GB2560305A

GB2560305A - A headrest assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2560305A
Application number: GB1703229.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sokolowska Malgorzata
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2018-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-28
Also published as: GB201703229D0; GB2560305B

Abstract

A headrest assembly comprising: a back portion 1 defining a head back plane; two spaced apart head side sections 2, 3 extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane 1; and an adjustment mechanism 4 connected to the side sections. The adjustment mechanism 4 is arranged in use to displace at least one of the side sections 2, 3 in a direction extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane 1. The adjustment means may comprise flexible straps 9 and buckles 8. There may be attachment means 5 for attaching the headrest assembly to a chair or headrest. The attachment means 5 may be located on the outer face of the back portion. The side portions 2, 3 may be connected to the back portion 1 by means of flexible tethers.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A headrest assembly

Abstract Title: An headrest assembly with adjustable side portions (57) A headrest assembly comprising: a back portion 1 defining a head back plane; two spaced apart head side sections 2, 3 extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane 1; and an adjustment mechanism 4 connected to the side sections. The adjustment mechanism 4 is arranged in use to displace at least one of the side sections 2, 3 in a direction extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane 1. The adjustment means may comprise flexible straps 9 and buckles 8. There may be attachment means 5 for attaching the headrest assembly to a chair or headrest. The attachment means 5 may be located on the outer face of the back portion. The side portions 2, 3 may be connected to the back portion 1 by means of flexible tethers.

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A HEADRESTASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a headrest assembly, in particular an assembly for providing or supplementing a headrest; more particularly but not exclusively an assembly for supplementing a headrest in a vehicle or the like.

Background

Increasing interconnectedness across societies can lead to a greater need to travel.

During travelling many users are keen to rest or sleep, and may find this difficult. This is particularly on public transport or in vehicles in general, where seating is arranged for majority sizing and for travelling rather than for sleeping.

In particular many users may wish to rest their heads, or sides of their heads, but standard vehicular headrests have no support for the side of users’ heads.

In particular therefore users’ heads are prone to moving around in transit, particularly during sleep, meaning that the head can easily fall off the headrest.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

United States patent application US 4 031 578 (SWEENEY et al) discloses a travel pillow comprised of three discrete and resilient sections: a central section which serves as a spacer and supports the back of the user's head and a matching pair of lateral head sections located on opposite sides of said spacer to form a generally Hshaped configuration therewith; and a snug-fitting cover which accommodates all three sections and maintains them in their generally H-shaped configuration; both of the head sections being of greater thickness than spacer and possessing a tapered appearance which begins with a flat and generally wide back-wall and a narrower, rounded front portion; said back-wall being disposed at an angle which slopes toward the central section so that the backward pressure of the user's head on said spacer will cause the said back-walls to form an essentially parallel plane and draw the inner side-walls toward one another, for contact with the user's head.

European patent application EP 2 611 652 (NAVARRO et al) discloses a head restraint comprising: a main element on which two wing elements are fitted so as to be rotatable about a vertically provided axis by at least one hinge, wherein the hinge has a pin and a recess, wherein the pin and the recess are provided in the form of a truncated cone.

Granted United States patent US 6 893 094 (O'CONNOR) discloses a headrest comprising: a rear head support portion; a first head support wing member rotatable upwardly and downwardly relative to the rear head support portion, the first head support wing member being rotatable vertically to a first head support position from a first stowed position, said first head support wing member also being pivotable horizontally relative to the rear head support portion.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a headrest assembly comprising: a back portion defining a head back plane; two spaced apart head side sections arranged substantially orthogonal to the head back plane; and an adjustment mechanism connected to the side sections, in which the adjustment mechanism is arranged in use to displace at least one of the side sections in a direction extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane.

The direction of displacement may be defined as the head placement plane, wherein the head is displaced rearwards along such plane or direction so as to allow the back of the user’s head meet the head back plane.

The side sections preferably extend substantially parallel to a head placement plane, along which the head moves backwards in placement, and wherein the head placement plane preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the head back plane, a point on which the back of the user’s head locates in use.

In this way the user’s head is placed in use against the head back portion, with the head back plane extending laterally to either side of the back of the user’s head. Rearwards pressure along the head placement plane will displace the side sections relative to the head back portion, so as to create a three-sided headrest which adjusts in use to maintain comfort, regardless of head movement. In some embodiments the head back portion may be displaced from a head rest or seat back, so as to allow tilting movement of the head back portion with respect to the head back plane.

In some embodiments the back portion may be comprised by a standard or known head rest or seat back.

The back portion may be comprised by a separate part for attachment to a standard or known head rest or seat back, directly or indirectly. Advantageously the adjustment mechanism may connect the side sections with the back portion, and an attachment means may connect the back portion or the assembly to a chair. In this way the adjustment mechanism may adjust the side sections with respect to the chair, and/or adjust the back portion with respect to the chair.

In this way the head rest may be advantageously be adjusted to provide a space for the user’s head that is adjustably enclosed to three sides, by three connected parts (comprising the side sections and back portion) aiding in sleeping or comfort purposes. Advantageously pressure of a user’s head may provide a force to consolidate attachment to the head rest, such that pressure against one part will automatically adjust the other two parts accordingly.

In this way the side sections may advantageously displace using the adjustment mechanism so as to adjust for a user’s head in use. For example the size of the user’s head may displace said sections so as to more properly accommodate the head’s width of depth or length. In addition or the alternative the weight of the user’s head may displace the back portion and pull the side sections in.

The sections have inner faces and outer faces, wherein the inner faces are opposing, with the inner face of the back portion forming the head back plane and the outer face forming a contact with a chair or headrest.

In an embodiment of the assembly the assembly may be attached in use to a chair headrest when the user is desirous of more comfort or sleep.

In some other embodiments the assembly may be attached in use to or around a chair back. In yet further embodiments the assembly may be incorporated in a chair or head rest. For example in some embodiments the adjustment mechanism may be incorporated in the head rest of a chair, for example a vehicle seat; which adjustment mechanism may be embodied in the head rest to adjust side wing sections of the head rest with respect to the head rest back portion, and wherein the back portion may also comprise movement along the placement plane.

Such attachment means is consequently advantageously universal and flexible; in order that the assembly may be used in multiple scenarios.

Said attachment means may be analogous to or similar to and collaborative with the adjustment mechanism. For example in some embodiments the attachment means may allow the user to attach the back portion of the assembly to the chair or head rest thereof, and the attachment means or adjustment mechanism may simultaneously adjust the side sections.

In further embodiments the adjustment mechanism may separately or independently or in a further step allow adjustment of the side sections.

In some embodiments the attachment means may be comprised in the back portion, wherein said portion has an extending or extendable attachment means. Said attachment means may be flexible or elastic. In such way the means may be placed in use on or around the chair such that the assembly or portion is pulled thereagainst.

In some embodiments the attachment means may be comprised in the side sections, wherein said sections have an extending or extendable attachment means. Said attachment means may be flexible or elastic. In such way the means may be placed in use on or around the chair such that the assembly or portion is pulled thereagainst.

Such attachment means may comprise the adjustment mechanism in addition or the alternative, wherein the assembly is attached to the chair in use, and further movement with respect to the chair or assembly is accommodated by the movement in the attachment means.

The adjustment mechanism may comprise a progressive adjustment mechanism so as to allow gradual or partial adjustment, wherein the adjustment is analogue and subject to substantially limitless variation within the bounds of the mechanism. In addition or the alternative progression may permit deformation in the headrest to be accommodated effectively. Ideally therefore the adjustment mechanism comprises elongate straps or strapping, and buckles or similar fasteners, wherein the elongate straps may be fixed in length at a plurality of points and consequently the adjustment may be adjusted to a plurality of lengths of strap and locations of side sections.

Ideally the side sections comprise padding at least in part, and to inner faces, so as to provide comfortable places to rest the user’s head.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the assembly;

Figures 2 show plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with variations between the planes visible;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, folded for transport or storage;

Figures 6 show a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in an intermediate stage of fold;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the assembly; and

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, folded for transport or storage.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown an embodiment of the assembly comprising a back portion 1 and two side sections 2, 3.

The side sections 2, 3, are connected to the back portion 1 using the adjustment mechanism 4, which mechanism comprises two parallel straps 9, looped through the two side sections 2, 3, and adjusted by use of two buckles 8.

The straps 9 pass through the side sections 2, 3, on, at or adjacent the side section inner faces 7 wherein padding is provided between the inner faces 7 and the straps to minimise user discomfort.

The adjustment mechanism is attached to the rear face of the back portion 1 where the straps pass through loops 14 on the back portion’s rear face.

The straps enter the side sections 2, 3 behind the back portion 1 at entries 13, pass below the padding and exit on a first side section only at exits 12. The entries and exits comprise reinforced stitched hems in the fabric of the side sections’ covering, and the second side section comprises strap ends secured to the side section (not shown). In this way the mechanism allows the straps to be shortened at the buckles so as to pull the back portion forwards from the rear face of the side sections, wherein the entries are situated forward of the rear face of the side sections.

The attachment means 5 is used to attach the back portion to a headrest or chair (not shown).

The attachment means comprises two straps 11 running parallel adjacent the top and bottom edges of the back portion 1. The straps 11 are looped through loops 16 and are joined together at buckles 15.

In use the attachment means is passed over a headrest or chair and the buckles tightened to tighten the straps over the headrest or chair.

The attachment means thereby retains the side sections, and by association, the back portion which is connected to the side sections by the adjustment means, to the headrest or chair.

A space C exists between the adjustment mechanism straps 9 and the attachment means’ straps 11, which space accepts this movement, such that the back portion moves past the entries 13 and accordingly pulls the side sections’ front faces 67 towards each other. Advantageously in this way a triangular form of the side sections and rear portion will be created depending on pressure and movement of the user’s head.

The back portion then defines a back plane B to support the back of the user’s head.

The user leans back substantially through the placement plane onto the back plane B.

At rest the side sections 2,3 may be envisaged to run substantially parallel to the placement plane A.

The adjustment mechanism may then be adjusted or tightened so as to adjust the angle of the side sections 2,3 with respect to the placement plane A, wherein the user’s head may rest against the inner faces 7 of the side sections 2,3. Adjustment of the mechanism and weight of the user’s head will act against the adjustment mechanism and a tightened mechanism will either bring the back plane B forward or pull the side sections 2,3 inwards towards the placement plane, or both.

In particular therefore the portion and sections comprise a self-regulating head support system, whereby the constituent parts of the assembly act against each other once set up to compensate for the user’s head weight.

As shown in Figure 5 the assembly may be collapsed by folding the assembly such that the side sections 2,3, lie substantially parallel with the back portion 1.

As shown in Figure 6 the side sections are hinged out from the back portion and displaced behind the back portion, when moved into a storage or transport, or other non-use, position. In order to accomplish this, the device may be adjusted at the attachment mechanism and/or attachment means, so as to loosen the parts.

The assembly comprises closed cellular structure foam, covered with wipe-clean or natural fabric coverings according to preference. The straps are envisaged to be canvas webbing and the buckles polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

In alternative embodiments, adjustment mechanism 4 or attachment means 5 may comprise one strap only or may comprise a plurality of straps. The straps may be adjustable by Velcro or other suitable fastening means as opposed to a buckle.

One alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8. This embodiment differs from those of Figures 1 to 6 in that the assembly does not comprise loops 16 through which straps may be passed, and the straps are not looped. Instead, the assembly comprises straps 19 that extend around the side sections 2, 3 to attach to the outer faces 6 of each side section 2, 3. The ends 20 of the straps are attached to the outer faces 6 either by a permanent fixing, or releasably using a known system such as Velcro.

The straps 19 may be constructed from a suitably elastic material to allow the side sections 2, 3 to be displaced from the back portion 1. Incorporating elastic straps 19 in this way biases the side portions 2, 3 to default to the unfolded configuration shown in Figure 7.

The straps 19 are connected by a buckle to allow for adjustment of the side sections 2, 3.

Figure 8 shows one folded configuration of the assembly shown in Figure 7. In this folded configuration, the side sections 2, 3 fold around the back portion 1 so that the inner face 7 of one of the side sections 2 is in contact with the front face 30 (see Figure 7) of the back portion 1, and the outer face 6 of that side section 2 is in contact with the inner face 7 of the other side section 3. In this way, the straps 19 pass around the sides and rear of the back portion 1. The straps 19 can be shortened to maintain the relative positions of the side sections 2, 3 adjacent one another when not required, and also create a useful handle for carrying the assembly in the folded position. In addition, the straps 9 can be shortened as much as possible to allow each portion or section to be held in its relative position.

Alternatively, the side sections 2, 3 may be switched in the configuration described above so that the inner face of the other side section 3 is in contact with the front face 30. In both configurations, the strap 19 can be used as a handle.

In an alternative folded position, the side portions 2, 3 may fold to sandwich the back portion 1 therebetween. Again, in this position, each strap 9, 19 may be shortened to retain the relative positions of each part.

Further alternative folded positions are possible. For example, the side sections may fold in a similar way to that shown in Figure 5 and 6. The side sections may also be rotated 180 degrees and then folded according to the folding mechanism of Figures 5 and 6. This, too, would mean that the straps 19 passed around the front face 30 and the side of the back portion 1, thereby holding it in place and enable a user to carry the assembly using the straps 19.

The highly configurable nature of this assembly provides increased flexibility for the user, and enables the assembly to be folded into a particularly compact form. By shortening the various straps, the cushioning of the back portion 1 and side sections 19 can be reduced to allow the assembly to be inserted into a smaller bag, for transport, than would ordinarily be possible.

The assembly provides a head rest that is able to be carried and folded in at least two folded configurations. In each of the folded configurations, various measures may be taken to reduce the volume of the back portion and side sections, allowing for improved storage of the assembly.

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 as described in the accompanying claims. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A headrest assembly comprising: a back portion defining a head back plane; two spaced apart head side sections arranged substantially orthogonal to the head back plane; and an adjustment mechanism connected to the side sections, in which the adjustment mechanism is arranged in use to displace at least one of the side sections in a direction extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane.

2. A headrest assembly according to claim 1 wherein the side sections are connected to the back portion by the adjustment mechanism.

3. A headrest assembly according to claim 2 wherein the adjustment mechanism hingedly connects the side sections to the back portion.

4. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim arranged to be releasably attached to a headrest and/or chair.

5. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the headrest assembly is attached to a headrest and/or chair in use by an attachment means.

6. A headrest assembly according to claim 5 wherein attachment means comprises a flexible or progressive attachment means.

7. A headrest assembly according to claim 5 or 6 wherein, in use, the attachment means is situated on a first side of the adjustment means and the back portion situated on a second opposing side of the adjustment means.

8. A headrest assembly according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the attachment means supports the side sections against a head rest and/or chair.

9. A headrest assembly according to any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the adjustment mechanism retains the side sections to the back portion, and the attachment means connects the side sections to a chair.

10. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the side sections with respect to a chair, and also adjusts the back portion with respect to the chair.

11. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the side sections and back portion have inner faces and outer faces, wherein, when in use, the inner faces of the side sections are arranged to oppose; and wherein the inner face of the back portion provides the head back plane and the outer face of the back portion provides a surface for supporting the headrest assembly to a chair and/or headrest.

12. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a flexible or progressive adjustment mechanism.

13. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim comprising straps and buckles.

14. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the back portion and side sections are separate parts.

15. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged in use to displace at least one of the side sections relative to and independently of the head back portion in a direction extending substantially orthogonal to the head back plane.

16. A headrest assembly according to claim 15 wherein the side section is retainable in said orthogonally displaced position.

17. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged to allow the side sections to be displaced between an arrangement in which the side sections lie substantially orthogonal to the head back plane and an arrangement in which the side sections lie substantially parallel with the head back plane.

18. A headrest assembly according to claim 17 wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged to allow the side sections to be displaced to an arrangement in which the side sections lie directly against one another, parallel with the head back plane.

19. A headrest assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the side

5 sections are connected to the back section by a flexible tether.

20. A headrest assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1703229.3 Examiner: Mr Will Jeffries