Therapeutic custom roll pillow

A support device includes a substantially cylindrical body having a first elongated body portion and a second elongated body portion. Each body portion has a generally semi-cylindrical shape, interfacing along a longitudinal plane. An inner cavity is disposed on an inner surface of each of the first and second body portions, and is dimensioned for receiving at least one removable and adjustable insert, such that each insert is adjustable and positionable for conforming to a profile of a body of a user. The adjustable insert is movable within the cavity for altering the support of the cylindrical body for the user.

BACKGROUND

The present device generally relates to support devices, and particularly support devices. More specifically, the device relates to a customizable therapeutic support device used for sleeping or exercises, also known in the industry as a “roll pillow.”

Physical therapy is a well-established branch of medicine and has developed as a useful means for helping people with specific physical issues function at a higher level. A physical therapist works with a patient using specifically prescribed exercises to, among other things, improve range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and strengthen muscles.

Often, during such exercises or sleeping, it is important to properly support certain areas of the patient's appendages. To achieve the proper support, the therapist utilizes numerous pillows, pads, and the like. However, when it comes to supporting a patient's body, such as the head and neck, one-sized support certainly does not work for all patients having differently sized body parts. In fact, when it comes to supporting the most vital appendage of the human body, such as the head and neck areas, many factors, such as contour, density and hardness, vary significantly per each patient. This is well-known that the proper support is important during exercise or sleeping.

A support device is needed that better facilitates exercise or sleeping by individuals with flexibility and/or medical issues of the type described above. Ideally, an improved support device is inherently stable and decreases the pressure felt by the individual by providing a larger contact area or interface between the device and the individual during exercise or sleeping. It is desirable to have a system, which could be adjusted to fit each individual's unique body and support needs. Such a device and the method for using the device provide therapeutic benefits to patients. Chiropractors, physiatrists, orthopedists and physical therapists would especially find the device and methods to be very useful in patient care. Thus, there is a need for developing an improved therapeutic support device having an enhanced configuration that provides reduced strain and personalized fitting regardless of the individual's unique body and support needs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a support device or a therapeutic custom roll pillow constructed and arranged for providing customizable support on the head and neck areas of a user. The present pillow provides orthopedic support, which is customizable for fitting the user's body, needs, and/or preferences without using differently sized pillows. Specifically, the present pillow provides support for the natural contour of the cervical lordosis, but is customizable to fit different body areas and variations in the sizes and preferences of the user.

Typically, the degeneration of neck curvature occurs more from front to back of the cervical spine than from side to side. The user may sleep or rest on his back and on his side, but the user needs different height supports for back sleeping and side sleeping. For example, the pillow should be lower when sleeping on one's back, and higher when sleeping on the side, because when the user sleeps on the side, the head is positioned higher than when resting on his back. Thus, the user needs a higher head support to maintain the straight spinal alignment depending on an orientation of the user's body, e.g., during sleeping on the side. The present pillow supports the neck curve or the natural contour of the cervical lordosis when lying in the supine position. When the user rests on the side, the present pillow provides a higher support, and appropriately supports the head to maintain the straight alignment of the neck without additional adjustments.

As described in greater detail below, the present pillow includes a substantially cylindrical body having two parts, preferably interfacing along a longitudinal plane, and the cylindrical body is formed of a material suitable for supporting an area of a body, where each part defines a portion of a cavity within the body. At least one adjustable insert portion is positioned within the cavity of the body, and is movable and adjustable within the cavity to alter the support of the cylindrical body. Accordingly, the present pillow provides a custom fit for the user that enables at least two different height supports with just one pillow. Using the present pillow, the user obtains support for the head and neck areas in various sleeping positions by moving the head to different areas on the pillow during sleeping or exercise.

In one embodiment, a support device includes a substantially cylindrical body having a first elongated body portion and a second elongated body portion. Each body portion has a generally semi-cylindrical shape, interfacing along a longitudinal plane. An inner cavity is disposed on an inner surface of each of the first and second body portions, and is dimensioned for receiving at least one removable and adjustable insert, such that each insert is adjustable and positionable for conforming to a profile of a body of a user. The at least one adjustable insert is movable within the cavity for altering the support of the cylindrical body for the user.

In another embodiment, a support device includes a substantially cylindrical body having a first elongated body portion and a second elongated body portion. Each body portion has a generally semi-cylindrical shape, interfacing along a longitudinal plane. An inner cavity is disposed on an inner surface of the corresponding body portion, and is dimensioned for receiving at least one removable and adjustable insert, such that each insert is adjustable and positionable for conforming to a profile of a body of a user. The at least one adjustable insert is movable within the cavity for altering the support of the cylindrical body for the user, and the at least one insert has a central opening dimensioned for accommodating insertion of an auxiliary insert.

The foregoing and other aspects and features of the disclosure will become apparent to those of reasonable skill in the art from the following detailed description, as considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1A-1D, an improved support device or a therapeutic custom roll pillow is generally designated10, and the present support device is used and positioned by a user as illustrated for supporting the neck and head areas of a user in the supine or side lying position. During exercise or sleeping, it is important to properly support a cervical lordotic curve and/or a thoracic spine connected to the neck and head areas of the user for comfort and reinforcement. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, an outer surface12of the support device10provides back support on the convexity of the thoracic spine, neck, and head areas of the user. Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 1C and 1D, the outer surface12provides side support on the spine, neck, and head areas of the user. Although the present support device10is shown as supporting the spine, neck, and head areas of the user, it is also contemplated that the device can be used in other areas of the user's body to suit different applications.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-3, the present support device10is shown in an open position. In the preferred embodiment, the present support device10has a first elongated body portion14and a second elongated body portion16. Each body portion14,16has a generally semi-cylindrical shape, and includes an inner cavity18being disposed on an inner surface20of the corresponding body portion14,16, and being dimensioned for receiving at least one removable and adjustable insert22. It is preferred that the inner cavity18has a linear or straight orientation along a central longitudinal axis of the corresponding body portion14,16, such that the cavities18of the body portions14,16are disposed substantially in parallel with each other when the support device10is in a closed position (FIG. 4). Each insert22is adjustable and positionable for conforming to a profile or contour of a cervical spine of the user, or for satisfying the needs or preferences of the user. Although the semi-cylindrical shape is shown for the body portions14,16, and a cubical shape for the inserts22, other suitable geometric shapes, such as circular, triangular, rectangular, or hexagonal shapes, are also contemplated to suit the application.

It is contemplated that the present support device10is made of polyurethane foam, or other similar materials that can be constructed to allow a hole, depression or orifice to be in the body portions14,16. The foam or other similar material also functions to provide more support and comfort for the user. In other embodiments, the body portions14,16may be made by using vinyl or other fabric that is filled with buckwheat or other similar materials. Similarly, it is also contemplated that the inserts22may be made by using vinyl or other fabric filled with buckwheat or other suitable materials. Preferred embodiments made using a fabric filled with particulate materials may contain the cavity, depression, hole or orifice in the body portions14,16to suit the application. Further, the body portions14,16may be affixed horizontally on one side with fabric adhesive, fabric, or other similar materials that can be used to hold the two head portions together to create a roll pillow.

Returning toFIGS. 1A-1Dand2, as an example only, the inserts22control the height of the supporting area when the user sleeps. When the user rests on his supine position (FIG. 1A), the user rests his neck directly in the center of the support device10, avoiding the inserts22(FIG. 1B). The neck rests between the inserts22, making the device feel lower, and cradle the neck to give proper support in the neck and head areas. When the user sleeps on his side (FIG. 1D), the head width measured from the back of the head to the nose, is typically longer than the neck width. Using the present device10, the user obtains support for the head and neck areas in various sleeping positions by moving the head to different areas on the device10during sleeping or exercise. Therefore, the user's head rests above the inserts22and support the head, making the pillow feel higher (FIG. 1C). As a result, the present device10supports the user's head in a proper height, and helps maintain a straight alignment of the neck.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-5, the present support device10in a closed position is shown inFIG. 4, and the device in an open position is shown inFIG. 5. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second body portions14,16are assembled together to create a cylindrical shape. For example, the first and second body portions14,16are attached together at a common connection seam24. Specifically, one longer side of the inner surface20of the first body portion14is attached substantially parallel to one longer side of the inner surface of the second body portion16. Two longer sides at the connection seam24are hingedly connected together, such that the first and second body portions14,16are rotatable with respect to each other. However, it is contemplated that the first and second body portions14,16are removably attached together using any suitable fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as snaps or hook and loop products. As a result, the body portions14,16are interfaced along a longitudinal plane defined by the inner surfaces20of the corresponding body portions.

Referring now toFIGS. 5-8, the present support device10in the open position is shown, featuring the inserts22being positioned in the cavity18. As illustrated, the cavity18is constructed and arranged to make the body portions14,16more pliable or less stiff as the user locates the neck or head on the support device10. For example, one or more inserts22are positioned in the cavity18of the second body portion16as per the user's preferences. As the user puts his head on the first body portion14(FIGS. 1A-1D), a general shape of the space defined by the cavity18changes when the device is compressed, and the cavity is filled by the first and second body portions14,16.

Depending on the needs or preferences, the user may selectively add additional inserts22in any targeted regions of the cavity18. It is contemplated that the inserts22are preferably tubular, but other suitable shapes, such as cylindrical or other geometric shapes are contemplated to suit the application. It is preferred that the inserts22are made of polyurethane foam, but other suitable materials known in the art are also contemplated to fill the cavity18. For example, two inserts22are placed in the cavity18according to a width of the user's neck.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A and 8B, another embodiment of the present support device10is shown, having the common connection seam24permanently attached to the body portions14,16on one side. As shown inFIGS. 4-8, two longer sides at the connection seam24are hingedly connected together, such that the first and second body portions14,16are rotatable with respect to each other. A notable feature is that the body portions14,16are spaced at a predetermined distance, and flexibly elastically open and close as indicated by an arrow (FIG. 8B), such that the inserts22are inserted into the cavities18without fully opening the body portions14,16(FIG. 8).

Referring now toFIGS. 9A and 9B, another embodiment of the device10is generally designated30. Components shared with the device10are designated with identical reference numbers. A major difference featured in the device30is that the device includes at least one locking mechanism32, transitioning between a locked position and an unlocked position, for securely holding the first and second body portions14,16together. At least one insertion opening or bore34being generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device30is located on the outer surface12of each body portion14,16, and is dimensioned for accommodating insertion of the locking mechanism32into the corresponding body portion.

Each insertion opening34has a first or outer chamber36and a second or inner chamber38, wherein a diameter of the first chamber36is larger than the diameter of the second chamber38. Further, the diameter of the second chamber38is smaller than the diameter of the locking mechanism32, such that the locking mechanism is stopped at a bottom wall40of the first chamber36when the device30is in a locked position (FIG. 9B). An elastic string or rope42is provided to hold the locking mechanisms32together with the body portions14,16sandwiched between. For example, as described in greater detail below, the string42is inserted into the locking mechanism32and the insertion opening34of the first body portion14, and then is inserted into the insertion opening34and the locking mechanism32of the second body portion16. When two opposite ends of the string42are locked by the locking mechanisms32, the first and second body portions14,16are securely held together under the tensile elongation force of the elastic string between the first and second body portions. It is also contemplated that the locking mechanism32can be used in other similar or suitable articles for securing the string or rope42, such as for tightly tying a shoelace or a garment string in clothing.

Referring now toFIGS. 10A-10E, an exemplary operational sequence of the locking mechanism32is illustrated. As shown inFIG. 10A, it is contemplated that the locking mechanism32has at least one opening44, preferably located in a center, and dimensioned for receiving the string42(shown in phantom). A plurality of flexing protrusion sections46(FIGS. 10B and 10D), preferably at least two, are provided on an inner surface48of the locking mechanism32for locking and unlocking the string42. Further, the protrusion sections46are separated and surrounded by one or more channels or grooves49. Each protrusion section46has a first or inner end50adjacent the opening44, and an opposite second or outer end52adjacent a peripheral edge54of the locking mechanism32.

An important feature of each protrusion section46is that the first end50has a thickness being greater than that of the second end52. Also, the first end50extends from the inner surface48near the opening44toward a central axis of the opening, such that the first ends of the protrusion sections46jointly compress toward the central axis of the opening and securely hold the string42when the locking mechanism32is in a locked position (FIG. 10C).

In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism32is generally dome-shaped and flexible to be compressed manually. As shown inFIGS. 10B-10E, the locking mechanism32transitions between the locked position (FIG. 10C) and an unlocked position (FIG. 10E) by compressing and decompressing a top portion56of the locking mechanism inwardly and outwardly, causing flexing from a convex to a concave orientation of the top portion56. More specifically, when the top portion56of the locking mechanism32is compressed inwardly toward the inner surface48of the locking mechanism, the dome-shaped mechanism becomes generally flat and the first ends50flare outwardly to unlock or release the string42(FIGS. 10D and 10E). Conversely, for locking the string42at a desired length, the top portion56of the locking mechanism32is decompressed outwardly, and the locking mechanism32resiliently returns to its original dome shape, thereby locking or securely holding the string under the compression force of the first ends50(FIGS. 10B and 10C).

Referring now toFIGS. 10E-10G, other suitable variations of the locking mechanism32are shown. It is contemplated that the opening44has a larger diameter near the top portion56than the diameter near an opposite bottom portion57(FIG. 10F). Conversely, it is also contemplated that the opening44has a larger diameter near the opposite bottom portion57than the diameter near the top portion56(FIG. 10G). Accordingly, the locking mechanism32operates without the protrusion sections46.

Referring now toFIGS. 10H-10I, when the locking mechanism32is provided with the protrusion sections46, similar suitable variations of the locking mechanism32are contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that the opening44has a larger diameter near the top portion56than the diameter near the opposite first end50of the protrusion section46(FIG. 10H). Conversely, it is also contemplated that the opening44has a larger diameter near the opposite first end50than the diameter near the top portion56(FIG. 10I).

Referring now toFIGS. 11A and 11B, an exemplary variation of the locking mechanism32is illustrated. In this example, the locking mechanism32has two central openings44dimensioned for receiving two separate strings42, and the periphery54of the dome portion of the mechanism32has substantially an oval shape in a longitudinal direction. Other suitable shapes are also contemplated to suit the application. Further, the protrusion sections46have both generally triangular and quadrilateral shapes (FIG. 11B). Likewise, other suitable geometric shapes are contemplated depending on the application.

Referring now toFIGS. 9A,12,13A and13B, an exemplary variation of the insert22′ is illustrated. In this embodiment, the insert22′ has a generally cylindrical shape, and includes at least one circular groove58formed on an outer surface of the insert22′ transverse to a longitudinal axis of the insert, such that each groove matingly rests, in a complementary fashion, on the apex of one of a plurality of ripples or protrusions60disposed on an inner surface of the corresponding cavity18. Although the cubical shape is shown inFIG. 5and the cylindrical shape is shown inFIG. 12for the inserts22,22′, other suitable shapes are contemplated to suit the application. Further, any combinations of inserts having different shapes may be utilized with the grooves58depending on the user's needs and preferences.

Also included in the insert22′ is a central opening62(FIG. 12) dimensioned for accommodating insertion of an auxiliary insert64, wherein the auxiliary insert is provided for varying a density of the insert22′. For example, when the auxiliary insert22′ is slidably inserted into the central opening62of the insert22′, depending on the density of the auxiliary insert, the support device30may exhibit different cushiness and flexibility for the user. Various other suitable types of auxiliary insert64are contemplated to suit the application. Optionally, an accessary device66, such as a vibrator, an alarm clock, a compact radio, and the like, is insertable in the auxiliary insert64or the insert22′ to suit the application. For example, the alarm clock62wakes up the user after a predetermined time period.

Referring now toFIGS. 13A and 13B, it is preferred that a plurality of measurement indicators68are disposed on the inner surface20of at least one of the body portions14,16in a longitudinal direction for more accurately placing the inserts22′ in the cavity18. The measurement indicators68are preferably comprised of a grid that is imprinted along the side of the inner cavity18, but other suitable methods known in the art are also contemplated. The measurement indicators68are optionally printed on materials such as felt, fabrics, and similar materials that can be adhered or affixed to the body portions14,16.

Thus, the inserts22′ are positioned and re-positioned more easily using the measurement indicators68. It is contemplated that the inserts22′ are attached to the defined cavity18, using hook and loop fasteners, but other suitable methods known in the art, such as snap fasteners, are contemplated depending on different applications. It is preferred that the inserts22,22′ are made of polyurethane foam, or other similar materials that are configurable to matingly fit the cavity18of the corresponding body portion14,16.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-16, other embodiments include a cover70for the support device10,30. It is contemplated that at least one of the body portions14,16is spray coated with vinyl-based coating to serve as the cover (FIG. 14). In another embodiment, the cover70is made of vinyl or other suitable types of fabric that is filled with buckwheat or other similar materials to keep the head and neck areas of the user cooler (FIG. 15). InFIG. 15, the cover70may be a mesh-type elastic net for holding the body portions14,16together during use, and may enhance ventilation around the device10,30. In yet another embodiment, the cover70is fastened around the body portions14,16, using zippers or hook and loop fasteners72(FIG. 16). Other suitable fasteners known in the art, such as magnets or snap fasteners, are also contemplated.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While a particular embodiment of the present support device has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the present disclosure in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.