Patent Publication Number: US-2023147181-A1

Title: Bichambered convertible headrest cover with padded insert

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application 17/510,287 filed on Oct. 25, 2021, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application 16/820,668 filed Mar. 16, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. 11,154,138), which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application 16/389,345 filed on Apr. 19, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. 10,588,418), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/660,120, which was filed on Apr. 19, 2018, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to padded covers for headrests, and more specifically to removable headrest covers for temporary installation on chair tops or luggage handles, and especially on headrests on passenger seats in vehicles. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Padded headrests on chairs are well known in the art, for providing comfort and support to a seated individual. Most such headrests are an integral part of the chair, and may not provide the level of comfort desired by a particular user. This is because the padding is usually designed to abut the back of the user’s head, and is not equipped to provide support for the user’s neck. The discomfort is aggravated in the case of passengers traveling long distances, for example, by car, train, or airplane, where the passenger must remain seated for many hours with inadequate head and neck support. 
     Some solutions already exist that seek to address this very problem. For example, many seats on American Airlines® passenger planes are equipped with headrests that include padded, adjustable side panels that provide a passenger with head and neck support when the passenger lies her head to the left or right. Other solutions are portable pillow-like devices specifically designed for neck support. One such product is tubular pillow designed for placement between the headrest and the back of the passenger’s neck. Another similar product is U-shaped so that during usage, middle part of the U rests behind the passenger’s neck and the legs of the U provide support on both sides of the passenger’s neck. And of course there are small, conventional pillows made available by most airlines to passengers, to provide a cushion against the window or their fellow passenger. 
     None of these solutions, however, protect the passenger from coming into contact with headrest residue left behind by a prior passenger. In some cases, the residue may simply be an annoying, albeit benevolent substance such as an oily or sticky film. In other cases, the residue may contain germs left by sick passengers who have coughed or drooled on, or otherwise infected the headrest. What is needed is a portable headrest cover with head and neck support that can be installed and removed by passengers for improved comfort and sanitation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a portable headrest cover that can be installed onto the headrest portion of a chair to form a comfortable, protective barrier between the headrest and the head and neck of an individual seated in the chair. When removed from the chair, the headrest cover can be converted into a pillow to provide an alterative means of comfort for the individual or collapsed for easy transport and storage. 
     In one embodiment according to the invention, a removable headrest cover for installation on a headrest portion of a chair includes a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber, the outer chamber is accessible through an outer opening defined through an outer surface of the shroud, and the inner chamber is accessible through an inner opening defined through the inner panel. Padding is enclosed within the inner chamber. The flexible shroud is configured to enclose within the outer chamber a headrest portion of a passenger seat in a commercial airplane, so that the padding within the inner chamber provides additional comfort to an individual seated there. 
     In one embodiment, the headrest cover has a side wall connecting a front surface of the shroud to a back surface. Defined in a top section of the sidewall is a second opening which extends into the outer chamber. The second opening defines a passage connecting the outer opening to the second opening to form a sleeve. The sleeve is designed to allow a user to fit the headrest cover over the extended handle of a suitcase (or other elongated handle member) to convert the suitcase into a chair with a padded lower-back section. The outer chamber can thereafter be used as a storage compartment, with two convenient openings to access the outer chamber. 
     The second opening also defines a second passage that extends substantially through the outer chamber to a closed bottom section of the side wall. The second passage is designed to allow a user to fit the headrest cover over the extended handle of a suitcase to convert the suitcase into a chair with a padded upper-back section. 
     In another embodiment, the outer opening is positioned on the upper one-third of the back surface of the shroud to form an upper outer opening. The upper outer opening results in a small, upper flap opposite a lower flap to form the outer surface of the shroud. The upper and lower flap are designed with means for closing the upper outer opening, such as hook-and-loop (Velcro®) fasteners, buttons, a zipper or any other conventional means for closing. The upper flap is designed to be of such a size to ensure the headrest cover is adequately secured on a headrest while minimalizing any obstruction on the rear of the headrest. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the removable headrest cover can be collapsed or converted into a pillow. This is made possible by the shroud and padding being made from material such as polyurethane fabric or soft, synthetic rubber that can be easily folded multiple times. For example, the flexible shroud with padded insert may be configured to allow the headrest cover to be folded into a stack of thirds comprising a lower third, a central third, and an upper third wherein each third includes at least a portion of the outer opening and wherein the outer opening is maintained inside the stack, so that the lower third and the central third can be tucked inside the outer opening portion of the upper third, thereby converting the headrest cover into a trifolded pillow. 
     In another embodiment, the padding can have a size substantially matching the volume of the inner chamber. A pillowcase may be provided to further enclose the padding. The pillowcase may further provide one or more pockets formed on a surface of the pillowcase for containing neck pads. The neck pads can be provided on either side of center, to provide additional neck support. In one embodiment, the neck pads may be dome-shaped and made of a soft, resilient material such as synthetic rubber. The flexible shroud may also include means for closing the inner opening and outer opening, such as zippers or hook-and-loop (Velcro®) fasteners. 
     In other embodiments, the flexible shroud of the headrest cover may define various shapes and sizes. For example, the headrest cover may have a generally rectangular volume. The flexible shroud may have a length between about 18 inches and about 20 inches, the outer opening or the inner opening may have a length between about 11 inches and about 13 inches, the outer opening may be substantially centered on the outer surface of the shroud, or the inner opening may be substantially centered on the inner panel. 
     In another embodiment, a bichambered headrest cover according to the invention includes a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber contains padding and is separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber. The outer chamber is accessible through an outer opening defined through an outer surface of the shroud. The outer chamber is further accessible through a second opening defined through a top section of the shroud. The flexible shroud is configured to enclose a chair headrest within the outer chamber and, when removed from the chair, to be folded into multiple stacked portions and an outermost stacked portion, wherein the outermost stacked portion includes an end segment of the outer opening. The end segment of the outer opening can at least partially enclose the multiple stacked portions within the outer chamber, thereby collapsing the headrest cover into a pillow. 
     In another embodiment, a bichambered headrest cover includes a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber contains padding and is separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber. The outer chamber is accessible through two openings. The first opening is defined through an outer surface of the shroud. The second opening is defined through a top section of the shroud. The flexible shroud is configured to enclose a chair headrest within the outer chamber and, when removed from the chair, to be rolled into a compressed volume that can be tucked into an end segment of the outer opening to form a pillow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. Dimensions shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a frontal perspective view of one embodiment according to the invention of a bichambered convertible headrest cover with padded insert. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1    being trifolded. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1    in a trifolded state, showing lower and middle thirds tucked into a portion of the outer opening of the upper third to form a pillow. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom perspective view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   , showing the inner and outer chambers separated by an inner panel. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of one embodiment of padding for the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   , which is shown enclosed within a pillowcase that has corner pockets for containing neck pads. 
         FIG.  6    is a frontal view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a rear view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   , shown with the outer opening closed. 
         FIG.  8    is a lower side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is an upper side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a right side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    is a left side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  12    is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a bichambered convertible headrest cover according to the invention. 
         FIG.  13    is a lower side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is an upper side view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  15    is a frontal view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  12    attached to the handle of a suitcase to provide a backrest. 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of the headrest cover when used as a backrest as in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    is a rear view of the headrest cover when used as a backrest as in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  18    is a frontal view of the headrest cover of  FIG.  12    attached over the handle of a suitcase to provide a carrying pouch. 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of the headrest cover when used as a carrying pouch as in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is a rear view of the headrest cover when used as a carrying pouch as in  FIG.   18   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a portable headrest cover that can be installed onto the headrest portion of a chair to form a comfortable, protective barrier between the headrest and the head and neck of an individual seated in the chair. When removed from the chair, the headrest cover can be converted into a pillow to provide an alterative means of comfort for the individual or collapsed for easy transport and storage. 
       FIG.  1    shows a frontal perspective view of one embodiment according to the invention of a bichambered convertible headrest cover  10  with a padded insert. The headrest cover  10  includes a shroud  20  that is preferably made from a flexible material such as fabric, for example, cotton or polyurethane or other cloth made from natural or synthetic fibers, or a blend of both. The shroud  20  encloses the internal parts of the headrest cover and forms a soft, comfortable surface all around the headrest cover. The shrouded headrest cover may be generally rectangular in shape, as it is preferably intended for use on commercial airline seats that have headrests that are also generally rectangular, although other shapes and applications are possible. Preferably, the material of headrest cover  10  is a machine-washable sterilizable fabric that can be easily manually installed on a headrest by pulling and stretching the headrest cover around the headrest being covered, and that can also be easily manually removed from a headrest using the same method, as a pillowcase is installed to cover a pillow, or as a fitted sheet is installed to cover a mattress. 
     In one embodiment, the length of the shroud  20  is between about  18  and 20 inches, the height of shroud  20  is between about 8 and 10 inches, and the depth of shroud  20  is between about 2 and 4 inches. The shroud  20  may be fabricated by conventional stitching techniques to create a side wall or panel  18  bordered by a front stitch  22  and a rear stitch  24 . The side wall  18  may run partially or completely around the perimeter of the shroud  20 . In one embodiment, the headrest cover  10  is formed as a trifoldable headrest cover having a right third  12 , a main third  14 , and a left third  16 . This fractional terminology is a rough approximation used only for purposes of illustration, and does not limit the invention in size or scale. 
       FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of the headrest cover  10  being trifolded into a stack of thirds. In this example, the trifold is achieved by tucking or folding the left third  16  inward between the right third  12  and the main third  14 . As shown in the figure, the main third  14  is situated on the bottom of the stack, and when so stacked may be referred to herein as the lower third  14 . The left third  16  is being situated in the middle of the stack, and when so stacked may be referred to herein as the middle third  16 . The right third  12  is being situated on the top of the stack, and when so stacked may be referred to herein as the upper third  12 . An optional pull tab  26  may be affixed to the shroud  20  to assist in the stacking and tucking process. 
       FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of the headrest cover  10  in a fully trifolded (or collapsed) state that forms a pillow. The lower third  14  and middle third  16  have been tucked into a portion of the outer opening  29  of the upper third  12  to form the pillow. Alternatively, rather than folding the headrest cover  10  into thirds or into some other fractional sections for stacking, embodiments of the invention also allow the headrest cover to be rolled in a longitudinal direction (i.e. along the direction of the seams  28 ,  30 ) and the resulting roll tucked into the same portion of the outer opening  29  to form a pillow. 
       FIG.  4    shows a bottom perspective view of the headrest cover  10 , to illustrate the bichambered internal configuration. The bichambered configuration consists of an inner chamber  33  and an outer chamber  29 . The inner chamber  33  and outer chamber  29  are separated by an inner panel, which is composed of a top part  36  and a bottom part  38 . An inner opening is defined through the inner panel between the top part  36  of the inner panel and the bottom part  38  of the inner panel. This inner opening leads to the inner chamber  33 . An outer opening is defined through the rear surface  40  of the headrest cover  10  underneath the top flap  35 , as shown. In one embodiment, the inner opening into chamber  33  and the outer opening into chamber  29  may each have a length between about 11 inches and about 13 inches. The inner chamber  33  may be configured to enclose padding, and the outer chamber  29  may be configured to accommodate, and hold the headrest cover to, a headrest portion of a chair. Optional means for closing the inner and outer opening may also be provided, such as the hook-and-loop fasteners  32 ,  34 , or by a zipper, buttons, or other conventional methods. In this embodiment, the upper flap  35 , lower flap  45 , and bottom surface  40  are formed from the same material used to form the front surface of shroud  20 . The flaps may be strengthened by a reinforced fold at the border of the outer opening  29 , as indicated by stitching  28 ,  30 . 
       FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of one embodiment of padding for the headrest cover  10 . In this figure the padding comprises a pillowcase  50  that contains a padding material such as foam rubber or other natural or synthetic pillow stuffing that conforms to the shape of its container. The pillowcase  50  may include corner pockets  54 ,  56  for containing neck pads  58 . The surface  52  of the pillowcase  50  may be formed from the same fabric as the shroud  20 , or from a different fabric. Whether or not enclosed in the pillowcase  50 , the padding is inserted within the inner chamber  33  of the shroud  20  when a headrest cover according to the invention is fully assembled. Preferably, the padding has a size that substantially matches the volume and shape of the inner chamber  33 , or that enables the padding to generally assume the volume and shape of the inner chamber  33  when stuffed therewithin. Reinforced flaps such as  57  may be stitched to strengthen the borders of the pockets  54 ,  56 . Means for closing the pockets  54 ,  56  may also be provided, such as hook-and-loop fasteners  59 ,  60 , or by a zipper, buttons, or other conventional methods. 
       FIG.  6    shows a frontal view of the headrest cover  10  in a fully extended, or unfolded condition. This view illustrates the generally rectangular shape of the headrest cover, and general divisions thereof into the left third  16 , main third  14 , and right third  12 . This is the view that a user would see when facing the headrest when the headrest cover  10  is installed on the headrest of a chair. This view further illustrates how the shape of side wall  18  is somewhat formable, due to the flexibility of fabric used to manufacture the headrest cover, and to the formability of the enclosed padding. For example, though generally rectangular, the side wall  18  may define curved sides and corners around the rectangle to improve its fit to a particular headrest. 
       FIG.  7    shows a rear view of the headrest cover  10  in a fully extended, or unfolded condition, with the outer opening closed under the flap  35 . This is the view that a user would see when facing the back of a headrest when the headrest cover  10  is installed on the headrest of a chair. Preferably, when flap  35  is closed, the headrest is completely enveloped by the headrest cover  10 . 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    show, respectively, lower and upper side views of the headrest cover  10 . These views illustrate the locations of bulging neck pads  58  on either side of the headrest cover at locations  64  and  66 . The neck pads may be securely held within pockets  54  and  56  of pillowcase  50 , as depicted in  FIG.  5   . Alternatively, shroud  20  may be configured with similarly located pockets for securely holding the neck pads. However configured, a headrest cover according to the invention may provide a means for attaching one or more neck pads to or within the shroud to provide added support for the head and neck of an individual seated in a chair having a headrest portion to which headrest cover  10  has been attached by means of the outer chamber of the shroud  20 . Attaching structures for the neck pads can also include buttons, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners. 
       FIGS.  10  and  11    show, respectively, right side and left side views of the headrest cover  10 , again illustrating the locations of bulging neck pads  58  on either side of the headrest cover at locations  64  and  66 . The neck pads  58  are preferably made from a material that is soft and pliable for comfort, but that is also somewhat resilient to provide support for a user’s head and neck. Silicone, or other synthetic rubbers or elastomers may be used for this purpose. In one embodiment, the neck pads  58  are dome-shaped. 
       FIG.  12    is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the headrest cover  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, seams  28 ,  30  defining the outer opening  29  have been moved substantially above an imaginary horizontal line cutting across the middle of the headrest cover to form the upper outer opening  29   a . In preferred embodiments, the upper outer opening  29   a  is positioned roughly on the upper-third of the rear surface  40  of the headrest cover. The upper outer opening  29   a  results in a short, upper flap  70  that can be connected to a long, lower flap  72  to close the outer opening. Connection between the upper flap  70  and the lower flap  72  may be accomplished as previously described herein, i.e., through use of hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, button, or any other conventional attachment mechanism. 
     The upper outer opening  29   a  has several advantages over previous embodiments. For example, it is common for airplanes to have display screens integrated into the rear of a headrest or to have some type of mounting station for a person to position their mobile phone or other electronic tablet so they can view videos or other media on their device handsfree while traveling. In previously disclosed embodiments, an upper flap may to be long and have the disadvantage of completely blocking or otherwise impeding a display screen on the rear of the headrest. The instant embodiment has the advantage of the short upper flap  70  that is sufficient to mount the headrest cover to the headrest but not long enough to block a display screen on the rear of the headrest. This allows for a more universal deployment of the instant invention while minimizing potential obstructions that may be caused by the invention to others around the user. Additionally, there are several other advantages to the upper outer opening, as will be explained in more detail below. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    are bottom and top views, respectively, of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  12   . The side wall  18  has a top section  74  and an opposite, bottom section  76 . Defined in the top section  74  is a sleeve opening  78 . The sleeve opening  78  is a secondary passage into the outer chamber  29  and provides several advantages over previous embodiments. For example, the opening  78  may provide convenient access to the outer chamber  29  such that it can be used for storage purposes when the invention is not deployed as a headrest cover. Further, the sleeve opening  78  can provide convenient access for a user to insert a cooling or heating pad in to be held in the outer chamber. In the case of a corded-heating pad, the cord will not encumber or otherwise interfere with the user because the sleeve opening  78  is defined through the back surface  40 , meaning the cord will also be on the back side of the user. 
       FIGS.  15 - 20    are various other views showing the embodiment of  FIG.  12    deployed with a suitcase.  FIGS.  15 - 17    show a bottom-up deployment.  FIG.  15    is a front view of the headrest cover  10  deployed on a suitcase.  FIG.  16    is a side view of the headrest cover deployed on the suitcase. The headrest cover  10  is positioned such that shroud  20  faces the front of the suitcase.  FIG.  17    is a rear view of the headrest cover deployed on the suitcase. In this bottom-up deployment, the handle H of the suitcase is inserted in the sleeve opening  78  defined through the top section  74  of the side wall  18 . The handle H extends into the outer opening  29   a  and is stopped by the bottom section  76  of the side wall  18 . In this manner, a user can turn their suitcase into a convenient resting spot with a padded backrest. The user can sit on the top of the suitcase and lean back against the handle H, which has been covered with the headrest cover and has the pads oriented to engage the user’s back. This can be advantageous to users who cannot find a real seat to rest in while traveling or to those persons who require frequent rests while walking for extended periods of time, for instance an elderly traveler. The traveler can quickly and conveniently convert their suitcase into a comfortable seat to rest in at virtually any given time. 
       FIGS.  18 - 20    show various views of a top-up deployment.  FIG.  18    is a front view with the shroud  20  oriented towards the front of the suitcase.  FIG.  19    is a side view and  FIG.  20    is a rear view. The upper outer opening  29   a  is connected to the sleeve opening  78  to define a sleeve  80 . As can be clearly seen in  FIG.  20   , the handle H is inserted in the upper outer opening  29   a  and extends through the sleeve  80  and out the sleeve opening  78 . In this manner, the headrest cover is held in place on the suitcase by the upper flap  70  engaging the handle H through the sleeve  80 . After the handle H has been completely passed through the sleeve  80 , the upper flap  70  and lower flap  72  may thereafter be connected via conventional connection means to close the upper outer opening  29   a . 
     This manner of deployment provides similar advantages as those described above but instead of providing a padded area for the upper back of a user, the pads will now be positioned in the lower back area. Further, the opening  78  provides the user convenient access to the outer chamber  29  which may be used as a storage compartment for small electronics or other accessories the user may be carrying on their person. 
     The upper grip of the handle H remains exposed after passing completely through the sleeve  80  and out of the sleeve opening  78 . This allows a user to securely attach the headrest cover to their suitcase to avoid having to carry it while still being able to easily maneuver the suitcase. Further, the user has the option to store small items in the outer chamber  29  by inserting them through the opening  78 . The outer chamber  29  remains sealed through the connection between the upper and lower flaps  70 ,  72  such that the risk of items falling out is minimized. 
     In view of the foregoing disclosure, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the present invention for a headrest cover, in a broad sense, may be expressed as a removable headrest cover for installation on a headrest portion of a chair. Furthermore, the invention may include a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber, the inner chamber separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber, the outer chamber accessible through an outer opening defined through an outer surface of the shroud, and the inner chamber accessible through an inner opening defined through the inner panel. Furthermore, the invention may include padding enclosed within the inner chamber. 
     The skilled artisan will further recognize that a more elaborate embodiment of the invention may be expressed as a headrest cover having a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber and the following additional features: The inner chamber contains padding and is separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber. The outer chamber is accessible through an outer opening defined through an outer surface of the shroud. The flexible shroud is configured to enclose a chair headrest within the outer chamber and, when removed from the chair, to be folded into multiple stacked portions and an outermost stacked portion, wherein the outermost stacked portion includes an end segment of the outer opening. And, wherein the end segment of the outer opening can at least partially enclose the multiple stacked portions within the outer chamber to form a pillow. 
     The skilled artisan will also recognize that another important aspect of the invention may be expressed as a headrest cover that includes a flexible shroud having an inner chamber and an outer chamber, wherein the inner chamber contains padding and is separated from the outer chamber by an inner panel disposed within the outer chamber, wherein the outer chamber is accessible through an outer opening defined through an outer surface of the shroud, wherein the flexible shroud is configured to enclose a chair headrest within the outer chamber and, when removed from the chair, to be rolled into a compressed volume that can be tucked into an end segment of the outer opening to form a pillow. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.