U.S. patent application number 10/216548 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for vertical hammock & pillow.
Invention is credited to Haddon, Perry W..
Application Number | 20040026979 10/216548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31495084 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040026979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haddon, Perry W. |
February 12, 2004 |
Vertical hammock & pillow
Abstract
The VERTICAL HAMMOCK & PILLOW is a device constructed to
allow a person to rest or sleep in a sitting position in an
airplane, train, automobile, bus, wheelchair, or any other place
where the lack of space or convenience dictates or where medical
conditions may require a vertical sitting position for long
periods. The first embodiment utilizes the natural tendency toward
movement of the body as it relaxes to stretch a fabric over the
user's back and thereby vertically supporting the upper torso in a
sitting position. The device includes adjustment straps to allow
for variations in the size of the user, comfort positions and space
available. An alternative support involves the placement of a
leaning device in front and on the lap of the user to provide the
same type of support. In either case a frame maybe attached to the
upper torso support near the shoulders to prop up the user's head.
This second feature of the device is a frame or sling which
supports the head in a leaning forward position. The head may be
turned to either side or face down into a hole provided for
breathing and/or viewing.
Inventors: |
Haddon, Perry W.; (Camp
Verde, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Perry W. Haddon
1860 Doug's Park Road
PO Box 2083
Camp Verde
AZ
86322
US
|
Family ID: |
31495084 |
Appl. No.: |
10/216548 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/393 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/00 20130101; B60N
2/882 20180201; B60N 2/7005 20130101; A47C 7/38 20130101; A47C
16/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/393 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/36 |
Claims
I claim as follows:
1. A device that enables a person to rest or sleep in a sitting or
upright upper torso position with little or no muscular exertion
with a device that restricts the forward movement of the body by
supporting the upper torso in a slightly leaning forward
position.
2. The of claim 1 whereby placing a flexible fabric over the back
of the user and stretching the same in order to restrict forward
movement of the upper torso.
3. The combination of claim 2 whereby providing multiple holes in
the back portion of the fabric, ventilation may be made
possible.
4. The restraint of claim 1, whereby anchoring or attaching the
device at or near the base of the spine, stretching of the material
over the shoulders is made possible.
5. The combination of claim 4, whereby sitting on one end of the
supporting material sufficient resistance is achieved to anchor the
lower end of the device.
6. The restraint of claim 1, whereby adjustable straps and
connectors are used to adjust the restraint needed to hold the
upper torso vertical.
7. The combination of claim 6, whereby the straps may be crossed
over, right lap to left shoulder and vice versa in order to
laterally stabilize the upper torso movement at the same time
accomplishing the goals of claim 6.
8. The combination of claim 6, whereby the straps may be attached
to the ceiling or any other physical location to provide slightly
leaning forward upper torso support.
9. The combination of claim 6 whereby the straps are anchored to
the seatbelt via standard connectors to the seatbelt.
10. The combination of claim 1, whereby placing a flexible or rigid
brace in front of the user is done to support the upper torso.
11. The combination of claim 10 whereby the rigid support is braced
into position by placing the device against the chest and supported
from the lap of the user.
12. The combination of claim 10 whereby the fabric or flexible
support is supported in it's position by placing adjustable straps
on the device that is against the chest and supporting the chest
from the seat or other stationary object.
13. The combination of claim 1 whereby the device is made to be
independent and not attached to the seat or surroundings, thus
allowing the user immediate freedom of movement.
14. The combination of claim 1 whereby the device is used and
stored while attached to the seat or other stationary object but,
made easily detachable from it's stored position for use.
15. The combination of claim 1 whereby the device is secured to the
seat at stationary points and made to be easily removed for
cleaning.
16. The combination of claim 1, whereby placing a more rigid brace
over the shoulder of the user and attaching the same to the seat to
restrict forward movement of the torso.
17. The combination of claim 16 whereby the rigid shoulder braces
are made in such a manner as to be able to be nested for economy of
storage space.
18. A device that enables a person to rest or sleep in a slightly
leaning forward sitting position by and placing a headrest in a
forward head resting position.
19. The combination of claim 18, whereby the headrest has brackets
that are attached to the upper torso support device.
20. The combination of claim 18 whereby adjusting the height of the
headrest relative to the user, the head may be supported at varying
neck angles.
21. The combination of claim 18 whereby utilizing an adjustable
angle bracket the head is supported at varying angles.
22. The combination of claim 18 whereby a sling or cradle is formed
by placing a fabric between two bracket arms which provides support
for the user's head.
23. The combination of claim 22 whereby the use of Velcro strips
may be employed to adjust the effective length of the sling and
thus the amount of its sag.
24. The combination of claim 22 whereby providing a hole in the
headrest, a face forward position may be accommodated which allows
the user to breath through the hole.
25. The combination of claim 22 whereby a face forward position may
be accommodated by providing a hole in the headrest which allows
the user to talk through the hole.
26. The combination of claim 22 whereby a face forward position may
be accommodated which by providing a hole in the headrest allows
the user to see through the hole while resting.
27. The combination of claim 22 whereby a pillow may be placed on
the headrests, thus providing additional comfort while supporting
the head at varying heights or neck angles.
28. A pillow that enables a person to rest or sleep in a face down
position by providing a hole in the pillow.
29. The combination of claim 28 whereby the user may breath via a
hole or slot in the pillow.
30. The combination of claim 28 whereby the user may see through a
hole or slot in the pillow.
31. The combination of claim 28 whereby the slot or hole in the
pillow is made to enable a person to rest or sleep face-down and
provide support for the face which does not put pressure on the eye
ball.
32. Each of the embodiments, while different in attachment or
method of head and upper torso support, are systems to promote rest
or sleep while sitting and the pillow, with its slot or hole
matches the corresponding holes in the headrest which is common to
all embodiments and again essential to the overall invention.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] A upper torso and head supporting device and pillow which
enables a person to rest or sleep in the sitting position.
[0003] During long flights, passengers, other than 1st class find
themselves trying to sleep in an upright vertical position.
Airlines supply reclining seats, but many people are found trying
to lean either on the fuselage wall or other passengers in order to
attain adequate relaxation to promote sleep. Reclining alone does
not satisfy their requirements for sleep. Further, the reclined
backward position for many people contributes to conditions that
encourages snoring.
[0004] Pillows or padded rests made for resting the head in a face
down position are generally made with circular or oval shaped
holes, often encouraging the user to rest their eyes upon the
padding. Even short periods of time with this pressure on the
eyeball can cause temporary or permanent damage or even
blindness.
[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0006] The following patents and patent applications where sited
above and are herein acknowledged and differences described:
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,975,638 & 6,305,749 Schreiner's pillow
and O'Connor's headrest wings provide restrains for side to side
movement of the head while in the head resting-backwards position
where the instant invention restricts forward movement of the head
and torso.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,354 Lakusiewicz's patent is intended for
injury restriction of movement and does not have the ease of use
for simple rest and sleep of this invention.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,336,235, 6,352,309, 6,398,164, &
6,375,119 are inventions that are full reclining seats r beds
extending to the floor. The instant invention is, in most
embodiments, independent of the chair and facilitates restriction
from movement within the seat.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,825 Floyd attaches the head to the seat
while the instant invention leave the head mobile to move on a
pillow as in normal sleep conditions.
[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,231,535 and 6,219,865 Both patents attach
pillows around the neck and under the chin and not laid upon as in
this invention.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,538 Fidge utilizes a shoulder to neck
pillow to support the head while the instant invention provide a
pillow in front of the user via a stand.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,560 Fagg is a pillow not a head support
system. The pillow does not provide for a face down use nor
provisions to protect against pressure on the eye itself.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,687 Mathews is a rap around pillow that
supports the head upright. The instant invention provides a forward
reclining headrest.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,185 Cowgar is a large pillow strapped to
the mid torso and resting in the user's lap. It provides for upper
torso and head support from the user's lap. The instant invention,
in one embodiment, supports the upper torso utilizing a rigid lap
support which includes an attachable headrest. The methods of
construction and support and its prior and subsequent storage
convenience make this invention entirely different.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,156 Chang's jacket approach is attached
to the seat in several locations and not independent of the seat.
The instant invention, in three of its embodiments, enables the
user to instantly stand and be free of the seat. The one embodiment
that is attached to the seat provides for upper torso support
employing a tension up and over the back to restrict forward body
movement. Chang attaches the body to the seat and the body rests
against the jacket front. Further Chang does not offer a forward
pillow rest.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,583 Zuesse's 1980 invention employs a
bracket leaned upon by the user which pivots at the shoulder and
presses against the forehead of the user. The instant invention
provides a forward headrest with pillow in a much more natural
position which enables the user to change position during a sleep
session.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,926 Towlen, like Zuesse, is a head brace
supporting the head at the forehead. The instant invention provides
a forward headrest with pillow in a much more natural position
which enables the user to change position during a sleep
session.
[0019] U.S. Pat. Application US2002/0050009 A1 5/02 Ley's invention
is an adjustable headrest supported from the user's lap. The
instant invention, in it's preferred embodiment supports the head
from the user's shoulders and claims other support mechanisms other
than from the user's lap.
[0020] While some of these approaches may be adequate for some
situations, none of them provide the combination of comfort,
portability and simplicity of this invention, the VERTICAL HAMMOCK
& PILLOW.
SUMMARY
[0021] The VERTICAL HAMMOCK & PILLOW is a device constructed to
allow a person to rest or sleep in a sitting position. It is
comprised of a torso support system and headrest. A specifically
designed pillow adds comfort and variations in head angle and
position during sleep.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0022] This invention fulfills the passenger's need for a sleep
promoting position by providing upper torso support (11) and a
forward headrest (14) that does not require neck, back or arm
muscle tension. Other transportation uses of this device may
include automobiles, trains, buses, or boats. Medical uses may
include, but are not limited to times when patients require rest in
a vertical upper torso position or wheelchair users may find
occasions where a short rest may be desired and transferring to a
more comfortable environment is impractical. In nursing home
environments certain patients are found pitched forward while seat
belted into wheelchairs. This invention can provide more
comfortable alternatives in such instances.
[0023] The device will be useful on any occasion where sitting for
long periods in one place is necessary, such as hunting from tree
stands or other observation positions, fishing; or military
applications where troops may be required to sit in confined
spaces.
[0024] A specialized pillow is provided with a hole through which
users may communicate, breathe and view. The pillow's specific
design also alleviates pressure to the eyeball by supplying support
around the eye socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 The first embodiment of the VERTICAL HAMMOCK &
PILLOW and most representative of the overall patent.
[0026] FIG. 2. The first embodiment as seen from a side and front
view minus the headrest
[0027] FIG. 3a. The patterns for the first embodiment of the
VERTICAL HAMMOCK & PILLOW from the chair contact side of the
material.
[0028] FIG. 3b The pattern in 3a from the user's contact side of
the material.
[0029] FIG. 3c An optional reinforced shoulder with incorporated
bolt (10) for supporting the headrest (12).
[0030] FIG. 3d An optional breast plate to be attached to the bolts
(10) in order to hold the headrest brackets (12) apart.
[0031] FIG. 4a The lower straps (4) are of sufficient length to
allow crossing over which provides more side to side stability.
[0032] FIG. 4b Demonstrates how the straps (4 to 6) tighten the
fabric over the back of the user thus restricting forward upper
torso movement
[0033] FIG. 5a. The headrest and it's brackets to be attached to
any of the embodiments of the torso support. The illustration shows
the fabric headrest sling and pillow.
[0034] FIG. 5b. The headrest brackets (two used, one for each
shoulder) Note the slots in the lower portion are for attachment to
the torso support.
[0035] FIG. 5c. The headrest sling, laid out to view the sleeve at
one side and the Velcro strips which form the second sleeve which
is adjustable.
[0036] FIG. 6. Illustrates how the headrest may be supported form
various directions and in various ways.
[0037] FIG. 7. The fabric embodiments may include holes for
ventilation and still supply adequate support.
[0038] FIG. 8. The headrest (14) may have a hole to accommodate
breathing or viewing through a specialized pillow (FIG. 9).
[0039] FIG. 9. Specialized pillows (13a) will facilitate breathing
and viewing while in the face down position.
[0040] FIG. 10. Demonstrates the use of the specialized pillow in
FIG. 9.
[0041] FIG. 11. A second embodiment of the invention is a more
rigid upper torso support. The same headrest may be employed. A
side view and front view of this invention is displayed.
[0042] FIG. 12. The use of the second embodiment or rigid upper
torso support is illustrated.
[0043] FIG. 13A pattern of the third embodiment. This one, like
first embodiment, is made of flexible material, only it is to be
attached to the seat. The model features straps that are anchored
to the seatbelt (28) with rings, hooks or clips (31).
[0044] FIG. 14 The other side of FIG. 13
[0045] FIG. 15 Demonstrates the third embodiment or seat attached
model in use.
[0046] FIG. 16 Front view of FIG. 15 without the occupant, seatbelt
rings attached
[0047] FIG. 17 Side view of the seat with the device in the stored
position.
[0048] FIG. 18 Front view of the seat, device removed and showing
the location of the firm Velcro strip and less firm Velcro
attachments.
[0049] FIG. 19 Front view of the seat with the device in the stored
position.
[0050] FIG. 20 The fourth embodiment of the device with rigid
shoulder brace (34) and attaching strap (35)
[0051] FIG. 21 Prospective view of the forth embodiment shoulder
bracket
[0052] FIG. 22 Nested shoulder brackets of the fourth embodiment
for ease and economic storage.
[0053] FIG. 23 Demonstrates an alternative headrest support from a
side view. Note the support's base sets on the seat arm rests or
could be attached to the seat itself. None of the various upper
torso supports are indicated.
[0054] FIG. 24 Front view of FIG. 23.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING ELEMENTS
[0055] 1. VERTICAL HAMMOCK Fabric
[0056] 2. Sewn-in reinforcement to support the headrest, made of
nylon, plastic, wood or metal
[0057] 3. Neck slot to form shoulders
[0058] 4. Strap from seat up to shoulder straps (6)
[0059] 5. Buckle to mate to with connector (7)
[0060] 6. Strap from shoulder to seat strap (4)
[0061] 7. Buckle to mate with connector (5)
[0062] 8. Sewn in fabric or plastic as a reinforcement
[0063] 9. Bracket pocket or attachment
[0064] 10. Bolt for wing nut or other type hand tightening type
nut
[0065] 11. Area where fabric is made tight over back
[0066] 12. Headrest bracket
[0067] 13a. Head Pillow
[0068] 13b. Back support pillow
[0069] 14. Headrest cradle
[0070] 15. Sewn in slot for upper portion of bracket (12) to form
the headrest
[0071] 16. Mating strips of Velcro to form the second slot to slip
over the second bracket the extra wide Velcro allows for adjustment
in the sag of the headrest.
[0072] 17a. Supports the headrest from the arm rest or seat
[0073] 17. Multiple alternatives for supporting the headrest
[0074] 18. Ventilation holes
[0075] 19. Breathing and viewing hole in the headrest cradle
(14)
[0076] 20. Hinge adjustment for leaning angle of the rigid upper
torso support
[0077] 21. The second embodiment of upper torso support, made of
rigid material like plastic, nylon, wood, or metal and supporting
from the front.
[0078] 22. Handle to tighten headrest height adjustment, placed on
bolt (10)
[0079] 23. Lap portion of the second embodiment (21)
[0080] 24. Slot in the headrest bracket (12) where the bolt in the
breast plate (10) is passed through and for the nut (22) to be
secured
[0081] 25. Pillow (13a) may be made to accommodate a face-down rest
position with a hole in the pillow
[0082] 26. As in 25 the hole may be a slot
[0083] 27. The hole (25) or slot (26) is made to allow viewing
through the breathing hole for the purpose of reading or other
activities. This shape is more comfortable and does not cause as
much pressure on the eye itself
[0084] 28. Seatbelt
[0085] 29. Point of semi permanent attachment of the device to the
seat
[0086] 30. The third model of the patent made of a flexible fabric
material
[0087] 31. Ring or clip attachment device to stretch the material
over the user's back.
[0088] 32a. Firm release Velcro strip attached to the seat
[0089] 32b. Velcro strip attached to the device
[0090] 33. Soft release Velero tabs are to hold the device in a
storage or unused position.
[0091] 34. The fourth embodiment of the patent, the shoulder
bracket, is used as a method of upper torso forward movement
restriction
[0092] 35. The strap from the back of the seat which is attached to
the shoulder bracket. This is adjustable via Velcro tabs on the
ends of the strap attaching to the shoulder.
[0093] 36. Velcro for attaching the headrest to the torso support
device.
[0094] 37. A forward headrest supported from the arm rests of the
seat or the seat it's self.
[0095] 38. Headrest height adjustments. Note the adjustments
closest to the user bring the headrest up close to the chin while
the forward adjustments dictate the angle of the headrest.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0096] The VERTICAL HAMMOCK'S first embodiment is made primarily
from a sheet of fabric (1) which is draped over the shoulders, down
the back and ultimately sat upon by the user. A neck hole shaped
cut in the upper end of the device (3) is provided to form shoulder
flaps. There are straps (4 & 6) attached at reinforced
locations (8) on the material. The straps (6) have adjustable
fastening devices (7) that attach to matching fastening receptacles
(5) found on seat straps (4) or on the seat of the device. Once
tightened, the passenger leans forward (FIG. 4) and the material
tightens over the length of the user's back (11). Forward movement
is restricted thereby supporting the upper torso in an upright
position. A pillow (13b) may be inserted at the user's back to
alleviate excessive curvature of the spine over time at that
location. Holes in the fabric (18) provide for ventilation. Straps
(4) are of sufficient length to be cross-strapped to provide
additional lateral support.
[0097] A third embodiment of upper body support is a shortened
version of the first embodiment that is attached to the seat (FIGS.
13 thru 16). In this variation the device (30) remains attached to
the seat rather than being handed out as needed. A firm release
Velcro strip (32) provides semi permanent attachment to the seat
while soft release Velcro patches (33) hold the device in the
stored position awaiting the user's need. The straps in this case
are shown to be tied to the seatbelt (28) by first passing the
seatbelt through rings (31), snapping the seatbelt and then
tightening the shoulder straps.
[0098] An alternative upper torso support (21), or second
embodiment, is rigid and rests upon the user's lap (23) or is
supported by the seat. The device extends upward from the lap so
the user can lean on it.
[0099] The forth embodiment (FIG. 20) is a method of upper torso
support provided by a rigid shoulder brace (34) whereby the
shoulders may be restricted from forward movement by holding the
shoulders within the brace and adjusting a strap (35) which is
attached to the seat and brace via Velcro patches. The strap has a
somewhat longer Velcro strip to make the length adjustable. The
brace (34) provides a platform for the headrest (12). The method of
attachment of the headrest may be by pockets (9), bolt (22) and
slotted bracket (24), or Velcro strip (36). The shoulder braces may
be nested for economy of storage space (FIG. 22).
[0100] In any of the four embodiment's an adjustable headrest (FIG.
1) may be added to support the head in the leaning forward
position. This is accomplished by inserting a bracket (12) in each
of two pockets attached to the over-the-shoulder portion of the
device (9, 21, 30, &34). The depth in which the bracket is
allowed to be inserted dictates the headrest height and thus head
angle at rest. Other adjustment methods are employed such as a
screw-down friction adjustment (22) at the shoulder.
[0101] FIG. 3c illustrates a sewn-in plastic or nylon stiffener (2)
which has threaded bolts protruding outward (1a) and a bar (FIGS.
3d, 10b) which sets the distance between the bolts. Hole (10c) may
be slotted to add further adjustment as needed. The headrest's
slotted (24) brackets (12) are anchored to the chest and made
adjustable by setting and tightening the hand bolt (22). The
stiffening material (2) provides distribution of the weight of the
head over a greater portion of the chest. Velcro strips at the
shoulder (9) and the headrest bracket (12) is another method of
attachment.
[0102] There are several methods of providing for the further head
angle adjustment at (20) including a ratcheting joint, notched
settings, or simple wing nut and friction joint.
[0103] After the brackets (12) are anchored to the chest, a sling
(14) is attached to the upper or remaining portion of the brackets
by sliding the sleeve on one side of the sling (15) over the fist
bracket (12). The other side of the sling is attached to the second
bracket by a second sleeve formed by attaching two Velcro strips
(16), forming the second sleeve. The two brackets and sling
assembled (FIG. 5) create a cradle for the head to rest upon. The
Velcro strips provide some adjustment in the sag of the head
support (14).
[0104] The headrest may be supported in a variety of ways other
than attachment to the device. FIG. 6 illustrates several solutions
including hanging the headrest from the ceiling, supporting it from
the armrests or lap of the user, from the backrest or from a
support in front of the chair (17).
[0105] The head may rest directly on the sling (14) or on a pillow
(13a) which may be placed on the sling for added comfort. One
method of maintaining the distance between the brackets is with the
pillow and weight of the head. Another is by placing a flexible bar
between the upper brackets.
[0106] While a common pillow may be used, the specialized pillow
(13a) is designed with a hole or slot built into it to provide for
breathing, communicating, and viewing when used in conjunction with
the headrest sling (14). Its shape is specifically made to support
the face, in a face-down position that will not put pressure
directly on the eyeball. The oval hole (25) and the slotted hole
(26) are shaped with specific indentations to allow the face to
rest without putting pressure on the eyeball.
[0107] The material (1 & 14) is extremely lightweight, washable
and durable for ease in shipping and storage and may be used
multiple times. The material used in the alternative torso support
is firm made of hard plastic, wood, or metal (21).
[0108] Several methods of upper body support and headrest design,
adjustment and attachment are described herein. All combinations of
each variation are not individually spelled out, but all
combination are intended to be made part of the description.
* * * * *