GB2165762A - Neck support - Google Patents

Abstract

A neck support comprises inflatable members (1, 2, 3, 4) which provide lateral support to prevent the head tilting sideways and support for the chin to prevent the head tilting forwards. In one embodiment a plurality of inflatable members is provided and in another a single inflatable member is sub-divided into a plurality of intercommunicating compartments. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Neck support This invention relates to a neck support. Such supports are used, for example, to alleviate pain in those suffering from neckache. Conventional neck supports are typically in the form of rigid collars or collars of a foam plastic material, which completely surround the neck. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved neck support.

According to the present invention there is provided a neck support which comprises at least one inflatable member arranged, when inflated, to provide support for the head.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of the support in use; and Figure 2 is a side view of the support in use.

The neck support shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises four inflatable members or balloons denoted by reference numerals 1,2,3 and 4. Balloon 2 serves to support the chin of the wearer and thus restrain tilting movement of the head in a direction which is forward and downward. Balloons 1 and 3 are located laterally of balloon 2 on either side thereof, and serve to provide some support to restrain the head from tilting sideways. Under some circumstances it may be desirable for the amount of support in the two sideways directions to be different, in which case the balloon 1 can be inflated to a greater or lesser extent than balloon 3. The balloon 4 extends laterally across the sternum of the wearer between locations adjacent the lower ends of the balloons 1 and 3. The balloon 4 serves to prevent the lower ends of balloons 1 and 3 from splaying apart.

The assembly of balloons 1, 2, 3 and 4 is attached to a strap 5 which is in two parts releasably connected together by a fastener, for example, a fastener made of material of the type sold under the trade mark Velcro.

The balloons are inflatable by means of tubes (not shown) attached thereto. These tubes are arranged to be closable by any convenient means.

A number of points may be made concerning the support described above. Firstly, it will be noted that the head is free to tilt backwards. This makes for greater comfort for the wearer, as opposed to conventional neck supports which completely surround the neck and provide support not only at the front but also at the back. Because of this, the support according to the present invention may not be suitable for some conditions (it will not, for example, be suitable for a person with a broken neck), but in other circumstances, for example in the case of common neckache, it will provide a greater degree of comfort. Secondly, it is to be noted that the balloon 2 is located sufficiently far forward to leave the epiglottis unimpeded. This also makes for greater comfort on the part of the wearer.

A number of modifications may be made to the device described above. For example, there may be a gap between balloons 2 and 4, or balloon 4 may be omitted altogether.

More radically, the plurality of balloons 1,2,3,4, may be replaced by a single balloon subdivided internally into a plurality of compartments, preferably from two to four in number, which intercommunicate with one another through internal channels which allow air to flow between the compartments. The device can then be inflated through a single inlet valve, though a plurality of valves could be provided if desired. Movement of the neck or head of the wearer will alterthe distribution of air between the various compartments, causing individual compartments to distend or deflate, and in this way the wearer can adjust the device until a position of comfortable support is reached. In this embodiment the epiglottis may be covered, since at the wish of the wearer the air pressure distribution may be changed to achieve a comfortable position.

Finally, the device according to the invention may be provided with a cover therefor which may, for example, be provided with zip fastener.

Claims (9)

1. A neck support which comprises at least one inflatable member arranged, when inflated to provide support for the head.

2. A support according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of inflatable members.

3. A support according to claim 2, comprising a pair of inflatable members arranged to provide, in use, support on either side of the head to restrain the head from tilting sideways.

4. A support according to any preceding claim, comprising an inflatable member arranged to provide, in use, support for the chin.

5. A support according to claim 2, comprising a pair of inflatable members arranged to provide, in use, support on either side of the head to restrain the head from tilting sideways, an inflatable member arranged to provide, in use, support for the chin, and a further inflatable member interconnecting the said pair of members.

6. A support according to claim 1, wherein the said inflatable member is sub-divided into a plurality of compartments which inter-communicate with one another to allow air to flow between the compartments.

7. A support according to any preceding claim, provided with a strap arranged to pass around the back of the neck to secure the support of the wearer.

8. A support according to any preceding claim, provided with a cover therefor.

9. A neck support substantially as herein described and/or substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings.