Background Art

Many factors can contribute to a state of rest that is less than optimal, such as, for example, environmental conditions that requires a person to attempt to achieve rest while in unfamiliar resting positions. Thus, some degree of sleep deprivation may be experienced by persons traveling long distances in a confined seating space (whether by train, bus, car, plane, etc), who may adopt unnatural seating positions and postures for prolonged periods. Since a passenger may spend most of the duration of travel in a seat, body position and seat comfort can play important roles in the degree of rest achieved while traveling. Accordingly, sleeping aid devices have been created with the objective of providing greater comfort to a person in a seated position.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

Since many seats only recline to a limited degree, the forces (such as gravity) against the body, head, and arm members are normally not as neutralized as when the body is in the fully-reclined position that most people are accustomed to when sleeping. More specifically, when a person is in a flat-lying sleeping position, the downward force of gravity on a person's body, head, and extremities may be countered (normally by a bedframe and mattress), allowing the person to rest more easily. When a person is in a seated body position, however, the forces acting on an individual's head must still essentially be balanced, usually by a person's neck and shoulders, and neck and shoulder muscles. However, the work performed by the neck and shoulders and muscles to constantly oppose such forces may make achieving a restful state less likely. In addition, the forces on the arm members (such as the downward pull of gravity) when a person is in a seated position and the work necessarily performed by the shoulders and arm members and muscles thereof to oppose such forces may also decrease the likelihood of achieving an optimally restful state.

Some prior art sleeping aid devices have been designed to essentially equalize some of the forces acting on the head and neck areas, by limiting movement of the head in any direction but forward, or by otherwise limiting movement primarily in the forward and/or backward direction (along the saggital plane). Such devices are primarily intended for use where a person is seated with the head basically straight fonvard, with the spine straight and back placed flatly against the seat, yet this may be an unnatural and/or unfamiliar resting position for some people. Stated differently, although many prior art sleeping aid devices designed for use when a person is seated generally maintain the head and neck in a neutral straight forward/back position, some people are accustomed to sleeping in a different body position— for example, at least partially on their sides, or with the head turned at least partially to the side. Some may also prefer sleeping on their sides in the fetal position, where the arms and hands are held close to the body. Requiring such persons accustomed to sleeping on the side or in the fetal position with the arms held close to try and sleep in a straight-forward alignment or with arms to the sides (in addition to other factors that might make travel a somewhat unnatural experience for humans) may decrease the likelihood that an optimally restful state will be achieved.

[5] Furthermore, sleeping aid devices designed to equalize forces on the head and neck by providing support to the back of the neck may not be optimal for use in seats that already provide support to the back of the head (e.g., seats having some types of headrests). In addition, where the degree of recline is already limited for certain seats (e.g., airplane economy-class seats), such devices primarily providing support to the back of the head and neck may also further limit the degree of recline.

[6] A few devices sleeping aid devices may attempt to achieve an equilibrium of ferees through some manner of counterweight device consisting of basically a strap or straps that attach to the w rists or arms, connected to some sort of head or neck brace or support, with tension primarily in a forward and backward direction, and with arms placed essentially symmetrically between each side of the body in order to balance lateral vector forces. Some such straps, rather than providing comfort, may encumber the arm members with localized pressure, resulting in an imbalance of forces acting on the head if one of the arms is not connected to a strap, or in a position not symmetrial with the other arm.

[7] In addition, a fe devices have attempted to allow users to sleep without fear of items being stolen from pockets, by maintaing the hands in a position over the pockets while sleeping.

[8] Thus, there is a need for a sleeping aid device for use when a person is seated that achieves a basic equilibrium of forces on the head while allowing vector forces in the direction from the shoulder to the side of a head, which may more closely replicate the sensations to which some people may be accustomed while sleeping. It would also be desirable in such a device assisted in neutralizing the forces on the arm members, for example, by holding one or both arm members close to the body. In addition, it would be beneficial if such a device were essentially compatible with some seats already having some type of headrest providing support in the backward direction.

Technical Solution

[9] A sleeping aid device for solving one or more of the aforementioned problems, comprising a counterweight mechanism having a looping strap that loops across the body and has a width configured to stably and comfortably support the person's forearms crossed thereon. Embodiments of the sleeping aid device thai is shown and described herein, may include a pillow configured for placement on one shoulder to provide support against one side of the person's head and/or neck from a direction toward the one shoulder, and a sling strap having a length between respective ends thereof connected to opposite ends of the pillow and configured to be positioned around the one shoulder on front and back sides of the person forming a loop across the body and having a width of a lower sling portion thereof configured to stably support the person's forearms (or forearm) crossed thereon.

[10] In some embodiments, the sling strap length may be adjusted so as to be sufficient to allow one or both forearms when crossed to be rested on its looped length, and the width of the lower sling portion may be configured to be sufficient to sta bly support both forearms crossed thereon. One objective of embodiments of the invention may be to create a basic state of equilibrium between the vector forces acting on and created by the crossed forearms (or single forearm) resting in the sling strap, and the vector forces acting on the side of the head, neck, and/or shoulders (among other potentially experienced forces). In an embodiment, the sling strap may have a means for adjusting the length of the strap according to user size, position, and preference. In one embodiment, the length of the strap may be adjusted using a buckle.

[11] Unlike the shape of a pillow designed for providing support to a head while in a straight-forward and back position, some device embodiments may comprise a pillow better designed for when the head is tilted or turned to the side, however slightly, at least partially at an angle toward the side of the nearest shoulder (and while a person is seated), having a shape that better accommodates such a position, for example, by filling in the space above the shoulder so that the head and neck can be supported in a neutral position. Furthermore, some device embodiments may also comprise a pillow having a shape adapted for use in seats having a backrest and a headrest, such as those provided by a headrest fixed in some commercial airline seats, some such pillow variations configured to allow a person's head to still turn to the side. For example, some embodiments of the sleeping aid device described herein may comprise a pillow having a filled shape adapted to rest on the shoulder and support the side of the head, such as in one variation a pillow shape having an inner side that is semi-concave, with a wider end of the pillow facing forward (towards the front of the person and away from the back). Such a pillow shape, when used as part of a sleeping aid device embodiment, may provide adequate support for the head and neck and restrict movement at least partially in the direction from the side of the head toward the nearest shoulder (but not necessarily directly to the side towards the shoulder in a perfectly perpendicular manner). Notwithstanding certain advantages of a pillow with such a teardrop shape that will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the device pertains, other embodiments are anticipated having different pillow shapes, such as for example and not by way of limitation, a half-moon shape having two tapering ends on opposite sides. [12] In certain embodiments described herein, both ends of a sling strap may be attached to the pillow of the sleeping aid de vice, forming a loop. The sling strap may have a means for adjusting the length of the sling strap, or may be comprised of or connected to a separate strap portion with adjustable length— in which case the sling strap and the strap with adjustable length may each be connected to the pillow on opposite ends, but still together forming a loop. The sling strap may wrap around the back of the body, under the arm member(s), over the chest, and then connect to the strap with adjustable length, which may be attached to a different or basically opposite end of the pillow. The strap with adjustable length may disconnect or connect, and may be adjusted by means known in the relevant art(s), such as by a buckle.

[13] One object of the sling strap may be to prevent the arms from hanging loosely in an uncomfortable and unguarded state due to the downward pull of gravity. In some device embodiments, the sling strap may have greater width than the strap with adjustable length, and may also be padded, which may allow one or both crossed forearms to rest comfortably therein, close to the body. Regardless of whether one or both forearms are resting in the pad, the weight of the arm member(s) in the sling strap may be countered by the upward force of the straps, which may be connected to the pillow, which pillow may be placed against the head and neck and shoulder areas. These opposing forces may make the straps somewhat taut, and pull the pillow firmly against the neck, head, and/or shoulder (and in the described embodiment, may accomplish this), possibly from an at least partially lateral angle.

[14] By rearranging the pillow to support the inward curve of the lower back area, thereby filling the space between the lower back and the back of a chair, an embodiment of the device may also function as a lumbar support. When the device is used as a lumbar support, the pad may also rest across the shoulder to help keep the pillow hanging in the desired location of the back.

[15] By shifting the pillow from the shoulder area to the side of the hip, with the pad resting across the shoulder, the user may cany the pillow easily from one destination to another without necessarily having to deflate (and inflate) or fold up the pillow for storage. Positioned in such a manner, the device may resemble to some degree a purse or bag, which may possibly alleviate potential self-consciousness arising from carrying around a sleeping aid device. Moreover, in some embodiments comprising compartments also for housing a pillow, the sleeping aid device may actually have the functionality of a purse or bag. Other embodiments of the device may also include a machine washable exterior and/or an interchangeable pillow bladder. Such a pillow bladder may be accessible in one embodiment via a zipper or other similar means. Various surface materials, and cushion materials for the pillow bladder (foam, etc.), may also be utilized according to user preference. In an embodiment the pillow bladder may be inflatable.

[16] The above description and listed alternative embodiments are considered that of some embodiments only. It is imderstood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit scope. Alterations and modifications of the sleeping aid device described herein, and such further applications of the principles said device, are contemplated as would occur to those skilled in the art(s) to which the device pertains.

Advantageous Effects

] It is anticipated that proper use of the de vice may increase the likelihood of a

person achieving a more optimal degree of rest. Furthermore, embodiments allowing a basic equilibrium of some forces while a person's head is turned or tilted to the side may replicate to a greater degree a position and experience to which some may be accustomed while sleeping. In addition, for some embodiments that possibly facilitate rest in a diagonal body position across a seat, and possibly with the torso semi -turned, available space in a seat may also be maximized.

] Certain pillow shape variations may also present the advantage of comfort and being less restrictive of head movement, potentially allowing a user to easily turn the head to an unobstructed side (for example, to converse with a neighbor). In addition, in the case where a person is seated in a seat having a backrest and a head rest, or where head support in the backward direction already exists, certain pillow shape variation may also allow the head to recline backwards to a greater degree (however slight). Embodiments comprising a sling strap having a wide and padded design, rather than concentrating pressure from the straps in certain localized areas of the forearms or arm members, may allow opposing forces acting on the arm members through the sling strap to disperse across a larger area of the forearms or arm member(s) that may be in contact with the pad, and potentially in a potentially surprisingly comfortable manner.] It is anticipated that some embodiments of the device may also have medical applications. For example and not by way of limitation, the device may assist in preventing neck craning (since, for example, some persons may rest the head in a tilted position or to the side even without a side pillow or adequate support). In addition, embodiments of the device may have particular application for persons to whom for health or healing reasons it is recommended to sleep in an upright position. The device may also perform a function similar to thai of a typical aim sling, with particular application for a person trying to sleep while wearing an arm sling.

] Although it is anticipated that the device may have particular application for

persons occupying seats on airplanes, buses, trains, and other similar forms of transportation, various embodiments of the device may also provide comfort for persons in a variety of other environments and situations. For example, embodiments of the device may be utilized even where a particular seat does not have the luxury of head support in the backward direction, such as seats that might be found at an office, home, concert, or sporting event.

Description of Drawings [21] FIG. 1 is an overheard perspective view of a sleeping aid device, showing the top side of a pillow and the inner side of a sling strap.

[22] FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the sleeping aid device in FIG. 1, but showing the bottom side of a pillow and the outer side of a sling strap.

[23] FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the apparatus in FIG. 1 of the side pillow and the inner side of the strap.

[24] FIG. 4 is an elevation perspectiv e view of the front and o uter side of the pillow in

FIG. 1, and of the strap in FIG. I .

[25] FIG. 5 is a front view of a person in a seated position using the sleeping aid device in FIG. 1.

[26] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a person in a seated position using the sleeping aid device in FIG. 1.

[27] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a person conveniently transporting the sleeping aid device of FIG. 1, in a manner resembling the carrying of a shoulder bag or purse,

[28] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the sleeping aid device of

FIG. 1 where a cushion may be inserted into and removed from a receptacle.

[29] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a person in a seated position using the device in

FIG. 1 as a lumbar support.

Detailed Description and Best Mode

[30] "Lateral angle" or 'lateral direction" is hereby defined as the direction from one side of the headof a person using the described device toward one shoulder. ^" 'Pillow" is hereby defined as a filled shape having a filled bulging part adapted to rest on the shoulder and support the side of the head of a person using the device, and a tapering end on at least one side of the b ulging part adapted to be coupled to an end of a sling strap. "Tear-drop shape" is defined as a pillow shape having a tapering end on one side, with a back side of the pillow having a connector end for the other end of the sling strap. "Half-moon shape" is defined as a pillow shape having two tapering ends on opposite sides of the pillow shape. "Sling strap" (whether used as "strap" alone or by the term "sling strap") is hereby defined as a strap forming a loop at a lower sling portion thereof that has a sling width sufficient for stably supporting and holding the crossed forearms of a person using the device.

[31] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the sleeping aid device 10. The device may include a pillow 11 , having a tear-drop shape, such as, in the embodiment described herein, a lopsided oblong/concave shape, having an inner side 12, an outer side 13, a top side 14, a bottom side 15, a front side 16, and a rear side 17.

[32] Attached to the rear side of the pillow 17 may be a sling strap 18, and from the front side 16 (or near the front side 16) may extend another strap 19. The sling strap 18 may widen as it extends further from the rear side of the pillow 17. The inner side of the sling strap 21 is primarily shown in FIG. 1. The strap 19 on or near the front side of the pillow 16 may be attached to a buckle 22. On the side of the buckle 22 opposite from the strap 19 may be a means for adjusting the strap length, such as a strap with adjustable length 23, allowing the length of the adjustable strap 23 to vary according to user preference, for example so that a wider portion of the sling strap at a lower sling portion 20 will comfortably and stably hold the crossed forearms of the person using the device. The buckle 22, the strap 19, and the adjustable strap 23 may also provide a means for connecting and disconnecting, such as, in the embodiment described herein, a female end of the buckle 22 attached to the strap 19, and a male end of the buckle 22 attached to the strap with adjustable length 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sleeping aid device 10 may be rotated 180 degrees along the vertical axis, in such a manner that the bottom side of the pillow 15 faces upwards (which might be convenient for use on an opposite shoulder). FIG. 2 also shows primarily an outer side 24 portion of the sling strap 18 and the wider portion of the sling strap 20. In one embodiment of the sleeping aid device 10, there may be a zipper 25 (or oilier means for opening the pillow 11), close to where the sling strap 18 is connected to the back side of the pillow 17.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the sleeping aid device 10, showing the top side of the pillow I4,and the inner side 21 of the sling strap 18 and the wider portion of the sling strap 20. FIG. 3 also shows more precisely an overhead view of the tear-drop shape of the pillow 11, which in the embodiment described herein may have an inner side 12, an outer side 13, and front side 16, and a rear side 17, where the front side 16 is larger than the rear side 17.

FIG. 4 is an elevation perspective view, showing primarily the outer side of the pillow 13, and the front side of the pillow 16, where the strap 19 connects to the pillow 11. FIG. 4 also shows the shape of the sling strap 18 and the wider portion of the sling strap 20, and also shows both the inner side 21 and the outer side 24 of the sling strap 18 and wider portion thereof 20.

Although the pillow 11 may rest on either shoulder 28 according to the preference of the user 25, as shown in FIG. 5, a person 25 may position the sleeping aid device 10 so that the top side of the pillow 14 is against side of a head 26 and a neck 27 of the person 25, and the bottom side 15 may be against a shoulder 28. Also, the front side of the pillow 16 may face forward, with the outer side of the pillow 13 facing up.

(Positioning the pillow 11 in such a manner may provide less mass in the back of the head 26 area than prior art sleeping aid pillow apparatuses, which design might be advantageous where seats may already provide support for the back of the head 26 and neck 27 through headrests or similar apparatuses.)

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the strap 19 attached to the pillow 11, the buckle 22, and the strap with adjustable length 23 may proceed down across a body 31. The strap with adjustable length 23 may be attached to the wider portion of the sling strap 20, which may continue to the side of the person that is opposite 29 from the shoulder 28 upon which may be the pillow 11.

[38] The sling strap 20 may have a length sufficient to allow both forearms 30 when crossed to be rested on its looped length, along the inner side 21 of the wider portion of the sling strap 20. The lower sling portion of the slmgstrap 20 has a predetermined sling width configured to be sufficient to stably support both forearms 30 crossed thereon by support and/or frictionai forces thereof. For example, in one embodiment the width of the lower sling portion 20 may be in the range of 4 inches to 6 inches wide so that it can provide adequate holding and support forces to stably retain the crossed forearms of a person using the device 10 thereon. The width of the lower sling portion of the sling strap 20 may continue around the side of the person 29 opposite from the shoulder 28 upon which may be the pillow 11, and the sling strap 18 may continue across the back of the body 31 of the person 25 until it attaches to the pillow 11. The force of the arm members 30 against the inner side of the sling strap 21 may consequently apply force on the pillow i 1 against the side of the head 26 and neck 27 of the person 25 from an at least semi-lateral angle. The degree of such applied force may vary, among other factors, according to the length of the strap with adjustable length 23, the position of one or both forearms 30 in the inner side of the sling strap 21, and whether one of both arms 30 are placed in the inner side of the sling strap 21. In the embodiment described herein, the degree of force may be such that the pillow 11 is held taut and firm against the side of the head 26 and neck 27, which may allow the head 26 to be propped up but still possibly turned or tilted (however slightly) to the side, and which may support the head 26 at a sufficient angle to achieve a comfortable head 26 and neck 27 position.

[39] In addition to a person's head 26 resting against the pillow 11 to the side as shown in FIG. 5, as illustrated in FIG. 6 a person 25 may also have the body or torso 3 i at least partly turned towards the side, but otherwise with the sleeping device 10 in a similar position (to that shown in FIG. 5). That is, the front side of the pillow 16 may face forward and maybe face slightly downward, with the top side of the pillow 14 (or the bottom side 15 if the pillow were on the opposite shoulder from the shoulder 28) against the head 26 and neck 27 of the person 25, and the strap 19, buckle 22, strap with adjustable length 23, and wider portion of the sling strap 20 running across the body 31 down and to the side of the of the person 29, and the wider portion of the sling strap 20 and the sling strap 18 running across the back side of the body 3 i until it connects to the pillow 11. One or both forearms 30 may also be placed in the inner side 21 of the wider portion of the strap 20, thereby applying a certain amount of force through the pillow 1 i against the head 26 and neck 27 from an at least semi-lateral angle, and also allowing one of both arm members or forearms 30 to rest comfortably, held close to the body 3 i .

[40] While the above preferred embodiment has been described as having a pillow with a tear-drop shape, the pillow may alternatively be formed in a half-moon shape with two tapered ends on opposite sides thereof for connecting to respective ends of the sling strap.

[41] In addition to a sleeping aid device 10 that may provide added comfort and

increased possibility and quality of rest, travelers have a need for a sleeping aid device 10 with convenient portability. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 7, by a person 25 easily shifting the pillow 11 from the shoulder 28 to the side 29, with the wider portion of the strap 20 resting on the shoulder 28, an embodiment of the device 10 may naturally appear similar to species of purses or bags, and allow for less conspicuous portability. This embodiment may assist in avoiding the potentially time-consuming disassembling or storing away a sleeping aid device 10, for example, by deflating or folding it up, or having to transport it by carrying it manually (rather than simply having it strapped onto the shoulder 28).

[42] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of the sleeping aid device 10 may actually function as a purse of bag. Specifically, the pillow 11 may have a receptacle 32 that may open, (in the embodiment described herein) by means of a zipper 25, and may have a cushion 33 that may be removed from or inserted into the receptacle 32. In different embodiments the cushion may be made of different materials such asthose known in the art(s) to which the device 10 pertains. For example, the cushion 33 may ^¬ be inflatable. By deflating, there may be more room within the receptacle 32 for storing objects. Removing the cushion 33 from the receptacle 32 may also help allow for easier washing of the device 10.

[43] Different embodiments of the outside of the pillow 34, as well as of the sling strap

18 and the wider portion of the sling strap 20, may prov ide aesthetic appeal and as well as textural appeal (pleasing to the physical senses).

[44] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 9, the device 10 may also be used as a lumbar support. Specifically, a user 25 may position the pillow 11 against the person's back 35, possibly by adjusting the adjustable strap 23, so that the pillow 11 is between the person's back 35 and a seat 36, in a manner that is comfortable to the user J