GB2417896A

GB2417896A - Head support for seated person

Info

Publication number: GB2417896A
Application number: GB0420453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Izzel Monteiro Alves G Barbosa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2004-09-14
Publication date: 2006-03-15
Also published as: GB0420453D0

Abstract

A support which comprises means for supporting the head of a person is described. The support comprises means (1) adapted to support the head so as to inhibit the head from lolling about. The support further comprises a means (6, 7) for removably attaching the support to a seat.

Description

24 1 7896

A SUPPORT

This invention relates to a support. The invention also relates to a seat, to a seat incorporating a support, and to an attachment for a seat.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided, a support, which comprises means for supporting the head of a person, the support means being adapted to support the head so as to inhibit the head from lolling about, and means for removably attaching the support to a seat.

By providing a removable support, which, in use, inhibits the head from lolling about, the invention may reduce the potential neck strain a person may be subjected to when falling asleep in an upright position in a seat which offers little or no head support on its own.

Preferably, the attachment means comprises at least one strap which is connected to the support and adapted to secure the support to the seat. In this way the support may be securely connected to the seat.

Preferably, the straps are adapted to interconnect with one another behind the seat.

This may further secure the connection between the support and the seat.

Preferably, the attachment means comprises an adjustable fastener.

Preferably, the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener. This may improve ease of operation. Typically the fastener is in the form of a buckle, resilient clip formation or strap, for example with a hook and loop fastening.

Preferably, the fastener is adapted to be positioned, in use, behind the seat. In this way, the fastener will not interfere with the comfort of the person.

Preferably, the support further comprises means adapted in use to adjust the placement of the support on a seat.

Preferably, the adjustment means is adapted in use to adjust the height at which the support is attached to a seat.

Preferably, the adjustment means is adapted to adjust a connection between the attachment means and the support means.

Preferably, the attachment means is removably connected to the support means.

Preferably, the support means comprises a base portion and at least a pair of formations which extend outwardly from the base portion. In this way the head of a person can be inhibited from falling from side to side.

Preferably, the formations are collapsible. In this way the support may be more 2() easily transported.

Preferably, the outwardly extending formations are in the form of a pair of outwardly extending arms.

Preferably, each of the arms are foldable. Typically the arms are connected to the support by hinges.

Preferably, one of the arms is foldable to a stowed position on a first side of the support and the other arm is foldable to a stowed position on the other side of the support.

Preferably, the formations are removable, to ease transportation of the support.

Preferably, a spacing between the formations is approximately equal to the width of an adult head. More preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 15cm and 25cm. Yet more preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 17cm and 23cm. Even more preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 1 8cm and 22cm.

Preferably, the support comprises a resilient portion adapted to accommodate the head of a person. In this way improved comfort may be provided.

Preferably, the support means further comprises means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward. In this way the potential for straining the neck is further reduced.

This important feature is provided independently. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a support for a seat, which comprises means for supporting the head of a person, and means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward.

Preferably, the restraining means comprises a strap adapted to pass across the forehead of a person.

More preferably, the restraining means is adjustable. In this way the usability of the support may be improved. Typically, the strap has a hook and loop fastening.

Preferably, the support further comprises an internal frame. Hence, the support is provided with a rigid structure suitable for supporting the head of a person.

Preferably, the frame is manufactured from a plastics material. Typically, the frame is made from any light material that is strong enough to support the head of a person, for example, hard plastics or an alloy such as aluminium.

Preferably, the support is collapsible, so that it may be more easily transported.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat, which comprises a support as hereinbefore described.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat, which comprises a pair of outwardly extending formations adapted to inhibit the head of a person from lolling about, wherein a spacing between the formations is approximately equal to the width of an adult head.

Preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 15cm and 25cm. More preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 17cm and 23cm. Yet more preferably, the spacing between the formations is approximately between 1 8cm and 22cm.

Preferably, the seat further comprises a pair of contoured portions adapted to partially surround the head of a person, and wherein the outwardly extending formations are located between the contoured portions.

This important feature is provided independently. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat, which comprises a pair of contoured portions adapted to partially surround the head of a person, and a pair of outwardly extending formations located between the contoured portions and adapted to inhibit the head of a person from lolling about.

Preferably, the outwardly extending formations are movable between a first position in which they are stowed within the seat and a second position in which they are adapted to support the head of a person so as to inhibit the head from lolling about.

This important feature is also provided independently. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat, which comprises a pair of outwardly extending formations, the formations being movable between a first position in which they are stowed within the seat and a second position in which they are adapted to support the head of a person so as to inhibit the head from lolling about.

Preferably, the outwardly extending formations are rotatably mounted to the seat, such that they are rotated between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the outwardly extending formations are slidably mounted to the seat, thereby to enable the heights of the formations to be adjusted.

Preferably, the seat further comprising means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward.

More preferably, the restraining means comprises a strap adapted to pass across the forehead of a person.

Preferably, the restraining means is adjustable.

Typically the seat is in the forn1 of a passenger seat used in vehicles for transporting passengers, such as aeroplanes, trains, buses, cars, ferries, hovercraft, or the like.

In an alternative embodiment the seat may be in the form of a seat which is not used in a vehicle, but in which a person might rest or sleep, for example, a chair used when treating patients, for example dentist's chairs, or chairs used for the elderly or I O infirm.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a seat for a vehicle, which comprises a support as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for a seat, which comprises a support as hereinbefore described.

Further features of the invention are characterised by the dependent claims.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Further information concerning the invention is now provided.

When travelling, the only possible position is usually sitting upright with the option of inclining the backrest backwards. In an upright position, the effects of gravity on the head are very different from a lying position. As soon as we fall asleep, the neck muscles switch off and the head becomes a dead weight being pulled down by gravity. The back headrest only provides support backwards, leaving a 180 front arc of total freedom for the head to move. s

The cervical spine is capable of movement in 6 different directions within the 3 existing planes: 1. frontal plane: side flexion right, side flexion left 2. sagittal plane: flexion, extension 3. transverse plane: rotation right, rotation left The 180 front arc of freedom allows the head to fall in many directions generating different straining positions on the neck. The straining positions can be single or combined. The possible straining positions are: 1. head forward, neck in single flexion strain 2. head to either side, neck in combined side-flexion and slight rotation 3. head between the front and the sides, neck in combined flexion, side flexion and rotation strain When the head is left in one of these different straining positions, the curve on the cervical spine is altered causing compressions to the spine and shortening of the muscles, tendons and ligaments on the concave side and decompressions to the spine and over stretching of the muscles, tendons and ligaments on the convex side.

Another problem with travelling is that the body is very often shaken by the vibrations of the vehicle in motion (turbulences for planes, swaying for trains, uneven grounds for buses). When the spine is in its neutral position, (defined by the three curves maintained in position, giving the "S" shape to the spine) it is capable of safely absorbing and transferring physical force (impacts, vibrations, pressures) through (i.e. from one end to the other). When that same spine is in a strained position, physical forces penetrate it and tend to accumulate their effect precisely where the curves have been modified, increasing the potential damage to that area.

To overcome these different problems, the present invention proposes a 3D support travel pillow built with two side rods to provide side support to the head, an optional elastic strap attached to one of the rods with Velcro linking to the opposite rod to provide front support to the forehead, and an orthopaedically shaped cushion to rest the back of the head and a system of straps with Velcro endings to level and stabilise the pillow to the backrest of the chair.

The side rods and the elastic Velcro straps may provide total support to the head within the front arc of freedom of movement.

IS Preferably, the outside structure of the pillow will be made of hard foam reinforced by a frame of hard plastic or metal extending to the side rods.

Preferably, the inside of the pillow and rods will be made of soft foam with an indentation for the back of the head.

Preferably, the pillow will have a system of three straps, the top one hooking around the two lateral ones to stabilise it to the backrest of the seat.

The invention is now described, purely by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: ln figure 1, 2: examples of possible strains when we fall asleep in a sitting position.

In figure 3, 4: the travel pillow and how to use it.

In figure 5, 6: the front arc of movement and how the travel pillow closes it.

In figure 7: an illustration of the system of stabilization by strap for the travel pillow.

In figure 8, 9: two other models based on exactly the same concept.

In figures 10, 1 1: two further embodiments of the travel pillow are shown.

In figure 12: a seat which incorporates support arms.

Figure 1 shows a person sleeping in a sitting position with the neck muscles switched off and the head dropped in a typical side flexion (1) and rotation (2) strain.

Figure 2 shows a person sleeping in a sitting position with the neck muscles switched off and the head dropped forward in a typically flexed position with an increased strain in the upper thoracic spine (1) and the middle thoracic spine (2). The natural tendency for the head is to fall forward because its centre of mass (3) is forward in relation to its centre of pivot (4), requiring a constant muscular contraction (5) while we are awake to maintain the head in position.

Figure 3 shows a model of the travel pillow and its different components with the side rods (1) made of hard plastic with soft foam inside (2) for the side of the head.

The external frame is made of hard plastic (4) with soft foam (3) inside, shaped to accommodate the skull and the neck, with a forehead strap (5) that is useful to prevent the head from falling forward when the backrest cannot be inclined backwards. The pillow is fixed to the backrest using a system of two horizontal straps (7) joining at the back, and one vertical strap (6) hooking around the horizontal straps.

Figure 4 shows the travel pillow in action with the forehead strap (1) preventing the head from falling forward, the side rods (2) giving side support to the head, stopping it from rolling or falling to the sides. The vertical (3) and horizontal (4) straps holding the pillow at the right height for the individual. The neck muscles are able to switch off without any effect neither on the head position nor on the neck (5).

Figure 5 shows the 180 front arc of freedom (1) where the head could either fall forward (A) or to the side with an element of rotation (B). The only support provided by a chair is behind the head (2).

Figure 6 shows how the side rods (1) close the side arcs (B) preventing the head from falling to the sides and how the forehead strap (2) closes the front arc (A) preventing the head from falling forward.

Figure 7 shows the vertical strap (1) and its Velcro _ system. This strap hooks around the two horizontal ones and reattaches to itself to prevent the pillow from sliding down. The two horizontal straps could connect with a system of Velcro _ adjustment (2) (3) or a seat belt fastening system (4) (5). The horizontal straps should be separated enough from the base attachment of the vertical strap for optimal 1 0 stability.

Figure 8 shows an alternative model made of hard foam (1) externally and soft foam (2) internally with a metal or hard plastic frame (3) providing extra stability to the side rods. This model would be much lighter.

Figure 9 shows again an alternative model of the travel pillow with a metal or hard plastic base (1) with internal metal cylinder (2) for the side rods surrounded by soft foam (3). The head and the neck being cushioned by the same soft foam.

Figure 10 (A) shows an alternative system of straps that allows further stability to the travel pillow as it is adjusted at different heights. Two top straps (1) can be levelled by sliding them in or out of one of the three buckles (2). The lower the buckle, the higher the pillow and vice versa.

H = high position of the pillow on a seat.

M = middle position of the pillow on a seat.

L = low position of the pillow on a seat.

(B) shows all the straps fastened around the seat with the two top straps hooking on the bottom ones.

(C) shows the pillow on a high position on the seat.

(D) shows the pillow on a low position on the seat.

(E) shows the pillow with the two arms folded, one at the front, the other at the back for transportation. The straps are also folded behind the pillow.

Figure 11 shows a detachable version of the travel pillow with a different system of connection to the seat.

(A) shows a rear view of the pillow with two rectangular plastic pockets (1) with small rectangular openings in which the bodies of the two hooks lock in (B). These hooks can be adjusted (up or down). The bodies of the two hooks are fitted with a small wedge (3) that locks into the rectangular openings. The hooks (4) are made of a retractable material which allows a grip on the seat.

(C) The side arms of the pillow (5) are shaped to slide inside openings on either side of the top corners of the plastic base (6) providing sufficient stability to hold the head in place. (7) is the optional forehead strap.

(D) shows the pillow assembled and in use.

(E) shows the pillow detached for transportation in a bag where both sides are 1 5 shown.

Figure 12 shows the two arms integrated into a vehicle seat, for example, the seat of a plane, train or bus.

(A) shows the arms unfolded by a pivoting mechanism that could be activated manually or mechanically (1), with the optional forehead strap inside a side pocket (2) to be used only if the chair does not tilt back far enough. (3) The forehead strap unfolded.

(B) shows that further mechanism could be implemented to allow the arms to move up or down once unfolded to customise them to different heights.

(C) shows how the arms fold back again to fuse with the headrest when the person is not sleeping. They could be folded manually or mechanically.

In preferred embodiments: The travel pillow is built with two side rods (1) and a forehead strap (5) to hold the head in position. The inside of the pillow is made of soft foam (2) and shaped to mould the head (3). The outside of the pillow is a firm frame (4) providing structure to the side rods. The pillow itself would be attached to the backrest by a system of interlinking straps with two horizontal straps (7) and a vertical one (6).

In summary, the invention provides:

1. A sleeping travel pillow built with two forehead side rods that could be linked 10by a forehead strap to maintain the head in position while sleeping, the pillow itself being levelled and stabilised by straps to the backrest.

2. A travel pillow where the inside would be made of soft foam to cushion the sides and the back of the head, the outside being made of a firmer material acting as a frame.

153. A travel pillow with at least three straps that interlink to maintain it attached at the right height on the backrest.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

Claims: 1. A support, which comprises means for supporting the head of a

person, the support means being adapted to support the head so as to inhibit the head from lolling about, and means for removably attaching the support to a seat. s
2. A support according to Claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes means for adjusting the attachment means to fit different types and sizes of seats.
3. A support according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one strap which is connected to the support and adapted to secure the support to the seat.
4. A support according to Claim 3, wherein the strap is adapted to pass around the back of the seat.
5. A support according to Claims 3 or 4, wherein at least a pair of straps are provided, and wherein the first is adapted to pass around the back of the seat and the second is adapted to pass over the top of the seat.
6. A support according to Claim 5, wherein the straps are adapted to interconnect with one another behind the seat.
7. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means comprises an adjustable fastener.
8. A support according to Claim 7, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.
9. A support according to Claims 7 or 8, wherein the fastener is adapted to be positioned, in use, behind the seat.
10. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means adapted in use to adj ust the placement of the support on a seat.
11. A support according to Claim 10, wherein the adjustment means is adapted in use to adjust the height at which the support is attached to a seat.
12. A support according to Claims 10 or 11, wherein the adjustment means is adapted to adjust a connection between the attachment means and the support means.
13. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means is removably connected to the support means.
14. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support means comprises a base portion and at least a pair of formations which extend outwardly from the base portion.
15. A support according to Claim 14, wherein the formations are collapsible.
16. A support according to Claims 14 or 15, wherein the outwardly extending formations are in the form of a pair of outwardly extending arms.
17. A support according to Claim 16, wherein each of the arms are foldable.
18. A support according to Claim l 7, wherein one of the arms is foldable to a stowed position on a first side of the support and the other arm is foldable to a stowed position on the other side of the support.
19. A support according to any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the formations are removable.
20. A support according to any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein a spacing between the formations is approximately equal to the width of an adult head.
21. A support according to Claim 20, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between l 5cm and 25cm.
22. A support according to Claim 2 l, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between 17cm and 23cm.
23. A support according to Claim 22, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between 18cm and 22cm.
24. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises a resilient portion adapted to accommodate the head of a person.
25. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support means further comprises means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward.
26. A support for a seat, which comprises means for supporting the head of a person, and means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward.
27. A support according to Claims 25 or 26, wherein the restraining means comprises a strap adapted to pass across the forehead of a person.
28. A support according to any of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the restraining means

is adjustable.
29. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an internal frame.
30. A support according to Claim 29, wherein the frame is manufactured from a plastics material.
31. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support is collapsible.
32. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support means is adapted to fit adjacent to an upper portion of a seat.
33. A seat, which comprises a support according to any of Claims I to 32.
34. A seat, which comprises a pair of outwardly extending formations adapted to inhibit the head of a person from lolling about, wherein a spacing between the formations is approximately equal to the width of an adult head.
35. A seat according to Claim 34, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between 15cm and 25cm.
36. A seat according to Claim 34, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between 17cm and 23cm.
37. A seat according to Claim 34, wherein the spacing between the formations is approximately between 18cm and 22cm.
38. A seat according to any of the preceding Claims 34 to 37, further comprising a pair of contoured portions adapted to partially surround the head of a person, and lO wherein the outwardly extending formations are located between the contoured portions.
39. A seat, which comprises a pair of contoured portions adapted to partially surround the head of a person, and a pair of outwardly extending formations located between the contoured portions and adapted to inhibit the head of a person from lolling about.
40. A seat according to Claims 38 or 39, wherein the outwardly extending formations are movable between a first position in which they are stowed within the seat and a second position in which they are adapted to support the head of a person so as to inhibit the head from lolling about.
41. A seat, which comprises a pair of outwardly extending formations, the formations being movable between a first position in which they are stowed within the seat and a second position in which they are adapted to support the head of a person so as to inhibit the head from lolling about.
42. A seat according to Claims 40 or 41, wherein the outwardly extending formations are rotatably mounted to the seat, such that they are rotated between the first and second positions.
43. A seat according to any of the preceding Claims 40 to 42, wherein the outwardly extending formations are slidably mounted to the seat, thereby to enable the heights of the formations to be adjusted.
44. A seat according to any of the preceding Claims 34 to 43, further comprising means for restraining the head of a person from lolling forward.
45. A seat according to Claim 44, wherein the restraining means comprises a strap adapted to pass across the forehead of a person.
46. A seat according to Claims 44 or 45, wherein the restraining means is

adjustable.
47. A seat according to any of the preceding Claims 34 to 46, wherein the seat is in the form of a vehicle seat.
48. A seat according to any of the preceding Claims 34 to 47, wherein the seat is in the form of a reclining seat.
49. A seat for a vehicle, which comprises a support according to any of Claims I to 32.
50. An attachment for a seat, which comprises a support according to any of Claims 1 to 32.
51. A support substantially as herein described and illustrated, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
52. A seat substantially as herein described and as illustrated, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
53. A seat for a vehicle substantially as herein described and as illustrated, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
54. An attachment for a seat substantially as herein described and as illustrated, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.