Inflatable cervical cushion

Abstract

An inflatable cervical cushion for providing support to the cervical spine and surrounding cervical musculature of the wearer while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable cervical cushion which adjustably reinforces the neck to support the cervical spine in a proper lordotic position, alleviating neck pain caused by improper posture and fatigue. The cushion encircles the wearer's neck and rests on the wearer's shoulders, and contains a compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the back of the cushion. The inflatable cushion is of a rectangular or oval design which is positioned horizontally in the back of the neck such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports the cervical spine and the thinner end portions support the surrounding musculature. In addition, there is a vertical extension from the top of the cushion which supports the base of the skull, or occiput, thereby supporting the skull at the same time of supporting the cervical spine. Support is provided when the wearer is seated and the cushion creates pressure between the wearer and the back of a chair. The cushion is inflated by manual means such that the firmness and pressure of the cushion is totally adjustable.

Description

[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 901,197, filed Feb. 14, 2007.[0002]The present invention relates to a device capable of providing variable cervical and neck support. More particularly, the invention relates to an inflatable cervical cushion which supports the cervical spine in a normal lordotic position. The device comprises an inflatable cushion, worn about the neck and resting on the shoulders, having a particular configuration and dimensions to provide an individualized cushion when inflated. Inflating the cervical cushion of this invention exerts pressure against the back of a chair or other seat, when the wearer is seated. This in turn creates pressure against the cervical vertebrae and the surrounding cervical musculature to maintain the cervical spine in a proper lordosis. In addition, the cervical cushion of this invention provides a vertical support at the top of the cushion which supports the base of the skull, or occiput, ther...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]This invention is directed towards an inflatable cervical support device generally in the form of a removable cushion designed to surround the neck and rest on the shoulders, and provide support for the neck and skull. The cervical cushion properly positions an inflatable bladder at the proper level of the cervical spine to provide support for the cervical spine in a proper lordosis, when the wearer is seated. The inflatable cushion is positioned horizontally so that it provides neck support to the cervical spine as well as the surrounding musculature and the joints located on each side of the cervical spine. The inflatable bladder also provides a vertical support extending upward from the top and surrounded by the cushion, which supports the occiput, resting the base of the skull upon it and preventing the skull from extending backwards. When the bladder is inflated, the cushion has a novel shape that provides more pressure or support to the cervical spine and relatively less support to the musculature.

[0010]The cervical support apparatus is in the form of a cushion which includes a centrally positioned inflatable bladder. The back portion of the cushion curves into a pair of opposed elongated front extensions, or arms, which terminate in a pair of spaced free ends. An inflatable bladder is contained within a compartment located in the center of the back cushion portion and is of a size and shape to be received against and provide support to the back of the neck and skull. A tube connected with pump means controls the flow of air into and out of the inflatable bladder. The pump means is operated manually by the wearer whereby the amount of inflation and the internal air pressure within the bladder may be adjusted.

[0012]This novel design, unknown in the prior art, allows the cervical cushion to provide more support to the center for the neck and skull, and less support to the musculature. In one embodiment of the invention, the bladder is essentially divided into sections, partially separated internally by heat sealing or otherwise connecting the front and back portions of the bladder, such that the partial separations help properly regulate the amount of inflation in the individual sections.

[0015]The cervical cushion apparatus is intended to provide optimal neck and head support when the wearer is seated, most often in chairs, couches, car seats or any other types of seats having a back. In operation, the cervical cushion is placed around the wearer's neck and rests on the shoulders, and is arranged with the center of the cushion against the back of the wearer's neck, thus positioning the inflatable bladder centrally respective to the wearer's neck. While the wearer is seated, the bladder is inflated using the pump means provided in either one of the forward extended arms of the cushion. The firmness of the inflatable cushion, the amount of inflation and pressure exerted is dependent upon the particular person's comfort level. The bladder is inflated until the cushion the back of the chair, for example and then exerts pressure against the back of the neck. The inflation is continued until the wearer feels that comfortable support is achieved in an optimum proper lordosis position. When the wearer rises to walk about, the pressure is automatically relieved from the cushion and the bladder may be deflated by simply opening an air release valve.

[0018]Still another object of the invention is the provision of a cervical support which provides maximum comfort for the wearer in an optimum lordotic position of the cervical spine, and wherein the volume and pressure of the cushion can be manually controlled by the wearer using pump means.

Problems solved by technology

Neck and cervical pain is an ever increasing problem in this country, largely due to society's movement to a computerized world.

Most cervical pain from sitting is related to poor posture in which the person sits in a slumped or rounded posture.

This poor posture occurs more readily when the seat or chair does not give proper support.

This stretches the muscles and ligaments at the back of the neck producing fatigue and strain.

On the other hand when we slump and gaze at the screen or TV we force our heads backwards into extension, compressing the posterior joints or facets of the spine, which increase neck pain.

This painful position of extension occurs when you attempt to recline in your chair, seat, bus seat, airline seat, etc.

Many a person would wake up from this position with neck pain and even numbness of the arms because the neck was not supported and the head was allowed to tilt backwards into extension.

Neck cushions also exist in a variety of sizes, but are not adjustable and are generally inadequately designed to maintain the cervical curve.

None of these neck cushions are able to be adjusted to accommodate the individual's specific requirements for support, and none of the existing cushions provide support for the back of the skull, the bone known as the occiput, to prevent the head from tilting backwards into extension.

Images