Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/882,176 entitled “Head Support Device” filed August 2, 2019. The entire contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to head support devices and more specifically to head support devices for supporting a head while sitting in a seat.

Background

[0003] Numerous types of head support devices have been previously developed that can be wrapped around a user's head and are provided with an adjustable retention band or strap that can be releasably secured to, for example, the upright portion of a seat or a headrest to restrain the user's head from bending forwardly or sideways when the user is napping or sleeping.

[0004] Devices of the type described above may be useful for automobile or airline passengers to relieve stress or strain on the neck muscles if the head is permitted to incline forwardly or sideways over extended periods of time and which can often result in extremely sore or strained muscles.

[0005] There is a continuing need for head support devices that are adjustable for different head sizes and different types of seats and headrests, particularly as encountered in different makes of automobile and airline seats. Moreover, there is also a need for a head support that is soft, comfortable, compact, washable, can be easily stored and is adaptable for use alone or in combination with other headwear.

Summary

[0006] In accordance with a broad aspect, a head support device is described herein. The device includes a headband portion having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an inner surface and a outer surface, each of the inner surface and the outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, the inner surface being configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head; a first loop coupled to the first end of the headband portion; and a second loop coupled to the second end of the headband portion. The first loop and the second loop are each configured to releasably couple to at least a portion of a seat.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the headband portion comprises an elastic material to conform to at least a portion of a user’s head.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the elastic material includes one of an elastic, nylon, LYCRA® or spandex material

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a length of the headband portion is adjustable.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the device also includes an adjusting mechanism to adjust the length of the headband portion.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes at least one of Velcro™, snaps, buttons, or the like.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the adjusting mechanism is coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes Velcro straps including a hook portion and a loop portion, the hook portion being fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion and the loop portion being configured to engage at least a portion of the loop portion and draw the loop portion medially towards the headband portion to tighten the headband portion against at least a portion of the user’s head.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of snaps, each snap including a male portion and a female portion, one of the male portion and the female portion being fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion and the other of the male portion and the female portion being fixedly coupled to one of the first loop and the second loop. [0015] In at least one embodiment, the portion of the user’s head is a forehead of the user’s head.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the portion of the user’s head includes covering at least a portion of the user’s eyes.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the headband portion is configured to inhibit light passing therethrough when the headband portion cover’s the user’s eyes.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the device also includes padding configured to rest over the user’s eyes.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the first loop and the second loop are configured to releasably couple to a head rest portion of the seat.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the first loop and the second loop are each configured to releasably couple to a respective lobe of a head rest portion of the seat.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, a method of supporting a user’s head against a seat is described herein. The method includes placing at least a portion of the user’s head against an inner surface of at least a portion of a head support device, the head support device including a headband portion having two opposed ends; twisting each opposed end of the headband portion of the head support device to form a loop; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support the user’s head against the seat.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, a method of supporting a user’s head against a seat is described herein. The method includes placing at least a portion of the user’s head against an inner surface of at least a portion of a head support device, the head support device including a headband portion having two opposed ends, a first loop coupled to the first end of the body, and a second loop coupled to the second end of the body; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support the user’s head against the seat.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, releasably coupling the device to a seat includes releasably coupling the device to a head rest portion of the seat. [0024] In at least one embodiment, releasably coupling the device to a seat includes releasably coupling the device to one or more lobes of a head rest portion of the seat.

[0025] In a broad aspect, a head support device is described herein. The head support device includes a headband having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an inner surface and an outer surface. Each of the inner surface and the outer surface extends between the first end and the second end of the device. The inner surface is configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head and support the user’s head in an upright position. The device also includes at least one support strap configured to be releasably secured to a seat and releasably secured to the headband. The support strap is configured to form a loop around at least a portion of the seat to releasably secure the support strap to the seat.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the support strap is positioned between the user and the seat surface when forming the loop around at least a portion of the seat.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the headband includes at least one securing element to releasably secure the headband to the support strap.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the securing element is positioned on the inner surface of the headband.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the headband includes two securing elements, one securing element positioned at each end of the headband to releasably secure the headband to the support strap.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, each of the securing elements is positioned on the inner surface of the headband.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the headband is configured to releasably secure to the support strap at a position rearward of the user’s head.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the headband is configured to releasably secure to the support strap at a position forward of a rear surface of the seat. [0033] In at least one embodiment, the support strap is configured to be releasably secured to headband on an outer surface of the support strap.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the head support device includes a first support strap and a second support strap, each of the first support strap and the second support strap being configured to: be releasably secured to the headband; and form a loop around at least a portion of the seat to be releasably secured to the seat.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the headband includes a first securing element positioned at a first end of the headband and a second securing element positioned at a second end of the head band, the first securing element being configured to releasably secure the first end of the headband to the first support strap and the second securing element being configured to releasably secure the second end of the headband to the second support strap.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, each of the securing elements is positioned on the inner surface of the headband.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, an outer surface of the first support strap and an outer surface of the second support strap are each configured to be releasably secured to the inner surface of the headband.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the headband is made of a flexible material.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the support strap is made of a stretchable material.

[0040] These and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment in a first configuration.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows an image of the head support device of FIG. 2 in a second configuration.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an image of the head support device of FIG. 3 including dimensions of the head support device.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows an image of a head support device according to at least one embodiment.

[0051] FIGs. 10A-10D show images of a head support device, according to at least one embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 11A shows an image of a user seated in a seat and using a head support device, according to at least one embodiment. [0053] FIG. 11 B shows an image of an outer surface of a headband of the head support device of FIG. 11 A, according to at least one embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 11 C shows an image of an inner surface of the headband of FIG. 11 B, according to at least one embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 11 D shows an image of a support strap of the head support device of FIG. 11 A, according to at least one embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 12A shows an image of a user seated in a seat and using a head support device of FIG. 11 A, according to another embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 12B shows an image of support strap of the device shown in FIG. 12A, according to at least one embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 12C shows an image of two support straps of FIG. 12B on a seat back.

[0059] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, further described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way. Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description

[0060] Various devices and methods will be described below to provide an example of each claimed embodiment. No embodiment described below limits any claimed embodiment and any claimed embodiment may cover devices or methods that differ from those described below. The claimed embodiments are not limited to devices or methods having all of the features of any one device or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the devices or methods described below.

[0061] Furthermore, it is possible that a device or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is disclosed in a device or method described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0062] It will also be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0063] It should be noted that terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as 1 %, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example, if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0064] It should be noted that the term “coupled” used herein indicates that two elements can be directly coupled to one another or coupled to one another through one or more intermediate elements.

[0065] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0066] The following description is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed subject matter. Subject matter that may be claimed may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus, system or method disclosed in accordance with the teachings herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination that is physically feasible and realizable for its intended purpose.

[0067] Generally, head support devices and methods of supporting a head while sitting in a seat are described herein. Generally, the head support devices described herein facilitate adjustable support of a user’s head with respect to an upper back or headrest portion of a seat. The head support devices described herein are generally conformable for use on vehicle seats such as but not limited to airplane seats, car seats, train seats, RV seats, and children's car seats, as well as strollers. The head support devices described herein may therefore provide for a user to fall sleep in said vehicle seat and maintain an upright position of their head.

[0068] In some embodiments of the head support devices described herein, the head support devices can be worn alone or used with other headwear, such as, for example, baseball-style or beanie/ski cap-style headwear, headbands, hooded clothing, other similar head wear and/or eye glasses. Moreover, the head support devices described herein are generally soft, comfortable, compact, and easily stored, for example in a small bag or in a jacket pocket.

[0069] The head support devices described herein can be placed on a user’s head and installed (e.g. releasably coupled) over or around at least a portion of a back of a seat. The head support devices described herein are generally flexible and have elasticity or stretchability to conform to at least a front portion of a user’s head as well as to inhibit movement (e.g. lateral movement and/or forward and backward (e.g. longitudinal) movement of the user’s head when the head support is releasably secured to a portion such as but not limited to a head rest or back rest of a seat. In this relation, it is desirable that the elastic material is strong enough to hold the head up comfortably without falling forward or side-to-side. For instance, the elastic material may include any one or more of elastic, nylon, LYCRA® or spandex materials.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a head support device 100. Device 100 includes a headband portion 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106 opposed to the first end 104, an inner surface 108 and an outer surface 110, each of the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 110 extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106. At least a first portion 112 of inner surface108 is configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head. In some embodiments, at least a second portion 114 of inner surface 108, the second portion 114 being opposed to the first portion 112 of inner surface 108, being configured to rest against a portion of a seat (not shown).

[0071] Headband portion 102 is generally stretchable and configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head. For instance, the headband portion 102 may rest against the user’s head at a forehead or eye level.

[0072] Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a head support device 200 according to another embodiment. As noted above with respect to FIG. 1 , head support device 200 headband portion 202 is generally stretchable and configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head. For instance, the headband portion 202 may rest against the user’s head at a forehead or eye level. In this embodiment, device 200 includes a first loop 220 coupled to the first end 204 of the headband portion 202 and a second loop 222 coupled to the second end 206 of the headband portion 202. First loop 220 and second loop 222 are each configured to releasably couple to at least a portion of a seat. For instance, in some embodiments, first loop 220 and second loop 222 may be configured to substantially surround an upper portion of a seat (not shown), such as but not limited to a head rest of the seat or a lobe continuous with and/or extending outwardly from a side of the head rest of the seat. FIG. 3 shows another image of the device 200 of FIG. 2.

[0073] Turning to FIGs. 4 and 5, shown therein is another embodiment of a head support device 400. The head support device 400 includes a headband portion 402 that, as described above with reference to FIGs. 2 and 3, terminates at one or more loops 320, 322. The loops 320, 322 are generally coupled to or positioned on opposed sides of the headband portion 302. For instance, in some embodiments, the loops 320, 322 may be stitched to the headband portion 302. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the loops 320, 322 may have a thickness that is about 3.5”, have a length of about 7.5”, and the headband portion may have a width of about 1.5”. In some embodiments, the headband portion may have a length that is about 8”. In other embodiments described below, the length of the headband portion may be adjustable. [0074] FIGs. 6-9 show embodiments of head support devices 600-900, respectively, that include an adjusting mechanism to provide for each respective head support device to adjust in length (e.g. to provide for the length of each headband portion of each device to be adjustable).

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the adjusting mechanism 630 may include at least one strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headband portion 602 and/or to the one or more loops 620, 622. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, a hook strap 632 may be coupled to loop 620 and one or more loop straps may be coupled to the headband portion 602. In other embodiments, a hook strap 632 may be coupled to headband portion 602 and one or more loop straps may be coupled to the loop 620. Coupling the hook strap 632 to one of the one or more loop straps 634 provides for adjusting a length of the headband portion 602.

[0076] Flead support device 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes an adjusting mechanism 730 including at least one strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headband portion 702 and/or to the one or more loops 720, 722. As shown in FIG. 7, the strap 731 includes a hook portion 732 integral with a loop portion 734. The hook portion 731 is fixedly coupled to at least a portion of the headband portion 702 and the loop portion 734 is a free end that engages (e.g. inserts through a slot of) one of the loops 720, 722 of the device 700. Drawing the loop portion 734 though the slot and releasably attaching the loop portion 734 to the hook portion 732 provides for adjusting a length of the headband portion 702. The hook portion 732 may be coupled to an outer surface of the headband portion 702.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a head support device 800 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, where the straps of FIG. 6 are replaced with snaps or buttons. Here, adjusting mechanism 830 includes a plurality of snaps 836, each snap including a male portion 836a and a female portion 836b. One of the male portion 836a and the female portion 836b is fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the headband portion 802 and the other of the male portion 836a and the female portion 836b is fixedly coupled to one of the first loop 820 and the second loop 822.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a head support device 900 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, head support device 900 shown in FIG. 9 includes an adjusting mechanism 930 including at least one strap (e.g. Velcro™) coupled to the headband portion 902 and/or to the one or more loops 920, 922. As shown in FIG. 9, the strap 931 includes a hook portion 932 integral with a loop portion 934. The hook portion 932 is fixedly coupled to at least a portion of the headband portion 902 and the loop portion 934 is a free end that engages (e.g. inserts through a slot of) one of the loops 920, 922 of the device 900. Drawing the loop portion 934 though the slot and releasably attaching the loop portion 934 to the hook portion 932 provides for adjusting a length of the headband portion 902. The hook portion 932 may be coupled to an outer surface of the headband portion 902. At least a portion of the hook portion 932 may also be coupled to an outer surface of one of the loops 920, 922.

[0079] In some embodiments, a method of supporting a user’s head against a seat is provided herein. The method includes: placing at least a portion of the user’s head against an inner surface of at least a portion of a head support device, the head support device including a headband portion having two opposed ends; twisting each opposed end of the headband portion of the head support device to form a loop; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support the user’s head against the seat.

[0080] In some embodiments, another method of supporting a user’s head against a seat is described herein. The method includes: placing at least a portion of the user’s head against an inner surface of at least a portion of a head support device, the head support device including a headband portion having two opposed ends, a first loop coupled to the first end of the body, and a second loop coupled to the second end of the body; and releasably coupling each loop to a seat to support the user’s head against the seat.

[0081] FIGs. 10A-10D shown another embodiment of a head support device 1000. In this embodiment, headband portion 1002 includes an adjusting mechanism 1030 configured as two Velcro™ strips 1050, 1051 (e.g. one being a hook strip 1050 and the other being a loop strip 1051 , see for example FIG. 10D)). By pressing the strips 1050, 1051 against each other, the length of headband portion 1002 can be selected. Adjusting mechanism 1030 also provides for at least one of the loops 1020, 1022 to be removable from the headband portion 1002. In the embodiment shown, device 1000 includes one adjusting mechanism 1030, however, in some embodiments, device 1000 include two adjusting mechanisms 1030 to provide for each of loops 1020, 1022 to be removable.

[0082] Headband portion 1002 Head support device 1000 also includes a face contacting portion 1060. Face contacting portion 1060 has a width W that is generally greater than a width of the headband portion 1002 to provide for the face contacting portion 1060 to cover a user’s face during use (e.g. forehead or eyes). Face contacting portion 1060 is generally made of a non-stretchable fabric (e.g. such as but not limited to felt or the like) to provide comfort to the user’s face during use. The headband portion 1002 is generally made of a stretchable fabric. Further, although there is no backing on the embodiment shown in FIGs. 10A-1 D, the face contacting portion 1060 may also include a backing so that the face contacting portion 1060 and the backing sandwich the ends of the headband portion 1002 (e.g. for aesthetic purposes).

[0083] Turning to FIGs. 11A-11 D, illustrated therein are components of another embodiment of a head support device 1100. FIG. 11 A shows one embodiment of support device 1100 having a headband 1102 for contacting a user’s face and supporting a user’s head in an upright position (e.g. against a seat) and a support strap 1104 being releasably secured to a seat back of a seat.

[0084] Headband 1102 is configured to be releasably secured to the support strap 1104. FIG. 11 B shows an image of an outer surface 1109 of the headband 1102, according to at least one embodiment and FIG. 11 C shows an image of an inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102, according to at least one embodiment.

[0085] Head support device 1100 also includes one or more support straps 1104 for releasably securing to the headband 1102 to secure the headband 1102 to a seat (e.g. a seat back) to provide for the headband 1102 to support the user’s head in an upright position. FIG. 11 D shows an image of a support strap 1104, according to at least one embodiment.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, headband 1102 is a flexible band that is made of a flexible material (i.e. a material that has a degree of elasticity to provide for the headband 1102 to stretch slightly (e.g. to a length in a range of about 10% to about 50% longer than its unstretched length). The elasticity of the headband 1102 provides gentle comfort and support to the user. Headband 1102 is also generally made of a suitably opaque material that is soft against the person's skin. The opaque material inhibits light passage and provides for a user to experience darkness when the headband 1102 is covering their eyes. One example of such a material is Repreve ^® . Headband 1102 generally has a length that provides a degree of tension on the user's head when the headband 1102 is releasably secured to the support strap 1104 that limits sudden forward jerks of the head that can happen during napping.

[0087] Head support device 1100 may be employed by a user (e.g. a passenger) while sitting in a high-backed seat. The seat may be a plane seat or a train seat, for example, or any other seat that has a back with a height that is about as high as a person’s head when that person is sitting in the seat. In at least one embodiment, the head support device 1100 may be appropriate for use with a seat that is typically adjacent to one or more other seats of similar structure. In this case, gaps between adjacent seats may permit support strap 1104 to be placed around an upper portion of the seat (e.g. horizontally around a seat back, such as but not limited to a head rest portion, of the seat). The height at which support strap 1104 is placed around the seat back of the seat by the user can be readily adjusted so that it lies even with the forehead of the person or lies even with an eye level of the person. Accordingly, support strap 1104 should have a sufficient length to encircle at least a portion of a seat back of the seat.

[0088] In at least one embodiment, support strap 1104 can be made adjustable to provide a tighter or looser fit as it forms a loop around the seat back of the seat. In at least one embodiment, support strap 1104 may be made of a stretchable material (i.e. a material that it stretchable to an elongated length that is in a range of about 110% to about 170% of its unstretched, relaxed state length) that provides for conforming to the seat back of the seat when the support strap 1104 forms a loop and encircles at least a portion of a seat back of the seat. Further, support strap 1104 should be made of a material that is soft enough to provide comfort to the user if the back of the user’s head rests against the outer surface of the support strap 1104 when the support strap 1104 forms a loop and encircles at least a portion of the seat back of the seat. In at least one embodiment, the support strap 1104 may have an outer surface that is covered with loops to provide for the headband 1102 to releasably secure to various portions of the outer surface of the support strap 1104. One example of such a material is VELSTRETCH ^® Brand Elastic Loop.

[0089] Headband 1102 has a first end 1103, a second end 1105 opposed to the first end 1103, an inner surface 1107 and an outer surface 1109. Each of the inner surface 1107 and the outer surface 1109 extend between the first end 1103 and the second end 1105 of the headband 1102. Inner surface 1107 is configured to rest against at least a portion of a user’s head (see FIG. 11 A) and support the user’s head in an upright position when headband 1102 is releasably secured to the support strap 1104.

[0090] Support strap 1104 is configured to be releasably secured to a seat (see FIG. 11A) and releasably secured to the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11A). Support strap 1104 forms a loop around at least an upper portion of a seat to releasably secure the support strap 1104 to the seat.

[0091] In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the support strap 1104 is positioned between the user and the seat surface when forming a loop around at least a portion of the seat.

[0092] In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 includes at least one securing element 1110 to releasably secure the headband to the support strap. Securing element 1110 may be positioned on the inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11 C).

[0093] In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 includes two securing elements 1110. One securing element 1110 may be positioned at each end 1103, 1105 of the headband 1102 to releasably secure the headband 1102 to the support strap 1104. Each of the securing elements 1110 may be positioned on the inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102.

[0094] In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the support strap 1104 at a position rearward of the user’s head. For instance, the headband 1102 generally has a length sufficient enough to have an inner surface 1107 be placed against a forehead, or covering the eyes, of a user and have each end 1103, 1105 of the headband 1102 extend rearwardly of the user to releasably couple to the one or more support straps 1104. In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104 at a position forward of a rear surface of the seat. In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104 at a position rearward of a rear surface of the seat. Releasably securing the headband 1102 to the support strap 1104 at a position rearward of the user’s head may provide for the support strap1104 to remain rearward of the user’s head and releasably secured to an upper portion of the seat (e.g. a seat back of the seat). Further, releasably securing the headband 1102 to the support strap 1104 at a position rearward of the user’s head may provide for securing elements 1110 to be positioned away from a front portion of the user’s head (e.g. rearward of the user’s head) and/or away from a side portion of the user’s head (e.g. laterally spaced away from the sides of the user’s head), thereby providing comfort for the user.

[0095] Support strap 1104 is typically made of a material that is more durable than the soft, comfortable material of the headband 1102 to provide support to the headband 1102 and/or the user. Support strap 1104 may be one integral, stretchable piece that forms a loop or may have two free ends and include a tightening mechanism and/or a securing mechanism (e.g. Velcro ^® ) to form a loop around a seat back or a portion of a seat back.

[0096] In at least one embodiment, the support strap 1104 is configured to be releasably secured to headband 1102 on an outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104. FIG. 11 D shows outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104, according to at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, outer surface 1112 may be covered with loops to provide for the securing elements 1110 (e.g. hooks) of the headband 1102 to releasably secure to various positions on the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104. In at least one embodiment, patches of loops may be provided to the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104 to provide for the headband 1102 to be releasably secured to the support strap 1102. Being able to releasably secure the headband 1102 to various positions on the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104 may provide for a user to selectively apply a degree of tension on the user's head by the headband 1102 when the headband 1102 is releasably secured to the support strap 1104. Being able to releasably secure the headband 1102 to various positions on the outer surface 1112 of the support strap 1104 may provide for the device 1100 to accommodate user’s with various sizes of heads and various seat configurations (e.g. various sizes and/or shapes of seat backs of seats).

[0097] Turning to FIG. 12A, shown therein is an embodiment of support device 1100 including two support straps 1104a, 1104b (see also FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C). One embodiment of a first support strap 1104a is shown in FIG. 12B. Each of the first support strap 1104a and the second support strap 1104b are configured to be releasably secured to the headband 1102 and to form a loop around at least a portion of a seat to be releasably secured to the seat. For example, each support strap 1104a, 104b may form a loop vertically around an upper portion of a seat back, such as but not limited to a lobe of a head rest of a seat back.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, headband 1102 may be a first securing element 1110 positioned at first end 1103 of the headband 1102 and a second securing element 1110 positioned at second end 1105 of the headband 1102. First securing element 1110 may be configured to releasably secure the first end 1103 of the headband 1102 to the first support strap 1104a and the second securing element 1110 may be configured to releasably secure the second end 1105 of the headband 1102 to the second support strap 1104b. In at least one embodiment, each of the securing elements 1110 may be positioned on the inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102 (see FIG. 11 B) such that the inner surface 1107 of the headband overlays at least a portion of the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the first support strap 1104a and the second support strap 1104b when the headband 1102 is releasably secured to the first support strap 1104a and the second support strap 1104b.

[0099] In at least one embodiment, outer surface 1112a of the first support strap 1104a and an outer surface 1112b of the second support strap 1104b may each be configured to be releasably secured to the inner surface 1107 of the headband 1102.

[0100] In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104a, 1104b at a position rearward of front surface of the seat. In at least one embodiment, the headband 1102 is configured to releasably secure to the one or more support straps 1104a, 1104b at a position rearward of a rear surface of a lobe of a head rest of a seat (see, for example, FIG. 12C).

[0101] In at least one embodiment, the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the support straps 1104a, 1104b, respectively, may be covered with loops to provide for the securing elements 1110 (e.g. hooks) of the headband 1102 to releasably secure to various positions on the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the support straps 1104a, 1104b. In at least one embodiment, patches of loops may be provided to the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the support straps 1104a, 1104b to provide for the headband 1102 to be releasably secured to the support straps 1104a, 1104b. In at least one embodiment, one or more patches 1114 of loops may be coupled (e.g. stitched) to the support straps 1104a, 1104b to provide a surface for the headband 1102 to be releasably secured to the support strap 1102. The one or more patches 1113 of loops may overlay the outer surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the support straps 1104a, 1104b or may extend laterally from the support straps 1104a, 1104b. One example of a patch 1113 extending laterally from support strap 1104b is shown in FIG. 12B.

[0102] While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.