Adjustable infant head support

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support device. The present invention further relates to a method of using the adjustable infant head support device. The adjustable infant head support comprises support cushions connected or joined by an adjustable brace. The support cushions are designed with a contoured shape to contact and extend over the infant's shoulders, and to further cup the infant's jaw such that the weight of the infant's head is supported primarily by the infant's shoulders, as the support cushions contact the infant's shoulders. Thus, the weight of the infant's head is generally transferred to the shoulders by the support cushion. The adjustable brace is extendable to accommodate the changing size of the infant and the infant's head as the infant grows.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support device and method of using the adjustable infant head support device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants generally have relatively large, heavy heads that their underdeveloped neck muscles are unable to support when the infants are in an upright or semi-upright position. When traveling in car seats or strollers, the unsupported infants' heads will uncomfortably and dangerously wobble from side to side and tilt forward and backward.

As the infants grow and mature, they do develop better neck muscles; however, head support is still needed in car seats and strollers as they nap to keep their heads upright. By maintaining head support for the napping infant or napping child, the infant or child is less likely to startle and awake. Moreover, the infant or child with head support is more comfortable and more likely to remain soothed.

Prior art head support products include an inverted “U” shaped or horseshoe shaped head support, which is affixed to a piece of fabric. These inverted “U” shaped head supports generally only have the head supports above and on either side of the head. Inverted “U” shaped head supports are relatively ineffective because they do not support the weight of an infant's head adequately, as these head supports fail to support the jaw region of the infant. Thus, they have no support to prevent the head from tilting forward. Also, they suffer from having a fixed width and do not conform to the size of the infant's head. Children may outgrow these prior art devices, necessitating the purchase of multiple head supports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support, including a first support cushion and a second support cushion. The first support cushion includes a first brace portion and the second support cushion includes a second brace portion. The first brace portion and the second brace portion are connected to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support. The support cushions are designed to contact and extend over the infant's shoulders and to cup the infant's jaw.

The present invention relates to a method of using an adjustable infant head support. The method includes providing an adjustable infant head support having a first support cushion and a second support cushion, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a contoured shape, and wherein the first support cushion comprises a first brace portion and the second support cushion comprises a second brace portion. The first brace portion and the second brace portion are connected to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support. The first support cushion and the second support cushion rest on the shoulders of an infant or child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an infant using the device.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an infant using the device.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an infant using the device, with a focus on the tabs.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the first support cushion joining with the second support cushion.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the device.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the device.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the device.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the device.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the device.

FIG. 10 shows a left view of the device.

FIG. 11 shows a right view of the device.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the device.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a jaw support embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another jaw support embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to an adjustable head support device for use with an infant or child (hereafter referred to as infant). The present invention further relates to a method of using the adjustable infant head support device. The adjustable infant head support comprises support cushions connected or joined by an adjustable brace.

Generally, a first support cushion and a second support cushion are connected or joined by the adjustable brace. The support cushions are designed with a contoured shape to contact and extend over the infant's shoulders, and to further cup the infant's jaw such that the weight of the infant's head is supported primarily by the infant's shoulders, as the support cushions contact the infant's shoulders. Thus, the weight of the infant's head is generally transferred to the shoulders by the support cushion. The adjustable brace is extendable to accommodate the changing size of the infant and the infant's head as the infant grows.

The contoured shape of the support cushions is an important aspect of the present invention. The contoured shape allows the support cushion to extend over the shoulder and cup the jaw to support the jaw. Importantly, the contoured shape reduces the likelihood that the infant's head will tilt forward.

The contoured shape also provides for a contact point between the shoulders and the support cushions. The support cushions extend up the side of the infant's head and curve to conform to the top of the shoulders. The support cushions rest on the shoulders, and thus the weight of the infant's head is primarily supported by the shoulders. The support cushions do not extend over the top of the baby's head.

The contoured shape of the support cushions generally forms an arc. As shown in FIG. 1, the concave surface of the arc cups around the head of the infant, while the convex surface of the arc points away from the head of the infant.

In other embodiments, the support cushions are designed in a straight 180° orientation, such as tubular cushions. The support cushions are further designed to be malleable to allow the parent to conform the support cushion to any desired form, such as a tubular contour with a 90° to 160° angle located at the center of the cushion. The malleable properties of the support cushions allow the parent to contour the support cushions to the shape of the infant's head and neck, while the support cushions curve to conform and rest on the shoulders of the infant.

The support cushions are made from a polyester fiberfill covered with soft fabric. In other embodiments, the support cushions may be filled with materials such as memory foam or a pellet filling.

The support cushions generally have a diameter of approximately three inches to approximately twelve inches in the middle region. The middle region of the support cushion has the largest diameter. From the middle region of the support cushions, the support cushions generally taper in diameter toward each end of the support cushions.

The present invention will now be discussed with particular reference to the Figures.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an adjustable infant head support 10 includes an adjustable brace 20 that includes a first brace portion 55 that extends from a first support cushion 50 and a second brace portion 65 that extends from a second support cushion 60. The first and second brace portions 55, 65 may comprise lengths of fabric or material that are sewn or otherwise connected to either the first support cushion 50 or the second support cushion 60. The first and the second brace portions 55, 65 are in adjustable communication with each other, such as removably joined together via the use of a hook and loop closures, which may cover the surface of the first and second brace portions 55, 65. Optionally, the first and second brace portions 55, 65 can be removeably joined by any means known in the art including but not limited to snaps, buttons, hook and eye, zippers, reusable tape, and combinations thereof. The term “removably join” means that the user may join the first and second base portions 55, 65 for use, then separate them, and join them again as desired by the user. When the first and second brace portions 55, 65 join together as shown in FIG. 4, the first support cushion 50 and the second support cushion 60 are consequently joined together via the adjustable brace 20.

In other embodiments, the first and second brace portions 55, 65 are in adjustable communication with each other, such as a slideable engagement, which allows the user to adjust the width between the first support cushion 50 and the second support cushion 60.

By covering the length of the surface of the first and second brace portions 55, 65 with the hook and loop as shown in FIG. 4 closures, the adjustable brace 20 may be extended or shortened to accommodate the growing infant or different infants. Thus, the user may connect and disconnect the first brace portion 55 and the second brace portion 65 to accommodate varying sizes of the infant's head. By connecting the hook and loop closures at different points on the first brace portion 55 and on the second base portion 65, the user may control the size of the device. The hook and loop closures are on opposite surfaces of the first brace portion 55 and the second base portion 65 to form a working engagement. In certain embodiments, the adjustable brace 20 may adjust in length from approximately two inches to approximately twelve inches.

The adjustable infant head support device 10 has optional tabs 70 to connect to the shoulder straps or harness of the car seat, stroller, child carrier, etc. The tabs 70 are formed by a length of fabric or material that extends from or is connected to each of the first and second support cushions 50, 60. The tabs 70 are located on a rear surface of the first and second support cushions 50, 60. The tabs 70 may also include hook and loop closures to connect to the shoulder straps or harness. Other connection means, such as snaps or buttons may also be employed in the tab structure.

The tabs 70 insure that the device 10 will not be pushed off the shoulder by the weight of the infant's head. The adjustable brace 20 behind the infant's head also assists in keeping the support cushions in place by keeping the support cushions 50, 60 on either side of the infant's head. The tabs 70 also assist in maintaining the device 10 in proper placement on the car seat or stroller when the infant is taken in and out of the seat. The tabs 70 also stabilize the support cushions 50, 60 over the infant's shoulders, such that when the infant's head is leaning against the support cushions 50, 60, the support cushions 50, 60 provide support and do not give way as show in FIG. 7. The tabs 70 are generally located on the first support cushion 50 and on the second support cushion 60 between the brace portions 55, 65 and an end of the support cushions 80 that cups the jaw of the infant. The tabs 70 securely connect the support cushions 50, 60 to the shoulder straps or harness; however, the tabs 70 allow the slight rotation of the support cushions to cup the jaw.

The adjustable brace 20 also assists the support cushions 50, 60 in cupping the jaw. The adjustable brace 20 is made from flexible material. As an infant's head is positioned in the device 10, the flexible nature of the adjustable brace 20 conforms to the curved shape of the infant's head and urges the support cushions 50, 60 to rotate slightly such that the support cushions 50, 60 cup the jaw. The round shape of the infant's head pressing against the adjustable brace 20 causes the adjustable brace 20 to slightly pull on the support cushions 50, 60, thus resulting in the slight rotation. As used herein, the slight rotation involves a rotation of less than 45 degrees.

The connection between the adjustable brace 20 and the support cushions 50, 60 also assists in the cupping action of the device 10. The adjustable brace 20 has a width of approximately one to approximately seven inches. The first base portion 55 and the second base portion 65 generally extend perpendicularly from the middle region of the first support cushion 50 and the second support cushion 60, respectfully as shown. As shown in FIG. 8, this width of the adjustable brace 20 connects to a first support cushion 50 at approximately 95 degrees to approximately 180 degrees from the top of the circular cross-section of the first support cushion 50 and connects to the second support cushion 60 at approximately 180 degrees to approximately 265 degrees from the top of the circular cross section of the second support cushion 60. By connecting in this region of the support cushions 50, 60, the cupping action of the support cushions are enhanced since the support cushions 50, 60 will slightly rotate to cup the jaw as the infant or child rests its head against the adjustable brace 20.

In other embodiments, the support cushions may be attached by a single piece of fabric. The fabric panel is designed to extend under the head of the infant and optionally behind the infant's torso. The piece of material will then be in communication with the infant, such that the infant is resting against the piece of material.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the support cushions 50, 60 may be reduced to a size such that they only support the infant's jaw shapes, such as a wedge-shape 100 or a sphere-shape 110 may be used to support the jaw. These embodiments are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. These sphere-shaped 110 cushions or wedge-shaped cushions 100 provide a support for the jaw and accommodate the chin structure of the infant. These wedge-shaped and sphere-shaped cushions may use a similar or adjustable brace and tabs as to those described herein.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable infant head support, comprising:

a first support cushion and a second support cushion;

the first support cushion and the second support cushion shaped to support a jaw of an infant;

the first support cushion comprising a first brace portion and the second support cushion comprising a second brace portion; and

wherein the first brace portion and the second brace portion connect to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support.

2. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first brace portion and second brace portion removably join to from an adjustable brace.

3. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable brace is a flexible material that flexes around an infant's head.

4. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first support cushion and second support cushion have a contoured shape with the contoured shape forming an arc.

5. The adjustable infant head support accordingly to claim 1, wherein the contoured shape conforms to the side of an infant's head and conforms to the jaw of an infant.

6. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a circular cross-section.

7. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first brace portion and the second brace portion are formed by a length of a fabric or of a material that comprises hook and loop closures.

8. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first support cushion, second support cushion, and adjustable brace connect to cup the head and jaw of the infant.

9. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a circular cross-section and have the largest diameter in the middle of the support cushions, and the diameter of the support cushions generally tapers toward each end of the support cushion.

10. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein tabs connect the first and second support cushions to a harness or shoulder straps.

11. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 9, wherein the tabs allow the first and second support cushions to slightly rotate.

12. A method of using an adjustable infant head support, comprising:

providing an adjustable infant head support, comprising a first support cushion and a second support cushion; wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a contoured shape; wherein the first support cushion comprises a first brace portion and the second support cushion comprises a second brace portion;

connecting the first brace portion and the second brace portion to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support;

securing the adjustable infant head support to a car seat, baby stroller, or infant carrier; and

positioning the first support cushion and the second support cushion on shoulders of an infant or a child.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising cupping a jaw of the infant or the child with ends of the first support cushion and the second support cushion.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising adjusting a length of the adjustable brace by disconnecting and connecting the first brace portion and the second brace portion.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion comprise tabs, and the method further comprising, connecting the first support cushion and the second support cushion to shoulder straps or a harness via the tabs.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion slightly rotate to cup a jaw of the infant or the child.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising transferring the weight of the infant's or the child's head to the shoulders of the child or the infant.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion comprise tabs, and the method further comprising, connecting the first support cushion and the second support cushion to shoulder straps or a harness via the tabs, wherein the tabs allow the first and second support cushions to slightly rotate.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable infant head support generally prevents a head of the infant or the child from tilting forward.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable brace flexes around a head of the infant or the child.