US20130221168A1 - Head support - Google Patents
Head support Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130221168A1 US20130221168A1 US13/773,116 US201313773116A US2013221168A1 US 20130221168 A1 US20130221168 A1 US 20130221168A1 US 201313773116 A US201313773116 A US 201313773116A US 2013221168 A1 US2013221168 A1 US 2013221168A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- platform
- support structure
- user
- support
- head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C16/00—Stand-alone rests or supports for feet, legs, arms, back or head
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/04—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints
- A61F5/05—Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints for immobilising
- A61F5/058—Splints
- A61F5/05883—Splints for the neck or head
- A61F5/05891—Splints for the neck or head for the head, e.g. jaws, nose
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to the orthotic devices and, more particularly, to a head support.
- Many existing head support are limited in their ability to adjust for different people having different physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, strength, etc.). This lack of adjustability may be problematic, for example, by causing discomfort to a user or by requiring that manufacturers provide different sized or custom fit supports to accommodate different users.
- a head support generally includes a support structure and a platform.
- the support structure includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are coupled to each other at an acute angle.
- the platform includes a slot, channel or similar pathway configured to receive a threaded fastener at least partially therethrough.
- the platform is further coupled to the support structure with the threaded fastener.
- the platform is configured to engage a chin of a user, while the lower power of the support structure is configured to engage the chest of the user so as to support the user's head.
- the platform is also configured to move along the upper portion of the support structure through a continuous range of motion defined at least in part by the pathway.
- the threaded fastener is configured to selectively prevent sliding of the platform relative to the support structure.
- FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a head support according to an exemplary embodiment positioned on a user.
- FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment.
- a wearable support 10 is configured to support a person's head, while still allowing the person to move their head relative to other portions of their body (e.g., left to right, up and down, etc.). More particularly, the wearable head support 10 includes a support structure or frame 20 and a platform or chin plate 40 , the platform 40 being configured to engage the person's chin and the support structure 20 being configured to flex and distribute at least a portion of the weight of the person's head to the person's chest.
- the support structure 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 32 , the two of which are arranged at an acute angle relative to each other.
- the upper portion 22 is configured to support the platform 40 and to be positioned generally under the user's chin, while the lower portion 32 is configured to engage the upper portion of a user's chest to distribute weight thereto.
- the upper portion 22 of the support structure includes a left upper member 24 and a right upper member 26 , each of which are configured to extend generally forward in a parallel manner from positions adjacent each side of a person's neck and which are connected by a laterally-extending intermediate upper member 28 .
- the lower portion 32 includes a left lower member 34 and a right lower member 36 , which are configured to extend generally forward and downward in a parallel manner from positions adjacent each side of the person's neck.
- the left lower member 34 and the right lower member 36 may further be interconnected and/or covered with padding 38 .
- the left upper member 24 and left lower member 34 are interconnected by a left spring hinge 37
- the right upper member 26 and right lower member 36 are interconnected by a right spring hinge 39 , such that the upper portion 22 and lower portion 32 are arranged at an acute angle and may flex relative to each other (i.e., the upper portion 22 and the lower portion 32 are arranged in a spring relationship).
- the support structure 20 comprises a unitary bent wire formed from a spring steel, with the spring hinges 37 , 39 being formed from one or more coils of the spring steel.
- the support structure 20 may be configured in other manners including, for example, with multiple components (e.g., non-unitary members and/or spring hinges interconnected with fasteners, adhesives, welding, or other mechanisms), different materials (e.g., other metals, plastics, composites, etc.), different manufacturing methods (e.g., molding, stamping, etc), and the like.
- the platform 40 is positioned on the upper portion 22 of the support structure 20 so as to be positionable below the chin of a user.
- the platform 40 is a generally planar, rigid structure of sufficient size and shape to support a user's chin through a range of motion (i.e., as the user turns his or her head left to right).
- the platform 40 may be crescent-shaped to provide a posterior recess to accommodate the user's neck or throat and to reduce anterior material to minimize cumbersomeness, while still providing a surface for supporting the user's chin.
- the platform 40 may be cut from an extruded sheet of plastic material, and the platform may also be configured to couple to a similarly-shaped cushion or pad 71 , such as with hook and loop fasteners 72 .
- the platform 40 may be configured in other manners including, for example, with a different profile (e.g., contoured to receive a user's chin, or otherwise non-planar), different shape, different material (e.g., metal, composite, wood, etc.), different manufacturing process (e.g., molding, stamping, etc.), and the like.
- the platform 40 is configured to adjustably mount to the upper portion 22 of the support structure 20 , so as to accommodate different users according to their size, shape, comfort, and other considerations. More particularly, the platform 40 is configured to slide toward or away from the user's neck along the support structure 20 .
- the platform 40 is mounted to the upper portion 22 of the support structure 20 using one or more brackets or clips and one or more corresponding threaded fasteners. More particularly, the platform 40 is coupled to the support structure 20 by way of a left bracket 54 , a right bracket 56 , and an intermediate bracket 58 , which are configured to couple to the left upper member 24 , right upper member 26 , and intermediate upper member 28 , respectively, of the support structure 20 .
- the left bracket 54 and the right bracket 56 are each configured to be coupled to the platform 40 in a predefined position and to slide axially relative along the support structure 20 (i.e., along the left upper member 24 and right upper member 26 toward or away from the user). Furthermore, the left bracket 54 and the right 56 may generally prevent lateral movement (i.e., left and right) between the platform 40 and the support structure 20 .
- the intermediate bracket 58 is configured to slide relative to the platform 40 and to be coupled to a generally constant position on the intermediate member 28 .
- the intermediate bracket 58 may be held or locked into position relative to the platform 20 (as discussed in further detail below) to prevent axial movement (i.e., forward and backward) between the platform 40 and the support structure 20 .
- the brackets 54 , 56 , and 58 may also be configured to prevent rotation of the platform 40 relative to the upper portion 22 of the support structure.
- the left bracket 54 includes a guide slot or guide aperture 54 a configured to receive the corresponding upper left member 24 of the support structure 20 therein and to slide relative thereto.
- the left bracket 54 also includes one or more extensions (e.g., 54 b and 54 c ) configured to be coupled to the platform 40 .
- the left bracket 54 may be cut from a plastic extrusion having a lower extension or tab 54 b and an upper extension or tab 54 c positioned adjacent each other so as to define the guide slot 54 a therebetween.
- the extensions 54 b, 54 c of the left bracket 54 may be spread apart so as to receive the left upper member 24 of the support structure 20 within the guide slot 54 a thereof. Furthermore, the extensions or tabs 54 b, 54 c may include holes (not shown) configured to receive at least a portion of the threaded fastener 64 a, 66 a and/or a corresponding threaded grommet or nut 64 b, 66 b therein.
- the left, right and intermediate brackets 54 , 56 , and 58 may be configured in other manners including, for example, with different materials (e.g., metals, composites, etc.), different manufacturing methods (e.g., molding, stamping, bending, etc.), non-identical form (e.g., different shape, size, materials, etc. for left, right, and intermediate brackets 54 , 56 , and 58 ), different coupling methods (e.g., without a grommet, direct engagement with a fastener, adhesives, etc.), and the like.
- different materials e.g., metals, composites, etc.
- different manufacturing methods e.g., molding, stamping, bending, etc.
- non-identical form e.g., different shape, size, materials, etc. for left, right, and intermediate brackets 54 , 56 , and 58
- different coupling methods e.g., without a grommet, direct engagement with a fastener, adhesives, etc
- the platform 40 includes left fixed position apertures 44 and right fixed position apertures 46 .
- the left fixed position apertures 44 are configured to receive the corresponding threaded fastener 64 a and cooperatively threaded grommet or nut 64 b at least partially therethrough for coupling the corresponding left bracket 54 to the platform 40 in a fixed position.
- the left bracket 54 and the right bracket 56 may be configured to be coupled to the platform 40 in fixed positions in other manners including, for example, with direct engagement of the threaded fasteners 54 a, 56 a with the platform 40 (e.g., without a grommet or nut), permanent fasteners (e.g., rivets), adhesives, etc.
- the platform 40 may include more than one left and right fixed position aperture 44 , 46 on each side, such that the corresponding left and right bracket 54 , 56 may be decoupled and re-coupled to a different pre-defined location on the platform 40 .
- a single left fixed position aperture 44 and a single right fixed position aperture 46 may be included.
- the left and right fixed position apertures 44 , 46 could each be replaced by a single channel or slot (such as the channel or slot 48 discussed below).
- the platform 40 includes a guide path, for example in the form of a channel or slot 48 , that is generally parallel with the left upper member 24 and right upper member 26 of the support structure 20 .
- the slot 48 is configured to receive a fastener (a threaded fastener 68 a as depicted in the Figures) and cooperatively threaded grommet 68 b at least partially therethrough.
- the slot 48 , threaded fastener 68 a, and threaded grommet 68 b are cooperatively configured to allow the threaded fastener 68 a and grommet 68 b to slide or otherwise move within the slot, such that the intermediate upper member 28 and intermediate bracket 58 may move in unison relative to the platform 40 (i.e., along the slot 48 ). Simultaneously, the left bracket 44 , right bracket 46 , and platform 40 will move in unison relative to the support structure 20 (i.e., along the left upper member 24 and right upper member 26 ).
- the threaded grommet 68 b may include a flange configured to engage the upper surface of the platform 40 proximate the slot 48 , and an interior threaded portion configured to extend at least partially into the slot 48 .
- the interior threaded portion of the grommet 68 b may further include a smooth outer surface configured to engage inner surfaces of the slot 48 , while also allowing sliding therebetween.
- the threaded fastener 68 a may, for example, be a thumb screw having a head portion configured to engage the lower extension 58 b of the intermediate bracket, and an exterior threaded portion configured to extend through the hole of the extensions of the intermediate bracket 58 and at least partially into the slot 48 so as to engage the grommet 68 b.
- the threaded fastener 68 a may be tightened (e.g., turned by hand or with an allen wrench) to the grommet 68 b so as to compress the platform 40 and the intermediate bracket 58 between the head of the threaded fastener 68 a and the flange of the grommet 68 b . This action enables the holding of the platform 40 in a fixed position relative to the support structure 20 .
- the threaded fastener 68 a may be loosened from the grommet 68 b to allow the platform 40 to slide or otherwise move relative to the support structure 20 inwardly (i.e., toward the user) or outwardly (i.e., away from the user).
- This is in contrast, for example, to a system where a user can only select one of several individual holes for use in positioning the platform 40 relative to the support structure 20 , in which case the wearable support 10 may have a poorer and less comfortable fit for the user.
- the slot 48 , threaded fastener 68 a, and grommet 68 b may be configured in other manners including, for example, using a different type of fastener head (e.g., flat head, Philips head, etc.), providing more than one slot, inverting the fastener orientation (e.g., having the head of a screw engage the upper surface of the platform 40 and the flange of the grommet engage the intermediate bracket), using different types of fasteners (e.g., a wing nut instead of a thumb screw).
- a different type of fastener head e.g., flat head, Philips head, etc.
- inverting the fastener orientation e.g., having the head of a screw engage the upper surface of the platform 40 and the flange of the grommet engage the intermediate bracket
- fasteners e.g., a wing nut instead of a thumb screw.
- the range of motion of the platform 40 relative to the support structure 20 may be configured according to the length and position of the slot 48 , size and orientation of the intermediate bracket 58 , and the size of the grommet 68 b.
- the slot 48 may be biased forward between the forward and rearward edges of the platform 20
- the intermediate bracket 58 may be oriented with the guide slot positioned rearward of the extension, such that a central portion of the intermediate upper member 28 is always positioned directly below a portion of the platform 20 (i.e., such that the user's chin will may not contact the intermediate upper member 28 during normal usage).
- the range of motion of the platform may be configured in other manners including, for example, with a different sized or shaped grommet (e.g., larger or longer to reduce travel within the slot 48 ), different bias of the slot 48 (e.g., centrally biased, rearward biased, biased by a different amount, etc.), different orientation or configuration of the bracket 58 (e.g., forward orientation of the guide slot, or central positioning of the guide slot in the bracket 58 ), etc.
- a different sized or shaped grommet e.g., larger or longer to reduce travel within the slot 48
- different bias of the slot 48 e.g., centrally biased, rearward biased, biased by a different amount, etc.
- different orientation or configuration of the bracket 58 e.g., forward orientation of the guide slot, or central positioning of the guide slot in the bracket 58 ), etc.
- the wearable support 10 may further include a strap 73 configured to hold the wearable support 10 in position on the user.
- the strap 73 is couple to the support structure 20 at the left and right spring hinges 37 , 39 and is configured to engage the posterior portion of the user's neck.
- the pads 74 , 75 may be coupled to the interior sides of the hinge joints 37 , 39 to prevent direct contact between the user's neck and the hinge joints 37 , 39 .
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
A head support generally including a support structure and a platform. The support structure includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are coupled to each other at an acute angle. The platform includes a guide path configured to receive a fastener at least partially therethrough. The platform is further coupled to the support structure with the threaded fastener.
The platform is configured to engage a chin of a user, while the lower power of the support structure is configured to engage the chest of the user so as to support the user's head. The platform is also configured to move along the upper portion of the support structure through a range of motion defined at least in part by the guide path. The fastener is configured to selectively prevent sliding of the platform relative to the support structure.
Description
- The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/602,744, filed Feb. 24, 2012. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to the orthotic devices and, more particularly, to a head support. Many existing head support are limited in their ability to adjust for different people having different physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, strength, etc.). This lack of adjustability may be problematic, for example, by causing discomfort to a user or by requiring that manufacturers provide different sized or custom fit supports to accommodate different users.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, a head support generally includes a support structure and a platform. The support structure includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are coupled to each other at an acute angle. The platform includes a slot, channel or similar pathway configured to receive a threaded fastener at least partially therethrough. The platform is further coupled to the support structure with the threaded fastener. The platform is configured to engage a chin of a user, while the lower power of the support structure is configured to engage the chest of the user so as to support the user's head. The platform is also configured to move along the upper portion of the support structure through a continuous range of motion defined at least in part by the pathway. The threaded fastener is configured to selectively prevent sliding of the platform relative to the support structure.
- The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a head support according to an exemplary embodiment positioned on a user. -
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the head support according to an exemplary embodiment. - Referring generally to the Figures, and according to an exemplary embodiment, a
wearable support 10 is configured to support a person's head, while still allowing the person to move their head relative to other portions of their body (e.g., left to right, up and down, etc.). More particularly, thewearable head support 10 includes a support structure orframe 20 and a platform orchin plate 40, theplatform 40 being configured to engage the person's chin and thesupport structure 20 being configured to flex and distribute at least a portion of the weight of the person's head to the person's chest. - The
support structure 20 includes anupper portion 22 and alower portion 32, the two of which are arranged at an acute angle relative to each other. Theupper portion 22 is configured to support theplatform 40 and to be positioned generally under the user's chin, while thelower portion 32 is configured to engage the upper portion of a user's chest to distribute weight thereto. - The
upper portion 22 of the support structure includes a leftupper member 24 and a rightupper member 26, each of which are configured to extend generally forward in a parallel manner from positions adjacent each side of a person's neck and which are connected by a laterally-extending intermediateupper member 28. Thelower portion 32 includes a leftlower member 34 and a rightlower member 36, which are configured to extend generally forward and downward in a parallel manner from positions adjacent each side of the person's neck. The leftlower member 34 and the rightlower member 36 may further be interconnected and/or covered withpadding 38. The leftupper member 24 and leftlower member 34 are interconnected by aleft spring hinge 37, and the rightupper member 26 and rightlower member 36 are interconnected by aright spring hinge 39, such that theupper portion 22 andlower portion 32 are arranged at an acute angle and may flex relative to each other (i.e., theupper portion 22 and thelower portion 32 are arranged in a spring relationship). - The
support structure 20 comprises a unitary bent wire formed from a spring steel, with thespring hinges support structure 20 may be configured in other manners including, for example, with multiple components (e.g., non-unitary members and/or spring hinges interconnected with fasteners, adhesives, welding, or other mechanisms), different materials (e.g., other metals, plastics, composites, etc.), different manufacturing methods (e.g., molding, stamping, etc), and the like. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the
platform 40 is positioned on theupper portion 22 of thesupport structure 20 so as to be positionable below the chin of a user. Theplatform 40 is a generally planar, rigid structure of sufficient size and shape to support a user's chin through a range of motion (i.e., as the user turns his or her head left to right). For example, theplatform 40 may be crescent-shaped to provide a posterior recess to accommodate the user's neck or throat and to reduce anterior material to minimize cumbersomeness, while still providing a surface for supporting the user's chin. Theplatform 40 may be cut from an extruded sheet of plastic material, and the platform may also be configured to couple to a similarly-shaped cushion orpad 71, such as with hook andloop fasteners 72. According to other exemplary embodiments, theplatform 40 may be configured in other manners including, for example, with a different profile (e.g., contoured to receive a user's chin, or otherwise non-planar), different shape, different material (e.g., metal, composite, wood, etc.), different manufacturing process (e.g., molding, stamping, etc.), and the like. - The
platform 40 is configured to adjustably mount to theupper portion 22 of thesupport structure 20, so as to accommodate different users according to their size, shape, comfort, and other considerations. More particularly, theplatform 40 is configured to slide toward or away from the user's neck along thesupport structure 20. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the
platform 40 is mounted to theupper portion 22 of thesupport structure 20 using one or more brackets or clips and one or more corresponding threaded fasteners. More particularly, theplatform 40 is coupled to thesupport structure 20 by way of aleft bracket 54, aright bracket 56, and anintermediate bracket 58, which are configured to couple to the leftupper member 24, rightupper member 26, and intermediateupper member 28, respectively, of thesupport structure 20. - As depicted in
FIG. 3 , theleft bracket 54 and theright bracket 56 are each configured to be coupled to theplatform 40 in a predefined position and to slide axially relative along the support structure 20 (i.e., along the leftupper member 24 and rightupper member 26 toward or away from the user). Furthermore, theleft bracket 54 and the right 56 may generally prevent lateral movement (i.e., left and right) between theplatform 40 and thesupport structure 20. Theintermediate bracket 58 is configured to slide relative to theplatform 40 and to be coupled to a generally constant position on theintermediate member 28. Furthermore, theintermediate bracket 58 may be held or locked into position relative to the platform 20 (as discussed in further detail below) to prevent axial movement (i.e., forward and backward) between theplatform 40 and thesupport structure 20. Collectively, thebrackets platform 40 relative to theupper portion 22 of the support structure. - Taking
left bracket 54 as a representative example ofbrackets intermediate brackets left bracket 54 includes a guide slot orguide aperture 54 a configured to receive the corresponding upperleft member 24 of thesupport structure 20 therein and to slide relative thereto. Theleft bracket 54 also includes one or more extensions (e.g., 54 b and 54 c) configured to be coupled to theplatform 40. For example, theleft bracket 54 may be cut from a plastic extrusion having a lower extension or tab 54 b and an upper extension ortab 54 c positioned adjacent each other so as to define theguide slot 54 a therebetween. Theextensions 54 b, 54 c of theleft bracket 54 may be spread apart so as to receive the leftupper member 24 of thesupport structure 20 within theguide slot 54 a thereof. Furthermore, the extensions ortabs 54 b, 54 c may include holes (not shown) configured to receive at least a portion of the threadedfastener 64 a, 66 a and/or a corresponding threaded grommet ornut 64 b, 66 b therein. According to other exemplary embodiments, the left, right andintermediate brackets intermediate brackets - In the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 1-4 , theplatform 40 includes leftfixed position apertures 44 and rightfixed position apertures 46. Taking a leftfixed position aperture 44 as a representative example (with the rightfixed position aperture 46 being configured in a similar manner), the leftfixed position apertures 44 are configured to receive the corresponding threadedfastener 64 a and cooperatively threaded grommet ornut 64 b at least partially therethrough for coupling the correspondingleft bracket 54 to theplatform 40 in a fixed position. According to other exemplary embodiments, theleft bracket 54 and theright bracket 56 may be configured to be coupled to theplatform 40 in fixed positions in other manners including, for example, with direct engagement of the threadedfasteners 54 a, 56 a with the platform 40 (e.g., without a grommet or nut), permanent fasteners (e.g., rivets), adhesives, etc. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , theplatform 40 may include more than one left and rightfixed position aperture right bracket platform 40. Alternatively, a single leftfixed position aperture 44 and a single rightfixed position aperture 46 may be included. In a still further embodiment, the left and rightfixed position apertures slot 48 discussed below). - According to an exemplary embodiment, the
platform 40 includes a guide path, for example in the form of a channel orslot 48, that is generally parallel with the leftupper member 24 and rightupper member 26 of thesupport structure 20. Theslot 48 is configured to receive a fastener (a threadedfastener 68 a as depicted in the Figures) and cooperatively threadedgrommet 68 b at least partially therethrough. Theslot 48, threadedfastener 68 a, and threadedgrommet 68 b are cooperatively configured to allow the threadedfastener 68 a and grommet 68 b to slide or otherwise move within the slot, such that the intermediateupper member 28 andintermediate bracket 58 may move in unison relative to the platform 40 (i.e., along the slot 48). Simultaneously, theleft bracket 44,right bracket 46, andplatform 40 will move in unison relative to the support structure 20 (i.e., along the leftupper member 24 and right upper member 26). - For example, the threaded
grommet 68 b may include a flange configured to engage the upper surface of theplatform 40 proximate theslot 48, and an interior threaded portion configured to extend at least partially into theslot 48. The interior threaded portion of thegrommet 68 b may further include a smooth outer surface configured to engage inner surfaces of theslot 48, while also allowing sliding therebetween. The threadedfastener 68 a may, for example, be a thumb screw having a head portion configured to engage thelower extension 58 b of the intermediate bracket, and an exterior threaded portion configured to extend through the hole of the extensions of theintermediate bracket 58 and at least partially into theslot 48 so as to engage thegrommet 68 b. The threadedfastener 68 a may be tightened (e.g., turned by hand or with an allen wrench) to thegrommet 68 b so as to compress theplatform 40 and theintermediate bracket 58 between the head of the threadedfastener 68 a and the flange of thegrommet 68 b. This action enables the holding of theplatform 40 in a fixed position relative to thesupport structure 20. Similarly, the threadedfastener 68 a may be loosened from thegrommet 68 b to allow theplatform 40 to slide or otherwise move relative to thesupport structure 20 inwardly (i.e., toward the user) or outwardly (i.e., away from the user). This permits for very fine adjustment of theplatform 40 relative to thesupport structure 20, thereby enabling a more comfortable and customized fit for the user. This is in contrast, for example, to a system where a user can only select one of several individual holes for use in positioning theplatform 40 relative to thesupport structure 20, in which case thewearable support 10 may have a poorer and less comfortable fit for the user. - According to other exemplary embodiments, the
slot 48, threadedfastener 68 a, andgrommet 68 b may be configured in other manners including, for example, using a different type of fastener head (e.g., flat head, Philips head, etc.), providing more than one slot, inverting the fastener orientation (e.g., having the head of a screw engage the upper surface of theplatform 40 and the flange of the grommet engage the intermediate bracket), using different types of fasteners (e.g., a wing nut instead of a thumb screw). - According to an exemplary embodiment, the range of motion of the
platform 40 relative to thesupport structure 20 may be configured according to the length and position of theslot 48, size and orientation of theintermediate bracket 58, and the size of thegrommet 68 b. For example, theslot 48 may be biased forward between the forward and rearward edges of theplatform 20, and theintermediate bracket 58 may be oriented with the guide slot positioned rearward of the extension, such that a central portion of the intermediateupper member 28 is always positioned directly below a portion of the platform 20 (i.e., such that the user's chin will may not contact the intermediateupper member 28 during normal usage). According to other exemplary embodiments, the range of motion of the platform may be configured in other manners including, for example, with a different sized or shaped grommet (e.g., larger or longer to reduce travel within the slot 48), different bias of the slot 48 (e.g., centrally biased, rearward biased, biased by a different amount, etc.), different orientation or configuration of the bracket 58 (e.g., forward orientation of the guide slot, or central positioning of the guide slot in the bracket 58), etc. - The
wearable support 10 may further include astrap 73 configured to hold thewearable support 10 in position on the user. Thestrap 73 is couple to thesupport structure 20 at the left and right spring hinges 37, 39 and is configured to engage the posterior portion of the user's neck. Furthermore, thepads - The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Claims (1)
1. A head support, comprising:
a support structure having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and the lower portion coupled to each other so as to form an acute angle therebetween, the lower portion of the support structure configured to engage the chest of the user so as to support a head of the user; and
a platform having a guide path configured to receive a fastener at least partially therethrough, the platform being coupled to the support structure with the fastener, the platform configured to engage a chin of a user,
wherein the platform is configured to move along the upper portion of the support structure in a range of motion defined at least in part by the guide path, and wherein the fastener is configured to selectively inhibit movement of the platform relative to the support structure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/773,116 US20130221168A1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-02-21 | Head support |
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US201261602744P | 2012-02-24 | 2012-02-24 | |
US13/773,116 US20130221168A1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-02-21 | Head support |
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US20130221168A1 true US20130221168A1 (en) | 2013-08-29 |
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US13/773,116 Abandoned US20130221168A1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-02-21 | Head support |
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US (1) | US20130221168A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016023531A1 (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2016-02-18 | Matthias Mersmann | Head support |
US20160135979A1 (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2016-05-19 | Ronghua Lou | Neck Brace |
JP2018519139A (en) * | 2015-06-09 | 2018-07-19 | ヘアリー タートル ピーティーワイ リミテッド | Portable cushioned support |
WO2018227245A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2018-12-20 | Freedom Physiotherapy WA Pty Ltd | Jaw support |
WO2020018646A1 (en) * | 2018-07-17 | 2020-01-23 | Sanford Health | Neck brace and mouth piece that permit a range of movement while maintaining an open airway |
US10893754B1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-01-19 | Jay Patrick Cooke | Modular and adjustable headrest |
WO2021040831A1 (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2021-03-04 | Earls Derrick D | Apparatus for restricting head movement |
US20210077345A1 (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2021-03-18 | Sifferlin Conceptual Designs Company, LLC | System and method for airway management |
USD1002843S1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-10-24 | Jiang Wang | Neck brace |
USD1002856S1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-10-24 | Jiang Wang | Neck brace |
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US3601123A (en) * | 1969-05-16 | 1971-08-24 | H C Burton | Dynamic cervical support |
US4383523A (en) * | 1980-06-13 | 1983-05-17 | Schurman John R | Cervical brace |
US5054475A (en) * | 1987-11-17 | 1991-10-08 | Charles Greiner And Company, Inc. | Emergency medical collar, collar/stabilizer, collar/stabilizer/head immobilizer |
-
2013
- 2013-02-21 US US13/773,116 patent/US20130221168A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3601123A (en) * | 1969-05-16 | 1971-08-24 | H C Burton | Dynamic cervical support |
US4383523A (en) * | 1980-06-13 | 1983-05-17 | Schurman John R | Cervical brace |
US5054475A (en) * | 1987-11-17 | 1991-10-08 | Charles Greiner And Company, Inc. | Emergency medical collar, collar/stabilizer, collar/stabilizer/head immobilizer |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016023531A1 (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2016-02-18 | Matthias Mersmann | Head support |
US20160135979A1 (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2016-05-19 | Ronghua Lou | Neck Brace |
GB2560640B (en) * | 2015-06-09 | 2022-08-10 | Hairy Turtle Pty Ltd | Portable cushioned support |
JP2018519139A (en) * | 2015-06-09 | 2018-07-19 | ヘアリー タートル ピーティーワイ リミテッド | Portable cushioned support |
EP3468423A4 (en) * | 2015-06-09 | 2020-07-29 | Hairy Turtle Pty Ltd | Portable cushioned support |
WO2018227245A1 (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2018-12-20 | Freedom Physiotherapy WA Pty Ltd | Jaw support |
WO2020018646A1 (en) * | 2018-07-17 | 2020-01-23 | Sanford Health | Neck brace and mouth piece that permit a range of movement while maintaining an open airway |
US20210275340A1 (en) * | 2018-07-17 | 2021-09-09 | Sanford Health | Neck Brace and Mouth Piece That Permit a Range of Movement While Maintaining an Open Airway |
WO2021040831A1 (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2021-03-04 | Earls Derrick D | Apparatus for restricting head movement |
US11272748B2 (en) | 2019-08-27 | 2022-03-15 | Derrick D. Earls | Apparatus for restricting head movement |
US11712073B2 (en) | 2019-08-27 | 2023-08-01 | Derrick D. Earls | Apparatus for restricting head movement |
US20210077345A1 (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2021-03-18 | Sifferlin Conceptual Designs Company, LLC | System and method for airway management |
US11497678B2 (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2022-11-15 | Sifferlin Conceptual Designs Company, LLC | System and method for airway management |
US11154140B1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-26 | Jay Patrick Cooke | Modular and adjustable headrest |
US10893754B1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-01-19 | Jay Patrick Cooke | Modular and adjustable headrest |
USD1002843S1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-10-24 | Jiang Wang | Neck brace |
USD1002856S1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-10-24 | Jiang Wang | Neck brace |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |