U.S. patent application number 16/008174 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-11 for adjustable cushion device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enduring Wellness, LLC. Invention is credited to Jason Cooper, Anthony DeMore, Rene Polin, Brian Sokol.
Application Number | 20180289181 16/008174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60088606 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180289181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeMore; Anthony ; et
al. |
October 11, 2018 |
ADJUSTABLE CUSHION DEVICE
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a cushion and more particularly to a
pillow providing cervical alignment by way of a cervical spine
support structure that is positioned along a major axis of the
pillow, and that can be rotated around the major axis. The pillow
utilizes one or more of the following features: 1) a dimensionally
correct platform for the proper sleep posture of a majority of body
types on a wide array of mattress types; 2) A non-crush zone
integrated cervical support roll which can be adjusted for extended
durations of supportive comfort. (The roll--in and of itself--is
unique compared to the standard of care because of its foam
densities and its semi-hollowed out section); and 3) A sleep
posture platform with a side sleeping position and a back-sleeping
position. The pillow standardizes care by placement of the support
roll inside a dimensionally correct platform using different
materials.
Inventors: |
DeMore; Anthony;
(Willoughby, OH) ; Sokol; Brian; (Vermillion,
OH) ; Polin; Rene; (Highland Heights, OH) ;
Cooper; Jason; (Lyndhurst, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enduring Wellness, LLC |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60088606 |
Appl. No.: |
16/008174 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15492347 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
10010183 |
|
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16008174 |
|
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62325075 |
Apr 20, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/109 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A cushion comprising: a top side, a bottom side, a cylindrical
compartment; and a cylindrical cervical spine support disposed in
the cylindrical compartment, the cylindrical cervical spine support
running along a major axis and comprising two or more segments of
material with different densities or geometries also running along
the major axis; the cervical spine support being configured to
freely rotate in relation to the cushion around the major axis
within the cylindrical compartment.
2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is configured to
have sufficient clearance for the adjustable cervical spine support
to freely rotate within the cylindrical compartment.
3. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical cervical spine
support is free of protrusions.
4. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment is
free of indentations corresponding to protrusions, if present, on
the cylindrical cervical spine support.
5. The cushion of claim 1, wherein a knob is coupled to the
cervical spine support and the knob is configured to facilitate
rotation of the cervical spine support.
6. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of
material comprise a firm segment and a soft segment, as determined
by the Indentation Load Deflection test.
7. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of
material are of the same geometry but of different densities.
8. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of
material are of different internal geometries.
9. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment runs
between opposite sides of the cushion.
10. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment and
the cylindrical cervical spine support have a 1 micrometer to 1
centimeter circumferential difference.
11. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising: a head well portion
having a lower surface with a depth of 0.8 to 2.7 inches from a top
side of the pillow; wherein the pillow has a total thickness of 5
to 6.25 inches from the top side of the pillow to the bottom side
of the pillow.
12. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cervical spine support is
configured to rotate around the major axis while in continuous
contact with the cylindrical compartment.
13. A pillow comprising: a cervical spine support running along a
major axis and comprising two or more segments of material having
different densities or geometries, the two or more segments also
running along the major axis; the cervical spine support being
coupled in a configuration to rotate around the major axis in
relation to the pillow; the cervical spine support having a
substantially cylindrical exterior shape free of protrusions.
14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the two or more segments of the
cervical spine support are joined by an adhesive.
16. The pillow of claim 13, wherein at least one of the two or more
segments has an interior cut-out running along the at least one
segment in a direction of the major axis.
17. The pillow of claim 13, wherein a knob is coupled to the
cervical spine support and the knob is configured to facilitate
rotation of the cervical spine support.
18. A pillow comprising: a cervical spine support running along a
major axis and comprising two or more segments of material having
different densities, the two or more segments also running along
the major axis; and a cylindrical compartment in the pillow; the
cervical spine support being configured to rotate around the major
axis in relation to the pillow while in continuous contact with a
cylindrical compartment of the pillow.
19. The pillow of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical cervical spine
support is free of protrusions.
20. The pillow of claim 19, wherein the cylindrical compartment and
the cylindrical cervical spine support have a 1 micrometer to 1
centimeter circumferential difference.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/492,347, filed Apr. 20, 2017, which in turn claimed priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/325,075, filed on
Apr. 20, 2016, and entitled "ADJUSTABLE CUSHION DEVICE." The
entirety of each of these applications is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more
particularly to a pillow.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various devices exist that are intended for use in aligning
the cervical spine. For example, McKenzie rolls that can be placed
under or inside conventional pillows are prescribed to aid in
alignment of the cervical spine. However, since physicians often do
not know what type of pillow a McKenzie roll will be placed under,
or in, dimensions of a prescribed McKenzie roll may be poorly
suited to cervical spine alignment of an individual patient. There
are multiple pillows in the marketplace that claim to align the
cervical spine. But because of the variabilities in end-user
physiology, material selections, sleep position preference,
mattress firmness, and personal comfort preferences, no one pillow
exists that offers true customization to solve the problem of
cervical spine alignment for a wide range of consumers.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following is a brief summary of subject matter that is
described in greater detail herein. This summary is not intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the claims.
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more
particularly to a pillow providing cervical alignment by way of an
adjustable cervical spine support structure that is positioned
along a major axis of the pillow, and that can be rotated around
the major axis. The adjustable cervical spine support can have two
or more segments having different material properties or different
geometries. When the adjustable cervical spine support is rotated
around the major axis, a level of support provided by the pillow
changes based upon an alignment of the segments of the adjustable
cervical spine support with respect to a surface of the pillow. The
pillow can further be configured to have surface portions of
differing densities such that greater support is provided for a
user's cervical spine. In addition, the adjustable cervical support
gains additional efficacy by being integrated with a specific
geometry for the back sleeping position and a specific geometry for
a side sleeping position. As such, in embodiments, the pillow is
further differentiated from prior cushion devices by having two
dimensionally correct platforms in one pillow--a side sleeping
platform and a back sleeping platform.
[0006] The above summary presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the devices and/or
methods discussed herein. This summary is not an extensive overview
of the devices and/or methods discussed herein. It is not intended
to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such
devices and/or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some
concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example adjustable
pillow.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective, cut-away view of an example
adjustable pillow, exposing a multi-density cervical spine
support.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, along the major axis of an
example multi-density cervical spine support in a flexed state.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable
pillow.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an additional
embodiment of an adjustable pillow.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example adjustable
cervical spine support.
[0013] FIG. 7A-7C are views of another example adjustable cervical
spine support.
[0014] FIG. 8A-D are side view diagrams of spinal alignment and
misalignment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Various technologies pertaining to an adjustable cushion are
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 of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however,
that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific
details.
[0016] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B"
is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the
following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A
and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the
context to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, as used
herein, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean serving as an
illustration or example of something, and is not intended to
indicate a preference.
[0017] The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more
particularly to a pillow providing cervical alignment by way of an
adjustable cervical spine support structure that is positioned
along a major axis of the pillow, and that can be rotated around
the major axis. In an embodiment, the cervical spine support may
also be fixed and not adjustable. The pillow disclosed herein is
further differentiated by its integration into a dimensionally
correct pillow geometry and a platform that is specific to a back
sleeper and a side sleeper.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an example adjustable pillow 100 with an
adjustment knob 102 disposed along a major axis 104 of the pillow
100. The adjustment knob 102 is coupled to an adjustable cervical
spine support 106 (not shown). The adjustment knob 102 can be used
to adjust a firmness of at least a portion of the pillow 100 in
order to aid in alignment of a user's cervical spine. In exemplary
embodiments, the adjustment knob can comprise a soft yet stiff
material, such as a foam or rubber material. The adjustment knob
102 can include a protruding center portion that can be grasped by
a user in order to twist the knob 102 and thereby adjust the
adjustable cervical spine support 106. The adjustable pillow 100 is
designed to account for variabilities in end-user physiology, sleep
position preference, mattress firmness, and personal comfort
preferences. The pillow 100 is ergonomically shaped, e.g. with
rounded ends 108, 110, and edges 112, 114.
[0019] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pillow 100 is ergonomically
shaped for accommodating a user's neck being rested on a lower
pillow surface 116, which is above the adjustable cervical spine
support 106. The pillow 100 is also ergonomically configured to
accommodate a user's skull to rest against an upper pillow surface
118. In this embodiment, the adjustable cervical spine support 106
and the major axis 104 is located offset from the center of the
pillow toward the lower end 108 of the pillow 100 as depicted in
FIG. 1. For example, the major axis 104 may be within 1.5 to 4
inches of the lower end of the pillow, such as 2 to 3.75 inches, or
2.5 to 3.5 inches.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows details of the adjustable cervical spine
support 106 in a cut-away view of the pillow 100. In this
embodiment, the spine support 106 is a multi-density cervical spine
support that is rotatable along the major axis 104 to expose
three-segments 204, 206, 208 of material with different densities
(e.g., soft 204, medium 206, or firm 208) in a position configured
to be directly under the user's cervical spine. The three segments
204, 206, 208 run the entire length or substantially (e.g. 80%-99%,
or 85% to 97%) the entire length of the pillow 100 and are coupled
to the adjustment knob 102 (See FIG. 1) at one end. A second
adjustment knob (not shown) may be present on the opposite side of
the pillow 100 and is also coupled to the adjustable cervical spine
support 106. At the center of the adjustable cervical spine support
106, a universal joint armature 212 runs along the major axis 104
of the adjustable cervical spine support 106 to allow for
adjustability while providing flexibility on a variety of mattress
densities. In some embodiments, a coupling that allows rotation of
the cervical spine support 106 about the major axis 104 connects
the universal joint armature 212 to the adjustment knob 102. The
coupling may be attached to the pillow 100 and provides support to
the universal joint armature 212 while allowing the cervical spine
support 106 to be rotated. For example, the coupling can be rigid
and fixed to the pillow 100 such that the coupling does not rotate,
while the universal joint armature 212 protrudes through an opening
in the coupling. The adjustment knob 102 can be attached to the
portion of the universal joint armature 212 that protrudes through
the opening in the fixed coupling, thereby allowing the cervical
spine support 106 to be rotated by way of the adjustment 102.
[0021] It is considered that the multi-density segments 204, 206,
208 are also of varying hardness. For example, a first section
differs by at least 10% in hardness from a second segment, and the
second segment differs by at least 10% from a third segment. The
recited differences in hardness may range from 10% to 1000%, such
as 20% to 500%, or 100% to 300%. Hardness or firmness may be
measured by Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) (also known as
Indentation Force Deflection, or IFD) which is determined by
mechanical performance testing. In the ILD test, a material sample
measuring 15'' by 15'' by 4'' is used and the force in pounds that
it takes a 50 square inch circular indenter to compress the
material 1 inch (25 percent of its thickness) is recorded. For
example, if the sample requires 36 lbs. of pressure to indent it 1
inch, its ILD is 36. In an embodiment, the ILD of the segments of
material 204, 206, 208, may range from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to
70, or 20 to 60.
[0022] The material for the three segments and for the rest of the
pillow may comprise memory foam, polyurethane foam, rubber, other
types of particulate and non-particulate polymeric foam, latex,
Talaly latex, natural latex, and synthetic latex, chopped foam,
feathers, particulate material such as rubber, latex, Talaly latex,
natural latex, and synthetic latex, or plastic beads, or natural
filler material such as buckwheat husks. If particulate material or
feathers are used, they would be contained in an appropriately
shaped bag or other suitable container that does not interfere with
the firmness of the material being felt from outside the container.
In embodiments disclosed herein the material for the cervical spine
support and the segments thereof is more firm than the surrounding
pillow material. For example, the cervical spine support may
comprise relatively firm non-viscoelastic foam, while the
surrounding pillow, or at least the portion of the pillow above the
cervical spine support, comprises a softer viscoelastic foam
material.
[0023] In an embodiment, the adjustable cervical spine support 106
is configured to be in a cylindrical shape and fits within a hollow
cylinder compartment in the interior of the pillow 100. In an
embodiment, sufficient clearance for the adjustable cervical spine
support 106 to rotate within the cylindrical compartment is
provided. This clearance may have a range, for example, 1
micrometer to 1 cm in circumferential difference, such as 10
micrometers to 1 mm, or 100 micrometers to 5 mm. In another
embodiment, there may be no clearance so long as the materials
allow the adjustable cervical spine support 106 to rotate within
the cylindrical compartment.
[0024] In other embodiments, either or both of the cervical spine
support 106 or the hollow compartment can have irregularities in
shape such that the cervical spine support 106 fits snugly within
the hollow compartment when rotated to some positions and rotates
freely when rotated to others. For example, the cervical spine
support 106 can have protrusions and the hollow compartment can
have indentations corresponding to the protrusions. When the
cervical spine support 106 is rotated, the protrusions can make
contact with the interior of the compartment, causing resistance
due to friction, until the protrusions reach the indentations. When
the protrusions of the cervical spine support 106 reach the
indentations of the compartment as the cervical spine support 106
is rotated, the protrusions no longer make contact with the
interior of the compartment. Thus, resistance to rotation of the
cervical spine support 106 can be higher in some orientations of
the cervical spine support 106 than others. This allows the
cervical spine support 106 to rotate easily to one or more desired
"settings" while keeping the cervical spine support 106 from
rotating to another setting unless intentionally rotated by a user
of the pillow 100. This may also affect the firmness of the
pillow.
[0025] Additional embodiments of the adjustable cervical spine
support 106 could have a minimum of two different density sections,
and a maximum of four different density sections.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable
cervical spine support 106 in a flexed state to simulate an in-use
scenario accounting for the weight of the end-user's head and
cervical spine, along with the give in a mattress. In this
embodiment, the universal joint armature 212 consists of three
rigid elements 302, connected by two flexible elements 304. The
rigid material may be hard plastic, metal, or some other rigid
material. The flexible elements may, for example, be u-joint
couplings or thinner, i.e., narrowed portions of the same material
as the rigid material. Additional embodiments of the universal
joint armature could include additional flexible and/or rigid
elements. The rigid and flexible elements should be configured to
allow flexibility away from the major axis 104, but provide
rigidity for rotation about the major axis 104. In an embodiment,
the length of the central rigid element 302 is configured to be
approximately the width a user's cervical spine, e.g., 2 to 5
inches, or 2.5 to 4.5 inches, or 3 to 4 inches.
[0027] The multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 are attached to the
universal joint armature 212 by an adhesive or molding process.
They may also be adhered or molded to each other at their
respective surfaces running along the major axis 104.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a side view cross-section of an embodiment.
This view shows the offset position of the adjustable cervical
spine support 106 to create a thin section 402 on a bottom side 404
of the pillow 100, and a thicker section 406 on the top side 408 of
the pillow 100, to create additional opportunities for comfort. In
this embodiment, the major axis 104 is nearer a bottom side 404 of
the pillow 100 than a top side 408 of the pillow 100, such as, for
example the major axis 104 may be offset from the midpoint between
the top and bottom sides 408, 404 of the pillow by 10% to 40% of
the total thickness, such as 15% to 25% or 20% to 30%. This allows
the user to further customize the pillow feel by putting their head
on the top or the bottom side.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a side view cross-section of another embodiment
of an adjustable pillow 502 providing cervical alignment by way of
a multi-density cervical spine support structure 504 that is
positioned along a major axis 506 (extending into the page) of the
pillow 502, and that can be rotated around the major axis 506. The
pillow 502 comprises a lower section 508, having a lower surface
509, and an upper section 510, having an upper surface 511, wherein
the lower section 508 and the upper section 510 are joined at an
interface 512. In an example, the lower section 508 can be placed
on a mattress or other surface for sleeping and a head of a user of
the pillow 502 can rest on the upper section 510 when the pillow
502 is in use. In other embodiments, the lower section 508 and
upper section 510 are integrally made, that is, they are
manufactured as a single unit with a cavity for support structure
504.
[0030] In an example, the lower section 508 and the upper section
510 of the pillow 502 are joined at the interface 512 by a glue or
other adhesive material. In an exemplary embodiment, when joined,
the lower and upper sections 508, 510 can have a total height of
between 4.5 and 6.25 inches, for example, 4.75 to 6 inches, 5 to
5.75, or 5 to 5.5 inches. The total height is measured at the
tallest height of the pillow 502 with the pillow 502 laying on a
flat surface. Generally, all dimensions disclosed herein are
measured at the most extreme point of the dimension if not
otherwise stated.
[0031] The pillow 502 can include a cavity 514 extending through
the pillow 502 along the major axis 506. The multi-density cervical
spine support 504 can be disposed inside the cavity 514 and can be
rotated inside the cavity 514 by way of a knob (not pictured)
attached to an end of the multi-density cervical spine support 504.
The multi-density cervical spine support 504 comprises a plurality
of segments 516, 518, 520 each having a different density. The
multi-density segments 516, 518, 520 can also be of varying
hardness. For example, a first segment differs by at least 10% in
hardness from a second segment, and the second segment differs by
at least 10% from a third segment. The recited differences in
hardness may range from 10% to 1000%, such as 20% to 500%, 100% to
300%. In an embodiment, the ILD of the segments of material 516,
518, 520, may range from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to 70, or 20 to
60.
[0032] The segments 516, 518, 520 can be joined at their respective
interfaces such that the multi-density cervical spine support 504
has a cylindrical shape. For example, the segment 516 can be joined
to the segment 518 at an interface 522, the segment 518 can be
joined to the segment 520 at an interface 524, and the segment 520
can be joined to the segment 516 at an interface 526. The segments
516, 518, 520 can be joined at the interfaces 522, 524, 526 by
suitable adhesives capable of durably adhering the segments 516,
518, 520. These adhesives may be the same or different based on the
chemical properties of the material being joined.
[0033] The exemplary pillow 502 further comprises a head well
portion 528 that makes up at least a part of the upper section 510.
In some embodiments, the head well portion 528 can make up at least
a part of each of the upper section 510 and the lower section 508.
The head well 528 comprises supporting surfaces 530 separated by a
plurality of grooves 532. The supporting surfaces 530 can comprise
a material having a density and/or a hardness that differs from a
density or hardness of either or both of the lower and upper
sections 508-510 of the pillow 502. The grooves 532 may function to
allow airflow through the head well 528, and other parts of the
pillow 502, which can keep a user of the pillow 502 cool. The lower
section 508 of the pillow 502 can also have grooves 534 along the
lower surface 509 of the pillow 502 in order to promote airflow
over the lower surface 509. In exemplary embodiments, the head well
528 can have a height between an upper surface 536 of the support
portion 528 and a lower surface 538 of the head well 528 of 0.8 to
2.7 inches, 1 to 2.5 inches, 1.25 to 2.25 inches, or 1.4 to 2
inches. The upper surface 511 of the pillow 502 includes the upper
surface 536 of the head well portion 528.
[0034] The head well portion 528 is configured for a user's head
and neck to rest in the supine position, with the back of the head
resting against the upper surface 536 of the head well portion 528
with the neck resting over the multi-density cervical spine support
504. In another use, a user can rest the head and neck on the upper
portion 510 of the pillow 502, with the neck, resting over the
multi-density cervical spine support 504 and the side of the head
resting against the upper surface 511 of the pillow 502. In still
another use, a user can turn the pillow 502 over, and the lower
surface 509 of the pillow 502 is configured for a user's head and
neck to rest in the side-lying position with the neck resting over
the multi-density cervical spine support 504.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, another exemplary embodiment of an
adjustable cervical spine support structure 600 is illustrated. The
adjustable cervical spine support 600 comprises a first portion 602
and a second portion 604. The first portion comprises a first
material having a first density. The second portion 604 comprises a
second material having a second density. The first portion 602 and
the second portion 604 are joined such that a hollow cylindrical
interior region 606 is formed that extends along a major axis 608
running through the adjustable cervical spine support 600. An end
cap 610 (or knob) is connected to the terminal end of the
adjustable cervical spine support structure 600. The opposite end
of the adjustable cervical spine support 600 may also be connected
to an end cap (not shown). The interface of the first 602 and
second portion 604 and the end cap 610 may be joined together as
disclosed in the prior embodiments. In an embodiment, the
adjustable cervical spine support 600 is included in the adjustable
pillow disclosed above instead of the adjustable cervical spine
support 106 of FIGS. 2 and 4, or the multi-density cervical spine
support 504 of FIG. 5.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, still another exemplary
embodiment of an adjustable cervical spine support structure 700 is
illustrated. Referring to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of the
adjustable cervical spine support 700 is shown. The adjustable
cervical spine support 700 comprises a first portion 702 and a
second portion 704 joined to form a substantially cylindrical
shape. As in other embodiments described herein, the first portion
702 can comprise a first material having a first density, and the
second portion 704 can comprise a second material having a second
density. In an embodiment, the ILD of the first and second portions
702, 704 may range from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to 70, or 20 to
60. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 704 can comprise
a softer material than the first portion 702. For example, the
first portion 702 can comprise a first type of foam having an ILD
of 45 and the second portion 704 can comprise a second type of foam
having an ILD of 17. An end cap 706 (or knob) is connected to the
terminal end of the adjustable cervical spine support 700. The
opposite end of the adjustable cervical spine support 700 is also
be connected to an end cap 708.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7B, a view facing one of the terminal ends
of the adjustable cervical spine support 700 is shown, wherein the
end cap 706 or 708 is removed. The second portion 704 of the
adjustable cervical spine support 700 has a cut-out 710 running
along a major axis 712 of the adjustable cervical spine support
700. Thus, when the first portion 702 and the second portion 704
are joined, a compartment with a half cylinder hollow opening is
formed that runs along the length of the adjustable cervical spine
support 700 parallel to the major axis 712. The cut-out 710 may
also be of different geometries and produce different hollow
openings when the first and second portions 702, 704 are joined.
The cut-out 710 aids in adjustability of a pillow that incorporates
the adjustable cervical spine support 700. The firmness of the
adjustable cervical spine support 700 depends upon both the
densities of the materials comprising the first and second portions
702 and 704, and an orientation of the cut-out 710 with respect to
a force applied to the adjustable cervical spine support 700 (e.g.,
caused by the weight of a user's head resting on a pillow
incorporating the adjustable cervical spine support 700). In some
embodiments, the first portion 702 and the second portion 704
comprise the same material having the same density, and the
variation in firmness of the adjustable cervical spine support 700
depends entirely upon the orientation of the cut-out 710 with
respect to the force applied to the adjustable cervical spine
support 700. Referring to FIG. 7C, a side view of the adjustable
cervical spine support 700 is illustrated.
[0038] The teachings recited herein are not limited to just
pillows, but could also be employed in other types of cushions or
cushion-containing furniture, such as chairs, seats used in
transportation, mattresses, and hospital furniture.
[0039] In an embodiment, the adjustable cervical spine support 106
may be used outside the pillow 100, by itself, for example, as an
aid for exercise or for massage. In an embodiment, the
multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 may be separated in a plane
perpendicular to the major axis 104, in particular, the separation
may correspond to the area where flexible joints of the universal
joint armature 212 are. In addition, in an embodiment, the
multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 may be rotatable rather than
fixed in relation to the universal joint armature 212, that is, the
segments 204, 206, 208 may be joined to each other and rotate as a
whole around the universal joint armature 212.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, diagrams showing exemplary
alignments and misalignments of a spine of a human subject are
illustrated. FIG. 8A shows an alignment of a person's spine 800 in
a side-lying position wherein a continuous spline is formed by
cervical 802, thoracic 804, and lumbar 806 sections of the spine
800. FIG. 8B illustrates a misalignment of the cervical section 802
of the spine 800 wherein a continuous spline running through the
thoracic section 804 and the lumbar section 806 is misaligned with
the cervical section 802. FIG. 8C illustrates a misalignment of
head 808 and neck 810 sections of the spine 800 of the subject in a
supine position in both flexion and hyperextension. FIG. 8D
illustrates alignment of the head 808 and neck 810 sections of the
spine 800 in the supine position, wherein the sections 808-810 are
shown aligned with parallel horizontal planes. These exemplary
alignment and misalignment guidelines were used to determine the
various measurements in Tables 1 and 2, below.
EXAMPLES
[0041] Provided below in Tables 1 and 2 are exemplary data relating
to effects of various pillow design parameters on alignment of
subjects' cervical spines in connection with using a pillow
constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The data include, for each test subject, a shoulder
width, hip width, and a difference between the shoulder width and
the hip width (labeled "Physiological Differential"). The data also
include, for each subject, a height of the highest point of the
subject's head when lying on a test bed frame with the subject's
spine in alignment (labeled "Alignment Height"). This "alignment
height" was determined in accordance with FIG. 8A by a neck and
spine specialist from visual assessments of the test subjects. Then
a height of the highest point of the subject's head was determined
when lying on the test bed frame with the subject's head resting on
a first prototype pillow having a total height of approximately 6
inches and a head well depth of approximately 1 inch (labeled
"Prototype 1"). All data in Tables 1 and 2 are in units of inches
unless otherwise noted.
[0042] The data further include a difference in height of the
subject's head between the alignment height and the height for each
of a variety of prototype pillows. In the side-lying position
(Table 1) the subjects rested their head and neck on the lower
surface 535, (i.e, the head-well portion was facing the mattress)
of a pillow constructed similarly to pillow 502. The data show the
difference in height when the subject's head is resting on the
first pillow prototype having a height of 6 inches (labeled
"Alignment Height Differential"), the difference in height when the
subject's head is resting on a second pillow prototype having
height of 5.5 inches (labeled "Differential (Prototype 2)"), and
the difference in height when the subject's head is resting on a
third pillow prototype having height of 5.25 inches (labeled
"Differential (Prototype 3)"). Thus, the smaller the absolute value
of the number for the "Differential" data points the closer the
subject was to being in correct alignment.
[0043] In the supine position (Table 2), the subjects rested their
head and neck on the upper section 510 and head well 528 of a
pillow constructed similarly to pillow 502. The data include the
difference in height when the subject's head is resting on the
first pillow prototype having height of 6 inches and head well
depth of 1 inch (labeled "Alignment Height Differential"), the
difference in height when the subject's head is resting on a fourth
pillow prototype having height of 5.5 inches and head well depth of
2 inches (labelled "Differential (Prototype 4)"), and the
difference in height when the subject's head is resting on a fifth
pillow prototype having height of 5.25 inches and head well depth
of 2 inches (labeled "Differential (Prototype 5)").
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Side-lying position: Alignment Differential
Differential Shoulder Hip Physiological Alignment Prototype Height
(Prototype (Prototype Gender Width Width Differential Height 1
Differential 2) 3) GP M 17.75 14 3.75 28.75 28.75 0 -0.5 -0.75 MT M
17.75 14.5 3.25 29 28.875 -0.125 -0.625 -0.875 AD M 18 13.75 4.25
28 28.75 0.75 0.25 0 RP M 20.5 14.25 6.25 28.125 28.5 0.375 -0.125
-0.375 TS F 15.5 13.5 2 27 29 2 1.5 1.25 SH M 16.5 13 3.5 28.25
28.875 0.625 0.125 -0.125 JC M 17 13.5 3.5 27.25 28.875 1.625 1.125
0.875 BP F 15.875 14.5 1.375 27.875 29.125 1.25 0.75 0.5 KM F 19 18
1 27.625 28.625 1 0.5 0.25 GALA F 17.125 17.125 0 27.75 29 1.25
0.75 0.5 BJ F 18.75 16 2.75 28.25 29.25 1 0.5 0.25 VM F 16.75 13.75
3 27.75 28.75 1 0.5 0.25 KH F 18.75 16.25 2.5 28.375 28.625 0.25
-0.25 -0.5 LH F 14.375 13.75 0.625 28.125 29 0.875 0.375 0.125 MM F
18.75 15 3.75 29.5 29.75 0.25 -0.25 -0.5 SMS F 16.25 14.75 1.5 28
29.5 1.5 1 0.75 SLS F 16 12.5 3.5 28.5 29.125 0.625 0.125 -0.125 KS
F 17.75 15 2.75 27.875 28.875 1 0.5 0.25 MA F 16 12.5 2.5 27.75
28.875 1.125 0.625 0.375 JS M 19.25 13.125 6.125 28.125 29 0.875
0.375 0.125
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Supine position: Alignment Differential
Differential Shoulder Hip Physiological Alignment Prototype Height
(Prototype (Prototype Gender Width Width Differential Height 1
Differential 4) 5) GP M 17.75 14 3.75 27.875 30 2.125 0.625 0.375
MT M 17.75 14.5 3.25 27.875 29.625 1.75 0.25 0 AD M 18 13.75 4.25
27.375 29 1.625 0.125 -0.125 RP M 20.5 14.25 6.25 TS F 15.5 13.5 2
SH M 16.5 13 3.5 JC M 17 13.5 3.5 BP F 15.875 14.5 1.375 28 29.875
1.875 0.375 0.125 KM F 19 18 1 28.25 30 1.75 0.25 0 GALA F 17.125
17.125 0 27.25 29.875 2.625 1.125 0.875 BJ F 18.75 16 2.75 27.75
29.375 1.625 0.125 -0.125 VM F 16.75 13.75 3 27.75 29.625 1.875
0.375 0.125 KH F 18.75 16.25 2.5 27.875 29.5 1.625 0.125 -0.125 LH
F 14.375 13.75 0.625 28.25 30.125 1.875 0.375 0.125 MM F 18.75 15
3.75 28 29.625 1.625 0.125 -0.125 SMS F 16.25 14.75 1.5 27.875
29.875 2 0.5 0.25 SLS F 16 12.5 3.5 27.5 29.625 2.125 0.625 0.375
KS F 17.75 15 2.75 28.125 30 1.875 0.375 0.125 MA F 16 13.5 2.5 28
29.5 1.5 0 -0.25 JS M 19.25 3.125 16.125 27.875 29.875 2 0.5
0.25
Through the study it was determined that the greatest number of
subjects were closest to alignment when using prototype pillows 3
and 5.
[0044] What has been described above includes examples of one or
more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every
conceivable modification and alteration of the above devices or
methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned
aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that
many further modifications and permutations of various aspects are
possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the details description or the claims, such term is intended
to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as
"comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in
a claim.
* * * * *