Adjustable infant head support

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support device. The present invention further relates to a method of using the adjustable infant head support device. The adjustable infant head support comprises support cushions connected or joined by an adjustable brace. The support cushions are designed with a contoured shape to contact and extend over the infant's shoulders, and to further cup the infant's jaw such that the weight of the infant's head is supported primarily by the infant's shoulders, as the support cushions contact the infant's shoulders. Thus, the weight of the infant's head is generally transferred to the shoulders by the support cushion. The adjustable brace is extendable to accommodate the changing size of the infant and the infant's head as the infant grows.

1 . An adjustable infant head support, comprising: 
 a first support cushion and a second support cushion;    the first support cushion and the second support cushion shaped to support a jaw of an infant;    the first support cushion comprising a first brace portion and the second support cushion comprising a second brace portion; and    wherein the first brace portion and the second brace portion connect to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support.    
     
     
         2 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first brace portion and second brace portion removably join to from an adjustable brace.  
     
     
         3 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable brace is a flexible material that flexes around an infant's head.  
     
     
         4 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first support cushion and second support cushion have a contoured shape with the contoured shape forming an arc.  
     
     
         5 . The adjustable infant head support accordingly to  claim 1 , wherein the contoured shape conforms to the side of an infant's head and conforms to the jaw of an infant.  
     
     
         6 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a circular cross-section.  
     
     
         7 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first brace portion and the second brace portion are formed by a length of a fabric or of a material that comprises hook and loop closures.  
     
     
         8 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first support cushion, second support cushion, and adjustable brace connect to cup the head and jaw of the infant.  
     
     
         9 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a circular cross-section and have the largest diameter in the middle of the support cushions, and the diameter of the support cushions generally tapers toward each end of the support cushion.  
     
     
         10 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 1 , wherein tabs connect the first and second support cushions to a harness or shoulder straps.  
     
     
         11 . The adjustable infant head support according to  claim 9 , wherein the tabs allow the first and second support cushions to slightly rotate.  
     
     
         12 . A method of using an adjustable infant head support, comprising: 
 providing an adjustable infant head support, comprising a first support cushion and a second support cushion; wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have a contoured shape; wherein the first support cushion comprises a first brace portion and the second support cushion comprises a second brace portion;    connecting the first brace portion and the second brace portion to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant head support;    securing the adjustable infant head support to a car seat, baby stroller, or infant carrier; and    positioning the first support cushion and the second support cushion on shoulders of an infant or a child.    
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising cupping a jaw of the infant or the child with ends of the first support cushion and the second support cushion.  
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising adjusting a length of the adjustable brace by disconnecting and connecting the first brace portion and the second brace portion.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion comprise tabs, and the method further comprising, connecting the first support cushion and the second support cushion to shoulder straps or a harness via the tabs.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion slightly rotate to cup a jaw of the infant or the child.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising transferring the weight of the infant's or the child's head to the shoulders of the child or the infant.  
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion comprise tabs, and the method further comprising, connecting the first support cushion and the second support cushion to shoulder straps or a harness via the tabs, wherein the tabs allow the first and second support cushions to slightly rotate.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the adjustable infant head support generally prevents a head of the infant or the child from tilting forward.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the adjustable brace flexes around a head of the infant or the child.