Abstract:
A hands free, support device for use on a patient convalescing from ophthalmologic surgery such as the type used to reattach a detached retina. The device can be repeatedly positioned between the base of a user/wearer&#39;s chin/jaw and upper chest so that no wrap around neck or head sling attachment means are required. When installed, the device will keep the user/wearer&#39;s chin tilted downward and toward the upper chest. A related method is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/070,349, filed on Mar. 22, 2008, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    This invention relates to external supports for assisting patients recuperating from certain surgical procedures. Particularly, the invention relates to a device, and related method, for individuals who desire to be ambulatory, but must still keep their heads downwardly tilted for a prolonged recovery period. More particularly, this invention relates to a chin support/rest for individuals recovering from retinal reattachment and other similar eye surgeries. The invention is especially suited for such individuals to keep their heads properly angled or tilted while not in a horizontal, planar (i.e. “face down”) position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    In a representative surgical procedure for repairing an individual&#39;s detached retina, a bubble of a selected gas or fluid/oil is injected into the affected eye. The patient must then keep his or her head in a downwardly tilted position for most of the day, up to about eighteen hours, for a convalescent period that may run ten to twenty four days in length. During that period of time, the surgically injected gas/fluid presses the patient&#39;s retina against the back wall of his or her eyeball. Maintaining the prescribed face-downward position is difficult for the typical patient at best and can lead to fatigue, soreness and strain on the neck, shoulder and back muscles that are called upon to actively maintain this therapeutic positioning. 
         [0004]    There are numerous known objects for assisting patients with head supports over extended periods. Bradley U.S. Pat. No. 1,134,720, for example, taught a head rest fastened to a bed frame. It is meant to allow a person to sit with his or her head supported at the forehead though still tilted generally downward. 
         [0005]    For purposes of overcoming insomnia, Darling U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,414, taught a mattress and pillow combination that allows someone to sleep in a substantially prone position but with his or her head supported above, and not in direct contact with, the mattress. 
         [0006]    Voss U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,064 taught a pillow configuration that helps a patient remain face down during a surgical operation. That pillow has a T-shaped void with face contours built in. 
         [0007]    Several devices were disclosed specific for patients recovering from eye surgery. Stratton et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,713 showed an elaborate head rest stand, with both day and night use variations, in which the patient&#39;s head is supported while face down. The stand includes armrests and multiple mirrors for the patient to watch television and/or read a book. 
         [0008]    Heitz U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,860 taught an eye surgery recovery apparatus for supporting a recovering patient&#39;s head while remaining face down. That apparatus was meant to coordinate with existing house furniture, either a bed or raised table. 
         [0009]    Abriam U.S. Design Pat. No. 309,544 taught a post surgery pillow configuration. But it is not especially clear how that design works and/or where it would be positioned for a recovering patient. 
         [0010]    Still other pillow designs were meant for head or neck support, though not necessarily in a surgical/recuperative context. Britzman U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,264 showed an inflatable, horseshoe-shaped pillow support for travelers. It represents an evolutionary improvement over the horseshoe-shaped, neck and head support from Von Hillern-Flinsch U.S. Pat. No. 673,872. 
         [0011]    In Mettler U.S. Design Pat. No. 418,711, a padded neck support pillow was shown but with no contextual explanation on how or where it would be used. 
         [0012]    Alexander U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,089 taught a two tiered, wedge-like vehicular headrest for aftermarket applications. It is meant to be used without the aid of any screws, bolts, clips or mounting brackets. 
         [0013]    Other pillow designs have been conceived and patented but for uncertain end use applications. See, for example, Brooksby U.S. Design Pat. No. 293,990 and Jacobson U.S. Pat. No. 201,492. 
         [0014]    Dederick U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 4,193 taught an air-inflatable sleeping collar with end straps for improving traveler comfort. 
         [0015]    In still other applications, neck supports have been designed for non-anesthetic reasons. For instance, the one piece cervical appliance of Mundell U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,697 was meant to assist its wearer overcome sleep apnea. 
         [0016]    A soft but solid molded support block can be strapped about the wearer&#39;s neck for non-medical reasons per Williams U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,908. It represents an improvement over the chin resting sling of Palley U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,408. 
         [0017]    The ventilated neck brace of Bugarin U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,694 claimed adjustability along its width and length. 
         [0018]    Numerous other cervical collars include the one piece foam rubber neck wrap of Cheatham U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,686, a predecessor model per Newton U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,663, and a spring-loaded, wrap around collar like that shown in Gorsen U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,915. 
         [0019]    Bender U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,581 taught a wrap around, split assembly configuration. The cervical collar of Martin U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,643 claimed automatic adjustability. The cervical collar of Garth et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,031, by contrast, included an end-supported, chin strap. 
         [0020]    The inflatable cervical device of Rogachevsky U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,927 has four separate chambers for holding the wearer&#39;s neck in a neutral position, i.e. substantially horizontal or forward facing, during traction. But that device showed no obvious contact with its wearer&#39;s upper chest/manubrium. Furthermore, its chin support did not appear to provide any neck/mandible support regardless of the degree of inflation imparted. 
         [0021]    It is an object of this invention to provide a post-operative support that allows a patient to rest his or her head in a downwardly tilted position with minimum discomfort. It is also to aid in the prevention of neck, back and shoulder fatigue/strain resulting from having to actively maintain a downward gaze position. 
         [0022]    It is another object herein to provide a retinal rest device that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. It is another object to provide that device with some versatility, in terms of relative height extendibility. Another object is to provide a device that will allow its user/wearer some flexibility in terms of vertical movement, including limited walking and sitting. Yet another object is to provide an apparatus and method for stabilizing a recuperating retina reattachment patient in such a manner as to allow repeated installations of the same device, particularly after sleep, eating, bathing, etc. 
         [0023]    Still another object is to provide a rest support that can be held in place, beneath the patient&#39;s mandibular region using Velcro attachment surfaces like an around the neck strap but without any head sling mechanisms like those shown in the prior art. An alternate embodiment uses adhesive Velcro pads/patches. 
         [0024]    Another object of this invention is to provide a rest support that is lightweight and inexpensive to make, use and operate. Yet another object provides a support device that is readily disposable after use. 
         [0025]    Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    This invention is a hands free, chin rest device for use on patients who have recently undergone a surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedure that requires them to keep their head tilted downwardly, toward their own upper chest, for prolonged periods of recuperation. The invention can be repeatedly positioned to a user/wearer at the base of his or her jaw and to their upper chest so that no wrap around neck or head sling attachments are required. When properly situated, the device will provide comfort to its wearer while ever so slightly “encouraging” a push down from the chin towards the upper chest, for keeping the wearer&#39;s head tilted a sufficient degree when worn while sitting, standing, or even walking short distances. With slight modification, this device may also be used intra-operatively during the surgical eye procedure to assist with airway maintenance thus permitting its continued use for the convalescent interval as has been previously referred to. As this device will be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and not overly complicated in design and/or mechanics, it can be disposed of after use rather than requiring sterilization for reuse. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0027]    Further features, objectives and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when referring to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of the one piece embodiment of retinal rest device according to this invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a top perspective view of the two main components to a first variation of the  FIG. 1A  device made as two distinct pieces; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of the two components from  FIG. 1B  mounted in a first direction; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a front perspective view of the two main components from  FIG. 1B  mounted in an opposite direction from  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of one mounting means for the invention wrapped about the neck of a patient/wearer; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view showing the device from  FIG. 2B  attached to the mounting means of  FIG. 3  about the neck of a patient/wearer; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a second embodiment of retinal rest device according to this invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the chest and chin patch components as they would be positioned on a patient/wearer for mounting the retinal rest device from  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view showing the device from  FIG. 5  attached to the mounting means of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    In some of the accompanying FIGURES, reference is made to the trademark: AirWave™, or more fully the Retinal Rest AirWave (“RRA”) device. It is the product descriptor for which separate Federal trademark protection is currently being sought. Also in said FIGURES, common features to the different views are shown with the same reference numeral(s). For alternate embodiments of the same component, there is consistent numbering though in the next hundred series. 
         [0038]    One representative surgical procedure for which this invention is best suited is more commonly known as pneumatic retinopexy. Patients convalescing from that eye surgery for retinal reattachment are required to spend long stretches of recuperative time with their heads tilted forward, especially when not laying face down in bed, or on a specially designed, head holding table. While primarily intended for use by such patients, it is to be understood that this invention may have other surgical, athletic, assembly work, vehicular driving and/or keyboarding work applications where a more passive support/rest position may act to diminish fatigue/strain of the involved musculature of the neck, back and shoulders. One representative example is with endurance bicycling events where an aerodynamic adaptation will assist the operator to optimally diminish wind resistance factors. Another would be as a rest while driving a vehicle for long durations. An alarm system may be incorporated to alert the driver/wearer who has started to fall asleep while driving. 
         [0039]    Referring to accompanying  FIG. 1A , there is shown a first embodiment for a disposable retinal rest support, generally  10 . That one piece unit has as its main component, a crescent-shaped manubrium arch  12 , together with means for positioning said crescent arch  12  for repeated installation between the user/wearer&#39;s chin and manubrium or chest. The flat base  14  to crescent arch  12  is kept substantially planar for better resting, and adhesion, directly to the user/wearer&#39;s manubrium. Preferably, flat base  14  has an inclined front face portion  15  for providing some structural support to the crescent arch when secured directly to the user/wearer&#39;s chest (rather than mounting to a wedge-shaped spacer that mounts to the wearer&#39;s chest). 
         [0040]    As shown, crescent arch  12  has a curved upper (or outer) surface  16 . Alternatively, upper surface  16  of crescent arch  12  may consist of several consecutive planar portions giving the rest support more of a polygonal appearance in side view (not shown). 
         [0041]    For the flat base  14  of crescent arch  12 , there is included a first Velcro loop attachment section  20 . First Velcro section  20  enables support  10  to be fixedly, albeit temporarily, installed to the user/wearer&#39;s manubrium M below the anterior base of the wearer&#39;s neck. For this first preferred embodiment, first Velcro section  20  can affix to an elongated section of double sided, Velcro tape VT, sometimes referred to as a “One Wrap” since that type of adhesive banding can be wrapped about a wearer&#39;s neck, criss-crossed and then fastened back onto itself, as seen in accompanying  FIG. 3 . 
         [0042]    In  FIGS. 1B through 4 , there is shown a first variation of the  FIG. 1A  embodiment wherein main component  110  is made as two distinct elements. First, there is a crescent arch  112  having a flat base  114  and a curved upper surface  116 . In this variation, there is further included a wedge-shaped spacer  122  (that has a trapezoidal cross-section) to provide: (i) some structural support to the crescent arch attached thereto when curved or folded forward and situated under the user/wearer&#39;s chin; and (ii) greater adaptability for using one commonly-sized support  110  on more diverse patient shapes and “sizes”. Spacer  122  should include an upper Velcro section  124 , for engaging with first section  120  on the bottom of crescent arch  112 , and a lower (or base) Velcro section  126 , for adhering to the Velcro tape VT band worn around the wearer&#39;s neck. As intended, spacer can be situated with its wedged end  128  pointing in the same direction as curved upper surface  116  per accompanying  FIG. 2A . Should different wearer comfort and/or other spacing issues dictate, this same spacer  122  can be rotated 180 degrees so that its wedged end  128  points away from curved upper surface  116  as in accompanying  FIG. 2B . The latter arrangement is then attached to the One Wrap Velcro tape VT for situating beneath the wearer/user&#39;s neck as best seen in accompanying  FIG. 4 . 
         [0043]    In  FIGS. 5 through 7 , there is shown alternate means for mounting a second embodiment of support  210  to its wearer/user, that alternative means employing greater direct adhesion, at more than one contact point, to the wearer&#39;s chest and neck regions. At one end of upper surface  216  (whether curved or polygonal) to support  210 , there is positioned a second adhesive-attachment section  230 . Both first section  220  and second section  230  have corresponding sections of Velcro® components. As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is a somewhat square, or rectangular shaped, section of Velcro® for adhering to the user/wearer&#39;s chest, a so-called chest patch  232 . A more rounded top and bottom section of hook Velcro® can be adhered, more comfortably due to its top and bottom curvatures, to the same user/wearer&#39;s chin C. Hereafter, that component is referred to as chin patch  234 . 
         [0044]    For applying chest patch  232  and chin patch  234  to the respective manubrium M and chin C regions of a user/wearer, several surgically acceptable adhesives are known. Many alternatives allow the provider to select from a menu of options in the event a patient may know of past allergic reactions to some. 
         [0045]    While base  214  to crescent arch  212  is substantially planar, a slight outward protuberance could be incorporated therein for better adhesion to the shape of many user/wearer manubrium M regions. Similarly, upper surface  216  may be slightly notched inwardly for better form fitting, with Velcro®, to the chin C of its user/wearer. And, as the chins and upper neck regions of user/wearers may vary in size, width, etc., it is possible to make Retinal Rest AirWave (RRA) crescent arches  212  in several key widths and/or lengths. This is especially true when using this device for smaller sized user/wearers. 
         [0046]    One method for installing support  210  on a user/wearer for prolonged use in a non-horizontal position includes: adhesively attaching the chest  232  and chin patches  234  in their proper positions (as best illustrated at accompanying  FIG. 6 ). Then, the upper surface  216  of crescent arch  212  is adhesively attached to chin patch  234  at a predetermined location for providing the desired degree of chin rest support. Next, the first section  220  on the base  214  of crescent arch  212  is affixed to its corresponding chest patch  232 . The resultant support, duly connected between user/wearer manubrium M and chin C, closely resembles the installed apparatus depicted, in profile, at accompanying  FIG. 7 . This order of attachment would be preferred for retinal surgery recuperation as it will permit optimal chin down/face positioning. 
         [0047]    Alternately, for some user/wearers it may be more practical to first connect crescent arch  212  to the user/wearer&#39;s chest at chest patch  232  before affixing the upper arch end with second section  230  to chin patch  234 . This may be a matter, more of user/wearer preference and comfort. Both attachment methods should suffice, in any event. 
         [0048]    It should be noted that with this invention, the user/wearer can be taught to connect him or herself between component parts with some professional instruction. Either embodiment of this invention should accommodate the occasional disengagement of a retinal rest support for bathing and/or other hygiene matters. 
         [0049]    The main body of RRA crescent arch  12 / 112 / 212  can be fabricated from flexible, elastically expandable or inflatable foam/plasticized materials. Representative examples include, but are not limited to: an ethyl vinyl acetate (or EVA product), a plastic such as polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, rubber and/or similar natural and synthetic substances. 
         [0050]    User/wearer comfort and elimination of fatigue/strain are the primary drivers of this invention. Ideally, this invention will lessen, if not totally eliminate, the strain and soreness of neck, shoulder and upper back musculature that usually results from having to actively maintain a downward tilting gaze. For retinal surgery recuperation, but even more so for other potential athletic, industrial work and/or vehicular driving applications, there is a secondary, dependent rest benefit imparted by this invention. Accordingly, a preferred material of manufacture should be selected that can provide a soft region on which the user/wearer&#39;s chin C will rest comfortably. In addition, this cresent material should have a sufficient degree of recoil (or bounce) for the needed force vectors associated with a user/wearer&#39;s occasional need for neck extension, chin lift and/or anterior jaw thrust. 
         [0051]    On a less preferred basis, crescent arch section of this support can be made from an inflatable/expandable material. In that version, the user/wearer could rest his or her chin on an air pillow of sorts, albeit one more permanently positioned between the user/wearer&#39;s upper chest/manubrium M and chin C. For that attachment, a plurality of Velcro® tape strips would still suffice. The reason this alternative is generally less preferred is due to the fact that many such air pillow designs, when used for other bodily applications, with any weight resting thereon for extended periods of time, tend to eventually and gradually lose their air pressure. And attendants to such user/wearers should not be saddled with having to repeatedly re-inflate this variety of retinal rest, regardless of whether inflation is performed manually, or with any sort of mechanical assistance. 
         [0052]    After prolonged use, the main retinal rest support components of this invention may be broken apart or otherwise thrown away. As they are relatively inexpensive to make and use, the supports of this invention need not be recycled for reuse thereby obviating the need to sterilize component parts before reuse. 
         [0053]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.