Portable support device and method of using the same

A support device configured to overlay a seating assembly and configured to support the torso, neck, and head of a user is provided. The support device has a first elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user, a second elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracic side of the user, a first adjustable strap coupled to a upper portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and an upper portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, a second adjustable strap coupled to a lower portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and a lower portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, wherein when the first adjustable strap is tightened the upper portions of the first and second elongated bolsters move towards each other such that the first and second elongated bolsters for a tapered shape with respect to the other to support the user's thoracic sides, neck, head of the user or any combination thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of support devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a certain new and useful support pillow that provides a portable support for a seated individual's neck and shoulders, wherein the support pillow functions as a sleep and rest device; reference being had to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the same.

BACKGROUND

Portable travel and support pillows have been in existence for some time and have been used in a variety of applications. Some of these devices are specifically crafted to attach the provided support to a user's head, whether it is by attaching the device to another stationary object such as a car seat or fitting the device over one's head to provide a snug and close support. However, many times, these devices are only made with universal fitment in mind and do not consider the different levels of desired comfort a particular individual may have. In addition, many of these devices are only concerned with providing support for a user's heads, and do not take into consideration the close extremities that are oftentimes victims of improper sleeping, such as one's neck and shoulders.

An example of a support device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 2009/0206646 A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, which describes a portable support including a pillow that is particularly for positioning against the head of a person when traveling on an airplane, train, bus, or automobile. Another example of a support device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,185 B1, published Aug. 28, 2001, which describes a support pillow that is suitable for placement around an object and that may be expanded when placed about an object and then returned to its original shape following removal from the object. Yet another example of a support device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,964, published on Sep. 28, 1971, which describes a pillow unit for use with a seat back, particularly the back of a passenger seat in a vehicle.

Furthermore, car seats that are made for infants and children are notoriously uncomfortable. In turn, children are prone to letting their parents know they are uncomfortable, which leads to distracted driving. Many of the car seats today do not mold to the child's body properly, and thus do not provide the request level of support. This can lead to the aforementioned discomfort.

An example of such a car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,629, published Jun. 26, 1990, which describes an infant car seat that is reclinable and rotatable and adapted to mount atop a standard automobile seat. Another example of such a car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,563,600, published Feb. 16, 1971, which describes an infant car seat of the safety padded type that is anchored to the automobile seat by use of the conventional automobile safety belts. Yet another example of such a car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,151 B2, published on Jun. 21, 2005, which describes a juvenile booster car seat that folds compactly for easy transportation.

As such, a need exists for a new and improved support pillow, one that allows individuals to customize the type of pillow used within the support device to allow for a more customized feel, and that also provides support for an individual's neck and shoulders to prevent against unwarranted neck pains and potential injuries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a portable head, neck, and shoulder support pillow is provided.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved support pillow that serves multiple purposes and is convenient and easy to use.

The support device decreases the likelihood of injuries occurring while sleeping in a vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved support pillow that decreases the likelihood of having neck and shoulder pain while sleeping in a vehicle.

In addition, rather than utilizing the same pillow structure and density in each support device, the new and improved support device provides users the ability to change the pillow utilized in the support device to allow for customization to individual user preferences. Designing the device in such a manner is important as it will allow users the ability to customize the support pillow for maximum comfort, as many times the issue with support pillows are found with their universal fitment approach that does not take into consideration the dynamic variables associated with sleeping and comfort that vary between users.

The support device is easy to use and inexpensive to construct.

In exemplary embodiments, a support device configured to overlay a seating assembly and configured to support the torso, neck, and head of a user is provided. The device comprises a first elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user; a second elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracic side of the user; a first adjustable strap coupled to a upper portion126of the first elongated bolster cushion and an upper portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions; a second adjustable strap coupled to a lower portion130of the first elongated bolster cushion and a lower portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, wherein when the first adjustable strap is tightened the upper portions of the first and second elongated bolsters move towards each other such that the first and second elongated bolsters for a tapered shape with respect to the other to support the user's thoracic sides, neck and head of the user.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for supporting a user seated in a seating assembly is provided. The method comprises overlaying the support device on the seating assembly, the support device comprising a first elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user and a second elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracic side of the user; coupling the support device to the seating assembly by placing a first adjustable strap around the seating assembly; adjusting the strap so it is taught against the seating assembly; seating a user in the seating assembly and support device coupled thereto; further coupling the support device to the seating assembly by placing a second lower adjustable strap around the seating assembly, adjusting each of the straps such that the user is supported on the first thoracic side the second thoracic side.

Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to computer-based systems and methods that utilize gamification to create a more immersive, efficient and effective therapy treatment for individuals required to use an incentive spirometer, with each therapy game being specifically tailored to account for an individual's health needs and its prior performance on each therapy game.

As used herein, the term “user” shall mean any individual of any age, which includes both children and adults.

Specific configurations and arrangements of the invention, discussed above regarding the accompanying drawing, are for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations and arrangements that are within the purview of a skilled artisan can be made, used, or sold without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view of a support device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at100. The support device100comprise a first elongated bolster cushion102and a second elongated bolster cushion104(each also referred to as “bolster”. The first elongated bolster102and the second elongated bolster104are each, in the current embodiment illustration, constructed of a flexible material made of cotton that is hypoallergenic. In optional embodiments, the first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolster104may be constructed of another material that is resilient, compression resistant, and hypoallergenic, such as polyester. Based on the inner material of the bolsters, they are configured to be pliable and malleable such that, in operation, they sit the user snugly. Furthermore, the bolsters102and104may have coverings over them made of cotton that is hypoallergenic as well.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolster104each comprise a zipper122and118, respectively, which allows the support device100to receive a pillow. Optionally, other fasteners may be used such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets, and the like. In the current embodiment, the pillow that will be received by the first elongated bolster102and the second elongated bolster104are constructed of hypoallergenic down alternative material. In optional embodiments, however, any suitable alternative material may be used, such as feather pillows, full down pillows, memory foam pillows, microbead pillows, buckwheat pillows or any other cushioning material that is suitable for the current application. The first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolsters104each comprise a hollow interior and a closeable pouches114and116respectively, that allow the user to change a material in the interior of each of the elongated bolsters102and104. The first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolster104each has a curved configuration. Suitably, the overall height (length) of the first elongated bolster102and the second elongated bolster104is thirty inches (30″) for each, while the width of the first elongated bolster102and the second elongated bolster104is six inches (6″) for each. The length of the bolsters is designed to match the average length of an individual's torso.

Still referring toFIG. 1, a first adjustable strap106is coupled to the upper portion126of the first elongated bolster102at the connection point138as well as to the upper portion128of the second elongated bolster104at the connection point136. The first adjustable strap106comprises a left strap144that is coupled to the upper portion126as well as a right strap146that is coupled to the upper portion136. The left strap144is coupled to the right strap146to form one first adjustable strap106through the use of the buckle110. In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap106is coupled to the connection points136,138through the use of stitching. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap106may be coupled to the connection points136,138through the use of heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the support device100comprises a second adjustable strap108that is coupled to the lower portion130of the first elongated bolster102at the connection point142and the lower portion132of the second elongated bolster104at the connection point140. The second adjustable strap108comprises a left strap124that is coupled to the lower portion130as well as a right strap148that is coupled to the lower portion132. The left strap124is coupled to the right strap148to form one second adjustable strap108through the use of the buckle112. In the current embodiment, the second adjustable strap108is coupled to the connection points140,142through the use of stitching. In optional embodiments, the second adjustable strap108may be coupled to the connection points140,142through the use of heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding. In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108are comprised of nylon. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108may be comprised of any other suitable material such as a polyester. In optional embodiments, releasable fasteners may be used.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108each have a width of approximately one foot, while the left straps144and124each have a length of 40″ each and the right straps146and148each have a length of approximately four feet. These measurements allow the buckles110and112to be placed in a location such that it does not interfere with a car's seatbelt mechanisms. In optional embodiments, different measures may be used to account for different applications.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a perspective front view illustrating the support pillow positioned in a seat for use in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at200. In this illustration, the support pillow100is shown coupled to a seat chair. The first adjustable strap106is shown coupled around the headrest206of the chair. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap106may be coupled around the main body204of the chair to allow the headrest206to be free and usable for those individuals situated behind the user, such as for placement of a portable television screen on the headrest. The lower strap108is coupled around the main body204of the chair. When installed, the first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolster104sit on the base202on the chair. The second adjustable strap108, when installed, sits on-top of the seatbelt included with the vehicle with the buckle112connecting over the seatbelt. The placement of the seatbelt when the support device100is installed in relation to the buckle112and second adjustable strap108is further discussed in relation toFIG. 3. In the current embodiment, the support pillow is shown placed directly on a seat. However, in optional embodiments, the support pillow may also be used in connection with a child booster seat.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a perspective rear view illustrating the support pillow positioned in a seat for use in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at300. The seat contemplated in this illustration is the back of the same seat shown inFIG. 200. In this embodiment, first adjustable strap106is shown coupled around the headrest206. When the support pillow100is installed, the first elongated bolster102and second elongated bolster104extend outwardly past the exterior edge of the main body204and bottom202. The buckle110is designed to couple behind the headrest206so as to not obstruct the seat belt or otherwise become a nuisance to a user while they try to sleep or rest.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a perspective front view illustrating the support pillow in use in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at400. Here, a user408is shown seated in the chair with the support device100installed. Once installed, the left side of the user402will be held firmly against the first elongated bolster102and the right side of the user404will be held firmly against the second elongated bolster104. When the support pillow100is installed, the user's head406will be supported by the first elongated bolster102and the second elongated bolster104. This will allow a user to sleep or otherwise relax without suffering any discomfort or pain in the neck or shoulder area. When installed, the second adjustable strap108and the buckle112are configured to sit on-top of the seatbelts410that come pre-installed in the vehicle so that the full and safe operation of the pre-installed seat belts are not inhibited.

Referring now toFIG. 5, method diagram illustrating how to use the support pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at500. The method begins by placing the support pillow into a vehicle502. The support pillow is then coupled to a seat by placing the first adjustable strap106around the headrest206and coupling the left strap144to the right strap146through use of the buckle110and adjusting the first adjustable strap106such that the strap is taught against the headrest504. Once the first adjustable strap106is secured to the headrest206, the user is then seated into the seat that the support pillow is coupled to506. Once the user is seated into the seat, the second adjustable strap108is coupled over the existing seatbelt, and the left strap124is coupled to the right strap148and the second adjustable strap108is adjusted so that it sits taught against the existing seatbelt410and the user508.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a perspective view of an optional embodiment of a support pillow is presented generally at600. In this embodiment, the support pillow comprises four separate bolster cushions,602,604,606, and608. Each of the bolster cushions602,604,606, and608each comprise a zipper612,616,614, and616, respectively. The left bolster cushions602and606are coupled together through the use of a flexible fabric joint610, and the right bolster cushions616and620are coupled together through the use of a flexible fabric joint618.

Still referring toFIG. 6, the optional support pillow presented in600comprises a first adjustable strap106coupled to the upper left bolster cushion602at the connection point138as well as to the upper right bolster cushion604at the connection point138. The first adjustable strap106comprises a left strap144that is coupled to the upper left bolster cushion602as well as a right strap146that is coupled to the upper right bolster cushion136. The left strap144is coupled to the right strap146to form one first adjustable strap106through the use of the buckle110. In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap106is coupled to the connection points136,138through the use of stitching. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap106may be coupled to the connection points136,138through the use of heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

Still referring toFIG. 6, the optional support pillow presented in600comprises a second adjustable strap108that is coupled to the lower left bolster cushion606at the connection point142and the lower right bolster cushion608at the connection point140. The second adjustable strap108comprises a left strap124that is coupled to the lower left bolster cushion606as well as a right strap148that is coupled to the lower right bolster cushion620. The left strap124is coupled to the right strap148rto form one second adjustable strap108through the use of the buckle112. In the current embodiment, the second adjustable strap108is coupled to the connection points140,142through the use of stitching. In optional embodiments, the second adjustable strap108may be coupled to the connection points140,142through the use of heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding. In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108are comprised of nylon. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108may be comprised of any other suitable material such as a polyester. In optional embodiments, releasable fasteners may be used.

Still referring toFIG. 6, in operation the flexible fabric joints610and618allow the bolsters602,604,606, and608to be angled inwardly when the first adjustable strap106and the second adjustable strap108and coupled to the seat and pulled tightly. This embodiment creates additional support and may be used to help individuals who have certain disorders or are more susceptible to having a greater degree of tilt when resting their head. This optional embodiment also allows for use in smaller spaces.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to mobile phone the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any of the other drawings. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.