Post Cosmetic Surgery Protector

Abstract

A pain relief appliance which is ideally suitable for utilization in post cosmetic surgery or upper neck or head injury or surgery wherein the appliance permits easing of pain because of the support given to the lower neck beneath the skull of the wearer thereof and in the case of the cosmetic surgery patient, a means of protecting the sensitive incision areas in front of, below and behind the ears of the cosmetic surgery patient. The appliance is fabricated of a soft, conformable, foam rubber and is easily adjusted to accommodate heads of various sizes and yet because of its configuration and material construction, allows support of the wearer's head in a comfortable manner inhibiting sensations of pain and allowing the wearer some measure of comfort especially when in the supine position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to what may be considered a head protector or neck supportive device and more specifically, to a pain relief appliance which is especially suitable for use by people having back or neck problems or those who have had neuro related surgery to permit the patient to assume a supine position without incurring unnecessary pain for failure to support the back of the neck and/or head in a proper relationship.

More specifically, the invention is directed to an appliance which is especially adaptable for use by those who have had rhytidectomy or meloplasty. This, of course, is the well known cosmetic surgery or face lift which is becoming more and more prevalent in today's youth oriented society.

Generally speaking, the invention has applicability to any instance wherein it is desired to have a neck or head support and thus may be utilized whenever and wherever a pillow support or the like may be required for one reason or another, but more specifically, the appliance is intended for and will be described as a post-cosmetic surgery device it being understood that other myriad of uses will present themselves for which the appliance will have suitable applicability.

In the case of cosmetic surgery, the patient has an incision line made which extends from above the ear within the hairline down and along the crease just in front of the ear and around and behind the ear lobe and behind the ear and then directly backward into the hair. Of course, this is only one aspect of cosmetic surgery but the invention will be explained as it relates thereto and is not to be taken as delimiting of the applicability of the inventive appliance.

When this type of surgery is engaged in, because of the sensitivity of the facial tissue, and because it normally takes from 2 to 6 weeks for recovery from the swelling, discoloration and other affects of the surgery, the patient can normally encounter extreme sensitivity in the side of the face adjacent the ear areas. Because of the extreme discomfort, the patient is usually unable to spend restful nights because during the sleeping process, the ear or ear areas are eventually brushed thereby causing extreme pain and many sleepless nights. Thus, in order to protect this sensitive area and to allow the patient a certain degree of freedom of selection in sleeping positions and to protect the incision area, an appliance has been developed which protects the sensitive area and allows the wearer of the device almost total freedom when sleeping, sitting or otherwise engaging in post operative activities during the healing process.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance.

It is another object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which encompasses a major portion of the head of the wearer thereof in a soft, conformable and pain relieving manner.

It is another still more specific object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which is especially useful for those wishing to minimize pain discomfort in the neck, head and face areas.

It is still another more specific object of the invention to provide a post cosmetic surgery device which is especially suitable for the relief of pain caused by incisions in the ear area.

It is still another more specific and important object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which is especially useful or utilization during supine position of the wearer as for example during sleep, and the like.

It is another still more important and specific object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which is adapted to encircle the head of the wearer thereof in a soft, conformable and protective manner.

It is another more important specific object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which is so configured and contoured so as to accommodate the head of a wearer in a protective manner leaving the face uncovered as well as a portion of the head of the wearer.

It is another still more important and more specific object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which is selectively, adjustably and removably positioned onto the head of a wearer.

It is another more specific object of the invention to provide an easily positioned pain relief appliance which is adaptable to accommodate various sizes of heads and to encase them in a protective manner.

It is another and even more specific further object of the invention to provide a pain relief appliance which acts as a head and neck support to inhibit pain due to surgery or other malady.

Generally, the invention pertains to a pain relief appliance comprising the combination of a first lateral portion joined through an intermediate portion to a second lateral portion, said first and second lateral portions being adapted to be selectively, adjustably and removably positioned about the head of a wearer. The upper extremities of said first and second lateral portions are adapted to extend over and adjacent the crown of the head of the wearer and the lower extremities are adapted for selective adjustable and removable juxtapositioning in proximity to the chin of said wearer. The portions are configured to encompass in a soft, flexible and conformable manner, the head of the wearer to expose at least the face thereof.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from reference to the hereinafter drawing and commentary taken in conjunction therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view of the pain relief appliance shown in the in-place position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the appliance as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating how it is fitted onto the head of a wearer;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the appliance shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the outer covering removed to better illustrate the features of construction thereof;

FIG. 4 is a view in partial cross-section taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view in partial cross-section taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the appliance with the outer cover and securement means positioned thereon; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmented view of another type of material of construction that may be utilized for the appliance of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED

Referring to the figures of drawing wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout, it will be seen that the appliance 2 is intended for positioning upon the head of a wearer shown in phantom line in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to form a soft, flexible and conformable encasement thereabout. It will be noted that the appliance 2 allows for practically full exposure of the face of the wearer and for a portion of the back of the head thereof, yet still provides adequate protective functions for the base portion of the skull, the neck portion and side face portions of the wearer.

The appliance 2 comprises a first lateral portion 4 shown here joined through an intermediate portion 6 to a second lateral portion 8. It will be noted that the first and second lateral portions 4 and 8 respectively, have a configuration with the extremities thereof terminating in an upper extremity 10 and a lower extremity 12 for the first lateral portion 4 and similarly, an upper extremity portion 14 and a lower extremity portion 16 for the second lateral portion 8.

It will be noted that each of the lateral portions 4 and 8 are symmetrical and have an extending spanning portion between the extremities 10 and 12 and 14 and 16 of lateral portions 4 and 8 respectively. The inside opposed portions 18 and 20 of lateral portions 4 and 8 are of lesser dimension and somewhat shaded with respect to the remaining portion thereof so as to better cooperate in overlapping, received relationship as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Thus, so that the lateral portions 4 and 8 may be positioned through the upper extremities 10 and 14, adjacent the crown of the head of the wearer, the length of the span between the opposed extremities is such that the majority of the lateral or sides of the face of the wearer are encompassed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The lower extremity portions 12 and 14 terminate in the tab-like portions 22 and 24 respectively, which tab portions are adapted to encircle the chin of the wearer in juxtaposed proximity, again as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing.

To accommodate the general contour of the and neck portion of the wearer, the intermediate portion 6 is somewhat innerset as at 26 with respect to the edge 28 and 30 of the lower extremities 12 and 16 respectively. It will also be noted that in this instance, the intermediate portion is integrally formed with respect to the lateral portions 4 and 8. Obviously, such need not be the case, and in some instances it will be preferred to fabricate the individual portions from separate pieces of material joined by proper means as will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Intermediate portion 6 is also provided with a concave section, such as 32, which section is adapted to better accommodate the lower skull of the head of the wearer, whereas the innerset portion 26 is adapted to more closely configure the nape or lower portion of the neck of the wearer.

In this particular instance, and in the preferred form, the material of construction is approximately 11/2 inch thick foam rubber "PINCOR," a proprietary product manufactured by the Firestone Rubber Company. It is a molded, elastomeric type of material which is soft, pliable, flexible and conformable to provide a protective encasement for the wearer of the appliance. The "PINCOR" material is provided with disconnected, annular holes, such as 34, which makes the material somewhat non-rigid and thus especially suitable for the purposes of the intended appliance. However, it is also preferred that the soft, conformable material have air holes such as 36 extending through the cross-section of the device from one opposed surface to the other, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Because the material of construction is somewhat non-rigid, the hole or recess areas 38 and 40 provided as cutouts in the first lateral portion 4 and the second lateral portion 8 requires a stiffening material to prevent collapsing of the holes 38 and 40 upon themselves. The means taken to prevent the collapse of adjacent material into the ear area holes or recesses 38 and 40 is by means of a somewhat more rigid screen member 42 and 44 placed on the exterior surface 46 and 48 of lateral portions 4 and 8 respectively. In this instance, the screen or cover members 42 and 44 take the form of a synthetic webbing as is used in needlepoint tapestry. It need only be sufficiently rigid so as to prevent collapse of the material in the area of ear openings 38 and 40, and should be sufficiently of open grid construction to allow passage of air therethrough for comfort of the wearer. Other means to provide support are also contemplated.

The exterior edges of lateral portions 4 and 8 may be slightly shaved or shaded in order to present a more comfortable line of abutment with respect to the face of the wearer. To accommodate this comfort and to achieve an appliance which will have useful life, a covering such as 50 in the preferred form of a "Banlon" type which is of two-way stretch material commonly referred to as of "soft fine hand quality," and which is sewn in a zig-zag, small stitch with the exterior lining being slightly smaller at the areas 52 and 54 of the first and second lateral portions so that the tab ends 22 and 24 assume a natural, curvilinear posture prior to positioning of the appliance on the head of a wearer, is provided.

In this particular specific instance, the means of providing selective, adjustable and removable positioning of the appliance 2 on the head of a wearer is by means of Velcro tape strips with, of course, other means being desirable and sometimes useful in practicing the invention. However, in this instance, a pair of Velcro tapes 56 and 58, and more specifically the male portions thereof having the extending loop-like grasping surface is provided in the upper extremity 14 of lateral portion 8, and are secured to the outer lining 50 by means of thread securement. To the upper extremity 10 is fastened in aligned manner the female portion of the Velcro fastening assembly 60 and 62. At the lower tab portion area 22 is positioned the male member 64 of a Velcro assembly, whereas on the inside lateral edge of tab portion 24, with the female portion adapted to come in proximity to the chin of the wearer, is positioned a Velcro strip 66.

Thus, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, to put the appliance in place the appliance 2 is positioned over the head and the extending portions 10 and 14 are brought into overlapping relationship, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and secured thereto by the cooperation of the Velcro strip cooperation, as is well-known, and thereafter the lower tab portions 22 and 24 are positioned around the chin of the wearer and securely fastened by Velcro cooperating strip 64 and 66, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Once the appliance is in place, it will be noted that the wearer thereof has the base of the skull and the neck protected and in the specific illustration shown, the sensitive incision area in the ear area of the face, which because of the softness of the "Banlon" outer covering or lining, permits the ear area to be received within the ear recesses 38 and 40 to thereby encase the head of a wearer in a soft, conformable and flexible manner to prevent and inhibit pain upon movement of the head of the wearer when in the supine or sleeping position.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other variations and modifications are capable of being made but all such modifications and variations are intended to be covered by the appended claims

Claims

I claim:

1. A pain relief appliance comprising the combination of: a first lateral portion joined through an intermediate portion to a second lateral portion, said first and second lateral portions having upper and lower extremities, said first and second lateral portions being adapted to be selectively, adjustably and removably positioned about the head of a wearer, the upper extremities of said first and second lateral portions extending about parallel to each other and being adapted to extend over and adjacent the crown of said head in overlapping relationship and the lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions being adapted for selective, adjustable and removable juxtapositioning in proximity to the chin of said wearer in overlapping relationship, said portions being resilient and conformable and being configured to encompass in a soft, flexible and conformable manner the head of said wearer to expose at least the face thereof, said portions being sufficiently thick in cross-section to define a cushion-like exterior surface.

2. The appliance in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second lateral portions are contoured to expose the frontal face area of the wearer thereof.

3. The appliance in accordance with claim 2 wherein the lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions have tab-like extending end portions thereon.

4. The appliance in accordance with claim 3 wherein said intermediate portion is a web of material adapted to be juxtapositioned adjacent the neck of said wearer.

5. The appliance in accordance with claim 4 wherein said intermediate web portion is contoured at opposed upper and lower edges thereof.

6. The appliance in accordance with claim 5 wherein the upper edge of said intermediate web portion is concave to accommodate the base of the skull of said wearer.

7. The appliance in accordance with claim 6 wherein the lower edge of said intermediate web portion is slightly shaded to accommodate the nape of the neck of said wearer.

8. The appliance in accordance with claim 7 wherein the lower edge of said web portion is innerset with respect to the lower edges of said lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions.

9. The appliance in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first and second lateral portions are of a sufficient dimension to span said head from at least the ear area thereof to and including the lower back portion of said head.

10. The appliance in accordance with claim 9 wherein said first and second lateral portions are provided with ear area recesses.

11. The appliance in accordance with claim 10 wherein said ear area recesses are large enough to accommodate projection thereinto of the ears of said wearer.

12. The appliance in accordance with claim 11 wherein said intermediate web is integrally joined to said first and second lateral portions.

13. The appliance in accordance with claim 11 wherein the upper extremities of said first and second lateral portions overlap each other in the crown area of the head of said wearer.

14. The appliance in accordance with claim 13 wherein the lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions overlap under said chin of said wearer.

15. The appliance in accordance with claim 14 wherein the material construction of said portions comprises a foam rubber having spaced holes.

16. The appliance in accordance with claim 15 wherein said holes extend from one opposed surface to the other.

17. The appliance in accordance with claim 16 including means for securing said appliance in position on the head of said wearer.

18. The appliance in accordance with claim 17 wherein said means for securing said appliance comprise cooperating Velcro bands of material.

19. A pain relief appliance comprising the combination of: a first lateral portion integrally joined through an intermediate portion to a second lateral portion, said first and second lateral portions having ear recess areas large enough to accommodate projection thereinto of the ears of a wearer and being of sufficient dimension to span the head of said wearer from at least the ear area thereof to and including the lower back portion of said head, said intermediate portion being a web of material contoured at the upper and lower edges thereof and adapted to be juxtapositioned adjacent the neck of said wearer, the upper edge of said intermediate web portion being concave to accommodate the base of the skull of said wearer and the lower edge of said intermediate web being inner set with respect to the lower edges of the lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions and being slightly shaded to accommodate the nape of the neck of said wearer, said first and second lateral portions having upper and lower extremities and being adapted to selectively, adjustably and removably position about the head of said wearer, such first and second lateral portions being contoured to expose the frontal face area of said wearer, the upper extremities of said first and second lateral portions being adapted to extend over and adjacent the crown of said head in overlapping relationship and the lower extremities of said first and second lateral portions being adapted for selective, adjustable and removable juxtapositioning in overlapping relationship under the chin of said wearer, said lower extremities having tab-like extending end portions thereon, said first lateral portion, intermediate portion and second lateral portion being configured to encompass in a soft, flexible and conformable manner the head of said wearer to expose at least the face thereof, the material of construction of said portions comprising foam rubber having spaced holes, said holes extending from one opposed surface to the other, means for securing said appliance in position on said head of said wearer and comprising cooperating Velcro bands of material, and an open flexible screen member positioned on the outside surface of said ear recess areas to prevent collapse of the wall of material adjacent thereto.

20. The appliance in accordance with claim 19 including a cloth covering of asthetic appearance and having a configuration to impart a natural curving tendency to said tab-like extending end portions.