and soft inner side 68 (i.e., fleece, cotton, or other knitted, woven and/or nonwoven fabrics or textiles). As such, when lumbar support 60 is in a tubular configuration (see FIG. 2), durable, waterproof exterior side 66 thereof preferably faces outwardly and, thus, is the preferred contact face against a stadium seat or other surface. As soilage or dirtying of lumbar support 60 may occur, slip 62 further preferably comprises a series of snap-buttons 70 that generally seal opening 72 of slip 62, wherein unbuttoning snap-buttons 70 preferably facilitates removal of pad member 64 through opening 72 of slip 62; thereby, enabling slip 62 and/or pad member 64 to be independently and selectively washed or otherwise cleaned if so soiled or dirtied. Pad member 64 is similarly preferably formed from a suitable sponge foam, foam rubber, “memory” foam, or the like.
Additionally, when lumbar support 60 is in a tubular configuration (see FIG. 2), soft inner side 68 thereof preferably faces inwardly and, as such, a user may place his hands or feet within the tubular lumbar support 60 and in contact with soft inner side 68. Accordingly, in such a configuration, lumbar support 60 selectively functions as either a hand cozy or a foot cozy.
Referring now more specifically, to FIGS. 2C-2E, preferably formed on exterior side 66 of slip 62 of lumbar support 60, proximate terminal end 62 b generally thereof, is pocket or seat-slip structure 74. As such, when lumbar support 60 is in a flat, seat cushion configuration, pocket 74 is slipped over and receives seatback SB (see FIG. 2D) or seat bottom SM (see FIG. 2E) of stadium seat S; thereby, securely retaining article 60 over seat S in such a cushioned configuration. Pocket 74 is preferably formed on exterior side 66, as exterior side 66 is the preferred contact face against seat S, and as soft inner side 68 is the preferred contact face against the user's body; however, pocket 74 may be disposed on either side 66, 68, or, alternatively, each side 66, 68 may comprise such a pocket.
It should be recognized that either outer casing 20 or lumbar support 60 could be manufactured such that respective pad members 24, 64 are permanently sealed within respective slips 22, 62. Indeed, accessory 10 may be manufactured to comprise any such similar varied construction.
Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1, 2, 2 C travel accessory 10 further includes shoulder strap 80, wherein strap 80 preferably comprises clasps 82 removably securable to D-rings 84, wherein D-rings 84 are preferably securely affixed to exterior side 66 of slip 62 of lumbar support 60, proximate terminal end 62 a (or, alternatively 62 b) generally thereof. Shoulder strap 80 preferably enables convenient transport of travel accessory 10, and may be easily removed when desired. Travel accessory 10 still further comprises suitcase strap 90, preferably stitched, or otherwise affixed, to exterior side 26 of slip 22 of outer casing 20, proximate terminal end 22 a (or, alternatively 22 b) generally thereof. Preferably, suitcase strap 90 is dimensioned to be received over a suitcase handle, for convenient carriage of the fully bundled travel accessory 10.
As described hereinabove, travel accessory 10 may be disassembled and/or unzipped to provide the various articles of comfort thereof. Following use of travel accessory 10, blanket 40 is preferably rolled or otherwise folded and placed within zipped lumbar support 60. If lumbar support 60 is unzipped, then rolled blanket 40 is preferably placed thereupon, and lumbar support 60 is rolled into a tubular configuration securely around blanket 40, wherein zipper portions 61, 63 of lumbar support 60 are preferably cooperatively engaged so as to securely retain blanket 40 within zipped lumbar support 60. Thereafter, the combined blanket 40 and zipped lumbar support 60 may be placed within zipped outer casing 20. If, however, outer casing 20 is unzipped, then the combined blanket 40 and zipped lumbar support 60 are preferably placed upon outer casing 20, wherein outer casing 20 is then rolled into a tubular configuration securely around the foregoing combined articles, and zipper portions 21, 23 thereof preferably cooperatively engaged; thereby, securely retaining the combined blanket 40 and zipped lumbar support 60 within zipped outer casing 20. Shoulder strap 80 may be reattached, if previously removed, and travel accessory 10 may accordingly be transported thereby or, alternatively, via suitcase strap 90, as discussed hereinabove.
It should be recognized that the preferred zipper and/or snap-button fasteners of the present invention may be replaced with any suitable fastener, including, without limitation, snap-buttons (where zippers were utilized), zippers (where snap-buttons were utilized), button-and-slot arrangements, ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, clasps, clips, and/or the like.
It should further be recognized that pad members 24, 64 may be constructed to comprise any selected degree of rigidity, flexibility, thickness, or the like, so as to impart respective articles 20, 60 with the desired physical properties.
It should still further be recognized that accessory 10 may be manufactured and assembled such that pillow 20 may alternatively be housed within lumbar support 60, wherein blanket 40 would then be housed within pillow 20.
It should still yet further be recognized that pillow 20 and lumbar support 60, in either a tubular or flat, planar configuration, may be selectively utilized as pillows, cushions, seat cushions, back cushions, hand cozy, foot cozy, or the like.
Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope. of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A travel accessory, said accessory comprising:

a first multifunctional-article; and,

a second multifunctional article, said second multifunctional article receivable by said first multifunctional article.

2. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said first multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable between a tubular configuration and a flat, planar configuration.

3. The travel accessory of claim 2, wherein said first multifunctional article is brought into said tubular configuration by cooperatively engaging a first fastener portion with a second fastener portion, said first and said second fastener portions disposed opposite one another.

4. The travel accessory of claim 2, wherein said tubular configuration of said first multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

5. The travel accessory of claim 2, wherein said flat, planar configuration of said first multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

6. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said first multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable from a tubular configuration to a flat, planar configuration via disengagement of a fastener assembly, said fastener assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions carried by opposing ends of said first multifunctional article.

7. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said first multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable from a flat, planar configuration to a tubular configuration via cooperative engagement of a fastener assembly, said fastener assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions carried by opposing ends of said first multifunctional article.

8. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said second multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable between a tubular configuration and a flat, planar configuration.

9. The travel accessory of claim 8, wherein said second multifunctional article is brought into said tubular configuration by cooperatively engaging a first fastener portion with a second fastener portion, said first and said second fastener portions disposed opposite one another.

10. The travel accessory of claim 8, wherein said tubular configuration of said second multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

11. The travel accessory of claim 8, wherein said flat, planar configuration of said second multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

12. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said second multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable from a tubular configuration to a flat, planar configuration via disengagement of a fastener assembly, said fastener assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions carried by opposing ends of said second multifunctional article.

13. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said second multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable from a flat, planar configuration to a tubular configuration via cooperative engagement of a fastener assembly, said fastener assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions carried by opposing ends of said second multifunctional article.

14. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said first and said second multifunctional article are each structurally interchangeable between a tubular configuration and a flat, planar configuration, and wherein said second multifunctional article is received by, and removably retained within, said first multifunctional article when said first multifunctional article comprises said tubular configuration.

15. The travel accessory of claim 14, further comprising a blanket, wherein said blanket is received by, and removably retained within, said second multifunctional article when said second multifunctional article comprises said tubular configuration.

16. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein said second multifunctional article comprises a pocket, said pocket engageable over at least a portion of a seat, and wherein the at least a portion of a seat is selected from the group consisting of a seat back, a seat bottom, and a combination thereof.

17. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and said second multifunctional articles comprises a removable outer covering disposed over a pad member.

18. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and said second multifunctional articles comprises a durable, waterproof exterior side, and a soft interior side.

19. The travel accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and said second multifunctional articles comprises a strap, said strap selected from the group consisting of a shoulder strap, a suitcase strap, and a combination thereof.

20. A travel accessory, said accessory comprising:

a multifunctional article.

21. The travel accessory of claim 20, wherein said multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable between a tubular configuration and a flat, planar configuration.

22. The travel accessory of claim 21, wherein said multifunctional article is brought into said tubular configuration by cooperatively engaging a first fastener portion with a second fastener portion, said first and said second fastener portions disposed opposite one another.

23. The travel accessory of claim 21, wherein said tubular configuration of said multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

24. The travel accessory of claim 21, wherein said flat, planar configuration of said multifunctional article functions as a personal comfort device, said personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof.

25. The travel accessory of claim 21, wherein said multifunctional article is structurally interchangeable between a tubular configuration and a flat, planar configuration via selectively disengaging and re-engaging a fastener assembly, said fastener assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions carried by opposing ends of said multifunctional article.

26. The travel accessory of claim 20, comprising at least one additional multifunctional article, wherein said at least one additional multi-functional article is functionally equivalent to said multifunctional article.

27. The travel accessory of claim 26, wherein said at least one additional multifunctional article is received by, and removably retained within, said multifunctional article when said multifunctional article comprises a tubular configuration.

28. The travel accessory of claim 27, further comprising a blanket, wherein said blanket is receivable by, and removably retainable within, said at least one additional multifunctional article.

29. The travel accessory of claim 20, wherein said multifunctional article comprises a pocket, said pocket engageable over at least a portion of a seat, and wherein the at least a portion of a seat is selected from the group consisting of a seat back, a seat bottom, and a combination thereof.

30. The travel accessory of claim 20, wherein said multifunctional article comprise a removable outer covering disposed over a pad member.

31. The travel accessory of claim 20, wherein said multifunctional article comprises a durable, waterproof exterior side, and a soft interior side.

32. The travel accessory of claim 20, wherein said multifunctional article comprises a strap, said strap selected from the group consisting of a shoulder strap, a suitcase strap, and a combination thereof.

33. A method of compacting a plurality of articles of comfort, said method comprising the steps of:

a. selecting a plurality of articles of comfort, wherein at least one article of said plurality of articles functions as a multi-purpose personal comfort device, said multi-purpose personal comfort device selected from the group consisting of a pillow, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a cushion, a lumbar support, a hand cozy, a foot cozy, and a combination thereof; and,

b. sequentially enveloping and wrapping each article of said plurality of articles, one over the other, to yield an approximately cylindrical configuration.