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Title:
PORTABLE HEAD, NECK OR UPPER BACK SUPPORT SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/161027
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A portable head, neck or upper back support system for use by a person when sitting, the system having a support element (1) for placing behind the person's head, neck or upper back and a tether (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 20, 21) for tethering the support element (1) to one or both of the persons legs, so that the persons head, neck or upper back is supported while sitting. The tether (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 20, 21) may attach to the support element (1) at both sides of the person's body.

Inventors:
PERRY RODERICK MORRISON (AU)
ALEXANDER DAVID (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2014/000333
Publication Date:
October 09, 2014
Filing Date:
March 28, 2014
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PERRY RODERICK MORRISON (AU)
ALEXANDER DAVID (AU)
International Classes:
A47C7/42; A47G9/10; B60N2/48
Foreign References:
US5474361A1995-12-12
US6202236B12001-03-20
US3869021A1975-03-04
US6810879B12004-11-02
US1579585A1926-04-06
US1510187A1924-09-30
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BELYEA IP (Elsternwick, Victoria 3185, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS :

1. A portable head, neck or upper back support system for use by a person when sitting, the system having a support element for placing behind the person's head, neck, or upper back and a tether for tethering the support element to one or both of the person's legs, so that the person's head, neck or upper back is supported while sitting.

2. The support system of claim 1 wherein the tether attaches to the support element at both sides of the person's body.

3. The support system of claim 1, wherein the tether comprises one or more straps or ropes.

4. The support system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is tethered to the person's thigh or thighs.

5. The support system of claim 4 wherein the tether is tethered at least in part by operation of fractional pressure between the thigh and an upper surface of the seat while sitting.

6. The support system of claim 5 wherein the tether further comprises a paddle at a thigh securing end of the tether .

7. The support system of claim 1, wherein the tether comprises first and second strap systems attached at support element securing ends thereof to respective ends of the support element, each strap system being disposed in use on respective outer sides of the person's body extending down and securing to the person's thighs to provide a triangular support structure composed of the person's upper legs, back and the strap systems.

8. The support system of claim 7 , wherein thigh securing ends of each of the first and second strap systems comprise paddles which operate independently or are attachable together to increase security of tethering.

9. The support system of claim 1, wherein the support element has shoulder pads attached at each end, the shoulder pads being connected at their opposite ends to first and second strap systems .

10. The support system of claim 9, wherein the first and second straps systems comprise upper adjustable straps which run through adjusting buckles, the buckles being fixed to lower straps which are attached at their opposite ends to paddle shaped anchor disks for each thigh.

11. The support system of claim 1, wherein the support element is a neck cushion.

12. The support system of claim 11, wherein the neck cushion is an inflatable cushion.

13. The support system of claim 12, wherein the inflatable cushion is in the form of a concave peanut shell shape from which extends at its ends two shoulder pads each one being an extension of the circular side seams of the cushion.

14. The support system of claim 13, wherein the two shoulder pads are in the form of strong flexible plastic coated in soft material with said shoulder pads widening at the points of fixed junction with the neck cushion circular seams and narrowing at the ends where the upper adjustable straps are attached to them.

15. The support system of claim 10, wherein the upper adjustable straps are in the form of strong flexible non- elastic bands , the bands being attached to the narrow ends of the shoulder pads at one end and having the capacity to fit into adjustment buckles at the other end.

Description:
PORTABLE HEAD, NECK OR UPPER BACK SUPPORT SYSTEM FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable head, neck or upper back support system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable head, neck and upper back support system having the ability to easily give support to the head, neck or upper back of a person seated on a no-backed chair, a low backed chair, or a chair which otherwise provides insufficient support for the person. The support system may be suitable for use by persons sitting on airport lounge seats, train and bus station seats and commuter train seats, which do not provide head, neck or upper back support, but also in cars and many other situations .

BACKGROUND

[0002] Several types of head, neck or upper back support systems are known. The particular configuration of each head, neck or upper back support system use various means to support the head, neck or upper back .

[0003] One such configuration requires the support of an existing high backed seat such as an aeroplane passenger seat to provide initial support which enables the particular

configuration to then additionally support the head and neck of the user with a shaped cushion when seated in the high back seat.

[0004] Low backed seats on public transport and in transit waiting areas do not enable the use of devices which can support the head or neck with cushions only. In these circumstances, configurations which are bulky, cumbersome, unattractive and do not give good support to the head, neck and lower back have been used.

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a portable head, neck and upper back support system for travellers to use when seated for extended periods of time in low backed seating such as at Airport Lounges .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a portable head, neck or upper back support system for use by a person when sitting, the system having a support element for placing behind the person's head, neck, or upper back and a tether for tethering the support element to one or both of the persons legs, so that the person's head, neck or upper back is supported while sitting. The tether may attach to the support element at both sides of the person's body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the tether comprises one or more straps or ropes. The tether may be tethered to the person's thigh or thighs at least in part by operation of frictional pressure between the thigh and an upper surface of the seat while sitting, which tethering may be assisted by the provision of a paddle at a thigh securing end of the tether .

[0008] In one embodiment, the tether comprises first and second strap systems attached at support element securing ends thereof to respective ends of the support element, and each strap system being disposed in use on respective outer sides of the person' s body extending down and securing to the person's thighs to provide a triangular support structure composed of the person' s upper legs , back and the strap systems . Thigh securing ends of each of the first and second strap systems may comprise the aforementioned paddles , which may operate independently or alternatively be attachable together to increase security of tethering.

[0009] The support element may have shoulder pads attached at each end, the shoulder pads being connected at their opposite ends to first and second strap systems, which may comprise upper adjustable straps which run through adjusting buckles said buckles being fixed to lower straps which are attached at their opposite ends to paddle shaped anchor disks said disks one per thigh. The paddles when wedged securely between the underside of the seated persons thigh and the top surface of the persons seat thereby form a triangular support system going from the underside of the left thigh where the paddle is anchored between the seat and the thigh, up via the straps to the left shoulder pad which is attached to the left side of the support element, across the support element and down the right shoulder pad which is attached to the support element, then down via a set of adjustable straps to the underside of the right thigh anchor paddle which is wedged between the seat and the underside of the thigh from where additional anchoring capability is available by locking said paddles together whereby one paddle has hook Velcro on both sides and one paddle has loop Velcro on both sides .

[0010] In one embodiment, the support element is a neck cushion. The neck cushion may beformed from an inflatable shape made from strong flexible plastic coated externally with soft flock material said cushion can be inflated and deflated via a plug. [0011] In one embodiment, the neck cushion is in the form of a concave peanut shell shape from which extends at its ends two shoulder pads each one being an extension of the circular side seams of the cushion .

[0012] In one embodiment, the two shoulder pads are in the form of strong flexible plastic coated in soft material with said shoulder pads widening at the points of fixed junction with the neck cushion circular seams and narrowing at the ends where the upper adjustable straps are attached to them.

[0013] In one embodiment, the upper adjustable straps are in the form of strong flexible non- elastic bands said bands attached to the narrow ends of the shoulder pads at one end and having the capacity to fit into adjustment buckles at their other ends .

[0014] In one embodiment, the lower adjustable straps are in the form of strong flexible non-elastic bands each fixed at one end to an adjustment buckle and at the other end fixed to an anchor paddle .

[0015] In one embodiment, the anchor paddle size is suitably large enough to grip between underside of thigh and seat base

[0016] In one embodiment, one anchor paddle has Velcro hooks on both sides and the other anchor paddle has Velcro loops on both sides .

[0017] In one embodiment, the anchor paddle is shaped with a smooth perimeter that is easy to slide between thigh and seat base [0018] In one embodiment, the anchor paddle is formed from a thin, light weight, semi rigid material

[0019] In one embodiment, the anchor paddle is made from or covered in a high friction material which is textured in a way to resist sliding out when placed by a person between their thigh and the seat .

[0020] In one embodiment, the anchor paddle is made from a high friction material which is easy to slide into position by a person placing it between their thigh and the seat.

[0021] In one embodiment, the portable head, neck or upper back support system is made as an inflatable cushion, however other materials can also be used. For example cushions filled with soft plastic foam are found very suitable, or support elements which are not cushions but are shaped sling-like portions of fabric .

[0022] In the embodiment, the adjustable straps are used with plastic buckles, however other adjustment mechanisms can also be used. For example Velcro strips are found very suitable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a support system of a first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a portable support system of the first embodiment. [0025] Figure 3 illustrates a front elevational view of a portable support system of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a plan elevational view of a portable support system of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a side elevational view of the practical application of a portable head, neck and upper back support system of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a front elevational view of the practical application of a portable support system of the first embodiment .

[0029] Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the practical application of a portable support system of the first

embodiment .

[0030] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the practical application of a portable support system of the first

embodiment, showing the anchor paddles wedged between underside of thighs and seat base .

[0031] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portable support system of the first embodiment, showing the anchor paddles wedged between underside of thighs and seat base and additionally joined together with their respective Velcro tabs.

[0032] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment with the sitting person removed for better viewing of the arrangement which shows the anchor paddles positioned independently and wedged between the underside of the thighs of a sitting person who is not shown.

[0033] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment with the sitting person removed for better viewing of the arrangement which shows the anchor paddles joined with respective Velcro tabs under the thighs of a sitting person who is not shown .

[0034] Figure 12 illustrates another perspective view of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable support system with a triangular shaped pillow and inflatable shoulder pads

[0036] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable support system with a round anchor paddle

[0037] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fourth embodiment with a rectangular anchor paddle .

[0038] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the lenticular shaped anchor paddle such as is shown in the first embodiment in Figure 12.

[0039] Figures 17a, 17b and 17c illustrate perspective views of anchor paddles with alternative Velcro tab arrangements compared to those in the embodiment of Figures 1-12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Embodiments of the current invention will now be described.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 12, the tether of this embodiment comprises two anchor paddles 8 , two lower adjustment straps 7 with buckles at one end 6 which are fixed at the other end to the anchor paddles 8 , two upper adjustment straps 5 which adjust for length through the buckles 6 and are fixed at points 16 on the shoulder straps 4. The shoulder straps 4 are attached to the shaped inflatable neck cushion 1 at points 2 to form the complete head, neck and upper back support system.

[0042] The system may be constructed from any material which is able to support the head neck or back. In this embodiment, the support element is in the form of a neck cushion 1 and is comprised of flock covered inflatable plastic and the shoulder straps 4 are composed of the same material. The shoulder straps 4 may also comprise additional padding.

[0043] In this embodiment, anchor paddles 8 comprise a thin lightweight semi flexible material such as one mm thick polypropylene which is covered in a textured material such as Velcro which will grip and resist movement when wedged between a seat base and the underside of a person's thigh or upper leg. The anchor paddles 8 may be adapted to join together for additional grip, for example using mating Velcro textures, if required by the user .

[0044] The lower strap 7 is made from woven light weight strapping which is fixed at one end 15 within the anchor paddle 8 and at the other end 6 is fixed to an adjustment buckle.

[0045] The upper strap 5 is made from the same material as the lower strap and is fixed securely to the shoulder pad 4 at point 16 wherein it extends down to join the lower strap at buckle 6.

[0046] The shoulder pad 4 is made from the same material as the cushion 1 and is joined to the cushion 1 at a point on the seam of the cushion 2 in such a manner as to spread the load of the straps evenly across the edge of the cushion.

[0047] The shoulder pad 4 is not inflatable and joins at the airtight seal of the cushion 2 acting as the connecting junction between the cushion 1 and the cushion face 3.

[0048] The cushion 1 is an inflatable shape with an inflating nozzle 10 at one end.

[0049] The cushion 1 is shaped in a concave configuration 3 to centre the cushion on the neck and is circular in cross-section as seen from a side elevation .

[0050] In Figure 12 the anchor paddles 8 are shown in this embodiment as having a lenticular shape comprising a small radius at a distal end with hook Velcro 20 on both sides of one paddle and loop Velcro 21 on both sides of the other paddle with a large radius at a proximal end of each paddle 8 where the strap 7 joins the paddle 8.

[0051] In Figures 5 to 11 an embodiment of the portable support system is shown when in use by a person sitting on a low back seat such as at an airport waiting lounge wherein the anchor paddles 8 are shown wedged between the persons thigh or upper leg 12 and the top of the seat base 13. The adjustable strap assembly 5, 6, 7 connects the anchor paddles 8 to the neck cushion 1 via the shoulder pads 4 thereby carrying the load of the head, neck and back to the underside of the thighs and upper legs wherein additional anchoring capability is available by locking the paddles together with Velcro matching pads which are integral to the paddles .

[0052] The described arrangement has been advanced by

explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein

disclosed.

[0053] Alternative systems are, for example, shown in Figures 13 to 14.

[0054] In Figure 13 the shoulder pad 19 is shown in the embodiment of an inflatable element integral with the neck cushion 15 which is shown in the embodiment of a triangular shaped end profile. The straps connecting the cushion to the anchor paddles is shown in the embodiment of a single Velcro strap which allows for adjustment of length.

[0055] In Figures 14, 15 and 16 a round anchor paddle 18 and a rectangular anchor paddle with rounded corners 19 are shown as alternative embodiments .

[0056] In figures 17a, 17b and 17c, an alternative anchor paddle attachment using Velcro strips is shown , that overcomes the problem of snagging on stockings . Anchor paddle 41 has a Velcro strap with hook section 44 and loop section 45. Corresponding anchor paddle 40 has a corresponding Velcro strap again with hook section 42 and loop section 43. By joining the two straps together at sections 42 and 45, and at 43 and 44, the two straps may be secured. When not in use, hook section 44 may be folded over to cover and engage with loop section 45 as shown in figure 17c, thereby avoiding exposed Velcro surface and preventing snagging on stockings .

[0057] In another embodiment the support element is a neck support cushion comprising a soft bead or upholstery foam filled cushion. In still other embodiments, the support element is a shaped piece of fabric which acts like a sling. In such embodiments, the support element may be supported by straps extending from above the person's shoulders, as in the

embodiment described, or may also or alternatively be supported by straps extending from below the person's shoulders between the person's arms. Such a strap system may be appropriate for a support system which is more favourably adapted to supporting the persons upper back in preference to neck or head.

[0058] While the paddle arrangement and two-strap arrangement of the embodiments described above have particular practical utility, alternative tethering arrangements are contemplated within the broadest scope of the invention which does not restrict the form of tethering . Such alternative embodiments may include a looped strap tied or fastened around each thigh or both thighs rather than a paddle relying on the pressure of the person's thigh on the seat.

[0059] In further embodiments, the strap or straps may be held not by the person's thighs, but from other parts of the leg, for example below the knee or by the feet. [0060] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention .

[0061] In any claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or

"comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention .

[0062] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.