Abstract:
An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with furniture including household and office furniture and also in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes locking means for securely locking the headrest in a desired elevated position. Further, the headrest includes easily adjustable, wing-like, side-support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by means of constant torque hinges and also includes easily adjustable chin support members that are pivotally connected to the side support members by means of constant torque hinges.

Description:
This is a Continuation-In-Part application of application Ser. No. 10/172,477 filed Jun. 14, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,517 which is a Continuation-In-Part application of application Ser. No. 09/886,924, filed Jun. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat No. 6,467,846 which is a Continuation-In-Part application Ser. No. 09/665,992, filed Sep. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,716. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to headrests for seats. More particularly, the invention concerns a fully adjustable headrest for use in connection with furniture and with passenger vehicles such as aircraft, trains and busses. 
   2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
   Various types of headrests for use in passenger vehicles have been suggested in the past. As the general rule, these headrests are designed primarily to satisfy safety aspects rather than to provide a comfortable seating posture. Typically, the prior art vehicle headrests comprise only a vertically adjustable head support member designed to provide protection against injury in the event of an accident. However, some vehicle headrests have also been provided with lateral headrest elements. Exemplary of such a headrest is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,091 issued to Rech et al. 
   In addition to passenger vehicle headrests, a number of headrests have been designed for use in a emergency vehicles. These types of headrests are of a more complicated design and some include greater adjustability features. Exemplary of these types of headrests are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,462 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,749 both issued to Pond et al. 
   Even more complex headrests have been designed for use in military aircraft and, more particularly in military aircraft for use in conjunction with ejection seats. Typical of this class of headrest design are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,243 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,961 both issued to Herndon. Another such headrest design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,662 to issued to McDonald et al. 
   In addition to the development of headrests for use in military aircraft, significant advances have been made in recent years in the design of headrests for use in commercial aircraft. Many of these headrests are designed for personal comfort and include pivotally movable back and lateral supports. In these latter types of headrests, the head support members are typically slidably mounted on spaced apart rods that extend upwardly from the back of the seat and rely on friction to maintain the headrest in an elevated position. 
   As will become clear from the discussion that follows, the headrests of the present invention represents a substantial improvement over the prior art headrests and provide significantly greater adjustability and therefore greater support and comfort to the user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and can be used in connection with furniture including household and office furniture and also in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a headrest of the aforementioned character that includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes locking means for securely locking the headrest in a desired elevated position. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide easily adjustable, wing like, side support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by means of constant torque hinges. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a headrest of the aforementioned character that includes means for permitting pivotal movement of the entire headrest relative to the seat connector. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a headrest as described in the preceding paragraph that is also slideably adjustable relative to the seat connector. Another object of the invention to provide easily adjustable chin support members that are pivotally connected to the side support members by means of constant torque hinges. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable headrest construction of the character described that includes strategically positioned comfort cushions for engagement by the user&#39;s neck, head and chin. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable headrest construction of the type described in the preceding paragraphs in which the cushions are readily inflatable and deflatable. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a headrest construction of the class described that is of a simple construction and one that can be inexpensively produced and easily installed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of one form of the seat headrest apparatus of the invention partly broken away to show internal construction. 
       FIG. 2  is a view taken along lines  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view taken along lines  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 — 5  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a view taken along lines  6 — 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 — 7  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view taken along lines  8 — 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a view similar to  FIG. 8 , but showing the support assembly raised and the pawl type locking mechanism thereof in a locked position preventing downward movement of the support assembly. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of one form of the slide mechanism of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 7 , but showing the head support assembly in an intermediate upraised position. 
       FIG. 11A  is a generally perspective view of the apparatus of the invention shown affixed to the seat and illustration the articulation of the various support components of the headrest assembly of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of an alternate form of the headrest apparatus of the invention having inflatable cushions or air bags affixed to the various support members of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  13 — 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 12  as it appears when affixed to a seat. 
       FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 14  but showing the support assembly in a raised position. 
       FIG. 16  is a generally schematic, block diagram view showing the various components that make up the control means of the apparatus for inflating and deflating the air bags. 
       FIG. 17  is a front view of an alternate form of seat headrest construction of the present invention. 
       FIG. 18  is a view taken along lines  18 — 18  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  19 — 19  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  20 — 20  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 21  is a greatly enlarged, generally prospective view of one of the hinge assemblies that connects the front and back portions of the headrest. 
       FIG. 22  is a generally prospective view of one form of the carriage assembly of the invention that interconnects the front portion of the headrest with the rear portion thereof. 
       FIG. 23  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  23 — 23  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 24  is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  24 — 24  of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  25 — 25  of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  26 — 26  of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 27  is front view of an alternate form of the headrest assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is a rear view of the alternate form of the headrest assembly of the invention shown in  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 29  is a plan view of the seat connector assembly of the apparatus that interconnects the headrest assembly with the aircraft seat. 
       FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  30 — 30  of  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  31 — 31  of  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 32  is a generally perspective view of the resistance imparting means of this latest form of the invention. 
       FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  33 — 33  of  FIG. 30 . 
       FIG. 34  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  34 — 34  of  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 35  is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of the roller guide component of this latest form of the invention. 
       FIG. 36  is front view of yet another form of the headrest assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  37 — 37  of  FIG. 36 . 
       FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  38 — 38  of  FIG. 36 . 
       FIG. 39  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  39 — 39  of  FIG. 36 . 
       FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  40 — 40  of  FIG. 38 . 
       FIG. 41  is a rear view of the headrest assembly shown in  FIG. 36  mounting component shown in  FIG. 40 . 
       FIG. 42  is cross-sectional view taken along lines  42 — 42  of  FIG. 41 . 
       FIG. 43  is a front view similar to  FIG. 36  illustrating the pivotal movement of the headrest relative to the mounting component. 
       FIG. 44  is a front view similar to  FIG. 43 , further illustrating the pivotal movement of the headrest relative to the mounting component. 
       FIG. 45  is front view of still another form of the headrest assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  46 — 46  of  FIG. 45 . 
       FIG. 47  is front view similar to  FIG. 45  illustrating the pivotal movement of this latest form of the headrest relative to the mounting component. 
       FIG. 48  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  48 — 48  of  FIG. 47 . 
       FIG. 49  is front view similar to  FIG. 47  further illustrating the pivotal movement of this latest form of the headrest relative to the mounting component. 
       FIG. 50  is front view of yet another form of the headrest assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 51  is a view taken along lines  51 — 51  of  FIG. 50 . 
       FIG. 52  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  52 — 52  of  FIG. 50 . 
       FIG. 53  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  53 — 53  of  FIG. 50 . 
       FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  54 — 54  of  FIG. 52 . 
       FIG. 55  is a rear view of the headrest assembly shown in  FIG. 50 . 
       FIG. 56  is a fragmentary, generally perspective, exploded view of a portion of the headrest assembly of this latest form of the invention. 
       FIG. 57  is a view a similar to  FIG. 50 , but showing the headrest assembly pivoted from a first position of shown in  FIG. 50  to a second position. 
       FIG. 58  is a view a similar to  FIG. 57 , but showing the horizontal movement of the headrest assembly from a first position of shown in  FIG. 57  to a second position and also showing in the phantom lines, the pivotal movement of the headrest assembly from a first position to a second position. 
       FIG. 59  is a view taken along lines  59 — 59  of  FIG. 58 . 
       FIG. 60  is front view of yet another form of the headrest assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 61  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  61 — 61  of  FIG. 60 . 
       FIG. 62  is a view taken along lines  62 — 62  of  FIG. 60 . 
       FIG. 63  is a generally perspective view of the guide member and friction imparting means of this latest form of the invention. 
       FIG. 64  is a view a similar to  FIG. 60 , but showing the horizontal movement of the headrest assembly from a first position of shown in  FIG. 60  to a second position and also showing the pivotal movement of the headrest assembly from a first position to a second position. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  11 A, one form of the seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  14 . The seat headrest here comprises a seat connector assembly  16  that includes a connector member  18  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means such as threaded connectors  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ). A support assembly  21  is slidably connected to connector member  18  for movement between a first position shown in  FIG. 7  to an intermediate position shown in  FIG. 11  and to an upraised position shown in  FIG. 11A . 
   Support assembly  21  here comprises a slide mechanism  22 , including a track  24 , that is connected to connector member  18  by a suitable connector such as connector  24   a  ( FIGS. 7 and 10 ). Slide mechanism  22  also includes a slide assembly  26  that slides within track  24  in a manner presently to be described. Connected to slide assembly  26  by a threaded connector  28   a  is a mounting member  28  ( FIG. 7 ). A first head support member  30  is pivotally connected to member  28  by means of a friction hinge pivot assembly  34  that includes a transversely extending pivot pin  36  and a connector bracket  37  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). With this construction, first support member  30  can be pivoted about the axis of the shaft  36   a  of a connector bolt  36  from a first position adjacent mounting member  28  to an angularly outwardly extending position as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 11A . As best seen in  FIG. 8 , bracket  37  includes spaced apart apertured legs  37   a  that receive the shaft of bolt  36 . Disposed between legs  37   a  is a bearing  37   b  having a transverse bore that receives shaft  36   a  of bolt  36 . With this construction, when nut  36   b  is snugged down against one of the legs, pivoting of support member  30  will be controllably frictionally resisted. 
   Pivotally connected to first head support member  30  by a constant torque hinge  38  is a first lateral, or side wing  40  that is pivotally movable from the position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  wherein it is substantially coplanar with head support member  30  to a second angularly extending forward position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 2 . In similar fashion, a second, or lateral side wing  42  is connected to the opposite side of support member  30  by a constant torque hinge  44  that is of identical construction to constant torque hinge  38 . Side wing  42  is also pivotally movable from the substantially coplanar position shown in  FIG. 2  to the angularly outwardly extending position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 2 . When side wings  40  and  42  are pivoted into the position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 2 , they can provide a comfortable lateral support to the passenger&#39;s head “H” in the manner shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   Hingedly connected to side wing  40 , by means of a constant torque, friction imparting hinge  46  is a first chin support  48 . Similarly, a second chin support  50  is hingedly interconnected with side wing  42  by means of a constant torque hinge  52  that is of identical construction to hinge  46  ( FIG. 1 ). Constant torque hinges  38 ,  44 ,  46  and  52 , which are readily commercially available from sources such as Reel Precision Manufacturing of St. Paul, Minn. function to maintain the side wings and chin supports in a selected position until a substantial force is exerted on the hingedly connected member to positively move it into a different position. More particularly, as best seen in  FIG. 6 , each of the constant torque hinges includes a torsion spring  53  that circumscribes pivot pin or rod  55  and engages the leaves of the hinge in a manner such that relative pivotal movement of the leaves of the hinges produce a constant torque tending to continuously resist the relative pivotal movement of the leaves. In this way, movement of one of the hingedly support members relative to the other is continuously, positively resisted. The use of the constant torque spring hinges in this manner uniquely overcomes a common drawback of prior art head rest construction in which the hingedly connected members tend to undesirably move as a result of vibration and other environmental forces. It is to be understood that a friction-imparting, constant-torque hinge could also be used to hingedly connect first head support member  30  to member  28 . 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 , and  11 , the novel slide means of the invention for slidably interconnecting the support assembly  21  with seat connector member  18  is there illustrated. In the present form of the invention, this slide means comprises the previously identified slide mechanism  22  which is of conventional construction and is readily commercially available from sources such as Dirak Gmbh &amp; Co. of Ennepetal, Germany. As previously mentioned slide assembly  26  is controllably movable within track  24  from the position shown in  FIG. 7  wherein slide member is substantially enclosed within the hollow housing portion of track  24  to a second extended position wherein the slide assembly extends outwardly from the track housing  24  a substantial distance. 
   As best seen by referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , the hollow housing of track  24  includes having an upper surface  24   a  that is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart, angularly, downwardly extending notches  60  that are configured to receive the locking pin  62   a  of a pawl  62  that is carried by track  24  for pivotal movement between a first retracted position shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10  to a second position shown in  FIG. 8A  wherein pin  62   a  is urged into a selected notch by means of a biasing spring  62   b . With this construction, as slide  26  moves upwardly within track  24 , locking pin  62   a  will ride over the tooth-like portions  60   a  located intermediate to notches  60 . However, due to the urging of spring  62   b , pin  62   a  will drop into a selected notch when upward movement of the slide assembly ceases. When locking pin  62   a  has thusly been urged into a selected notch, downward movement of slide assembly will be positively prevented. However, when the slide assembly reaches its uppermost position, pawl  62  will enter slot  60   b  ( FIG. 10 ) where it will once again move into a retracted position permitting the support assembly to move downwardly toward its starting position. As indicated in  FIG. 9 , mounting member  28 , which is interconnected with slide assembly  26  and moves therewith, is guided by guide means shown here as a pair of spaced-apart guide brackets  65  that are connected to connector member  18  by threaded connectors  67 . Each of the brackets  65  includes an angularly outwardly extending segment  65   a  that guidingly engage the sloping side walls  28   a  of mounting member  28 . 
   Turning next to  FIGS. 12 through 16 , an alternate form of the headrest apparatus of the present invention is there illustrated. This form of the invention is similar in many respects to that illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 11  and previously described herein. Because of the similarity of these embodiments, like numbers are used in  FIGS. 12 through 16  to identify like components. The principal difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that earlier described resides in the fact that inflatable cushions or air bags are attached to the various support components that make up the headrest assembly. More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 12 , three inflatable air bags or bladders  70 ,  71 , and  72  are interconnected with the lower portion of support member  30 , while a single air bag  74  is affixed to each of the side panels  40  and  42 . In similar fashion, first and second air bags or bladders  76  and  78  are attached to each of the chin support members  48  and  50 . Air bags  70 ,  71 , and  72  are disposed below a main cushion  80  that is affixed to the upper portion of support member  30 . Similarly, air bag  74  is positioned below a larger support cushion  82  that is affixed to side wing  40  while inflatable air bag  74  is disposed beneath a larger cushion  84  that is affixed to side wing  42 . Cushions  82  and  84  can be of a conventional padded cushion construction, or, if desirable, could also be inflatable bladder components. When installed to the support component in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the supporting cushions and inflatable air bags are covered by a conventional upholstery cover  87  so that the assembly takes on the finished configuration shown in  FIG. 14 . Covering  87  can be of fabric or vinyl material and is suitably flexible to enable the inflation and deflation of the bladder component without unduly stressing the cover material.  FIG. 15  illustrates the support assemblage shown in  FIG. 14  in the upraised position wherein the support assembly has been moved to the uppermost position by sliding it along the sliding mechanism which is of the character previously described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , one form of the control system, or control means of the invention for operating the air bags, or inflatable cushions, is there illustrated in schematic form. Shown in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 16  are the inflatable bladders that have been previously identified and that are connected to the left, center and right support members. As indicated in  FIG. 16 , central bladder  70  is interconnected by means of a pneumatic hose  88  with an air pump  90  via a pneumatic junction  92  and a first solenoid valve  94 . Bladders  74  are, in turn, connected to bladder  70  by pneumatic hoses  88   a . Similarly, inflatable bladder  71  is interconnected by means of a pneumatic hose  96  with pump  90  via pneumatic junction  92  and a second solenoid valve  98 . Bladders  76  are, in turn, connected to bladder  71  by pneumatic hoses  96   a . In similar manner, inflatable bladder  72  is interconnected by means of a pneumatic hose  100  with air pump  70  via pneumatic junction  92  and a third solenoid valve  102 . Bladders  78  are, in turn, connected to bladder  72  by pneumatic hoses  100   a . First solenoid valve  94  is interconnected by means of an electric connector  104  with the central processing unit  106  of the apparatus via a first relay  108 . Similarly, second solenoid  98  is interconnected by means of an electrical conduit  110  with central processing unit  106  via a second relay  112 . In similar manner third solenoid valve  102  is interconnected by means of an electrical conduit  114  with central processing unit  106  via a third relay  116 . Air pump  90  is interconnected with pneumatic junction  92  by means of an air hose  120 . Motor pump  90  is also operably interconnected with central processing unit  106  by an electrical connector  122 . Central processing unit  106  is of a conventional construction that is readily commercially available and is powered by a conventional external power source. Similarly pump  90 , pneumatic junction  92 , as well as the solenoids and relays that make up the control system are well understood by those skilled in the art and are also readily commercially available. 
   Central processing unit  106  is operably interconnected by an electrical connector  126   a  with an occupant control means, shown here as a control panel  126 . In the form of the invention shown in  FIG. 16 , occupant control panel  126  includes an inflate switch  130  for use in inflating the bladders and a deflate switch  132  for use in deflating the bladders. Also provided on occupant panel  126  is an on/off massage switch  140  that can be manipulated to cause a massaging type action to be imparted to the passenger by the sequential inflation and deflation of the air bags or bladders that are affixed to the various support members. Switch  140  is operably coupled with switches  134  and  136  to enable faster and slower massage cycle rates. With the construction shown in  FIG. 16 , the inflatable air bags, or bladders, can be inflated or deflated independently either in series or in parallel for the purpose of controlling bladder firmness or for performing an upper back, neck, face and head message cycle for a preprogrammed time in accordance with a program contained within central processing unit  106 . Once again, switches  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  are of a conventional design well understood by those skilled in the art. 
   Motor pump  90  can be powered by an existing seat power supply as, for example, a seat controller lumbar controller, seat motor controller or the like, or it may be powered by a power supply interconnected with and dedicated to motor pump  90 . It is to be understood that the electrical and pneumatic interconnection shown schematically in  FIG. 16  is well understood by those skilled in the art as is the necessary programming of central processing unit  106  to accomplish the desired inflation and deflation sequencing of the various air bags or bladders. 
   For certain end use application, central support member  30  can be provided with a greater or lesser number of inflatable air bags. Similarly, side panels  40  and  42  may have more than one air bag and chin support member  48  can be provided with one, two or more inflatable bladders as may be desired by the system designer. Similarly the occupant control panel can be designed to accommodate more or less inflatable bladders and may also be designed to cooperate with the central processing unit to accomplish various other inflation/deflation and message type cycles as may be desired for the particular vehicle in which the apparatus is installed. 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 17 through 26 , an alternate form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  114 . This latest embodiment of the invention comprises a seat connector assembly  116  that includes a generally planar first connector member  118  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. Slidably connected to first connector member  118  for movement between a first lowered position shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 17  to an upraised position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 17  is a head support assembly  220  (see also  FIG. 26 ). 
   As best seen in  FIG. 24 , head support assembly  220  includes a carriage assembly  221  to which a generally planar central support member or panel  222  is pivotally connected by means of a constant torque hinge  224  ( FIG. 19 ). Connected to central support panel  222  by a constant torque hinge  225  is a first lateral or side panel  226 , which is pivotally movable, a first position wherein it is substantially coplanar with central support panel  222  to a second angularly extending forward position. In similar fashion a second or lateral side panel  228  is connected to the opposite side of central support member  222  by a constant torque hinge  230  that is of identical construction to constant torque hinge  225 . Side panel  228  is also pivotally movable from a substantially coplanar position with central support panel  222  to an angularly outwardly extending position. When side panel&#39;s  226  and  228  are pivoted into the angularly outwardly extending position, they provide a comfortable lateral support to the passenger&#39;s head “H” in the manner shown in  FIG. 2 . Constant torque hinges  225  and  230  are readily commercially available and function to maintain the side panels in a position desired by the user until a substantial force is exerted on the hingedly connected member to positively move it into a different position. As before, use of these constant torque hinges overcomes a common drawback of prior art headrest construction in which the hingedly connected members tend to undesirably move as a result of vibration or other environmental forces. 
   As indicated by the arrow  231  in  FIG. 18 , constant torque hinge  224  permits the headrest assembly  220  to be adjustably pivoted both forwardly and rearwardly relative to the seat connector assembly  116 . Constant torque hinge  224 , which is readily commercially available from several commercial sources, including Torqmaster, International of Stamford, Conn., functions to maintain the headrest assembly  220  in a position desired by the user until a substantial force is exerted on the headrest assembly to positively move it into a different position. As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 23 , hinge  224  is mounted on a plate  233  and includes a housing  224   a  that carries a steel shaft  224   b  that, in turn, carries a plurality of spring steel friction bands  224   c  that function to controllably resist rotation of plate  223  and panel  222  that is attached thereto relative to connector assembly  116 . 
   Connected to seat connector member  118  is an elongated guide  238  that includes oppositely disposed guide rails  238   a  ( FIG. 19 ) that are adapted to be rollably engaged by two pairs of spaced apart roller assemblies  244  that are mounted on carriage assembly  221 . The roller assemblies  244 , each of which are of identical construction, include a threaded connecting shaft  244   a  that is threadably connected to carriage assembly  221  and a grooved roller  244   b  that is rotatably mounted on shaft  244   a . With this construction, carriage assembly  221  along with headrest assembly  220  can be adjustably moved upwardly and downwardly relative to seat connector member  118  so as to enable the desired adjustment in the height of the headrest assembly relative to the seat connector member. 
   Forming and important aspect of the headrest assembly of this latest form of the invention is resistance imparting means for imparting resistance to the movement of head rest assembly  220  upwardly and downwardly relative to connector member  118 . In the present form of the invention, this novel resistance imparting means comprises a uniquely configured leaf spring designated in the drawings by the numeral  247 . As best seen in  FIGS. 22 and 24 , spring  247  includes a central portion  247   a  that is affixed to carriage assembly  221  in the manner shown in the drawings. Spring member  247  also includes a pair of outwardly extending yieldably deformable side members  274   b  that are connected to central portion  247   a . Each of the side members  247   b  terminates in a surface engaging portion  247   c . As best seen in  FIG. 24 , when the resistance means is fully assembled portions  247   c  are substantially parallel to central portion  247   a . With this construction, when carriage assembly  221  is interconnected with seat connector member  118  in the manner shown in  FIG. 24 , spring member  247  will be yieldably deformed in the manner shown in  FIG. 24  so that surface engaging portions  247  are brought into pressural engagement with seat connector member  118 . As the headrest assembly is moved upwardly and downwardly in the manner indicated in  FIG. 26 , surface engaging portions  247   c  will frictionally engage the outer surface of connector member  118  and will yieldably resist sliding movement of carriage assembly  221  relative to seat connector member  118 . In the preferred form of the invention a plastic film  249  is disposed between surface engaging portions  247   c  and connector member  118  so as to insure smooth sliding of the headrest assembly relative to the connector member. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 27 through 35 , still another form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  254 . This latest embodiment of the invention is similar and several respects to the earlier described embodiments and like to numerals are used in  FIGS. 27 through 36  to identify like components. This latest embodiment of the invention comprises a seat connector assembly  256  ( FIG. 29 ) that includes a generally planar first connector member  258  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. Slidably connected to first connector member  258  for movement between a first lowered position shown by the phantom lines in  FIGS. 27 and 28  and an upraised position shown by the solid lines in  FIGS. 27 and 28  is a head support assembly  260  (see also  FIG. 31 ). 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 27 ,  28  and  30 , head support assembly  260  includes a generally planar central support member or panel  262  to which an elongated guide member  264  is connected by means of connectors 265  ( FIG. 31 ). A first lateral or side panel  266  is pivotally connected to the central support member by means of a constant torque hinge  225 . Also connected to central support panel  262  by a constant torque hinge  230  is a second lateral or side panel  268 . As indicated in  FIG. 30 , side panels  266  and  268  are pivotally movable, a first position shown by solid lines in  FIG. 30  wherein they are substantially coplanar with central support panel  262  to a second angularly extending forward position shown by phantom lines in  FIG. 30 . When side panel&#39;s  266  and  268  are pivoted into the angularly outwardly extending position, they provide a comfortable lateral support to the passenger&#39;s head in the manner previously described and as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The earlier identified elongated guide member  264  includes oppositely disposed guide rails  264   a  ( FIGS. 33 ,  34  and  35 ) that are adapted to be rollably engaged by two pairs of spaced apart roller assemblies  270  that are mounted on connector member  258 . The roller assemblies  270 , each of which are of identical construction, include a connecting shaft  272  that is connected to connector member  258  and a grooved roller  274  that is rotatably mounted on shaft  272  ( FIG. 34 ) . With this construction the headrest assembly  260  can be adjustably moved upwardly and downwardly relative to seat connector member  258  so as to enable the desired adjustment in the height of the headrest assembly relative to the seat connector member. As the headrest assembly is moved upwardly and downwardly, guide means, shown here as a pair of internal ears  275  formed on support member  258  ( FIG. 30 ), slidably engage guide member  267  to guide the travel of the headrest assembly. 
   Forming and important aspect of the headrest assembly of this latest form of the invention is resistance imparting means for imparting resistance to the movement of head rest assembly  260  upwardly and downwardly relative to connector member  258 . In the present form of the invention, this novel resistance imparting means comprises a uniquely configured leaf spring designated in the drawings by the numeral  277 . As best seen in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , spring  277  includes a first end portion  277   a  that is connected to support member  258  by a connector  280  ( FIG. 31 ), a free end portion  277   b  and a yieldably deformable, outwardly curved central portion  277   c . As indicated in  FIG. 31 , when the headrest assembly of the invention is fully assembled, central portion  277   c  of the spring is in pressural engagement with the front surface, or face,  264   a  of guide  264 . More particularly, when the headrest assembly  260  is interconnected with seat connector member  258  in the manner shown in  FIG. 31 , spring member  277  will be yieldably deformed in the manner shown in  FIG. 31  so that central portion  277   c  is brought into pressural engagement with face  264   a  of the elongated guide  264 . With this construction, as the headrest assembly is moved upwardly and downwardly in the manner indicated in  FIG. 28 , spring  277  will yieldably resist sliding movement of headrest assembly  260  relative to elongated guide  264  and seat connector member  258 . In the preferred form of the invention a plastic film  279  is disposed between the central portion  277   c  and the face  264   a  of elongated guide  264  so as to insure smooth sliding of the headrest assembly relative to the connector member. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 36 through 44 , yet another form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  284 . This latest embodiment of the invention is similar in several respects to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 27 through 35  and like to numerals are used in  FIGS. 27 through 44  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that illustrated in  FIGS. 27 through 35 , resides in the fact that the head support assembly is both vertically and pivotally movable relative to the seat connector assembly. 
   As before, this latest embodiment of the invention comprises a seat connector assembly  286  ( FIG. 40 ) that includes a generally planar first connector member  288  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. As before, a head support assembly  290  is slidably connected to first connector member  288  for movement between a first lowered position and an upraised position (see  FIG. 44 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 37 , connector member  288  is disposed within a first plane generally parallel with the front surface of seat “S”. As best seen in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , head support assembly  290  includes a generally planar central support member or panel  292  to which an elongated guide member  294  is connected by means of connectors  295   a ,  295   b  and  295   c  ( FIG. 36 ). As also illustrated in  FIG. 37  support member  292  is disposed in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane of connector member  288 . A first lateral or side panel  296  is pivotally connected to the central support member by means of a constant torque hinge  225 . Also connected to central support panel  292  by a constant torque hinge  230  is a second lateral or side panel  298 . As indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 37 , side panels  296  and  298  are pivotally movable, a first position shown by solid lines in  FIG. 37  wherein they are substantially coplanar with central support panel  292  to a second angularly extending forward position shown by phantom lines in  FIG. 37 . When side panels  296  and  298  are pivoted into the angularly outwardly extending position, they provide a comfortable lateral support to the passenger&#39;s head in the manner previously described and as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The earlier identified elongated guide member  294  includes oppositely disposed guide rails  294   a  ( FIGS. 37 and 40 ) that are adapted to be rollably engaged by two pairs of spaced apart roller assemblies  300  that are mounted on connector member  288 . The roller assemblies  300 , each of which are of identical construction, include a connecting shaft  302  that is connected to connector member  288  and a grooved roller  304  that is rotatably mounted on shaft  302  ( FIG. 37 ). With this construction, as depicted in  FIG. 44 , the headrest assembly  290  can be adjustably moved upwardly and downwardly relative to seat connector member  288  so as to enable the desired adjustment in the height of the headrest assembly relative to the seat connector member. As the headrest assembly is moved upwardly and downwardly, guide means, shown here as a pair of internal ears  275  formed on support member  288  ( FIG. 37 ), slidably engage guide member  294  to guide the travel of the headrest assembly. With the construction shown in the drawings, as the headrest pivots and moves upwardly and downwardly, connector member  288  travels within the second plane (see  FIGS. 43 and 44 ). 
   As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, this latest form of the invention includes resistance imparting means for imparting resistance to the movement of head rest assembly  290  upwardly and downwardly relative to connector member  288 . This resistance imparting means is identical in construction and operation to that previously described and comprises a uniquely configured leaf spring designated in the drawings by the numeral  277 . When the headrest assembly of the invention is fully assembled, central portion  277   c  of the spring is in pressural engagement with the front surface, or face,  294   a  of guide  294 ( FIG. 38 ). With this construction, as the headrest assembly is moved upwardly and downwardly spring  277  will yieldably resist sliding movement of headrest assembly  290  relative to elongated guide  294  and seat connector member  288 . 
   As previously mentioned, an important feature of this latest form of the invention resides in the fact that the entire headrest assembly  284  is pivotally movable relative to guide  294  and relative to seat connector  288  from the first position shown in  FIG. 41  to the second position shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 43  and to the third position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 43 . More particularly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 43 and 44  the entire headrest assembly  284  can be pivoted about connector member  295   b  through an angle of approximately 20 degrees. As the headrest assembly is so pivoted, connector members  295   a  and  295   c  travel within generally arcuate shaped slots  307  formed in plate  292 . With this unique construction, the headrest assembly can be selectively positioned so that the passenger can comfortably rest his or her head on a selected one of the angularly inclined side wings  296  and  298 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 38 , a second resistance imparting means is provided to frictionally resist arcuate movement of the headrest assembly. This second resistance imparting means here comprises a plurality of spaced apart, uniquely configured leaf springs designated in the drawings by the numeral  309 . When the headrest assembly of the invention is fully assembled, the central portions of these springs are in pressural engagement with the rear surface  292   a  of central panel  292  in the manner best seen in  FIG. 38 . With this construction, as the headrest assembly is pivoted about connector  295   b , springs  309  will yieldably resist sliding movement of headrest panel  292  relative to elongated guide  294  and thereby ensure smooth arcuate travel of the headrest assembly. 
   In this latest embodiment of the invention, one form of the headrest assembly also uniquely incorporates a massage systems generally designated in the drawings by the numeral  310 . These systems, which are commercially available from Inseat Solutions, LLC of Costa Mesa, Calif., include An Electronic Vibratory System  312  or of the character manufactured and sold by Cascade Designs, LTD of Seattle, Wash. As indicated in the drawings, these novel massage systems are affixed to and encompasses the central and side panels of the headrest assembly (see particularly  FIG. 42 ). When the massage system is affixed to the headrest it can be operated by the passenger as desired to provide a stimulating and satisfying massage or to conform to the passengers head. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 45 through 49 , still another form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  314 . This latest embodiment of the invention is similar in several respects to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 36 through 44  and like to numerals are used in  FIGS. 45 through 49  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that illustrated in  FIGS. 36 through 44 , resides in the fact that the lateral or side panels  316  and  318  are fixedly connected to the central support member  320  and are not adjustable. As best seen by referring to  FIG. 46 , in this latest form of the invention the side panels  316  and  318  are integrally formed with central panel  320  and extend the angularly outwardly therefrom. 
   The seat connector assembly  286  of this latest embodiment is identical in construction and operation to that previously described and includes a generally planar first connector member  288  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. As before, a head support assembly is slidably connected to first connector member  288  for movement between a first lowered position and an upraised position (see  FIG. 49 ). 
   As in the last to be described embodiment of the invention the entire headrest assembly is pivotally movable relative to guide  294  and relative to seat connector  288  from the first position shown in  FIG. 45  to the second position shown in  FIG. 47 . As before, the entire headrest assembly is also pivotally movable into third position in the manner previously described shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 43 . More particularly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 49  the entire headrest assembly can be pivoted about connector member  295   b  through an angle of approximately 20 degrees. If desired, the headrest assembly can also incorporate a massage system or passage bladder of the character previously described 
   As in the last to be described embodiment of the invention the entire headrest assembly is pivotally movable relative to guide  294  and relative to seat connector  288  from the first position shown in  FIG. 45  to the second position shown in  FIG. 47 . As before, the entire headrest assembly is also pivotally movable into third position in the manner previously described shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 43 . More particularly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 49 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 50 through 59 , still another form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated. This latest embodiment of the invention is similar in several respects to the previously illustrated embodiments of the invention and like to numerals are used in  FIGS. 50 through 59  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and those previously illustrated, resides in the fact that the head support assembly is both horizontally and pivotally movable relative to the seat connector assembly. This novel feature of the apparatus of the invention permits the user to slide headrest assembly horizontally from one side to the other and then, if desired, pivot the headrest assembly from a first position to a second position and in this way achieve an optimum level of comfort. 
   As before, this latest embodiment of the invention comprises seat connector means, shown here as a seat connector assembly  319  ( FIG. 56 ) that includes a generally planar first connector member  319   a  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. However, in this latest form of the invention, head support assembly  321  is slidably connected to first connector member  319  for horizontal, or side to side, movement between a first side position shown in  FIG. 50  and a second, or left side position shown in the dotted lines in  FIG. 58 . It is to be appreciated that with the construction shown on the drawings, the head support assembly can also slidably be moved to a right side position relative to connector member  319 . 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 50 and 57 , head support assembly  321  includes a generally planar central support member or panel  322  to which an elongated, generally horizontally disposed guide member  324  is connected by means of connectors  325   a ,  325   b  and  325   c  ( FIGS. 50 and 54 ). A first lateral or side panel  326  is pivotally connected to the central support member by means of a constant torque hinge  225 . Also connected to central support panel  322  by a constant torque hinge  230  is a second lateral or side panel  328 . As in the previously described embodiments of the invention, side panels  326  and  328  are pivotally movable, a first position wherein they are substantially coplanar with central support panel  322  to a second angularly extending forward position as shown by phantom lines in  FIG. 37 . When side panels  326  and  328  are pivoted into the angularly outwardly extending position, they provide a comfortable lateral support to the passenger&#39;s head in the manner previously described and as also shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The earlier identified elongated guide member  324  includes oppositely disposed guide rails  324   a  ( FIGS. 37 and 40 ) that are adapted to be rollably engaged by two pairs of spaced apart roller assemblies  330  that are mounted on connector member  319 . The roller assemblies  330 , each of which is of identical construction, include a connecting shaft  332  ( FIG. 52 ) that is connected to connector member  319  and a grooved roller  334  that is rotatably mounted on shaft  322 . With this construction, as depicted in  FIGS. 58 and 59 , the headrest assembly  320  can be adjustably moved from side to side relative to seat connector member  319  so as to enable the desired adjustment in the horizontal position of the headrest assembly relative to the seat connector member. As the headrest assembly is moved generally horizontally from side to side, guide means, shown here as a pair of ears  335  ( FIG. 56 ), slidably engage guide member  324  to guide the horizontal travel of the headrest assembly. 
   This latest form of the invention also includes resistance imparting means for imparting resistance to the movement of head rest assembly  320  from side to side relative to connector member  319 . This resistance imparting means here comprises a uniquely configured leaf of the drawings spring designated in  FIG. 53  of the drawings by the number  337 . When the headrest assembly of the invention is fully assembled, central portion of the spring is in pressural engagement with the front surface, of face,  324   b  of guide  324  ( FIG. 53 ). With this construction as the headrest assembly is moved from side to side, spring  337  will yieldably resist sliding movement of headrest assembly in a manner permit smooth horizontal sliding of the headrest assembly  320 . 
   As previously mentioned, an important feature of this latest form of the invention resides in the fact that the entire headrest assembly  320  is also pivotally movable relative to guide  324  and relative to seat connector  319  from the first position shown in  FIG. 50  to the second position shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 57  and shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 58 . More particularly, as illustrated in the drawings, the entire headrest assembly can be pivoted about connector member  325   b  through an angle of approximately 20 degrees. As the headrest assembly is so pivoted, connector members  325   a  and  325   c  travel within generally arcuate shaped slots  339  formed in plate  322 . With this unique construction, after the headrest assembly has been moved horizontally to the selected side of the seat, the headrest assembly can be selectively pivotally positioned so that the passenger can comfortably rest his or her head on a selected one of the angularly inclined side wings  326  and  328 . Because in the latest form of the invention, the headrest assembly is not movable vertically, the center and side panels  322 ,  326  and  328  are made slightly larger than the panels described in the previously discussed embodiments of the invention. In this way, a greater surface area is provided for the user to rest his or her head on a strategically horizontally and pivotally selected position. 
   If desired, the previously described massage system  310  of the invention can be incorporated into in this latest embodiment of the invention. As before, the novel massage system can be affixed to and encompass the central and side panels of the headrest assembly. When the massage system is affixed to the headrest it can be operated by the passenger as desired to provide a stimulating and satisfying massage. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 60 through 64 , still another form of seat headrest of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  344 . This latest embodiment of the invention is similar in several respects to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 50 through 59  and like to numerals are used in  FIGS. 60 through 64  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that illustrated in  FIGS. 50 through 59 , resides in the fact that the lateral or side panels  346  and  348  are fixedly connected to the central support member  350  and are not adjustable. As best seen by referring to  FIG. 62 , in this latest form of the invention the side panels  346  and  348  are integrally formed with central panel  350  and extend the angularly outwardly there from. 
   The seat connector assembly  319  of this latest embodiment is identical in construction and operation to that previously described and includes a generally planar first connector member  319   a  that is connected to the seat “S” by any suitable means. As before, a head support assembly is slidably connected to connector member  324  for horizontal movement between a first, or left side position and a second, or right side position (see  FIG. 64 ). 
   As in the last to be described embodiment of the invention the entire headrest assembly is pivotally movable relative to guide  324  and relative to seat connector  219  from the first position shown in  FIG. 60  to the second position shown in  FIG. 64 . As before, the entire headrest assembly is also pivotally movable into third position in the manner previously described. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 64  the entire headrest assembly can be pivoted about connector member  295   b  through an angle of approximately 20 degrees. If desired, this latest form of the headrest assembly can also incorporate a massage system of the character previously described. 
   Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.