Device and method for head restraint

Abstract

Disclosed is a device capable of supporting a user's head when the user is seated in an upright position. The present invention includes a head support device comprising a support apparatus capable of fitting comfortably between a user's back and a seat surface and a securing apparatus capable of holding the user's head, wherein the support apparatus provides a rigid or semi-rigid support when fitted between the user and the seat surface and the securing apparatus is capable of securing the user's head to the support apparatus.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 855,062, filed May 26, 2004, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 475,752, filed Jun. 4, 2003, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 505,771, filed Sep. 24, 2003, each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING [0003] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention relates to devices and methods that provide support for the head, neck and upper spine. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to devices and methods that will facilitate sleep or general comfort during travel or other activities that are performed in an upright or seated position. [0006] 2. Description of the Related Art [0007] Travelers who are forced to sit for a period of time in an upright posture have long str...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] The present invention provides a device capable of securing the head of a user in, for example, an upright position without the need for securing the user to the seat in which they are seated. Further, the device does not rely on the forward movement of the user's head (i.e. towards the front of the vehicle) for functionality and can therefore be utilized by people who prefer to sleep with their head directed to the side while still supporting the head from moving downward (i.e. forward movement of the head which may be directed towards the side of the vehicle or front of the vehicle). Accordingly, the device does not require a downward connecting apparatus to connect the restraint apparatus to the back support. Further, in one embodiment the device is capable of maintaining the alignment of the neck and spine in a position that minimizes muscular stress by, for example, facilitating correct posture. Such posture may aid breathing, reduce snoring and generally ease neck tension.

[0024] By facilitating proper breathing, the device may also reduce snoring and other undesirable sleep related activities.

Problems solved by technology

Travelers who are forced to sit for a period of time in an upright posture have long struggled with obtaining adequate neck and head support to ensure comfort.

Particularly during travel in, for example, airplanes, cars / buses, or trains, a traveler may wish to sleep and this may prove difficult without adequate head support.

However, head movement, particularly in the forward direction, may make sleep impossible or, at the very least, painful for some travelers.

Complicating the problem are various safety and space issues, particularly on airplanes, that limit the types of devices available to the traveler.

However, while the travel pillows disclosed in the art provide some neck support, particularly in the side to side range of movement, the pillows provide poor support in stopping forward movement of the head and in generally keeping the head aligned with the spine.

Such movement may be quite common in moving vehicles and may result in discomfort for the user.

However, this device also does not support the users head from forwardly moving.

However, this apparatus is cumbersome and uncomfortable and does not provide full support in the forward direction.

However, these devices do not provide support in the forward direction.

Particularly on airplanes, this is problematic because, for example, the straps or securing devices are clumsy and may entangle other passengers (particularly in an emergency situation).

Further, the user may have difficulty releasing himself from the straps.

Further, the straps or other apparatus for providing a secure surface may interfere with the passenger directly behind the user (for example, the strap may interfere with the entertainment screen which is often located on the seatback).

However, the device does not, for example, provide head / neck support in the forward direction.

However, the device does not, for example, provide head / neck support in the forward direction.

However, the device does not provide head / neck support in the forward direction.

However, in addition to the many obvious drawbacks of this device, the downward pressure it creates on the neck of the user may become uncomfortable.

However the device has several drawbacks.

The device is clumsy and blocks the peripheral sight of the user.

Further, the device is not suited for use in alternative sleeping positions such as against the corner where a seat meets a wall.

Further, the device is not practical for use when the user wishes to turn their head to the side.

Further, the connecting apparatus cannot be made integral to the support apparatus.

Further, the user's head would have a tendency to bounce against the restraining bar.

Further, the device does not secure the head in a position that correctly aligns the head with the spine.

However, the device is cumbersome and fails to provide the neck support of the instant invention.

Other serious deficiencies may also be present.

Furthermore, none of these disclosures teach or suggest the advantages of the instant invention and none of the disclosed devices comprise the advantages of the instant invention.

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