Patent Description:
The neck has a complex anatomical structure, being made up of numerous muscles, tendons, and cartilage, held together by just seven small bones. These seven bones (cervical vertebrae) make up the upper portion of the spinal column, i.e. the cervical portion of the spine. Although they are relatively small, the bones of the cervical vertebrae are responsible for protecting one of the most vital parts of our anatomy - the spinal cord of the central nervous system, as well as supporting the head and allowing free movement of the head and neck.

The intricate bone and tissue structures of the neck are easily stressed, making them vulnerable to compression or nerve pinching. Neck pain or stiffness can be alleviated by having the head or neck held in better position during sleep. I n particular, keeping the neck in line with the head and back during sleep could help to prevent neck pain. But keeping the head, neck, and back in proper alignment requires the right support system.

Because so many people suffer from neck pain, there are a wide variety of pillow products that purport to provide relief to the user. Such specially designed pillows may be called cervical or neck support pillows. But one of the shortcomings of currently-available cervical pillows is that, although they support the user's neck and head, they do not provide adequate support for the upper back. Because of this deficiency, these cervical pillows do not adequately promote proper realignment of the spine in the neck and the upper back, which would release tension and allow the bones to readjust to their proper position. Thus, there is a need for a pillow that provides both head/cervical and upper back support.

Examples of known chairs, pillows and cushion supports are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a headrest assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

This invention as defined in claim <NUM> provides a headrest assembly for a user to recline thereon. The headrest assembly of this invention could provide a variety of benefits for the user, such as alleviating neck pain, preventing neck pain during sleep or rest, or improving the quality of sleep. The headrest assembly may operate by supporting the user's upper back along with the head and neck. This may be useful for helping to realign the spine in the neck with the upper back to release tension and allow the bones to readjust to their proper position.

The headrest assembly comprises a rigid base. As used herein, the term "rigid" when referring to the base is defined as an amount of stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the upper cushion(s) (and optionally, the lower cushions) of the headrest assembly, as further described below. The rigid base should be sufficiently stiff to substantially resist deformation when subjected to the weight of a <NUM> kilogram adult person reclining on the headrest assembly when laid upon a bed. The rigid base could be made of any suitable material to provide sufficient rigidity.

From a functional perspective, the headrest assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion. The rigid base supports the upper and lower portions. The upper portion is designed to accommodate the user's head. The lower portion is designed to accommodate the user's upper back. The upper portion of the headrest assembly has one or more cushions that are configured to support the user's head. Various parts of the head that may be supported, including the left, left posterior, right, and/or right posterior sides of the user's head. In some embodiments, this function is performed by a single upper cushion that is coupled to the rigid base at its upper portion; in some cases, this cushion has left and right sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the headrest assembly comprises a left upper cushion and a right upper cushion coupled to the rigid base at the upper portion. The left and right upper cushions are separated by a gap; in some cases, the gap is at least <NUM> wide; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> wide. In some cases, the distance between the apexes of the left and right upper cushions is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>.

At the lower portion of the headrest assembly, there are one or more elongated back supports coupled to the rigid base. The elongated back support(s) may be cushion elements, as described above for the upper cushions, or include cushion elements. However, the elongated back support(s) do not necessarily have to be cushions. In some cases, the elongated back supports are rigid, i.e. more rigid than the upper cushion(s). In some embodiments, the elongated back support is a cushion. In some embodiments, the elongated back support is a rigid structure and there is a cushion coupled to the elongated back support. In the headrest assembly defined in claim <NUM>, the headrest assembly comprises a rigid base which has an amount of stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the upper cushion(s) and the elongated back support is a left lower cushion, and further comprises at the lower portion, a right lower cushion coupled to the rigid base, and there is a gap between the left and right lower cushions.

In some embodiments, there is a single elongated back support at the lower portion of the headrest assembly. In some embodiments, there is a left lower elongated back support and a right lower elongated back support at the lower portion of the headrest assembly. The left and right lower elongated back supports are separated by a gap; in some cases, the gap is at least <NUM> wide; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> wide. In some cases, the distance between the apexes of the left and right elongated back supports is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. In the headrest assembly defined in claim <NUM>, the headrest assembly comprises an elongated back support which is a left lower cushion, and further comprises at the lower portion, a right lower cushion coupled to the rigid base, and there is a gap between the left and right lower cushions.

In some embodiments, the gap between the left and right lower elongated back supports is different from the gap between the left and right upper cushions. In some cases, the gap between the left and right lower elongated back supports is wider than the gap between the left and right upper cushions.

In some embodiments, the length of the lower elongated back support(s) is at least <NUM>; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the lower elongated back support(s) is at least <NUM>; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the upper cushion(s) is at least <NUM>; in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. The upper cushion(s) or lower elongated back support(s) may have a length that is greater than its width, and thereby have a longitudinal axis. In some cases, the length of such cushion(s) or elongated back support(s) is at least twice its width. For the lower elongated back support(s), in some cases, its length is at least three times its width. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the upper cushion(s) is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower elongated back support(s).

In some embodiments, the height of the upper cushion(s) is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> (as measured from the rigid base). As used herein, the term "height" when used in reference to a component of the headrest assembly means the elevation of that component. In some embodiments, the height of the lower elongated back support(s) is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> (as measured from the rigid base). In some embodiments, the height of the upper cushion(s) is higher than the height of the lower elongated back support(s); and in some cases, the height of the upper cushion(s) is at least <NUM> higher than the height of the lower elongated back support(s).

In some embodiments, the thickness of the elongated back support(s) at its lower end is less than its thickness at an upper segment of the elongated back support(s). The upper segment is a transverse segment of the elongated back support that is located above (more upwards, towards the user's head) than the lower end. As used herein, the term "thickness" when used in reference to an upper cushion or lower elongated back support means the top-to-bottom elevation.

The upper cushions and lower elongated back supports described above may be coupled onto the rigid base in any suitable manner, including glue, screws, clips, snap fasteners, Velcro hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable type of fastener. Or in another example, they may be coupled by molding or extrusion as one piece. The coupling with the rigid base does not have to be a direct connection; the coupling may be indirect via another part in between.

In some embodiments, the upper cushion(s) of the headrest assembly are coupled to the rigid base via a hinge or other pivot mechanism. This allows the upper cushion(s) to pivot relative to the rigid base. In some cases, the hinge is located at the upper edge of the upper cushion(s). Any suitable type of hinge can be used, including hinges that can be locked into position. In some cases, the pivot angle is set to greater than <NUM>°; and in some cases, greater than <NUM>°.

The dimensions for the headrest assembly or components thereof may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the user's age range (e.g. child vs. adult), gender, body weight, body shape, intended anatomical target (e.g. upper back vs. both upper and lower back), etc. In some embodiments, the length of the rigid base (along its vertical or longitudinal axis) is at least <NUM>; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length of the rigid base is at least <NUM> long; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> long. In some embodiments, the width of the rigid base (along the horizontal axis) at the lower portion of the headrest assembly is less than <NUM>; and in some cases, in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>. In some embodiments, the height of the rigid base is less than <NUM>; and in some cases, less than <NUM>.

The headrest assembly may be substantially symmetrical along its central vertical or longitudinal axis. The various parts of the headrest assembly may come preassembled or may require some assembly by the user. For example, the rigid base and cushions may be provided separately, requiring assembling together by the user.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of using a headrest assembly as defined in claim <NUM>. The method comprises lying supine in a reclined position with the head positioned on the upper portion of the headrest assembly and the upper back positioned on the lower portion of the headrest assembly. The user does not necessarily have to be sleeping. The user may lie on the headrest assembly for any suitable duration of time to relieve neck pain. For example, the user may lie on the headrest assembly intermittently throughout the day for several minutes at a time. In some embodiments, the method further comprises positioning the lower back on the headrest assembly. In the method define in claim <NUM>, the user's thoracic spine is positioned between the left and right lower cushions.

In some embodiments, the headrest assembly comprises a left lower elongated back support and a right lower elongated back support, and the method comprises positioning the thoracic spine between the two lower elongated back supports. In some cases, the clavicles of the user's upper back are positioned between the left and right lower elongated back supports. In some embodiments, the upper cushion(s) of the headrest assembly are coupled to the rigid base via a hinge, and the method further comprises adjusting the pivot angle of the upper cushion(s). In some embodiments, the rigid base is sufficiently long to support the user's lower back and the method further comprises positioning the lower back on the lower portion of the headrest assembly. This may be useful in providing lumbar support.

To assist in understanding the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings to shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

<FIG> show an example headrest assembly <NUM> of the invention. <FIG> and IB show different perspective views of the headrest assembly <NUM>. Locations on the headrest assembly <NUM> are defined according to the anatomical orientation of a user lying supine on the headrest assembly <NUM>. As such, "upper" is in the direction of the user's head; "lower" is in the direction of the user's feet; "top" faces in the direction of the user's anterior (front); and "bottom" faces in the direction of the user's posterior (back).

In the drawing figures herein, the labels "upper" indicates the upper end and "lower" indicates the lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM>. The labels "top" indicates the top face and "bottom" indicates the bottom face of the headrest assembly <NUM>. As used herein, "left" and "right" refer to the anatomical left and right sides with respect to the user lying supine on the headrest assembly <NUM> (not with respect to the top view of the headrest assembly <NUM>). For definition herein, the length of a headrest assembly of the invention or parts thereof is measured along the longitudinal or vertical axis as indicated by the line "L"; and the width of a headrest assembly of the invention or parts thereof is measured along the transverse or horizontal axis as indicated by the line "W.

The headrest assembly <NUM> comprises an upper portion <NUM>, which is designed to support the user's head and neck. At this upper portion <NUM>, the headrest assembly <NUM> has a pair of rectangular-shaped cushions, a left side cushion <NUM> and right side cushion <NUM>. The cushions <NUM> and <NUM> are designed to be soft and comfortable to the user. The cushions <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of any suitable comfortable padding or contouring material, such as polyurethane foam, styrofoam, polypropylene foam, gel foam, latex, fabric fillers (such as polyester filaments, goose down, feathers, etc.), or microbead fillers.

The headrest assembly <NUM> further comprises a lower portion <NUM>, which is designed to support the user's upper back. At this lower portion <NUM>, the headrest assembly <NUM> has another pair of rectangular-shaped cushions, a right lower cushion <NUM> and a left lower cushion <NUM>. The lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM> may or may not have the same composition or design as the upper cushions <NUM> or <NUM>. The headrest assembly <NUM> is bilaterally symmetrical (along its central vertical axis).

<FIG> shows a side view of the headrest assembly <NUM>. As seen here, the height of the upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM> is greater than the height of the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM>. In this particular example, the length NI of the upper cushions is about <NUM> and the length N2 of the lower cushions is about <NUM>. The length of the rigid base <NUM> is about <NUM>. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the headrest assembly is designed such that the lower portion extends further towards the pelvis (e.g. crest of the ilium).

<FIG> shows a view from the lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM> (facing towards the upper end). Seen here are the lower end faces of cushions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In this example embodiment, the width N3 (gap) between the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM> is about <NUM>; the width N4 between the apexes of the upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM> is about <NUM>; and the width N5 of the lower portion of the rigid base <NUM> is about <NUM>. The height difference between the apexes of the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM> and the apexes of the upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM> is about <NUM>.

For a better view of the rigid base <NUM>, <FIG> shows the rigid base <NUM> in isolation. Rigid base <NUM> should be sufficiently stiff to substantially resist deformation when subjected to the weight of an adult person reclining on the headrest assembly. The rigidity of the rigid base <NUM> can be defined as being more rigid than any of cushions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The rigid base <NUM> can be constructed of any suitable rigid material such as plastic, metal, or wood. Moreover, the rigid base <NUM> can be designed to have any suitable shape or geometry to impart rigidity by virtue of its structural configuration. To reduce its weight or improve comfort, the thickness of the rigid base <NUM> can be less than <NUM>; and in some cases, less than <NUM>. As seen here, the rigid base <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The rigid base <NUM> has a right side and a left side that are symmetrical (along its central vertical axis). Connecting the left and right sides are upper connecting bar <NUM>, middle connecting bar <NUM>, and lower connecting bar <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of how the headrest assembly <NUM> could be used. A user <NUM> is reclining on top of the headrest assembly <NUM> in a supine position. The user's head <NUM> and neck are positioned between the upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM>, which laterally support the user's head <NUM> and neck. The user's upper back is supported by lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM>. The user's thoracic spine may be positioned between the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM>. It may also be possible for the user's clavicles of the upper back to be positioned between the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The upper portion of the headrest assembly of the invention could be configured in any suitable way to provide support for the user's head. <FIG> show alternate examples of how the upper portion of the headrest assembly could be configured. In the example shown in <FIG> (upper end view looking downwards towards the lower end), the upper portion of the headrest assembly has only a single head-supporting cushion <NUM> mounted on the rigid base <NUM>. The cushion <NUM> has a concave depression <NUM> in the middle to conform to the user's head and two sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> to bilaterally support the user's head. In the example shown in <FIG> (upper end view looking downwards towards the lower end), the upper portion of the headrest assembly has only a single head-supporting cushion <NUM> with a "V"-shaped cutout <NUM> in the middle to conform to the user's head and two sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> to bilaterally support the user's head. In the example shown in <FIG> (upper end view looking downwards towards the lower end), the upper portion of the headrest assembly has two cushions <NUM> and <NUM>, left and right, mounted on a base <NUM>. In the gap between cushions <NUM> and <NUM>, there is a middle cushion <NUM> to help support the back of the user's head.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a headrest assembly. In this headrest assembly <NUM>, there is a simple rectangular shaped rigid base <NUM>. The headrest assembly <NUM> is divided into an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. A pair of head-supporting upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted on the base <NUM>. On the lower portion, a pair of rigid back supports <NUM> and <NUM> made of a hard plastic are mounted on the base <NUM>. The rigid back supports <NUM> and <NUM> have greater stiffness (more rigid) than the upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM>. To provide cushioning for the lower back, there are two lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM> mounted on the rigid back supports <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> shows a view from the lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM> (facing towards the upper end). As seen in this view, the lower cushions <NUM> and <NUM> cover over the pair of rigid back supports <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> show an alternate embodiment of a headrest assembly of the invention. <FIG> shows a side view of the headrest assembly <NUM>, which has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. Headrest assembly <NUM> is constructed on a rigid base <NUM> and mounted thereon are a right upper cushion <NUM> and a right lower cushion <NUM>. The left side cushions are not visible in this side view. The lower end of the lower portion <NUM> has a wedge-like shape <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, this wedge-like shape <NUM> is useful for making the top surface of the lower cushion <NUM> more level with the bed. By moderating the body's transition from the headrest assembly <NUM> to the bed, this may provide a more comfortable experience for the user.

<FIG> shows a side view of a headrest assembly <NUM>, which is a variation of the headrest assembly <NUM> above. This headrest assembly <NUM> is constructed on a rigid base <NUM> and mounted thereon are a right upper cushion <NUM> and a right lower cushion <NUM>. The left side cushions are not visible in this side view. The lower cushion <NUM> is sufficiently long to support the user's lower back. The lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM> has a wedge-like shape <NUM>, which is made by shaping lower cushion <NUM> with a tapered end. This configuration can be useful for accommodating the curvature at the lower back. <FIG> shows a variation of the headrest assembly <NUM> above. In this variation, the rigid base <NUM> extends past the lower cushion <NUM> to provide a support surface <NUM> for the user's buttocks.

<FIG> show a headrest assembly <NUM> which is not in accordance with claim <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the headrest assembly <NUM>. At the upper portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM>, there are a pair of left and right upper cushions <NUM> and <NUM> mounted on a rigid base <NUM>. In between the left upper cushion <NUM> and the right upper cushion <NUM>, there is a centrally-located cushion <NUM> also mounted on the rigid base <NUM>. This centrally-located cushion <NUM> helps to support the back of the user's head.

Extending down from the upper portion <NUM> is a lower portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM>. At the lower portion <NUM>, instead of a pair of lower cushions, there is a single back support cushion <NUM> mounted on the rigid base <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of the headrest assembly <NUM>, showing the left upper cushion <NUM>, the right upper cushion <NUM>, the centrally-located cushion <NUM>, and the back support cushion <NUM>. <FIG> shows a view of lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM> (facing towards the upper end). Seen here are the lower end faces of the left upper cushion <NUM>, the right upper cushion <NUM>, and the back support cushion <NUM>.

<FIG> show side views of an alternate embodiment of a headrest assembly. Here, the headrest assembly <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. At the upper portion <NUM>, there is a right upper cushion <NUM> mounted on a rigid base <NUM>. At the lower portion, there is a right lower cushion <NUM> mounted on the rigid base <NUM>. The left side cushions are not visible in this side view. The upper cushion <NUM> is mounted onto the rigid base <NUM> via a hinge <NUM> at the upper edge of the upper cushion <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, this configuration allows the upper cushion <NUM> to be swivelled on the hinge <NUM>. For a user reclining thereon, the user's neck is stretched in extension and additionally, the jutting corner edge <NUM> of the upper cushions provides additional support to the neck.

As used herein, the term "pivot angle" means the angle between the upper cushion <NUM> and the rigid base <NUM>. <FIG> shows the headrest assembly <NUM> in flat position with the pivot angle at substantially <NUM>°. <FIG> shows the headrest assembly <NUM> with the upper cushion <NUM> raised such that the pivot angle "a" is greater than <NUM>°. In the example shown in this figure, the upper cushion <NUM> is kept in the raised position by inserting a wedge <NUM> beneath it. The height of the wedge <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> (to its apex), but other heights are also possible. In other embodiments, the headrest assembly <NUM> could have other mechanisms to keep upper cushion <NUM> in raised position. For example, the hinge <NUM> could have a locking mechanism to hold the pivot angle. In an alternate embodiment of the headrest assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, there could further be another hinge that divides rigid base <NUM> into two parts.

<FIG> show side views of an alternate embodiment of a headrest assembly. Here, the headrest assembly <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. In this example, the rigid base has two parts: an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. At the upper portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM>, there is an upper right cushion <NUM> mounted on the upper portion <NUM> of the rigid base. The upper left cushion is not visible in this side view. At the lower portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM>, there is a lower right cushion <NUM> mounted on the lower portion <NUM> of the rigid base. The lower left cushion is not visible in this side view.

The upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM> are coupled in hinged association with each other. This functional relationship is made possible by a hinge connection <NUM> between the upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of the rigid base. The hinge connection <NUM> has a lockable mechanism to set the angle between the upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of the rigid base. <FIG> shows the headrest assembly <NUM> in neutral position with the bend angle at substantially <NUM>°.

Having a hinge mechanism allows the user to keep their neck in flexion, extension, or neutral position. As used herein, "bend angle" means the angle between the top surfaces of the upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of the rigid base. <FIG> shows the headrest assembly <NUM> in flexed configuration with the bend angle "a" at less than <NUM>°. This configuration may be useful for users who have gastroesophageal reflux or congestive heart failure. <FIG> shows the headrest assembly <NUM> in extended configuration with the bend angle "b" at greater than <NUM>°. This configuration may be useful for users who have snoring problems or for those whom neck extension alleviates their neck pain. In an alternate embodiment of the headrest assembly <NUM>, there could further be another hinge that divides the lower portion <NUM> of the rigid base into two parts.

<FIG> show side views of another example of a headrest assembly. Here, the headrest assembly <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. At the upper portion <NUM> of the headrest assembly <NUM>, there is an upper right cushion <NUM> mounted on the rigid base <NUM>. At the lower portion <NUM>, cushioning is provided by a linear series of bumps <NUM> mounted onto a rigid base <NUM>. <FIG> shows a view from the lower end of the headrest assembly <NUM> (facing towards the upper end). Seen in this view are the upper right cushion <NUM> and its corresponding upper left cushion <NUM>, along with the left series of bumps <NUM> and its corresponding right series of bumps <NUM>. The height of the bumps <NUM> and <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> (from the rigid base <NUM>), but other heights are also possible.

The headrest assembly of the invention could be used in conjunction with bedding items such as pillows, blankets, comforters, pillow cases, slipcovers, etc. For example, <FIG> shows a headrest assembly <NUM> enclosed within a well-padded pillow <NUM> to provide more comfortable cushioning for the user. Pillow <NUM> can be opened along a zippered flap <NUM> to allow removal or insertion of the headrest assembly <NUM>. The headrest assembly <NUM> and the pillow <NUM> could be provided preassembled, or could be provided separately for assembly by the user.

In another example, <FIG> shows a headrest assembly <NUM> in combination with a thick memory foam mat <NUM> or other cushion material. By placing memory foam mat <NUM> over the headrest assembly <NUM>, additional comfort may be achieved. The memory foam mat <NUM> may have variable height for the upper portion relative to the lower portion. In another example, <FIG> shows a headrest assembly <NUM> in combination with a foam wedge pillow <NUM>. The height of the wedge <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> (to its apex), but other heights are also possible.

This configuration elevates the user's head, which can be useful for relieving gastroesophageal reflux or congestive heart failure.

An article of furniture may comprises the headrest assembly. Examples of furniture that may comprise the headrest assembly include beds, chairs, reclining tables, etc. For example, <FIG> shows a physical therapy table <NUM> having a headrest assembly <NUM> mounted thereon. The user reclines on the table <NUM> and rests the head and upper back on the headrest assembly <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the table <NUM> can be raised or lowered to adjust the incline angle. The foot <NUM> of the table <NUM> could also made to provide an adjustable incline. In another example, <FIG> shows a home armchair <NUM> with a headrest assembly <NUM> mounted thereon. The user sits on the armchair <NUM> and rests the head and upper back on the headrest assembly <NUM>.

The foregoing description and examples have been set forth merely to illustrate the invention. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the invention may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the invention. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the steps of the methods of the invention are not confined to any particular order of performance.

Claim 1:
A headrest assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an upper portion (<NUM>);
a lower portion (<NUM>);
a rigid base (<NUM>) that supports the upper (<NUM>) and lower portions (<NUM>) ;
at the upper portion (<NUM>), one or more upper cushions (<NUM>,<NUM>) coupled to the rigid base (<NUM>), that are configured to support a user's head; at the lower portion (<NUM>), an elongated back support coupled to the rigid base (<NUM>); wherein the elongated back support is a left lower cushion (<NUM>), and further comprising at the lower portion, a right lower cushion (<NUM>) coupled to the rigid base (<NUM>), and there is a gap between the left (<NUM>) and right (<NUM>) lower cushions,
characterized in that the rigid base (<NUM>) has an amount of stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the upper cushion(s) (<NUM>,<NUM>).