Retinal rest device and method

Abstract

A hands free, support device for use on a patient convalescing from ophthalmologic surgery such as the type used to reattach a detached retina. The device can be repeatedly positioned between the base of a user/wearer's chin/jaw and upper chest so that no wrap around neck or head sling attachment means are required. When installed, the device will keep the user/wearer's chin tilted downward and toward the upper chest. A related method is also disclosed.

1 . A device for helping to keep a user's face and visual gaze tilted downwardly for prolonged periods, said device comprising:
 a crescent shaped support having a substantially flat bottom and made of a soft material, said crescent support adapted for repeatedly positioning between the user's chin and upper chest; and   means for at least temporarily securing said crescent support between the user's chin and upper chest.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  which further includes a wedge-shaped spacer for attaching to the flat bottom of the crescent support. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 3  wherein said wedge-shaped spacer has a trapezoidal cross-section. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the crescent support secures to an underside of the user's chin and the wedged-shaped spacer secures to the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the crescent support secures to the user's upper chest at one end and to an underside of the user's chin at the other end. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the flat bottom of the crescent support has an inclined front face portion. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the securing means includes at least one section of hook and eye tape fastened to the flat bottom of the crescent support and a corresponding section of hook and eye tape for situating on the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the corresponding section of hook and eye tape is worn about the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the corresponding section of hook and eye tape is adhered to the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the securing means further includes at least one section of hook and eye tape fastened to a top portion of the crescent support with a corresponding section of hook and eye tape for situating on the user's chin. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  which can be used for at least one of:
 (i) a patient during and after retinal reattachment surgery;   (ii) one or more athletic situations including improving aerodynamics during endurance bicycling; and   (iii) a comfort mechanism to lessen neck and back strain while driving, at a computer screen or sitting at a work station.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  which is intended for use by a patient while recuperating in one or more positions other than lying face down. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  which can be repeatedly removed and installed. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the soft material for the crescent support is selected from the group consisting of: an ethyl vinyl acetate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a nylon, a rubber, an impregnated material, a laminated fibrous material, an inflatable/expandable material, a plasticized material and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the crescent support consists essentially of ethyl vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         16 . A head rest device for maintaining a user's face in a downward tilt and alleviating neck, shoulder and back strain on the user, said device comprising:
 a crescent shaped support made of soft foam for repeatedly positioning between the user's chin and upper chest; and   means for securing said crescent support to the user's upper chest.   
     
     
         17 . The head rest device of  claim 16  wherein the securing means includes at least one section of hook and eye tape fastened to the crescent support and a corresponding section of hook and eye tape for situating on the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         18 . The head rest device of  claim 17  wherein the corresponding section of hook and eye tape is worn about the user's upper chest. 
     
     
         19 . The head rest device of  claim 16  wherein the crescent support consists essentially of ethyl vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         20 . A method for helping a patient recovering from retinal reattachment keep his head lowered while in other than a horizontal position, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a soft foam, head rest device that includes: (i) a crescent shaped support for repeatedly positioning between the patient's chin and upper chest; and (ii) means for securing said crescent support to the patient's upper chest, said securing means including at least one section of hook and eye tape fastened to the crescent support and a corresponding section of hook and eye tape for situating on the patient's upper chest;   (b) positioning the corresponding section of hook and eye tape to the patient's upper chest; and   (c) situating the crescent support to the patient's upper chest and beneath the patient's chin.