Abstract:
Disclosed is a lightweight, portable, ventilated facial pillow device constructed with compliant materials, and with a top surface, a bottom surface, sidewalls, a longitudinal plane of symmetry, areas void of material, and modified edges. The facial pillow device further contains three distinct support areas, and two (optionally three or four) ventilation areas. The second support area and third support area (if bifurcated by the optional third ventilation area) include two separate, mirrored portions. A bridge area links the first support area to the mirrored portions of the second support area, with the third support area contiguous with the second support area.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an accessory for hygienically supporting the resting human head when it faces downward against an approximately flat supporting surface. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    High quality rest is restricted by many factors, at great social cost. One factor that interferes with restfulness is discomfort or severe snoring when lying down in the medically recommended supine and lateral positions. Another inhibiting factor is that, away from home, there is often no place reasonably available to rest in comfort. 
         [0003]    One way to overcome these obstacles to satisfactory rest, at home and away, would be to provide a mechanism that allows rest with the face pointing downward, toward the force of gravity. The profile of the face is complex, requires ventilation, and is tender in some regions, but surfaces otherwise available for rest are often flat, nonporous, and hard. A key enabler for face-down sleeping would thus be a well ventilated device that shifts forces required to support the limp head to facial features that are suitable for supporting weight; and then, transfers the force to a base that rests upon a supporting surface that would otherwise be hostile to resting. A similar role is played by available devices that reengineer the traditional massage face pillow into something more appropriate for the typical flat mattress, including ventilation. 
         [0004]    In summary, satisfactory rest with the head facing a flat surface is often elusive because of two loosely related factors: constricted breathing and physical pain associated with unaided face-down rest. This has been partly addressed by existing technology, but not in a way that has fostered mass adoption, suggesting unmet needs. 
         [0005]    The present invention proposes a novel, miniaturized facial support system that allows hours of safe and comfortable face-down rest, upon any approximately flat surface. This is achieved by innovative shaping of hygienic, semi-compliant materials. The final form provides a comfortable, highly portable transition between facial structure and functions, and many types of surfaces that would not otherwise support comfort, normal breathing, talking, blood circulation, hygienic spinal alignment, and/or healthful rest. The present invention uniquely utilizes facial features to support the weight of the relaxed head, and also to enable free breathing. The device may be used while lying prone (as an accessory to a prone sleep body pillow), upon folded arms, or upon a table-like surface in which the seated user leans forward onto the desk surface. The present invention is designed to make facially prone rest practical in a variety of common situations. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. D298,992—Filed Jul. 2, 1986 discloses a face pillow that is a pad of nearly rectangular outline, with a vertical cutout for both the eyes and nose, and another transverse cutout to allow ventilation. Both top and bottom are flat, and perpendicular to the vertical cutout. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. D414974 discloses a cushion intended for face down use. The cushion is a rectangular pad with a vertical cutout to accept the face and support it at its periphery. It includes a ventilation tunnel at its base, horizontal to the face, and a cutout for shoulder relief. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. D337914 discloses a Facial Prone Pillow that includes a vertical cutout for the eyes, nose and mouth, two transverse cutouts on the base, apparently for ventilation. Additionally, this disclosure includes a sloped top and a semi-circular cutout on top, apparently to better accommodate the shape of a face. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,797, filed Dec. 22, 1997, discloses a Face Down Tanning and Massage Pad that includes a circular cutout for the face. The device is slanted so that the chest is supported. Additionally, the facial cutout is sized to support the chin and the forehead. 
         [0010]    Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail, below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Disclosed is a facial support device with a nearly flat bottom surface, vertical sidewalls, and a top surface with cutouts to accommodate facial features. The top surface is divided into three distinct support areas that support both sides of the face equally, and ventilation channels, also mirrored along the center of the device. The first (forehead) support area is continuous and cradles the forehead. The second (cheek) support areas are two physically separate surfaces that cradle the left and right cheek, just below the eye sockets. The third (upper jaw) support area(s) cradle the upper jaw and lip, between the nose and upper lip. The upper jaw support area(s) may be physically separated by a gap that enhances ventilation, or bridged to provide addition support. Between the forehead and cheek support areas, there is a first (ocular) cutout that prevents pressure upon the eyes, and that allows ventilation, as well as providing physical connection between the forehead support area and the remainder of the device. Between the cheek supports, and extending above to the forehead support is a cutout that allows the nose to be suspended without pressure, and for ventilation between the ocular cutout and the nasal openings. Optionally, there may be a second (sub-nasal) ventilation channel gap that splits the upper lip supports. 
         [0012]    Therefore, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following desirable and useful benefits and objectives, as well as others not mentioned. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, ergonomically contoured face pillow that will allow for comfortable, hygienic rest while seated at a desk or table, or when supported to lay in the prone position. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeping aid that offloads the usual sleep surfaces, which may assist a natural healing process involving these areas. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a facial cushion that is made from hypoallergenic foam. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is a decorative and fanciful conversation piece. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleeping aid that is very small, light and portable. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a pillow that is sturdy, but disposable after several uses, due to its low cost of production. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to channel the warm, moist exhaled breath over the closed eyes, which is soothing and encourages relaxation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of this invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an embodiment of this invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an embodiment of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments 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 reviewing the present specification and drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a prospective top view of the present invention. Shown is a facial support device  10 , a top surface  20 , a central plane of symmetry  50 , a first support area  70 , second support areas  80  and  81 , third support areas  90  and  91 , a first ventilation area (also serving as an ocular cutout and bridge between first and other support areas)  100 , nasal cutout  110 , and a second ventilation area  120 . 
         [0026]    The bottom surface  60 , illustrated in  FIG. 4  as well as  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may be flat, or slightly contoured to further enhance usability by a broad variety of face shapes. Sidewall surfaces illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , are essentially vertical 
         [0027]    The device  10  is composed of one or more hypoallergenic materials suitable for comfortably adapting to human facial features, while also holding the face above the surface upon which the device is placed. These materials may be layered to provide a soft and highly compliant surface in contact with the face, and more firm material(s) in lower layer(s) to ensure adequate elevation above the placement surface  200 . If the device is sculpted from a block or molded, possible materials include, but are not limited to open or closed cell plastic or rubber foams (EVA, latex, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, and/or other polymeric material). Instead of construction using solid plastic foam, the present invention may alternately be divided in one or more filled chambers, defined by walls impervious to filler leakage. When filled, the outer surfaces may have a puffy appearance, but essentially would provide support and ventilation similar to the illustrated embodiment. The chamber(s) may include a valve or re-sealable opening for introduction and removal of filler to control firmness and/or allow deflation when not in use. Fillers may include, but are limited to air, liquid, gel, fibrous batting, granular particles (such as sand, buckwheat hulls or plastic pellets), feathers, or cloth. Any combination of the above named materials may also be suitable, or different portions of the invention may be made from different materials. 
         [0028]    A casing or cover may be included to protect the present invention from damage, to enhance appearance, and/or to enhance user comfort. The casing or cover may be made from various textiles or animal hides. 
         [0029]    The first support area  70  is shaped to conformally cradle a person&#39;s forehead (frontal bone and attached soft tissue), distributing the supporting forces over the entire support area. 
         [0030]    The second support areas  80  and  81  are designed to conformally cradle the bony areas of a person&#39;s left and right cheek (zygomatic bones and attached soft tissue), below the eyes and extending to the outer reaches of the upper jaw. This second support must not extend too far beyond the inner edges of the zygomatic bones, in order to prevent restriction of blood circulation through the exterior maxillary artery and vein. The spatial relationship with respect to the first support area  70  and third support areas  90  and  91  matches typical human facial anatomy, such that there is a comfortable distribution of force between the support areas. 
         [0031]    The third support areas  90  and  91  cradle a person&#39;s upper jaw (maxilla bone and adjacent soft tissue), beneath the nose and extending beyond the lateral limits of the nose, toward the cheeks. These support areas may be separated by the second ventilation area  120  (as illustrated), or joined to provide additional area to distribute support the upper jaw. The spatial relationship with respect to the first support area  70  and second support areas  80  and  81  matches typical human facial anatomy, such that there is a comfortable distribution of force between all support areas. 
         [0032]    The first ventilation area  100  allows entry of fresh air and exhaust of exhaled air. The first ventilation area also serves as a cutout that prevents ocular discomfort, and is dimensioned to prevent material from impinging upon the eyes. The first ventilation area further provides a bridge between the first and other support areas, and is bounded by the combined need to prevent ocular pressure, to allow adequate ventilation, and to provide a suitable physical joint between the support areas. Through holes  108  may be placed in the proximity of the user&#39;s eyes, to allow forward vision, which might be desirable during placement on the support surface. 
         [0033]    The nasal cutout  110  prevents painful pressure upon a person&#39;s nose, and also provides a channel for inhaled and exhaled air between the nasal openings and the ventilation areas  100  and  120 . The nasal cutout  110  is broad enough to accommodate ventilation and the normal range of nose dimensions, and deep enough to prevent the tip of a person&#39;s nose from pressing uncomfortably against the placement surface  200 . 
         [0034]    For enhanced air exchange, a second ventilation area  120  may optionally be provided by a full (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) or partial gap between the third support areas  90  and  91 . The first ventilation area  100  is adequate for normal breathing, but enhanced by additional air exchange channels. Ventilation area  120 , if implemented, may or may not require a fraction of the upper jaw support provided by third support areas  90  and  91  to be sacrificed. 
         [0035]    As noted on the Illustration page, edges that come into contact with the person&#39;s face are generously rounded. This is to enhance comfort by preventing sharp edges from impinging upon the person&#39;s skin. 
         [0036]    The present invention may be used alone when the user is seated or standing and leans into placement surface  200 , using the device as a pillow between the face and the placement surface. 
         [0037]    The present invention may also be used in combination with a body support device (not illustrated herein) for hygienic, comfortable resting in a prone (horizontal, facing downward) position. The body support device must elevate the user&#39;s trunk to a level that results in a hygienic match between the user&#39;s trunk and head, when the head is supported by the present invention. With the trunk thus elevated, the head can hygienically rest facing downward upon the present invention, which would not be possible without a properly ventilated face pillow. 
         [0038]    Ideally, the dimensions of the preferred embodiment are determined by the user&#39;s facial anatomy and the specific application. For example, a small child will have facial dimensions that are smaller than an adult, and a prone sleeper will typically be uncomfortable if the head does not tilt toward the chest. The key features of the present invention are:
       how it supports the face   its close match to facial structure   its ventilation scheme   its ability to be used on many surfaces, including flat and non-flat surfaces       
 
         [0043]    Heights  33 ,  34  and  35  determine the distance of the person&#39;s forehead and nose above the placement surface  200 . When in use, the upper jaw rests at height  34 ; the most forward part of the supported forehead rests at height  33 ; and the most forward cheek prominences rest at height  35 . These heights are variable, depending on the desired tilt of the head, and upon the desired overall elevation above the placement surface. Additionally, these heights vary relatively depending upon the person&#39;s facial geometry and the desired weight distribution among the surfaces that contact the user&#39;s face. Minimally, it is necessary to lift the face high enough to prevent the nose from resting uncomfortably against the placement surface. For an adult of average size, with the person&#39;s face approximately horizontal to the placement surface, the preferred dimensions are as follows:
       height  33  is 1.1-1.8 inches   height  34  is 0.9-1.6 inches   height  35  is 1.6-2.3 inches       
 
         [0047]    Length  31 , width  32 , and overall height  30  preferably maximize the total surface area that is usefully supporting the person&#39;s face. In the extreme, length  31  would extend from the lowest part of the upper lip to the apex of the head, and width  32  can equal the overall width of the user&#39;s head. As the length and width expand to include 100% of the person&#39;s available facial surface, the total volume, and especially the overall height  30  of the present invention may become unwieldy. The preferred embodiment illustrated herein represents a balance of overall size and total area that supports the face, with length  31  spanning approximately from the hairline of the forehead to about 0.8 inches beneath the nose; and the width  32  spanning to the outer forward edges of the cheek bones. This results (as illustrated herein in  FIG. 5  for a face roughly parallel to the placement surface, and lifted just enough to prevent the nose from touching the placement surface  200 ) in preferred dimensions as follows:
       length  31  of 5.4-6.2 inches   width  32  of 4.3-5.1 inches   overall height  30  of 2.1-2.8 inches.
 
Preferred dimensions are to be adjusted for a change in head tilt or increased lift above the placement surface.
       
 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  demonstrates a person&#39;s head  270  resting on the device  10 . The person&#39;s forehead rests in the first support area  70 , cradled in the approximately semi-spherical cutout  71  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The prominences of a person&#39;s cheek rest in the second supports areas  80  and  81 . The person&#39;s upper jaw rests in the third support areas  90  and  91 . The persons lower jaw and chin are not supported by the present invention. 
         [0052]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.