Abstract:
A support device is disclosed that solves the problem of conventional toilet seats lacking proper back and neck support for individuals with back and neck ailments. The support device provides a portable and adjustable toilet seat back and neck support device comprising a lumbar support portion, an adjustment portion and a neck support portion. The lumbar support portion is designed relieve pressure on the lower back. The adjustment portion connects the lumbar support portion and the neck support portion and provides an adjustment means for proper alignment of the spine. When in use the device is affixed to a toilet seat lid cover via fastening-loop material disposed on the lumbar support portion. When not in use the device is designed to be collapsible for discreet storage.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application 62/128,727 filed on Mar. 5, 2015 and U.S. Application 62/027,373 filed on Jul. 22, 2014, the contents of both of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The present invention and its embodiments relate to a device that provides back and neck support and it&#39;s method of use. In particular, the present invention relates to providing neck and back support for a user when used in conjunction with a traditional toilet. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    The lids of conventional toilet seats do not provide sufficient back or neck support for many of its users. Typically, when one sits down to use a traditional household toilet, the toilet seat rests parallel to the ground while the lid of the toilet is raised up, leaning on the top portion of the toilet&#39;s tank or the tank&#39;s lid. These toilet lids have a hardened surface and have a completely straight slope; this renders the lid incapable of providing adequate back support by virtue of the fact that the lid does not conform to the curvatures of a user&#39;s spine. Moreover, the slope of the lid does not encourage correct posture, nor does it relieve pressure from a user&#39;s spine when in a seated position. Further, in most cases, even if the lid of the toilet seat does conform to the curvatures of a user&#39;s spine, frequently the lid is positioned too far away for a user to rest their back on it. 
         [0004]    Afflictions of the back, particularly those of the lower back, are a prominent issue in today&#39;s society. It has been shown that sitting with incorrect posture, especially for prolonged periods of time, can cause new back ailments and can exacerbate preexisting ones. Specifically, these issues can lead to back strain, neck strain, muscular pain, and other musculoskeletal ailments. Leaning on the conventional toilet lid for support while using a toilet results in incorrect spine alignment as well as incorrect weight distribution. 
         [0005]    To avoid these problems, one should endeavor to sit with proper posture. This entails maintaining the natural curvature of one&#39;s lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine and distributing one&#39;s body weight evenly on both hips, all while maintaining proper spinal alignment. More specifically, to maintain correct posture while in a seated position, one&#39;s neck (cervical spine) should be vertical and approximately in line with their torso (thoracic spine) and lumbar spine. Further, one&#39;s ears should also be in alignment with their shoulders while in this position. 
         [0006]    As noted, one&#39;s neck also plays an integral role in maintaining proper spine alignment. This is because improper positioning of the neck causes great difficulty in maintaining correct posture, which in turn has a strong effect on spinal alignment. This aspect of maintaining spine alignment is often overlooked in existing portable back supports. When one is forced to sit for a prolonged period of time without proper neck support, people tend to compensate by leaning the head forward. Forward-leaning head posture can result in the misalignment of one&#39;s spine resulting in chronic pain, numbness in the hands or arms, as well as pinched nerves and improper, inefficient breathing. 
         [0007]    Notwithstanding the above, most individuals who attempt to sit in this ideal sitting position for a prolonged time without proper back support will experience musculoskeletal discomfort. This is due to the atypical stress placed on one&#39;s musculoskeletal system while engaging in this ideal sitting position. 
         [0008]    Neither back support cushions nor neck support cushions presently in use adequately provide support for a toilet seat user&#39;s back and neck. This is in part due to the slope of the lid that exists while the lid rests on the toilet&#39;s tank, as well as the relatively large distance between the posterior spine of a user sitting in a correct upright posture and the tilted lid of the toilet seat. Also, portable back supports in present use have the problem of sliding relative to the toilet lid when the pressure of the back is applied to them. Therefore, they lack the necessary stability to provide proper support. 
         [0009]    Complex orthopedic back supports may address some of the aforementioned issues with back support cushions, but those supports are very expensive and in many cases impractical. The majority of these back support devices are difficult to set up and require awkward movements that can further aggravate back ailments. Also, setting up these devices is frequently time-consuming and for an individual who is seeking to utilize the toilet, time can be a highly sensitive issue. 
         [0010]    Additionally, if one leaves one of the aforementioned complex support devices on the toilet at all times, it limits the ability to utilize the toilet in a normal manner. Further, many individuals want to be discreet about their back ailments and find having an orthopedic device attached to their toilet at all times undesirable. Finally, users are currently unable to adapt these devices to toilets outside the user&#39;s home without carrying or traveling with these devices all while taking the time and effort to install them prior to each use. 
         [0011]    While several of the inventions in the prior art have attempted to address these drawbacks, detailed above, none adequately address all of the aspects of a successful portable adjustable slide-resistant back and neck support for use on a conventional toilet seat. The present invention and its embodiments provide for proper and comfortable back and neck support for a user on a toilet that allows said user to maintain correct posture while alleviating the undesired symptoms such as back discomfort and encouraging proper biomechanics of the back and neck. The disclosed invention may be adapted for use on other structures intended for sitting such as chairs, benches, etc. 
         [0000]    Review of the prior art: 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,278 pertains to an invalid commode support apparatus wherein a neck support, either integrally secured to or separate from an associate back support, are each securable to an upright plumbing supply, as utilized in commercial commode devices, such as in hospitals. A plurality of Velcro securement straps are securable about an individual utilizing the apparatus wherein optionally employable pivotal arms are secured at either side of the aforementioned back rest portion of the apparatus. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,028 pertains to a back rest that is movably supported on a wall behind a toilet in a manner whereby in one position the back rest is above the toilet and free therefrom and rests against the wall and in another position the back rest is over the raised toilet lid in juxtaposition therewith and supports the back of a user of the toilet. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,787 pertains to an adjustable back support device that has a seat cover snugly enclosing the seat back of a car seat, and a basic set of three cushions. The seat cover and the shells of the cushions are made of fastening-loop fabric. The cushions also include fastening-hook strips disposed thereon, so that they can be individually attached to the seat cover for supporting different parts of a user&#39;s body, such as the neck, upper back, and lumbar area. The cushions can be easily and precisely positioned to suit individual users, and can be attached anywhere on the seat cover for supporting other parts of a user&#39;s body. Fewer or more cushions can be used if desired to suit individual preferences. 
         [0015]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions also fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention differs from the prior art in several aspects. In addition to the back support, the present invention incorporates head and neck support for a toilet user. Prior inventions for toilet users provide back support, but do not also offer head and neck support. Additionally, prior inventions that do include neck support and back support are not in the same field of invention. These seats/attachments do not focus on toilet usage and the associated therapeutic effects of sufficient support and comfort; they focus on support and for general sitting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    In one embodiment there is a support device, having a back support cushion, having a front surface, a back surface, a first riser having a top and bottom end; a second riser having a top and bottom end; a head and neck support cushion, having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface is equipped with a first slot and a second slot; a rigid back panel, having a top end, and a bottom end, wherein said top end is equipped with a first slot and a second slot, wherein said bottom end of said first adjustable arm and said bottom end of said second adjustable arm are capable of being inserted into the first slot, wherein said bottom end of said second adjustable arm and said bottom end of said second adjustable arm are capable of being inserted into the second slot. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a support device, comprising: a rigid back member; a back cushion, attached to said rigid back member; a back slip cover, covering said back cushion; at least one riser, slidably coupled to said rigid back member; at least one clamp, attached to said at least one riser; an adjustment mechanism, attached to said at least one riser; a head cushion attached to said adjustment mechanism; a head slip cover, covering said head cushion; and a strap, attached to said back cushion and/or said rigid back member. In an alternative embodiment, this support device further comprises at least one rubber pad attached to said at least one riser. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment, the clamp of the present invention is comprised of a hook, having a bend, a plurality of tips, and a receiving hole; a plurality of rubber grips, affixed to said plurality of tips; a tension knob, inserted into said receiving hole, such that it is capable of exerting tensile force upon said hook; and a locking knob, inserted into said receiving hole. In another preferred embodiment, the adjustment mechanism of the present invention is comprised of: a spring loaded ratchet, comprised of a gear and a pawl; a release button configured to engage the pawl; and a housing to enclose said adjustment mechanism. 
         [0019]    The present disclosure also contemplates a method of supporting a user of a toilet&#39;s spine, comprising the steps of: securing, a support device to a toilet; positioning, a user to use said toilet; aligning, a head and a neck of a user with a neck and head support cushion or said support device; optimizing, the contact angle between said head and said neck with said neck and head support cushion; aligning, a back of said user with a back support cushion. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to improve one&#39;s posture while sitting. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide back support. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide neck and head support. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to relieve stress on the musculoskeletal system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the adjustment mechanism of the risers. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the detachable nature of the back support cushion and the neck and head support cushion. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an alternative front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the detachable nature of the risers. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention affixed to a toilet. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention being used by a human user. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0034]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0035]    When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0036]    While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Here, head slip cover  118  and back slip cover  117  are highlighted. Each slip cover covers a head and neck support cushion  102  (see  FIG. 2 ) and a back support cushion  101  (see  FIG. 3 ). Further, an alternative embodiment of attachment mechanism  111  is shown. This embodiment is equipped with release button  119  which releases the pawl (not pictured) inside attachment mechanism  111 . Locking knob  115  is also shown in  FIG. 1 . Locking knob  115  is used to secure the position of the risers  103  once the desired height of the risers  103  has been determined. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As in  FIG. 1 , adjustment mechanism  111  is shown, along with head and neck support cushion (head cushion)  102 , and rigid back panel  109 . The adjustment mechanism  111  allows for rotational movement of the head and neck support cushion  102 . The degree of rotational freedom may vary with the construction of the device but is preferably between about 270° and about 360°. In some instances the head and neck support cushion  102  and its support is of a shape that allows it to rotate freely through the risers  103  (see  FIG. 1 ) and lock in at virtually any position desired by the user. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism  111  may lock in the neck support cushion  102  at predetermined positions. 
         [0039]    A plurality of hook fasteners  106  and plurality of loop fasteners  107  are further shown. In one embodiment, the straps equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106  and plurality of loop fasteners  107  are attached by being located between rigid back panel  109  and back support cushion  101  (not pictured). This prevents the need for any sewing and limits the amount of surfaces that need to be cleaned. The strap may also be located at any point along the rigid back panel  109 . Thus, in some instances, the strap may be centrally located whereas in others it may be offset towards an upper end or lower end of the rigid back panel  109 . Further, by having the strap positioned between the rigid back panel  109  and back support cushion  101  (see  FIG. 3 ), the cushion may be interchangeable thereby supporting various cushion configurations and support levels (soft v. hard) as needed. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, both cushions (back and neck) are interchangeable and the cushion may be selected for its properties such as amount of lumbar support, material, material density, and the like or some combination thereof. The cushions may be attached via conventional means including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnets, clips, clasps, and the like or some combination thereof. In any event, it is desirable that the depth of the cushion selected is between about 0.5 inches and about 18 inches and more preferably about 1 inch to about 12 inches. 
         [0041]    One particular embodiment of clamp  114  is also displayed. This embodiment is comprised of hook  121 , a rubber grip, torsion knob  116 . While not required, this particular embodiment is equipped with rubber bumper  122 . In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is equipped with at least one rubber bumper  122 . At least one bumper  122  provides for additional security while the present invention is affixed to a toiler prior to, and during, use by providing grip on the toilet lid preferably on the back of the lid (when lid is raised). 
         [0042]    The risers  103  may be manually positioned and the required mechanisms manipulated in order to provide the correct configuration for support on a toilet (see  FIG. 9 ). In other embodiments, the risers  103  and other adjustments (i.e. neck angle, etc.) may be automatically manipulated via motors or other comparable apparatus. In some embodiments, a processor and memory may be contained therein and be capable of storing particular positions for particular users or situations, thereby allowing the device to automatically be positioned in preset configurations. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment of the support device  100  is comprised of a back support cushion  101 , a head and neck support cushion  102 , at least one riser  103 , swing arm  104 , pair of angle adjusters  105 , strap equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106 , and strap equipped with plurality of loop fasteners  107 . The hook fasteners  106  and loop fasteners  107  may be positioned on either strap in conjunction with one another. This figure shows the embodiment of the invention in a substantially extended position. However, it should be noted that pair of angle adjusters  105  may allow the risers to be collapsed or pivoted into a particular configuration for convenient carrying and storage. Further, the pair of angle adjusters  105  can adjust the position of head and neck support cushion  102  such that it provides optimal support and comfort for a user. The risers are supported by the rigid back panel  109  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0044]    The back support cushion  101  is affixed to the lid of a toilet by strap equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106  and strap equipped with plurality of loop fasteners  107  fastening around the tank or the lid of the toilet. In the preferred embodiment the back support cushion  101  comprises a resilient cushion or any other resilient padding material, such as polyurethane, nylon, or memory foam, having a first end and a second end. The cushion is configured in an arch shape specifically designed to conform to the curvature of the lower back, providing the proper support and positioning of the user&#39;s lower back. 
         [0045]    In various embodiments, the strap equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106  and the strap equipped with plurality of loop fasteners  107  are comprised of one or more elastic or fabric straps, such as nylon, polyester or other material generally known in the art, providing for constant pressure between the lumbar support portion and the seat lid. Further, while the embodiment shown here employs hook and loop fasteners to secure the support device  100  to the toilet, any other suitable non-permanent means generally known to the art of securing straps may be used in other embodiments. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is a back view of an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  highlights the rigid back panel  109  that exists in some embodiments of the invention, illustrating an adjustment mechanism of the at least one riser  103 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  are the head and neck support cushion  102 , strap equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106 , strap equipped with plurality of loop fasteners  107 , at least one riser  103 , swing arm  104 , pair of angle adjusters  105 , and the optionally equipped handle  113 . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, the strap equipped with plurality of loop fasteners  107  and the strap equipped with plurality of hook fasteners  106  fasten to each other such that support device  100  is secured to the toilet. Further, rubber pads  108  (see  FIG. 2 ) increase the friction between the support device  100  and the toilet on which it is being placed. This allows a user to shift their body&#39;s position while using support device  100  without the support device  100  shifting its position. The rubber pads  108  may have varying shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, and any embodiment may employ varying combinations of these pad configurations. Further the rubber pads  108  may be present on the risers  103 , or strap, or other components in strategic locations to provide enhanced grip between the device and the toilet. 
         [0048]    In a preferred embodiment, the rigid back panel  109  has one or more hollow cylindrical spaces or recesses in the top of the support serving as a means for housing one or more adjustable support rods to support the head and neck support cushion. In another embodiment, the back support cushion  109  has one or more hollow cylindrical spaces or recesses in the top of the support serving as a means for housing one or more adjustable support rods to support the head and neck support cushion. In one embodiment, the risers  103  allows for vertical adjustment of the head and neck support rod. Specifically, rigid back panel  109  allows for the head and neck support cushion  102  to connect to rigid back panel  109  by receding into the support. This may be accomplished in a similar fashion to that of an adjustable headrest on a car seat, a collapsible handle on travelers&#39; rolling luggage, or any other means commonly known in the art. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is a front view of an embodiment of the invention wherein optional handle  113  is equipped, and the detachable nature of head and neck support cushion  102  is highlighted. In this embodiment, back support cushion  101  is readily detachable from rigid back panel  109 . The detachable nature of back support cushion  101  will be beneficial regarding cleaning support device  100 , traveling with support device  100 , and storing support device  100  during periods of other use. There exist additional benefits not expressly stated herein. Additionally present are risers  103 , swing arm  104 , angle adjuster  105 , hook fasteners  106 , loop fasteners  107 , and rubber pads  108 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a front view of an embodiment of the invention is shown, illustrating the removable nature of the at least one riser  103 , a swing arm  104 , an angle adjuster  105 , hook fasteners  106 , and loop fasteners  107 . Here, at least one riser  103  is inserted into receiving slot  110 . This is achieved via a mechanism substantially similar to the adjustment mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment, the head and neck support cushion  102  comprises a curvature designed to cradle the user&#39;s neck. The neck support portion comprises a resilient cushion or other padding material such as polyurethane, nylon, memory foam, or any other supportive and comfortable material commonly known to the art. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein adjustment mechanism  111  is used to attach at least one riser  103  and swing arm  104 . In this embodiment, the lower end of swing arm  104  is equipped with hooks  112 . Hooks  112  are used to connect to adjustment mechanism  111 . In a preferred embodiment, hooks  112  will readily be attached and detached from adjustment mechanism  111 . This mechanism will provide for easy storage and will result in greater portability of support device  100 . Further shown are the back support cushion  101 , neck and head support cushion  102 , hook fasteners  106 , and loop fasteners  107 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of support device, as described herein, affixed to a toilet wherein support device  100  is equipped with support hook  114 , back cushion  101 , head and neck cushion  102 , risers  103 , swing arm  104 , and angle adjuster  105 . Support hook  114  is adjustably coupled to rigid back panel to enable at least upwards and downwards adjustability of the support hook  114  relative to the support device  100 . This adjustability enables the support device  100  to be adjusted such that the position of the rigid back panel in relation to a toilet lid can be modified as necessary. 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of support device  100  affixed to a toilet while in use by a human user. Here, the risers  103  have been adjusted to provide the head and neck cushion  102  at the proper position to provide support to the head and neck region of a user. The swing arm  104  and angle adjuster  105  provide further flexibility in the positioning of the head and neck support cushion  102 . Further, the support hook  114  has been adjusted to provide the back support cushion  101  at the correct position to provide support to the back region of a user. 
         [0054]    Various other components may be included and called upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For example, additional materials, combinations of materials and/or omission of materials may be used to provide for added embodiments that are within the scope of the teachings herein. In the present application a variety of variables are described, including but not limited to components and conditions. It is to be understood that any combination of any of these variables can define an embodiment of the disclosure. Other combinations of articles, components, conditions, and/or methods can also be specifically selected from among variables listed herein to define other embodiments, as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.