WO2020095225A1

WO2020095225A1 - Headrest device

Info

Publication number: WO2020095225A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudio MURA
Original assignee: Mura Claudio
Priority date: 2018-11-07
Filing date: 2019-11-06
Publication date: 2020-05-14

Abstract

Headrest device (10) for a seat comprising: an inner padding (11) made of a shape memory elastically deformable mate- rial essentially configured in a U-shape, in plan, and having an intermediate portion (11.1) that provides a nuchal rest for the head (T) of the user, and two lateral portions (11.2) respectively projecting at the front from said intermediate portion and that provide respective temple rests for the head of the user, and an outer cover (14) structured to contain said padding (14.1) and having, at the two lateral portions thereof, respective outer lateral faces (14.1), wherein said device further comprises: - a rigid dorsal support plate (12) contained in the cover (14) and resting against the dorsal surface of the intermediate portion of the padding; - a pair of wings (13) each fastened on the outer lateral face and in proximi- ty of the free front end of said cover at a respective of said lateral portions of the padding, each wing having an inner face (13.1) operatively facing the cover; - first detachable fastening means (13.2) of each of said wings (13), fas- tened on said inner face (13.1) of the same wing (13); - respective second detachable fastening means (14.2), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means (13.2) of each wing (13), stably holding the same wing in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover in proximal position with respect to the same wing; - respective third detachable fastening means (14.3), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means of each wing, stably holding the same wing in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover in distal position with respect to the same wing; - respective fourth detachable fastening means (14.4), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means (13.1) of each wing (13), stably holding the same wing (13) in position, provided on the outer dorsal face (14.5) of said cover (14) in proximal position with respect to the same wing (13).

Description

HEADREST DEVICE

The present invention concerns a headrest device. In particular, the invention relates to a seat headrest device (for example, a seat of means of public or private transport, a car or a common armchair or desk chair).

It should be noted that the headrest device claimed is suitable to be used both on existing seats (retrofitting) and on new installations.

State of the art

It is known that maintaining bad posture when seated, especially in situations that essentially last for long periods of time, such as during traveling or while working or studying, can lead to conditions of discomfort for the subject, or even greater consequences, such as short- or long-term pain, spasms or inflammation.

As a partial solution to the aforesaid problem, at the state of the art there are currently known different types of headrest devices aimed at increasing the comfort of the user in various circumstances, as well as at helping to naturally achieve good posture that can prevent, or at least greatly reduce, the occurrence of situations of discomfort and/or pain.

By way of example, there are known portable headrest devices made of suitable covered shape memory material, or pneumatically inflatable, having a structure suitable to be worn around the neck of the user with the aim of improving the comfort of the user during travel, for example on an aircraft, bus or the like.

Moreover, there are also known chairs (for example, office or desk chairs) produced with an ergonomically structured headrest portion with the aim of improving the comfort and correct the posture of the user seated thereon.

The document CN 206 836 710 U discloses a seat headrest device comprising an inner padding made of a shape memory elastically deformable material essentially configured in a U-shape, in plan, and having an intermediate portion that provides a nuchal rest for the head of the user, and two lateral portions respectively projecting at the front from said intermediate portion and that provide respective temple rests for the head of the user.

Technical problem Although suitable to provide a partial solution to the drawbacks set forth above, said known headrest devices still have some considerable drawbacks, hence allowing the user to only partly satisfy the requirements of comfort and good posture during use.

More specifically, it has been found that tensions still remain at the level of the neck or back muscles of the user, which, especially when used for long periods, can cause the occurrence of situations of discomfort or general or localized pain, especially in the cervical or neck area.

Starting from the notion of the drawbacks of the prior art set forth above, an object of the present invention is to provide a headrest device for a seat which is capable of greatly improving the conditions of comfort of the user during use, even for lengthy periods of time, and of helping to naturally and effectively achieve good posture by the same user, so as to drastically reduce the risk of the occurrence of pain of the muscles, spasms or inflammation.

Moreover, the object of the present invention is also to provide a headrest device as specified, which has a simple structure, easy and immediate to use and which is easily transportable by the user.

Solution to the problem

To solve the aforesaid problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a headrest device according to the characterizing portion of claim 1.

The present invention relates to a headrest device for a seat comprising an inner padding made of a shape memory elastically deformable material essentially configured in a U-shape, in plan, and having an intermediate portion that provides a nuchal rest for the head of the user, and two lateral portions respectively projecting at the front from said intermediate portion and that provide respective temple rests for the head of the user, and an outer cover structured to contain said padding and having, at the two lateral portions thereof, respective outer lateral faces.

In particular, the headrest device claimed is characterized in that it further comprises a rigid dorsal support plate contained in said cover and resting against the dorsal surface of said intermediate portion of the padding; a pair of wings each fastened on the outer lateral face and in proximity of the free front end of said cover at a respective of said lateral portions of the padding, each wing having an inner face operatively facing said cover; first detachable fastening means of each of said wings, fastened on said inner face of the same wing; respective second detachable fastening means, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means of each wing, stably holding the same wing in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover in proximal position with respect to the same wing; respective third detachable fastening means, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means of each wing, stably holding the same wing in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover in distal position with respect to the same wing; respective fourth detachable fastening means, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means of each wing, stably holding the same wing in position, provided on the outer dorsal face of said cover in proximal position with respect to the same wing.

Further advantageous features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The features and the advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of an example of embodiment provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

- Fig. 1 is a schematic overhead plan view of a headrest device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in resting position;

- Fig. 2 is a view in the direction of the arrow II of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 3 is a sectional view according to the line III-III of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 4 is a sectional view according to the line IV-IV of Fig. 3;

- Fig. 5 is a view in the direction of the arrow V of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 6 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a first operating position;

- Fig. 7 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a second operating position;

- Fig. 8 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a third operating position;

- Fig. 9 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a fourth operating position; - Fig. 10 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a fifth operating position;

- Fig. 11 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a sixth operating position;

- Fig. 12 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a seventh operating position;

- Fig. 13 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in an eighth operating position;

- Fig. 14 is an overhead plan view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in a ninth operating position;

- Fig. 15 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective front view of the headrest device of Fig. 1 in operating position, wherein the head of a user, illustrated with dash-dot line, is resting on said headrest device;

- Fig. 16 is a schematic three-dimensional perspective front and partial view of the headrest device of Fig. 1, arranged, in operating position, with respect to a seat backrest and wherein a hand of the user, illustrated with dash-dot line, is engaged in a wing structured in the manner of a pocket to arrange said wing so as to modify the relative geometry of the corresponding lateral portion of padding with respect to an intermediate portion of the same padding;

- Fig. 17 is a schematic three-dimensional, partial, perspective rear view of the device of Fig. 1 arranged, in operating position, with respect to the upper portion of a seat backrest and wherein the hand of the user, illustrated with dash- dot line, is represented in the act of fastening said lateral portion of padding with respect to said intermediate portion of the same padding;

- Fig. 18 is a schematic overhead plan view of an auxiliary cushion to be used in combination with the headrest device according to the present embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 19 is a view in the direction of the arrow XIX of Fig. 18;

- Fig. 20 is a view of the detail XX of Fig. 18, viewed in section and in an enlarged scale;

- Fig. 21 is a schematic overhead plan view illustrating said auxiliary cushion arranged to the rear with respect to the intermediate portion of the padding of the headrest device, in a position at rest wherein detachable connection means configured as a belt are mutually disconnected;

- Fig. 22 shows a similar view to that of Fig. 21, but wherein the headrest device is arranged in an operating position wherein said detachable connection means configured as a belt are mutually connected;

- Fig. 23 is an overhead plan view of a variant of the headrest device according to the present invention, wherein the headrest device comprises a pair of straps for fastening with respect to a seat backrest;

- Fig. 24 is a view in the direction of the arrow XXIV of Fig. 23;

- Fig. 25 is a schematic and side elevation view of the device of Fig. 23 arranged, in operating position, with respect to the headrest portion of a seat backrest, illustrated with a dash-dot line.

Description of an example of embodiment of the invention

A detailed description of an example of embodiment of the headrest device according to the present invention and related variants is provided below.

Naturally, it is understood that the different features set forth below can be implemented individually or in any combination with one another.

In the figures of the accompanying drawings, the headrest device claimed is indicate, as a whole, with 10.

An illustration of the headrest device 10 during use and in a first operating position is provided, schematically, in Fig. 15.

Said headrest device 10 for a seat comprises, in a known manner, an inner padding 11 made of a shape memory elastically deformable material essentially configured in a U-shape, in plan, and having an intermediate portion 11.1 that provides a nuchal rest for the head T of the user, and two lateral portions 11.2 respectively projecting at the front from said intermediate portion and that provide respective temple rests for the head T of the user, and an outer cover 14 (e.g., made of fabric) structured to contain said padding 11 and having, at the two lateral portions thereof, respective outer lateral faces 14.1.

Specifically, according to the present invention, the device 10 claimed further comprises: a rigid dorsal support plate 12 (e.g., made of wood or another material having a suitable degree of stiffness for the purpose) contained in said cover 14 and resting against the dorsal surface of said intermediate portion of the padding 11; a pair of wings 13 each fastened on the outer lateral face 14.1 and in proximity of the free front end of said cover 14 at a respective of said lateral portions of the padding, each wing 13 having an inner face 13.1 operatively facing said cover 14; first detachable fastening means 13.2 of each of said wings 13, fastened on said inner face 13.1 of the same wing 13; second detachable fastening means 14.2, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means 13.2 of each wing 13, stably holding the same wing 13 in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face 14.1 of said cover 14 in proximal position with respect to the same wing 13; third detachable fastening means 14.3, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means 13.2 of each wing 13, stably holding the same wing 13 in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover 14 in distal position with respect to the same wing 11; fourth detachable fastening means 14.4, configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means 13.1 of each wing 13, stably holding the same wing 13 in position, provided on the outer dorsal face 14.5 of said cover 14 in proximal position with respect to the same wing 13 (Fig. 1).

It should be noted that, in the embodiment illustrated, said first 13.2, second 14.2, third 14.3, respectively fourth 14.4 detachable fastening means comprise detachable fastening means of Velcro® type (Figs. 1 and 2). Flowever, the present invention should not be considered limited to this.

In particular, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 5, each wing 13 can advantageously be fastened projecting with respect to a front outer edge area of a respective outer lateral face 14.1 of said cover 14 corresponding to one of said lateral portions, protruding with respect to said intermediate portion of padding.

Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated each wing 13 is advantageously structured in the manner of a pocket 15 (Figs. 15 to 17) open, in use, toward the outside of said cover 14, to allow, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 16, a corresponding hand M of the user to engage the same pocket 15 and arrange the corresponding wing 13 projecting so as to modify the relative geometry of the corresponding lateral portion of padding with cover 14 with respect to the intermediate portion of the same padding. Then, the wing 13 is fastened, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 17, in a relative position between said detachable fastening means 13.2 and one of said second 14.2, third 14.3 and respectively fourth 14.4 fastening means, according to the intended arrangement of said lateral portion of padding with respect to the intermediate portion of the padding.

Figs. 6 to 14 illustrate, schematically and by way of example, respective operating positions of the headrest device 10, selectable by the user as appropriate.

In particular:

Fig. 6 illustrates a first operating position of the headrest device 10 wherein said first detachable fastening means 13.2 are separably fastened with respect to said second detachable fastening means 14.2, so as to give the headrest device 10 a substantially U-shaped structure (as illustrated also in Fig. 15);

Fig. 7 illustrates a second operating position of the headrest device 10, wherein said first detachable fastening means 13.2 are separably fastened with respect to said third detachable fastening means 14.3, so as to give the headrest device 10 a structure opened out further;

Fig. 8 illustrates a third operating position of the headrest device 10 wherein first detachable fastening means 13.2 of one of said wings 13 are separably fastened with respect to said third detachable fastening means 14.3, while first detachable fastening means 13.2 of the other wing 13 are separably fastened with respect to said second detachable fastening means 14.2, so as to give the headrest device 10 a structure opened out further on one side and folded on the other, respectively;

Fig. 9 illustrates a fourth operating position of the headrest device 10, which is substantially a mirror image of the position illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 illustrates a fifth operating position of the headrest device 10, wherein said first detachable fastening means 13.2 are separably fastened with respect to said fourth detachable fastening means 14.4, so as to give the headrest device 10 a structure opened out even further;

Fig. 11 illustrates a sixth operating position of the headrest device 10, wherein first detachable fastening means 13.2 of one of said wings 13 are separably fastened with respect to said fourth detachable fastening means 14.4, while first detachable fastening means 13.2 of the other wing 13 are separably fastened with respect to said second detachable fastening means 14.2, so as to give the headrest device 10 a structure widely opened out on one side and folded on the other, respectively; Fig. 12 illustrates a seventh operating position of the headrest device 10, wherein first detachable fastening means 13.2 of one of said wings 13 are separably fastened with respect to said fourth detachable fastening means 14.4, while first detachable fastening means 13.2 of the other wing 13 are separably fastened with respect to said third detachable fastening means 14.3, so as to give the headrest device 10 a structure essentially opened out on one side and opened out even further on the other, respectively;

Fig. 13 illustrates an eighth operating position of the headrest device 10, which is substantially a mirror image of the position illustrated in Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 illustrates a ninth operating position of the headrest device 10, which is substantially a mirror image of the position illustrated in Fig. 12.

The headrest device 10 thus has considerable flexibility during use, being able to take different geometrical configurations according to the needs of the user in conformity with the individual conditions of use, as well as based on personal preferences.

Moreover, as considered above, the headrest device can be adjusted in a substantially simple, immediate and intuitive way by any user, even children.

Advantageously, the headrest device 10 can also comprise structural strengthening means 18 made of elastic material arranged and fastened in each corner area of said padding, between said intermediate portion and a respective of said lateral portions, so as to provide an appropriate support in relation to the different and prolonged stresses to which the padding 11 is subjected during use.

As already mentioned in the introduction, the headrest device 10 according to the invention can be installed with respect to an existing seat S. To this end, the headrest device 10 can comprise detachable connection means configured in the manner of a belt 16 provided with adjustable and selectively openable closing means 16.1, by means of which said headrest 10 is selectively connected and disconnected with respect to the seat backrest S, as illustrated in Fig. 1 (also see the operating positions illustrated in Figs. 6 to 14).

By way of example, in the embodiment illustrated (Figs. 1 and 6 to 14), said adjustable and selectively openable closing means 16.1 comprise detachable fastening means of Velcro® type. Flowever, the present invention should not be considered limited to this. In a variant, the headrest device 10 can include, in addition or alternatively with respect to said detachable connection means configured in the manner of a belt, detachable connection means configured in the manner of straps 17, provided with respective adjustable and selectively openable closing means 17.1 (Figs. 23 and 24), by means of which said headrest 10 is selectively connected and disconnected with respect to said seat backrest S, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 25, illustrating the connection with respect to a headrest of a seat (e.g., of a motor vehicle).

The use of said detachable connection means configured in the manner of straps 17 is particularly advantageous for the purpose of achieving positioning of the device 10 at the required height with respect to the seat.

By way of example, in the embodiment illustrated (Figs. 23 to 25), said adjustable and selectively openable closing means 17.1 comprise detachable fastening means of Velcro® type. Flowever, the present invention should not be considered limited to this.

Purely for the purpose of simplifying the illustration, the headrest device 10 depicted in Figs. 23 to 25 is not provided with detachable connection means configured in the manner of a belt 16.

Flowever, it is understood that a configuration (not illustrated) of said headrest device wherein both said detachable connection means configured in the manner of a belt 16 and said detachable connection means configured in the manner of straps 17 are present is also possible according to the present invention.

A similar configuration makes it possible to obtain a better level of adjustability and stability of the headrest device with respect to the seat on which it is located in order to be used.

In this direction, by way of example, said headrest device 10 can comprise at least one pair of straps 17 each fastened, at one end, with respect to a lateral upper area of a respective lateral face of said cover 14 and, at the other end, with respect to said belt 16, in proximity of a respective lateral portion of said padding 11 (variant not illustrated).

In a further variant (not illustrated), the headrest device 10 can comprise a pair of detachable connection straps arranged, in use, according to an essentially X- shaped configuration. Alternatively, according to a further variant (not illustrated) of the present embodiment of the invention, the headrest device can comprise detachable fastening means with respect to a seat backrest including at least one rod selectively engageable and adjustable in height with respect to a corresponding mounting bushing fastened with respect to said backrest.

According to the aforesaid variant it is possible, for example, to arrange the headrest device 10 of the invention with respect to a seat (e.g., the front or rear seat of a car) in place of the existing headrest, after the removal thereof.

Moreover, the headrest device 10 can also comprise an auxiliary cushion 19 configured to be interposed between said headrest device 10 and said seat backrest S, so as to increase the stability of said headrest device 10 when installed (Figs. 21 and 22).

The use of said auxiliary cushion 19 can be particularly advantageous if the headrest device 10 must be arranged, for the purpose of use, with respect to a seat backrest having a particularly deep concavity that could compromise stability during use.

As already mentioned, the headrest device 10 according to the present invention is suitable to be used advantageously with respect to different types of existing seats.

For example, said device 10 can effectively be arranged with respect to the seats of a means for transporting people such as a bus, in order to increase the comfort of passengers during the journey and help them to maintain good posture even during essentially long journeys.

In this direction, the use of the claimed device 10 is particularly advantageous also with reference to buses adapted to transport children (such as school buses or similar), to encourage them to sit correctly during the journey, both for safety purposes and to prevent them from maintaining bad postures, at times even for lengthy periods of time.

Besides, and in general, the device 10 according to the invention is particularly suitable for different types of private use, for example arranged with respect to a common office chair or a seat of a means of transport such as the seat of an aircraft, bus or motor vehicle. This use is further facilitated by the fact that the same device 10 is easily transportable. Although in the present example of embodiment the claimed headrest device has been described as separate device to be arranged with respect to the backrest of an existing seat (i.e., retrofit), naturally it is understood that said device can also be arranged with respect to a seat (e.g., of a means of transport or of an office chair or similar) of new installation.

Advantageously, all the components of the headrest device 10 according to the invention are made of or treated with fire-resistant material.

Advantageous effects of the invention

As is apparent from the above, the present invention provides a headrest device for the seat capable of greatly improving the conditions of comfort of the user during use, even for lengthy periods of time, and of helping to naturally and effectively achieve good posture by the user, so as to drastically reduce the occurrence of pain of the muscles, spasms or inflammation.

Moreover, said headrest device as specified has a simple structure, easy and immediate to use and is also easily transportable by the user.

Claims

1. Headrest device (10) for a seat comprising:

an inner padding (11) made of a shape memory elastically deformable mate- rial essentially configured in a U-shape, in plan, and having an intermediate portion (11.1) that provides a nuchal rest for the head (T) of the user, and two lateral por- tions (11.2) respectively projecting at the front from said intermediate portion and that provide respective temple rests for the head (T) of the user,

characterized in that said device (10) further comprises:

- an outer cover (14) structured to contain said padding (11) and having, at the two lateral portions thereof, respective outer lateral faces (14.1),

- a rigid dorsal support plate (12) contained in said cover (14) and resting against the dorsal surface of said intermediate portion of the padding (11);

- a pair of wings (13) each fastened on the outer lateral face (14.1) and in proximity of the free front end of said cover (14) at a respective of said lateral por- tions of the padding, each wing (13) having an inner face (13.1) operatively facing said cover (14);

- first detachable fastening means (13.2) of each of said wings (13), fas- tened on said inner face (13.1) of the same wing (13);

- respective second detachable fastening means (14.2), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means (13.2) of each wing (13), stably holding the same wing (13) in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face (14.1) of said cover (14) in proximal position with respect to the same wing (13);

- respective third detachable fastening means (14.3), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means (13.2) of each wing (13), stably holding the same wing (13) in position, provided on said respective outer contiguous lateral face of said cover (14) in distal position with respect to the same wing (11);

- respective fourth detachable fastening means (14.4), configured to co-act with said first detachable fastening means (13.1) of each wing (13), stably holding the same wing (13) in position, provided on the outer dorsal face (14.5) of said cover (14) in proximal position with respect to the same wing (13).

2. Headrest device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each wing (13) is fastened projecting with respect to a front outer edge area of a respec- tive outer lateral face of said cover (14) corresponding to one of said lateral por- tions, protruding with respect to said intermediate portion of padding.

3. Headrest device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that each wing (13) is structured in the manner of a pocket (15) open, in use, toward the out- side of said cover (14), to allow a corresponding hand (M) of the user to engage the same pocket (15) and arrange the corresponding wing (13) projecting so as to mod- ify the relative geometry of the corresponding lateral portion of padding with re- spect to the intermediate portion of the same padding, fastening said wing (13) in one of the relative positions between said first detachable fastening means (13.2) and one of said second (14.2), third (14.3), respectively fourth (14.4) fastening means.

4. Headrest device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises structural strengthening means (18) made of elas- tic material arranged and fastened in each corner area of said padding, between said intermediate portion and a respective of said lateral portions.

5. Headrest device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises detachable connection means configured as a belt

(16) provided with adjustable and selectively openable closing means (16.1), by means of which said headrest (10) is selectively connected and disconnected with respect to a seat backrest (S).

6. Headrest device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises detachable connection means configured as straps

(17) provided with respective adjustable and selectively openable closing means (17.1), by means of which said headrest (10) is selectively connected and discon- nected with respect to said seat backrest (S).

7. Headrest device (10) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of straps (17) each fastened, at one end, with respect to a lateral upper area of a respective lateral face of said cover (14) and, at the other end, with respect to said belt (16), in proximity of a respective lateral portion of said padding (11).

8. Headrest device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises detachable fastening means with respect to a seat backrest in- cluding at least one rod selectively engageable and adjustable in height with respect to a corresponding mounting bushing fastened with respect to said backrest.

9. Headrest device (10) according to claim 5 and/or 6, characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary cushion (19) configured to be interposed between said headrest device (10) and said seat backrest (S), so as to increase the stability of said headrest device (10) when installed.