U.S. patent application number 13/834853 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for head and neck support device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rebecca Bowers. Invention is credited to Rebecca Bowers.
Application Number | 20140026323 13/834853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49993438 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140026323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bowers; Rebecca |
January 30, 2014 |
Head and Neck Support Device
Abstract
A head and neck support device for supporting and maintaining
proper head and neck alignment in an individual during periods of
rest and/or sleep. The head and neck support device preferably
comprises a first layer of high density foam and a second layer
stacked on top of said first layer and comprised of a shape memory
foam with a plurality of apertures formed therein. In a preferred
embodiment, both the first and second layers of the support device
comprise a cradle portion for receipt of a user's head.
Inventors: |
Bowers; Rebecca; (Raymond,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bowers; Rebecca |
Raymond |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49993438 |
Appl. No.: |
13/834853 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61675447 |
Jul 25, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20130101; A47G
9/109 20130101; A47G 2009/1018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/636 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A head and neck support device comprising: a first layer; and a
second layer, wherein said second layer is comprised of a
continuous opening therein for receipt of a portion of a user's
head and a plurality of apertures, wherein at least some of said
plurality of apertures extend through the entire second layer, and
further wherein said first layer is substantially coextensive with
said second layer.
2. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said first
layer is comprised of a high density foam.
3. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said second
layer is comprised of a shape memory foam.
4. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein both of said
first and second layers are comprised of memory foam.
5. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said first
layer is further comprised of a top surface with an indentation
therein for receipt of said portion of a user's head.
6. (canceled)
7. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said
continuous opening is further comprised of a chamfered side
wall.
8. A head and neck support device comprising: a first layer
comprised of a high density foam and a top surface; and a second
layer comprised of shape memory foam and fixedly attached to the
top surface of said first layer, wherein said second layer further
comprises a continuous opening therein for receipt of a portion of
a user's head, and further wherein said first layer is
substantially coextensive with said second layer.
9. The head and neck support device of claim 8 wherein said top
surface of the first layer is further comprised of a cradle.
10. (canceled)
11. The head and neck support device of claim 8 wherein said second
layer is further comprised of a plurality of apertures therein.
12. The head and neck support device of claim 11 wherein said
second layer is further comprised of a top and a bottom, wherein at
least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the second
layer from said top to said bottom.
13. The head and neck support device of claim 12 wherein said
continuous opening is further comprised of a chamfered
sidewall.
14. A head and neck support device comprising: a first layer; a
second layer comprised of a plurality of apertures therein, wherein
at least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the
entire second layer, and further wherein said first layer is
substantially coextensive with said second layer; and a cradle
portion.
15. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said
cradle portion is comprised of a continuous opening in the second
layer and an indentation in the first layer.
16. The head and neck support device of claim 15 wherein said
indentation is formed in a top surface of the first layer.
17. (canceled)
18. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said
second layer is further comprised of a top and a bottom, wherein at
least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the second
layer from said top to said bottom.
19. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said first
layer is comprised of a high density foam.
20. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said
second layer is comprised of a shape memory foam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/675,447 filed on Jul. 25, 2012.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a head and neck support device,
such as a pillow, for maintaining proper posture and alignment of
the head and neck while an individual is resting and/or
sleeping.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pillows and other cushions are well known in the art for
propping up a user's head while the individual rests and/or sleeps,
but they may not necessarily provide the support necessary for the
individual to maintain proper head and neck posture and alignment.
Poor posture and/or alignment can result in restless sleep, pinched
nerves and sore muscles, all of which can be both aggravating and
painful. Additionally, poor head/neck alignment may also result in
the user's air passage becoming partially obstructed.
[0004] Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a
head and neck support device that provides a user with proper head
and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep,
regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side.
There also exists in the art a long felt need for a support device
that helps users avoid pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked
airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights while sleeping.
Moreover, there is a long felt need for a support device that is
comprised, at least in part, of memory foam for conforming to the
particular shape and/or size of a specific user's head and neck.
Finally, there is a long-felt need for a support device that
accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively
inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and
easy to use.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one
aspect thereof, is a head and neck support device useful for
providing a user with proper head and neck posture and alignment
during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user
is lying on his or her back or side. The support device is also
helpful for enabling the user to avoid pinched nerves, sore
muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head and
neck support device is comprised of a first layer of high density
foam with a slight indentation in the top surface of said first
layer for receipt of a user's head and/or neck, and a second layer
fixedly attached to said top surface of the first layer, wherein
said second layer is preferably comprised of a memory foam with a
continuous opening therein for receipt of a user's head and/or
neck. The firmer first layer provides both elevation and support to
ensure proper head and neck alignment, while the softer second
layer provides additional height and added comfort to the user. The
second layer may further comprise a plurality of openings or
apertures formed therein to increase the softness and to permit the
passage of air (i.e., breathability) while the support device is in
use.
[0007] The support device of the present invention promotes proper
head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or
sleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back
or side. The support device also helps users avoid or reduce
pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas
and restless nights. Moreover, when the device is at least
partially comprised of memory form, the device can conform to the
particular shape and/or size of a specific user's head and/or neck.
Finally, the support device of the present invention accomplishes
all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively inexpensive to
manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.
[0008] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the
preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on
his side and employing the preferred embodiment of the head and
neck support device of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on
his back and employing the preferred embodiment of the head and
neck support device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details.
[0015] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the support device
100 of the present invention, which is comprised of a first layer
110 and a second layer 150. First layer 110 is preferably
rectangular in shape and comprised of a high density foam or other
suitable material, such as memory foam, high density memory foam,
sofa foam or the like, though it is contemplated that first layer
110 could also be manufactured in the form of different shapes to
suit user preference. Additionally, first layer 110 preferably
comprises a front surface 112, back surface 114, side opposing side
surfaces 116, a top surface 118, and a bottom surface 119.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the length of first layer 110, as
measured between opposing side surfaces 116 is between 24 and 32
inches, and the width of first layer 110, as measured between front
surface 112 and back surface 114 is between 12 and 20 inches. The
thickness of first layer 110, as measured between top surface 118
and bottom surface 119 is preferably between 1 1/4 and 2 1/4
inches. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other shapes and sizes
of first layer 110 could also be used to satisfy user
preference.
[0017] The top surface 118 of first layer 110 also preferably has
an opening or indentation 120 formed there for receipt of a user's
head, as explained more fully below. The overall shape and
dimensions of indentation 120 can vary to suit user need and/or
preference, but the width of said indentation 120 is preferably
between 8 and 8 1/2 inches, and the depth, as measured from top
surface 118, is preferably between 1/2 and one inch.
[0018] Second layer 150 is also preferably rectangular in shape to
correspond with the shape of first layer 110, and comprised of a
shape memory foam or other suitable material, such as low density
foam, polyurethane foam, or the like, which are all well known and
readily available. Additionally, second layer 150 preferably
comprises a front 152, back 154, opposing sides 156, a top 158, and
a bottom 160.
[0019] While the overall dimensions of second layer 150 should
generally correspond to the dimensions of first layer 110 for
uniform support and appearance, the length of second layer 150, as
measured between opposing side 156 is preferably between 24 and 32
inches, and the width of second layer 150, as measured between
front 152 and back 154 is preferably between 12 and 20 inches. The
thickness of second layer 150, as measured between top 158 and
bottom 160 is preferably between 2 1/4 and 2 3/4 inches.
[0020] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, second layer 150 is
preferably fixedly attached to first layer 110 such that top
surface 118 of first layer 110 is generally in contact with bottom
160 of second layer 150. First layer 110 may be attached to second
layer 150 by any common means known in the art for fixedly
attaching two foam or similar structures together such as with an
adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, or the
like.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, second layer 150
further comprises a continuous opening 170 therein that extends
from top 158 to bottom 160 for receipt of a user's head and/or
neck. While the shape and size of continuous opening 170 can vary
to suit user need and/or preference, continuous opening 170 is
preferably circular or oval in shape and comprised of a chamfered
or tapered sidewall 172. In a preferred embodiment, the approximate
width of opening 170 along top 158 is preferably between 10 and 14
inches, and the width of opening 170 along bottom 160 preferably
corresponds to the width of indentation 120 as described above. In
this manner, continuous opening 170 in second layer 150 and
indentation 120 in first layer 110 form a cradle to support and
maintain proper alignment of the user's head and neck during
periods of rest and/or sleep.
[0022] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, second layer 150
preferably further comprises a plurality of openings or apertures
180 that extend through second layer 150 from top 158 to said
bottom 160 for permitting the circulation of air and increasing the
compressibility of second layer 150. The diameter of said apertures
is preferably between 1/8 and 3/8 of an inch, though it is
contemplated that other sizes and shapes could also be used without
affecting the overall concept of the present invention.
Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that second layer 150 can
function without said apertures 180.
[0023] Having now described the overall structure of head and neck
support device 100, its use and usefulness will now be summarized.
FIG. 4A illustrates a user 200 resting on his or her side with the
user's head 210 being properly supported by support device 100.
More specifically, user's head 210 rests comfortably atop second
layer 150. Additionally, apertures 180 provide added comfort to
user 200 by increasing the breathability and softness of second
layer 150. Similarly, FIG. 4B illustrates a user 200 resting on his
or her back with the user's head 210 and neck 220 being properly
supported by support device 100. More specifically, user's head 210
rests comfortably within continuous opening 170 in second layer 150
and in indentation 120 in first layer 100.
[0024] Consequently, the support device 100 of the present
invention promotes proper head and neck posture and alignment
during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user
is lying on his or her back or side. Support device 100 also helps
users 200 avoid or reduce pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked
airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights. Moreover, when
support device 100 is at least partially comprised of memory form,
the device can conform to the particular shape and/or size of a
specific user's head and/or neck. Finally, support device 100
accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively
inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and
easy to use.
[0025] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0026] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0027] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the
foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *