Headache mitigating apparatus

Abstract

The headache mitigating apparatus includes at least a transverse strap configured to wrap around a user's head in the manner of a hat band and at least one strap configured to extend under the user's occipital bone and rest along the user's upper neck as well as extending over the head strap at a forward end thereof. The apparatus can include bladders in the transverse and occipital straps, respectively. The bladders can be filled simultaneously or separately with a pneumatic hand pump such as those found on sphygmomanometers or may include an inflation apparatus which is operable via a push button, in a manner similar to that in which self-inflating items inflate. At least one strap may also accommodate a gel pack for heating or cooling. One or both straps may include buckles or hook and loop closures configured to be adjusted to secure the apparatus to the user's head.

Claims

1. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising: at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head of a user and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap having an internal releasably inflatable bladder to apply pressure against the suboccipital area.

2. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first adjustable strap is also releasably inflatable.

3. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second adjustable strap further incorporates a forwardly and upwardly extending portion disposed on an opposite side of the first strap as compared to the portion of the second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap.

4. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the forwardly and upwardly extension is also provided with a releasably inflatable bladder.

5. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a hand pump.

6. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a mechanical pump carried by the apparatus.

7. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired.

8. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the straps further include hot or cold inserts which are permanently affixed to the straps.

9. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 further including a pressure control valve to limit inflation of the bladders.

10. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house protrusion inserts that apply localized pressure.

11. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house magnets.

12. The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house aromatherapy inserts.

13. The head mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein all inflatable bladders are interconnected.

14. The head mitigating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the area of each bladder(s) and the force of air delivered by the pump into said bladder(s) may create a P.sub.h of at least 0.01 lb.sub.f/in.sup.2 in each bladder whereas P.sub.h=F.sub.a/A.sub.b.

15. The head mitigating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the summative P.sub.h from the bladder(s) creates a F.sub.h greater than 0.1 kg.Math.m/s.sup.2 to the user's head/neck whereas P.sub.h=Pressure in bladders, F.sub.h=Force applied to the head, F.sub.a=force applied by pump to an individual bladder, A.sub.b=the area of an individual bladder and P.sub.h=F.sub.a/A.sub.b.

16. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising: at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap having an internal releasably inflatable bladder to apply pressure against the suboccipital area; wherein the first adjustable strap also has an internal releasably inflatable bladder.

17. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising: at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap being internally releasably inflatable to apply pressure against the suboccipital area; wherein the first adjustable strap is also internally releasably inflatable, wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be more readily understood after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention in combination with the drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 provides a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of the headache mitigation apparatus of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the headache mitigation apparatus of the present invention

(4) FIG. 3 provides a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 situated on a user's head;

(5) FIG. 4 provides a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 situated on a user's head;

(6) FIG. 5 provides a front perspective view of another embodiment of the headache mitigation apparatus of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 provides a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

(8) FIG. 7 provides a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

(9) FIG. 8 provides a front perspective view of another embodiment of the headache

(10) mitigation apparatus of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 9 provides a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7;

(12) FIG. 10 provides a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7;

(13) FIG. 11 provides a front view of an alternative embodiment of the head mitigating apparatus with an inflatable air valve; and

(14) FIG. 12 provides a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the head mitigating apparatus with an inflatable air valve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(15) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(16) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described next with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings. This embodiment comprises a headache mitigating apparatus (10) consisting of a head strap (12) that completely circles the circumferences of the user head (36). A suboccipital strap (14) is used in connection with the head strap (12), not limited to, but in union with the suboccipital middle connector member (48). The suboccipital middle connector member (48) helps provide stability of the device by connecting itself to the head strap (12). Its purpose is not limited to but includes supporting the head mitigating apparatus (10) to the head (36 of FIG. 3). Gaps (56) are located just below the front upper strap (16) and on opposite sides of the suboccipital middle connector member (48). Its purpose is to lighten the headache mitigating apparatus and to provide air circulation to certain areas of the head (36). In addition, a front head strap bladder (38) is used to apply pressure to the back side of the head alleviating certain types of headaches Suboccipital bladder (42) is used to apply pressure to the suboccipital muscles which are the main cause of many headaches. Another bladder (40) shown in FIG. 3 is used to provide pressure to the forehead. An Inflation bulb (24) generates air pressure to the bladders by a squeezing action that introduces air through a tube (28) directed to the individual bladders simultaneously and uniformly in nature. Bladders (38,40, 42) are all connected through internal tubing (not shown) that may take different passages inside the head mitigating apparatus (10). Strap buckles (20) are located uniformly to the sides of the suboccipital strap (14) and are used to adjust the head mitigating apparatus (10) to the individual user's head (36 of FIG. 3).

(17) In FIG. 2, a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is illustrated. This embodiment comprises a headache mitigating apparatus (10). Consisting of a head strap (12) that completely circles the circumference of the user head (36). A suboccipital strap (14) is used in connection with the head strap (12), not limited to, but in union with the suboccipital middle connector member (48). In this view, bladders (38,40,42) are not depicted to better demonstrate the suboccipital pocket (50) which may be used to insert a cooling gel pad or warming pad (not shown). The cooling/warming pad may be inserted through slit (54) or an suboccipital insertion/removal bladder may be used. In alternative embodiments, the pocket (50) may also house different types of inserts including but not limited to protrusions, aroma therapy inserts and magnets. In other alternative embodiments, there may be one or more slits placed in various positions on the headband such as but not limited to anywhere on the suboccipital strap (14) or head strap (12).

(18) With respect to FIG. 3, a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment is illustrated showing the head strap (12) securely attached around the circumference of the head (36). The headache mitigating apparatus (10) snuggly fits around the front forehead (18) and suboccipital (14) strap by means of strap buckles (20) Adjustment of the straps (12,14,16) are used to comfortably secure the head mitigating apparatus (10) to different head (36) sizes. Bladders (38,40,42) are all inter connected with tubing (not shown) that permits even air pressure throughout. Inflation bulb (24) provides a means of manually applying air pressure through tube (28) to the suboccipital bladder (42), head rear bladder (38), and forehead head strap bladder (40). Gap areas (56) permit air circulation to those parts of the head and make the head mitigating apparatus light. The suboccipital middle connector member (48) helps provide stability of the device by connecting the suboccipital strap (14) to the head strap (12). Pressure is applied to the forehead area (18) by forehead bladder (40). The suboccipital strap (14) is typically positioned just above the upper neck area (22), below the suboccipital bone (not shown). Its main purpose it to provide pressure to the suboccipital muscles. When the user wishes to reduce pressure from the bladders (38, 40, 42) the pressure release valve (26) is used. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to but may use a bladder type cuff device for pressurizing the bladders (38, 40, 42). A lower occipital strap end (30) is used to pull the suboccipital strap (14) comfortably to the upper neck area (22). An upper head strap end (32) is used to fasten the head strap (12) comfortably around the user, and also used to loosen the head mitigating apparatus.

(19) With respect to FIG. 4, a back-head perspective view of the preferred embodiment is illustrated clearly showing how the head strap bladder (38) and suboccipital bladder (42) apply pressure to the back side of the head. Suboccipital middle connector member (48), clearly connects the head strap (12) section to the suboccipital strap (14). Gaps (56) are clearly shown providing ventilation to the rest of the head (36). Straps (20) can be easily adjusted by the user for each side. The upper neck area is located just below the suboccipital strap (14) where the sub occipital muscles are located. The inflation bulb (24), pressure release valve (26) and tube (28) can be moved to the side after use freeing up the user to move around. In some embodiments, the inflation bulb (24) may be detached from headache mitigating apparatus (10).

(20) With respect to FIG. 5, a slightly different embodiment is used whereby the suboccipital middle connector member (48) is not incorporated, and an integral hand pump (34) is used at the front upper strap (16). When hand pump (34) is actuated, air is pushed through tube (28) to the internal bladders (not shown) of the headache mitigating apparatus (10). Straps (20) are used to adjust the suboccipital strap (14) to a comfortable fit for the user. Upper head strap ends (32) are used to fasten and adjust the head strap (12). Since no suboccipital middle connector member (48) is used a wider gap area (56) is created. This helps provide more ventilation and cooling for the user. This type of design helps provide a slightly different pressure to the suboccipital muscles. When it is desired to unpressurize the hidden bladders (not shown), air release button (46) is held so air may be released. In addition, in this alternative embodiment a suboccipital pocket (50) may be used to insert a cooling gel pad or warming pad (not shown). The cooling/warming pad may be inserted through slit (54) or an suboccipital insertion/removal bladder may be used.

(21) With respect to FIG. 6 a side perspective view of the alternative head mitigating apparatus (10) is illustrated clearly showing how the upper head strap end (32) is used to fasten and adjust head strap (12). Air pressure can be inserted into the bladders by hand pump (34) connected to a tube (28) going to different bladders (not shown). Lower suboccipital strap end (30) is also used to adjust the fit of the occipital strap to the back-neck area. Suboccipital pocket (50) can hold a heating/cooling gel to stimulate the occipital muscles when pressure is applied to the bladders (not shown). The gel is inserted through the suboccipital slit (54). This design does not use a (suboccipital middle connector member (48).

(22) With respect to FIG. 7, a rear perspective view of the alternative head mitigating apparatus (10) is illustrated incorporating all the same features as that of FIG. 6.

(23) With respect to FIG. 8, a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the head mitigating apparatus (10) incorporating the suboccipital middle connector member (48) and using a hand pump (34) for inflation is illustrated. Gaps (56) are used to provide air circulation to the user. Suboccipital middle connector member (48) is used to provide a path to the head strap (12), Strap buckles (20) are used to securely fasten the suboccipital strap (14) to the upper neck area (22). Two upper head strap ends (32) are used to pull, fasten and adjust head strap (12) to the user. FIGS. 5, 6, 7 are similar in nature to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 with the exception of the suboccipital middle connector member.

(24) With respect to FIG. 11 a front view of an alternative embodiment of the head mitigating apparatus with an inflatable air valve (44) is illustrated. In this embodiment, the user can inflate the internal bladders (not shown) by inserting an air pin into air valve (44). The same air valve (44) is used to deflate pressure to the internal bladders. Again, in this embodiment the forehead bladder (40), head strap bladder (38) and suboccipital bladder (42) are not shown but are all connected internally by a tube (28) configuration applying equal pressure throughout.

(25) With respect to FIG. 12 a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the head mitigating apparatus (10) with an inflatable air valve is depicted. Inflatable air valve (44) is located at the forehead area (18) of the user. Head strap area (12) has internal bladders located in the front and rear used to apply pressure to the head and to the sub occipital bladder (42) not shown in this illustration. The suboccipital strap (14) and head strap (12) use strap buckles (20) for making adjustments to the head and neck area. A suboccipital pocket (50) is also used whereby a cooling gel or heating pad can be inserted through the suboccipital slit (54) and rest in pocket (50).

(26) It should be noted that the headache mitigating apparatus may be configured but not limited to industry standard materials often used for head use. The bladders may be filled in synchronicity or independently from each other with air for pressurization, which may be either identical or different, in the manner in which a blood pressure cuff is inflated. Each user can distribute pressure discriminatingly to determine what works best for their particular type of headache. Also, the strap that wraps around the upper neck region 15 may hold accessory Insertable/removable bladder(s) (52) of material such as gel that can be heated or cooled which is inserted into a central area of the occipital strap (14) via a slit (54) leading into a small pocket (50) provided therein, which are only described here once, for brevity

(27) It should be noted that the invention is not limited strap buckles (20) such as those illustrated, but may use other suitable connectors, not limited to but including hook and loop structures, ratcheting mechanisms, etc.

(28) Loosening contraction of the muscles in the upper neck area (22) ultimately decreases tension on structures attached thereto, as known in the art, which causes headache pain. It should be noted that the pump device (34) is similar in nature as other industry standard devices that allow air to be drawn and or released

(29) When the bladders are inflated, the pump may apply a constant or pulsed pressure to help loosen tightly contracted muscles in the upper neck area (22). Loosening contraction of the muscles in the upper neck area (22) ultimately decreases tension on structures attached thereto, as known in the art, which cause the headache pain. It should be noted that the pump device is similar in nature as other industry standard devices that allow air to be drawn and or released.

(30) The interior bladders (18, 38, 42) may be, but is not limited to, being filled simultaneously or separately, to apply specific pressure to a desired area. The bladders are expanded manually or mechanically by means of a pump.

(31) The headache mitigating apparatus (10) according to the present disclosure alleviates numerous types of headaches using inflatable bladders to relieve upper neck area (known as suboccipital) muscle tension. The apparatus (10) in its various embodiments comprises a head strap (12) that wraps around the head in the manner of a hatband and at least one other strap, a suboccipital strap (14) that passes under the occipital bone (not shown) resting along the upper neck area (22) as well as extending over and above a forward area (18) of the head strap (12), creating a narrow X shape to the headache mitigating apparatus (10) when viewed from the side. Both straps (12, 16) are primarily configured with bladders (38, 40, 42). Both straps 12, 14 are adjustable to fit the user's head and may be attached and held in position by suitable buckles 22 such as those illustrated, or with other suitable connectors, not limited to but including hook and loop structures, ratcheting mechanisms, etc.

(32) A headache mitigating apparatus comprising at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about the head of a wearer about a front to back circumference of the head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area at the juncture of the head and an area the neck known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap being releasably inflatable to apply pressure against the suboccipital area.

(33) A headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first adjustable strap is also releasably inflatable.

(34) The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second adjustable strap further incorporates a forwardly and upwardly adjustable extension which extends across a forehead portion of the head of the wearer.

(35) The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the forwardly and upwardly adjustable extension which extends across a forehead portion of the head of the wearer is also releasably inflatable.

(36) A headache mitigating apparatus wherein the accessory further wide adjustable strap positioned across a crown of the head of the wearer is also releasably inflatable.

(37) A headache mitigating apparatus wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a hand pump.

(38) A headache mitigating apparatus wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a mechanical pump carried by the apparatus.

(39) A headache mitigating apparatus wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired.

(40) A headache mitigating apparatus wherein the straps further include hot or cold inserts which are permanently affixed to the straps.

(41) A headache mitigating apparatus further including a pressure control valve to limit inflation of the bladders.

(42) A head mitigating apparatus, wherein all inflatable bladders are interconnected.

(43) A head mitigating apparatus wherein the area of each bladder(s) and the force of air delivered by the pump into said bladder(s) may create a P.sub.h of at least 0.01 lb.sub.f/in.sup.2 in each bladder whereas P.sub.h=F.sub.a/A.sub.b.

(44) A head mitigating apparatus, wherein the summative P.sub.h from the bladder(s) creates a F.sub.h greater than 0.1 kg.Math.m/s.sup.2 to the user's head/neck whereas P.sub.h=Pressure in bladders, F.sub.h=Force applied to the head, F.sub.a=force applied by pump to an individual bladder, A.sub.b=the area of an individual bladder and P.sub.h=F.sub.a/A.sub.b.

(45) The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house protrusion inserts that apply localized pressure.

(46) The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house magnets.

(47) The headache mitigating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cavities may alternatively house aromatherapy inserts.

(48) A headache mitigating apparatus comprising:

(49) at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about the head of a wearer about a front to back circumference of the head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area at the juncture of the head and an area the neck known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap being releasably inflatable to apply pressure against the suboccipital area, wherein the first adjustable strap is also releasably inflatable.

(50) A headache mitigating apparatus comprising: at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about the head of a wearer about a front to back circumference of the head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area at the juncture of the head and an area the neck known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap being releasably inflatable to apply pressure against the suboccipital area. wherein the first adjustable strap is also releasably inflatable, wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired.

(51) It should be noted that various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.