Patent Application
20060282143
This invention relates to therapy pack holding devices, more particularly, a therapy pack holding device that allows a person to use one or more temperature therapy packs simultaneously on different areas of the head.
The use of temperature therapy packs for relief of aches and pains has long been in existence. Individuals use therapy packs for a variety of ailments, including headaches and shoulder/neck pain. The packs may be used when frozen or heated, depending upon the type of solution within the pack. Typically, however, ice packs are used as therapy packs as they are much more inexpensive than packs which may be heated. However, the use of frozen or cold packs has one severe disadvantage: condensation.
In order to avoid condensation from ruining couches, pillows or other fabrics, the cold or frozen pack may be placed on a towel or other piece of cloth to absorb the condensation. However, the use of a towel or cloth significantly reduces the amount of cold from the ice pack. In addition, positioning of the towel or cloth is oftentimes difficult as the towel or cloth may slide down, fold over or simply not stay in place.
Many individuals have found comfort and relief of aches and pains located on the back of the neck and/or upper shoulders by using pillows having a pocket for the insertion of a therapy pack. In addition, many individuals have found comfort and relief of headaches by positioning such therapy packs on the forehead. However, if the person moves his or her head slightly while the therapy pack is on the head, he or she could cause the pack to fall. Thus, a person is forced to lay or sit perfectly still while using the therapy pack on his or her head.
In addition, if a person suffers from a headache and pain in the neck or shoulders simultaneously, he or she must carefully position two therapy packs such that one is located on the head and one is located behind the neck and/or shoulders. Once again, the person must maintain a perfectly still position to keep the pack located on the head in place.
Thus, a need exists for a therapy pack holding device that permits a person to use a therapy pack on the head while permitting the person to move his or her head while simultaneously permitting a person to use a therapy pack on the neck and/or shoulders.
The relevant prior art includes the following references:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that permits the use of therapy packs on the head and on the neck and/or shoulders simultaneously.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that maintains a therapy pack on a person's head despite movement of the head.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that is easy to use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that absorbs condensation from frozen or cold therapy packs.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that is washable.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a therapy pack holding device that comfortably supports a person's head.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a therapy pack holding device comprising a rear panel and a front panel secured together so as to form a pillowcase and a flap having at least one pocket. The flap is secured to the front panel so as to permit a person to place his or her head in between the front panel and the flap. Thus, a person may insert a therapy pack into the flap pocket so as to allow the therapy pack to rest on a person's head.
A second pocket may be located on the device such that when a therapy pack is inserted, the therapy pack is located behind a person's neck and/or shoulders. In the alternative, the therapy pack holding device may be in the form of a pillow wherein the pockets are attached directly to a pillow. The pockets may be lined with a waterproof or water-absorbent material and the pockets may have a fastening closing means so as to maintain the therapy packs within the pockets.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
With reference to
Because the first pocket 2 is located on a flap 8, a person simply inserts his or her head behind the flap 8 such that the flap 8, and therapy pack 4 located in the first pocket 2 within the flap 8, are covering the desired portion of a person's face. If a person does not need to utilize the comfort of a therapy pack 4 on his or her face, then he or she may simply use the flap 8 to block light from shining into his or her eyes. The pockets 2 and 3 may be lined with a waterproof or water-absorbent material to resist or absorb condensation from frozen or cold therapy packs.
In
Finally,
The use of the present invention will allow a person to use a plurality of therapy packs 4 on different areas of the face and neck or shoulder area simultaneously.
It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
