Band supported headrest

A passenger seat headrest includes a frame and a support band. The frame includes a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing. The support band is connected to the frame and extends from the first side wing to the second side wing.

BACKGROUND

Field

This application relates to passenger seats, and more particularly to headrests of an improved type.

Background Technology

Passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, and automobiles, include passenger seats for passengers to sit in and utilize during travel. Passenger seats, such as passenger aircraft seats, are typically provided with a padded or foam-filled headrest that provides a passenger with protection by limiting rearward movement of the passenger's head and a place for the passenger to rest his or her head. However, common headrests insufficiently support the passenger's head, are not comfortable, are not controllable by the passenger. Moreover, common headrests add weight to the passenger vehicle, which may take away from other features, components, passengers, or payload on vehicles that commonly have weight restrictions. As a result, there is still a need for a headrest that caters to the support, comfort, weight, and control aspects of passenger seats all at once.

SUMMARY

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat headrest includes a frame comprising a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing. The passenger seat headrest also includes a support band connected to the frame and extending from the first side wing to the second side wing.

In some cases, the support band is a first support band, and the passenger seat headrest further comprises a second support band connected to the frame and extending from the first side wing to the second side wing. In various aspects, the first support band and the second support band are elastic support bands. The main portion of the frame comprises a forward surface and an aft surface. In some aspects, the first support band is positioned proximate to the forward surface of the main portion of the frame relative to the second support band, and the first support band is positioned proximate to a top edge of the first side wing and a top edge of the second side wing relative to the second support band.

In various examples, the frame includes: a top edge; a bottom edge distal from the top edge; a first side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; a second side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge distal from the first side edge; a forward surface; and an aft surface. In certain examples, the first side edge and the second side edge extend in a forward direction relative to the forward surface of the main portion of the frame.

In further examples, the passenger seat headrest includes a support connected to the frame. The support includes a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion through a first transition portion, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing through a second transition portion. In various cases, the main portion of the support is positioned adjacent to the main portion of the frame, the first side wing of the support is positioned adjacent to the first side wing of the frame, and the second side wing of the support is positioned adjacent to the second side wing of the frame. In some examples, the passenger seat headrest further includes: a first insert positioned between the first side wing of the frame, the main portion of the frame, and the first transition portion of the support; and a second insert positioned between the second side wing of the frame, the main portion of the frame, and the second transition portion of the support.

In some aspects, the first side wing and the second side wing of the support each define a securing slot dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the support band. In various examples, the first side wing and the second side wing each define a securing slot, and wherein the elastic strip is secured in the securing slot of the first side wing and the securing slot of the second side wing. In some cases, the securing slots are substantially parallel.

In other aspects, a passenger seat includes: a passenger seat body; and a passenger seat headrest connected to the passenger seat body. The passenger seat headrest includes: a frame having side wings and defining a head-receiving area; and an elastic support band connected to the frame and spanning across the head-receiving area.

In some examples, the passenger seat headrest further comprises: cushioning covering at least a portion of the frame; and a dress cover covering the frame, the elastic support band, and the cushioning. In various cases, the frame is constructed from a composite material. In various examples, the elastic support band is a first elastic support band, and the passenger seat headrest further comprises a second elastic support band connected to the frame and spanning across the head-receiving area. In certain examples, the side wings of the frame define a first set of securing slots and a second set of securing slots, wherein the first elastic support band is connected to the frame through the first set of securing slots, and wherein the second elastic band is connected to the frame through the second set of securing slots.

In some aspects, a passenger seat headrest includes a frame. The passenger seat headrest also includes a support connected to the frame. The support includes a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion and defining a securing slot, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing and defining a securing slot. The passenger seat headrest also includes an elastic support band connected to the frame and extending through the securing slot of the first side wing and the securing slot of the second side wing.

The frame includes: a main portion; a first side wing connected to the main portion; and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing. In various examples, the main portion of the frame is adjacent to the main portion of the support, the first side wing of the frame is adjacent to the first side wing of the support, and the second side wing of the frame is adjacent to the second side wing of the support. In some examples, the elastic support band is a first elastic support band, and the passenger seat headrest further includes a second elastic support band connected to the frame and extending through the first side wing and the second side wing of the support.

In various cases, the first side wing of the frame defines a securing slot and the second side wing of the frame defines a securing slot. In these cases, the securing slot of the first side wing of the frame is aligned with the securing slot of the first side wing of the support, and the securing slot of the second side wing of the frame is aligned with the securing slot of the second side wing of the support. In various aspects, the passenger seat headrest further includes structural foam connected to a forward surface of the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described embodiments of the invention provide seat assemblies tray table assemblies for use with passenger seats. While the adjustable support assemblies are discussed for use with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the adjustable support assemblies may be used in passenger seats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired. Directional references such as “forward,” “aft,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and “corners,” among others are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

In one aspect, disclosed is a passenger seat headrest and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The passenger seat headrest can comprise a frame and a support band. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed passenger seat headrest is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many.

Referring toFIGS. 1-7, a passenger seat10having a passenger seat body12and a passenger seat headrest14is illustrated with all cushioning and dress cover removed from the passenger seat body12and the passenger seat headrest14. Typically, the passenger seat body12includes a base (not shown) and a backrest16. In some aspects, the backrest16is pivotable relative to the base such that a passenger can recline or otherwise move the backrest16to various positions relative to the base. Optionally, the passenger seat body12can include armrests (not shown).

The passenger seat headrest14is connected to the backrest16. In some aspects, the passenger seat headrest14is connected to a forward-facing side18of the backrest16. However, the location at which the passenger seat headrest14connects to the backrest16should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. For example, in other aspects, the passenger seat headrest14is connected to a top edge20of the backrest16. In some examples, the passenger seat headrest14is fixed relative to the backrest16. However, in other examples, the passenger seat headrest14is movable relative to the backrest16such that a position of the passenger seat headrest14relative to the backrest16can be adjusted for a passenger. As one non-limiting example, the passenger seat headrest14is movable through a slide assembly22, although in various other examples, other suitable movement mechanisms can be utilized.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the passenger seat headrest14includes a frame24. The frame24includes a main portion26, a first side wing28connected to the main portion26, and a second side wing30connected to the main portion26distal from the first side wing28. The frame24also includes a top edge32, a bottom edge34distal from the top edge32, a first side edge36extending from the top edge32to the bottom edge34, a second side edge38extending from the top edge32to the bottom edge34distal from the first side edge36, a forward surface40, and an aft surface42. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the first side edge36and the second side edge38extend in a forward direction relative to the forward surface40of the main portion26of the frame24. In this aspect, the first side wing28and the second side wing30extend in the forward direction relative to the forward surface40of the main portion26. The angles at which the first side wing28and the second side wing30extend in the forward direction relative to the main portion26should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. As one non-limiting example, each of the first side wing28and the second side wing30may be at an angle from about 0° to about 180° relative to the main portion26, such as 60°, 75°, 80°, 90°, 115°, 120°, 135°, 140°, or various other angles relative to the main portion26. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the main portion26, the first side wing28, and the second side wing30define a head-receiving area56into which the passenger can position his or her head.

In various examples, the side wings28and30define head securing slots44A and44B, respectively. As described in greater detail below, the head securing slots44A,B are dimensioned to receive a head support band48such that the head support band48is connected to the frame24. In further examples, the side wings28and30define neck securing slots46A and46B, respectively. As described in greater detail below, the neck securing slots46A,B are dimensioned to receive a neck support band52such that the neck support band52is connected to the frame24. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the head securing slots44A,B are aligned and the neck securing slots46A,B are aligned. In some examples, the head securing slots44A,B and/or the neck securing slots46A,B extend substantially perpendicular to the top edge32. However, in various other examples, the head securing slots44A,B and/or the neck securing slots46A,B extend at various other angles relative to the top edge32. In various examples, the head securing slots44A,B may be substantially parallel to the neck securing slots46A,B, although they need not be.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, in some aspects, the head securing slots44A,B are defined in the first side wing28and the second side wing30, respectively, at locations proximate to the main portion26relative to the neck securing slots46A,B. In this aspect, the neck securing slots46A,B are positioned proximate the first side edge36and the second side edge38, respectively, relative to the head securing slots44A,B.

In further aspects, the head securing slots44A,B are defined in the first side wing28and the second side wing30, respectively, at locations proximate to the top edge32relative to the neck securing slots46A,B. In this aspect, the neck securing slots46A,B are positioned proximate the bottom edge34relative to the head securing slots44A,B.

Referring toFIGS. 1-7, in various examples, the passenger seat headrest14also includes the head support band48. The head support band48is constructed from an elastomer or other suitable elastic materials. The head support band48includes connectors50A,B (connector50A illustrated inFIG. 2) at opposing ends of the head support band48. The connectors50A,B are utilized to connect the head support band48to the frame24by engaging the head securing slots44A and44B of the first side wing28and the second side wing30, respectively. In various aspects, the head support band48is removably connected to the frame24via the connectors50A,B such that the head support band48can be replaced as needed. In the present example, hooks are used as the connectors50A,B, although in various other examples, various other types of connectors can be utilized. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, when the head support band48is connected to the frame24, the head support band48extends from the first side wing28of the frame24to the second side wing30of the frame24. In this aspect, the head support band48spans across the head-receiving area56.

In some examples, the passenger seat headrest14also includes the neck support band52. Similar to the head support band48, the neck support band52is constructed from an elastomer or other suitable elastic materials. The neck support band52includes connectors54A,B (connector54A illustrated inFIG. 2) at opposing ends of the neck support band52. The connectors54A,B are utilized to connect the neck support band52to the frame24by engaging the neck securing slots46A and46B of the first side wing28and the second side wing30, respectively. In various aspects, the neck support band52is removably connected to the frame24via the connectors54A,B such that the neck support band52can be replaced as needed. In the present example, hooks are used as the connectors54A,B, although in various other examples, various other types of connectors can be utilized. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, when the neck support band52is connected to the frame24, the neck support band52extends from the first side wing28of the frame24to the second side wing30of the frame24. In this aspect, the neck support band52spans across the head-receiving area56.

In some examples, because of the positioning of the head securing slots44A,B and the neck securing slots46A,B, the head support band48is positioned at a location proximate to the main portion26of the frame24relative to the neck support band52. In this aspect, the neck support band52is positioned proximate the first side edge36and the second side edge38, respectively, of the frame24relative to the head support band48. In further aspects, the head support band48is positioned at a location proximate to the top edge32relative to the neck support band52. In this aspect, the neck support band52is positioned proximate the bottom edge34relative to the head support band48. As described below with reference toFIG. 9, the head support band48and the neck support band52are positioned such that a neck and a head of a passenger can be positioned against the respective support bands.

In various examples, the passenger seat headrest14includes a support58connected to the frame24. In various examples, the support58provides stiffness to position the side wings28and30relative to the main portion26of the frame24. The support58includes a main portion60, a first side wing62connected to the main portion60through a first transition portion64, and a second side wing66(illustrated inFIG. 2) connected to the main portion60through a second transition portion68distal from the first side wing62. The support58also includes a top edge70, a bottom edge72distal from the top edge70, a first side edge74extending from the top edge70to the bottom edge72, a second side edge76extending from the top edge70to the bottom edge72distal from the first side edge74, a forward surface78, and an aft surface80. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the first side edge74and the second side edge76extend in a forward direction relative to the forward surface78of the main portion60of the support58. In this aspect, the first side wing62and the second side wing66extend in the forward direction relative to the forward surface78of the main portion60. The angles at which the first side wing62and the second side wing66extend in the forward direction relative to the main portion60should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

In various examples, the side wings62and66define head securing slots82A and82B (head securing slot82B illustrated inFIG. 2), respectively. As described in greater detail below, the head securing slots82A,B are dimensioned to receive the head support band48through the slots82A,B, such that the head support band48connects to the frame24. In further examples, the side wings62and66define neck securing slots84A and84B (neck securing slot84B illustrated inFIG. 2), respectively. As described in greater detail below, the neck securing slots84A,B are dimensioned to receive the neck support band52through the slots84A,B, such that the neck support band52connects to the frame24. In some aspects, the head securing slots82A,B of the support58are aligned with the head securing slots44A,B of the frame24and the neck securing slots84A,B of the support58are aligned with the neck securing slots46A,B of the frame24. In some examples, the head securing slots82A,B of the support58can have a shape similar to or dissimilar to a shape of the head securing slots44A,B of the frame24. In a similar manner, the neck securing slots84A,B of the support58can have a shape similar to or dissimilar to a shape of the neck securing slots46A,B of the frame24.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, when the support58is connected to the frame24, the main portion60of the support58is positioned adjacent to the main portion26of the frame24, the first side wing62of the support58is positioned adjacent to the first side wing28of the frame24, and the second side wing66of the support58is positioned adjacent to the second side wing30of the frame24. In some examples, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the passenger seat headrest14includes a first insert86A positioned between the first side wing28of the frame24, the main portion26of the frame24, and the first transition portion64of the support58. In a similar manner, the passenger seat headrest14includes a second insert86B positioned between the second side wing30of the frame24, the main portion26of the frame24, and the second transition portion68of the support58. In various examples, the inserts86A,B are utilized to help increase the strength of the frame24.

In various aspects, the frame24and support58are constructed from a composite material. As one non-limiting example, the frame24and support58are constructed from a carbon-fiber reinforced composite. However, the materials used to construct the frame24and support58should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as it is contemplated that various other materials including, but not limited to various composites, metals, woods, plastics, or various other materials can be utilized. It will also be appreciated that the shape of the frame24and support58are should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as it is contemplated that the frame24and support58are can have any desired shape. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the frame24and support58define a plurality of attachment holes, which can be utilized to attach a height attachment mechanism, such as the slide assembly22, or directly to the passenger seat10.

In further examples, depending on the material used to construct the frame24, the support58may be omitted from the passenger seat headrest14. As one non-limiting example, in various embodiments where the frame24is constructed from a composite material, the composite material may be sufficiently stiff or rigid such that the support58is not needed to help position the side wings28and30relative to the main portion26of the frame24.

In further examples, to reduce the weight of the passenger seat headrest14, the frame24and support58may define weight-reduction holes90. As one non-limiting example, the passenger seat headrest14is designed to weigh less than 287 grams. In these examples, the weight-reduction holes90may be utilized to reduce the weight of the passenger seat headrest14.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, another example of a passenger seat headrest714is illustrated. As illustrated, the passenger seat headrest714is substantially similar to the passenger seat headrest14except that the passenger seat headrest714does not include the weight-reduction holes90.FIG. 7also illustrates attachment holes792in the frame24and attachment holes794in the support58configured to receive connectors796. In the present example, the connectors796are screws; however, in various other examples, various other connectors796may be utilized including, but not limited to, nuts and bolts, pins, hooks, adhesives, glues, and various other suitable connectors.

In various examples, the passenger seat headrest714includes structural foam702. In some aspects, the structural foam702is included to provide additional support to the passenger seat headrest714. In other aspects, the structural foam702is also included to provided padding and cushioning to a passenger, such as to protect the passenger from hitting his or her head against the frame24and/or support58. As one non-limiting example, the structural foam714is constructed from polyethylene; however, in various other examples, various other suitable materials may be utilized.

In further examples, the passenger seat headrest714includes side wing cushioning704A,B. The side wing cushioning704A is provided to cover the first side wing28of the frame24and the first side wing62of the support58while the side wing cushioning704B is provided to cover the second side wing30of the frame24and the second side wing66of the support58. The side wing cushioning704A,B is configured to provide padding and cushioning to the passenger's head when using the passenger seat headrest714. In one non-limiting example, the side wing cushioning704A,B is constructed from polyurethane; however, in various other examples, various other suitable cushioning material may be utilized.

Referring toFIG. 8, a dress cover806can be included with the passenger seat headrest714to cover the various components of the passenger seat headrest714. For example, the dress cover806can cover the frame24, support58, head support band48, and neck support band52. In various examples, the dress cover806can be constructed from any material suitable for covering the passenger seat headrest714and optionally for providing cushioning to the passenger's head. Thus, it will be appreciated that the material used to construct the dress cover should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. As one non-limiting example, imitation leather or a combination of upholstery and foam may be used to construct the dress cover806.

FIG. 9illustrates a passenger808resting his head810on the passenger seat headrest714. As illustrated in these figures, the neck support band52is configured to contact and support the passenger's neck812when the passenger808leans back against the passenger seat headrest714, and the head support band48is configured to contact and support the passenger's head810. In some examples, supporting the head810and neck812of the passenger808through the head support band48and neck support band52can provide an increased comfort experience for the passenger808.

A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “ECs” (Example Combinations), providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

EC 1. A passenger seat headrest comprising: a frame comprising a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing; and a support band connected to the frame and extending from the first side wing to the second side wing.

EC 2. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support band is a first support band, and wherein the passenger seat headrest further comprises a second support band connected to the frame and extending from the first side wing to the second side wing.

EC 3. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first support band and the second support band are elastic support bands.

EC 4. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the main portion of the frame comprises a forward surface and an aft surface, wherein the first support band is positioned proximate to the forward surface of the main portion of the frame relative to the second support band, and wherein the first support band is positioned proximate to a top edge of the first side wing and a top edge of the second side wing relative to the second support band.

EC 5. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the frame comprises: a top edge; a bottom edge distal from the top edge; a first side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; a second side edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge distal from the first side edge; a forward surface; and an aft surface, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge extend in a forward direction relative to the forward surface of the main portion of the frame.

EC 6. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a support connected to the frame, wherein the support comprises a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion through a first transition portion, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing through a second transition portion.

EC 7. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the main portion of the support is positioned adjacent to the main portion of the frame, wherein the first side wing of the support is positioned adjacent to the first side wing of the frame, wherein the second side wing of the support is positioned adjacent to the second side wing of the frame, and wherein the passenger seat headrest further comprises: a first insert positioned between the first side wing of the frame, the main portion of the frame, and the first transition portion of the support; and a second insert positioned between the second side wing of the frame, the main portion of the frame, and the second transition portion of the support.

EC 8. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first side wing and the second side wing of the support each define a securing slot dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the support band.

EC 9. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first side wing and the second side wing each define a securing slot, and wherein the elastic strip is secured in the securing slot of the first side wing and the securing slot of the second side wing.

EC 10. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the frame is constructed from a composite material.

EC 11. A passenger seat comprising: a passenger seat body; and a passenger seat headrest connected to the passenger seat body, the passenger seat headrest comprising: a frame having side wings and defining a head-receiving area; and an elastic support band connected to the frame and spanning across the head-receiving area.

EC 12. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the passenger seat headrest further comprises: cushioning covering at least a portion of the frame; and a dress cover covering the frame, the elastic support band, and the cushioning.

EC 13. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the frame is constructed from a composite material.

EC 14. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the elastic support band is a first elastic support band, and wherein the passenger seat headrest further comprises a second elastic support band connected to the frame and spanning across the head-receiving area.

EC 15. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the side wings of the frame define a first set of securing slots and a second set of securing slots, wherein the first elastic support band is connected to the frame through the first set of securing slots, and wherein the second elastic band is connected to the frame through the second set of securing slots.

EC 16. A passenger seat headrest comprising: a frame; a support connected to the frame, the support comprising a main portion, a first side wing connected to the main portion and defining a securing slot, and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing and defining a securing slot; and an elastic support band connected to the frame and extending through the securing slot of the first side wing and the securing slot of the second side wing.

EC 17. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the frame comprises: a main portion; a first side wing connected to the main portion; and a second side wing connected to the main portion distal from the first side wing, wherein the main portion of the frame is adjacent to the main portion of the support, the first side wing of the frame is adjacent to the first side wing of the support, and the second side wing of the frame is adjacent to the second side wing of the support.

EC 18. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the elastic support band is a first elastic support band, and wherein the passenger seat headrest further comprises a second elastic support band connected to the frame and extending through the first side wing and the second side wing of the support.

EC 19. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first side wing of the frame defines a securing slot and the second side wing of the frame defines a securing slot, wherein the securing slot of the first side wing of the frame is aligned with the securing slot of the first side wing of the support, and wherein the securing slot of the second side wing of the frame is aligned with the securing slot of the second side wing of the support.

EC 20. The passenger seat headrest of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising structural foam connected to a forward surface of the support.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.