GB2511530A

GB2511530A - A headrest

Info

Publication number: GB2511530A
Application number: GB1303974.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Wicks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2014-09-10
Also published as: GB201303974D0

Abstract

A headrest comprises a cushion 1 attachable to a bracket 3, 4 via a brace 2 arranged to allow vertical adjustment of the cushion. The headrest is attachable to a seatback, for example in a vehicle, and the bracket may be clasped directly over or onto a seatback; alternatively the bracket may be clasped over or onto a conventional vehicle headrest support. Cushion 1 comprises a fabric cover, which may be removable, and a cushion inner, which may comprise foam padding or gel beads surrounding a rigid or semi-rigid core. Cushions 1 may be pivotable and may comprise speakers, lights or toys. Conveniently two headrests may be used on each side of a users head to provide better support.

Description

A HEADREST

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a headrest, more particularly but not exclusively a headrest for use in a vehicle or for otherwise travelling.

Background

Whilst travelling in a vehicle for long periods of time it is common for a person to rest their head against a head rest for optimal support and for additional support in the event of an accident.

As a passenger in a vehicle the person may also choose to rest their head to the side1 especially if sleeping when travelling. Typically the person may use a cushion or neck pillow to cushion their head whilst travelling. However such accessories are typically moveable in use and may require adjustment or repositioning for optimal support.

Some seats are provided with shaped h!ad rests however these often do not prevent the head from tilting during sleep in particular for children that are not tall enough to reach the head rest.

Without support to the head whilst tilted for long periods of time the neck muscles may become strained leading to pain and discomfort.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 8 141 955 (MAALSSARANI) discloses a headrest engageable with a seat back comprising: a seat back mounting member attachable to a seatback; a cushion adapted to support the weight of a portion of a user's head; and a cushion connector coupling the cushion to the mounting member; the cushion connector being movable between a first use position and a vertically extending and a non-use second position.

Granted French patent FR 2 909 609 (AUGADE et al) discloses a headrest configured to be mounted on a motor vehicle seat back, the headrest comprising: a holding element that comprises a central holding portion comprising a contact face configured to be used as a resting surface at the back of the head of a user! and first and second supporting portions, mounted so as to rotate on either side of the central holding portion about, respectively, first and second axes of rotation placed substantially in the plane of the contact face, wherein the first and second axes of rotation of the supporting portions substantially intersect at a point situated beneath the holding element, and which corresponds substantially to the point of articulation of the neck of a user of whom the back of the head is placed against the contact face.

Granted United States patent US 7 204 557 (BURTON) discloses a portable adjustable headrest for seats that will prevent a person's head from falling to the side while sleeping, comprising: a support bar-having a top portion and an elongated portion, the top portion having a curved flexible member for hanging from a seat-top of a variety of seat types, the elongated portion having a front surface with a pair of bands substantially spaced and affixed thereto; a telescoping bar removably extends through the bands along the front surface of the support bar wherein at least one of the two bands includes a spring-loaded peg for selectively holding the telescoping bar in a raised or lowered position; and a headrest pad coupled to the telescoping *bar by a removable and adjustable ring, and having a hinging mechanism integrally coupled to the ring and pad allowing said pad to rotate upwardly and downwardly.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a headrest for attachment to a seatback, in which the headrest comprises a bracket for attachment to said seatback;, a cushion for attachment to said bracket, in which said cushion comprises a fabric cover and a cushion inner; and a brace, wherein said brace is arranged in use to allow for vertical adjustment of said cushion on said bracket. 35.

In all preferred embodiments the cushion is arranged in use on said bracket so as to extend orthogonally to the seatback. The seatback may have a surface where a user sits and wherein the cushion may be mounted onto, adjacent or proximate to said surface.

In some embodiments the brace may be moveable so as to permit alteration of the extension angle from the seatback, for example the headrest may include a hinge from the bracket.

In this way the headrest is arranged in use to allow the addition of the cushion to the seatback so as to give a side headrest for a plurality of different height users, wherein the cushion may be adjusted up and down said surface along said brace.

In typical embodiments the headrest is for use in a vehicle, wherein the bracket further comprises a mount for providing clasping engagement over or onto existing vehicle headrest supports or attachment mechanism.

Typically the headrest comprises two cushions which are arranged in use to be substantially parallel to each other. The cushions may be unilaterally and independently adjusted along independent braces, wherein only one headrest may be in use at a time Typically hovever the present invention is presented in a form of a pair of headrests located to limit sideway movement of a user's head, for example whilst travelling in a vehicle. The pair of headrests may each comprise: a bracket for securement about a seat back, wherein the bracket includes a front and a rear leg; a mount for linking the bracket to existing headrests or headrest fittings in the vehicle; and a cushion for a user's head, wherein said cushion is adjustable along the bracket.

In this way the head is supported when tilted sideways so as to prevent undue strain on neck muscles therefore providing greater comfort. For example if a child falls asleep in the vehicle their head is supported by the headrest.

Preferably the bracket is dimensioned to fit over and onto the back of the seat or seatback wherein the bracket is formed from two parts, which parts may be independent, hinged and/or separable and comprise the front leg and the rear leg, to be located either side of the seatback and joined at the seat-top. In this way the bracket can be readily fitted over any seatback even if access is limited for example by a dog guard. Furthermore the bracket in preferred embodiments does not require forcing over the seatback for example by inclusion or resiliently deformable or tensioned parts arranged to grip the seatback, which may damage material such as leather, but can instead be positioned, joined at the top and then secured.

Typically the two parts are joined by means of interlocking portions or a clip so as to prevent the pads separating in use. Ideally the parts may be tightened together or onto a part of the seatback, comprising a clamping means.

It may be envisaged that the leg ends are inclined towards the seatback so as to effectively clamp about the seatback and so as to enhance securement and limit the bracket from shifting upwards in use.

Ideally the legs are formed from a strong, durable material such as a metal or metal alloy that is suitable for repeated use.

Preferably the legs' inner or seatback facing surface may include texture or raised and lowered portions so as to limit movement of the bracket about the seatback in use and to protect the seat material. For example the leg ends may include rubber pads to grip to the seatback.

In some embodiments at least one, for example two of the brackets may be connected by a bar or member running along and across the seat top for further stability. Said bar may be adjustable to allow positions or width of the brackets to be changed in relation to one another, for example a ratchet or hole and pin arrangement may be employed so as to set the distance between both brackets in use.

In preferred embodiments at least one of the brackets is secured in use to the seatback by means of the mount, which is typically fitted to the vehicle headrest, more specifically and typically a part of the headrest that inserts the seat top or acts as a support for the vehicle headrest headpad and/or insertion and maintenance of the vehicle headrest into a socket in the seatback.

Said support typically comprises a metal bar or a pair of metal bars in use on a single vehicle headrest.

Typically the mount is arranged to be located on the support wherein the mount clamps about the support. In this way the bracket and mount are secured to the seat. Ideally the mount is adjustable so as to be adaptable for different supports, for example wherein the. mount is positioned about the support and tightened until it secured.

In some further embodiments the mount interacts with the vehicle headrest and seatback interface in different ways, for example wherein the mount replaces the vehicle headrest, interacts or grips the socket or socket rim, or is inserted into the socket precedent to the vehicle headrest into the seatback.

In some preferred embodiments the bracket comprises the mount wherein the legs join pioximate or at the mount and aref'it together at the mount.

In other preferred embodiments ideally the mount includes an interface to accept the bracket, for example wherein the interface may be located on the mount bottom so that it may be lowered onto the bracket in use to thereby keep the bracket proximate the seatback.

In preferred embodiments the front leg houses, supports or comprises the brace.

In preferred embodiments the cushion is mounted on or comprises the brace wherein the cushion may include an integrated brace capable of movement on the bracket, or more particularly front leg of the bracket, or wherein the cushion comprises padding on the brace. In further embodiments the cushion moves on the brace and the brace comprises or continues the front leg of the bracket.

Ideally the bracket includes a channel along which the cushion or brace may be moved and the cushion or brace includes lockable fixing means so as to fix on the channel at the desired position. For example the cushion may include a nut and bolt arrangement or other locking mechanism as required.

Preferably the lockable means may be positioned on a seat facing surface so that unauthorised adjustment is minimised and damage to the surface is avoided. For example the cushion's position may be set in the channel and the headrest fitted to the seatback.

In preferred embodiments the cushion can be positioned according to user and so that the user's head comes into contact with the cushion when the head is tilted so as to prevent excessive flexion of the neck in sideways directions which may lead to neck strain.

In other embodiment the cushions may be adjustable in further and/or orthogonal axes, typically in vertical and horizontal axes so that the cushion height and proximity to the user's head can be adjusted. It may be envisaged that alternative front legs are provided of different sizes so as to alter horizontal locations of the cushions for example the front leg may be dog legged to alter the proximity of the front bracket to the user. Alternatively the bracket may be adjustable so that proximity of the front leg and thereby the cushion to the user's head may be adjusted. For example the bracket may be telescopic or otherwise moveable in a horizontal plane.

In some embodiments the cushion may be attached and adjusted on the bracket by means of magnets.

Typically the cushion is dimensioned to provide a smooth rounded face to the user in use so as to cushion their head. Typically the cushion is substantially square or rectangular with rounded edges and corners for optimal safety and comfort for the user. In some embodiments the cushion may be curved so as to cup the user's face for optimal comfort and support.

In preferred embodiments the cushion is formed in part from resiliently displaceable material that holds shape that will mould to a user's head in use and provide protection as the head moves whilst in the vehicle. In addition the cushion further includes outer fabric, and in preferred embodiments a subordinate cellular structure layer such as foam padding and a rigid or semi-rigid inner so as to provide structure to the cushion and to prevent for example folding or excessive creasing of the cushions.

Furthermore the cushion includes or accepts the brace prior to the bracket.

Advantageously the cushion is cushioned on all sides and faces so that persons either side of the cushion are not exposed to any hard portions.

In some embodiments the cushion may be filled alternatively or additionally with gel for example gel beads so as to provide different sensations for the user.

Typically the cushion includes a removable cover so as to readily cleaned or washed by the user. Advantageously the cover maybe provided in various designs so asto appeal to different users, for example to match the vehicle or to include a child's favourite colour or character.

In some further embodiments the cushion may include a light so that the user may be able to for example read in darkness without interfering with the driver's vision.

In other embodiments the cushion may include a speaker so that the user can listen to audio independently or in association with in car audio systems.

In yet further embodiments the cushion may be adapted to receive items such as toys for entertaining children whilst travelling for example a mobile may be hung from the cushion to keep the child entertained whilst travelling. Typically the cushion may include fabric loops for the removable attachments of toys.

In some embodiments the head rest may be adapted to include an arm rest wherein the lower arm and elbow are supported in use. Typically the arm rest may extend from the cushion's lower portion or be a continuation of the cushion so as to provide additional support.

Brief Description of FiQures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the headrest; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of a pair of headrests as shown in Figure 1; FigureS shows a top view of a pair of headrests as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from behind of a pair of headrests as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view a pair of headrests as shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a front view of a pair of headrests as shown in Figure 1; And Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the headrest comprises a cushion 1, on a brace 2 capable of substantially vertical movement in a slot 7 on a bracket.

Said bracket comprises a front leg 3 and rear leg 4, connected and interacting via a mount 5. Said mount typically connects with a vehicle headrest support mechanism (not shown).

The rear leg 4 has an engagement pad 6 for engagement with a seatback.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious tq one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A headrest for attachment to a seatback, in which the headrest comprises a bracket for attachment to said seatback;, a cushion for attachment to said bracket, in which said cushion comprises a fabric cover and a cushion inner; and a brace, wherein said brace is arranged in use to allow for vertical adjustment of said cushion on said bracket.
2. A headrest according to claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a mount for providing clasping engagement over or onto an existing vehicle headrest support mechanism.
3. A headrest according to claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a mount for clasping engagement over or onto a seatback.
4. A headrest according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bracket is arranged in use to allow tightening of said bracket.
5. A headrest with reference to the figures.
6. A headrest as substantially described herein.Claims 1. A headrest for attachment to a seatback, in which the headrest comprises a bracket for attachment to said seatback; a cushion for attachment to said bracket, in which said cushion comprises a fabric cover and a cushion inner; and a brace, wherein said brace is arranged in use to allow for vertical adjustment of said cushion on said bracket, and wherein the cushion is attached and adjusted on the bracket by means of magnets.2. A headrest according to claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a mount for providing clasping engagement over or onto an existing vehicle headrest support mechanism.3. A headrest according to claim I wherein the bracket comprises a mount for clasping engagement over or onto a seatback.4. A headrest according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bracket is arranged in use to allow tightening of said bracket.5. A headrest with reference to the figures. *rIS6. A headrest as substantially described herein. , . * .SS Q