ERGONOMIC DEVICE FOR HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to support devices for users. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device for supporting the head and neck of a user. The device comprises a telescopic chin support assembly with adjustable vertical and angular positions.

BACKGROUND

The support of the human head and neck is critical in various settings, including salons, medical facilities and therapeutic environments. Head and neck support devices are commonly used to provide stability and comfort during procedures requiring a user to remain seated in a fixed position for extended periods. While several devices have been developed for this purpose, significant limitations persist.

United States Patent Application US20110127391 entitled “Mobile customized headrest stand” describes a portable headrest stand for a seated person, incorporating an adjustable pedestal and a head support assembly. Although the disclosed device offers adjustability in height and angle, the device relies on a large base member and multiple auxiliary components such as arm and chest rests, rendering the device bulky and unsuitable for compact or space-constrained environments. Additionally, the use of multiple adjustable knobs for positioning complicates operation, detracting from user convenience.

United States Patent Application US20120261965 entitled “Ghr Gerry's head rest” discloses an adjustable headrest designed for salon chairs. The headrest features a telescoping support arm divided into upper and lower sections for length adjustments and includes an ergonomic headrest. However, the device lacks feature to provide stable support for chest and neck of the user, which are essential for extended use. Furthermore, the design does not account for enhanced hygiene measures, such as disposable coverings for parts in contact with the user, limiting utility thereof in professional settings where sanitation is critical.

Japanese patent document JP3221365U entitled “Hairstyle maintenance neck support” provides a hairstyle-supporting neck support for use with therapeutic chairs. The device includes a curved mounting unit and a base portion designed to stabilize neck of a patient while preserving their hairstyle. However, application of the device is highly specialized, focusing on the occipital region and does not accommodate broader use cases where adjustable support for both the head and neck is required. Additionally, the device lacks a versatile adjustment mechanism for height and angle, limiting adaptability thereof to users of varying statures and postures.

Thus, despite the aforesaid advancements, existing head and neck support devices remain inadequate in addressing key user needs such as compactness, ease of adjustment, enhanced stability and improved hygiene. Conventioal devices are overly complex, requiring cumbersome mechanisms or multiple adjustments, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for both users and professionals. Additionally, the lack of features to ensure compatibility with different environments and users of varying statures further limits their practicality and widespread applicability.

Consequently, there exists a need for an improved support device that offers a streamlined design, comprehensive adjustability and compatibility with various user environments while maintaining superior comfort and sanitation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a device to support the head and neck of a user. The device comprises a curved neck support member to support the neck and upper chest of the user. The neck support member comprises a rear surface that contacts the user and a front surface disposed away from the rear surface. The device further comprises a chin support assembly telescopically disposed with the neck support member. The chin support assembly comprises a chin rest member to support the chin of the user, an adjustment mechanism enabling vertical telescopic movement of the chin rest member relative to the neck support member and a first locking assembly to lock the adjustment mechanism at a desired vertical position. Additionally, the chin support assembly comprises a rotational interface coupling the chin rest member with the adjustment mechanism to enable angular adjustment and a second locking assembly to lock the rotational interface at a desired angular position. The disclosed device ensures precise positioning and secure support for the head and neck of the user, improving comfort and usability.

In one embodiment, the first locking assembly is implemented as a push button disposed on the neck support member and the second locking assembly is implemented as at least one rotatable knob arranged on a rotatable shaft coupling the chin rest member to the adjustment mechanism. Such a configuration simplifies user operations for locking and unlocking the support positions.

In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is implemented as a guide rail arrangement associated with an ovular profile. Such a design facilitates smooth and controlled vertical movement of the chin rest member.

In a further embodiment, the guide rail arrangement is associated with a width in a range of 8 to 15 mm and a height in a range of 20 to 40 mm. The dimensional range of the guide rail arrangement optimizes balance between structural strength and compactness for efficient functionality.

In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a stopper element disposed under the chin rest member to limit vertical movement thereof relative to the neck support member. The stopper element ensures safety by removing possibility of uncontrolled downward vertical movement of the chin rest member during adjustments.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises a butterfly-shaped plastic piece disposed on the front surface of the neck support member. The butterfly-shaped plastic piece comprises a slot to receive the adjustment mechanism. The butterfly-shaped plastic piece enhances stability of the neck support member while maintaining an aesthetic design.

In another embodiment, padding is disposed on the rear surface of the neck support member. The padding provides additional comfort for the user during prolonged usage.

In a further embodiment, the chin rest member comprises a primary plastic base, a support base arranged on the primary plastic base and a disposable textile cover disposed on the support base. Such a layered design improves hygiene by allowing easy replacement of the disposable cover as well as providing adequate cushioning to the head and chin of the user.

In another embodiment, the rotational interface is a curved element pivotally coupling the chin rest member to the adjustment mechanism. The curved rotational interface enables smooth and precise angular adjustments of the chin rest member.

In a further embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is detachably disposed with the neck support member. The neck support member comprises a clamping area for detachable attachment. Such a modular design facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of components, enhancing the longevity and convenience of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a left-perspective view of a device to support head and neck of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a left front perspective view of the chin rest member of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a front side view of the device of FIG. 1 in use by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The example 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 to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The description herein is intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the example embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the example embodiments herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a left-perspective view of a device 100 to support head and neck of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 is designed to provide ergonomic support and stability to the head and neck of the user during activities that require extended stationary positioning, such as during medical examinations, beauty treatments or prolonged seated tasks. The device 100 accommodates users of varying sizes and preferences by incorporating adjustable components, ensuring both comfort and effective support while reducing strain on the neck and associated musculature.

The device 100 comprises a curved neck support member 102 to support the neck and upper chest of the user. The neck support member 102 comprises a rear surface 102A that contacts the user and a front surface 102B disposed away from the rear surface 102A. The term “neck support member” as used herein relates to a structural component configured to provide ergonomic support to the neck and adjacent upper chest area of the user. The neck support member 102 may be fabricated from materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which provides durability and impact resistance. Alternatively, memory foam may be incorporated to enhance comfort and adaptability to body contours of the user. Further, a shape of the neck support member 102 may be implemented as a concave curvature or a semi-elliptical profile, ensuring optimal conformity to anatomy of the user. The neck support member 102 provides improved ergonomic support, minimizing strain on the cervical spine during prolonged use. Moreover, the neck support member 102 also enhances stability of the head and neck of the user, reducing unwanted lateral or forward movements.

The device 100 further comprises a chin support assembly 104 telescopically disposed with the neck support member 102. The term “chin support assembly” as used herein relates to a mechanism that comprises components enabling support and positional adjustments for the chin of the user. The chin support assembly 104 comprises a chin rest member 106 to support the chin of the user.

The term “chin rest member” as used herein relates to a padded or contoured component specifically designed to comfortably cradle the chin of the user. The chin rest member 106 may be fabricated from silicone gel for a soft, skin-friendly interface. Optionally, the chin rest member 106 may utilize a polyurethane coating over a rigid polymer core for additional durability. The chin rest member 106 may be circular, elliptical or trapezoidal in shape, with an optional textured surface to prevent slippage. The chin rest member 106 enables distribution of pressure across the chin to avoid discomfort during extended use while enhanced stability of the head of the user by preventing forward tilting.

The chin support assembly 104 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 108 operatively coupled to the chin rest member 106 and the neck support member 102. The term “adjustment mechanism” as used herein relates to a mechanical assembly that facilitates movement of one component relative to another. The adjustment mechanism 108 enables vertical telescopic movement of the chin rest member 106 relative to the neck support member 102. For example, the adjustment mechanism 108 may be implemented using a rack-and-pinion system or a threaded rod mechanism for precise incremental adjustments. The adjustment mechanism 108 enables customizable positioning of the chin rest member 106 to accommodate users of varying heights. The adjustment mechanism 108 further allows maintenance of an optimal ergonomic posture by aligning the chin and neck support relative to the anatomy of the user.

The chin support assembly 104 further comprises a first locking assembly 110 arranged with the adjustment mechanism 108. The term “first locking assembly” as used herein relates to a securing mechanism that prevents unintentional movement of the adjustment mechanism. The first locking assembly 110 may be implemented as a spring-loaded pin lock or a manual twist-lock collar. The first locking assembly 110 enables prevention of slippage or unintended adjustments during use while ensuring increased reliability and safety of the device 100 under various operational conditions.

The chin support assembly 104 also comprises a rotational interface 112 coupling the chin rest member 106 with the adjustment mechanism 108. The term “rotational interface” as used herein relates to a joint or connection enabling angular movement of one component relative to another. The rotational interface 112 enables angular adjustment of the chin rest member 106 relative to the neck support member 102. The rotational interface 112 may include a ball-and-socket joint or a friction-based hinge mechanism. The rotational interface 112 provides enhanced adaptability of the chin rest member 106 to match a preferred head position of the user while reducing neck strain by allowing precise angular adjustments.

The chin support assembly 104 additionally comprises a second locking assembly 114 arranged with the rotational interface 112. The term “second locking assembly” as used herein relates to a mechanism designed to secure the angular position of a component. The second locking assembly 114 may be implemented as a cam lock or a ratchet-based locking system. The second locking assembly 114 enables maintenance of the desired angular orientation of the chin rest member 106 during use. The second locking assembly 114 also ensures prevention of accidental angular shifts that could lead to user discomfort or misalignment.

In an exemplary operating scenario, the device 100 can be used in salons or beauty parlors during procedures such as facials, threading, or makeup application. The ergonomic support provided by the neck support member 102 and the customizable adjustments of the chin support assembly 104 ensure that the head of the user remains stable and comfortably positioned. Such a stability allows professionals to work with precision without the need for manual head support.

In another optional exemplary operating scenario, in dental clinics or during eye examinations, the device 100 can enhance patient comfort while facilitating better accessibility for the practitioner. The angular adjustability of the chin rest member 106 through the rotational interface 112 and the vertical customization enabled by the adjustment mechanism 108 allow the practitioner to position the patient optimally. The locking assemblies 110 and 114 ensure that the adjustments remain secure throughout the procedure, preventing disruptions or discomfort.

In an embodiment, the first locking assembly 110 is implemented as a push button disposed on the neck support member 102. The term “push button” as used herein refers to a mechanical component that, when pressed, activates a locking or unlocking mechanism to secure or release the chin rest member 106 relative to the neck support member 102. The push button is designed to provide quick, one-handed operation, thereby, enhancing an ability of the user to adjust the chin rest member 106 without requiring complex movements. The second locking assembly 114 is implemented as at least one rotatable knob arranged on a rotatable shaft 308 coupling the chin rest member 106 to the adjustment mechanism 108. The term “rotatable knob” as used refers to a manually operable device that, when rotated, frees or locks the chin rest member 106 for angular adjustment thereof relative to the neck support member 102. Such a knob enables precise control over the angular positioning of the chin rest member 102, ensuring stability and user comfort. The rotatable knob is designed to allow fine-tuning of the angular position of the chin rest member 102 with ease, providing a secure locking mechanism once the desired angle is achieved.

In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 108 is implemented as a guide rail arrangement associated with an ovular profile. The term “guide rail arrangement” as used refers to a system of rails or tracks that guide the vertical movement of the chin rest member 106 in relation to the neck support member 102. The guide rail arrangement allows for smooth, controlled movement of the chin rest, ensuring stability while adjusting the vertical position. The “ovular profile” as used refers to a shape that is elliptical or oval in cross-section, providing a smooth interface between the guide rails and the chin rest member, thus enhancing the precision and fluidity of the movement.

In yet another embodiment, the guide rail arrangement is associated with a width in a range of 8 to 15 mm and a height in a range of 20 to 40 mm. For example, the width is 8, 8.2, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.6, 11, 11.1, 12, 12.3, 13, 13.9, 14, 14.4 or 15 mm and the length is 20, 20.1, 21, 21.3, 22, 22.7, 23, 23.6, 24, 24.9, 25, 25.8, 26, 26.7, 27, 27.9, 28, 28.1, 29, 29.3, 30, 30.4, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.8, 33, 33.7, 34, 34.8, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.9, 37, 37.2, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.1 or 40 mm. Such dimensions are chosen to balance stability and ease of movement. The width ensures that the chin rest member 106 is securely guided without excessive lateral movement, while the height allows for an appropriate range of vertical adjustment for different neck lengths of various users. Thus, the dimensions ensure that the adjustment mechanism is suitable for users of different neck sizes and preferences while maintaining the durability and functionality of the device 100.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 108 comprises a stopper element 116 disposed under the chin rest member 106 to limit the vertical movement of the chin rest member 106 relative to the neck support member 102. The term “stopper element” as used refers to a component designed to restrict or halt the vertical motion of the chin rest member 106 once a predetermined position is reached. The stopper element 116 serves to prevent excessive movement, ensuring that the chin rest member 106 remains securely positioned and does not exceed a certain range of adjustment. The stopper element 116 contributes to the stability of the device 100 by providing a controlled stop during vertical movement, which enhances the comfort and safety of the user by preventing undesired shifts in the position of the chin rest member 106. The stopper element 116 can be fabricated from durable materials such as plastic or rubber, offering sufficient resilience to withstand repeated use while maintaining smooth operation.

In another embodiment, the device 100 comprises a butterfly-shaped plastic piece 118 disposed on the front surface 102B of the neck support member 102. The butterfly-shaped plastic piece 118 comprises a slot 120 therein to receive the adjustment mechanism 108. The term “butterfly-shaped plastic piece” as used refers to a functional component having two identical shapes on each side of a midline thereof corresponding to wings of a butterfly. The butterfly-shaped plastic piece 118 is designed to support structural functionality of the device 100 by providing a sturdy support to weight of the head of the user, preventing buckling of the neck support member 102, thereby improving safety associated with usage of the device 100. The slot 120 in the butterfly-shaped plastic piece 118 serves as a guiding feature to receive and secure the adjustment mechanism 108, facilitating smooth telescopic movement of the chin rest member 106 relative to the neck support member 102. The plastic material used for the butterfly-shaped piece 118 can be flexible yet sturdy, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polycarbonate, ensuring durability and resistance to impact during use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a left side view of the device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the device 100 comprises a padding 200 disposed on the rear surface 102A of the neck support member 102. The term “padding” as used refers to a cushioned material applied to the rear surface 102A of the neck support member 102 to enhance comfort for the user by providing a soft barrier between the device and skin of the user. The padding 200 serves to reduce pressure on the neck and upper chest of user, improving the user experience during use of the device 100. The padding 200 can be composed of materials such as foam, memory foam or gel-based materials that conform to the body shape of the user, providing additional support and minimizing discomfort. Additionally, the padding 200 can be covered with a soft, breathable fabric, such as cotton or polyester, to further increase comfort and improve the durability of the device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a left front perspective view of the chin rest member 106 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chin rest member 106 comprises a primary plastic base 300, a support base 302 arranged on the primary plastic base and a disposable textile cover 304 disposed on the support base 302. The term “primary plastic base” as used refers to the foundational component of the chin rest member 106, which is made of durable plastic material. The primary plastic base 300 serves as the structural support for the other components of the chin rest member 106, ensuring stability and strength during use. The primary plastic base 300 can be manufactured from materials such as polypropylene, ABS plastic or other robust plastics known for their impact resistance and long-term durability.

The term “support base” as used refers to an additional component arranged on top of the primary plastic base 300, which serves as a stabilizing platform for the disposable textile cover 304. The support base 302 can be made from a range of materials, including lightweight plastics or foam. The support base 302 is designed to ensure that the textile cover remains securely attached during use. The support base 302 also contributes to the comfort of the user by providing a soft interface between the harder plastic components and the textile cover.

The term “disposable textile cover” as used refers to a fabric material applied to the support base 302 for providing a soft, hygienic surface that comes into contact with the skin of the user. The textile cover 304 can be made from materials such as cotton, microfiber or other fabrics that offer comfort and are easy to replace after use, maintaining hygiene and providing a fresh surface for each user. The disposability of the textile cover 304 helps in ensuring the device remains sanitary, especially in multi-user environments.

Moreover, rotational interface 112 is a curved element pivotally coupling the chin rest member 106 to the adjustment mechanism 108. The term “curved element” as used refers to a component that enables angular adjustment of the chin rest member 106 relative to the adjustment mechanism 108, such as, tipping of the head of the user relative to the neck or upper chest of the user. The curved element allows the chin rest member 106 to be rotated to different angular positions to accommodate various user preferences for comfort and posture. The rotational movement is facilitated through a pivotal connection, enabling the chin rest member 106 to pivot around a fixed point and providing a customizable angle for each user. The curved design of the rotational interface 112 ensures smooth, controlled movement, allowing for optimal positioning of the chin rest member 106 while maintaining overall stability of the device. The curved element is typically fabricated from a durable plastic or metal material, designed for long-lasting performance and resistance to wear from repeated adjustments.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 108 is detachably disposed with the neck support member 102. Further, the neck support member 102 comprises a clamping area 202 for detachable attachment of the adjustment mechanism 108 with the neck support member. The term “clamping area” as used refers to a designated region on the neck support member 102 designed to securely receive and hold the adjustment mechanism 108 in place. The clamping area 202 is typically configured to accommodate the attachment of the adjustment mechanism 108 through a fastening mechanism such as a clamp, clip or similar mechanism that ensures a stable connection between the two components. Such a detachable attachment allows the user to quickly assemble or disassemble the adjustment mechanism 108 from the neck support member 102, providing flexibility in usage of the device 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a front side view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in use by a user 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the chin 402 of the user 400 is received on the chin support assembly 104, with the chin rest member 106 comfortably supporting the chin 402 of the user 400 in a position that promotes stability and comfort while ensuring proper alignment of the head 404 and neck 406 during use. Simultaneously, the neck 406 and upper chest 408 of the user 400 rest against the neck support member 102, which is designed to provide support to the neck 406 and upper chest 408, maintaining a comfortable and ergonomic posture. The curved shape of the neck support member 102 contours to the natural curvature of the neck 406 and upper chest 408, offering a secure and stable fit. The combination of the chin support assembly 104 and the neck support member 102 allows for even distribution of pressure across the neck 406 and chin 402, reducing strain and discomfort during extended use. Such an arrangement facilitates proper head positioning, making the device 100 suitable for various activities where user comfort and support are essential.

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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to” and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.