Head and Neck Support Device

Abstract

A head and neck support device for supporting and maintaining proper head and neck alignment in an individual during periods of rest and/or sleep. The head and neck support device preferably comprises a first layer of high density foam and a second layer stacked on top of said first layer and comprised of a shape memory foam with a plurality of apertures formed therein. In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second layers of the support device comprise a cradle portion for receipt of a user's head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/675,447 filed on Jul. 25, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a head and neck support device, such as a pillow, for maintaining proper posture and alignment of the head and neck while an individual is resting and/or sleeping.

BACKGROUND

Pillows and other cushions are well known in the art for propping up a user's head while the individual rests and/or sleeps, but they may not necessarily provide the support necessary for the individual to maintain proper head and neck posture and alignment. Poor posture and/or alignment can result in restless sleep, pinched nerves and sore muscles, all of which can be both aggravating and painful. Additionally, poor head/neck alignment may also result in the user's air passage becoming partially obstructed.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a head and neck support device that provides a user with proper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side. There also exists in the art a long felt need for a support device that helps users avoid pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights while sleeping. Moreover, there is a long felt need for a support device that is comprised, at least in part, of memory foam for conforming to the particular shape and/or size of a specific user's head and neck. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a support device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a head and neck support device useful for providing a user with proper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side. The support device is also helpful for enabling the user to avoid pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head and neck support device is comprised of a first layer of high density foam with a slight indentation in the top surface of said first layer for receipt of a user's head and/or neck, and a second layer fixedly attached to said top surface of the first layer, wherein said second layer is preferably comprised of a memory foam with a continuous opening therein for receipt of a user's head and/or neck. The firmer first layer provides both elevation and support to ensure proper head and neck alignment, while the softer second layer provides additional height and added comfort to the user. The second layer may further comprise a plurality of openings or apertures formed therein to increase the softness and to permit the passage of air (i.e., breathability) while the support device is in use.

The support device of the present invention promotes proper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side. The support device also helps users avoid or reduce pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights. Moreover, when the device is at least partially comprised of memory form, the device can conform to the particular shape and/or size of a specific user's head and/or neck. Finally, the support device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on his side and employing the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on his back and employing the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is 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 thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the support device 100 of the present invention, which is comprised of a first layer 110 and a second layer 150. First layer 110 is preferably rectangular in shape and comprised of a high density foam or other suitable material, such as memory foam, high density memory foam, sofa foam or the like, though it is contemplated that first layer 110 could also be manufactured in the form of different shapes to suit user preference. Additionally, first layer 110 preferably comprises a front surface 112, back surface 114, side opposing side surfaces 116, a top surface 118, and a bottom surface 119.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of first layer 110, as measured between opposing side surfaces 116 is between 24 and 32 inches, and the width of first layer 110, as measured between front surface 112 and back surface 114 is between 12 and 20 inches. The thickness of first layer 110, as measured between top surface 118 and bottom surface 119 is preferably between 1 ¼ and 2 ¼ inches. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other shapes and sizes of first layer 110 could also be used to satisfy user preference.

The top surface 118 of first layer 110 also preferably has an opening or indentation 120 formed there for receipt of a user's head, as explained more fully below. The overall shape and dimensions of indentation 120 can vary to suit user need and/or preference, but the width of said indentation 120 is preferably between 8 and 8 ½ inches, and the depth, as measured from top surface 118, is preferably between ½ and one inch.

Second layer 150 is also preferably rectangular in shape to correspond with the shape of first layer 110, and comprised of a shape memory foam or other suitable material, such as low density foam, polyurethane foam, or the like, which are all well known and readily available. Additionally, second layer 150 preferably comprises a front 152, back 154, opposing sides 156, a top 158, and a bottom 160.

While the overall dimensions of second layer 150 should generally correspond to the dimensions of first layer 110 for uniform support and appearance, the length of second layer 150, as measured between opposing side 156 is preferably between 24 and 32 inches, and the width of second layer 150, as measured between front 152 and back 154 is preferably between 12 and 20 inches. The thickness of second layer 150, as measured between top 158 and bottom 160 is preferably between 2 ¼ and 2 ¾ inches.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, second layer 150 is preferably fixedly attached to first layer 110 such that top surface 118 of first layer 110 is generally in contact with bottom 160 of second layer 150. First layer 110 may be attached to second layer 150 by any common means known in the art for fixedly attaching two foam or similar structures together such as with an adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, second layer 150 further comprises a continuous opening 170 therein that extends from top 158 to bottom 160 for receipt of a user's head and/or neck. While the shape and size of continuous opening 170 can vary to suit user need and/or preference, continuous opening 170 is preferably circular or oval in shape and comprised of a chamfered or tapered sidewall 172. In a preferred embodiment, the approximate width of opening 170 along top 158 is preferably between 10 and 14 inches, and the width of opening 170 along bottom 160 preferably corresponds to the width of indentation 120 as described above. In this manner, continuous opening 170 in second layer 150 and indentation 120 in first layer 110 form a cradle to support and maintain proper alignment of the user's head and neck during periods of rest and/or sleep.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, second layer 150 preferably further comprises a plurality of openings or apertures 180 that extend through second layer 150 from top 158 to said bottom 160 for permitting the circulation of air and increasing the compressibility of second layer 150. The diameter of said apertures is preferably between ⅛ and ⅜ of an inch, though it is contemplated that other sizes and shapes could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that second layer 150 can function without said apertures 180.

Having now described the overall structure of head and neck support device 100, its use and usefulness will now be summarized. FIG. 4A illustrates a user 200 resting on his or her side with the user's head 210 being properly supported by support device 100. More specifically, user's head 210 rests comfortably atop second layer 150. Additionally, apertures 180 provide added comfort to user 200 by increasing the breathability and softness of second layer 150. Similarly, FIG. 4B illustrates a user 200 resting on his or her back with the user's head 210 and neck 220 being properly supported by support device 100. More specifically, user's head 210 rests comfortably within continuous opening 170 in second layer 150 and in indentation 120 in first layer 100.

Consequently, the support device 100 of the present invention promotes proper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side. Support device 100 also helps users 200 avoid or reduce pinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights. Moreover, when support device 100 is at least partially comprised of memory form, the device can conform to the particular shape and/or size of a specific user's head and/or neck. Finally, support device 100 accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A head and neck support device comprising:

a first layer; and

a second layer, wherein said second layer is comprised of a continuous opening therein for receipt of a portion of a user's head and a plurality of apertures, wherein at least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the entire second layer, and further wherein said first layer is substantially coextensive with said second layer.

2. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer is comprised of a high density foam.

3. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said second layer is comprised of a shape memory foam.

4. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein both of said first and second layers are comprised of memory foam.

5. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer is further comprised of a top surface with an indentation therein for receipt of said portion of a user's head.

6. (canceled)

7. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said continuous opening is further comprised of a chamfered side wall.

8. A head and neck support device comprising:

a first layer comprised of a high density foam and a top surface; and

a second layer comprised of shape memory foam and fixedly attached to the top surface of said first layer, wherein said second layer further comprises a continuous opening therein for receipt of a portion of a user's head, and further wherein said first layer is substantially coextensive with said second layer.

9. The head and neck support device of claim 8 wherein said top surface of the first layer is further comprised of a cradle.

10. (canceled)

11. The head and neck support device of claim 8 wherein said second layer is further comprised of a plurality of apertures therein.

12. The head and neck support device of claim 11 wherein said second layer is further comprised of a top and a bottom, wherein at least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the second layer from said top to said bottom.

13. The head and neck support device of claim 12 wherein said continuous opening is further comprised of a chamfered sidewall.

14. A head and neck support device comprising:

a first layer;

a second layer comprised of a plurality of apertures therein, wherein at least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the entire second layer, and further wherein said first layer is substantially coextensive with said second layer; and

a cradle portion.

15. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said cradle portion is comprised of a continuous opening in the second layer and an indentation in the first layer.

16. The head and neck support device of claim 15 wherein said indentation is formed in a top surface of the first layer.

17. (canceled)

18. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said second layer is further comprised of a top and a bottom, wherein at least some of said plurality of apertures extend through the second layer from said top to said bottom.

19. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said first layer is comprised of a high density foam.

20. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein said second layer is comprised of a shape memory foam.