GB2567127A

GB2567127A - A Device

Info

Publication number: GB2567127A
Application number: GB1710717.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcmillan Gyan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-03
Filing date: 2017-07-03
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Also published as: GB201710717D0

Abstract

The modular head rest provides a sleep surface and has a head pad 2, an elongate support 30 and a base 20. The head rest may be used by a person in transit in a sitting position and be portable. The head rest may have additional supports 30 and bases 20 that are interchangeable or replaceable such that the head rest may be customised in different configurations. One modular base 20 may connect to a chair arm rest and may include a sleeve 39 having an elastomeric material that pulls against the armrest. Another modular base 20 may have a suction cup 1. Another support 30 may be a flexible arm 4 to position and support the head rest. Such a flexible arm 4 may be a stainless steel gooseneck. Other supports 30 may be rigid or telescopic and may have an articulated or set angle attachment with the head pad.

Description

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for providing a sleep surface, for example when in transit.

Brief Description of Figures

All figures show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate.

Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, in use;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the parts of the embodiment of the apparatus partly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; and

Figures 4 show views of further embodiments of parts of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

Sleeping on transport can often result in uncomfortable positions and potential long term discomfort.

With reference to the figures there is shown an apparatus 1000 for providing a sleep surface, comprising a head pad 2, an elongate support member 30 and a base 20. The user 99 places their head against the head pad 2 to sleep or rest, which pad may be arranged for maximal comfort using the member, and is held in place using the base.

In the pictured embodiment the apparatus is modular, comprising three different members, and three different bases; wherein:

A first member comprises a flexible elongate member 4;

A second member provides a substantially rigid member 16;

A third member provides a substantially rigid coaxially telescopic member 9;

A first base provides a suction cup base 1; and

The second and third bases provide an armrest engagement means 39, 56.

In this way the apparatus comprises a sleep aid for use when travelling long distances, the apparatus arranged to provide a place to rest the user’s head comfortably. The user can then comfortably rest their head and ensures they will not experience discomfort during or after their journey.

The suction cup 1 is formed in a combination of solid and flexible polymer. The second and third members have a metal core with a polymer coating, the first member comprises a stainless steel gooseneck, and the pad 2 is made from a rigid polymer plate with a foam padding and displaceable cover.

For the first member the member comprises a flexible arm stiff enough to hold the weight of the user’s head comfortable while still allowing them to position it however they wish.

For the second base the armrest base comprises a rigid part 28, and sleeve part 39 arranged with elastomeric material to slip over and pull against an existing armrest, so is ideal for seats that are not next to walls or windows, such as aisle or middle seats on public transport. The armrest base acts as a sleeve over an existing armrest to hold the apparatus upright and in place with the rigid part providing a base for the indented attachment socket 8 of the member 20.

Other embodiments may comprise different attachment means, for example a clamping means or resilient means or flexible strap means, so as to enable the base to be attached around or onto a plurality of different arm rests. The third embodiment 56 of the base comprises a sock open ended to one end, with a rigid indentation 36 comprising means for receipt of a basal disc to the member 16. Such means may comprise ferromagnetism or strong hook and loop material like Velcro (RTM).

So as to enable modularity of the apparatus the members can unscrew from the bases and the head pad, making the apparatus easy to store and carry. The apparatus may be provided in a carrying case in use.

The second and third members comprise articulated or set-angled topmost male attachment mechanisms, 10, comprising screw threads, received in female sockets (not shown) on the head pads 2. In the pictured embodiment the attachment mechanism 10 is set in angle and the member may be rotated to alter attitude of the head pad. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism 10 may comprise a gooseneck or ball joint or other articulation.

The lowermost end 8 comprises the same, for example received in a socket 5 of the suction base. The first member comprises axial male screwthreads 6.

The first base suction cup 1 can attach to any smooth, non-porous surface securely and allow the user to rest their head on the pad.

The suction cup comprises a mechanical locking mechanism, comprising a lever 7 that is operable to force the cup closed against a rigid basal portion 3, and pull it open.

The third embodiment of the member comprises coaxially telescopic parts 76, which are secured into lengths using sprung pins 61 in spaced apart holes on the parts.

The member may comprise an articulated joint 78 between the member and base such as shown in Figure 3, to permit greater variation in attitude.

It may be envisaged that the fixed second member 16 may be available in different lengths to accommodate for different heights. It may be envisaged that the members come with two different arm lengths this will be to accommodate for a range of heights of user, for example, one for adults and one for children.

Preferably the first member is short so that the angle of the head pad can be altered, 'λ but the member is not liable to collapse or bend when it is being used.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise electronic capability and components such as wireless connectivity like Bluetooth (RTM), and loudspeakers within the pad, so as to connect wirelessly to the user’s electronic devices.

The head pad is formed from a closed cellular structure foam, such as polyurethane, with a covering such as fabric, cotton or leather. In some embodiments the covering may be displaceable for cleaning or replacement purposes.

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 to 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: 01 10 18

1. A modular head rest device for providing a sleep surface, comprising a head pad, 5 at least one elongate support member and at least one base.

2. The modular head rest device according to claim 1 wherein the elongate support member is a modular component of the head rest device.

10

3. The modular head restdevice according to claim 2 wherein a firstone ofthe elongate support members includes a flexible elongate member.

4. The modular head rest device according to claim 3 wherein the first elongate member support comprises a flexible a rm to position and support the head rest.

5. The modular head rest device according to claim 4 wherein the first elongate support member comprises a stainless steel gooseneck.

6. The modular head rest device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein a 20 second one ofthe elongate support members includes a substantially rigid member.

7. The modular head rest device according to claim any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein a third one of the elongate support members includes a coaxially telescopic substantially rigid member.

8. The modular head rest device according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the substantially rigid members have a metal core with a polymer coating.

9. The modular head rest device according to claim 6,7 or 8 wherein the second or 30 third one ofthe elongate support member components comprises an articulated orset- angled male attachment mechanism to be received in the head pad.

10. The modular head rest device according to any preceding claim wherein the base is a modular component of the head rest device.

01 10 18

11. The modular head rest device according to claim 10 wherein a first one of the modular bases has a suction cup to attach to a surface to allow a user to rest their head on the head pad away from the surface.

5

12. The modular head rest device according to claim 11 wherein the suction cup is formed in a combination of solid and flexible polymer.

13. The modular head rest device according to claim 12 wherein a second one of the modularbases and a third one ofthe modularbases have armrest engagement means.

14. The modular head rest device according to claim 13 wherein the second base comprises a rigid part and a sleeve part arranged with elastomeric material to slip over and pull against an existing armrest to hold the modular head rest device upright and in place.

15. The modular head rest device according to claim 14 wherein the rigid part ofthe second base includes an indented socket for the second and third elongate support member component.

20

16. The modular head rest according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate support member is arranged to unscrew from the base and the head pad.

17. The modular head rest according to any preceding claim comprising an electronic wireless connectivity and loudspeakers within the head pad.