WO2009009091A1

WO2009009091A1 - Head and neck protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2009009091A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/008464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lois Lopez
Original assignee: Lois Lopez
Priority date: 2007-07-10
Filing date: 2008-07-10
Publication date: 2009-01-15

Abstract

A head and neck protection device (10) is provided for use in conjunction with person with weak or undeveloped neck muscle control. A support frame (18) is placed so a person's head rests against a center panel (20) and is laterally pivotally surrounded by a left wing (22) and a right wing (24). A bellows (36) associated with each wing (21) is inflated or deflated by a two-way pneumatic pump (60) controlled by control circuitry (64) activated by a remote control (72). Various preset default positions and a micro-control are available to a caregiver on the remote control unit (72).

Description

HEAD AND NECK PROTECTION DEVICE

[0001] This application claims priority from the United States provisional application filed on 10 July 2007 as application No. 60/958,862 by the same inventor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to head and neck protection devices and particularly to such devices adapted to work in conjunction with child seats and carriers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Parents and caregivers for persons who have not yet developed or who have lost neck muscle strength and control are often concerned with supporting the head of the person. This is especially true under turbulent conditions, such as when travelling in a vehicle or stroller. Keeping an infant's head from lolling side-to-side is a particular concern in car seats and booster seats, as well as in wheel chairs and carriers for persons with handicaps which do not allow strong neck muscle control.

[0004] Various prior art methods have been provided to support and protect the heads and necks of persons, especially children and infants. One such method is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,523,901, for a Child's Sleep Collar. Another prior art method is shown in the Booster Seat Head Rest shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,793,287. A further effort is shown and described in the Infant Head and Neck Support device of U.S. Patent No. 5,339,472.

[0005] Each of the devices known to the inventor does provide a degree of support and protection to the head, but none is fully adequate to the needs of supporting a head during turbulent conditions or for ready adjustment of the degree of support provided.

[0006] Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide adjustable head and neck support to persons who have difficulty controlling their neck muscles. There is thus a great need and desire for devices which may be utilized, particularly in turbulent conditions, for infants and those with certain handicaps. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a head and neck protection device for persons with weak or undeveloped neck muscles, particularly adapted for car seats.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide adjustable, gentle side support for the head of an infant in a car seat.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide electronic remote control of side support to an infant's head, particularly in a car seat, so a driver or other guardian who cannot easily reach the infant can support the neck adequately.

[0010] Yet another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide preset default positions for the side support members.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to permit micro-adjustability to the side pressure provided by the wings for maximum comfort and enjoyment for the occupant.

[0012] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a head and neck protection device, usable for persons of all sizes and ages, but particularly adapted to use with infants and young children. The preferred embodiment of the device includes a support subsystem for supporting the person's head and neck and a pneumatic subsystem and control subsystem for manipulating the support subsystem. The most significant aspects of the support subsystem are a pair of wing members situated on either side of a center panel which supports the back of the head. The wing members are pivotally mounted and can be caused to rotate toward or away from the head by pneumatic pressure delivered to bellows members associated with each wing. A two way pneumatic pump controls the air pressure in the bellows. The pump may be controlled remotely by a remote control unit.

[0013] An advantage of the present invention is that it may be easily installed in a carrier such as a child's car seat to provide side support to the head and neck of the occupant.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that the parent or guardian can control the degree of side support provided by the wings remotely, even while driving.

[0015] An additional advantage of the invention is that control of the side pressure is pneumatically provided for gentle and resilient support.

[0016] A further advantage of the invention is that the wing members can be adjusted to completely hold the head in place when the occupant is sleeping or otherwise incapable of controlling neck muscles. [0017] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a Head and Neck Protection Device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; [0019] Fig. 2. is a top view of the preferred embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a cut-away diagrammatic view of the interior of the pneumatic control casing of the invention, illustrating the internal components; and . [0021] Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a remote control unit for use with the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is a head and neck protection device 10 and is adapted for use in automobiles, chairs and other seating components designed to hold human bodies, particularly those of children and infants. It is designed to support the head and neck of a person with adjustable side support and in comfort. The preferred embodiment is especially adapted for infants and small children who are likely to fall asleep in a seat of carrier and who need particular side support for a slumping head.

[0023] The head and neck protection device 10 may be considered as comprising three interrelated subsystems. These are a support subsystem 12, a pneumatic subsystem 14 and a control subsystem 16. The support subsystem 12 is the portion which actually provides the contact and support to the head and neck of the person. The pneumatic subsystem 14 uses pneumatic (air) pressure (positive and negative) to control the positioning of the movable portions of the support subsystem 12. The control subsystem 16 controls the pneumatic subsystem 14, preferably remotely.

[0024] The preferred embodiment 10 is illustrated in a perspective view in Fig. 1 and in a top plan view in Fig. 2. This embodiment is particularly adapted to operate with a conventional child's car seat and to fit into and onto such a seat for use. The support subsystem 12 appearing in front in the drawings is intended to fit within the seat, while the main parts of the pneumatic subsystem 14 and the control subsystem 16 are situated behind or at a greater distance form the seat. It is intended that only the support subsystem 12 will be readily accessible to the occupant of the seat.

[0025] In the support subsystem 12 a frame 18 forms the rear of the component while the front portion of the component includes a center panel 20 and a pair of wings 21, including a left wing 22 and a right wing 24. Cushioned comfort pads 26 are secured on the front surface of each of the center panel 20 and the wings 21 to provide the surfaces against which the occupant's head will rest.

[0026] The frame 18 is a thin, but three-dimensional structure including a solid rear plate 28, a circumferential edge plate 30 and a front plate 32 upon which the center panel 20, the left wing 22 and the right wing 24 are mounted. The wings 21 are pivo tally secured to the front plate 32 by wing hinges 34. Airtight bellows members 36 are placed into a cavity 38 which formed between the frame 18 and the rear surfaces of each of the wings 21. The cavity 38 is extendable when the wing 21 is pivoted away from the frame 18 on the hinge 34. The bellows 36 are secured to the rear surface to of the corresponding wing such that expansion of the bellows 36 forces the corresponding wing 21 outward. Similarly, deflation (compression) of the bellows 36 will draw the corresponding wing 21 back toward the frame 18 to minimize the cavity 38.

[0027] The bellows 36 are a part of both the support subsystem 12 and the pneumatic subsystem 14 and each, in the preferred embodiment 10, includes a connection nipple 40 to facilitate connection to the other components of the pneumatic subsystem 14. The structure permits each bellows 36 to be a modular self contained element which may be easily installed and/or replaced, in the cavity between the wing and the frame 18. Alternatively, the bellows 36 and frame 18 could be formed and oriented such that the nipple 40 extends through an aperture 42 (see Fig. 2) in the frame 18 (either in the rear plate 28 or the edge plate 30). Such an arrangement would permit the wing 21 to lie flat against the frame 18 when the bellows 36 is completely compressed and minimize the potential for damage to the bellows 36 or nipple 40 during operation.

[0028] The nipples are connected to fluid flow tubes 44 which connect the bellows 36 to the pneumatic subassembly 14. A left wing tube 46 and right wing tube 48 respectively connect to the bellows 36 associated with the left wing 22 and the right wing 24. The tubes 44 extend through an arch portion 50 adapted to extend over the back of the car seat and connect to ports 52 formed in the pneumatic control casing 54.

[0029] The details of the pneumatic casing 54 and its contents are shown in a stylized diagrammatical cutaway view in Fig. 3. 1 1 is understood that the interior may not actually look as shown, but the object is to illustrate various components which make up the principal components of the pneumatic subsystem and control subsystem as they would be contained in a preferred version of the casing 54.

[0030] The casing 54 in the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the drawings is a cylindrical tube adapted to be mounted in proximity to the car seat or other location where the head and neck protection device 10 is mounted. It is adapted to be located behind the seat or otherwise in a spot which is not readily reached by the child occupant. To facilitate mounting, various mounting plates 56 with strap receiving slots 58 may be formed on the casing 54. The mounting plates 56 are adapted to mate with locations on the seats and to receive straps (not shown) through the slots 58 in order that the casing may be secured in place. The locations of the mounting plates 56 are a matter of choice and may be modified to fit with particular uses. It is noted that it may also be desirable to provide similar strap slot 58 or apertures on the frame 18 (see Fig 1) to secure the support subsystem 12 in place.

[0031] The interior of the cylindrical casing 54 is shown in Fig. 3 to contain a pneumatic pump 60. The preferred pneumatic pump 60 is a two-way pump capable of delivering air or other pneumatic fluid through the tubes 44 to the bellows 36 and also to empty the bellows 36 by sucking air back through the tubes 44. The pump 60 is powered by a power source 62 contained within the casing 54, shown in the drawing as stylized batteries. The operation of the pump is controlled by control circuitry 64 also mounted in the casing 54, shown in the drawing as a stylized circuit board. The power source 62 and control circuitry 64 are a matter of engineering choice and are well known off the shelf components. An antenna 66 is also mounted near the control circuitry to receive radio or similar signals (shown as an internal antenna in Fig. 3). Conductive wiring 68 runs between the power source 62 and the other electronic components shown to deliver electrical current and control signals.

[0032] In the deluxe embodiment shown, the pump 60 operates to deliver air through a three- way valve 70 which is also connected to tubes 44 flowing to the ports 52 to which the left wing tube 46 and the right wing tube 48 are connected. The three way valve 70, also operated by the control circuitry 64, directs flow of air to and from the left wing bellows, the right wing bellows or both, depending on the desired manipulation. The three way valve 70 is optional and a simplified version of the invention always delivers air flow between the pump 60 and both wings 21 simultaneously.

[0033] The preferred embodiment 10 of the invention is intended to be remotely controlled by the parent, driver or other responsible person. For this purpose, the preferred control subsystem 16 includes a remote control unit 72, illustrated in Fig. 4. The remote control 72 includes an internal transmitter 74 (not shown), powered by an internal power supply 16 (not shown) for delivering control signals to the antenna 66 and consequently to the control circuitry 64. The responsible person can thus adjust the wings 21 remotely with the remote control 72.

[0034] The deluxe embodiment of the remote control 72 illustrated in Fig. 4 includes a three- position switch 78 for operating the three-way valve 70. The default or center position 80 on the switch 78 directs flow to the bellows 36 associated with both wings 21 simultaneously, while a left position 82 directs flow only to the left wing 24 and a right position 84 directs flow only to the right wing 26. The three-position switch 78 is optional and is not present in simpler embodiments where all flow goes simultaneously to both wings 21.

[0035] The remote control 72 also includes an inflate control button 86 and a deflate control . button 88 by which the user may direct the pump 60 to either inflate or deflate the selected . wing or wings 21. These buttons are used when precise control is desired. The remote control 72 also includes a set of buttons adapted to adjust the wings to preset positions. These, in the preferred embodiment, include a full deflate button 90, a medium inflate button 92 and a full inflate button 94. The illustrations of Figs. 1 and 2 show the result of pushing the medium inflate button 92.

[0036] The preferred embodiment 10 shown is adapted to be a portable device which may be temporarily mounted in a variety of locations. However, it is also envisioned that the system may be permanently installed or built in to certain structures, such as infant car seats.

[0037] Pneumatic control of the positioning of wings 21 is preferred in the present embodiment. However, other forms of hydraulic, mechanical or electronic control may be substituted for some purposes.

[0038] It is also envisioned that further embodiments may include additional bellows 36 placed to urge the head and neck forward or backward, with corresponding additional tubes 44 and controls. Similarly alternate control mechanisms and methods may be utilized. While a wireless remote control unit 72 is part of the currently understood best mode a wired controller is also possible. Further, for some applications it may be desirable to have the controls be voice actuated, rather than by mechanical depression of buttons. [0039] Numerous other variants and modifications of the head and neck protection device 10 of the present invention may be envisioned and implemented. The above discussed embodiments are for exemplary purposes only and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the true and full spirit and scope of the invention. While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0040] The head and neck protection device 10 of the present invention is intended for use by persons who wish or require protection and support for the head and neck area. A particularly common application is for child seats and carriers, particularly those adapted for infants without well developed neck muscles. The invention may also be useful for persons with neck injuries or certain types of handicaps.

[0041] A typical application of the head and neck protection device 10 is in combination with a child's car seat. In such an application the device 10 is installed in and on the seat with the frame 18 placed in the area where the occupant's head will rest, being centered so the back of the occupant's head will rest against the center panel 20. The device will be sized such that the width of the occupant's head does not greatly exceed the width of the center panel 20. If convenient in the particular car seat, the strap slots 58 in the front plate 32 may be used with car seat straps to secure the position. The pneumatic casing 54 will be secured to the rear area of the car seat, and will be held in place by straps or fasteners engaging the strap slots 58 in the mounting plates 56. The left wing tube 46 and the right wing tube 48 will extend from the ports 52 on the pneumatic casing 54 to the corresponding nipples 40 on the bellows members 36, typically with each tube 44 including an arch portion 50 extending over the top of the back of the car seat. The device 10 is adapted to be readily uninstalled and moved to a different carrier or seat.

[0042] Prior to placing the occupant in the car seat, the wings 21 will ordinarily be set to a flat default position by the remote control 72 using the full deflate button 88 such that the left wing 22 and the right wing 24 lie flush against the frame front plate 32. This allows full freedom of movement and peripheral vision to the occupant and is desirable when the occupant is alert and in control of their own head and neck movement. However, in some instances it may be preferred to use the medium inflate button 92 to achieve the partially pivoted position of the wings 21 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. This position provides some freedom of movement while also providing some side support and protection for the head.

[0043] Once the seat is occupied the inflation of the bellows members 36 may be controlled as appropriate. For full support and restriction of movement, the full inflate button 94 may be used to extend the wings 21 to a position essentially perpendicular to the plane of the rear plate 28. It is noted that the wings 21 will not rotate beyond this position since the bellows 36 are selected to have a limited volume which only allows expansion to such a degree and also since the comfort pads 26 on the corresponding wing 21 and center panel 20 prevent further rotation on the hinge 34. This sort of restrictive support is desired, for example for a person having a neck injury or an infant who has fallen asleep. This prevents movement and jolting of the head and neck, such as could occur when driving.

[0044] . There are often occasions when more precise control may be desired. In these cases . the inflate button 88 and deflate button 90 may be used to micro-adjust the positions of the wings 21, as desired. Similarly, in the embodiment including the three-position switch 78 and three way valve 70, the left wing 22 and right wing 24 may be adjusted independently.

[0045] The adjustable head and neck support provided by the present invention are of great benefit to the occupant and to parents and guardians wishing to protect infants and the like. The remote control aspects make it feasible to tend to the comfort and safety of an occupant while a caregiver is driving or is a position where it is difficult or inconvenient to manually attend to such.

[0046] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the head and neck protection device 10 of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long lasting.

Claims

IN THE CLAIMSWhile various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.What is claimed is:

1. A head and neck protection device for a person, comprising: a support subsystem mounted such that the person's head rests against a central panel and is laterally surrounded by a pair of movable wing panels; a subsystem for moving said wing panels to provide greater or lesser side pressure to the person's head; and a control subsystem for electronically said subsystem for moving said wing panels

2. The head and neck protection device of claim 1, wherein said subsystem for moving said wing panels is pneumatically powered.

3. The head and neck protection device of claim 2, wherein said support subsystem wing panels include a left wing and a right wing, each said wing being pivotally mounted; and said subsystem for moving said wing panels includes a bellows mounted to abut the rear surface of each wing panel to pivotally manipulate the pivotal position of said wing panel, each said bellows being connected to a two-way pneumatic pump.

4. The head and neck protection device of claim 3, wherein said two-way pneumatic pump controls both said left wing and said right wing simultaneously.

5. The head and neck protection device of claim 3, wherein said two-way pneumatic pump separately controls said left wing and said right wing.

6. The head and neck protection device of claim 1, wherein said control subsystem includes a remote control unit.

7. The head and neck protection device of claim 6, wherein said remote control unit operates wirelessly.

8. An electronically controlled system for supporting the head and neck of an infant, comprising: a support frame having a front surface upon which are a center panel, a left wing and a right wing, said left wing and said right wing being pivotally mounted laterally opposite each other about said center panel; pivotal motive means for controllably pivoting said left wing and said right wing with respect to said center panel; and electronic controls for remotely operating said pivotal motive means.

9. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 8, wherein said pivotal motive means include: a bellows member abutting the rear surface of each of said left wing and said right wing; a two-way pneumatic pump for supplying positive and negative pneumatic pressure to each said bellows member; and tubing connecting said two-way pump to each said bellows member.

10. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 9, wherein said two-way pneumatic pump includes a three-way valve such that pneumatic pressure may be selectively delivered to said bellows associated with said left wing, said right wing, or both simultaneously.

11. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 9, wherein said electronic controls include a remote control unit having components for inflating said bellows and deflating said bellows.

12. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 11, wherein said remote control unit further includes preset buttons for selected degrees of pivotal positioning of said wings.

13. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 8, wherein major portions of said pivotal motive means and said electronic controls are situated in a casing which is physically separated from said support frame.

14. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 8, wherein . said left wing and said right wing are mounted on said support frame by hinges.

15. The system for supporting the head and neck of an infant of claim 8, wherein said center panel has a lateral width approximately equal to the width of the head of a typical user of said system.