Neck support

Abstract

A neck support includes a frame enclosing an opening. The frame has an outer perimeter, a front side, an upper portion and a lower portion. The opening is configured to receive a user's head. The neck support further includes a notch in a lower portion of the frame, a strap connected to the frame and extending across the opening and a first support material on a part of the strap and frame covering the opening. The first support material, the notch and strap are for supporting a user's vertebrae and head.

Claims

1. A neck support comprising: a ring-shaped frame enclosing an opening, the ring-shaped frame having a front surface, a back surface, a medial surface and a lateral surface, a depth of the ring-shaped frame extending from the front surface to the back surface, the medial surface defining a perimeter of the opening, the opening having a width, the opening being configured to receive a user's head; a notch formed in the ring-shaped frame, the notch being in the front surface, the medial surface and the lateral surface, a depth of the notch being less than the depth of the ring-shaped frame; a strap connected to the ring-shaped frame and extending across the width of the opening, and a first support material being placed on the strap and extending across the front surface, the first support material and the strap are configured to support the user's head.

2. The neck support recited in claim 1, further comprising a second support material placed over the first support material.

3. The neck support recited in claim 2, wherein the depth of the notch is from 0.25 to 0.75 inches.

4. The neck support recited in claim 2, wherein the second support material is thicker than the first support material.

5. The neck support recited in claim 2, wherein the second support material extends beyond the ring-shaped frame.

6. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the first support material is configured to receive a posterior side of the user's head.

7. The neck support recited in claim 6, wherein the strap contacts the front surface of the ring-shaped frame.

8. The neck support recited in claim 7, wherein the strap is fixed to the front surface of the ring-shaped frame.

9. The neck support recited in claim 6, wherein the strap is adjustable.

10. The neck support recited in claim 6, wherein a diameter of the ring-shaped frame is 8 to 14 inches.

11. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the opening extends through the front surface and the back surface.

12. The neck support recited in claim 1, further comprising a case for containing the neck support for use or storage, the case being made of a washable fabric.

13. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the first support material further extends across the notch.

14. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the medial surface and the lateral surface are concentric with each other.

15. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the medial surface extends from an edge of the front surface to an edge of the back surface.

16. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the first support material further extends across an entire area of the front surface.

17. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped frame is rectangular, circular or oval.

18. The neck support recited in claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped frame is made from a foam, inflatable or molded.

19. A neck support comprising: a ring-shaped frame enclosing an opening, the ring-shaped frame having a front side, a back side, a depth extending from the front side to the back side, a medial side and a lateral side, the ring-shaped frame being from 8 to 14 inches wide; a notch formed in the front side, the medial side and the lateral side, the notch being from 0.5 to 4.0 inches wide, a depth of the notch being less than the depth; a strap connected to the ring-shaped frame and extending across a width of the opening; and a first support material being placed on the strap and extending across the front side, the first support material being from 6 to 15 inches wide, the first support material and the strap are configured to support the user's head.

20. The neck support recited in claim 19, further comprising a second support material placed over the first support material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be explained with reference to the following figures:

(2) FIGS. 1a to 1e show the neck support of the present invention;

(3) FIGS. 2a to 2c show the neck support supporting a user in a supine position, sitting position and standing position, respectively;

(4) FIG. 3 shows vertebrae C1 to C7 of a human; and

(5) FIG. 4 is another view of the neck support of FIG. 1d.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) With regard to the human body, the neck or cervical spine is composed of 7 vertebrae, C1 to C7, discs, ligaments and muscle, see FIG. 3. The neck supports the head. The neck is very flexible and not protected by other structures, consequently the neck is more susceptible to stresses and strains than other parts of the spine. The neck has a natural curve, cervical lordosis, so the head is positioned directly above the shoulder. Due to poor posture the head is often positioned in front of the shoulders with the chin poking forward. Over time the natural curve is altered and neck problems develop such as joint pain, muscle spasms and limited range of motion.

(7) As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, the neck support 10 includes a frame 12 enclosing an opening 13 to accommodate the back of the head down to the cervical spine comfortably. Frame 12 includes an outer perimeter 11 and an inner perimeter 15. The frame 12, as shown is circular, however, the present invention is not limited to this design. Frame 12 may be, for example, circular, square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, or any shape that will accommodate the neck and head. Frame 12 may include, for example, an 11-inch diameter, a height of 1.5 inches and a width of 1.5 inches, for example. As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1e, opening 13 extends through the front and back sides of frame 12. As further shown in FIG. 1a, inner perimeter 15 surrounds and encloses a perimeter of opening 13.

(8) Frame 12 may have a diameter ranging from 8 to 14 inches. Frame 12 may be made from foam having different shapes and qualities. Frame 12 may be made from other materials as well, for example, frame 12 may be inflatable. A cross-sectional shape may be cylindrical, beveled, square or odd shaped foams, the foam may be open or closed cell type, the diameter may range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches and the foam may be medium to hard density. Neck support 10 may also be manufactured using silicon injection molding. A lower portion 14 of frame 12 includes a notch 20 in the front side of the frame 12 from, for example, 0.5 to 4.0 inches wide depending upon the thickness and design of the frame and foam, at the base of the frame to accommodate the lower area of the cervical spine. FIG. 1b. The cut-out notch can be 0.25 to 0.75 inches deep extending from the front side to the back side of the frame 12. The design for the cut-out notch can be oval, square, diamond, round, rectangular, U-shape, V-shape (weir notch) or other notch shape to accommodate the cervical spine. The notch 20 can be padded with a soft thin foam 32 as needed for comfort and additional support for a user's lower cervical area. FIGS. 1c and 1d. A portion of the cervical spine is supported by notch 20 of frame 12. Notch 20 helps provide proper alignment of the cervical spine with relation to the head and frame 12.

(9) FIG. 1e shows a back side of the neck support 10. A strap 30 is connected across a front side of frame 12 to create a hammock, sling, webbing or shaping for the back of the head and neck. See FIG. 1e. The strap 30 is positioned slightly above a middle of frame 12 to accommodate the back of the head. The strap can be made out of hook and loop fastener, touch fastener, thin rubber, different fabrics, latex, foams and other materials that can be horizontally fastened across the side of the frame. Tension in strap 30 can be adjusted for comfort. Strap 30 also provides a base for support materials 32, 34. Ends of strap 30 may wrap around to a back side of frame 12. A user's head rests on the strap 30 in opening 13 via support materials 32, 34. As shown, in FIGS. 2a to 2c, a user's head may rest in the middle area of frame 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, the user's head falls into opening 13 within the outer perimeter 11 of frame 12 and is supported by frame 12, strap 30 and support materials 32, 34.

(10) A first support material 32, for example, made of thin foam from 0.25 to 1.0-inch-thick, or fabric, rubber, elastomers, vinyl or latex, may be placed on the front side of frame 12 over a center portion of strap 30 and opening 13. First support layer 32 may be 6 to 15 inches in diameter. See FIG. 1e. First support layer 32 may have the same outer perimeter dimension as frame 12 and cover frame 12 and opening 13. See FIG. 1c. As shown in FIGS. 1c and 1e, first support material 32 is arranged on the front side of frame 12, on top of opening 13 and inner perimeter 15. In FIGS. 1c and 1e, first support material 32 has the same perimeter as outer perimeter 11 of frame 12. Support material 32 is arranged on the front side of frame 12 so the outer perimeter of support material 32 aligns with outer perimeter 11.

(11) A second support material 34, for example, which may be thicker than first support material 32, is placed over first support material 32 on the lower portion 14 of frame 12. The second support material 34 can be made out of regular foam, gel memory foam, regular memory foam, open or closed cell foam, fabric, egg crate foam, rubber or other material that gives comfort for resting the back of the head and neck. The second support material 34 may be 0.5 to 3.0 inches thick depending upon the type of foam and measuring 6 to 15 inches in diameter or width at the widest part depending upon size of user's head. The shape of this material may be half-moon/semi-circular (1d), circular, square, pentagon, triangle, hexagon, rectangle, octagon, or anything related to the shape that would accommodate the neck and back of the head. Fasteners, glue, epoxy or the like can be used to fasten the second support material 34 to lower portion 14 of frame 12 or first support material 32.

(12) An overhang portion 36 of support material 34 may extend beyond outer perimeter 11 in a lower portion 14 of frame 12. FIG. 4. An overhang of support material 32 may also be provided under overhang portion 36. Overhangs 36 provides additional support and comfort for a user's neck. Overhangs 36 may also be glued to notch 20.

(13) A user aligns support 10 with their neck so the user can rest their cervical spine on notch 20. Vertebrae C1 to C6 are supported by the notch 20 and support materials 32, 34 thereon. The upper part of the cervical spine, for example, vertebrae C1-3, a base of the skull and a portion of the head are supported by strap 30, first support material 32 and second support material 34. Vertebrae C7 may not contact notch 20 or support 10 because vertebrae C7 may be just below frame 12. Though some users may find vertebrae C7 supported by notch 20 and materials 32, 34 or overhang 36, if present. The exact positioning of support 10 will depend upon on the user. By supporting vertebrae C1 to C6, notch 20 and support materials 32, 34 position the cervical spine in a neutral position.

(14) The upper portion of the neck, ears and lower to mid part of the head are resting on strap 30 and first and second support materials 32, 34 which brings the user's head into a neutral position that provides proper chin tuck positioning. The chin tuck position moves the chin horizontally towards the spine thereby elongating the neck, the chin is tucking in to bring the ears back in alignment with the shoulders. Chin tuck encourages a gentle stretch of the neck muscles and provides better posture which in turn eases pain. A chin tuck position may be obtained in supine, sitting or standing positions. See FIGS. 2a to 2c.

(15) The upper portion of the head is resting on first support material 32, thereby bringing the entire head into a comfortable position to ease tension of the cervical spine. When the weight of the neck and lower part of the head are resting on support 10, frame 12 elevates slightly against the user's neck and base of the head, thereby cradling or hugging the user's neck and head. In this position, the user may rest his neck and head on support 10 and use support 10 in the manner one would use a pillow.

(16) FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show a user using the neck support 10. In FIG. 2a, the user is laying down in a supine position, in FIG. 2b, the user is sitting and in FIG. 2c the user is standing. The neck of each user in each position is in a neutral position with the ears aligning with the shoulders.

(17) Neck support 10 reduces axial extension and decreases a forward head posture thereby decreasing stress on the head and neck muscles. The cervical spine is placed in a stress-free position when using support 10. It promotes a normal chin tuck position with the least amount of energy, resulting in an increase of flexibility. Static traction is achieved with no energy expenditure or mechanical intervention. Neck support 10 relaxes the muscles after using support 10 for a short period of time. Neck support 10 may also work like an anti-aging device, reducing neck creases seen with aging.

(18) FIGS. 2a to 2c show a user using support 10. Support 10 is placed under the user's head so the cervical spine vertebrae, C1-6, are resting on the notch 20, strap 30 and support materials 32, 34. Vertebrae C7 may not rest on notch 20. The upper spine, ears and lower portion of the head rest on second support material 34 so that neck and head are positioned in neutral. The remaining portion of the head rests on first support material 32 and strap 30.

(19) In FIG. 2a, the user is in a supine position, lying flat on their back with strap 30 forming a hammock in opening 13. Support materials 32, 34, placed over strap 30, support a curved area of the neck to bring the neck into a neutral position. Frame 12 and support materials 32, 34 cradle the head to provide gentle traction and a neutral position.

(20) In FIG. 2b, the user is sitting. Strap 30 and supports 32, 34 support the curved area of the neck to bring the neck into a neutral position. Frame 12 and support materials 32, 34 cradle the head to maintain position.

(21) In FIG. 2c, the user is standing. Neck support 10 is firm against a surface or wall. Again, strap 30 and support materials 32, 34 support a curved area of the neck to bring the neck into a neutral position. Frame 12 and support materials 32, 34 cradle the head to maintain position.

(22) FIG. 4 is another view of neck support 10. A strap 30 stretches across a width of frame 12. First support material 32 is applied across strap 30, opening 13 (FIG. 1a) and outer perimeter 11 of frame 12. Second support material 34 is placed on top of first support material 32 and strap 30 at lower portion 14 of frame 12.

(23) Users can situate themselves on the device by holding a top of support 10 with one or two hands with the notch 20 positioned below the cervical spine. Users then apply a gentle upward pull motion to provide traction to the neck thereby aligning vertebrae C1 to C6 on notch 20.

(24) Alternatively, users may place each thumb on an underside of lower portion 14 of support 10 and use the rest of the fingers to hold a middle of support 10. Users position the notch 20 below the cervical spine. Support 10 is then gently pushed in an upward motion to provide manual traction to the neck thereby aligning vertebrae C1 to C6 on notch 20. The user's head remains in contact with support 10 while traction is applied.

(25) Users can apply more traction as needed to provide a comfortable feel to the neck.

(26) When manual traction is applied, notch 20 is able to support the head and neck. The traction opens up the joint spaces in the cervical spine and places the affected muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons in a stress-free environment.

(27) Frame 12 and first and second support materials 32, 34 cradle the head and neck once the weight of the head is resting on the support 10. The weight of the head naturally lifts the sides of the frame 12 to cradle the head and neck as the head rests in the hammock created by strap 30 in opening 13, this support decreases tension in neck muscles.

(28) With a 15-minute treatment time there should be pain relief and relaxation in neck and head.

(29) The neck support may further comprise a custom case made of a soft washable fabric.

(30) In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.