Inflatable cervical cushion

a cervical cushion and cushion body technology, applied in the field of inflatable cervical cushions, can solve the problems of poor posture, poor posture, and neck and cervical pain, and achieve the effect of less support and more pressure or suppor

US20080229498A1Inactive Publication Date: 2008-09-25GROSSO WILLIAM M
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2008-09-25
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An inflatable cervical cushion for providing support to the cervical spine and surrounding cervical musculature of the wearer while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable cervical cushion which adjustably reinforces the neck to support the cervical spine in a proper lordotic position, alleviating neck pain caused by improper posture and fatigue. The cushion encircles the wearer's neck and rests on the wearer's shoulders, and contains a compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the back of the cushion. The inflatable cushion is of a rectangular or oval design which is positioned horizontally in the back of the neck such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports the cervical spine and the thinner end portions support the surrounding musculature. In addition, there is a vertical extension from the top of the cushion which supports the base of the skull, or occiput, thereby supporting the skull at the same time of supporting the cervical spine. Support is provided when the wearer is seated and the cushion creates pressure between the wearer and the back of a chair. The cushion is inflated by manual means such that the firmness and pressure of the cushion is totally adjustable.
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Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 901,197, filed Feb. 14, 2007.

[0002] The present invention relates to a device capable of providing variable cervical and neck support. More particularly, the invention relates to an inflatable cervical cushion which supports the cervical spine in a normal lordotic position. The device comprises an inflatable cushion, worn about the neck and resting on the shoulders, having a particular configuration and dimensions to provide an individualized cushion when inflated. Inflating the cervical cushion of this invention exerts pressure against the back of a chair or other seat, when the wearer is seated. This in turn creates pressure against the cervical vertebrae and the surrounding cervical musculature to maintain the cervical spine in a proper lordosis. In addition, the cervical cushion of this invention provides a vertical support at the top of the cushion which supports the base of the skull, or occiput, ther...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating different embodiments of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 perspectively illustrates the inflatable cervical support in the form of a cushion 10 adapted to surround the wearer's neck, with a centrally positioned inflatable bladder 12. Bladder 12 is located inside a compartment 14 within cushion 10, which has an outer side 16 and an inner side 18 made of a flexible fabric material or leather. The cushion itself may be made of a solid core of foam rubber or other rubber-type material such as neoprene, to form a relatively flexible apparatus which conforms to one's neck and rests on the shoulders when properly positioned. The back portion 52 of the cushion 10 curves into opposed elongated side extensions, or arms, 20 which terminate in a pair of spaced free ends 22.

[0030]Bladder 12 is positioned horizontally within compartment 14 and is centrally located with ...