U.S. patent application number 15/736978 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for head accessory for promoting back sleeping.
The applicant listed for this patent is MMG INNOVATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Mischell CHRISTMAS, Melissa LEES, Virginia POROWSKI.
Application Number | 20180168356 15/736978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57545036 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180168356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
POROWSKI; Virginia ; et
al. |
June 21, 2018 |
HEAD ACCESSORY FOR PROMOTING BACK SLEEPING
Abstract
A device to be worn on a user's head is provided for promoting
back sleeping. The device includes first and second stabilizers
that have a head engaging surface and a bulge portion that extends
outwardly from the head engaging surface, such as in the shape of a
triangular prism. The first and second stabilizers are supported by
a connecting member, such as a band that is worn around the user's
head. When in use, the user is able to lie on his or her back on a
sleep surface, such that the first and second stabilizers are
positioned on opposite sides of the user's head. In this way,
lateral movement of the user's head is limited to encourage back
sleeping and avoid or minimize the pressure that may otherwise be
applied to certain areas of the face, such that the occurrence of
sleep wrinkles can be reduced.
Inventors: |
POROWSKI; Virginia;
(Raleigh, NC) ; CHRISTMAS; Mischell; (Raleigh,
NC) ; LEES; Melissa; (Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MMG INNOVATIONS LLC |
Raleigh |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57545036 |
Appl. No.: |
15/736978 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 10, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB16/53446 |
371 Date: |
December 15, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62180403 |
Jun 16, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2009/1018 20130101;
A47G 9/1081 20130101; A47G 9/10 20130101; A47C 7/383 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A device configured to be worn on a user's head during sleeping,
the device comprising: first and second stabilizers, wherein each
of the first and second stabilizers comprises a head engaging
surface configured to be disposed proximate the user's head and a
bulge portion extending outwardly from the head engaging surface;
and a connecting member extending at least between the first and
second stabilizers, wherein the first and second stabilizers are
supported by the connecting member such that, when the device is
worn by the user and the user is positioned with the user's back on
a sleep surface, the first and second stabilizers are disposed on
opposite sides of the user's head and limit lateral movement of the
user's head to promote back sleeping.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
stabilizers comprises a closed cell compressed foam.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
stabilizers comprises a body and a protruding portion.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the body defines a channel and
the protruding portion comprises a protruding insert that is
received by and secured within the channel.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the protruding portion formed
integrally with the body.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the protruding portion extends
outwardly past an outer surface of the body.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a
closed loop of material configured to be worn around the user's
head.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises
an elastic material.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises
multiple layers of material.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second stabilizers
are configured to be movably secured to the connecting member, such
that a position of each of the first and second stabilizers is
adjustable with respect to the connecting member.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first and second
stabilizers are configurable to be positioned proximate the user's
parietal, proximate the user's temporal bone, or proximate the
user's cervical neck area.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
stabilizers is encased within a covering.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the covering comprises a sleeve
configured to receive a portion of the connecting member
therethrough for attaching a respective stabilizer to the
connecting member.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
stabilizers defines a sleeve configured to receive a portion of the
connecting member therethrough for attaching a respective
stabilizer to the connecting member.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
stabilizers comprises a triangular prism shape.
16. A method of manufacturing a head accessory to promote back
sleeping, the method comprising: forming a first stabilizer and a
second stabilizer, wherein each of the first and second stabilizers
comprises a head engaging surface configured to be disposed
proximate the user's head and a bulge portion extending outwardly
from the head engaging surface; and engaging a connecting member to
the first and second stabilizers such that the first and second
stabilizers are supported by the connecting member; wherein when
the device is worn by a user and the user is positioned with the
user's back on a sleep surface, the first and second stabilizers
are disposed on opposite sides of the user's head and limit lateral
movement of the user's head to promote back sleeping.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming each of the first
stabilizer and the second stabilizer comprises forming a body and a
protruding portion.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein forming each of the first
stabilizer and the second stabilizer comprises defining a channel
within the body and securing a protruding insert within the channel
to form the protruding portion.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising applying a covering
to at least one of the first or second stabilizers.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein applying the covering comprises
defining a sleeve that is integral with or attached to the
covering, wherein the sleeve is configured to receive at least a
portion of the connecting member for engaging the connecting member
the first and second stabilizers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices for
promoting back sleeping. More specifically, a device is described
that, when worn on a user's head during sleep, encourages the user
to sleep on her back by comfortably restricting lateral movement of
the head during sleep and/or elevating the user's face with respect
to the sleep surface.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Sleeping on one's back, or back sleeping, is recommended by
many as a preferred position for various health and cosmetic
reasons. For example, back sleeping is often recommended as a way
to help promote proper alignment of the body, benefiting the spine
and neck. Back sleeping is also identified by some as one way to
minimize the formation of facial wrinkles known in the skin care
industry as "sleep wrinkles."
[0003] When one is asleep, it is often difficult to control one's
movement. Individuals who are sleeping often change positions, roll
over to one side or another, and turn over without consciously
being aware of such movements. Thus, for many, remaining on one's
back while sleeping may be difficult, especially for people who
tend to move around during their sleep cycle or for those who have
a natural tendency or preference for sleeping on their stomach or
side.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a device for promoting back
sleeping that is comfortable, easy to use, portable, and
attractive.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] A device is therefore provided in accordance with an example
embodiment for promoting back sleeping that is simple, attractive,
lightweight, and inexpensive. Embodiments of the device described
below allow for comfortable, but limited, lateral movement of the
head and body, while avoiding the need for elaborate pillows and
other bulky conventional items that are designed to position the
body in a fixed position. In contrast with conventional body
positioning aids, which may be moved out of position during sleep
and/or require repositioning if sleep is interrupted, and which at
the same time are difficult to take along on vacations and business
travel due to their size and appearance, embodiments of the device
described herein are comfortably secured to the user's head and are
lightweight and portable. In addition to promoting back sleeping,
the device, according to embodiments of the invention, is designed
to avoid direct contact with the wearer's face for the entire
night's sleep. Moreover, if the wearer does turn onto her side
while sleeping, embodiments of the device continue to remain off
the face and reduce or prevent contact of the face with the sleep
surface, thereby avoiding putting pressure on the facial area to
reduce the risk of forming sleep wrinkles.
[0006] In particular, embodiments of a device configured to be worn
on a user's head during sleeping are described, where the device
includes first and second stabilizers and a connecting member
extending at least between the first and second stabilizers. Each
of the first and second stabilizers comprises a head engaging
surface configured to be disposed proximate the user's head and a
bulge portion extending outwardly from the head engaging surface.
The first and second stabilizers are supported by the connecting
member such that, when the device is worn by the user and the user
is positioned with the user's back on a sleep surface, the first
and second stabilizers are disposed on opposite sides of the user's
head and limit lateral movement of the user's head to promote back
sleeping.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first and second stabilizers may
comprise a closed cell compressed foam. Each of the first and
second stabilizers may comprise a body and a protruding portion. In
some cases, the body may define a channel and the protruding
portion may comprise a protruding insert that is received by and
secured within the channel. In other cases, the protruding portion
may be formed integrally with the body. In either case, the
protruding portion may extend outwardly past an outer surface of
the body.
[0008] The connecting member may, in some cases, comprise a closed
loop of material configured to be worn around the user's head. The
connecting member may comprise an elastic material and/or may
comprise multiple layers. The first and second stabilizers may be
configured to be movably secured to the connecting member, such
that a position of each of the first and second stabilizers is
adjustable with respect to the connecting member. Thus, the first
and second stabilizers may be configurable to be positioned
proximate the user's parietal or temporal bone in some cases, while
the first and second stabilizers may be configurable to be
positioned proximate the user's cervical neck area in others.
[0009] Each of the first and second stabilizers may be encased
within a covering, and the covering may be removable. The covering
may, in some cases, comprise a sleeve configured to receive a
portion of the connecting member therethrough for attaching a
respective stabilizer to the connecting member. Moreover, the
stabilizers may have various different shapes. In some embodiments,
for example, each of the first and second stabilizers may comprise
a triangular prism shape.
[0010] In other embodiments, a method of manufacturing a head
accessory to promote back sleeping is provided, where the method
includes forming a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer. Each
of the first and second stabilizers may comprise a head engaging
surface configured to be disposed proximate the user's head and a
bulge portion extending outwardly from the head engaging surface.
The method further includes engaging a connecting member to the
first and second stabilizers such that the first and second
stabilizers are supported by the connecting member. In this way,
when the device is worn by a user and the user is positioned with
the user's back on a sleep surface, the first and second
stabilizers are disposed on opposite sides of the user's head and
limit lateral movement of the user's head to promote back
sleeping.
[0011] In some cases, forming each of the first stabilizer and the
second stabilizer may comprise forming a body and a protruding
portion. Forming each of the first stabilizer and the second
stabilizer may, for example, comprise defining a channel within the
body and securing a protruding insert within the channel to form
the protruding portion. The method may further comprise applying a
covering to at least one of the first or second stabilizers, and
applying the covering may comprise defining a sleeve that is
integral with or attached to the covering, wherein the sleeve is
configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member
for engaging the connecting member to the first and second
stabilizers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a user showing
the bones of the human head;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective representation of a
device for promoting back sleeping in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a user wearing
the device in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a user wearing
the device while back sleeping in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a stabilizer having a
protruding insert with a covering removed in accordance with
another example embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows an elevation view of an end of the stabilizer
of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the stabilizer of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a stabilizer having a
protruding portion that is integral with a body of the stabilizer,
with the covering removed, in accordance with another example
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows an elevation view of an end of the stabilizer
of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the stabilizer of FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a close-up perspective view of a hook and loop
fastener for removably securing the stabilizers to a connecting
member in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of different
positions in which the first and second stabilizers can be arranged
along a connecting member to support different areas of the user's
neck are in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 13 shows a close-up perspective view of a stabilizer
having a covering that includes a sleeve for passing a connecting
member therethrough in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention
are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.
[0027] As mentioned above, back sleeping is often recommended as a
preferred sleeping position for many reasons. In some cases, back
sleeping is seen as conducive to proper neck and spinal alignment.
In other cases, back sleeping is encouraged as a way to avoid
creating facial wrinkles that may otherwise result when a person
habitually sleeps with part of his or her face pressed against the
sleep surface (e.g., a mattress or pillow). For example, sleep
wrinkles, which are different from the wrinkles that may be cause
by facial expressions, can be created and augmented when a person's
face is pushed against a pillow or other sleep surface, such as in
the side sleeping position or the stomach sleeping position. Such
wrinkles typically appear in similar positions from person to
person due to the presence of underlying muscle in the face (e.g.,
the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS). Moreover,
sleep wrinkles have a tendency to deepen and become more permanent
over time with repeated side and stomach sleeping.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide an easily
transportable, generally inexpensive device that is designed to be
worn on the head of an individual to promote remaining on the back
while sleeping, resting, or in other situations where a person is
seeking to avoid or minimize the pressure that may otherwise be
applied to certain areas of the face, such as the cheek(s) and
forehead.
[0029] As described in greater detail below, and with reference to
FIG. 1, which shows a representation of the bones forming the head
of a typical user 10, embodiments of the device are designed to
have stabilizers that are configured to be disposed on or close to
the parietal 20 and/or temporal 30 bones of the head or the
cervical area 40 of the neck. The stabilizers may be in a fixed
position or adjustable with respect to the device to provide for
individual placement and positioning in some cases. Overall,
embodiments of the device are designed to deter an individual who
desires to stay in a back sleeping position from rolling to a side
sleeping position. Moreover, if side sleeping should occur while
the user is wearing the device, the stabilizers are designed to
elevate the user's face with respect to the sleep surface to
prevent and/or reduce the contact between the face and the sleep
surface, and in so doing decrease any resulting pressure that may
otherwise cause wrinkles to form.
[0030] At the same time, while generally deterring an individual
from rolling from a back sleeping position to a side sleeping
position, the stabilizers of the device are also designed to allow
for comfortable (albeit limited) lateral movement of the head and
body while maintaining back sleeping. In addition, the device is
configured to stay in place on the user's head in the event that
the user gets out of bed for any reason (e.g., to use the bathroom
or get a glass of water) and does not require readjustment upon the
user's return to bed, thereby promoting a quick and easy return to
sleep for the user.
[0031] Although the examples described herein relate to a user who
is sleeping on a flat, horizontal sleep surface, such as a bed,
mattress, or floor, embodiments of the device may be used for
limiting lateral movement of the user's head when sleeping on
other, non-horizontal sleep surfaces. Embodiments of the device
may, for example, be worn by a user who is sleeping in a chair,
such as a recliner, a sofa, a car seat, an airplane seat, or other
chairs or seating surface. In such cases, the stabilizers described
above would make engaging contact with the surface of the chair on
which the user is resting his or her head to limit movement of the
head. Thus, the lightweight and portable design of the device as
described herein facilitates a user's sleep on a variety of
surfaces and in a variety of lower body positions (e.g., lying down
or sitting), as well as facilitating a user's transition between
different sleep surfaces while wearing the device without requiring
readjustment of the device (e.g., as the user moves from a recliner
in which he dozed off while watching television to his bed, or vice
versa).
[0032] A device 100 is shown in FIG. 2 according to an example
embodiment, with the device being worn by a user 10 in FIGS. 3 and
4. The device 100 includes first and second stabilizers 105, 110
and a connecting member 120 that extends at least between the first
and second stabilizers, such that the first and second stabilizers
are supported by the connecting member. The first and second
stabilizers 105, 110 may be made of a single material or a
combination of materials. For example, in some embodiments, the
first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may be formed of a material
that resists deformation, but at the same time is not rigid or
uncomfortable when worn. For example, the first and second
stabilizers 105, 110 may be formed of closed cell compressed foam
in some cases, gel or silicone material in other cases, or
combinations of these and/or other materials.
[0033] Similarly, the connecting member 120 may be made in various
configurations (e.g., sizes and shapes) and may use various
materials in its construction. In the example depicted in FIG. 2,
for instance, the connecting member 120 comprises a closed loop of
material that is configured to be worn around the user's head, as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the user's hair covers
the bottom portion of the closed loop forming the connecting member
120 and is, thus, not visible. In such cases, the connecting member
120 may comprise an elastic material, such as Lycra.RTM. fabric,
spandex fabric, elastane, or other materials that can be stretched
to fit around the wearer's head, then allowed to contract and
securely (and comfortably) engage the head to hold the device in
place.
[0034] In some embodiments, the connecting member 120 may comprise
multiple layers and/or multiple portions. For example, in some
cases, the connecting member 120 may comprise an inner layer and an
outer layer. The inner layer may be a layer of material that is
configured to contact the user's skin and/or hair. As such, the
inner layer may be made of a smooth material, such as velvet. The
outer layer, which may be positioned so as to face away from the
user's skin/hair while in use, may be made of a more sturdy
material, such as a grosgrain material. Other materials, including
cotton, nylon, and other woven and non-woven fabrics made of
cellulosic and/or synthetic fibers and/or recycled or recyclable
materials, may also be used, alone or in combination with the
materials described above, in a single-layer or a multi-layer
configuration. In addition, in some cases, the connecting member
120 may include a single- or multi-layer portion(s) connected to
the first and/or second stabilizers 105, 110 and having respective
free ends that are connected to each other to form the closed loop
of material via a portion of elastic material. The use of at least
a portion of elastic material may thereby allow the size of the
connecting member 120 to have some degree of adjustability to fit
different head sizes, while still securely engaging the user's
head.
[0035] In other embodiments, not shown, the connecting member 120
may only extend between the first and second stabilizers 105, 110,
rather than all the way around the user's head. In such cases, the
connecting member 120 may be made of a more rigid material, such as
a polymer material (plastic) or other suitable material that is
configured to remain in place on the user's head without extending
360.degree. around the head. In still other embodiments, the
connecting member 120 may be made of the same or similar material
as the first and second stabilizers 105, 110, such as out of closed
cell compressed foam, gel, silicone, etc. Regardless of whether the
connecting member 120 is formed in a partial or continuous loop,
the connecting member may be configured to have different widths
and/or lengths, such as to accommodate different head sizes and/or
different user comfort preferences.
[0036] Each of the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may
comprise a head engaging surface 130 (the underside in the view
shown in FIG. 2) that is configured to be disposed proximate the
user's head and a bulge portion 140 extending outwardly from the
head engaging surface. Because of the outward extension of the
bulge portion 140, when the device 100 is worn by the user 10 and
the user is positioned with his or her back resting on a sleep
surface (e.g., bed and pillow 50 shown in FIG. 4), the first and
second stabilizers are disposed on opposite sides of the user's
head and can limit lateral (e.g., side-to-side) movement of the
user's head so as to promote back sleeping.
[0037] The first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may, in some
cases, be configured in the shape of a triangular prism, as
depicted in the figures. In other embodiments, however, the first
and second stabilizers 105, 110 may be formed in any shape that
includes a bulge portion and is conducive to discouraging lateral
movement of the user's head and/or otherwise elevating the user's
face from the sleep surface in the event the user assumes a side
sleeping position. For example, the first and second stabilizers
105, 110 may, in some cases, have a dome shape, a semi-circular
shape, a trapezoidal prism shape, a pyramidal shape, and so on.
[0038] In FIG. 2, the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 of the
device 100 are encased within a covering 150. The covering 150 may
extend from the connecting member 120 in some cases, such as when
the covering is woven or knit from the same material. The covering
150 may be, for example, a fabric made out of cellulosic or
synthetic fiber and/or recycled or recyclable materials or, in some
cases, may be made of a polymeric material. In some cases, the
covering 150 may include an antimicrobial material. The material
for the covering 150 may be selected to provide the wearer with
comfort, as well as to give the device 100 an appealing look.
Although in some cases the covering 150 may be designed to
permanently encase the first and second stabilizers 105, 110, in
other cases the covering may be designed such that it is removable.
In this way, the covering 150 may be removed and washed, or
different colors and styles of coverings 150 may be used to change
the look of device 100 for aesthetic reasons, as desired by the
user.
[0039] Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, one of the first or second
stabilizers 105, 110 is shown, where the covering 150 depicted in
FIG. 2 is removed. FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the
stabilizer 105, 110, whereas FIG. 6 shows an end view and FIG. 7
shows a side view. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5-10,
each of the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may comprise a
body 160 and a protruding portion 170. With reference to FIGS. 5-7,
in some embodiments the body 160 may define a channel 162, and the
protruding portion 170 may be in the form of a protruding insert
172 that is formed separately from the body 160. In this regard,
the channel 162 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to
receive and secure the protruding insert 172 within the channel, as
shown. For example, the protruding insert 172 may be press fit
and/or adhered within the channel 162.
[0040] The protruding insert 172 may, in such cases, be made of the
same material as the body 160, while in other cases may be made of
a different material. For example, in some embodiments, both the
body 160 and the protruding insert 172 may be made of closed cell
compressible foam, but may still be formed separately and attached
as described above. In other cases, however, the material of the
protruding insert 172 may be selected to impart additional support
and/or extension of the respective stabilizer 105, 110, such as to
elevate the user's face to keep it from contacting the sleep
surface (e.g., should side sleeping occur) and/or to decrease the
range of lateral head motion available to the user. The protruding
insert 172 may, for example, be made of a woven plastic mesh
material that is more rigid and less deformable than the body 160,
which may be made of closed cell compressible foam. Moreover, in
some embodiments, the protruding insert 172 may be configured such
that it extends outwardly past an outer surface 164 of the body
160, thereby increasing the overall height H of the stabilizer 105,
110.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 8-10, in still other cases the
protruding portion 170 may be integrally formed with the body 160,
rather than formed separately and affixed to the body. For example,
the body 160 and the protruding portion 170 may both be made from
the same material, such as both cut together from a piece of closed
cell compressed foam, as shown. Again, however, the protruding
portion 170 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) such that it
extends outwardly past the outer surface 164 of the body 160,
thereby increasing the overall height H of the stabilizer 105, 110
to provide additional support and/or extension of the respective
stabilizer 105, 110.
[0042] In some embodiments the first and second stabilizers 105,
110 may be configured to be movably secured to the connecting
member 120, such that a position of each of the first and second
stabilizers is adjustable with respect to the connecting member.
For example, hook and loop fasteners may be used in some cases to
secure the connecting member 120 to the first and second
stabilizers 105, 110, as shown in FIG. 11. A loop portion 180 of a
hook and loop fastener, for example, may be attached (e.g., via
stitching or adhesive) to a respective one of the first or second
stabilizers 105, 110. The user may be able to position the
respective stabilizer 105, 110 at the desired position on the
connecting member 120 by adjusting the position of the loop portion
180 (with attached stabilizer 105, 110) along a length of the
connecting portion 120. Once at the desired position, the hook
portion 182 of the hook and loop fastener may be attached to the
loop portion 180, such that the connecting member 120 is sandwiched
therebetween.
[0043] In other embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 13, the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may be secured,
either fixed or moveably, to the connecting member 120 by threading
the connecting member through a sleeve 152 defined in each
stabilizer. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, two slits 154 may be
cut or formed in the covering 150, through which the connecting
member 120 may be passed. Alternatively, a sleeve (e.g., a loop of
material) may be formed separately from the covering 150 and may be
affixed to the outer surface of the covering (e.g., through
adhesive or stitching), and the connecting member 120 may be passed
through the sleeve to attach it to the covering 150. In still other
embodiments, each stabilizer 105, 110 may be molded or formed to
include a hole therethrough (not shown), and the connecting member
120 may be passed through the hole to movably or fixedly attach the
connecting member to the stabilizers 105, 110. In such cases, the
connecting member 120 may be passed through the hole prior to
applying the covering 150, in which case the covering may include
slits or openings allowing the covering to be applied with the
connecting member already in place, or the connecting member 120
may be inserted through the hole after the covering 150 is in
place, such as by being threaded through slits 154 in the covering
150 and into the hole, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.
In cases in which the connecting member 120 is fixedly attached to
the stabilizers 105, 110, the connecting member 120 may be
stitched, adhered, or otherwise clamped or fastened to the sleeve
152. For example, in some cases, the connecting member 120 may be
provided in portions having free ends, and one portion may be
attached at one end to an end of one stabilizer 105 (e.g., stitched
to the covering 150 of the stabilizer) and at the other end to an
end of the other stabilizer 110. Likewise, a second portion of the
connecting member 120 also having two ends may be attached at its
ends to the opposite ends of the two stabilizers, thereby forming a
continuous loop with the stabilizers 105, 110 spanning the distance
between adjacent ends of the two portions of the connecting member
120.
[0044] In other embodiments, the first and second stabilizers 105,
110 may be movably secured to the connecting member 120 in other
ways, such as using snaps, buttons, hooks, or other fastening
mechanisms. In such cases, regardless of how they are secured, by
allowing each stabilizer 105, 110 to be positionable at various
locations along the connecting member 120, as desired by the user,
the first and second stabilizers may be configurable to be
positioned proximate the user's parietal bone 20 or temporal bone
30 in some cases, while in other cases the first and second
stabilizers may be configurable to be positioned proximate the
user's cervical neck area 40 (see FIG. 1). In this regard, the user
may be able to adjust the location of the first and second
stabilizers to customize the support provided by the device to meet
the individual user's needs in a way that is most comfortable to
the user.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 12, for example, the first and second
stabilizers 105, 110 may be movably secured to the connecting
member 120 (as described above), such that the user may be able to
position the stabilizers in a first position A, which, when the
device is worn about the user's head, results in the first and
second stabilizers being positioned proximate the user's parietal
bone 20 (FIG. 1). In the same way, the user may be able to position
the stabilizers 105, 110 in a second position B, which, when the
device is worn about the user's head, results in the first and
second stabilizers being positioned proximate the user's temporal
bone 30 (FIG. 1). Still further, the user may be able to position
the stabilizers 105, 110 in a third position C, which, when the
device is worn about the user's head, results in the first and
second stabilizers being positioned proximate the user's cervical
neck area 40 (FIG. 1). Although three positions of the first and
second stabilizers 105, 110 are shown in FIG. 12, the user may
place the stabilizers in any position along the connecting member
120, as desired, to avoid moving out of a back sleeping position
and/or otherwise promote the comfort of the wearer during sleeping.
Moreover, although the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 are
shown in FIG. 12 as being symmetrically disposed with respect to
the user's head, in other cases the user may choose different,
asymmetric positions for the stabilizers. For example, one
stabilizer 105 may be positioned in position A, whereas the other
stabilizer 110 may be placed in position C, so as to accommodate
the particular anatomy, sleeping preferences, or other needs or
preferences of the user.
[0046] In still other embodiments, as described above, the
positions of the first and second stabilizers 105, 110 may be fixed
with respect to the connecting member 120, such that the user
purchases the device 100 knowing that it is specifically designed
to support the user's head and face via first and second
stabilizers 105, 110 positioned proximal the parietal bone, the
temporal bone, or the cervical bones, etc., but without the ability
to switch between such positions. For example, the first and second
stabilizers 105, 110 may, in some cases, be manufactured with the
connecting member 120, such as in one continuous piece, or may be
permanently attached to the connecting member 120, such as by
stitching, application of heat, application of pressure, adhesive,
or hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM. fastener), as
described above.
[0047] Various modifications and/or additional features may be
provided with or as part of the device 100 described above without
departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the first
and second stabilizers may be manufactured using (at least in part)
a disposable nonwoven material and/or a reusable or recyclable
item.
[0048] Moreover in some cases, the device may have additional
fragrance added, such as for purposes of soothing the user,
providing a more pleasant sleep experience, providing a therapy,
etc. As noted above, one or more of the materials used to make the
device 100 may be washable; some of the materials may be
disposable; and at least some of the materials may be
antimicrobial. The device may be manufactured using a variety of
textures, colors, and styles, so as to allow for individual
preferences and styles, as well as for specialized use, such as in
hospitals.
[0049] Embodiments of the device described above may thus provide a
lightweight, sleek design that is attractive, yet small to allow
heat to escape from the user's head. As a result, embodiments of
the device may be able to be worn comfortably by men and women
experiencing hot flashes due to menopause, cancer treatments or
hormone imbalances, as well as other conditions.
[0050] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
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