Patent Publication Number: US-2013253257-A1

Title: Personal comfort device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/615,547 filed on Mar. 26, 2012. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the field of personal health and wellness accessories. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many persons suffer from headaches. It is common for a person suffering from a headache to self-medicate with a cold compress. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Apparatus forms one aspect of the present invention. The apparatus is for use by a person and comprises a headband and a force-focuser. The headband at least substantially encircles the head of the person in use. The force-focuser, in use, is urged against the head of the person by the headband. The headband and the force-focuser are adapted to, in use, apply force to at least substantially all portions of the head surface that are overlaid by the headband and/or the force-focuser. The headband is adjustable to vary, in the aggregate, the force applied to said at least substantially all portions of the head surface. The force-focuser is adapted to permit localized variation of the force applied by the headband and force-focuser in use. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the force-focuser can be releasably coupled to the headband. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the headband can include an elongate pocket; the force-focuser can include an elongate bag and a plurality of granules sealed within the bag; and the force-focuser can be releasably coupled to the headband by insertion of the bag into the pocket. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the granules can be oats. 
     According to another aspect of the invention: the two or more seams can be defined in the bag; the seams can be spaced apart lengthwise of the bag such that the bag defines a plurality of compartments; and the seams can extend only partially across the bag such that the compartments communicate with one another, to permit the granule loading in each bag to be varied. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprise a reusable hot and cold gel pack having a form factor similar to that of the force-focuser and adapted for insertion into the pocket. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the headband can be an elasticized fabric band having hook and loop fasteners at the ends thereof to provide for said adjustment. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprise a mask fixedly coupled to the headband and adapted to overlie the eyes of the person in use. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the mask can include a mask pocket. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprising a further bag of granules, the further bag being adapted to be inserted into the mask pocket. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprise a further reusable hot and cold gel pack having a form factor similar to that of the further bag of granules. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the further bag of granules can have a pair of pockets, each pocket being adapted to receive a scent carrier. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprise a strip having a form factor similar to that of the force-focuser, adapted for insertion into the pocket and which includes a plurality of magnets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows the structure of reference numeral  24  [not visible] inserted in the structure of reference numeral  46 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure indicated with reference numeral  26 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the structure of reference numeral  46  in one manner of use; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the structure of  FIG. 4  from another vantage point; and 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the structure of  FIG. 4  is another manner of use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which, it will be recalled, shows a system  20  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     The exemplary system  20  will be seen to include: a headband apparatus  22 ; a force-focuser  24  in the form of a granule-containing bag  26 ; a reusable hot and cold gel pack  28 ; a further bag of granules  30 ; a further reusable hot and cold gel pack  32 ; a scent strip  34 ; and a magnet strip  36 . 
     The headband apparatus  22  includes a headband  40  and a mask  42 . The headband  40  is an elasticized fabric band  43  having hook  44  and loop  46  fasteners at the ends thereof and an elongate pocket  48 . The mask  42  is fixedly coupled to the headband  40  and has a pocket  49  defined therein. 
     The bag  26  of the force-focuser is elongate and adapted for insertion in the elongate pocket  48 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , and the granules contained in the bag  26  are oats. Two or more seams  50 , specifically, three seams, are defined in the bag, and are spaced apart lengthwise of the bag such that the bag defines a plurality of compartments  52 , namely, four compartments. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , seams  50  extend only partially across the bag such that the compartments  52  communicate with one another, to permit the granule loading in each bag to be varied. 
     The reusable hot and cold gel pack  28  has a form factor similar to that of the force-focuser  24 . 
     The magnet strip  36  has a form factor similar to that of the force-focuser  24  and contains a plurality of magnets (not shown). 
     The further bag of granules  30  is adapted for insertion in the mask pocket  49 , contains oats and has a pair of scent pockets  52 . 
     The scent strip  34  is adapted for insertion in the scent pocket and is adapted to release one of a plurality of scents, specifically, peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show the headband apparatus  22  in use, namely, with the headband  40  encircling the head of the user. In these views, the mask  42  is tucked under the headband and thus is not visible. 
       FIG. 6  shows another view, wherein the mask  42  overlies the eyes of the user. 
     In one manner of use, the force-focuser is inserted into the elongate pocket (not shown), as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this use, the force-focuser will be urged against the head of the person by the headband and the headband and the force-focuser apply force to at least substantially all portions of the head surface that are overlaid by the headband. 
     The hook  44  and loop  46  fasteners allow the wearer to vary, in the aggregate, the force applied to said at least substantially all portions of the head surface; varying the granule loading in the compartments permit localized variation of the force applied by the headband and force-focuser in use. 
     This use has been found to have advantage in the treatment of migraine headaches. 
     EXAMPLE ONE 
     An adult male with a history of migraine headaches noticed the onset of migraine symptoms and migraine pain that was perceived to be in the back of the skull. The granule loading in a previously-chilled force-focuser was adjusted, and the headband was donned and adjusted so as to be as tight as possible without discomfort, so as to provide focused pressure over that surface of the head which was perceived to be the locus of the pain. Within about 7 minutes, the pain and migraine symptoms had ceased. 
     EXAMPLE 2   
     An adult female with a history of cluster headaches experienced a recurrence. The granule loading in a force-focuser was adjusted, and the headband was donned and adjusted so as to be as tight as possible without discomfort, so as to provide focused pressure over the temples. Within minutes, the pain began to subside. 
     Other uses 
     In another use, the hot and cold gel pack  28  takes the place of the force-focuser. This permits the application of pressure in combination with heating and/or cooling and provides comfort to some users. 
     In another use, the further bag  30  is inserted into the mask pocket. The mass of this bag, as well as the ability to deform associated with the loose granular filling, ensures that the eyes are fully covered, thereby blocking light, which provides comfort to some users. 
     In yet another use, one or more scent carriers  34  are inserted into the scent pocket  52 , thereby to release scent in the vicinity of the nostrils of the wear. This provides comfort to some users. 
     In yet another use, the further reusable hot and cold gel pack  32  takes the place of the further bag  30  in the mask pocket  49 . This provides the advantage of heating and/or cooling to the eyes, while maintaining the light-blocking functionality. 
     In yet another use, the magnetic-bearing strip  36  takes the place of force-focuser  24 ; many persons believe in the healing powers of magnets and this use provides comfort to users sharing this belief. 
     Whereas but a single specific embodiment of the system is herein shown and described, variations are possible. 
     For example, whereas hook and loop fasteners provide for the adjustment of tension in the aggregate in the exemplary embodiment, this is not essential: the headband could, for example, be provided in varied sizes, thereby to allow the user to purchase a headband that provides the desired tension. 
     As well, whereas in the exemplary embodiment, oats are used for granules, this is not essential. 
     Accordingly, the invention should be understood as limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.