GB2499006A

GB2499006A - A head support for use when sitting

Info

Publication number: GB2499006A
Application number: GB1201844.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Cowley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-02
Filing date: 2012-02-02
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-02
Also published as: GB201201844D0; WO2013114143A2; GB2499006B; WO2013114143A3

Abstract

A head support for use when sittingA head support 2 for supporting a user's head when in a sitting position comprises an upper loop portions 8 which, in use, support the head of a person in a sitting position, and a lower loop 10 portion which rests in the user's lap [see Fig. 2]. In a first embodiment, the head support 2 may be formed from a single flexible loop member 4 which may be held in a figure-of-eight configuration by means such as a strap, and may be capable of being twisted and collapsed [see Figs. 5 & 6]. In a second embodiment [see Fig. 7], the lower loop portion is formed from an extendible flexible member 103, and can be held in a figure-of-eight configuration by a strap 106 and cord 120 with cord lock 120. In a third embodiment [see Fig. 8], the head support 2 is formed from two separate rigid or flexible loops 208,210 which are hinged together by pivot joint 206 to allow folding of the support. A pouch 219 can be used for storing the support.

Description

Head Support

The present invention concerns a head support, and more specifically a device for supporting a user's head whilst in a sitting position, for example whilst 5 travelling on a train or an aircraft.

Various devices for providing support to a person's head whilst sleeping in a sitting position are known, a popular example being the u-shaped 'travel pillow' which wraps around the back of a user's neck. Whilst such devices may provide something comfortable for a user to rest their head against whilst falling asleep, 10 they do not provide adequate neck support once the user is asleep. As such, users tend to slump to the side or forwards whilst sleeping, which can cause neck pain and generally makes it difficult to sleep for any length of time. This is a particular problem during long journeys, such as long-haul flights, for example.

Other devices comprise pillows which attach to or rest on a structure in front 15 of the user's seat, such as a tray-table on the back of the seat in front of the user on an aircraft. However, such devices also provide inadequate support to the user, and generally result in over-arching of the user's back, which can cause lower back pain during extended periods of sleep. Such devices also cannot be used in the absence of a suitable support structure, such as when sitting in a seat without a 20 table on which to rest the pillow.

What is needed, therefore, is a device which can provide adequate support to a user's neck and back such that they can maintain a comfortable posture whilst sleeping in a sitting position.

Accordingly, the present invention attempts to address this need by 25 providing a device for supporting a user's head in a sitting position, the device comprising: upper and lower loop portions, wherein the device may be located such that in use said lower loop portion rests in the user's lap and said upper loop portion supports the user's head while in a sitting position.

Advantageously, the device according to the present invention supports the 30 user's head in a natural forward position, thus preventing the user from 'slumping' into an unsupported position. The inventive device therefore eliminates the need for the user's neck and back to support the user's upper bodyweight whilst sleeping and reduces pressure on the vertebrae by lengthening the spine, thus reducing or eliminating neck and back pain which can otherwise result from sleeping in a sitting 35 position. By supporting the head in a forward position, the device may also help to

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reduce snoring by preventing the user's tongue from dropping to the back of the mouth, as can occur with the head in a reclined position.

Furthermore, as the user's lap provides the necessary support for the device in use, the device can be used in any situation where the user is sitting down. In 5 particular, the device does not require an external support structure, such as a table in front of the user's seat. As such, the device provides a self-contained support structure for supporting a user's head whilst in a sitting position. Advantageously, therefore, the device is portable. Additionally, when in use, the user and the device take up the same 'footprint' as the seat, thus maintaining the personal space of the 10 user and those around them and allowing the freedom of movement of other passengers and cabin crew.

The upper loop portion is preferably sized to receive a user's face.

The upper loop portion is preferably smaller than the lower loop portion.

The device may define only upper and lower loop portions, i.e. the device 15 may comprise no additional loops or loop portions.

The device may comprise or be defined by one or more loop members which provide the upper and lower loop portions, and optionally means for retaining the loop members in an upper and lower loop configuration. In some embodiments the device comprises a single loop member defining the upper and lower loop 20 portions. In other embodiments, the device comprises a pair of loop members each defining one of the upper and lower loop portions.

Preferably the or each loop member is a flexible and preferably resilient loop member, for ease of construction. Preferably, the or each loop member is formed of a single piece construction. The or each loop member may be a continuous 25 member.

The device may be resiliently coilable, such that said upper and lower loop portions can be twisted in opposite directions so as to fold the device from an erect state to a collapsed state. Preferably, the upper and lower loop portions overlap when in the collapsed state and do not overlap when in the erect state. By 30 overlapping the upper and lower loop portions in the collapsed state, the overall size of the device can be significantly reduced, thus facilitating easy storage.

In some embodiments the device comprises one or more resiliently coilable loop members defining the upper and lower loop portions. In these embodiments, the device is preferably self erecting such that the device is arranged to return to 35 the erect state when not retained in the collapsed state. For example, the resiliency

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of the coilable member may be such that the device will automatically erect itself when released from the collapsed state. Materials for forming suitable resilient coilable members are known, for example in the field of pop-up tent structures.

In some embodiment comprising a single loop member, the loop member 5 may be discontinuous and comprise a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are arranged to overlap, wherein the degree of overlap is adjustable so as to expand or contract the loop member between expanded and contracted states. Preferably, the device comprises a tube member provided on each of the first and second ends, wherein a portion of the loop member adjacent the first end 10 is slidably received through the tube member attached to the second end, and wherein a portion of the loop member adjacent the second end is slidably received through the tube member attached to the first end. In these embodiments, the loop member can be expanded or contracted by sliding the tube members away from each other or towards each other.

15 In embodiments comprising at least one loop member, the device may be constructed so as to naturally maintain a configuration which defines the upper and lower loop portions, e.g. by shaping the or each loop member appropriately. However, the device preferably further comprises means for retaining opposed portions of the device in an abutted relationship to thereby define the upper and 20 lower loop portions. More preferably, the means for retaining is releasable so as to release said opposed portions of the device from said abutted relationship. This can be advantageous, for example, in embodiments in which the device is collapsible. For convenience and ease of use, the releasable means for retaining can comprise a strap, preferably wherein at least a portion of the strap comprises a 25 hook and loop fastener material. For example, one side of the strap might comprise a hook material and the other side might comprise the loop landing material. To ensure that the strap does not become separated from the device and lost, one end of the strap may be secured to the device.

In some embodiments comprising a means for retaining, the means is 30 moveable to as to adjust the relative sizes of the upper and lower loop portions.

This can be useful, for example, to adjust the size of the upper loop portion to find a size which feels comfortable on the user's face.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise upper and lower loop portions which are separately formed (e.g. from separate loop members) and joined

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together by a pivot joint such that the device can be folded and unfolded about the pivot joint.

In any of the embodiments described above, the device is preferably transformable between an erect state and a collapsed state, or an expanded state 5 and a contracted state. In the collapsed/contracted state, the device is easier to store and transport. Thus, in these embodiments, the device is transformable between the erect/expanded state for use in supporting the user's head and the collapsed/contracted state for storage and transport. In embodiments comprising an erect state and a collapsed state, the erect state is preferably a state in which 10 the upper and lower loop portions do not overlap, and the collapsed state is preferably a state in which the upper and lower loop portions do overlap.

In some embodiments, the device may only define the upper and lower loop portions when in the erect/expanded state. For example, in embodiments comprising a single loop member defining the upper and lower loop portions, the 15 device may comprise a releasable retaining means for retaining the loop member in a configuration which defines the upper and lower loop portions when in the erect/expanded state. To collapse/contract the device, the retaining means can be released so that the loop member no longer defines the upper and lower loop portions but instead defines a single loop which can be collapsed/contracted. 20 In any of the embodiments described above, the device can comprise an in-

use configuration and a storage configuration. For example, the in-use configuration can include the previously described erect/expanded state and the storage configuration can include the previously described collapsed/contracted state.

25 In any of the embodiment described above, the device can define a figure-

of-eight shape comprising the upper and lower loop portions, at least in the erect/expanded state.

The device can have a length from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion of less than 1 metre, preferably less than 0.75 30 metres. The length may be at least 0.25 metres. Most preferably, the device has a length of about 0.5 metres.

It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the upper and lower loop portions to define closed loops. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower loop portions can form a closed loop. In other embodiments, 35 both loop portions each form a closed loop.

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It will be appreciated that in preferred embodiments, the upper and lower loop portions form the only support means of the device.

To provide added rigidity to the device in any of the embodiments described above, the device may further comprise support means extending across said lower 5 loop portion. For example, the support means may comprise an elastic mesh attached to at least a portion of an inner circumference of said lower loop portion. Advantageously, the elastic mesh is flexible enough to permit folding of the device, whilst providing added strength to help prevent the lower loop portion from collapsing if significant weight is applied to the device in use. 10 The device may further comprise means for storing the device in a collapsed state, such as a pouch into which the collapsed device is inserted. In embodiments comprising support means formed from an elastic mesh, the elastic mesh can form the pouch.

For describing certain aspects of some embodiments, it is useful to define a 15 length of the device extending from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion, and a width of the lower loop portion extending substantially perpendicular to said height and between opposed first and second sides of the lower loop portion. In any of the embodiments described above, the device preferably further comprises means for adjusting the width of the lower loop 20 portion so as to adjust the length of the device. This arrangement therefore permits adjustment of the device to accommodate user's of different heights. For example, to accommodate a tall user, the width of the lower loop portion can be narrowed, which lengthens and increases the height of the device.

Preferably, the means for adjusting comprises at least one cord connected 25 to the first and second sides of the lower loop portion, and a cord lock moveable along the at least one cord to adjust the width of the lower loop portion.

For example, the at least one cord could be a single cord having first and second ends attached to the first and second sides of the lower loop portion respectively. In this case, a central portion of the cord is looped through the cord 30 lock and can be lengthened or shortened to adjust the width of the lower loop portion accordingly.

Alternatively, first and second ends of a single cord could be passed through apertures on the first and second sides of the lower loop portion respectively, and then passed through the cord lock.

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In a different embodiment, the means for adjusting comprises first and second cords each having a free end and an attached end, wherein the attached ends of the first and second cords are attached to said first and second sides of the lower loop portion respectively, wherein the free ends pass through the cord lock.

5 Preferably, the device in any of the embodiments described above further comprises a cushion positioned about at least a portion of the upper loop portion, most preferably about the entire upper loop portion. Such a cushion provides a comfortable surface for the user's face to rest against whilst their head is being supported by the device. In some embodiments, the cushion is selected from one 10 of: an inflatable cushion; a foam cushion; or a microbead-filled cushion. The cushion preferably has a soft surface for extra comfort, such as a fleece-like surface.

In any of the embodiments described above, the device may further comprise a cushion positioned about at least the bottom of the lower loop portion, 15 so as to reduce the pressure on the user's lap when the device is in use. Again, the cushion can be selected from one of: an inflatable cushion; a foam cushion; or a microbead-filled cushion.

The present invention also extends to the use of a device as described above in any of its embodiments for supporting a user's head in a sitting position. 20 Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention unfolded and ready for use;

25 Figure 2 shows how the position of the lower portion of the device in the user's lap affects the posture of the user;

Figure 3 shows how the height of the device can be adjusted by altering the width of the lower portion of the device;

Figures 4 to 6 show the steps for collapsing and folding the device for 30 storage;

Figure 7 shows a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 8 shows a device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

35

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As shown in Figure 1, a device 2 in accordance with the present invention comprises a flexible loop member 4 which can be deformed and maintained in a generally figure-of-eight shape by a retaining means, such as a strap 6. The figure-of-eight shape defines an upper loop portion 8 for supporting a user's head by 5 receiving the user's face through the central opening 9 in the upper loop portion 8. The figure-of-eight shape also defines a lower loop portion 10 which is received in the user's lap during use.

To provide extra comfort, an upper cushion 12 is provided about the upper loop portion 8, and a lower cushion 14 is provided about the bottom of the lower 10 loop portion 10. Each cushion can be provided by any suitable material, such as a foam or fabric pouch filled with microbeads. Alternatively, to save space when the device is folded for storage, the cushions could be inflatable. Preferably, the top cushion at least is covered in a soft material, such as a fleece-like material, which feels comfortable on the user's face.

15 The use of the device is shown more clearly in Figure 2, which shows that the user's face is received in the upper loop portion 8 so as to support the user's head 16, whilst the lower loop portion (shown as a dashed line) is received in the user's lap so as to support the user's back in a slightly forward posture. As shown in Figure 2, moving the lower loop portion 10 further towards the user's knees 20 causes the device 2 to flex more under the user's bodyweight, resulting in a more forward posture. The user can therefore move the lower loop portion 10 to achieve a posture which they find most comfortable. This flexibility is also permits the user to assume a more upright posture in situations where space is limited, for example where another seat is located very close in front of the user. 25 The device 2 preferably comprises means for adjusting the width of the lower loop portion 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the adjustment means comprises a cord 18 (Figure 3) which extends between first and second sides of the lower loop portion 10. The cord 18 passes through an aperture (not shown) on each side of the lower loop portion 10, and the two ends of the cord 18 are 30 gathered and passed through a cord lock 20. Therefore, the width of the lower loop portion 10 can be adjusted by sliding the cord lock 20 along the free ends of the cord 18, thus adjusting the length of the portion of the cord extending between the first and second sides of the lower loop portion 10. This is shown most clearly in Figure 3, which shows a slackened configuration on the left which results in a wider

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lower loop portion 10, and a tightened configuration on the right which results in a narrower lower loop portion 10.

By adjusting the width of the lower loop portion 10, the overall height of the device (from the top of the upper loop portion 8 to the bottom of the lower loop 5 portion 10) can be adjusted. In particular, narrowing the lower loop portion 10 increases the height of the device, whereas widening the lower loop portion 10 reduces the height of the device. Accordingly, the height of the device can be adjusted as appropriate for the height of the user.

In alternative embodiments, the adjustment means comprises a single cord 10 having a first end attached to one side of the lower loop portion 10 and a second end attached to the other side of the lower loop portion 10. In this case, a central portion of the cord is looped through the cord lock. In other embodiments, the adjustment means comprises first and second cords each having a free end and an attached end, wherein the attached end of the first cord is attached to one side of 15 the lower loop portion 10, and wherein the attached end of the second cord is attached to the other side of the lower loop portion 10. The free ends of both cords are passed through the cord lock.

In some embodiments, the device can include support means for providing added rigidity to the lower loop portion 10 to enhance the support of the user's 20 bodyweight. For example, the device may comprise a flexible elastic mesh connected to and extending across at least a portion of the lower loop portion 10.

Preferably, the device is arranged so as to be foldable to aid storage and transportation of the device. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 to 6, the flexible loop member 4 is arranged to be coilable such that the device can be collapsed into 25 a folded, approximately circular shape. To fold, the device, the retaining means 6 is released as shown in Figure 4. The user then grasps the upper loop portion 8 in one hand and the lower loop portion 10 in the other hand, and twists the two loop portions in opposite directions, as shown in Figure 5. The action of twisting the two loop portions in opposite directions causes the device to collapse such that the 30 upper and lower loop portions 8 and 10 overlay each other as shown in Figure 6. In some embodiments, the retaining means 6 can then be re-secured about the upper and lower loop portions 8 and 10 so as to retain the device in the folded configuration. Alternatively, or additionally, a pouch can be provided into which the folded device can be inserted to retain the device in the folded configuration. 35 Advantageously, a pouch also provides protection to the device when it is not being

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used, and can make the device easier to carry. For example, the pouch can be provided with a carry handle.

In some embodiments, the pouch can be provided as an integral part of the device 2. For example, the pouch can be connected to and extend across the 5 lower loop portion 10, such that in the unfolded configuration the pouch functions as the support means described above. Upon collapsing the device, the device will fold into the integral pouch for storage.

Preferably, the flexible loop member 4 is formed from a resilient material, such that when the device is released from the folded configuration it will 10 automatically unfold itself into the unfolded configuration, thus only requiring the user to secure the retaining means 6 about the device. Suitable materials are known, for example, from the field of "pop-up" tents and the like.

When in the unfolded configuration and ready for use (i.e. before the device has been positioned between the user's head and lap), as shown in Figure 1, the 15 device has a length, L, from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion. The length is less than 1 metre, e.g. 0.5 metres.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 7 in which the device 102 comprises a flexible member 103 having a first end 105 and a second end 107 which overlap. The first and second ends 105, 107 each have a 20 tube member 109 attached thereto, wherein a portion of the flexible member 103 adjacent the first end 105 passes through the tube member 109 attached to the second end 107, and wherein a portion of the flexible member 103 adjacent the second end 107 passes through the tube member 109 attached to the first end 105. In this arrangement, the flexible member 103 therefore forms a flexible loop 25 member 104. By sliding the two tube members 109 towards each other, the diameter of the flexible loop member 104 can be increased by decreasing the amount of overlap of the first and second ends 105, 107, as shown in Figure 7. Similarly, sliding the tube members 109 away from each other increases the overlap and decreases the diameter of the flexible loop member 104. Accordingly, 30 the device 102 can be transformed between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration by sliding the tube members 109 towards each other or away from each other. The device 102 includes a strap 106, a cord 118 and a cord lock 120 such that once the flexible loop member 104 has been expanded by moving the tube members 109 towards each other, the device 102 operates in the 35 same way as the device 2 described above with respect to Figure 1 to 6.

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Figure 8 shows a device 202 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the device 202 comprises upper and lower loop portions 208, 210 which together define a loop structure. The upper and lower loop portions 208, 210 are connected by a pivot joint 206. In this case, the device can 5 be transformed between the unfolded and folded configurations by pivoting the upper and lower loop portions 208, 210 about the pivot joint 206, as shown in Figure 8. The device 202 also includes a pouch 219 extending across the lower loop portion 210 when the device is unfolded, the pouch 219 storing the device 202 when the device is in the folded configuration. Advantageously, the pouch 219 also 10 provides extra support and rigidity to the lower loop portion 210 when the device

202 is in the unfolded configuration. The pouch is preferably formed from an elastic mesh.

Although the skilled person will appreciate that in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 the upper and lower loop portions 208, 210 can be formed from a rigid 15 material, the lower loop portion 210 at least is preferably formed from a flexible material as used to form the flexible loop member of the first embodiment. One advantage of using such a material is the additional user-comfort provided by a flexible lower loop portion 210. Additionally, a flexible lower loop portion 210 also permits adjustment of the height of the device, as explained above with respect to 20 the first embodiment. In this case, the device 202 includes a cord 218 and a cord lock 220 which function as described previously. Advantageously, the cord 218 and the cord lock 220 can be provided as part of the pouch 219 such that the cord 218 and the cord lock 220 can be used to retain the device 202 in the pouch 219 when in the folded configuration.

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Claims

1. A device for supporting a user's head in a sitting position, the device comprising:

5 upper and lower loop portions, wherein the device may be located such that in use said lower loop portion rests in the user's lap and said upper loop portion supports the user's head while in a sitting position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said upper and lower loop portions are 10 defined by a single flexible resilient loop member.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said flexible resilient loop member is of a single piece construction.

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4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein said flexible resilient loop member is a continuous member.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device is resiliently coilable, such that said upper and lower loop portions can be twisted in opposite directions

20 so as to collapse the device from an erect state to a collapsed state.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the upper and lower loop portions do not overlap in the erect state and wherein the upper and lower loop portions do overlap in the collapsed state.

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7. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the flexible resilient loop member has a first end and a second end overlapping the first end, wherein the degree of overlap of the first and second ends is adjustable so as to expand or contract the flexible resilient loop member between expanded and contracted states.

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8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a tube member provided on each of the first and second ends, wherein a portion of the flexible resilient loop member adjacent the first end is slidably received through the tube member attached to the second end, and wherein a portion of the flexible resilient loop member adjacent the

35 second end is slidably received through the tube member attached to the first end.

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9. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for retaining opposed portions of said device in an abutted relationship to define the upper and lower loop portions.

5

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the means for retaining is releasable so as to release said opposed portions of the device from said abutted relationship.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the means for retaining comprises a strap, 10 preferably wherein at least a portion of the strap comprises a hook and loop fastener material.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower loop portions are connected to each other by a pivot joint.

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13. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is transformable between an erect state and a collapsed state.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein in the erect state the upper and lower loop 20 portions do not overlap, and in the collapsed state the upper and lower loop portions do overlap.

15. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device defines a figure-of-eight shape comprising the upper and lower loop portions.

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16. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the upper loop portion is sized to receive a user's face.

17. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a length

30 extending from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion, and wherein the length is less than 1 metre, optionally less than 0.75 metres.

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18. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a length extending from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion, and wherein the length is at least 0.25 metres.

5

19. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a length extending from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion, and wherein the length is about 0.5 metres.

20. The device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the upper and 10 lower loop portions forms a closed loop, optionally wherein both loop portions each form a closed loop.

21. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for retaining the device in a collapsed or contracted state.

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22. The device of claim 21, wherein said means comprises a pouch into which the device is inserted.

23. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising support means 20 extending across said lower loop portion.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein said support means comprises an elastic mesh arranged to extend across said lower loop portion.

25 25. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a length extending from the top of the upper loop portion to the bottom of the lower loop portion, and wherein the lower loop portion has a width extending substantially perpendicular to said height and between opposed first and second sides of the lower loop portion, the device further comprising means for adjusting the width of 30 the lower loop portion so as to adjust the length of the device.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the means for adjusting comprises at least one cord connected to the first and second sides of the lower loop portion, and a cord lock moveable along the at least one cord to adjust the width of the lower loop 35 portion.

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27. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a cushion positioned about at least a portion of the upper loop portion for supporting a user's head, wherein the cushion is selected from one of: an inflatable cushion; a foam cushion;

5 or a microbead-filled cushion.

28. The device of any proceeding claim, further comprising a cushion positioned about at least the bottom of the lower loop portion, wherein the cushion is selected from one of: an inflatable cushion; a foam cushion; or a microbead-filled cushion.

0

29. A device for supporting a user's head in a sitting position substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.