GB2348127A

GB2348127A - Neck support pillow with audio device.

Info

Publication number: GB2348127A
Application number: GB9906698A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Melvin Raffo; Rebecca Louise Falcon
Original assignee: ISOS Ltd
Current assignee: ISOS Ltd
Priority date: 1999-03-24
Filing date: 1999-03-24
Publication date: 2000-09-27
Also published as: GB9906698D0

Abstract

A neck support pillow, having a generally U shape, is provided with a pair of speakers 14 and an audio generating device. The pillow may also include a light 20, preferably provided at one end, and vibration means to provide a massaging effect.

Description

NECK SUPPORT This invention concerns a device for supporting the head and neck of a person particularly while the person is sitting or reclining.

Padded pillows of various sorts, but primarily of rectangular shape, are well known, and several have been proposed which incorporate an audio speaker for connection to a radio or tape machine. An inflatable head rest intended for use while travelling is also known and has a recess or cut away portion to fit around the neck of the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, improved head/neck support which may be particularly suitable for use by infants and may incorporate a range of useful features.

The present invention provides a neck support comprising a Ushaped padded body in which an audible sound transmitting device is embedded.

In an advantageous development of the concept, illumination means may also be provided in the neck support to serve as a night light or a reading light. Such a light may conveniently be embedded at one end of the U-shaped support to ensure that light is directed to the front of the user, at a suitable position for reading.

It is envisaged that pre-selected soothing sounds will be transmitted to the user by the embedded audio device, upon actuation of a switch on the neck support. To facilitate this and to enable the volume of the sound to be kept low and personal to the user, output means for audio signals (i. e. speakers) are preferably provided at spaced apart locations. These should be in the vicinity of, but not overlying, the ears of the user so as to avoid any possibility of damage to hearing.

In preferred embodiments of the neck support of the invention there will also be an option for a plug-in connection of a conventional radio, personal stereo or CD player or the like.

In some embodiments vibratory or oscillatory massaging means may be incorporated into the support device.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a practical embodiment of the neck support of the invention; Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in use; Figure 3 is a reduced scale perspective view of a modified embodiment; and Figure 4 is a plan view of an exemplary control pad on the device shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the head/neck support of the invention comprises a U-shaped, padded body (10) which is adapted to lie on the shoulders of a user, fitting around the neck and supporting the head. It is particularly intended for use by infants and adult travellers who read or wish to rest in comfort in a sitting position, as it provides a comfortable support for the head, preventing it lolling from side to side as the user dozes. Different sizes will, of course, be provided for infants, older children and adults of different build.

The body (10) is formed as a substantially U-shaped tube of fabric stuffed with fibrous wadding material, or possibly with particulate material (e. g. expanded polystyrene granules). A central region is somewhat enlarged and formed as a cushion (12) flanked by respective audio speakers (14) of moulded plastics material which are stitched into the fabric. Embedded in the stuffing, possibly tied to the fabric to prevent dislodgement, is an audible signal transmitting means, such as a miniature tape player or electronic sound generator, which provides signals for emission from the speakers (14). A switch (16) for the audible signal transmitter is located in an accessible position on the outside of the body (10), near one end. The speakers (14) are disposed at a position which will be near the ears of the user, but will not be overlying the ears so as to minimise any risk of hearing damage. The output from the speakers (14) may also be of a restricted volume for the same reason. The type of sounds envisaged as being available from the sound transmitting means are soothing sounds of a restful, rhythmic sort, such as of water or other natural phenomena, or quiet instrumental music, and it may be possible to select from two or three options by means of a further switch on the outside of the body (10).

At each end of the body (10) there is a substantially circular plastics moulding (18). Behind one of these, a light fitting (20) is mounted comprising a reflector, a bulb and a transparent cover as in a conventional torch or flashlight, and a switch (22) for the light is provided nearby on the outside of the body. In this embodiment it is at the side opposite the audio switch (16).

Behind the other circular moulding (18) a battery (not shown) is housed, covered by a plain plastics disc (24). The battery is, of course, a source of power for the light fitting (20) at the other end. To even up the weight at the respective ends of the support device, some additional inert weight may be provided near the light fitting to counterbalance the heavier battery.

In other versions of the neck support, respective lights with adjacent batteries may be provided at both ends. The light or lights are ideally placed to server as a comforting night light for infants, or as a reading light for older children and adults. In the modified embodiment shown in Figure 3, which is a version intended for an older child, provision is made for plug-in connection of a personal stereo or radio so that these can be listened to through the speakers (14) as an alternative to the inbuilt sounds from the embedded transmitter. An exemplary single control panel (26), including an on/off switch (32) for the light (20), an on/off switch (34) for the sound transmitter, a selector switch (36) for the sound transmitter and a socket (38) for plugging in a radio or personal stereo (30) is shown in Figure 4, and may be incorporated in the version shown in Figure 3.

Many variations are possible within the scope of the invention and the foregoing is only exemplary. One particular possibility is incorporation of a vibrating device, e. g. in the cushion (12) for massaging the neck of the user.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A neck support comprising a U-shaped padded body in which an audible sound transmitting device is ~
2. A neck support as claimed in claim 1 having output means for audible signals at at least two spaced apart locations.
3. A neck support as claimed in claim 2 wherein the output means are located in the vicinity of, but not overlying, the ears of the user.
4. A neck support as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 further including illumination means.
5. A neck support as claimed in claim 4 wherein illumination means is located at at least one end of the U-shaped body.
6. A neck support as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 further including means for connection of a separate sound transmitting device to the output means for audible signals.
7. A neck support as claimed in any preceding claim further including vibratory or oscillatory means.
8. A neck support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.