Patent Abstract:
A head-restraint system includes a rotatable base portion; a stationary platform positioned underneath the base portion, wherein the platform supports the base portion; a rotatable head cradle positioned within an open region of the base portion; a first pivoting mechanism that allows the head cradle to rotate with respect to the base portion; and a second pivoting mechanism that allows the base portion to rotate with respect to the platform.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The embodiments herein generally relate to head supporting mechanisms, and, more particularly, to an infant head cradle. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Infants are recommended to be placed on their backs (i.e., face up) when they are sleeping in cribs, cradles, bassinets, and other places. One cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is suffocation caused by infants who are either positioned on their stomachs when sleeping or infants who somehow turn their body/head over while sleeping and are unable to lift their heads in order to breathe. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an assembly comprising a platform; a base positioned on the platform, wherein the base comprises a groove comprising a generally curved track; a rotatable arcuately-shaped head cradle positioned within an open region of the base, wherein the head cradle comprises a protruding belt portion dimensioned and configured to slide within the groove of the base; and at least one ball bearing positioned between the belt portion of the head cradle and the base, wherein the at least one ball bearing slides in the curved track of the base. 
         [0006]    The platform may comprise an upper surface comprising a pair of guides and a receptacle; a front wall; a back wall positioned opposite to the front wall; and a pair of side walls positioned between the front wall and the back wall. The front wall may be dimensioned and configured to be approximately one-half in length compared to the back wall. The base may further comprise a top region comprising a recessed saddle-shaped central surface; and a pair of raised side surfaces positioned on lateral sides of the central surface, wherein each side surface comprises a hole disposed therein. The base may further comprise a front region comprising at least one slot configured in a front wall of the base, wherein the front wall of the base is positioned transverse to the central surface and the pair of raised side surfaces, wherein the groove and the track extend from a first side surface through the central surface and to the second side surface of the top region. 
         [0007]    Additionally, the base may further comprise a bottom region comprising a pair of generally cylindrical legs having concave ends that are dimensioned and configured to accept a ball bearing, wherein the legs rest in the pair of guides of the platform; and a boss feature dimensioned and configured to rotationally connect to the receptacle of the platform. The boss feature may comprise a neck portion; and an enlarged lip that snaps into the receptacle of the platform. The head cradle may comprises an anterior surface comprising an inner area of the belt portion that is generally centrally positioned on the U-shaped anterior surface, wherein the inner area of the belt portion comprises at least one semi-spherical bump outwardly extending from the belt portion; and a posterior surface comprising a concave socket positioned on an opposite side of the at least one semi-spherical bump, wherein the concave socket is dimensioned and configured to accept the at least one ball bearing. 
         [0008]    The assembly may further comprise a neck roll operatively connected to the base, wherein the neck roll comprises a tube member having a substantially curved front, top, and bottom end and a substantially flat back end, wherein the back end comprises at least one attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism engages the at least one slot of the base. Moreover, the assembly may further comprise a blanket system comprising a fastening mechanism that attaches the blanket system to any of the platform, the base, and the head cradle; a first blanket operatively connected to the fastening mechanism; and a second blanket operatively connected to the first blanket. The second blanket may comprise a pair of holes aligned with one another; and an attachment mechanism to attach opposite ends of the second blanket to one another. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment provides a head-restraint system comprising a base portion; a platform positioned underneath the base portion, wherein the platform supports the base portion; a head cradle positioned within an open region of the base portion; means for pivoting the head cradle with respect to the base portion; and means for pivoting the base portion with respect to the platform. The means for pivoting the head cradle with respect to the base portion may comprise a groove comprising a generally curved track dimensioned and configured on the base portion; a protruding belt portion dimensioned and configured on the head cradle to slide within the groove of the base portion; and at least one ball bearing positioned between the belt portion of the head cradle and the base portion, wherein the at least one ball bearing slides in the curved track of the base portion. 
         [0010]    The means for pivoting the base portion with respect to the platform may comprise a pair of guides and a receptacle dimensioned and configured on an upper surface of the platform; a pair of legs dimensioned and configured on a lower surface of the base portion, wherein the legs comprise concave ends that are dimensioned and configured to accept a ball bearing, wherein the legs rest in the pair of guides of the platform; and a boss feature dimensioned and configured on the lower surface of the base portion, wherein the boss feature rotationally engages the receptacle of the platform. 
         [0011]    Additionally, the means for pivoting the head cradle with respect to the base portion may comprise a pivot mechanism rotationally connecting the base portion to the head cradle; and a friction reducing mechanism positioned between the base portion and the head cradle. Furthermore, the means for pivoting the base portion with respect to the platform may comprise a pivot mechanism rotationally connecting the base portion to the platform; and at least one ball bearing positioned between the base portion and the platform. The system may further comprise a cushioning mechanism positioned on the base portion. Also, the system may further comprise an audio signal mechanism that generates audio signals and outputs the audio signals, wherein the audio signal mechanism is positioned adjacent to any of the platform, the base portion, and the head cradle. The audio signal mechanism may comprise a programmable sound card; a speaker; and a power supply unit. Moreover, the system may further comprise a dual component blanket system connected to any of the platform, the base portion, and the head cradle, wherein the dual component blanket system comprises an outer blanket portion and an inner blanket portion. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising a stationary platform; a base rotationally connected to the platform; a head cradle rotationally connected to the base; a first pivot mechanism rotationally connecting the base to the head cradle; and a second pivot mechanism rotationally connecting the base to the platform. 
         [0013]    These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of an infant headrest assembly according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate exploded diagrams of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic diagram of the platform of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of the base of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom view of the base of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 9  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the base of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 9  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates an anterior view of the cradle of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates a posterior view of the cradle of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  illustrates schematic diagram of the neck roll of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of a blanket system according to an embodiment herein; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an infant headrest assembly according to an embodiment herein; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along line A-A′ of the infant headrest assembly of  FIG. 16  according to an embodiment herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
         [0032]    The embodiments herein provide a polyaxial infant head cradle that rotates in two dimensions thereby allowing a baby to turn its head in a “no” motion as well as side-to-side motion (i.e., head-to-shoulders). Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 through 17 , where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 1 through 7  illustrate schematic diagrams of an infant headrest assembly  1  according to a first embodiment herein. The assembly  1  comprises a platform  10  that holds a base  20 , which connects to a neck roll  40 . A generally U-shaped cradle  30  sits in the base  20 . A plurality of ball bearings  50  are also included in the assembly  1  and are positioned between the platform  10  and base  20 , as well as between the base  20  and the cradle  30 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic diagram of the platform  10  of the infant headrest assembly  1  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The platform  10  comprises an upper surface  11 , a front wall  12 , and a back wall  13  positioned opposite to the front wall  12 . The front wall  12  is generally configured approximately one-half in length compared to the back wall  13 . A pair of curved side walls  14 ,  15  are positioned between the front wall  12  and back wall  13 . Disposed in the upper surface  11  is a generally circular receptacle  16 . A pair of generally curved guides  17 ,  18  are further disposed in the upper surface  11 . The receptacle  16  and guides  17 ,  18  generally provide supporting means for the base  20  as it rests on the platform  10  as well as providing rotational means for the base  20  to rotate with respect to the platform  10 . The platform  10  may be dimensioned and configured to attach or hold/clasp a securing a blanket  70  (of  FIG. 15 ) that may be further attached into the U-shaped cradle  30 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 9 through 11  illustrate the base  20  of the infant headrest assembly  1  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The base  20  comprises a recessed central surface  21 . Positioned on lateral sides of the central surface  21  are two raised side surfaces  22   a ,  22   b  that are generally flat. The side surfaces  22   a ,  22   b  each have a hole  26  disposed therein. Extending from one lateral side  22   a  through the central surface  21  onto the other lateral side  22   b  is a groove  65  comprising a generally curved track  23  positioned therein. A pair of slots  25  are positioned in the front of the base  20 . The undersurface  27  of the base  20  comprises a pair of generally cylindrical legs  28  having concave ends  60  that are dimensioned and configured to accept a ball bearing  50  (as indicated in  FIG. 3 ), which then rest in the guides  17 ,  18  of the platform  10 . Furthermore, the undersurface  27  of the base  20  comprises a generally cylindrical boss  29  dimensioned and configured to fit in the receptacle  16  of the platform  10 . The curved configuration of the guides  17 ,  18  allow the ball bearings  50  to slide therein, and the receptacle  16  is configured to allow the boss  29  to rotate therein, thus permitting the base  20  to rotate with respect to the platform  10 . Accordingly, this rotation of the base  20  allows an infant positioned in the head cradle  30  to comfortably move its head  90  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) towards each of its shoulders. The boss  29  preferably comprises a neck portion  61  and an enlarged lip  62  that snaps into the receptacle  16  to prevent separation of the base  20  from the platform  10  once assembled. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the cradle  30  of the infant headrest assembly  1  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The cradle  30  comprises a generally U-shaped anterior surface  31  comprising a generally centrally positioned belt portion  34  having semi-spherical bumps  33  outwardly extending from the surface  32  of the belt portion  34 . The edge  35  of the cradle  30  is preferably configured having a thicknesses no greater than half the thickness of the semi-spherical bumps  33 . The opposite side of each semi-spherical bump  33  is a correspondingly configured concave socket  36  that is dimensioned and configured to accept a ball bearing  50  (as indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The belt portion  24  is dimensioned and configured to slide within the groove  65  of the base  20  with the ball bearings  50  positioned in the concave sockets  36  configured to slide in the track  23  configured in the groove  65  of the base  20  (as indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). This rotational movement allows the head cradle  30  to rotate with respect to the base  20 , which permits an infant positioned in the head cradle  30  to comfortably move its head from side-to-side (i.e., in a “no” motion). A blanket, foam insert, or other cushioning mechanism  80  (shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) may be removably attached to the U-shaped anterior surface  31  of the cradle  30  to facilitate enhanced comfort for the infant&#39;s head  90  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) that is resting in the cradle  30 . The cradle  30  comprises a radius of curvature sufficiently large so that the infant&#39;s head  90  is not held snug within the cradle  30  in order to prevent unintended suffocation or neck pain or injury. Once the baby&#39;s head  90  begins to become snug against the cradle  30 , then the parent/guardian is put on notice that the baby has outgrown the assembly  1  and should no longer be used for that particular baby. 
         [0037]      FIG. 14  illustrates schematic diagram of the neck roll  40  of the infant headrest assembly  1  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment herein. The neck roll  40  is generally cylindrical in shape having a curved surface  41  with a front end  42  and an oppositely positioned back end  43 . The back end  43  is preferably flat and comprises at least one attachment mechanism  44 , which may be configured as clips, for example, or other appropriate attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanisms  44  engage the slots  25  located at the front of the base  20  to allow the neck roll  40  to attach to the base  20 . 
         [0038]    The offset single center of rotation of the base  20  provides for proper anatomically correct head movement/tilting, and the ball bearing track  23  and groove  65  allow the cradle  30  to rotate freely yet remain attached to the base  20 . The assembly  1  may further include means (e.g., a snap, etc.) (not shown) for securing various thickness memory foam  80  (shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) for cushioning and comfort and to allow for different-sized baby heads  90  and to accommodate growth of the baby&#39;s head  90 . The various components of the assembly  1  may comprise plastic, foam, memory-shaping alloy, or any other type of material that is easily manufactured, economical, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. 
         [0039]      FIG. 15 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 14 , illustrates a top view of a blanket system  70  according to an embodiment herein. The blanket system  70  includes at least one fastener  74  that attaches to the assembly  1 . For example, the blanket system  70  may attach to the platform  10 , base  20 , cradle  30 , or neck roll  40 , or some combination thereof. The blanket system  70  further comprises an outer blanket  71 , and inner blanket  72 , which may be joined together through the fastener(s)  74 . Additionally, the inner blanket  72  comprises a pair of arm holes  73   a ,  73   b  to allow the infant&#39;s arms (not shown) to be inserted therethrough. Furthermore, the inner blanket  72  comprises an attachment mechanism  75 ,  76  (such as a Velcro® fasteners, for example) to allow the infant to be swaddled by the inner blanket  72 . The outer blanket  71  may further be used to swaddle the infant or to simply act as a means for the infant to lie upon or the edges may be tucked under the sides of a crib, cradle, or bassinet mattress. The outer blanket  71  and inner blanket  72  may comprise soft cloth material, wool, plastic, etc. for example. 
         [0040]      FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an infant headrest assembly  100  according to a second embodiment herein, and  FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along line A-A′ of the infant headrest assembly  100  of  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, a first pivot mechanism  82  is connected to the base  20  and head cradle  30  to facilitate the rotation of the head cradle  30  with respect to the base  20 . This rotational movement allows an infant positioned in the head cradle  30  to comfortably move its head  90  from side-to-side (i.e., in a “no” motion). A friction reducing mechanism  85  (for example, a wheel) positioned between the base  20  and the cradle  30  further allows the head cradle  30  to smoothly rotate with respect to the base  20 . Furthermore, a second pivot mechanism  84  is connected to the platform  10  and base  20  to facilitate the rotation of the base  20  with respect to the platform  10 . Accordingly, this rotation of the base  20  allows an infant positioned in the head cradle  30  to comfortably move its head  90  towards each of its shoulders. 
         [0041]    In this alternative embodiment, the number of ball bearings  50  in the assembly  100  is reduced compared with assembly  1  because the rotation of the head cradle  30  with respect to the base  20  is facilitated by the first pivot mechanism  82  and the friction reducing mechanism  85 . Additionally, absent from this embodiment is a separately attached neck roll; rather the foam insert  80  may be configured to have a neck roll portion  83  configured thereon to reduce the number of separately connected components in the assembly  100 . Additionally, an audio signal mechanism  86  that generates audio signals and outputs the audio signals is positioned in the assembly  1  such that it may be adjacent to either the base  20 , the platform  10 , or the head cradle  30 . The audio signal mechanism  86  comprises a programmable sound card or chip  88 , a speaker  89 , and a power supply unit  87 . The power supply unit  87  may include batteries or may be powered using a cord/adapter system or may use other power supply means such as ambient radio frequency power harvesting. The programmable sound card or chip  88  may be configured to play “soothing sounds” for the infant or may be configured to allow recording thereon using a built-in microphone (not shown) that plays back a recording (such as a parent&#39;s voice). Furthermore, the programmable sound card or chip  88  may be configured as a two-way communication device to allow for radio transmission of audio signals back and forth to/from a remotely-located transceiver (not shown) to facilitate remote baby monitoring. The audio signal mechanism  86  may be included in either assembly  1  or assembly  100 . 
         [0042]    The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0