Rotatable cervical pillow for heavy equipment and other vehicles

• US 8,708,416 B2
• Filed: 01/03/2013
• Issued: 04/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles J Stronconi
• Original Assignee: Charles J Stronconi
• Inventors: Stronconi, Charles J
• Primary Examiner(s): Allred, David E
• Application Number:
  US13/733,638
• Publication Number:
  US 20130119716A1
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: 297/397, 297/188.06, 297/188.05, 297/408
• US Class Current: 297/397
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 20/02 of detachable or loose type A47C20/04, A47C20/08 take precedence ; for chairs A47C7/00; pillows A47G9/10
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/383 Detachable or loose head- or neck-supports, e.g. horse-shoe shaped
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/806 movable or adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/882 detachable

Abstract

A rotatable circular crossection cervical pillow is manually rotated in a continuous fashion as desired by a person whenever a fresh clean contact spot is sought, or a contact spot of variable support is sought, while the pillow is still attached to a seat back. The rotatable pillow is a cylinder of medium and/or firm high density polyurethane foam. An axial through-hole in the center permits the snug insertion of a rigid length of tubing to give the pillow axial rigidity. Swivel fixtures are attached at each end of the pillow by virtue of the central tube. A fabric cover with an opening closure covers the entire polyurethane cylinder snugly. Optionally the cover may carry therapeutic imparting elements therein. Straps with adjustable buckles are attached to each swivel fixture. Therefore, the cervical pillow rotates easily while still strap-attached to the seat back.

Claims

1. A method of providing cervical support for a user sitting in a motorized vehicle comprising the steps of:

providing a cylindrical cushion assembly, said cushion assembly comprising a cylindrical cushion freely rotatable on a horizontal axis of rotation, said cylindrical cushion being mounted on a rigid tube, and a pair of swivel assemblies, each respectively attached to each respective end of said rigid tube, said swivel assemblies abutting opposite ends of said rigid tube, whereby said cushion has 360°

of rotation allowed by said swivel assemblies;

providing at least one strap and attaching an end of said strap to a respective one of said swivel assemblies at each opposite end, each distal end of each strap having a respective latch;

placing said cushion assembly on a seat back of said vehicle with said cylindrical cushion deployed horizontally and in contact with the neck of the user so that said cylindrical cushion will roll behind the neck of the user; and

engaging said respective latches on the distal ends of said straps to said swivel assemblies to secure said cushion assembly in place on said seat back while said user is operating said vehicle; and

enclosing said cylindrical cushion in a removable fabric cover to permit replacement and/or cleaning of said cover, said cover being a wrap around piece of fabric with engaging opposite edges provided with hook and loop fasteners to permit ready removal and replacement thereof.

2. The method of claim 1 in which providing said cushion assembly providing a cushion assembly wherein each said swivel assembly is attached at each respective end of said hollow tube by press fitting into each said respective end of said hollow tube.

3. The method of claim 2 in which providing said cushion assembly includes attaching each said swivel assembly to said hollow tube by press fitting into a bushing located at each said respective end of said hollow tube.

4. The method of claim 1 in which providing said cushion assembly includes attaching each said swivel assembly to said hollow tube by threaded engagement into each said respective end of said hollow tube.

5. The method of claim 4 in which providing said cushion assembly includes attaching each said swivel assembly to said hollow tube by threaded engagement into a threaded bushing located at each said respective end of said hollow tube.

6. The method of claim 1 in which providing said cover includes providing a cover which has an axially extending slit with at least one fastener extending along said axially extending slit for removal of said cylindrical cushion for cleaning of said cover.

7. The method of claim 6 in which providing said cover includes providing a cover with partial slits in each end of said cover.

8. The method of claim 6 in which providing said cover includes providing a cover which has no partial slits in each end of said cover.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of attaching an external massaging member with a further strap having a fastener at each end engageable with each said swivel assembly located at each end of said rotatable cushion.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing said cushion with at least one region accommodating at least one therapeutic imparting element selected from the group consisting of at least one elastomeric massage member, at least one electronic stimulator pad, a heat pack and a cold pack therein.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing said cushion with a plurality of foam sections, wherein one of said foam sections is a firmer foam than said other foam section.