Vertical hammock & pillow

Abstract

The VERTICAL HAMMOCK & PILLOW is a device constructed to allow a person to rest or sleep in a sitting position in an airplane, train, automobile, bus, wheelchair, or any other place where the lack of space or convenience dictates or where medical conditions may require a vertical sitting position for long periods. The first embodiment utilizes the natural tendency toward movement of the body as it relaxes to stretch a fabric over the user's back and thereby vertically supporting the upper torso in a sitting position. The device includes adjustment straps to allow for variations in the size of the user, comfort positions and space available. An alternative support involves the placement of a leaning device in front and on the lap of the user to provide the same type of support. In either case a frame maybe attached to the upper torso support near the shoulders to prop up the user's head. This second feature of the device is a frame or sling which supports the head in a leaning forward position. The head may be turned to either side or face down into a hole provided for breathing and/or viewing.

I claim as follows:  
     
         1 . A device that enables a person to rest or sleep in a sitting or upright upper torso position with little or no muscular exertion with a device that restricts the forward movement of the body by supporting the upper torso in a slightly leaning forward position.  
     
     
         2 . The of  claim 1  whereby placing a flexible fabric over the back of the user and stretching the same in order to restrict forward movement of the upper torso.  
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 2  whereby providing multiple holes in the back portion of the fabric, ventilation may be made possible.  
     
     
         4 . The restraint of  claim 1 , whereby anchoring or attaching the device at or near the base of the spine, stretching of the material over the shoulders is made possible.  
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 4 , whereby sitting on one end of the supporting material sufficient resistance is achieved to anchor the lower end of the device.  
     
     
         6 . The restraint of  claim 1 , whereby adjustable straps and connectors are used to adjust the restraint needed to hold the upper torso vertical.  
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 6 , whereby the straps may be crossed over, right lap to left shoulder and vice versa in order to laterally stabilize the upper torso movement at the same time accomplishing the goals of  claim 6 .  
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 6 , whereby the straps may be attached to the ceiling or any other physical location to provide slightly leaning forward upper torso support.  
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 6  whereby the straps are anchored to the seatbelt via standard connectors to the seatbelt.  
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 1 , whereby placing a flexible or rigid brace in front of the user is done to support the upper torso.  
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 10  whereby the rigid support is braced into position by placing the device against the chest and supported from the lap of the user.  
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 10  whereby the fabric or flexible support is supported in it's position by placing adjustable straps on the device that is against the chest and supporting the chest from the seat or other stationary object.  
     
     
         13 . The combination of  claim 1  whereby the device is made to be independent and not attached to the seat or surroundings, thus allowing the user immediate freedom of movement.  
     
     
         14 . The combination of  claim 1  whereby the device is used and stored while attached to the seat or other stationary object but, made easily detachable from it's stored position for use.  
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 1  whereby the device is secured to the seat at stationary points and made to be easily removed for cleaning.  
     
     
         16 . The combination of  claim 1 , whereby placing a more rigid brace over the shoulder of the user and attaching the same to the seat to restrict forward movement of the torso.  
     
     
         17 . The combination of  claim 16  whereby the rigid shoulder braces are made in such a manner as to be able to be nested for economy of storage space.  
     
     
         18 . A device that enables a person to rest or sleep in a slightly leaning forward sitting position by and placing a headrest in a forward head resting position.  
     
     
         19 . The combination of  claim 18 , whereby the headrest has brackets that are attached to the upper torso support device.  
     
     
         20 . The combination of  claim 18  whereby adjusting the height of the headrest relative to the user, the head may be supported at varying neck angles.  
     
     
         21 . The combination of  claim 18  whereby utilizing an adjustable angle bracket the head is supported at varying angles.  
     
     
         22 . The combination of  claim 18  whereby a sling or cradle is formed by placing a fabric between two bracket arms which provides support for the user's head.  
     
     
         23 . The combination of  claim 22  whereby the use of Velcro strips may be employed to adjust the effective length of the sling and thus the amount of its sag.  
     
     
         24 . The combination of  claim 22  whereby providing a hole in the headrest, a face forward position may be accommodated which allows the user to breath through the hole.  
     
     
         25 . The combination of  claim 22  whereby a face forward position may be accommodated by providing a hole in the headrest which allows the user to talk through the hole.  
     
     
         26 . The combination of  claim 22  whereby a face forward position may be accommodated which by providing a hole in the headrest allows the user to see through the hole while resting.  
     
     
         27 . The combination of  claim 22  whereby a pillow may be placed on the headrests, thus providing additional comfort while supporting the head at varying heights or neck angles.  
     
     
         28 . A pillow that enables a person to rest or sleep in a face down position by providing a hole in the pillow.  
     
     
         29 . The combination of  claim 28  whereby the user may breath via a hole or slot in the pillow.  
     
     
         30 . The combination of  claim 28  whereby the user may see through a hole or slot in the pillow.  
     
     
         31 . The combination of  claim 28  whereby the slot or hole in the pillow is made to enable a person to rest or sleep face-down and provide support for the face which does not put pressure on the eye ball.  
     
     
         32 . Each of the embodiments, while different in attachment or method of head and upper torso support, are systems to promote rest or sleep while sitting and the pillow, with its slot or hole matches the corresponding holes in the headrest which is common to all embodiments and again essential to the overall invention.