Patent Publication Number: US-2005125901-A1

Title: Head support having sleep inhibiting characteristics

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
      This Application claims the benefit on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/529,283 filed on Dec. 9, 2003. The contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/529,283 are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      Various forms of yoga and meditation have recently gained acceptance within today&#39;s society. For example, “Pilates” is known to increase strength and flexibility through holding certain body positions, while different types of meditation exercises encourage relaxation of the mind and body. At various times while engaging in such exercises, a participant may wish to lie awake in a “Corpse Pose” or “savasana”. These types of relaxation techniques often utilize a support, such as a pillow, for the head, neck or other parts of the body. Unfortunately, many such supports can result in the participant falling asleep rather than promoting a useful exercise or meditation session. Additionally, certain pillows can have the undesired result of changing a comfortable reading, movie watching or driving position into a position better suited for slumber, thereby defeating the intended purpose.  
     SUMMARY  
      The present invention is directed to a support for supporting a head of an individual relative to a surface. In one embodiment, the support includes a resilient body section having a body interior and an outer layer, and a plurality of raised projections that are positioned on the outer layer. In one embodiment, the outer layer is removable from the body interior. The projections extend away from the body interior. In one embodiment, the projections have a higher coefficient of static friction than the outer layer so that the projections inhibit relative movement between the outer layer and the surface when the projections are in contact with the surface. Further, at least two of the projections can be secured to the outer layer in a discontinuous manner. In one embodiment, at least some of the projections are formed from a substantially non-liquid-absorbing material such as plastic or latex.  
      In another embodiment, the outer layer of the body section has a first side that generally faces the surface and a second side that is substantially opposite the first side. Further, the body section has a length that is oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the head when the support is supporting the head of the individual. The body section also has a maximum height that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the length in a direction between the first side and the second side. The body section further has a width that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the length and the height. In one embodiment, the width is less than at least one of the length and the maximum height. This embodiment can also include a plurality of projections that are secured to the outer layer of the body section.  
      The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a support that supports the head or other body parts of an individual. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:  
       FIG. 1A  is a partially cutaway, side view of one embodiment of a head support having features of the present invention, and a head of an individual;  
       FIG. 1B  is an end view of the head support illustrated in  FIG. 1A , and the head of the individual;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head support;  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the head support taken on line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a projection;  
       FIG. 4B  is a side view of the projection illustrated in  FIG. 4A ;  
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a projection;  
       FIG. 5B  is a side view of the projection illustrated in  FIG. 5A ;  
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a projection;  
       FIG. 6B  is a side view of the projection illustrated in  FIG. 6A ;  
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a projection;  
       FIG. 7B  is a side view of the projection illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; and  
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a head support having features of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a head support having features of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a head support having features of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a head support having features of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       FIG. 1A  is a side view of a head support  10  (also sometimes referred to herein simply as “support”) supporting a head  12  of an individual relative to a surface  14 . The configuration of the support  10  can vary depending upon the particular design requirements and upon the specific usage of the support  10 . It is recognized that although the support  10  provided herein is particularly suited for supporting and/or positioning the head  12  of an individual, the support  10  can effectively be utilized for other purposes. For convenience of discussion, the support  10  is described in detail relative to supporting the head  12  of the individual. However, although not specifically illustrated in Figures, the support  10  can be positioned to support the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine of the individual during exercise, sitting or during other activities. Further, the support  10  can be used between a hip and one or more ribs, under the chin, as a support for the midsection of a woman during pregnancy, between the knees of an individual, or for any other suitable usage.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the head  12  has a longitudinal axis  15 . As used herein, and for orientation purposes, the longitudinal axis  15  of the head  12  runs substantially lengthwise along the support  10 , as provided in greater detail below.  
      As used herein, the surface  14  can have any orientation, i.e. horizontal (as shown in  FIG. 1A ), vertical or any other suitable angle that can accommodate contact with the support  10 . For example, the surface  14  can be any suitable type of yoga or other sports mat, a flooring material, a bed, a table or other furniture, the ground, the back of a chair, or any other type of surface  14 , whether horizontal, vertical or some other angle.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the support  10  includes a resilient body section  16  and a plurality of raised projections  18  that project away from the body section  16  as described herein. In this embodiment, the body section  16  includes a body interior  20  and an outer layer  22 . The body interior  20  can form the vast majority of the body section  16 , essentially forming the core of the support  10 . The material used to form the body interior  20  can vary. For example, the body interior  20  can be formed from a relatively firm, resilient material that is supportive, yet comfortable for the head  12  or other body parts. In one embodiment, the body interior  20  is formed from a foam rubber or a memory foam material. However, any suitably firm, resilient material can be used.  
      Further, in this embodiment, the outer layer  22  substantially surrounds and/or envelopes the body interior  20 . The thickness of the outer layer  22  can vary depending upon the material used to form the outer layer  22  and upon the design requirements of the support  10 . The outer layer  22  can be formed from relatively absorbent materials that can vary depending upon the design requirements of the head support  10 . For instance, the outer layer  22  can include any suitably absorbent natural fibers or fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, etc., and/or synthetic materials such as acrylics, polyester microfiber, nylon and/or rayon, as non-exclusive examples. With this design, moisture such as perspiration can be readily absorbed by the outer layer  22 . Moreover, in accordance with one embodiment of the support  10 , the outer layer  22  can be removable to be laundered or interchanged with another outer layer  22 . Additionally, the outer layer  22  can include a decorative pattern or print to suit the style of the individual user.  
      In addition, the body section  16  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  has a first side  24  and a second side  26 . In this embodiment, the first side  24  generally faces and/or is in contact with the surface  14 . In one embodiment, the first side  24  is substantially flat to provide a greater surface area that remains in contact with the surface  14 . However, the first side  24  can have any suitable configuration, depending upon the configuration of the surface  14 , for example.  
      The second side  26  is substantially opposite the first side  24 , and generally faces away from the surface  14 . Further, the second side  26  can be in direct contact with the head  12  or other body part of the individual, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . It is recognized, however, that either side  24 ,  26  can be the first side  24  or the second side  26 .  
      The body section  16  can be shaped to substantially provide the overall general shape of the support  10 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the body interior  20  is somewhat sleigh-shaped, and includes a depression  28  in the second side  26  of the body section  16 . In this embodiment, the depression  28  can receive and/or somewhat cradle the head  12  of the individual to decrease the extent of unwanted movement of the head  12  relative to the support  10 , and/or for greater comfort to the individual.  
      The projections  18  can be secured to any portion of the outer layer  22  of the body section  16 . For example, the projections  18  can be secured to the first side  24  and the second side  26 , and/or any other portion of the body section  16 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the head support  10  can be placed on top of or against the surface  14 , which can become slick or slippery when moisture is introduced onto the surface  14 .  
      The material(s) used for the projections  18  can be varied. For example, the projections  18  can be formed from a substantially non-absorbent material such as various forms of plastic (e.g., latex), rubber, epoxy, or any other suitable material, as non-exclusive examples. The material used to form the projections  18  can have a relatively high coefficient of static friction. In one embodiment, the material used to form the projections  18  can have a coefficient of static friction that is greater then a coefficient of static friction of the outer layer  22 . With this design, the relatively high static friction of the projections  18  decrease the likelihood that the support  10  will slip, slide or otherwise move relative to the surface  14  upon which the support  10  is positioned. Stated another way, the projections  18  provide greater traction between the outer layer  22  of the support  10  and the surface  14 .  
      The positioning, shape and size of the projections  18  can vary. In one embodiment, the projections  18  are positioned in a pattern. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the projections  18  are positioned in a grid-like arrangement on the outer layer  22 . In this embodiment, the projections  18  are positioned in a plurality of substantially similar rows, each with a relatively consistent spacing between rows and between individual projections  18 . Alternatively, the projections  18  can be positioned in a substantially random manner on the outer layer  22  of the body section  16 .  
      In an alternative embodiment, the projections  18  can be positioned in a repeated, somewhat diamond-shaped pattern on the outer layer  22  so that the rows are somewhat staggered from those illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Still alternatively, the projections  18  can be separately positioned to form concentric circles, triangles, or any other suitable geometric patterns.  
      Further, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , each projection  18  is separately secured to the outer layer  22  in an intermittent, unconnected and/or discontinuous manner. In one embodiment, the projections  18  can be secured to the outer layer  22  by using a heat treatment method, which can include melting the projections  18  into position on the outer layer  22 . Examples of alternative methods that can be used to secure the projections  18  to the outer layer  22  include chemical bonding, adhesive, or any other suitable means, although these methods are not intended to be limiting in any manner.  
      Because of the spacing between adjacent projections  18 , the outer layer  22  can more readily absorb moisture from the surface  14  and/or the user, with reduced or no interference by the projections  18 . Stated another way, any inhibition of moisture absorption caused by the projections  18  is reduced or eliminated because a substantially high portion of the outer layer  22  is still exposed, despite the relatively high quantity of projections  18  that are secured to the outer layer  22 . For example, in one embodiment, the projections  18  are sized, shaped and positioned to cover less than approximately 20% of the total area of the outer layer  22 . In alternative embodiments, the projections  18  are sized, shaped and positioned to cover less than approximately 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% or 90% of the total area of the outer layer  22 .  
      The spacing between the projections  18  can vary. In one embodiment, the spacing of the projections  18  can be approximately one-quarter inch on center. However, the spacing between the projections  18  can be greater or less than one-quarter inch on center achieve the desired level of inhibition of movement between the projections  18  (and thus the outer layer  22 ) and the surface  14 . Additionally, because the projections  18  can be positioned relatively close to one another while not unduly inhibiting moisture absorption by the outer layer  22 , there is less chance for the outer layer  22 , and thus the entire support  10 , to move relative to the surface  14 . Consequently, injuries caused by slippage of the support  10  relative to the surface  14  are reduced.  
      In still an alternative embodiment, two or more of the projections  18  can be continuous, e.g. secured together on the outer layer  22  to form lines, curves or other patterns on the body section  16 .  
      Further, the distance that each of the projections  18  projects or extends away from the outer layer  22  and/or body interior  20  can vary. For instance, in one embodiment, the projections  18  can project at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from the outer layer  22  in a direction away from the body interior  20 . In alternative embodiments, the projections  18  can project at least approximately 0.2 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 1.5 millimeters, 2.0 millimeters, 3.0 millimeters or 5.0 millimeters away from the first outer layer  22 .  
      In alternative embodiments, the projections  18  can project within the range of (i) greater than 0.1 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, (ii) greater than 0.2 millimeters and less than 2.0 millimeters, or (iii) greater than 0.5 millimeters and less than 1.0 millimeter away from the outer layer  22 . Still alternatively, the projections  18  can project less than or greater than the foregoing distances and ranges away from the outer layer  22 . Moreover, depending upon the spacing of the projections  18 , the height of the projections  18 , and/or the thickness and/or weight of the outer layer  22 , a user can receive various tactile sensations or stimuli when in static or dynamic contact with the head support  10 . These stimuli can include a force on certain pressure points of the user&#39;s body or a massage of the bone and/or musculature of the user, as non-exclusive examples. With the designs provided herein, the tactile stimulus received by the user can maintain a requisite level of consciousness during usage of the support  10 . Stated another way, using the support  10  can inhibit an individual from failing asleep even during relaxation and/or meditation exercises.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the support  10  has a length  30 , a height  32  and a width  34  (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ). The length  30  is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis  15  of the head  12  of the individual. The length  30  of the support  10  can vary, although in this embodiment, the length is substantially constant.  
      The height  32  is oriented substantially orthogonal to the length  30 , and extends directly between the first side  24  and the second side  26 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the height  32  varies over the length  30  of the support  10 . In embodiments having a varying height  32 , the height  32  can be measured at any location along the length  30  of the support. In these embodiments, the support  10  also has a maximum height  36 , representing the greatest distance that extends directly between the first side  24  and the second side  26 .  
       FIG. 1B  is an end view of the head support  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In this embodiment, the width  34  is substantially constant over the entire length  30  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) of the support  10 . However, in alternative embodiments, the width  34  can vary over the length  30  of the support  10 . Further, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the width  34  is relatively narrow. For example, a portion of or the entire width  34  of the support  10  can be approximately similar to or less than a width  12 W of the head  12  of a typical individual, provided the width  34  is great enough to adequately support the head  12 . In alternative non-exclusive embodiments, a portion of the width  34 , a majority of the width  34 , or the entire width  34  of the support  10  can be less than approximately 5.0 inches and/or greater than approximately 3.5 inches. In another embodiment, the width  34  of any portion of the support  10  can be greater than 5.0 inches or less than 3.5 inches.  
      In addition, or in the alternative, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the width  34  of the support  10  is less than the maximum height  36  and/or the length  30  of the support  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the width  34  is less than approximately 90% of the maximum height  36  and/or the length  30  of the support  10 . In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the width  34  is less than approximately 50%, 60%, 75%, 100%, 125%, or 150% of the maximum height  36  and/or the length  30  of the support  10 .  
      With these designs, the relative narrowness of the support  10  can provide one or more benefits. For example, the decreased width  34  of the support  10  allows for easier transport of the support  10 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the width  34  of the support is insufficient to allow the user to turn his or her head  12  without the head  12  becoming unsupported by the support  10 . Thus, during meditation exercises, a relatively common side effect is that a user can become relaxed to the point of falling asleep, which can be an undesirable and/or unintended result. If a user becomes drowsy and starts to doze off, any turn of the head  12  can result in a decrease in support offered by the support  10 . As a consequence of the decrease in support, the reflexes of the user can cause the user to quickly awaken, thereby inhibiting sleep and allowing the user to resume meditation or other appropriate exercises. Moreover, the decreased width  34  can induce greater concentration by the user during exercise in order to maintain the proper position of the head  12  relative to the support  10 .  
      The dimensions of the support  10  can vary. The head support  10  can be sized to be substantially similar to the surface  14  upon which the support  10  is placed. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the support  10  can have a length  32  of approximately 8.0 inches, a maximum height  36  of approximately 4.5 inches, and a width  34  of approximately 4.0 inches. However, the support  10  can have suitable dimensions larger or smaller than these dimensions.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head support  210 , including the body section  216  and the projections  218 . In this embodiment, the projections  218  are positioned on the outer layer  222  to provide one or more of the benefits indicated herein.  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the head support  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , taken on line  3 - 3 . In this embodiment, the body interior  220  comprises the vast majority of the support  210 . The outer layer  222  substantially surrounds and/or encloses the body interior  220 . In this embodiment, the projections  218  are substantially uniformly and separately positioned on the outer layer  222 . In an alternative embodiment, two or more of the projections  218  can be joined in a continuous manner.  
       FIGS. 4A-7B  show various representative shapes of several embodiments of the projections  18 . The embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 4A-7B  are provided for convenience of discussion only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. The shape of the projections  18  can vary depending upon the level of tactile stimulus desired by the user in contact with the head support  10 , and/or the extent to which the user desires or needs a greater level of friction between the projections  18  and the surface  14 .  
       FIG. 4A  is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection  414 . In this embodiment, the projection  414  has a round or circular footprint.  FIG. 4B  is a side view of the projection  414  illustrated in  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4B  shows that the projection  414  can have a substantially dome or hemispherical shape, for example.  
       FIG. 5A  is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection  514 . In this embodiment, the projection  514  has a rectangular footprint.  FIG. 5B  is a side view of the projection  514  illustrated in  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5B  shows that the projections  514  have a substantially frusto-pyramidal shape.  
       FIG. 6A  is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection  614 . In this embodiment, the projection  614  has a round or circular footprint.  FIG. 6B  is a side view of the projection  614  illustrated in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6B  shows that the projection  614  can have a substantially cylindrical, planar or flat shape.  
       FIG. 7A  is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection  714 . In this embodiment, the projection  714  has a round or circular footprint.  FIG. 7B  is a side view of the projection  714  illustrated in  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 7B  shows that the projection  714  can have a substantially frusto-conical shape.  
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a head support  810 . In this embodiment, the support  810  includes the body section  816  and a plurality of projections  818  that are secured to the body section  816 . The body section  816  includes the body interior  820  and the outer layer  822 . However, in this embodiment, the body interior  820  and the outer layer  822  are integrally formed as a unitary structure. Stated another way, the outer layer  822  is not a separate structure that encompasses the body interior  820 . In one such embodiment, the entire body section  816  is formed from a homogeneous material. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer layer  822  is not removable from the body interior  820 .  
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a head support  910 . The support  910  includes the body section  916  and a plurality of projections  918  that are secured to the body section  916 . However, in this embodiment, the projections  918  are secured only to a portion of the outer layer  922 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the projections  918  are secured to the second side  926  of the outer layer  922  to provide stimuli to the head  12  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) or other body parts of the individual. With this design, the individual can manipulate the support  910  so that the projections  918  are either in contact with the individual or the surface  14  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ), depending upon the requirements of the individual.  
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a head support  1010 . The support  1010  includes the body section  1016  and a plurality of projections  1018  that are secured to the body section  1016 . However, in this embodiment, the projections  1018  are secured only to a portion of the outer layer  1022 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the projections  1018  are secured to the first side  1024  of the outer layer  1022  to inhibit slippage of the support  1010  relative to the surface  14  (illustrated in  FIG. 1A ).  
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a head support  1110 . The head support  1110  includes the body section  1116 , but does not include any projections. In this embodiment, the support  1110  can have features from previously described embodiments of the head support, such as a relatively narrow width  34  (illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) to inhibit the individual from sleeping while using the support  1110 .  
      While the particular head support  10  as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.