U.S. patent application number 12/583546 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for cervical support harness assembly.
Invention is credited to Kyu Park.
Application Number | 20110043025 12/583546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43604751 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110043025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Kyu |
February 24, 2011 |
Cervical support harness assembly
Abstract
A cervical support harness for a head of a user seated in a seat
in a generally upright position has a flexible elastic headband and
a cross strap that is configured to extend across the top of the
user's head, from front to back. A crescent or U-shaped neck pillow
is secured to a back portion of the headband by an attachment strap
that extends downwardly from the headband, when the headband is
positioned on the user's head. An elongated flexible securing band
attached, at one of its ends, to the front portion of the headband
is adapted for wrapping around the back of the seat and for
securing at the front of the headband, thus preventing undesirable
jolting movement of the user's head. A front visor shields the eyes
and upper part of the user's head.
Inventors: |
Park; Kyu; (Metairie,
LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEATY LAW FIRM, LLC
365 CANAL STREET, Suite 2410
NEW ORLEANS
LA
70130
US
|
Family ID: |
43604751 |
Appl. No.: |
12/583546 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/393 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/882 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/393 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38 |
Claims
1. A cervical support harness assembly for supporting a head of
user seated in a seat in a generally upright position, the assembly
comprising: a headband formed from a flexible resilient material
and configured for positioning around a user's head, said headband
having a front portion and a back portion; a cross strap configured
to extend across from the front portion of the headband to the back
portion of the headband; a neck support member secured to the cross
strap by an attachment strap; and a means for detachably securing
the harness assembly to a back of the seat.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for detachably
securing the harness assembly comprises an elongated securing band
having a first end secured to a front portion of the headband and a
second end configured for detachable engagement with the first
end.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said securing band has
longitudinal dimensions sufficient to extend around the back of the
seat and form a closed loop when the first end is detachably
engaged with the second end.
4. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the securing band has
longitudinal dimensions to extend around a back of an infant car
seat.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the securing band has
longitudinal dimensions to extend around a back of a car seat.
6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the securing band has
longitudinal dimensions to extend around a back of an airplane
seat.
7. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first end of the securing
band is provided with an engagement member and the second end of
the securing band is provided with a matching engagement member
configured to engage the first end.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said headband is formed from an
elastic material to facilitate adjustment of the headband to the
user's head.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said neck pillow has a
generally U-shaped configuration.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment strap extends
in a general alignment to the cross strap and is secured to the
back portion of the headband.
11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a visor secured to
the front portion of the headband, said visor configured to shield
at least an upper part of a user's face.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said visor is formed from a
non-transparent material.
13. A method of supporting a head of a user seated in a seat in a
generally upright position, comprising the steps: providing a
cervical support harness assembly comprising a headband formed from
a flexible resilient material, said headband having a front portion
and a back portion, a cross strap configured to extend across from
the front portion of the headband to the back portion of the
headband, a neck support member secured to the cross strap by an
attachment strap, and an elongated securing strap having a first
end secured to the front portion of the headband and a second end;
positioning the headband on the user's head, while the user is
seated in the seat, while orienting the cross strap to extend along
a top of the user's head, from a front to a back of the user's
head; positioning the neck support member behind a user's neck; and
wrapping the securing member around a back of the seat, in which
the user is seated, and then joining the first end of the securing
band with the second end of the securing band to form a closed
loop, thereby restraining movement of the user's head while
supporting the user's head seated in the seat.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user is an infant and the
seat is an infant car seat.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the seat is a car seat.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the seat is an airplane
seat.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step of providing
a visor and securing the visor to the front portion of the
headband.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said visor is configured to
shield at least an upper part of a user's face.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the visor is formed from a
non-transparent material.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first end of the securing
band is provided with an engagement member and the second end of
the securing band is provided with a matching engagement member
configured to engage the first end.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein said neck pillow has a
generally U-shaped configuration.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein the attachment strap extends in
a general alignment to the cross strap and is secured to the back
portion of the headband.
23. The method of claim 13, wherein said headband is formed from an
elastic material configured to facilitate adjustment of the
headband to different size heads.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to cervical supports designed to
assist a person in maintaining alignment of the upper spinal column
by giving a harness support to the head of an infant strapped in a
car seat or a sleeping person seated in a substantially upright
position, such as in car or airplane seat.
[0002] Infants require head and body support when they are seated
in either a reclining or substantially upright position. Because
infants do not have fully developed neck muscles, such support is
necessary to prevent their heads from rolling to one side.
[0003] Infant car safety seats are conventionally made of molded
plastic shell equipped with a releasable safety harness that is
anchored to the shell at least by three points. Such car safety
seats typically include a three- or five-point safety harness that
has shoulder straps and a leg strap that buckles with the shoulder
straps. A soft, padded cover is typically also provided for
supporting an infant in the car seat.
[0004] Additionally, an optional head support pillow is provided
that cradles the infant's head by surrounding the back and sides of
the head. The head support pillow is removable from the car seat;
it is conventionally used for cervical support of very small
children, such as newborns, whose neck muscles are not sufficiently
developed to support the head.
[0005] As the baby gets older and is capable of supporting the
head, the head support pillow need no longer be used. However, the
child is still required to be transported in an infant car seat. As
the car moves, the child still needs support to cushion the child's
head and neck to protect against any injury that can result from
jolting movements during transport. Additionally, when an infant
falls asleep in the infant car seat, the infant's head is free to
move, which may adversely affect the cervical alignment.
[0006] A similar problem exists when adult passengers in a car or
an airplane try to sleep, while sitting substantially upright. Some
people employ a U-shaped roll that forms a crescent pillow around
the passenger's neck to support the back and sides of the neck.
However, due to jerking motions of the vehicle, the head can move
forward and back, disturbing the passenger's rest. Besides, the
neck pillow inherently cannot provide proper cervical alignment,
causing substantial discomfort to the passenger.
[0007] The present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks
associated with prior designs and provision of a cervical support
harness assembly that can be proportionately sized to accommodate
an infant or an adult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a cervical support harness assembly that facilitates head
support for a baby.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a cervical
support harness assembly for an adult that facilitates cervical
alignment of the user.
[0010] These and other objects of the invention are achieved
through a provision of a cervical support harness for a head of a
user seated in a seat in a generally upright position has a
flexible elastic headband and a cross strap that is configured to
extend across the top of the user's head, from front to back. A
crescent or U-shaped neck pillow is secured to a back portion of
the headband by an attachment strap that extends downwardly from
the headband, when the headband is positioned on the user's
head.
[0011] An elongated flexible securing band attached, at one of its
ends, to the front portion of the headband is adapted for wrapping
around the back of the seat and for securing at the front of the
headband, thus preventing undesirable jolting movement of the
user's head. A front visor shields the eyes and upper part of the
user's head.
[0012] The user can be an infant seated in an infant car seat or an
adult seated in a car, or other seat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cervical support harness
assembly of the present invention particularly adapted for
supporting a baby's head.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cervical support harness
assembly of the present invention with a front visor, the
embodiment being particularly adapted for supporting a head of an
adult.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a detail view showing elements of the cervical
support harness assembly of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the cervical
support harness assembly of the instant invention used for a baby
seated in an infant car seat.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the cervical
support harness assembly of the instant invention as used by an
adult positioned in a car seat.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cervical support harness
assembly as used by an adult seated in a car seat.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the cervical support
harness assembly of the instant invention as used by an adult
seated in an airplane seat.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the cervical
support harness assembly of the instant invention as used by an
adult seated in an airplane seat.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10
designates the cervical support harness assembly of the present
invention. The assembly 10 comprises an elastic headband 12 that is
formed from a soft, resilient, stretchable material. Preferably,
the headband 12 is formed from a moisture absorbent material, such
as used for sweatbands. The headband 12 stretches to accommodate to
various size circumference of a user's head.
[0023] To facilitate correct position of the headband 12 on the
user's head and prevent the headband 12 from sliding downwardly, a
cross strap 14 is secured to diametrically opposite locations 16
and 18 of the headband 12, that is from the front portion to the
back portion of the headband 12. The cross strap 14 is sized to
extend over the frontal and parietal bone regions of the person's
head, front to back, such that the headband 12 does not descend
below the user's forehead (see, FIGS. 4, 5 and 8). The cross band
14 is formed from a non-stretchable soft fabric. The cross band 14
can be fixedly secured to the headband 12 by stitching at points 16
and 18 or can be detachably secured using hook-and-loop
fasteners.
[0024] A neck pillow 20 is configured to support the back and sides
of the neck of the user, preferably the upper part of the neck, as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The neck pillow 20 has a generally U-shaped
configuration; it may have a round, oval or rectangular
cross-section. The pillow 20 may be formed from open-pore
polyurethane foam of light or medium density or cotton fillings.
Alternatively, the neck pillow 20 may be formed from as an
inflatable body. The neck pillow 20 is preferably enclosed in a
cover formed from a soft fabric so as not to cause skin
irritation.
[0025] An attachment strap 22 is secured between the headband 12
and the neck pillow 20. The attachment strap 22 is formed from a
soft fabric material that has minimum stretching characteristics.
The attachment strap 22 can be fixedly secured, such as by
stitching, to the headband 12 in general alignment with the
securing area 16 or can be detachably secured to the headband using
hook-and-loop fasteners. The opposite end 24 of the attachment
strap 22 is attached to the center portion of the neck pillow 20.
In one of the preferred embodiments, the end 24 of the attachment
strap 22 is fixedly attached to the neck pillow 20.
[0026] An adjustable elongated securing band 26 has a first end 27
and a second end 28, an inner side 29 and an outer side 30. A piece
of hook-and-loop fastener 32 is secured to the inner side 29
adjacent the first end 27. Another piece of matching hook-and-loop
fastener 34 is attached to the outer side 30 adjacent the second
end 28 of the securing band 26. The end 28 is also securely
attached to the headband 12 at the area of attachment 18 where the
cross strap 14 is secured to the headband 12. The securing band 26
has longitudinal dimensions sufficient to wrap around the back of
the seat, in which the user is positioned and form a closed loop
when the ends 27 and 28 are joined together using the matching
pieces 32, 34 of the hook-and-loop fasteners.
[0027] The securing band 26 extends substantially in the same
direction as the headband 12, that is transversely to the cross
strap 14 and to the attachment strap 22. A portion of the securing
band 26 follows the orientation of the headband 12, while the first
end 27 remains free prior to securing of the securing band 26 about
the seat, be it an infant car seat or an adult seat. The securing
band 26 is formed from a soft fabric material. In one of the
preferred embodiments, the securing band 26 is formed from a fabric
that has minimal stretching characteristics and has a friction
sufficient to prevent sliding of the securing strap along the
seat.
[0028] An optional front visor or shield 40 is secured to the
securing band 26, overlapping a portion of the securing band 26 in
the front of the harness 10. The visor front 40 extends at an angle
to a normal axis of the headband 12 and is configured to cover at
least the upper portion of the user's face, preferably shielding
the eyes from bright light. If desired, the lower edge 42 of the
visor 40 may extend below the mouth of the user, as shown in FIGS.
5, 7 and 8. The visor 40 can also be extended to cover the entire
face of the user and provide privacy in a public transportation
environment, if desired.
[0029] In one of the preferred embodiments, the visor 40 is formed
from an opaque, non-transparent material, relatively thick cotton
fabric that retains its arcuate shape following the contours of the
user's face. If desired the visor 40 may be detachably secured,
such as by hook-and-loop fasteners, to the front of the headband
12. The outside surface of the visor 40 may be decorated with
various indicia, including advertising indicia.
[0030] In operation and with particular reference to FIG. 4, the
headband 12 is positioned on the head 50 of a baby seated in an
infant seat 52. The neck pillow is oriented to extend behind the
baby's head in a partially surrounding relationship to the baby's
neck 54. The cross strap 14 extends across the baby's head, from
front to back, ensuring that the headband 12 does not slide
downwardly.
[0031] The child's caregiver then holds the end 27 and wraps the
securing band 26 around the seat 52. The user then secures the
matching pieces 32, 34 of the hook-and-loop fasteners together at
the front of the baby's head. Since the headband 12 is stretchable
it easily adjusts to the circumference of the baby's head without
applying any excessive pressure to the head.
[0032] The baby's head is thus partially immobilized, with the neck
54 being in a proper alignment, while also supported by the neck
pillow 20. The head 50 of the baby is supported in the upper
region, while the neck rests against the neck pillow 20. As a
result, the baby's head does not freely move sideways, or
forward.
[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate position of the assembly 10 when
used by an adult seated in a car seat. As can be seen in the
drawing, the securing band 26 is long enough to be wrapped once or
twice around a headrest 60 of a car seat 62. In an exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the neck pillow 20 is located at
or below the headrest 60, while the headband 12 is located close to
the top of the headrest 60.
[0034] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention where the assembly 10 is used for an adult seated in an
airplane. It is envisioned that this embodiment may be particularly
advantageous where privacy or light blocking is desired. In such a
case, the visor 40 protects the eyes of the user, shielding them
from light and allowing the user to rest his head, while
maintaining correct cervical alignment. The neck pillow 20 is
positioned behind the back and about the sides of the user's neck
and supports the head of the user. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
harness assembly 10 supports the head of the user, while the
securing band 26 is wrapped around the headrest 64 of an airplane
seat 65.
[0035] The harness assembly 10 can be placed on the head of the
user while the user is in a seated position, without the need for
the user to get up and out of the seat or be in a standing position
while applying the securing strap. In an emergency situation, the
harness assembly 10 can be easily removed, without limiting
movements of the user. It is envisioned that the harness assembly
of the present invention may also be used when the person is in a
supine or partially reclining position. The person using the
harness maintains comfortable breathing by keeping the head in a
substantially upright position while sleeping.
[0036] The device of the present invention allows infants and
adults to sleep comfortably while in a substantially upright
position and minimize whiplash type of injury to the cervical spine
when seated facing forward. As described above, the harness
assembly 10 prevents or minimizes forward, lateral, bending and
rotational movement of the neck. The limited movement that is
allowed by the headband 12 and the securing band 26 tends to
minimize the forces acting on the cervical vertebra of the user. A
whiplash type of injury may be particularly harmful to a baby when
the car comes to an abrupt stop, causing the baby's head to be
thrown forward. By limiting the ability of the head to move
forward, the harness assembly minimizes the effect of a possible
whiplash.
[0037] When used by an adult, the harness assembly tends to
maintain the head in an anatomically correct position, preventing
the head from uncontrolled sideways or bending movements which may
cause cervicalgia. The harness assembly of the present invention
may also minimize facet joint irritation/inflammation by keeping
the cervical vertebra in a relative alignment. By minimizing the
facet joint inflammation, the instant invention may lower the rate
of degenerative process in the cervical spine and limit the range
of motion problems, especially in senior adults.
[0038] The straps and bands of the harness assembly can be formed
from a washable material, thus making the harness 10 reusable. The
straps and bands of the harness assembly may be formed from soft
fabric cotton fabric or a blend of cotton with other materials. If
desired, earplugs can be applied to provide additional blocking of
noise.
[0039] Many other changes and modifications can be made in the
present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I
therefore pray that my rights to the present invention be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *