Head and neck support device for shampoo basin

Abstract

A head / neck support for a shampoo basin comprises an attachment adapter having a hook shaped protrusion configured for removable attachment to a lip of a shampoo basin. The head / neck support further comprises a neck / headrest support movably interconnected with the attachment adapter and configured to support a head and neck of a user. The neck / headrest support is slidable relative to the attachment adapter to adjust a position of the neck / headrest support.

Description

HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE FOR SHAMPOO BASINCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 750,216, titled "Head Support", filed January 27, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to head and neck support devices for use with salon shampoo basins, and more particularly to a support device configured to suspend a user's head over a shampoo basin to prevent neck impingement and reduce the risk of conditions such as Salon Stroke Syndrome during hair washing treatments.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the health and beauty industry, it is common for individuals receiving hair treatments to recline in a chair and extend their head and neck into a shampoo basin. Many shampoo basins include a groove or contoured lip designed to accommodate the user's neck during the treatment. However, during the course of such treatments, the pressure exerted on the neck of the person resting on the lip of the basin can present health concerns. Extended contact between the neck and the basin lip, combined with the downward extension of the head, may contribute to reduced blood flow, nerve impingement, and cervical misalignment, which can lead to various adverse symptoms.

[0004] Various devices have been developed to address these concerns, including attachments designed to support the head or spread contact across a larger surface area of the neck. However, existing solutions may present challenges related to adjustability, ease of use, compatibility with different basin geometries, and the ability to accommodate varying user preferences. Some devices may require multiple components or tools for adjustment, while others may lack sufficient adjustability to optimize support for different users and basin configurations. Additionally, certain devices may encroach upon the workspace needed by thestylist or may not adequately prevent contact between the user's neck and the basin. Accordingly, there remains a general interest in head and neck support devices that offer improved adjustability, ease of use, and compatibility with a variety of shampoo basin configurations.SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a head / neck support for a shampoo basin. Particularly, the head / neck support comprises an attachment adapter having a hook shaped protrusion for removable attachment to a shampoo basin. The head / neck support comprises a neck / headrest support movably interconnected with the attachment adapter and configured to support the head / neck of a user.

[0007] In some embodiments, the neck / headrest can move in relation to the attachment adapter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the neck / headrest are attached to each other in a nonpermanent manner.

[0009] In some embodiments, the neck / headrest contains at least one curved surface configured to fit the contour of a user's neck or head.

[0010] In some embodiments, the attachment adapter comprises a hook for supporting the weight of the device and a head and neck through the device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the head / neck support further comprises a suction cup interconnected with the attachment adapter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the suction cup is configured to be affixed to any smooth surface that is fixed in relation to the basin to prevent the attachment adapter from being dislodged during use.

[0013] In some embodiments, the suction cup is removable.

[0014] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0015] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures, which are presented as embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled view of a head / neck support device installed on a shampoo basin, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front of an attachment adapter, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a back of the attachment adapter of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a front of a neck / headrest support, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an underside of the neck / headrest support of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0022] It will be understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0023] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0024] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0025] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] A head / neck support device for use in association with a shampoo basin in which a user's head is to be inserted is provided. The head / neck support device may be configured to suspend the head of a user over a salon sink, thereby preventing the head from falling into the bowl and causing impingement of the neck and internal structures of the neck. In some cases, the head / neck support device may reduce or eliminate contact between the lip of the shampoo basin and the neck of the user during salon treatments such as hair washing.

[0028] The head / neck support device may comprise a contoured plastic construction. The contoured plastic construction may provide comfort for the user during use. The contoured plastic construction may also provide strength to the head / neck support device while maintaining a minimal size for easy transport. In some cases, the contoured plastic construction may allow the head / neck support device to conform to the anatomy of a user's head and neck region.

[0029] The head / neck support device may be formed of two separable pieces. The two separable pieces may be separated from each other for cleaning. The two separable pieces may also be separated for transport. In some cases, the separable configuration of the head / neck support device may facilitate storage when the head / neck support device is not in use. The two separable pieces may be reconnected for use with a shampoo basin.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an assembled view of the head / neck support device installed on a shampoo basin 3 is shown. The head / neck support device may include an attachment adapter 1 and a neck / headrest support 2. The attachment adapter 1 may be positioned to engage with a lip of the shampoo basin 3. The attachment adapter 1 may provide a mounting point for the neck / headrest support 2.

[0031] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the neck / headrest support 2 may be movably interconnected with the attachment adapter 1. The neck / headrest support 2 may extend outward from the shampoo basin 3. The neck / headrest support 2 may provide a surface configured to support the head and neck of a user during salon treatments. The arrangement of the attachment adapter 1 and the neck / headrest support 2 may position the support surface to suspend a user's head over the shampoo basin 3.

[0032] As further shown in FIG. 1, the shampoo basin 3 may feature a curved bowl portion and an extended flat surface area. The attachment adapter 1 may be configured to rest on top of the lip of the shampoo basin 3. The positioning of the attachment adapter 1 on the lip of the shampoo basin 3 may allowthe neck / headrest support 2 to be disposed at a location that reduces contact between the user's neck and the lip of the shampoo basin 3. In some cases, the arrangement of the attachment adapter 1 and the neck / headrest support 2 may prevent the user's head from falling into the bowl of the shampoo basin 3 during use.

[0033] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, perspective views of the front and back of the attachment adapter 1 are shown. The attachment adapter 1 may include a hook 6 configured for removable attachment to the shampoo basin 3. The hook 6 may be shaped to engage with the lip of the shampoo basin 3. When in use, an underside of the hook 6 may rest on top of the lip of the bowl. The hook 6 may support the weight of the head / neck support device and the head and neck of a user through the head / neck support device.

[0034] With continued reference to FIGs. 2 and 3, the attachment adapter 1 may include a suction cup hole 8. The suction cup hole 8 may be configured to receive a suction cup. The suction cup may fit into the suction cup hole 8 on the attachment adapter 1. The suction cup may be configured to keep the attachment adapter 1 in place on the shampoo basin 3. In some cases, the suction cup may be affixed to a smooth surface that is fixed in relation to the shampoo basin 3 to prevent the attachment adapter 1 from being dislodged during use. The suction cup may be removable from the suction cup hole 8 for cleaning or replacement.

[0035] As further shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, a top surface of the attachment adapter 1 may be formed into a curved surface 7. The curved surface 7 may be configured to cooperatively conform to a curved underside 15 on the neck / headrest support 2. The curved surface 7 and the curved underside 15 may allow the neck / headrest support 2 to slide in relation to the attachment adapter 1. The conforming relationship between the curved surface 7 and the curved underside 15 may provide a stable interface between the attachment adapter 1 and the neck / headrest support 2.

[0036] Referring to FIGs. 2 through 5, a track 4 may be formed into the attachment adapter 1. The track 4 may include teeth 5. The teeth 5 may be configured to engage and retain an attachment protrusion 13 on the neck / headrest support 2. The track 4 and the teeth 5 may allow the neck / headrest support 2 to be adjusted in position relative to the attachment adapter 1. In some cases, the track 4 may extend along a length of the attachment adapter Ito provide a range of adjustment positions for the neck / headrest support 2.

[0037] With continued reference to FIGs. 2 through 5, the neck / headrest support 2 may include a head rest 11 and a neck rest 10. The head rest 11 may be configured to contact the occipital region of a user's head during use. The neck rest 10 may be configured to contact the user's neck during use. The head rest 11 and the neck rest 10 may together provide support for the head and neck of the user when the user is positioned at the shampoo basin 3.

[0038] As further shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, a cervical groove 9 may be disposed in the neck rest 10. The cervical groove 9 may provide relief forthe cervical vertebrae of the user. The cervical groove 9 may prevent irritation to the cervical vertebrae during use. In some cases, the cervical groove 9 may be positioned along a central portion of the neck rest 10 to accommodate the cervical spine of the user.

[0039] With continued reference to FIGs. 4 and 5, a water shed gap 12 may be provided in the head rest 11. The water shed gap 12 may allow water to shed from the head rest 11. The water shed gap 12 may prevent water from running down the neck rest 10 during use. In some cases, the water shed gap 12 may be positioned between portions of the head rest 11 to direct water away from the user's neck.

[0040] As further shown in FIGs. 2 through 5, the attachment protrusion 13 may extend from the curved underside 15 of the neck / headrest support 2. The attachment protrusion 13 may include protrusion teeth 14. The protrusion teeth 14 may be configured to mesh with the teeth 5 on the track 4 of the attachment adapter 1. When a user's head is rested on the neck / headrest support 2, the weight of the user's head may cause the protrusion teeth 14 to mesh with the teeth 5, preventing movement of the neck / headrest support 2 relative tothe attachment adapter 1. The curved underside 15 may be configured to cooperatively conform to the curved surface 7on the attachment adapter 1, allowing the neck / headrest support 2 to slide in relation to the attachment adapter 1 when the weight of the user's head is removed.

[0041] During operation of the head / neck support device, the track formed into the attachment adapter may engage and retain the attachment protrusion on the neck / headrest support. The engagement between the track and the attachment protrusion may allow the neck / headrest support to slide in relation to the attachment adapter. The sliding relationship between the neck / headrest support and the attachment adapter may provide adjustability of the position of the neck / headrest support. In some cases, the adjustability may allowthe head / neck support device to accommodate users of different sizes or to fit different shampoo basin configurations.

[0042] When a user's head is rested on the neck / headrest support, the weight of the user's head may cause the protrusion teeth on the attachment protrusion to mesh with cooperative teeth on the track of the attachment adapter. The meshing of the protrusion teeth with the teeth on the track may lock the position of the neck / headrest support relative to the attachment adapter. The locked position may prevent the neck / headrest support from moving in relation to the attachment adapter during use. In some cases, the weight-activated locking mechanism may provide a secure support for the user's head without requiring additional tools or hardware to maintain the adjusted position.

[0043] When the weight of the user's head is removed from the neck / headrest support, the protrusion teeth may disengage from the teeth on the track. The disengagement may allow the neck / headrest support to slide along the track for repositioning. The sliding and locking mechanism may allow for adjustment of the head / neck support device between users without requiring detachment of the neck / headrest support from the attachment adapter.

[0044] The suction cup may be removable from the attachment adapter. The removable configuration of the suction cup may allow for cleaning of the suction cup. The removable configuration may also allow for replacement of the suction cup when the suction cup becomes worn or damaged. In some cases, the removable suction cup may facilitate maintenance of the head / neck support device over extended periods of use.

[0045] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

[0046] This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

[0047] As used herein, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the," may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."

[0048] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ± 10% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1 %, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1 %, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0049] Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimes be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified.Where ranges are described, the range should be understood to include the endpoints of the ranges, and the endpoints of such ranges are also contemplated to stand on their own as inventive, individual data points and to form the endpoints of other ranges. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, sub-ranges such as about 1 to about 10, about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, about 100 to about 200, and so forth, and related ranges such as greaterthan about 1 or less than about 200.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A head / neck support for a shampoo basin, comprising:an attachment adapter having a hook shaped protrusion configured for removable attachment to a lip of a shampoo basin; anda neck / headrest support movably interconnected with the attachment adapter and configured to support a head and neck of a user, wherein the neck / headrest support is slidable relative to the attachment adapter to adjust a position of the neck / headrest support.

2. The head / neck support of claim 1, wherein the attachment adapter comprises a track and the neck / headrest support comprises an attachment protrusion configured to engage the track, wherein the attachment protrusion is slidable along the track to adjust the position of the neck / headrest support relative to the attachment adapter.

3. The head / neck support of claim 2, wherein the track comprises teeth and the attachment protrusion comprises protrusion teeth configured to mesh with the teeth on the track.

4. The head / neck support of claim 3, wherein when a weight of a user's head is applied to the neck / headrest support, the protrusion teeth mesh with the teeth on the track to prevent movement of the neck / headrest support relative to the attachment adapter.

5. The head / neck support of claim 1, wherein the attachment adapter comprises a curved surface and the neck / headrest support comprises a curved underside configured to cooperatively conform to the curved surface, wherein the curved surface and the curved underside allow the neck / headrest support to slide relative to the attachment adapter.

6. The head / neck support of claim 1, further comprising a suction cup interconnected with the attachment adapter, wherein the suction cup is configured to be affixed to a smooth surface fixed in relation to the shampoo basin to prevent the attachment adapter from being dislodged during use.

7. The head / neck support of claim 6, wherein the attachment adapter comprises a suction cup hole configured to receive the suction cup, and wherein the suction cup is removable from the suction cup hole.

8. The head / neck support of claim 1, wherein the neck / headrest support comprises: a head rest configured to contact an occipital region of the user's head; anda neck rest configured to contact the user's neck.

9. The head / neck support of claim 8, wherein the neck rest comprises a cervical groove disposed along a central portion of the neck rest and configured to provide relief for cervical vertebrae of the user.

10. A head / neck support device for use with a shampoo basin, comprising:an attachment adapter configured to engage a lip of a shampoo basin, the attachment adapter including a track having teeth formed therein; anda neck / headrest support having an attachment protrusion with protrusion teeth configured to engage the teeth of the track, wherein the neck / headrest support is slidable along the track when the protrusion teeth are disengaged from the teeth of the track, and wherein the protrusion teeth mesh with the teeth of the track to lock the neck / headrest support in position when a weight is applied to the neck / headrest support.

11. The head / neck support device of claim 10, wherein the attachment adapter comprises a hook shaped protrusion configured to rest on top of the lip of the shampoo basin to support a weight of the head / neck support device and a head and neck of a user.

12. The head / neck support device of claim 10, further comprising a suction cup configured to be received in a suction cup hole on the attachment adapter, wherein the suction cup is configured to prevent the attachment adapter from being dislodged from the shampoo basin during use.

13. The head / neck support device of claim 12, wherein the suction cup is removable from the suction cup hole for cleaning or replacement.

14. The head / neck support device of claim 10, wherein the neck / headrest support comprises:a head rest configured to contact an occipital region of a user's head; anda neck rest configured to contact the user's neck, wherein the neck rest comprises a cervical groove configured to provide relief for cervical vertebrae of the user.

15. The head / neck support device of claim 14, wherein the head rest comprises a water shed gap configured to allow water to shed from the head rest and prevent water from running down the neck rest.

16. A head / neck support for a shampoo basin, comprising:an attachment adapter having a hook configured to rest on a lip of a shampoo basin and a curved surface;a neck / headrest support having a curved underside configured to cooperatively conform to the curved surface of the attachment adapter, the neck / headrest support including a head rest configured to contact an occipital region of a user's head and a neck rest configured to contact a neck of the user; andan engagement mechanism configured to allow the neck / headrest support to slide relative to the attachment adapter when unloaded and to lock the neck / headrest support relative to the attachment adapter when a weight of a user's head is applied to the neck / headrest support.

17. The head / neck support of claim 16, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a track formed in the attachment adapter and an attachment protrusion extending from the curved underside of the neck / headrest support, wherein the attachment protrusion is configured to engage the track and slide along the track.

18. The head / neck support of claim 17, wherein the track comprises teeth and the attachment protrusion comprises protrusion teeth, wherein the protrusion teeth are configured to mesh with the teeth of the track when the weight of the user's head is applied to the neck / headrest support to lock the neck / headrest support in position.

19. The head / neck support of claim 16, wherein the neck rest comprises a cervical groove configured to provide relief for cervical vertebrae of the user, and wherein the head rest comprises a water shed gap configured to allow water to shed from the head rest and prevent water from running down the neck rest.

20. The head / neck support of claim 16, further comprising a suction cup configured to be received in a suction cup hole on the attachment adapter, wherein the suction cup is removable from the suction cup hole and is configured to be affixed to a smooth surface fixed in relation to the shampoo basin to prevent the attachment adapter from being dislodged during use.

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