| JP09175324 | SEAT BELT DEVICE OF VEHICLE |
| JP08117055 | HEADREST |
| JP2007106356 | VEHICULAR SEATBACK |
BERTANI, Romolo, Lorenzo (43A Charles Street, Putney, Nsw 2112, AU)
Claims:
1. A head support device for providing support to a person travelling in a vehicle, the device comprising:
a first side restraint;
a second side restraint; and
a support defined between the first and second side restraints,
the device being movable between:
a receiving mode in which the device is configured to receive the head of the person on the support between the first and second side restraints, and
a restraining mode in which the first and second side restraints are in contact with the head to provide support for the head of the person against sideways movement.
2. A head support device according to claim 1 comprising actuating means enabling movement of the first and second side restraints relative to one another to effect a transition from the receiving mode to the restraining mode.
3. A head support device according to claim 2 wherein the actuating means is responsive to a force acting on the support.
4. A head support device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the actuating means is responsive to the positioning of the person's head on the support.
5. A head support device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support comprises a flexible cradle.
6. A head support device according to claim 5 wherein the flexible cradle is attached to the first and second side restraints to form the actuating means enabling movement of the first and second side restraints.
7. A head support device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second side restraints are movable between a stowed mode and the head receiving mode.
δ. A head support device according to claim 7 wherein the first and second side restraints are pivoted to a backing assembly and are arranged to substantially abut the backing assembly in the stowed mode.
9. A head support device according to claim 8 wherein the side restraints are rotatable about their respective hinges away ' from the backing assembly to effect a transftion from the stowed mode to the receiving mode.
10. A head support device according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the first and second side restraints comprise attachment means to hold the side restraints to the backing plate in the stowed mode.
11. A head support device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the backing assembly comprises a first backing plate and a second backing plate, the first side restraint and the second side restraint being pivotable about the first backing plate and the second backing plate respectively, the first and second backing plates being movable relative to one another to vary a spacing between the first and second side restraints.
12. A head support device according to claim 11 further, comprising a release assembly that, when operated, enables the first backing plate and the second backing plate to be moved relative to one another.
13. A safety device comprising:
a frame configured to be positioned on a seat of a vehicle; and a head support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 mounted on the frame, for supporting the head of a person seated rearwardly of the seat.
14. A safety device according to claim 13 wherein the head support device is movable relative to the frame such that, in operation, a vertical position of the head support device may be selected.
15. A safety device according to claim 14 comprising a lock mechanism to releasably hold the head support device in the selected vertical position on the frame.
16. A safety device comprising:
a head support device according to any one of claims 1-12; and
a support assembly configured to support the head support device in front of a seat in a vehicle such that the head support device is operable to receive the head of a passenger seated in the seat.
17. A safety device according to claim 16 wherein, in use, the head support device is movable on the support assembly such that a vertical position of the head support device may be selected.
18. A safety device according to claim 17 comprising a lock mechanism to releasably hold the head support deviGe in the selected vertical position on the support assembly.
19. A safety device according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the support assembly has a folded configuration in which the head support device is stowed in the seat and an unfolded configuration in which the head support device is held facing the seat and operable by the passenger in the receiving and restraining modes.
20. A seat comprising a head support device according to any one of claims 1-12, the head support device being mounted to a back of the seat such that the head support device is operable in the receiving and restraining modes by a person facing the back of the seat.
21. A seat according to claim 20 wherein a position of the head support device on the back of the seat is adjustable.
22, A seat according to claim 20 or 21 comprising at least one rail configured to support the head support device.
23. A seat according to any one of claims 20 to 23 comprising a tray pivotally mounted to the back of the seat, wherein the head support device is mounted to the tray.
24, A seat according to claim 23 comprising a rail assembly that traverses the tray and at least a portion of the back of the seat, wherein the head support device is movable along the rail assembly.
25, A head support device substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
26, A safety device substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
27. A seat substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. |
HEAD SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY LANDING
Field of the invention
The present invention relates generally to safety equipment and, in particular, to a head support for use during a hazardous operation such as an emergency landing of an aircraft.
Background of the invention
The human body is vulnerable during vehicle accidents, and head or spinal injury may lead to death or permanent disability. Devices such as airbags are now commonly installed in cars to protect passengers.
The problems arising in airplane crashes or emergency landings are particularly severe, given the high speeds that may be attained by aircraft. Landings on water may be even riskier than emergency landings on the ground. There is a chance of a wing catching the water surface and causing the aircraft to cartwheel. In this event the forces applied to passengers may cause severe spinal injury or death, even if the fuselage survives the landing. Spinal injury due to the lateral g-forces may even be the major cause of death in such events, ahead of other factors such as drowning.
There is an ongoing need for safety devices that increase the chances of survival when extreme forces are applied to the human body.
Summary of the invention The present invention relates In general to a head support having first and second side restraints that are beatable on either side of a person's head, the head support having a receiving mode in which the person's head may be placed between the side restraints, and a restraining mode in which the restraints are brought into contact with the person's head to provide support against lateral movement
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a head support device for providing support to a person travelling in a vehicle, the device comprising:
a first side restraint;
a second side restraint; and
a support defined between the first and second side restraints,
the device being movable from:
a receiving mode in which the device is configured to receive the head of the person on the support between the first and second side restraints; to
a restraining mode in which the first and second side restraints are in contact with the head to provide support for the person against sideways movement.
Preferably the device comprises actuating means enabling movement of the first and second side restraints relative to one another, thereby effecting a transition from the receiving mode to the restraining mode.
The actuating means is preferably responsive to the positioning of the person's head on the support . The actuating means may be responsive to a weight acting on the support.
In one arrangement the support is a flexible band or cradle. The flexible band is preferably attached to the first and second side restraints to form the actuating means enabling movement of the first and second side restraints.
The first and second side restraints are preferably movable between a stowed mode and the head receiving mode.
Typically, the first and second side restraints are pivoted to a backing plate, and are arranged to substantially abut the backing plate in the stowed mode. Preferably the side
restraints are rotated about their respective hinges away from the backing plate to effect a transition from the stowed mode to the receiving mode.
In one arrangement the backing plate may be attached to a fixture such as the back of a seat directly in front of the person. Alternatively, the backing plate may be integrally formed in the back of a seat. The first and second side restraints may have attachment means to hold the side restraints to the backing plate in the stowed mode. An example of the attachment means is Velcro™.
In a second arrangement the device may be stored in an armrest of a seat. Preferably the device comprises a support arm that supports the backing plate wherein the support arm has a folded configuration in which the device is positioned in the armrest and an unfolded configuration in which the safety device is held facing the seat such that a passenger sitting in the seat may operate the device in the receiving and restraining modes.
In an alternative arrangement the device may be stowed beneath the seat on which person is seated or the seat directly in front of the person, and a mounting arrangement may be provided for detachably mounting the device to the back of the seat directly ahead of the person,
In a further alternative arrangement the first side restraint and the second side restraint are pivoted to a first backing plate and a second backing plate respectively and the safety device comprises release means that, when operated, enable the first backing plate and the second backing plate to be moved relative to one another. The relative movement of the backing plates allows adjustment of the safety device to accommodate different head sizes.
The head support device may be vertically adjustable to accommodate passengers of different heights.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a head support of the invention in a stowed position;
Figure 2 shows the head support of Figure 1 about to be deployed;
Figure 3 shows the head support of Figure 2 being moved into the deployed or receiving position;
Figure 4 shows the head support of Figure 2 in the deployed or receiving position;
Figure 5 shows a side view of the head support of Figures 1-3 with the head of a passenger received within the support;
Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of a front seat and a rear seat carrying head supports in the respective receiving and stowed positions;
Figures 7A to 7C show respective rear perspective, front perspective and storage modes of the restraining device;
Figures S to 10 show a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a head support in the respective stowed, partly deployed and fully deployed modes;
Figure 11 shows a rear perspective view of the device of Figures 8 to 10 with the restraints in the stowed position;
Figure 12 shows a rear perspective view of the device of Figures 8 to 10 with the restraints in the receiving mode;
Figure 13A shows a perspective view of a safety device that may be hooked over the back of a seat;
Figures 13B and 13C show a head support mounted on the back of the device of Figure 13A, with the head support in the receiving mode and stowed mode respectively;
Figure 14 shows a release mechanism enabling the side restraints of the head support to be moved relative to one another;
Figure 15A shows a perspective view of the release mechanism of Figure 14 mounted on the device of Figures 13A to 13C;
Figure 15B is a perspective view showing detail of a dent pin arrangement in the release mechanism of Figure 14;
Figure 1 SC is a perspective view showing detail of a release knob for use in the release mechanism of Figure 14;
Figures 16A-16F show multiple views of a pair of safety devices that may be fitted over the back of a seat, the figures showing respectively a top, front, bottom, right side, perspective and back view of the safety device;
Figures 17A-17F show multiple views of the safety device of Figures 16A-16F showing the head support opened into the receiving mode, the Figures showing respectively a top, front, bottom, right side, perspective and back view of the safety device;
Figures 18A-18F show multiple views of a pair of safety devices removably fitted to the back of a pair of chairs, the safety devices including a head support that may be moved vertically up and down a frame of the safety device;
Figures 19A-19E show multiple views of a pair of seats each having a head support that may be stored beneath the seat and moved into a deployed position in front of the seat, the Figures showing respectively a top, front, bottom, right side and back view of the chairs with the head support in a closed or stowed mode;
Figures 20A-20F show a pair of chairs as in Figures 19A-19E, in which the head support is adjustable up and down;
Figures 21A-21F show a pair of chairs each having a head support mounted to a back of the chair, the head support being movable up and down on the back of the chain and
Figures 22A-D show different views of an adjustable rail bar that may be used to enable the vertical adjustment of the head support device of Figures 18A-F, Figures 20A-20F and Figures 21 A-21 F.
Detailed description of the embodiments
A head support is described that forms an additional safety feature for aeroplane seating. Although the head support is described in the context of aeroplane seating, it will be understood that the described arrangements may also be installed in other forms of transport.
First arrangement: Head support on hack of seat Figure 1 illustrates a head support 10 supported on the back of a seat 12. The illustrated seat has a configuration typically used in economy class of aircraft. Seats on domestic flights are usually either 17.2 or 18 inches wide (43.7 or 45.7 cm). On longer flights, economy-class seats on wide-bodied planes are often slightly larger, up to 18.5 inches (47.0 cm). Another relevant dimension is the "pitch" or the distance between rows of seats. In economy, the industry standard is 32 inches (81.3 cm) from the back of one seat to the back of the seat behind it. By comparison, the pitch on long haul flights in business class is 38 inches (96.5 cm) or more, while first class pitch ranges anywhere from 60 to 89 inches (152.4 to 226.1 cm).
The head support 10 shown in Figure 1 is suitable for use where the pitch is small enough that a passenger seated behind seat 12 may position his or her head in the head support 10.
The head support 10 has a first side panel 14 and a second side panel 16 that are hingedly attached to a backing plate 20. The backing plate 20 may be integrally formed in the seat 12. Alternatively, for example for a retrofit, the backing plate 20 may be attached to the back of the seat 12. Attachment options may include snap fasteners, industrial strength Velcro™, hooks and screws.
As seen in Figure 1, the head support 10 has a stowed mode in which the side panels 14, 16 are positioned to lie against the backing plate 20. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate how a passenger 18 may open the side panels 14, 16 to place the head support 10 in a receiving mode, Figure 2 shows the passenger 18 grasping the first side panel 14 in order to rotate the first side panel 14 away from the backing plate 20 about hinge 32,
Figure 3 illustrates the head support 10 in the receiving mode. The first side panel 14 and the second side panel 16 have been rotated through approximately 90 degrees by the passenger 18. A support 26 is attached to the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 16 and, in the receiving mode, forms a shelf extending from the base of the first side panel 14 to the base of the second side panel 16. In one arrangement the support 26 is a flexible band or cradle. In the receiving mode, the flexible support 26 is stretched taut between the first side panel 14 and second side panel 16 when the side panels 14, 16 are approximately orthogonal to the back plate 20. The flexible support 26 thus inhibits the further rotation of the two side panels 14, 16. As the support cradle is formed from a strong yet flexible woven fabric such as polyester or Kevlar, it can simply be folded up and stowed in a recess defined between the side panels when they are closed.
As seen in Figure 3, the head support 10 has an arrangement Whereby the side panels 14, 16 may be held by the backing plate 20 when the head support 10 is in the stowed mode. In one arrangement Velcro™ patches 22a, 22b and 24 are used. Velcro strip 22a is positioned on the backing plate 20 and Velcro strip 22b is positioned on the first side panel 14. In the stowed mode, the patches 22(a) and 22(b) contact .one another, thereby holding the first side panel 14 against the backing plate 20. It will be understood that other methods of attachments are possible, for example, snap fasteners. Figure 4 is a further view of the head rest 10 in the receiving mode.
Figure 5 shows the head rest 10 in a restraining mode. Passenger 18, seated in seat 28 is shown using head support 10 positioned on the back of seat 12 which is in the row of seats in front of seat 28. The passenger's head is placed on the flexible support surface 26. The weight of the passenger's head depresses the support surface 26, thereby pulling the side plates 14, 16 closer together and applying pressure to the passenger's
S
head. The greater the load applied to the support surface 26, the greater the pressure applied to the passenger's head. The head support 10 in the restraining mode provides a safety measure for the passenger's head, for example during an emergency landing on water.
Figure 6 illustrates relative positions of seats 12 and 28. A head support 10 on the back of seat 12 has been opened into the receiving mode. A head support 30 on the back of seat 28 is still in the stowed mode.
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show three further views of the head support 10. Figure 7C shows the head support 10 in the stowed mode. Figures 7A and 7B show two views of the head support 10 in the receiving mode in which the side panels 14, 16 are rotated through approximately 90 degrees. In one arrangement the side panels 14, 16 are made of Kevlar™
In the arrangement shown in Figures 1-7C, the hinges 32, 34 rotatably attaching the side panels 14, 16 to the backing plate 20 have a fixed location on the backing plate. In alternative arrangements, for example the third arrangement described below, the hinges 34, 32 may be moved relative to one another such that the dimensions of the head support 10 in the receiving mode are adjustable. It will be appreciated that various other means may be used to attach the side panels to the backing plate and to tighten the side panels around the passenger's head,
Second arrangement: head support stowed in armrest
In some situations it is not feasible for a passenger to use a head support on the back of a. seat in front of the passenger's seat. For example, in first class the pitch between rows of seat may be too great for the passenger, while seated, to reach the head support. Similarly, the pitch may be too great in exit rows or at bulkheads.
In a second arrangement shown in Figures 8-12, a head support 110 is stowed in the armrest 108 of a chair. Figure 8 shows a seat 112 typical of those used in first class of aircraft. A head support is stowed in a compartment 111 of an armrest 108.
As shown in Figures 9-12, the head support 110 is attached to a first arm section 115 that is in turn connected to a second arm section 113 at hinge point 119. Arm section 113 is attached to the armrest 108 at hinge point 117 and may be rotated about hinge point 117 substantially parallel to the plane of the armrest 108. As seen in Figure 9, the • head support 110 is removed from the compartment 111 and arm section 113 is rotated forward until arm section 113 reaches a terminal position.
Then, as seen in Figure 10, the arm section 115 is rotated away from arm section 113 about hinge point 119. Once arm section 115 has been rotated through its full range of movement, the head support 110 faces a passenger seated in seat 112, As seen in Figure 11 , the head support 110 has a similar configuration to the head support 10. Head support 110 has side panels 114 and 116 that are initially folded so as to be co- planar with support arm 115 and a backing plate 120 of head support 110.
Figure 12 shows the head support 110 when opened into the receiving mode as described above wfth reference to head rest 10.
In the receiving mode, the side panels 114, 116 are rotated through approximately 90 degrees. The support surface 126 is positioned between the side panels 114, 116 and is configured to receive the forehead of a passenger seated in seat 112. Once the passenger's forehead is positioned on the support surface 126, the side panels 114, 116 are brought into contact with the passenger's head in order to provide additional support, for example during an emergency landing. As described above, in one arrangement the support surface 126 is a flexible band configured such that downward pressure on the support surface 126 causes the side panels 114, 116 to move towards one another, thereby increasing pressure on a passenger's head positioned in the head support 110.
Third arrangement: Adjustable dimensions
Figures 13A to 15C illustrate an arrangement in which a safety device 210 is hooked over the back of a seat 212. The device 210 may, for example, be stowed under seat 212 when not required or stored in an overhead compartment of the aeroplane.
Figure 13A shows the device 210 hooked over the back of seat 212. The device 210 may have a spring action to assist in holding the device in place on the seat 212. As seen in Figures 13B and 13C, a head support similar to that depicted in Figures 1 to 7C is mounted on the device 210 to face a passenger seated behind seat 212, Figure 13C shows the head support in the stowed mode. Figure 13B shows the device opened into the receiving mode In which the side panels 214, 216 are rotated away from the device 210, thereby positioning support surface 226 to receive the forehead of the passenger..
The head support mounted on device 210 may have a fixed size. Alternatively, the head support has an adjustment mechanism such that the head support can accommodate a range of head sizes. In one such arrangement, side panel 214 is pivoted to backing plate 222 and side panel 216 is pivoted to backing plate 220. When release knobs 250, 251 are pressed, backing plates 220, 222 may be moved relative to one another in the plane of the device 210, Moving the backing plates 220, 222 has the effect of shifting the side restraints 214, 216 relative to one another. Consequently, the dimensions of the head support in the receiving and restraining mode may be adjusted to different head sizes.
The range of movement is limited by retaining plates 280, 281 positioned at outer edges of the device 210.
Figure 14 shows the release mechanism in greater detail. Backing plate 220 has a row of serrations 290 on an upper edge of plate 220 (for the purposes of the description, upper and lower are defined by the state of the device 210 shown in Figure 13B). There is a matching row of serrations 293 on the lower edge of plate 220. Dent pin 230 engages with serrations 290 and dent pin 233 engages with serrations 293 to hold plate
222 fixed relative to the device 210. Springs 240 and 243 exert forces on dent pins 230, 233 respectively to hold pins 230, 233 against the serrations 290, 293.
In a similar fashion, springs 241 and 242 exert a force on dent pins 231 , 232 respectively to engage the pins 231, 232 with serrations 291, 292 on upper and lower edges on backing plate 222.
Release links 260, 261 are posftloned to be moveable in a channel defined in the device 210 parallel to the upper edges of plates 220, 222. Symmetrically, release links 262, 263 are moveable in a channel parallel to the lower edges of plates 220, 222.
Release knob 250 contacts the release links 260, 261 and release knob 251 contacts the release links 262, 263. When release knob 250 is pressed, for example by a passenger wishing to adjust the position of plates 220, 222, the knob 250 forces release links 260, 261 apart from one another along the groove in which the links are positioned. An end portion of each of the links 260, 261 is angled and acts on a flange on dent pins 230, 231 respectively. The action of the links 260, 261 on the flanges of dent pins 230, 231 presses the pins against their respective springs 240, 241 , thereby releasing the pins 230, 231 from serrations 290, 291.
At the lower edge of plates 222, 220, release knob 251 may be pressed to force release links 262, 263 apart from one another, thereby pressing dent pins 233, 232 against springs 243, 242 respectively. Pressing release knob 251 thus disengages pins 233 and 232 from the serrations 293, 292 respectively.
Once the pins 230, 231 , 232, 233 have been disengaged by pressing release knobs 250, 251 , the backing plates 220, 222 may be moved relative to one another to change the dimensions of the head support.
Figure 15A shows a perspective view of the device 210. Figure 15C is a perspective view showing detail of the release knob 250 acting on release links 260, 261. The dimensions of recess 280 limit the range of movement of knob 250.
Figure 15C is a perspective view showing detail of the dent pin 231 engaging with the serrations 291 and held in place by spring 241.
The horizontal adjustment mechanism shown in Figures 13-15 may also be used in the first arrangement in which the head support is supported on the back of the seat and the second arrangement in which the head support is stowed in an armrest of a chair.
Fourth arrangement: Head support fitted to back of chair
Figures 16A-F and 17A-F show different views of a head support 300 supported on a frame 310 that may be positioned on the back of a chair. Figures 18A-18F show the . frame 310 and head support 300 in position on the back of the chair. Where the Figures show two head support mechanisms side by side, this is not intended to be limiting. A single head support arrangement may be deployed- Similarly, the head support arrangements may be deployed on rows of 3 or more seats.
Figs 16A-16F show the head support 300 in a closed or stowed mode. The head support 300 includes a first side panel 314 and a second side panel 316. In the stowed mode, an elastic strap 320 is accessible to a passenger who may be required to deploy the head support 300. The elastic strap 320 may include a label saying "pulf to open". Pulling on the strap 320 causes the first side panel 314 and the second side panel 316 to rotate away from the frame 310. This is illustrated in Figures 17A-17F, in which the side panels 314, 316 have been opened to place the head support 300 in the receiving mode.
The frame 310 includes at least 2 vertical members 322, 324, which may be integrally formed in the frame 310, or may be 2 parallel rails mounted or formed on the back of the frame 310.
The head support 300 may include a horizontal-spacing adjustment mechanism as shown in Figures 14 and 15 operable to move the first side panel 314 and second side panel 316 closer together or further apart. This horizontal adjustment mechanism may be advantageous in enabling the head support 300 to accommodate heads of different sizes.
In the receiving mode, as illustrated in Figures 17A-17F, a horizontal support 326 extends between the first side panel 314 and the second side panel 316. In the arrangements shown in Figures 16A-21 F, the horizontal support 326 has at least 3 components 331 , 332, 333 which are elastically connected to one another. A passenger using the head support 300 places his or her forehead on the horizontal support 326, which flexes under the weight of the passenger's head, thereby drawing the first side panel 314 and second side panel 316 closer together, restraining the passenger's head.
The 3 components 331-333 may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The 3 components 331-333 may also move relative to one another if the head support 300 includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism, for example that described with reference to Figures 13-15. In this case, the backing plate 328 to which the side panels 314, 316 are attached may bθ formed of 2 components that move relative to one another in order to facilitate the horizontal adjustment.
It will be understood that the configuration of the frame 310 may be adjusted to match the shape of different chairs on which the head support 300 is to be deployed.
Figs 18A-18F show an arrangement in which the head support 300 may be moved vertically up and down the frame 310. Figures 18A-18F show, respectively, a top, front, bottom, right side, perspective and back view of the frame 310 and head support 300 mounted on the back of a chair. Figures 18A-18F show the head support 300 in the receiving mode. The head support 300 may be also moved up and down the frame 310 when in the closed or stowed mode with the side panels, 314, 316 folded against the backing plate 328.
Figs 18B, 18D and 18F each show two instances of the head support 300. It will be understood that there are not in fact two head supports mounted simultaneously on the frame 310. Rather, the duplicate instances are shown to illustrate the vertical movement of the head support 300 relative to the frame 310 (also indicated by directional arrow 340). An advantage of the vertically adjustable mechanism is that the head support 300 may more readily restrain the heads of passengers of different heights.
The head support 300 may slide up and down on vertical members 322, 324 which form part of the frame 310. Alternatively, the vertical members may be rails formed on the back of the frame 310, with the head support 300 slideable up and down the rails. One suitable arrangement is described below with reference to Figures 22 A-D.
An arrangement using dent pins and serrations similar to that shown in Figures 14 and 15 may be used in the vertical adjustment mechanism. Thus, as the head support 300 is moved along the vertical members 322, 324, dent pins and serrations may hold the
head support 300 in place, A release knob may be provided to release the dent pins from the serrations and allow the head support 300 to move up or down freely. It will be understood that other mechanisms may be used to move the head support 300 up and down the frame 310 and to then lock the head support 300 in a desired position on the frame 310.
Fifth arrangement
Figs 19A-E show various views of an adjacent pair of airline seats, intended to represent seats which may be used in first or business class. The chairs 412 are fitted with a head support 400, which may be stored beneath the chair 412, or in an armrest of the chair 412. The head support 400 may be deployed to a position in front of the chair 412 where the head support is accessible by a passenger seated in the chair 412. In the arrangement shown in Figure 19D 1 a support arm having 2 components 408 and 410 holds the head support 400 in position in front of the chair 412. Other configurations of support arm may also be used, for example the support arms 113, 115 shown in Figure 11. In Figures 19A-19E, the head support 400 is shown in the closed or stowed mode in which the first side panel and second side panel are roughly co-planar with a backing plate of the head support 400. As described above, and as illustrated in Figures 20A-20F, the head support 400 may be opened into a receiving mode in which the passenger may place his or her head in the head support 400.
The head support 400 may include a horizontal adjustment mechanism, allowing the left side panel and right side panel to be moved closer to one another or further apart to accommodate the head of the passenger.
As shown in Figures 20A-2QF. the head support 400 may also be vertically adjustable. Figures 20B, 2OE and 2OF each show 2 instances of the head support 400 to illustrate the vertical adjustment indicated by directional arrow 420. The head support 400 may thus be moved and locked into place to accommodate the height of the passenger. The head support 400 may move along the outer edges of support arm 410. Alternatively, the support arm 410 may define one or more slots such as slot 457. The head support
400 may have an engagement mechanism that passes through a slot comparable to slot 457, holding the head support 400 releasably against the support arm 410.
Fifth arrangement: Head support in back of chair
Figs 21A-21 F illustrate a head support 500 provided in the back of a chair 504, which is representative of airline seats used in economy class. In the illustrated arrangement, the head support 500 is formed on the back of a tray 506 pivotally connected to the back of chair 504. Latch 508 is used to hold the tray 506 generally co-planar with the back of chair 504. A passenger may release the latch 508 and rotate the tray 506, for example using hinge 520, to deploy the tray. When the tray 506 is deployed roughly orthogonally to the back of chair 504, a top surface of the tray 506 is exposed and may, for example, be used to serve meals.
In Figures 21A-21 F, the head support 500 is shown in the open or receiving mode, As described above, the head support 500 may also be closed into a stowed mode in which the side panels 514, 516 and horizontal support 526 are positioned ' to be roughly co-planar with the back of tray 506.
The head support 500 may include a horizontal adjustment mechanism as described with reference to Figures 13-15. In addition, the head support 500 may be adjustable up and down the back of chair 504, as indicated by directional arrow 502. The head support 500 is shown in two positions in Figures 21B 1 21 D and 21 F to indicate the variable vertical positioning.
In one arrangement, the head support 500 is mounted on vertical rails provided on the back of chair 504. An arrangement comparable to that shown in Figures 14 and 15, or Figures 22A-D may be used to set the vertical position of the head support 500. Other support and locking mechanisms may also be used.
In the case that the head support 500 is mounted on the back of the tray 506, the vertical rails supporting the head support 500 may need to extend from the back of tray 506 across an upper portion of chair 504, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 21 F. Here, the vertical rails may be made of two or more components. For example, the right
hand vertical rail in Figure 21 F is made up of a lower portion 510 formed on the back of tray 506 and an upper portion 512 formed on the back of a top section of chair 504. The portions 510, 512 may overlap or otherwise be configured to provide a continuous channel, allowing the head support 500 to move up and down when the tray 506 is latched in an upright position.
Figures 22 A-D illustrate an adjustable rail bar 600 that may be used in the arrangements' of Figures 18, 20 and 21 in which the head support device is adjustable vertically. The Figures show respectively a top view, front view, side view and perspective view of the rail bar 600. An elongate planar member 602 is, configured to move within a hollow interior of elongate member 606. A series of holes 604 is defined in the inner member 602. A pin 608 passes through a hole in each of the front and back faces of the external member 606, and also through one of the holes 604. In one arrangement the pin 608 is withdrawn and the members 602, 606 are moved relative to one another until the selected relative position is reached. Pin 60S is then inserted through the holes in member 606 and a corresponding hole in member 602, thereby locking the rail bar in the selected position. The pin 608 may be attached to member 606, for example using a spring, to prevent the pin being entirely removed and misplaced,
In the illustrated arrangement the series of holes 604 interconnect ' to define a continuous passageway through the member 602. Alternatively, a series of separate holes may be formed in member 602. The head support device may, for example, be supported on member 606 and moved relative to member 602 to adjust the vertical height of the head support device.
It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.
It will also be understood that the term "comprises" (or its grammatical variants) as used in this specification is equivalent to the term "includes" and should not be taken as excluding the presence of other elements or features.