Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved head and neck support brace providing increased support for the user and reduced migration of the support brace.

Description:
[0001]    CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,983, entitled CONTOURED NECK SUPPORT, and filed on Aug. 4, 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Support and stabilization of the head and neck is beneficial in a number of different circumstances. For example, head and neck injuries often require the stabilization and support of the head or neck. Stabilizing and supporting the head and neck can prevent aggravating an existing injury, or decrease recovery time. Even without a preexisting injury, head and neck stabilization and support is often desirable to make a person more comfortable. This is particularly true during prolonged periods of sitting, as is often required while traveling on a plane, train, and bus, or while riding in a car. However, current neck and head supports provide insufficient support due to their shape, material, lack of contour to human anatomy, and migration of the device (i.e. lack of stability and optimal material to help prevent it). Migration of the device relates to the problem of the device moving from the optimal or preferred position while the device is in use. As a result, these neck and head supports used for comfort while sitting provide tend to be uncomfortable to use for long periods of time and provide insufficient support. As a result, people are often uncomfortable, rest in awkward positions due to unfavorable neck and head positions, are unable to gain meaningful rest, and possibly develop neck or shoulder pain or discomfort. A support brace providing superior support and stability and preventing migration of the support during use, would thereby make the user more comfortable would be beneficial. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Various embodiments described herein attempt to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional techniques and devices for head and neck support and stabilization. The systems, methods, and devices described herein can offer, among other advantages, a device offering increased stabilization of a user&#39;s head and neck. 
         [0005]    The present invention is a neck and head support brace that through its material and anatomically contoured shape provides a level of comfort currently unavailable. In one example embodiment of the invention, the shape of the support brace conforms to the shoulders, the lateral sides of the neck, the chest and the chin of the user. In certain embodiments, the support brace has chin- and chest-conforming geometry, as well as support on the sides of a user head and extending to the ears. In further example embodiments, the support brace has an angled posterior portion of both sides, and the sides will both extend to the level of the ears. The support brace thereby provides increased stability and support, and prevents the support brace from moving and shifting while in use. 
         [0006]    The present invention also includes mechanisms to increase the stability of the support. In some example embodiments, cloth extensions that are used for support and to prevent anterior migration of the support brace during use. In some additional example embodiments, a horizontal strap connecting the left and right posterior extensions of the support brace are used for support and to prevent lateral displacement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limited to the following figures: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace including a user. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace including a user. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment a support brace. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment a support brace with optional cloth extensions. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10A  is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace with an optional strap. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10B  is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a support brace with optional cloth extensions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0022]    In more detail, referring to the example embodiments of the invention presented in  FIGS. 1-10B , the present invention is a support brace that is contoured to human anatomy and serves to support the neck and head for the purpose of rest and comfort. In further detail, still referring to the invention of  FIGS. 1-10B , the dimensions of the support brace will be adjusted based on the size of the user. For example, the support brace can be made of a variety of sizes, allowing a user to choose a size suitable for them. In other example embodiments, the support brace can be custom made for a user. The support brace may be custom made by measuring a user, or by making a mold of a user&#39;s head, neck, shoulders and chest areas. The brace is contoured to conform to the general shape of the user&#39;s body, thereby maximizing contact between the support brace and the user when used. The support brace may have differing degrees of contour to a particular user, depending on whether the support brace was specifically fit to the particular user or was selected based on the general size. Furthermore, while the support brace is described as having different portions, the support brace can be constructed as either one contiguous piece, or separate conjoining sections. In some example embodiments, custom inserts may be used in the support brace that are contoured to a specific user. These inserts maybe placed into an otherwise “off the shelf” support brace to customize the support brace for the particular user. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an example embodiment of a support brace  100  while in use by a user. The support brace  100  includes a right portion  101 , left portion  102 , a chin conforming portion  103  and a chest conforming portion  104 . The right portion  101  and the left portion  102  support the user&#39;s head and neck on the right and left side respectively. The right portion  101  and left portion  102  each extend to the user&#39;s ears. However, in some example embodiments, the right portion  101  and the left portion  102  may extend beyond the ears and cover all or part of the user&#39;s ears while worn. In these example embodiments, the right portion  101  and the left portion  102  may include indentations on the inside walls, allowing space for a user&#39;s ears. The right portion  101  and left portion  102  will commonly have an interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surfaces make contact with the user, while the exterior surfaces is opposite the interior surface. In some example embodiments, the interior surfaces of the right portion  101  and left portion  102  will be contoured to the shape of the side of the user&#39;s head and neck. This example embodiment would commonly include curvature to follow the user&#39;s jawline and neck. 
         [0024]    The chin conforming portion  103  is contoured to conform to the general shape of a user&#39;s chin. In certain example embodiments, the chin conforming portion  103  includes a depression shaped similarly to the user&#39;s chin, allowing the chin to rest comfortably in the depression and also increase the surface area of contact between the user&#39;s chin and the chin conforming portion  103 . In some example embodiments, the chine conforming portion  103  may be a removable and replaceable insert, thereby allowing the chin conforming portion to be easily washed or replaced as necessary. 
         [0025]    The chest conforming portion  104  is contoured to conform to the general shape of the user&#39;s chest. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the chest conforming portion  104  covers only a portion of the user&#39;s chest. In certain example embodiments, the chest conforming portion  104  may cover a larger area of the user&#39;s chest to better support the head and neck. In some example embodiments, the chest conforming portion  104  will extend approximately 6 inches down the front of the user&#39;s chest. In further example embodiments, the chest conforming portion will extent slightly below the user&#39;s collar bone. The chest conforming portion will commonly have an interior and exterior surface. The interior surface will make contact with the user, while the exterior surface is opposite the interior surface. In some example embodiments, the interior surface of the chest conforming portion  104  is contoured to the upper chest of the user. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of an example embodiment of a support brace  200  while in use by a user. The support brace includes a side portion  202 , a chin conforming portion  203 , and a shoulder conforming portion  205 . The side portion  202  is notched and extends up to the user&#39;s ear. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the side portion  202  extends up and is in contact with part of the user&#39;s head and neck, and has limited contact with the area around the users cheeks and mouth. In certain example embodiments, the size of the side portion  202  is increased to be in contact with a great portion of the user&#39;s head. The user&#39;s chin can rest on the chin conforming portion  203 , which generally conforms to the shape of the user&#39;s chin. The shoulder conforming portion  205  generally conforms to the shape of a user&#39;s shoulders. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the shoulder conforming portion  205  is curved and has a scalloped shape to conform to and maintain contact with the user&#39;s shoulders and chest. 
         [0027]    In some example embodiments, the side portion  202  will extend past the user&#39;s ear for increased support and stabilization. In this example embodiment, there may be holes or depressions in the side portion  202  which would allow for the dimensions of the user&#39;s ear. In certain example embodiments, the side portions  202  may be created of a noise dampening material. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the neck and head support brace  300 . The support brace  300  includes a side portion  302 , a chin conforming portion  303 , a chest conforming portion  304 , and a shoulder conforming portion  305 . The shape of the chest conforming portion  304  generally conforms to the chest of the user, while the shoulder conforming portion  305  generally conforms to the shoulders of the user and the chin conforming portion  303  generally conforms to the chin of the user. The support brace  300  supports the user&#39;s chin anteriorly through the chin conforming portion  303  and the user&#39;s head laterally through the side portion  302 . The purpose of the shape of the support brace  300  is to maximize surface area contact between the support brace  300  and the individual using the device, and thus minimize potential migration of the device and maximize the utility and comfort of it. The support brace  300  has a section notched in the side portion  302 . In this manner the support brace  300  will not rub or interfere with the user&#39;s face. The side portion  302  of the support brace  300  is also angled appropriately to prevent obstruction with the back of the chair in which the user is sitting while using the support brace  300 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3A  shows the support brace  350  with an optional cloth extension  358  used in certain example embodiments to prevent anterior migration during use. The support brace  350  is similar to the support brace  300  depicted in  FIG. 3  but additionally includes the optional cloth extension  358 . The dimensions of the optional cloth extension  358  will be varied by size of the support brace  300  and will optimally conform to the size of the user. In some example embodiments, the cloth extension  358  will be constructed of a cloth with a rough texture and a higher coefficient of friction, to further prevent migration of the support brace  300  during use. In use, the cloth extension  358  will make contact with the user&#39;s back and prevent migration of the device through the increased friction of the device against the user. In some further example embodiments, the cloth extension  358  may include padding to offer additional comfort to the user while they are sitting. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3A  also demonstrates and optional cloth extension  358  can be an intrinsic or a removable part of the support brace  350 . The purpose of the cloth extension  358 , which will extend approximately 6 inches down the user&#39;s upper back, is to provide added stability to the device when the person is seated. More specifically, the cloth extension  358  will be between the user&#39;s upper back and the seat back. Therefore, when the user is seated upright, the cloth extension  358  will be held against the user&#39;s back and provide an added measure to prevent migration of the support brace  350 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  400  from a front view. The support brace  400  includes a left portion  401 , a right portion  402 , and a chin conforming portion  403 . The support brace  400  has a chin- and chest-conforming geometry as well, as having the left portion  401  and right portion  402  of the support brace  400  extending to the ears of a user. The anterior aspect of the support brace  400  provides support of the chin through contact with the chest. The left portion  401  and right portion  402  of the support  400  are designed to reach approximately to the level of the user&#39;s ear. The chin conforming portion  403  is contoured to the user&#39;s chin and while in use allows the support brace  400  to support the weight of the user&#39;s head. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  500  from a top view. The support brace  500  has the left portion  501 , right portion  502 , a chin conforming portion  503 , and a posterior opening  507 . Support brace  500  demonstrates the “U” shaped design with the posterior aspect being non-continuous. The posterior opening  507  allows the user to slip the support brace  500  onto the user&#39;s neck by pulling the device toward the user. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  shows an example embodiment of the support brace  600  from the rear. The support brace  600  includes a left portion  601 , a right portion  602 , a chin conforming portion  603 , a chest conforming portion  604 , and contoured undersurface  606 . Support brace  600  has an angled shape of the posterior portion of both sides, and the sides that extend to the level of the ears of the user. Support  600  has a contoured undersurface  606  as well as lateral aspects  601  and  602 , which support a user&#39;s head in both the left and right direction. Contoured undersurface  606  generally conforms to the user&#39;s shoulders and allows the support brace  600  to rest on the shoulders of the user while in use. Contoured undersurface  606  can have a scalloped shape, generally in conformance with the shape of a user&#39;s shoulders. In some example embodiments, the contoured undersurface  606  will utilize a material with an increased friction, and as this portion will be in contact with the user&#39;s shoulders while in user, will thereby reduce the migration of the device while during use. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  700  from the bottom view showing chest, shoulder and neck conforming geometry. Support brace  700  includes a left portion  701 , a right portion  702 , a chest conforming portion  704 , and a posterior opening  707 . Support brace  700  has a “U” shaped design with the posterior aspect being non-continuous. Support brace  700  has a contoured underside designed to provide near anatomic matching to the user&#39;s chest and shoulders and lateral neck regions. In some example embodiments, the right portion  701  and left portion  702  have a scalloped undersurface of the anterior portion designed to provide ample space between the anterior neck and the support brace  700 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  800  from a front view showing an alternative example embodiment with a tapered shape. Support brace  800  includes a left portion  801 , a right portion  802 , a chin support potion  803 , and a chest conforming portion  804 . The right portion  801  and left portion  802  include an alternative tapered design. The width of right portion  801  and left portion  802  decreasing in the vertical direction. The chest conforming portion  804  includes an angled design that narrows from top of the chest conforming portion  804  to the bottom. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  900  from a side view showing an example embodiment with an alternative rounded shape. Support brace  900  includes a left portion  902 , a chest conforming portion  904  and a shoulder conforming portion  905 . The support brace  900  shows an alternative embodiment where the exterior includes a rounded geometry. 
         [0037]      FIG. 10  shows an example embodiment of a support brace  1000  from a back view showing an alternative example embodiment with an alternative tapered shape. Support brace  1000  includes a right portion  1001 , left portion  1002 , chin support portion  1003  and chest conforming portion  1004 . The support brace  1000  includes a tapered design where the right portion  1001  and left portion  1002  are angled on the exterior and bottom. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10A  shows support brace  1050  with an optional strap  1059  used in certain example embodiments to provide further support to the support brace  1050  and to prevent anterior migration during use and lateral displacement of the sides of the support brace  1050  during use. The support brace  1050  is similar to the brace  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10  but additionally includes the strap  1059 . The dimensions of the strap  1059  will be varied by size of the support brace  1050  and will optimally conform to the size of the user. The strap  1059  secures the support brace  1050  and is attached to the posterior of the support brace  1050 . The strap  1059  holds the support brace in place while it is in use. In some example embodiments, the strap can include Velcro with a reciprocal Velcro section on the support brace, allowing the strap to be held in place to the posterior of the support brace  1050 . In some additional example embodiments, two straps are used, with the straps connected by using any number of common fastening mechanisms. In some example embodiments, the strap  1059  will be able to be shortened or lengthened by the user, allowing the user to secure the support brace  1050  further. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10B  shows support brace  1060  with an optional cloth extensions  1068  used in certain example embodiments to provide further support to the support brace  1060  and to prevent anterior migration during use. The support brace  1060  is similar to the brace  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10  but additionally includes the optional cloth extension  1068 . The dimensions of the optional cloth extension  1068  will be varied by size of the support brace  1060  and will optimally conform to the size of the user. In some example embodiments, the cloth extension  1068  will be constructed of a cloth with a rough texture and a higher coefficient of friction, to further prevent migration of the support brace  1060  during use. In use, the cloth extension will make contact with the user&#39;s back and the back of the chair and prevent migration of the device through the increased friction of the device against the user. In some further example embodiments, the cloth extension  1068  may include padding to offer additional comfort to the user while they are sitting. In some example embodiments, one or more cloth extensions may be used to secure the support brace  1060 . In some example embodiments, two cloth extensions may be attached to the support brace, with one attached a right portion and one attached to the left portion of the support brace  1060 . 
         [0040]    In some example embodiments, the support brace may be used by the user slipping the brace onto the user&#39;s neck and shoulders. The user is then able to sit in an upright position, typical for traveling, and rest their chin on the support brace, thereby stabilizing their head and neck. 
         [0041]    In some example embodiments of the invention the materials used in the construction of a support brace are chosen to provide both comfort and adequate stability. The material used for the inner portion of the support brace will typically be a foam composite of the appropriate density to provide the necessary firmness, and hence, the necessary support. The medial aspect of lateral portions of the support brace that contact the ears, lateral neck and head will be composed of softer foam, such as the side portion  202  depicted in  FIG. 1 , may be less dense, for the comfort of the user. In some example embodiments, the support brace will have an outer shell made of fabric that may be removable and washable. In some example embodiments, the outer shell of the support brace may be a rigid non-porous material, such as plastic, allowing for increased support and easy cleaning. The inferior portion of this outer shell, the aspect that is in contact with the user&#39;s chest and shoulders, may be comprised of a different fabric with a higher coefficient of friction to further prevent migration of the support brace during use. These materials are exemplary only and any materials may be used which are known and convenient. 
         [0042]    In some further example embodiments of the invention, the support brace may include perforations to allow airflow to reach the user. The invention may also include an integrated fan that circulates air through the perforations offer more comfort to the user.