Head and Neck Stabilizing Device and Related Systems and Methods

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63/632,053, filed on Apr. 10, 2024, and entitled “Head and Neck Stabilizing Device and Related Systems and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The various embodiments herein relate to head and neck stabilizing devices, including such devices used during sleep or rest in a non-horizontal position such as on a plane, train, bus, car or chair.

Sleep is an essential human function which is usually done lying on a flat or somewhat reclined surface which supports the head and neck. Without this external support from a horizontal or reclined sleeping surface, restful sleep is difficult or even impossible due to the inherent instability of the head and neck. Of course, sleeping must sometimes be done in a seated position such as when traveling on a plane, automobile, train or bus or when taking short naps while seated in between long periods of study or work. In these circumstances, the head and neck are not sufficiently supported and often flex into an uncomfortable position, disrupting restful sleep.

Other devices have been described or are currently available in the market to address some aspects of head and neck instability during sleep or rest while seated. A common device which is often used on planes and during travel is a horseshoe shaped pillow which is designed to wrap around the back and sides of the neck such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,349. One disadvantage of such pillows is that they are cumbersome due to their relatively large size, typically requiring users to carry such pillows outside of their luggage. Additionally, these types of neck pillows do not function well when used in low back seats/chairs, because the pillow is able to slide down on the shoulders, thereby allowing the head and neck to flex and extend uncomfortably. Further, these types of pillows also do not allow for individual body shape/size adjustments, thereby leading to possible further discomfort during use. Sometimes these horseshoe pillows are equipped with cords/straps which serve to secure the two ends of the pillow in front of the user's neck for further stability. However, one disadvantage of these straps is that the user must tighten the pillow around her/his neck, which can lead to additional discomfort. And while some of these pillows are inflatable (making them more portable), their use can be time consuming because the user is required to inflate and deflate them multiple times during travel.

Other types of stabilizing devices (such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,219) utilize straps that can attach to the head rest of a seat in order to increase stabilization. However, these devices require high backed seats/chairs to work properly and require time consuming installation and removal.

There is a need in the art for an improved device for stabilizing a person's head and neck during rest in a non-horizontal position.

Discussed herein are various systems, devices, and methods for stabilizing a user's head and neck during sleep or rest in a non-horizontal position such as on a plane, train, bus, car or chair. These stabilization devices use an arm that uses the user's own weight pressed against a back of a seat or chair to hold the device stabilized, while a strap operably attached to the user's head and the arm holds the user's head in an upright position.

In Example 1, a head and neck stabilizing device comprises an elongate manipulable arm configured to be disposed adjacent to and along a neck and back of a user, and a flexible strap operably coupled to one end of the manipulable arm. The flexible strap is configured to be removably positioned around a head of a user.

Example 2 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises at least one of cloth, fiber, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, and silicone.

Example 3 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises two ends, wherein the two ends are removably attachable to one of (i) each other; and (ii) or to another part of the flexible strap via an attachment mechanism.

Example 4 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 3, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises one of a hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, and buckles.

Example 5 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment, wherein the second arm segment is removably coupled to the first arm segment.

Example 6 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment, wherein the second arm segment is rotatably coupled to the first arm segment.

Example 7 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 6, wherein the second arm segment is rotatably coupled to the first arm segment via a hinge.

Example 8 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm is comprised of at least one of foam, neoprene, cloth, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, urethane, rubber, fiber, paper, and metal.

Example 9 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a core structure comprising a malleable material, and an external cover comprising a pliable cushion material.

Example 10 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 9, wherein the malleable material comprises at least one of aluminum, steel, copper, metal alloy, and plastic.

Example 11 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 9, wherein the pliable cushion material comprises at least one of foam, neoprene, cloth, silicone, and a thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, urethane, and rubber.

Example 12 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm is configured to be disposed between the back of the user and a backrest of a seat during use.

Example 13 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 12, wherein the manipulable arm is maintained in stabilized position when the manipulable arm is disposed between and in contact with the back of the user and the backrest of the seat.

Example 14 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises an external surface comprising a sufficient coefficient of friction to be maintained in stabilized position by frictional contact between the manipulable arm, the back of the user, and the backrest of the seat.

Example 15 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises a mask attached thereto, wherein the mask can be disposed over eyes of the user during use.

Example 16 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises cut out flaps which may be used to support a smartphone, a smart tablet, or a book.

Example 17 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including attaching the flexible strap to the head of the user by positioning the flexible strap around the head of the user such that the manipulable arm is disposed adjacent to and along the neck and back of the user, and positioning the back of the user against a backrest of a seat such that the manipulable arm is maintained in a stabilized position between the back of the user and the backrest of the seat, whereby the head of the user is maintained in a stabilized position by the flexible strap.

Example 18 relates to the method according to Example 17, further comprising reversibly shaping the manipulable arm to follow the contours of the neck and back of a user.

Example 19 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including folding the manipulable arm into an acute angle and folding out at least one cut out flap to support a smartphone, a tablet, or a book.

Example 20 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including attaching the head strap around a neck of a user with the manipulable arm in a folded configuration such that a folded end of the manipulable arm may be reversibly attached to a flat semi-rigid surface and supporting arm to create a portable table surface.

In example 21 a head and neck stabilizing device comprises a manipulable arm having a usable configuration wherein the manipulable arm is in an elongate form and is configured to be disposed adjacent to and along a neck and back of a user, and a stowable configuration, wherein the manipulable arm is manipulated such that a length of the manipulable arm is reduced by at least half of an overall length in the usable configuration. The head and neck stabilizing device further includes a flexible strap operable and removably coupled to one end of the manipulable arm.

Example 22 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the manipulation of the manipulable arm comprises at least one of (i) folding the manipulable arm; and (ii) detaching an upper portion of the manipulable arm from a lower portion of the manipulable arm.

Example 23 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the manipulable arm comprises an upper arm and a lower arm.

Example 24 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 23, wherein the upper arm and lower arm are operably coupled by a tongue disposed on one of the upper arm and the lower arm, and wherein the tongue is configured to fit through a slot on the other of the upper arm and the lower arm.

Example 25 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the tongue is configured to interact with the other of the upper arm and the lower arm to exert a force thereon to provide more stability to a user of the head and neck stabilizing device.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

The various head and neck stabilizing device and system embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein include at least one flexible, malleable, and/or otherwise manipulable elongate arm with a flexible head strap removably attached thereto. In the various implementations disclosed or contemplated herein, the flexible head strap can be positioned around and attached to a user's head such that the elongate arm is disposed adjacent to and extending downward along the back of the user's head, neck, and back. In this position, when the user is resting against the back of a chair, the elongate arm is positioned between and held in place by the contact resulting from being positioned between the user's back and the back of the seat or chair.

An embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing deviceis shown in.depicts a devicewith an elongate manipulable (i.e., able to be selectively taken apart, bent, flexed, folded, or otherwise manipulated to shorten for travel and/or other stowage purposes) arm (/) that is made up of two flexible and/or malleable segments (a first or upper segmentand a second or lower segment) that are selectively, removably coupled together via a tongueand slotattachment (as best shown in). Alternatively, the elongate arm/can be a single unitary component (rather than being made up of two segments). In a further alternative, the elongate arm can be made up of three or more selectively removable segments. Regardless of the specific type of elongate arm or the embodiment being discussed, any of the various elongate arm implementations herein can be reversibly bent, flexed or otherwise shaped to match the contours of the user's body during use.

In some embodiments, the deviceincludes a flexible and/or bendable head strapthat is coupled to the end of the first segment. More specifically, as depicted in, the upper arm segmenthas two openingsA andB defined in an upper portion of the arm segment(opposite the end that is coupleable to the lower segment), through which the flexible head strapcan pass or otherwise be coupled thereto, thereby attaching the strapto the upper arm segment. Alternatively, the head strapcan be coupleable to the upper arm segmentvia any known feature or mechanism.

As shown inand elsewhere herein, the flexible head strapused in any of the embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein may be comprised of cloth, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, silicone or any other known material used in such flexible and/or bendable fastening straps or belts. In the implementation shown in, the two ends of the flexible strapcan be inserted into the openingsA andB found on the upper arm segment(with one end being inserted through the first openingA and the other end being inserted through the second openingB) and then each can be folded back into contact with the strapsuch that each can be reversibly attached to the outer surface of the flexible strapvia hook and loop material (such as VELCRO®, for example), or any other known fastening mechanism or feature, such as snap(s), button(s), hook(s), magnet(s), buckle(s) or the like.

Returning to the two arm segments,, in some embodiments, the tongueof the upper arm segmentincludes notchesA andB which prevent the tonguefrom easily being pulled out from the slotwhen inserted. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device, a rotation of the upper arm segmentin relation to the lower arm segmentis induced, which in turn urges the tongueagainst the lower segmentwhich is braced between the user and the chair or seat that the user is sitting in, preventing further rotation. This allows the two segments,of the elongate arm/to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

In certain of these embodiments, the lower arm segmentcan also have specific flaps,defined therein. When not being used for sleep, the devicemay be folded at the connection between the upper and lower segmentsandand the strapremoved. Further, as shown inthe flaps,may be flexed outwards in order to create a shelf or other type of horizontal structure to support a smartphone, smart tablet, or book.

Another embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing deviceis shown in. As shown in, the devicemay be similar to devicefromas described above, including having an elongate arm/that is similar toabove made up of arm segments,(a first or upper segmentand a second or lower segment) removably coupled together, along with a flexible and/or bendable head strapthat is coupled to the end of the first segment. More specifically, as best shown in, according to one embodiment, the upper segmenthas two openingsdefined in an upper portion of the segment(opposite the end that is coupleable to the lower segment), through which the flexible head strapcan pass, thereby attaching the strapthereto. Alternatively, the head strapcan be coupleable to the upper segmentvia any known feature or mechanism.

Alternatively, the elongate arm/can be a single unitary component (rather than being made up of two segments). In a further alternative, the elongate arm can be made up of three or more segments. Regardless of the specific type of elongate arm or the embodiment being discussed, any of the various elongate arm implementations herein can be reversibly bent, flexed or otherwise shaped to match the contours of the user's body during use.

As best shown in, in one implementation, each of the two malleable segments,can have three layers: a malleable core structure,sandwiched between two cushioned flexible layers,,,. The malleable core structure,can be comprised of malleable material such as aluminum, steel, copper, metal alloy, plastic, or any other known material that can be substantially rigid but deformable when sufficient force is applied. The cushioned layers,,,can be constructed of foam, neoprene, cloth, or any other known material that can provide an outer cushioning layer around the core structure.

As shown inand elsewhere herein, the flexible head strap(which may be similar to the flexible head strapfromabove) used in any of the embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein may be comprised of cloth, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, silicone or any other known material used in such flexible and/or manipulable fastening straps or belts. In the implementation shown in, the two endsA,B of the flexible strapcan be positioned around the head of the user, threaded through the openingsof the upper arm segment, and fastened to each other via hook and loop material (such as VELCRO®, for example), or any other known fastening mechanism or feature, such as snap(s), button(s), hook(s), magnet(s), buckle(s) or the like.

As best shown in, according to one implementation, the two malleable segments,of the elongate arm/are attachable to each other in the following fashion. The first segmentcan have a tongueextending from the end of the segment(opposite the end with the two openings) that can be inserted into an openingin the second segmentsuch that the two segments,can be removably coupled to each other as shown. In one specific embodiment, the tongueis a part of and extends from the malleable coreof the first segment. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device, a rotation of the upper segmentabout the lower segmentis induced which in turn urges the tongueagainst the lower segmentwhich is braced between the user and the chair or seat that the user is sitting in, preventing further rotation. The allows the two segments,of the elongate arm/to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

In certain implementations as shown in, a flexible cord or strapcan also be provided that is attached at one end to the first segmentand at the other end to the second segmentsuch that the two segments,remain loosely attached even when pulled apart at the tongueand folded together. Alternatively, any attachment mechanism or feature can be used to removably attach the first and second segments,.

In use, as best shown in, the deviceis attached to the userby positioning the flexible straparound the forehead of the usersuch that the elongate arm/extends along the neck and back of the useras shown. As such, when the userpositions their back against the backrest of a seat (such as a high-backed seatinor a low backed seatin), the deviceis maintained between and disposed in stabilized contact between the user's back and the seat back of the chair,. Thus, the various implementations of the device herein, including the deviceand the other embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein, are designed to function with both low back seats (such as seat) and high back seats (such as seat) and chairs. As such, the various implementations herein can be utilized in more diverse areas in comparison to other known devices, such as subways, buses, libraries, offices, coffee shops, airport terminals, train terminals, and other diverse locations where most seating areas only have low back options. In other words, the ability to use the various embodiments herein in areas where no high-backed seats or chairs are available differentiates it from known head and neck stabilizing devices described in the past.

As shown in, an alternative embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing deviceis depicted. The devicehas substantially the same components and/or features that function in substantially the same way as the devices,inas described above, except as expressly stated below. In this implementation, the devicehas a manipulable elongate arm/made up of two segments,that are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge. According to one embodiment, the hingecan be a living hinge.

For example, in one specific implementation as best shown in, the hingehas two hinge bodiesA,B that are rotatably coupled together via a flexible living hinge component. The two hinge bodiesA,B having openings(as shown in relation to bodyA in) that are sized and shaped to receive the tongues,of the segments,respectively, thereby allowing the segments,to be coupled to the hinge. The living hinge componentcan be made of polyurethane, plastic, rubber, silicone or any other known material having similar physical characteristics.

In this specific embodiment, the hingeis configured to allow the segmentto rotate solely in one direction, as best shown in. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device, a rotation of the upper segmentabout the lower segmentis induced which in turn urges corresponding ends of the hinge bodiesA andB into contact against one another (e.g., the ends of each of bodiesA andB nearest the hinge), preventing further rotation. This allows the two segments of the elongate arm/to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

Alternatively, any other known hingemade of plastic, metal, or any other similar known material can be used to rotatably couple the two segments,together. As such, the hingeallows the malleable segmentto rotate in relation to the segmentsuch that the segmentcan be folded up adjacent to segmentas shown in. In certain embodiments, the manipulability and/or foldability of the elongate arm/as shown can provide for increased portability of the device.