U.S. patent application number 12/069783 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for inflatable cervical cushion.
Invention is credited to William M. Grosso.
Application Number | 20080229498 12/069783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39773223 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080229498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grosso; William M. |
September 25, 2008 |
Inflatable cervical cushion
Abstract
An inflatable cervical cushion for providing support to the
cervical spine and surrounding cervical musculature of the wearer
while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable cervical
cushion which adjustably reinforces the neck to support the
cervical spine in a proper lordotic position, alleviating neck pain
caused by improper posture and fatigue. The cushion encircles the
wearer's neck and rests on the wearer's shoulders, and contains a
compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the
back of the cushion. The inflatable cushion is of a rectangular or
oval design which is positioned horizontally in the back of the
neck such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports
the cervical spine and the thinner end portions support the
surrounding musculature. In addition, there is a vertical extension
from the top of the cushion which supports the base of the skull,
or occiput, thereby supporting the skull at the same time of
supporting the cervical spine. Support is provided when the wearer
is seated and the cushion creates pressure between the wearer and
the back of a chair. The cushion is inflated by manual means such
that the firmness and pressure of the cushion is totally
adjustable.
Inventors: |
Grosso; William M.;
(Piermont, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian L. Wamsley, Esq.
119 Highview Avenue
Nanuet
NY
10954
US
|
Family ID: |
39773223 |
Appl. No.: |
12/069783 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60901197 |
Feb 14, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/244 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A cervical cushion for supporting the cervical spine and
surrounding musculature of the wearer's neck in a lordotic position
while the wearer is seated, said support comprising; an elongated,
circumferentially rigid extending cushion having back portion and a
pair of opposed cushion ends adapted to be releasably placed about
the person's neck; a compartment centrally located within the back
portion of the cushion and positioned to be centrally adjacent the
back of the wearer's neck, said compartment being configured to
contain an inflatable bladder; an inflatable bladder having a
length, height and thickness dimension provided inside said
compartment, said length dimension of said bladder being positioned
in a horizontal direction within the compartment; pump means for
adjustably, manually inflating and deflating said bladder; tubing
means for connecting said pump means with said bladder; wherein
said bladder is configured to expand when manually inflated such
that said bladder expansion causes compression between the wearer's
neck and the back of a chair or seat, causing pressure on the
cervical spine and neck of the wearer; and wherein said bladder is
configured such that more pressure is exerted on the cervical spine
than the surrounding musculature.
2. The cervical cushion according to claim 1, wherein said
inflatable bladder further comprises an upwardly extending section
from about the center of a top surface of the inflatable bladder,
configured such that, when inflated, the upwardly extending section
expands to a degree that the top center of the cervical cushion
comes in contact with the occiput, and thus provides support for
the skull at the same time the cervical cushion provides support
for the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.
3. The cervical cushion according to claim 1, wherein the
horizontal length dimension of the bladder is greater than the
height dimension of the bladder.
4. The cervical cushion according to claim 1, further comprising
means for providing vibration in the back portion of the
cushion.
5. A cervical cushion apparatus for supporting the cervical spine
and surrounding musculature of the wearer's neck in a lordotic
position while the wearer is seated, said support comprising; an
elongated, circumferentially rigid extending cushion adapted to be
releasably placed about the person's neck; a compartment centrally
located within the back portion of the cushion and positioned to be
centrally adjacent the back of the wearer's neck when the cushion
is properly positioned about the person's neck, said compartment
being configured to contain an inflatable bladder; an inflatable
bladder having a front side portion and a back side portion, and
length, height and thickness dimensions, said length dimension of
said bladder being positioned in a horizontal direction within the
compartment; said inflatable bladder further comprising an upwardly
extending section from about the center of a top surface of the
inflatable bladder, configured such that, when inflated, the
upwardly extending section expands to a degree that the top center
of the cervical cushion comes in contact with the occiput, and thus
provides support for the skull at the same time the cervical
cushion provides support for the cervical spine and surrounding
musculature; means for adjustably, manually inflating and deflating
said bladder; wherein said bladder is configured to expand when
manually inflated such that said bladder expansion causes
compression between the wearer's neck and the back of a chair or
seat, causing pressure on the cervical spine and neck of the
wearer;
6. The cervical cushion of claim 5, wherein said bladder is
configured in a shape such that more pressure is exerted on the
cervical spine than the surrounding musculature.
7. The cervical cushion according to claim 6, wherein the
horizontal length dimension of the bladder is greater than the
height dimension of the bladder.
8. The cervical cushion according to claim 6, wherein said
inflatable bladder further comprises an upwardly extending section
from about the center of a top surface of the inflatable bladder,
configured such that, when inflated, the upwardly extending section
expands to a degree that the top center of the cervical cushion
comes in contact with the occiput, and thus provides support for
the skull at the same time the cervical cushion provides support
for the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.
9. The cervical cushion according to claim 6 wherein said
inflatable bladder is comprised of more than one inflatable
section, said inflatable sections being partially separated by
baffles.
10. The cervical cushion according to claim 9, wherein said baffles
are formed by heat-sealing the front side and back side portions of
said inflatable bladder.
11. The cervical cushion according to claim 10, wherein said
baffles are configured to regulate the flow of air between said
sections.
12. The cervical cushion according to claim 10, wherein the
inflatable bladder further comprises first, second and third
inflatable sections, wherein said second section is located between
said first and third sections, and said first and second sections
and said second and third sections are separated by said
baffles.
13. The cervical cushion according to claim 1, further comprising a
second compartment centrally located on a front surface of the back
portion of the cushion and positioned to be located adjacent the
back of the wearer's neck when the cervical cushion is properly
positioned about the wearer's neck.
14. The cervical cushion according to claim 13 wherein said second
compartment is configured as a pocket to contain an item, said
pocket containing an opening on the top or side.
15. The cervical cushion according to claim 13 wherein said second
compartment is configured as a pocket to contain a cold pack or a
heating pack.
16. The cervical cushion according to claim 5, wherein said
inflatable bladder further comprises an upwardly extending section
from about the center of a top surface of the inflatable bladder,
configured such that, when inflated, the upwardly extending section
expands to a degree that the top center of the cervical cushion
comes in contact with the occiput, and thus provides support for
the skull at the same time the cervical cushion provides support
for the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.
17. A method of achieving a proper lordosis of the cervical spine
while seated, comprising the steps of; fastening a cervical cushion
around one's neck, said cervical cushion comprising; an elongated,
circumferentially extending cushion portion having a pair of
opposed cushion ends adapted to be releasably placed about the
person's neck; a compartment centrally located within the cushion
portion and positioned to be centrally adjacent the back of the
wearer's neck when the cervical cushion is properly positioned
about the wearer's neck, said compartment being configured to
contain an inflatable bladder; an inflatable bladder having a
length, width and thickness dimension provided inside said
compartment, said length dimension of said bladder being positioned
in a horizontal direction within the compartment; pump means for
adjustably, manually inflating and deflating said bladder; tubing
means for connecting said pump means with said bladder; wherein
said bladder is configured to expand when manually inflated such
that said bladder expansion causes compression between the back of
the wearer's neck and the back of a chair or seat, causing pressure
on the cervical spine and neck of the wearer; and wherein said
bladder is configured in a shape such that more pressure is exerted
on the cervical spine than the surrounding musculature; and
manually inflating said bladder by operating the pump means until
the expansion of the bladder causes a proper lordotic position to
be achieved.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional
Application 60/901,197, filed Feb. 14, 2007.
[0002] The present invention relates to a device capable of
providing variable cervical and neck support. More particularly,
the invention relates to an inflatable cervical cushion which
supports the cervical spine in a normal lordotic position. The
device comprises an inflatable cushion, worn about the neck and
resting on the shoulders, having a particular configuration and
dimensions to provide an individualized cushion when inflated.
Inflating the cervical cushion of this invention exerts pressure
against the back of a chair or other seat, when the wearer is
seated. This in turn creates pressure against the cervical
vertebrae and the surrounding cervical musculature to maintain the
cervical spine in a proper lordosis. In addition, the cervical
cushion of this invention provides a vertical support at the top of
the cushion which supports the base of the skull, or occiput,
thereby supporting the skull at the same time of supporting the
cervical spine. The purpose of the cervical neck cushion is to
support the neck of the wearer when they are in the seated position
or in the reclined position in a chair, a car seat or plane seat.
The cervical neck cushion of this invention is thus ideal to serve
as a neck pillow while traveling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Neck and cervical pain is an ever increasing problem in this
country, largely due to society's movement to a computerized world.
We spend a considerable amount of our day sitting. Most cervical
pain from sitting is related to poor posture in which the person
sits in a slumped or rounded posture. This poor posture occurs more
readily when the seat or chair does not give proper support.
[0004] The human skull, which weighs an average of 10-12 pounds, is
supported by seven cervical vertebrae, and the surrounding muscles
and ligaments of the cervical spine. The ideal position for the
skull is to be situated directly over the shoulders. Any position
other than this position creates stress on the cervical spine. An
example is when we sit with our heads tilted forward gazing at a
computer screen. This stretches the muscles and ligaments at the
back of the neck producing fatigue and strain. On the other hand
when we slump and gaze at the screen or TV we force our heads
backwards into extension, compressing the posterior joints or
facets of the spine, which increase neck pain. The observer needs
only to look upward while sitting for a few moments to experience
this compression and discomfort.
[0005] This painful position of extension occurs when you attempt
to recline in your chair, seat, bus seat, airline seat, etc. Many a
person would wake up from this position with neck pain and even
numbness of the arms because the neck was not supported and the
head was allowed to tilt backwards into extension. This is one of
the reasons we have head rests in cars today, to prevent a forceful
backward movement of the skull, or extension, which would damage
the joints and compress the exiting nerves of the cervical
spine.
[0006] There are a variety of cervical travel pillows, rolls and
neck cushions on the market today and most, if not all, serve only
as a roll of foam that drapes over the shoulders to fill the space
between the neck and seat to attempt to support the cervical spine.
Neck cushions also exist in a variety of sizes, but are not
adjustable and are generally inadequately designed to maintain the
cervical curve. None of these neck cushions are able to be adjusted
to accommodate the individual's specific requirements for support,
and none of the existing cushions provide support for the back of
the skull, the bone known as the occiput, to prevent the head from
tilting backwards into extension.
[0007] In contrast, the present invention provides a support
especially suited for supporting the cervical spinal column in a
proper lordosis by employing a variably inflatable bladder or
cushion of novel design arranged centrally respective to the back
and sides of the neck. This cushion of this invention has a bladder
that can be inflated to different degrees thereby being adjustable
to support the individual's needs for their neck, and also
supporting and cradling the cervical spine. The cushion is
configured and dimensioned to provide variable pressure and support
to the cervical vertebrae and the surrounding musculature when
inflated. Also, the bladder provides a vertical support at the top
of the cushion, and surrounded by the cushion, which supports the
occiput, resting the base of the skull upon it and preventing the
skull from extending backwards and thus decreasing the pressure
placed on the facets and nerves of the cervical spine. In general,
the cushion allows the cervical spine to be properly supported by
the inflatable bladder, resting the skull in a neutral position
over the shoulders by the bladder's upward extension, decreasing
pressure and ultimately neck pain.
[0008] The cushion pushes against the back of a seat which in turn
creates a counter pressure to the neck. The novel shape of the
bladder results in the majority of the cushion being extended into
the center of the neck while the outer portions push against the
cervical musculature. The cushion is held into optimum position by
circumferentially extending arms which position and hold the
cushion around the neck while resting on the shoulders. The cushion
can be made in different sizes and the air pressure within the
cushion can be variably adjusted by the use of a manually operated
air pump to inflate or deflate the bladder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention is directed towards an inflatable cervical
support device generally in the form of a removable cushion
designed to surround the neck and rest on the shoulders, and
provide support for the neck and skull. The cervical cushion
properly positions an inflatable bladder at the proper level of the
cervical spine to provide support for the cervical spine in a
proper lordosis, when the wearer is seated. The inflatable cushion
is positioned horizontally so that it provides neck support to the
cervical spine as well as the surrounding musculature and the
joints located on each side of the cervical spine. The inflatable
bladder also provides a vertical support extending upward from the
top and surrounded by the cushion, which supports the occiput,
resting the base of the skull upon it and preventing the skull from
extending backwards. When the bladder is inflated, the cushion has
a novel shape that provides more pressure or support to the
cervical spine and relatively less support to the musculature.
[0010] The cervical support apparatus is in the form of a cushion
which includes a centrally positioned inflatable bladder. The back
portion of the cushion curves into a pair of opposed elongated
front extensions, or arms, which terminate in a pair of spaced free
ends. An inflatable bladder is contained within a compartment
located in the center of the back cushion portion and is of a size
and shape to be received against and provide support to the back of
the neck and skull. A tube connected with pump means controls the
flow of air into and out of the inflatable bladder. The pump means
is operated manually by the wearer whereby the amount of inflation
and the internal air pressure within the bladder may be
adjusted.
[0011] The inflatable bladder within the cervical cushion is
generally rectangular or oval in shape and is arranged horizontally
in the center of the rear of the cushion. The bladder is designed
to have a specific lengthwise dimension such that, when inflated,
the center of the cushion provides support to the spine while the
ends of the cushion provide support for the musculature on either
side of the cervical spine, while the upward extension of the
bladder, and cushion, and also contacts and provides support for
the occiput. The bladder also has specific width dimension and
height dimensions, as measured through the center of the cushion,
to provide support to the cervical vertebrae. The upward extension
of the cushion provides support to the occiput. Additionally, the
cushion has a particular depth dimension sufficient to cause a
decrease in the cervical angle to its normal limits.
[0012] This novel design, unknown in the prior art, allows the
cervical cushion to provide more support to the center for the neck
and skull, and less support to the musculature. In one embodiment
of the invention, the bladder is essentially divided into sections,
partially separated internally by heat sealing or otherwise
connecting the front and back portions of the bladder, such that
the partial separations help properly regulate the amount of
inflation in the individual sections.
[0013] The cervical support apparatus may also contain a sleeve or
pocket located on the outside of the back portion of the cushion,
on the forward side that would contact the neck. The pocket is
dimensioned to receive a device or insert, such as a heat pack or
cold pack that are commercially available. An opening at one side,
or top, of the pocket permits the removable insertion of the hot or
cold pack or vibration device, which when properly inserted and
positioned, provides for heat or cold treatment at the cervical
spine. The hot or cold pack can be used regardless of whether or
not the bladder is inflated.
[0014] In addition, means for providing vibration in the cushion
for massaging the cervical spine and musculature can be supplied.
In one embodiment, the vibration means can be in the form of a
vibrating metallic disc or discs, as are available commercially,
which are operated electrically using standard DC batteries. The
vibrating discs can be mounted on the top or front side of the
bladder, for proper positioning on the neck, while the batteries
and control switch, connected by wires to the discs, can be located
in the extended arm of the cushion that does not contain the pump
for inflating the bladder.
[0015] The cervical cushion apparatus is intended to provide
optimal neck and head support when the wearer is seated, most often
in chairs, couches, car seats or any other types of seats having a
back. In operation, the cervical cushion is placed around the
wearer's neck and rests on the shoulders, and is arranged with the
center of the cushion against the back of the wearer's neck, thus
positioning the inflatable bladder centrally respective to the
wearer's neck. While the wearer is seated, the bladder is inflated
using the pump means provided in either one of the forward extended
arms of the cushion. The firmness of the inflatable cushion, the
amount of inflation and pressure exerted is dependent upon the
particular person's comfort level. The bladder is inflated until
the cushion the back of the chair, for example and then exerts
pressure against the back of the neck. The inflation is continued
until the wearer feels that comfortable support is achieved in an
optimum proper lordosis position. When the wearer rises to walk
about, the pressure is automatically relieved from the cushion and
the bladder may be deflated by simply opening an air release
valve.
[0016] A primary object of the present invention is the provision
of a cervical and neck support cushion having a variable volume and
variable inflatable bladder associated therewith.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is the provision of
a cervical support having an elongated cushion positioned
horizontally received against the back of the neck, dimensioned
such that the elongated cushion provides support to the cervical
spine and surrounding musculature.
[0018] Still another object of the invention is the provision of a
cervical support which provides maximum comfort for the wearer in
an optimum lordotic position of the cervical spine, and wherein the
volume and pressure of the cushion can be manually controlled by
the wearer using pump means.
[0019] A further object of the invention is to provide a support to
the cervical spine and surrounding musculature while at the same
time providing support for the head.
[0020] A further object of the invention is to provide an
adjustable cervical support device wherein the cervical spine can
be treated with heat, cold or vibration while the cervical spine is
held in the proper lordosis position.
[0021] The invention accordingly comprises the features of
construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts
which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set
forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description of embodiments of the invention taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inflatable cervical
cushion apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the inflatable
cervical cushion;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the bladder of
the inflatable cervical cushion;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the bladder of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of a further embodiment of the
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating different embodiments of the present
invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1
perspectively illustrates the inflatable cervical support in the
form of a cushion 10 adapted to surround the wearer's neck, with a
centrally positioned inflatable bladder 12. Bladder 12 is located
inside a compartment 14 within cushion 10, which has an outer side
16 and an inner side 18 made of a flexible fabric material or
leather. The cushion itself may be made of a solid core of foam
rubber or other rubber-type material such as neoprene, to form a
relatively flexible apparatus which conforms to one's neck and
rests on the shoulders when properly positioned. The back portion
52 of the cushion 10 curves into opposed elongated side extensions,
or arms, 20 which terminate in a pair of spaced free ends 22.
[0030] Bladder 12 is positioned horizontally within compartment 14
and is centrally located with respect to the length of the cushion
10, so that when the cushion 10 is properly attached about the
neck, and resting on the shoulders, bladder 12 is centrally located
at the back of the wearer's neck. As shown in FIG. 1, bladder 12 is
generally oval in shape with its longer lengthwise dimension 24
being horizontally disposed. When inflated, bladder 12 expands
outwardly from the outward side 16 of the cushion 10 into a
hemi-elliptical shape having a thickness dimension 26 at the center
of the bladder 12 which is generally thicker than at the ends 28 of
the bladder 12. The difference in thickness between the center 26
of bladder 12 and the bladder ends 28 results in the
hemi-elliptical shape of bladder 12, as seen from the top as in
FIG. 2. However, the thickness of the bladder ends 28 may be
increased as in other embodiments until it approaches the thickness
of the center 26 of bladder 12.
[0031] Bladder 12 also has an extended portion 38 which projects
upwardly from the center of bladder 12. Extended portion 38 is
configured to expand upwardly when bladder 12 is inflated, and is
designed to expand sufficiently such that it causes cushion 10 to
expand upwardly as well. At the height of its expansion, an upward
portion 40 of cushion 10 comes into contact with the person's head,
at the occiput, and sufficient inflation of bladder 12 can thus be
provided to provide support for the head. Accordingly, support for
the head can be provided at the same time as the cushion 10
provides cervical support for the neck and the cervical
musculature.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a proximal end of flexible tube 30
is connected at one of the bladder ends 28 for providing a
passageway for inflating and deflating bladder 12. Tube 28 may be
manufactured from any flexible tubing material known in the art,
such as synthetic or natural rubber, polyethylene, latex or the
like. The distal end of tube 30 is connected to means 32 for
inflating bladder 12. A manually operated squeeze bulb is
preferred, although it is contemplated that other types of
inflation means can be devised. Inflation means 32 is located near
the outer surface of one of cushion arms 16, so that inflation
means 32 is easily accessible to the wearer when cushion 10 is
worn. Inflation means 32 can also be concealed within a pocket 34,
FIG. 2, on either one of the extended arms 20.
[0033] Being intended to provide neck support by maintaining the
cervical spine in a proper lordotic position, bladder 12 is
dimensioned to come into contact with specific anatomical points of
the neck. For example, the length dimension 24 of bladder 12 is
selected to span the distance between the joints opposed cervical
while providing support to the surrounding cervical musculature.
Accordingly, it has been found that a length 24 of 3 to 8 inches is
sufficient to contact cervical joints of most wearers, with 4-6
inches being preferred as the average.
[0034] In order to maintain an adequate depth of an arc for a
lordosis, bladder 12 may be inflated to a variable thickness, but
optimally, a thickness 26 of only about 1-2 inches is necessary to
create a proper lordosis. Additionally, a thickness of
substantially greater than 2 inches could become uncomfortable to
the average wearer.
[0035] FIGS. 3 and 5 depict further embodiments of the bladder 12
of the within invention. These embodiments may deviate from the
general oval shape of bladder 12, to bladder shapes which provide
proportionately variable support between the center along the
cervical spine, and lateral support for the cervical musculature.
This variability is accomplished by increasing the bladder height
dimension 36 near the bladder ends 28 over what would be the
corresponding dimension for an oval shape. Accordingly, examples of
these embodiments comprise bladder 12 having lateral support at the
bladder ends 28 with height dimensions 36 which are generally less
than the width dimension 24 measured at the center of bladder 12.
Height dimensions 36 may be varied, but are generally within the
range of from 2 inches to 5 inches, which would still be less than
width dimension 24, but provide more or less support to the
cervical musculature as desired.
[0036] Additionally, the different shapes of bladder 12 in the
embodiments may be designed to have different thickness in
different parts of the bladder. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, bladder
12 can be apportioned into multiple sections 42, with three
sections being preferred. The sections 42 are separated by baffles
44, which may be formed by heat sealing the front side 46 of the
cushion with the back side 48 of the cushion (see FIG. 6), or by
any other similar means. The baffles may extend for most of the
height of bladder 12, but not the entire height, leaving openings
between the sections 42 for the passage of air. In addition, the
baffles may be cylindrical in nature, with openings 50 in the sides
of the cylinders to allow for the passage of air. In this manner,
the baffles 44 regulate the levels of inflation among sections 42,
permitting different thickness between the center and end
sections.
[0037] When inflated, see FIG. 4, the thickness 26 may any desired
thickness, but 1-2 inches is the optimum thickness for the
preferred embodiment of this invention. As a practical matter, once
bladder 12 attains its maximum thickness when the wearer is seated,
adding additional air using inflation means serves to increase the
firmness of the cushion.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein
mesh or other material is utilized to cover the inner side of
cushion 10. The mesh material can be folded and then stitched to
create pocket 54 for the insertion of a hot or cold pack (not
shown). Typically, the hot or cold pack would be inserted on the
inner side of the cushion 10, in pocket 54. In that way, the
hot/cold pack would directly contact the wearer's neck in the
proper position. Pocket 54 should be large enough to contain a hot
or cold pack, and it is preferred that the pocket 54 extends the
length 24 of the bladder, although pocket 54 could be shorter than
that length if desired. An opening 56 may also be provided towards
an end of the folded mesh material, for easy insertion of the
hot/cold pack. Opening 56 could simply be an unstitched end of
folded mesh material, or means for closing the opening 56, such as
a zipper or Velcro..RTM. could be used.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a mechanism can be added to
cushion 10 to provide a vibration modality. Vibration of the
cushion would be desired to add a soothing massage function to the
back of the neck while at the same time providing support for the
cervical spine and the neck. Such vibration function may be
attained by the addition of a mechanically oscillating disc 58, or
discs, as are commercially available. Discs 58 can be positioned
anywhere in the cushion 10 that is desired, but it I preferred that
discs 58 be placed either on top or on the front surface 46 of
bladder 12. See FIGS. 2 and 6. It is further preferred that the
discs be located on the front surface 46, of bladder 12 and on top
of the indentations caused by the baffles 44 when inflated, as
shown in FIG. 6. Any number of discs 58 can be used, but 2-3 discs
are preferred.
[0040] The discs 58 are connected by wires 60 and are electrically
driven by means of one or more standard DC batteries 62, and
operated by an electrical switch 64. As seen in FIG. 2, batteries
62 and switch 64 can be positioned in one of the extension arms 20.
It is preferred that the extension arm 20 containing the batteries
62 and switch 64 is the extension arm that does not contain the
manually operated pump.
[0041] While the present invention has been explained in relation
to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that various
modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art
upon reading this specification. The invention disclosed herein is
therefore intended to cover all such modifications that fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *