Abstract:
A portable adjustable headrest comprising a base member having on opening and a plurality of tabs, at least two elongated pads having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end has a tab affixed, and the at least two elongated pads are rotationally attached to the first attachment member and the second attachment member by the tabs, an outer shaft secured to the receiving orifice, an inner shaft having a first end and a second end and a central axis, configured to fit securely within the outer shaft in a telescopic relationship, a locking mechanism coupled to the inner shaft and the outer shaft, a cushion base attached to the first end of the inner shaft, wherein the cushion base has an elongated surface, and a cushion situated on the elongated surface of the cushion base.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of support devices, and more particularly to an adjustable portable head rest. 
         [0002]    When someone is travelling on an airplane, a train, a bus, a car, a fairy or the like, the transportation vehicle generally only provide recumbent support for the neck and head. The person is generally limited to the seated position. The space for the person to sit in is generally a confined space, making it difficult for the person to find a comfortable position to sleep, or rest comfortably. The person often must lean their head in a position that is uncomfortable making it difficult to sleep or rest, particularly for extended periods of time. Thus, making it difficult to find a comfortable position for the person rest or relax. 
         [0003]    Formed pillows, headrests, and lap devices are used to aid in the reduction of neck and back strain. These devices require the person&#39;s head and neck to remain in a position that can be uncomfortable and in an upright position. The devices do not allow for the person to position themselves in various ways because of the designs. Where the person&#39;s neck cannot completely relax. These devices are made as a one-size-fits-all and thus are not ideal for people that are not within this average size that the devices are made for. 
         [0004]    Thus, it is desired to have a device provides proper support for the person&#39;s head and neck, allows for various different sleeping positions, and for adjustability so people are varying heights are able to all use the same device comfortably. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to one aspect of the present invention is a portable adjustable headrest comprising a base member having on opening and a plurality of tabs, at least two elongated pads having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end has a tab affixed, and the at least two elongated pads are rotationally attached to the first attachment member and the second attachment member by the tabs, an outer shaft secured to the receiving orifice, an inner shaft having a first end and a second end and a central axis, configured to fit securely within the outer shaft in a telescopic relationship, a locking mechanism coupled to the inner shaft and the outer shaft, a cushion base attached to the first end of the inner shaft, wherein the cushion base has an elongated surface, and a cushion situated on the elongated surface of the cushion base. 
         [0006]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an adjustable portable headrest in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts a front view of the adjustable portable headrest with the headrest removed and the feet in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the adjustable portable headrest, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the adjustable portable headrest, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depict a view of the adjustable portable headrest in use by a person, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The present invention relates to a headrest which allows a person when in a seated position to have a headrest that is versatile and allows the person to rest their head and neck in a position that is desired for them. The headrest utilizes the weight of the user to offer neck and shoulder support in a variety of positions that are specific to each user. The headrest has an adjustable height and a rotated pillow to allow for various positions and heights so that the person can find the ideal position for themselves. This is helpful for users that have a difficult time finding a comfortable position when traveling. 
         [0013]    As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0014]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
         [0015]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an adjustable portable headrest  100  in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted embodiment of the adjustable portable headrest  100  is comprised of a pillow case  116 , an inner shaft  102 , an outer shaft  104 , a base connector  106 , pads  108 , locking mechanism  110 , grip  112 , and pins  114 . 
         [0017]    The inner shaft  102  supports a cushion and is telescopically attached to the outer shaft  104 . In some embodiments, the inner shaft  102  may be extended and rotated about a center line. The inner shaft  102  is a predetermined length and diameter to allow for a variety of heights so a greater diversity of people of varying heights may use the adjustable portable headrest  100 . The diameter of the inner shaft  102  is sized to be received by the outer shaft  104 . In the depicted embodiment, the first and second shaft members  102  and  104  are substantially circular. In additional embodiments, the first and second shaft members  102  and  104  may have various other shapes, such as, but not limited to, oval, rectangular, or square. In the depicted embodiment, the inner shaft  102  is twelve (12) inches long. The inner shaft  102  may be made from, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, iron, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, or the like. The inner shaft  102  may be hollow or solid. 
         [0018]    The outer shaft  104  is designed to support the weight of the person using the adjustable portable headrest  100  and receive the inner shaft  102 . In the depicted embodiment, the outer shaft  104  is sized to receive the inner shaft  102  with minimal excess space or a gap between the one another. The outer shaft  104  is a predetermined length and thickness. The thickness of the outer shaft  104  shall be adequate to support the weight of a person. The outer shaft  104  may be made from, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, iron, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, or the like. 
         [0019]    The locking mechanism  110  is designed to lock/hold the inner shaft  102  in a position and height desired by the person. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism  110  hinders the ability for the inner shaft  102  to rotate about a center axis as well as stop the inner shaft  102  from extending upwards or downwards within the outer shaft  104 , when the locking mechanism  110  is engaged. In various embodiments, rotational locking or telescopic locking may be accomplished by the locking mechanism  110  but not both. The locking mechanism  110  is designed to be able to lock the inner shaft  102  and has adequate strength to handle the weight of the person or greater. The locking mechanism  110  may be a twist lock, a pressure lock, a cam lock, snap locking mechanism, a screw lock, snap button locks, or other types of locks know to those in the art. The locking mechanism  110  may be made from a metal, plastic, composite, or a combination of these or other types of materials. 
         [0020]    The grip  112  is designed to provide a comfortable place for the person to either carry the adjustable portable headrest  100 , to provide a comfortable place for the person to grip the adjustable portable headrest  100  when adjusting the height of the cushion, or to hold on to while using the adjustable portable headrest  100 . The grip  112  may be placed in a fixed position on the outer shaft  104 , or it may be moveable up and down the outer shaft  104 . The length, thickness, and contour of the grip  112  may be varied or adjusted to provide a more ergonomic design and structure. The grip  112  may be made from, but not limited to, a foam, vinyl, vynaprene, vynafoam, polysuede, silicone, neoprene, nitrile polyvinyl chloride (NPVC), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and other materials known to those in the art. 
         [0021]    The connection member  106  is the main portion of the support structure of the adjustable portable headrest  100 . The connection member  106  is designed to attach to the pads  108  and the outer shaft  104  and provide adequate structural support. So, when the use adjustable portable headrest  100  is in use it will remain steady and stable. 
         [0022]    In the depicted embodiment, the connection member  106  has an upper portion  107  that has an opening designed to receive the outer shaft  104 . The tabs  105  are disposed on opposite sides of the connection member  106  so that the pads  108  may be attached. The tabs  105  have an opening extending entirely through the tabs  105  and are sized to receive connection pins  114 . In one embodiment, the connection member  106  may be a unitary construction. In additional embodiments, the connection member  106  may be constructed out of numerous parts. The connection member  106  may be made from, but not limited to, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, metals, or various other materials thereof known in the art. 
         [0023]    The pads  108  are designed to sit under the person&#39;s thighs to provide stability and support, so that when the person is resting their head or body on the cushion. The adjustable portable headrest  100  will not move because the weight of the person is holding the adjustable portable headrest  100  in position. In the depicted embodiment, the pads  108  are flat and a predetermined length, width, and thickness to extend substantially the length of the person&#39;s thighs. The pads  108  are attached to the connection member  106  by the projections  103 . These projections  103  have an opening extending entirely through the projection and are sized to receive the pin  114 . When the pads  108  are attached to the connection member  106  via the projections  103 . The pads  108  are able to rotate about the pin  114  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). In additional embodiments, the projections  103  may be more or less than two (2) to securely attach the pads  108  to the connection member  106 . 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the pads  108  may have various curves, thickness, or widths to provide a more ergonomic and stable structure. In additional embodiments, the pads  108  may have a cushion or cover to provide additional support. In additional embodiments, the pads  108  may have a locking mechanism to secure the pads  108  in a desired position. In an additional embodiment, the tabs  108  may have a spring loaded designed. The pads  108  may be made from, but not limited to, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, metals, or various other materials thereof known in the art. 
         [0025]    In the depicted embodiment, the openings in the projections  105  and the tabs  107  are substantially aligned to provide an even surface when the pads  108  are extended and a compacted design when the pads  108  are closed. The projections  105  are curved on the upper surface to allow for an uninterrupted rotation about the pin  114 . 
         [0026]    In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion  107  extends a predetermined distance from the connection member  106  so that there is adequate structural support for the outer shaft  104 . The height of the upper portion  107  may be lengthened or shortened to a predetermined length. 
         [0027]    The cover  116  is used to protect the cushion as well as provide a soft and comfortable surface to the person to place their hands, neck, face, or other body parts on. The cover  116  is designed to securely fit over the cushion to secure both the cushion and the cover  116 . The cover  116  has a fastening means to allow for the cover  116  to be removable. The fastening means may be, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clasp locker (zip fastener), lace-up, snap buttons, buckles, hook and eye clasps, or various other fastening mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. The cover  116  may be various colors, have various designs or logos imprinted on the cover  116 . The cover  116  may be made form, but not limited to, cotton, felt, flannel, satin, winceyette, nylon, velvet, linen, or other fabrics known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  depicts the front view of the adjustable portable headrest  100  with a cushion  118  and the cover  116  removed and the feet in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    The cushion  118  is designed to provide support for the person&#39;s neck, head, arms, or other body part when resting. In the depicted embodiment, the cushion  118  has a concave designed to provide an ergonomic design that also keeps the person&#39;s body part from moving. In other embodiments, the curvature of the cushion  118  may have various contours, thicknesses, and lengths to provide a resting position that is specific to the individual person&#39;s preferences. The cushion  118  may be made from, but not limited to, visco-elastic, polyurethane foam (memory foam), low-resilience polyurethane foam, high-density memory foams, latex, feather, polyester, gel, or other materials known to those in the art. 
         [0030]    The cushion base  119  is designed to provide structural support for the cushion  118  and to support the weight of the person. In the depicted embodiment, the cushion base  119  is comprised of the support surface  120  and the attachment member  121 . In some embodiments, the cushion base  119  is detachable from the inner shaft  102 . 
         [0031]    The support surface  120  provides the structural support for the cushion  118  so that the person can rest their body on the cushion  118  and provide a secure surface for the cover  116  to attach to. In the depicted embodiment, the support surface  120  has a contour and length that is substantially the same as the cushion  118 . In additional embodiments, the support surface  120  may have varying contours or lengths. The support surface  120  may be made from, but not limited to, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, or various other forms thereof known in the art. In the depicted embodiment, the width of the cushion  118  is substantially equal to the width of the support surface  120 . In additional embodiments, the cushion  118  may be wider or narrower than the support surface  120 . 
         [0032]    The attachment member  121  secures the support surface  120  to the inner shaft  102 . The attachment member  121  is sized to receive the inner shaft  102 , and extends a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the support surface  120  to provide ample support and structural rigidity for the person. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment member  121  and the support surface  120  are a unitary constructed element. In additional embodiments, the attachment member  121  and the support surface  120  are separate elements attached to one another. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment member  121  is substantially centered on the support surface  120 . In additional embodiments, the attachment member  121  may be off centered on the support surface  120 . In some embodiments, the support surface  120  may be adjustable relative to the attachment member  121 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  depicts the front view of the adjustable portable headrest  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  depicts the side view of the adjustable portable headrest  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the pads  108  are the same width as the connection member  106 . In additional embodiments, the pads  108  may be wider than the connection member  106 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  depict a view of the adjustable portable headrest  100  in use by a person, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the person is resting their forehead on the cushion  118  while the pads  108  are resting under the person&#39;s thighs. Various sleeping positions are capable with the adjustable portable headrest  100  based on the height and position of the cushion  118 . In some embodiments, the shaft members  102  and  104  are of a length that would allow the user to place the adjustable portable headrest  100  on the floor and the pads  108  would be under the person&#39;s feet. 
         [0036]    The attachment means, may be, but not limited to adhesive, welding, or the like. In additional embodiments, the various elements are detachable from one another to allow for the person to replace the elements if broken or swapping out the cushion  118  for other models and sizes. The elements may de detachable as well for traveling purposes to create a compact design. 
         [0037]    The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments or embodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular embodiments” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted. 
         [0038]    While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The present invention shall be easily carried out by an ordinary skilled person in the art, and any modifications and changes are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
         [0040]    All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.