Head and neck supporting device for use while sun tanning, resting prone during massage without a massage table

Abstract

A new and improved head and neck support pillow which enables a user to comfortably rest upon his or her stomach. The support pillow is circular with a hole in the center of the pillow which allows the user to insert his or her face. The support pillow also has air holes at the base of the pillow which allows air flow to and from the face for inhalation and exhalation comfort. The support pillow may be completely constructed of PVC plastic with an air valve. The support pillow may be completely inflatable. The support pillow may also be accompanied with a terrycloth or similar fabric cloth which rests on the top of the support pillow for added comfort and is tied to the support pillow around the bottom base of the support pillow. A pocket may be sown in the pillow cover to allow insertion of a fragrance which would give the user an aroma therapy effect and added comfort to the user. A pocket may be sown on the pillow cover that is capable of holding an MP3 player.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of United States Provisional Application No. 61/152,407, filed Feb. 13, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a padded head rest and, more particularly, to a padded head rest with a support structure allowing air flow.

2. Discussion of the Background Art

Head and neck support pillows are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,569 to Glenn discloses a face-down pillow having a wedge shape and U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,619 to Braun discloses a head support designed to enable a user to rest upon his or her stomach. However, the face-down pillow of Glenn is cumbersome and lacks simple, compact design, and the head support of Braun has a rigid, horseshoe design that does not allow for compact storage and does not support the entire perimeter of the face.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a need for a new and improved head and neck support device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing a head and neck support device having a simple, easy-to-manufacture design with no rigid structure and fully supporting a user's head while allowing the user to breath comfortably. Some advantages achieved by various embodiments of the invention include providing a user with the ability to rest comfortably on the user's stomach without a massage table. Another advantage is the ability to inflate and deflate the head and neck support device and the associated extreme portability and ability to compactly store the head and neck support device in a deflated position. In addition, the closed-loop shape of the head and neck support device provides support for the entire perimeter of a user's face. Further, airflow grooves provide air circulation for inhalation and exhalation comfort. The simple design using reliable materials also provides durability. Plus, the head and neck support device can also be used for sun tanning to rest comfortably while preventing uneven facial tanning.

An aspect of the invention is a head and neck support device comprising a closed loop-shaped support pillow. The closed loop-shaped support pillow includes a rounded opening in the center of the support pillow extending through the support pillow from the top of the support pillow, and one or more airflow grooves extending along the base of the support pillow from outside the support pillow to the rounded opening in the center of the support pillow. The head and neck support device does not include a rigid base, does not include a rigid platform, and does not include rigid legs. The head and neck support device may include a closed loop-shaped main body in which the rounded opening is formed in the center thereof, and a plurality of supports extending from the main body. The one or more airflow grooves may be a plurality of airflow grooves extending along the base of the support pillow and formed between the plurality of supports extending from the main body. The head and neck support device may further comprise a support pillow cover covering at least a top surface of the main body and an inner side surface of the main body that forms the rounded opening in the center of the support pillow. The support pillow cover may include a plurality of sets of straps, each set of straps including an inner strap and an outer strap that are capable of being connected around the main body and through one of the plurality of airflow grooves to attach the support pillow cover to the support pillow. The support pillow may be configured to support a user's head while the user's face is inserted in the rounded opening. The closed loop-shaped support pillow may have a closed, circular loop shape. The support pillow may be inflatable and may comprise an air inflate nipple configured to allow a user to reversibly inflate and deflate the support pillow. The support pillow may be made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The head and neck support device may further comprise a support pillow cover covering at least a top surface of the support pillow. The support pillow cover may additionally cover a portion of an outer side surface of the support pillow but may not cover any of the one or more airflow grooves. The portion of the support pillow cover that covers the portion of the outer side surface of the support pillow may include a pocket which is capable of holding an MP3 player. The support pillow cover may include a fragrance pocket. The support pillow cover may additionally cover at least a portion of an inner side surface of the support pillow that forms the rounded opening in the center of the support pillow without covering any of the one or more airflow grooves. The support pillow cover may include a fragrance pocket in a portion of the support pillow cover that covers the inner side surface of the support pillow. The support pillow cover may be made of a terrycloth material. The support pillow cover may include a plurality of straps to non-permanently secure the support pillow cover to the support pillow. The plurality of straps may include a plurality of sets of straps, each set of straps including an outer strap and a corresponding inner strap that non-permanently attach to secure the support pillow cover to the support pillow. At least one of the straps may include a fragrance pocket.

Another aspect of the invention is a support pillow cover for covering a support pillow having no rigid structure. The support pillow cover comprises a top fabric portion for covering a top surface of the support pillow, an inner fabric portion for covering an inner side surface of the support pillow that forms a rounded opening through the support pillow, an outer fabric portion for covering an outer side surface of the support pillow, and a plurality of straps capable of non-permanently securing the support pillow cover to the support pillow. The support pillow cover does not interfere with airflow through airflow grooves located at the base of the support pillow. The outer fabric portion may include a pocket in which an MP3 player is capable of being inserted, and the support pillow cover may include a fragrance pocket in which a fragrance strip is capable of being inserted.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 is an applied view showing the head and neck support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the head and neck support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the head and neck support device according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is an airflow view showing air flow to and from the head and neck support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an applied view showing the bottom and side of the head and neck support device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the support pillow of the head and neck support device according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the support pillow of the head and neck support device according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is bottom view showing the support pillow cover of the head and neck support device according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A head and neck support device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The device 100 includes a support pillow 101 and a support pillow cover 102. The support pillow 101 has a closed-loop shape with a rounded opening 104 formed through the center of support pillow 101. Support pillow 101 includes a plurality of airflow grooves 106 extending along a base 101d of support pillow 101 from outside of support pillow 101 to opening 104. The plurality of airflow grooves 106 allow air to flow into and out of opening 104.

Head and neck support device 100 does not include a rigid base or rigid platform and does not include rigid legs. Head and neck support device 100 may be completely constructed of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The support pillow 101 may be completely inflatable. To enable support pillow 101 to be inflated and deflated, support pillow 101 may include an air valve 107.

The support pillow cover 102 includes a fabric cover 108 and straps 109. Fabric cover 108 covers top surface 101a of support pillow 101. Fabric cover 108 may also include one or both of an inner portion covering at least a portion of inner side surface 101b and an outer portion 108b covering at least a portion of outer side surface 101c of support pillow 101. No portion of fabric cover 108 covers any of the plurality of airflow grooves 106. The portions of fabric cover 108 may be separate pieces of fabric sown together or may simply be portions of a single piece of fabric. Fabric cover 108 may be made of terrycloth. Outer portion 108b of fabric cover 108 may include a pocket configured to hold an MP3 player.

Straps 109 enable support pillow cover 102 to be attached to support pillow 101. Straps 109 may enable support pillow cover 102 to be removably attached to the support pillow 101. Straps 109 may include sets of straps 109, where each set of straps 109 includes an inner strap 109a and an outer strap 109b. The support pillow cover 102 may be attached to support pillow 101 by connecting each inner strap 109a to a corresponding outer strap 109b. Inner strap 109a may be connected to a corresponding outer strap 109b by tying the corresponding inner and outer straps 109a and 109b together or through the use of buttons, hook and loop fastening strips (e.g., VELCRO) or any suitable connecting element at the ends of the inner and outer straps 109a and 109b. Each inner strap 109a may be connected to a corresponding outer strap 109b around the base 101d of support pillow 101 to attach the support pillow cover 102 to the support pillow 101. One strap may include a fragrance pocket 111 in which a fragrance, such as a scented oil on a fragrance pad, may be inserted. Alternatively, fragrance pocket 111 may hang from support pillow cover 102 into the rounded opening 104 or may be located on inner portion of fabric cover 208, which covers inner side surface 101b of support pillow 101.

In operation, head and neck support device 100 supports a user's head and enables a user to comfortably rest upon his or her stomach. Support pillow cover 102 removably attaches to support pillow 101 by connecting each inner strap 109a to a corresponding outer strap 109b. Support pillow 101 supports a user's head while the user's face is inserted in the rounded opening 104. The user's head rests comfortably on fabric cover 108 of the attached support pillow cover 102 while the user's face is inserted in rounded opening 104 and supported by support pillow 101. While the user's face is inserted in the rounded opening 104, the airflow grooves 106 allow air circulation to rounded opening 104 from outside the head and neck support device 100 for inhalation and exhalation comfort. Fragrance pocket 111 enables insertion of a fragrance for an aromatherapy effect and added comfort to the user. Because the head and neck support device 100 has no rigid structure and support pillow 101 may be inflated and deflated, the user may deflate support pillow 101 for portability and/or compact storage of head and neck support device 100.

A head and neck support device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5-8. The device 200 includes a support pillow 201 and a support pillow cover 202.

Support pillow 201 includes a main body 203 having a closed-loop shape with a rounded opening 204 formed through the center of the main body 203. Support pillow 201 also includes a plurality of extensions 205 extending from the main body 203. The plurality of extensions 205 form a plurality of airflow grooves 206 between the plurality of extensions 205. The plurality of airflow grooves 206 extend along a base 203d of the main body 203 from outside of support pillow 201 to the opening 204. The plurality of airflow grooves 206 allow air to flow between the plurality of extensions 205 to the opening 204.

Head and neck support device 200 does not include a rigid base or rigid platform and does not include rigid legs. Head and neck support device 200 may be completely constructed of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The main body 203 and plurality of extensions 205 of support pillow 201 may be completely inflatable. To enable the main body 203 and plurality of extensions 205 to be inflated and deflated, support pillow 201 may include an air valve 207.

The support pillow cover 202 includes a fabric cover 208 and straps 209. Fabric cover 208 includes a central portion 208a, an inner portion 208b and an outer portion 208c that cover top surface 203a, inner side surface 203b and outer side surface 203c of main body 203, respectively. The central, inner and outer portions 208a-208c of fabric cover 208 may be separate pieces of fabric sown together or may simply be portions of a single piece of fabric. Fabric cover 208 does not cover any of the plurality of airflow grooves 206. Fabric cover 208 may be made of terrycloth. Outer portion 208c of fabric cover 208 may include pocket 210 configured to hold an MP3 player.

Straps 209 enable support pillow cover 202 to be attached to support pillow 201. Straps 209 may enable support pillow cover 202 to be removably attached to the support pillow 201. Straps 209 may include sets of straps 209, where each set of straps 209 includes an inner strap 209a and an outer strap 209b. The support pillow cover 202 may be attached to support pillow 201 by connecting each inner strap 209a to a corresponding outer strap 209b. Inner strap 209a may be connected to a corresponding outer strap 209b by tying the inner and outer straps 209a and 209b together or through the use of buttons, hook and loop fastening strips (e.g., VELCRO) or any suitable connecting element at the ends of the inner and outer straps 209a and 209b. Each set of straps 209 may correspond to one of plurality of airflow grooves 206, and each inner strap 209a may be connected to a corresponding outer strap 209b through the corresponding airflow groove 206. One strap may include a fragrance pocket 211 in which a fragrance, such as a scented oil on a fragrance pad, may be inserted. Alternatively, fragrance pocket 211 may be located on inner portion 208b of fabric cover 208.

In operation, head and neck support device 200 supports a user's head and enables a user to comfortably rest upon his or her stomach. Support pillow cover 202 removably attaches to support pillow 201 by connecting each inner strap 209a to a corresponding outer strap 209b.

Because the straps 209 are connected through the airflow grooves 206 between the plurality of extensions 205, the straps 209 are held in place between the extensions 205. Support pillow 201 supports a user's head while the user's face is inserted in the rounded opening 204. The user's head rests comfortably on fabric cover 208 of the attached support pillow cover 202 while the user's face is inserted in rounded opening 204 and supported by support pillow 201. While the user's face is inserted in the rounded opening 204, the airflow grooves 206 formed between extensions 205 allow air circulation to rounded opening 204 from outside the head and neck support device 200 for inhalation and exhalation comfort. Pocket 210 enables an MP3 player to be conveniently held so that a user may listen to soothing music while comfortably relaxing. Fragrance pocket 211 enables insertion of a fragrance for an aromatherapy effect and added comfort to the user. Because the head and neck support device 200 has no rigid structure and support pillow 201 may be inflated and deflated, the user may deflate support pillow 201 for portability and/or compact storage of head and neck support device 200.

While the invention has been particularly taught and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those versed in the art will appreciate that modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although the support pillows 101 and 201 were described as being completely constructed of a PVC material, any suitable material or combination of materials may alternatively be used. Also, although support pillow covers 102 and 202 were described as including a fabric cover 108 or 208 that may be made of terrycloth, it is not necessary that the fabric cover 108 or 208 be made of terrycloth and any suitable soft fabric or material or combination of fabrics or materials that would be comfortable to a user's face may alternatively be used.

Further, support pillow 101 was shown as including three airflow grooves 106, but it is not necessary that the number of the plurality of airflow grooves 106 be equal to three. Similarly, main body 203 was shown as being supported by four extensions 205 forming four airflow grooves 206, but it is not necessary that the number of the plurality of extensions 205 and the number of the plurality airflow grooves 206 be equal to four. In addition, head and neck support device 100 was described as having a plurality of airflow grooves 105, but the head and neck support device 100 may instead have a single airflow groove 105. Similarly, head and neck support device 200 was described as having a plurality of extensions 204 and a plurality of airflow channels 205, but the head and neck support device 200 may instead have a single U-shaped extension forming a single airflow channel 205.

Also, although the support pillow covers 102 and 104 were described as having an MP3 pocket 110 or 210 and a fragrance pocket 111 or 211, neither of the of the pockets are necessary, and the support pillow covers 102 and 104 may have one or neither of the pockets. As yet another alternative, support pillow covers 102 and 104 may have pockets in addition to the MP3 and fragrance pockets described.

These and other modifications of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A head and neck support device comprising:

a closed loop-shaped support pillow including: a rounded opening in the center of said support pillow extending through said support pillow from the top of said support pillow; and one or more airflow grooves extending along the base of said support pillow from outside said support pillow to said rounded opening in the center of said support pillow;

wherein said head and neck support device does not include a rigid base, does not include a rigid platform, and does not include rigid legs.

2. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein said support pillow further includes:

a closed loop-shaped main body in which said rounded opening is formed in the center thereof; and

a plurality of supports extending from the main body; and

wherein said one or more airflow grooves is a plurality of airflow grooves extending along the base of the support pillow and formed between said plurality of supports extending from said main body.

3. The head and neck support device of claim 2 further comprising:

a support pillow cover covering at least a top surface of said main body and an inner side surface of said main body that forms said rounded opening in the center of said support pillow.

4. The head and neck support device of claim 3, wherein the support pillow cover includes a plurality of sets of straps, each set of straps including an inner strap and an outer strap that are capable of being connected around said main body and through one of said plurality of airflow grooves to attach said support pillow cover to said support pillow.

5. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein said support pillow is configured to support a user's head while the user's face is inserted in said rounded opening.

6. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein said closed loop-shaped support pillow has a closed, circular loop shape.

7. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein said support pillow is inflatable and comprises an air inflate nipple configured to allow a user to reversibly inflate and deflate said support pillow.

8. The head and neck support device of claim 1, wherein said support pillow is made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material.

9. The head and neck support device of claim 1 further comprising:

a support pillow cover covering at least a top surface of said support pillow.

10. The head and neck support device of claim 9, wherein said support pillow cover additionally covers a portion of an outer side surface of said support pillow but does not cover any of said one or more airflow grooves.

11. The head and neck support device of claim 10, wherein the portion of said support pillow cover that covers the portion of said outer side surface of said support pillow comprises a pocket which is capable of holding an MP3 player.

12. The head and neck support device of claim 9, wherein said support pillow cover includes a fragrance pocket.

13. The head and neck support device of claim 12, wherein said support pillow cover additionally covers at least a portion of an inner side surface of said support pillow that forms said rounded opening in the center of said support pillow without covering any of said one or more airflow grooves.

14. The head and neck support device of claim 13, wherein said support pillow cover includes a fragrance pocket in a portion of said support pillow cover that covers said inner side surface of said support pillow.

15. The head and neck support device of claim 9, wherein said support pillow cover is made of a terrycloth material.

16. The head and neck support device of claim 9, wherein said support pillow cover includes a plurality of straps to non-permanently secure said support pillow cover to said support pillow.

17. The head and neck support device of claim 16, wherein said plurality of straps includes a plurality of sets of straps, each set of straps including an outer strap and a corresponding inner strap that non-permanently attach to secure said support pillow cover to said support pillow.

18. The head and neck support device of claim 16, wherein at least one of said straps includes a fragrance pocket.

19. A support pillow cover for covering a support pillow having no rigid structure, the support pillow cover comprising:

a top fabric portion for covering a top surface of said support pillow,

an inner fabric portion for covering an inner side surface of said support pillow that forms a rounded opening through said support pillow,

an outer fabric portion for covering an outer side surface of said support pillow, and

a plurality of straps capable of non-permanently securing said support pillow cover to said support pillow;

wherein said support pillow cover does not interfere with airflow through airflow grooves located at the base of said support pillow.

20. The support pillow cover of claim 19, wherein said outer fabric portion comprises a pocket in which an MP3 player is capable of being inserted, and wherein said support pillow cover includes a fragrance pocket in which a fragrance strip is capable of being inserted.