Seat with neck support integrated into the headrest

Abstract

A seat for a vehicle includes a seat back, a headrest, and a neck support integrated into the headrest. The headrest is disposed on the seat back, connected to two rods, and movable up and down relative to the seat back. The neck support includes a first side in a transverse direction and a second side opposite to the first side, and the first side is pivotally connected to a lower surface of the headrest. The neck support is rotatable between a use position and a stowed position. The neck support is disposed on an upper portion of the seat back at the use position, and is disposed between the lower surface of the headrest and the seat back at the stowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a seat having a neck support integrated into a headrest, and more particularly, to a seat having a neck support integrated with a headrest and pivotable between a use position and a stowed position. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle seats are not typically equipped with neck supports. Therefore, some drivers who need neck supports must purchase general aftermarket products, which are primarily attached to the seat by straps that wrap around the headrest of the seat. Due to many factors, such as the seatback surface design and headrest adjustability, aftermarket neck supports may not provide adequate support. In addition, aftermarket neck supports may have colors, materials, and / or designs that do not match the original design of the seat, which can affect the overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0003] The inventors of the present application have recognized that there is a need for a comfortable neck support while providing a clean and attractive design. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seat for a vehicle is provided. The seat includes a seat back, a headrest, and a neck support integrated into the headrest. The headrest is disposed above the seat back and is connected to two rods and is movable up and down relative to the seat back. The neck support has a first side in a transverse direction and a second side opposite to the first side, and the first side is pivotally connected to a lower surface of the headrest. The neck support is rotatable between a use position and a stowed position, and the neck support is disposed on an upper portion of the seat back at the use position, and is disposed between the lower surface of the headrest and the seat back at the stowed position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first side of the neck support is connected to the lower surface of the headrest via a living hinge.

[0006] In another embodiment, the neck support includes a central spine portion. The central spine portion includes a flexible back side and a plurality of slats, the plurality of slats are adjacent to each other in a transverse direction and fixed to the flexible back side. Each of the plurality of slats has a fixed end attached to the flexible back side and a free end.

[0007] In another embodiment, the central spine portion of the neck support is configured to bend only in one direction toward the headrest, and the distance between the free ends of the slats increases as the neck support rotates toward the headrest. The plurality of slats face the user so that the spine portion maintains a reaction force toward the user in the use position.

[0008] In another embodiment, the cervical support further comprises a cervical support pad disposed on the central spine.

[0009] In another embodiment, the headrest includes a recess cut from the lower surface and configured to partially receive the neck support.

[0010] In another embodiment, the neck support has a first portion adjacent to a first side of the neck support and a second portion away from the first side. The width of the second portion is smaller than the width of the first portion, and the width of the second portion is smaller than the distance between the two rods.

[0011] In another embodiment, the thickness of the first portion of the neck support is greater than the thickness of the second portion.

[0012] In another embodiment, the second portion of the neck support includes two slots adjacent to the second side, and the two slots correspond to the two rods and are configured to receive the two rods in the stowed position.

[0013] In another embodiment, the seat further comprises a locking mechanism that secures the neck support in the stowed position.

[0014] In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking groove formed on the rear surface of the neck support and a locking pin extending from the lower surface of the headrest. The locking pin is received in the locking groove to lock the neck support to the headrest in the stowed position.

[0015] In another embodiment, the cervical brace further comprises a balloon.

[0016] In another embodiment, the front surface of the neck support, the cover of the seat back and the cover of the headrest are made of the same material.The first side of the neck support is sewn to the underside of the headrest.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a neck support that is attached to a headrest of a seat via a hinge connection. The neck support comprises: a first side that is attached to the headrest; a front surface that faces the neck of a user in a use position; a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface; and a central spine portion that is between the front surface and the rear surface. The central spine portion is configured to rotate in only one direction and maintain a reaction force to provide support to the neck of the user.

[0018] In one embodiment, the central spine portion comprises a plurality of slats extending in a transverse direction and arranged adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction. Each slat has a fixed end connected to the rear surface and a free end facing the front surface.

[0019] In another embodiment, the rear surface includes a locking mechanism that secures the neck support to the headrest.

[0020] In another embodiment, the cervical support further includes a bladder disposed between the front surface and the rear surface.

[0021] In another embodiment, the front surface has a curvature that increases from the second side toward the midline at a first slope relative to the rear surface, and further increases after the midline at a second slope greater than the first slope, and then decreases to the first side, and wherein the first slope is less than the second slope.

[0022] In another embodiment, the neck support further includes a hinge portion adjacent to the first side, and the hinge portion is sewn to the headrest to form a living hinge.

[0023] In another embodiment, the neck support further includes a first zipper half at the first side, wherein the first zipper half mates with a second zipper half disposed on the headrest such that the neck support is connected to the headrest.

[0024] The neck support of the present invention has a use position and a stowed position, which provides a comfortable neck support for the user when needed. In addition, the integrity of the interior appearance can be achieved by matching the design of the neck support with the seat or interior of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Example embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which represent non-limiting, exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chair with an integrated neck support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the neck support in a use position.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a seat in FIG. 1 illustrating the neck support in the stowed position.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 , which illustrates the process of converting the neck support from the use position to the stowed position and vice versa.

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a rear surface of a neck support and a corresponding surface of a headrest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a partial view of the top of a headrest of a seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C A central spine in a cervical brace is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C A plan view and a cross-sectional view are shown of a neck brace according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] It should be understood that these drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods, structures and / or materials used in certain example embodiments and are intended to supplement the written detailed description below. However, these drawings are not drawn to scale, do not accurately reflect the precise structure or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values ​​and properties included in the example embodiments. The use of similar or identical reference numerals in various figures is intended to indicate the presence of similar or identical elements or features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The disclosed chair with integrated neck support will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and the accompanying drawings provide only examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the invention described herein. Many variations are envisioned for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, not each envisioned variation is individually described in the following detailed description.

[0035] In the detailed description that follows, various examples of seats and neck supports are provided. Related features in the examples may be the same, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, the related features will not be repeatedly described in each embodiment. Instead, the use of related feature names will remind the reader that the feature with the related feature name may be similar to the related features in the previously explained examples. Features specific to a given example will be described in that specific example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific description of the related feature in any given figure or example.

[0036] Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of a seat 2 with an integrated neck support 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates the neck support 4 in a use position. In the depicted embodiment, the seat 2 is a front seat of a motor vehicle such as a car. It should be understood that the seat 2 can be a seat in other vehicles such as trains, airplanes, and ships. In addition, the seat 2 can be a seat in a theater, an office, or other places where a user needs a neck support. The seat 2 may include a seat back 6, a headrest 8 disposed above the seat back 6, and a neck support 4 pivotally connected to the headrest 8. The seat back 6 includes an upper portion 10 adjacent to the headrest 8 and an outer surface 12. The neck support 4 includes a first side 14 in a transverse direction W, a second side 16 opposite to the first side, a front surface 18, and a rear surface 20. The headrest 8 has a lower surface 22 facing the top 24 of the seat back 6. Figure 1The neck support 4 is shown in a use position, in which the neck support 4 is arranged on an outer surface 12 of an upper part 10 of a seat back 6. In the use position, the neck support provides neck support for the user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first side 14 of the neck support 4 may overlap the pivot axis C. In the depicted embodiment, the neck support 4 may be pivotally connected to the headrest 8 via a living hinge. In one example, the first side 14 of the neck support 4 may be sewn to the headrest 8. It should be understood that the neck support 4 may be pivotally connected to the headrest by any suitable method. Optionally, the neck support 4 may be removably connected to the headrest 8. For example, a zipper may be used to achieve a removable connection. A first zipper half may be connected to the first side 14 of the neck support 4, and a second zipper half may be connected to the underside of the headrest 4. If desired, the user can attach or remove the neck support 4 via the zipper.

[0038] Now, refer to Figure 2 , the neck support 4 is shown in the stowed position. When not needed, the neck support 4 can be rotated to the stowed position, where the neck support 4 is disposed between the lower surface 22 of the headrest 8 and the top end 24 of the seat back 6. In some embodiments, the neck support 4 may include a hinged portion 5 attached to the lower surface 22 of the headrest 8 or adjacent to the bottom of the front surface 7 of the headrest 8.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 , showing Figure 1 2 to illustrate the process of converting the neck support from the use position to the stowed position and vice versa. The headrest 8 can be connected to two rods 26 and can be moved relative to the seat back 6. That is, the headrest 8 has a range of travel relative to the top end 24 of the seat 2. In order to convert the neck support 4 from the use position to the stowed position as shown in FIG. Figure 2 To transition from the stowed position shown to the use position, the user can raise the headrest 8 to its maximum range of travel, release the connection between the neck support 4 and the headrest 8, and move the neck support 4 to the use position as the neck support 4 pivots along the direction P around the pivot axis. Once the user has moved the neck support 4 away from the stowed position shown as a dotted line, the user can lower the headrest 8 to the desired position. In some embodiments, the headrest 8 has multiple stop positions at which the headrest 8 can remain until moved by a force. In this way, the user can adjust the headrest 8 and the neck support 4 by moving the headrest 8 up and down along the direction V. Similarly, to transition the neck support 4 from the use position to the stowed position, the user can raise the headrest 8 to its maximum range of travel, pivot the neck support 4, surround the neck support 4 around the lower surface 22 of the headrest 8, and connect it to the headrest 8.

[0040] The size of the neck support 4 can be configured to adapt to the size of the headrest 8. In some embodiments, the first side 14 of the neck support 4 can have the same length as the headrest 8 in the transverse direction W. Figure 1 In the depicted embodiment, the neck support 4 has the same width along its longitudinal direction L. The length of the neck support 4 in the longitudinal direction L can be configured so that when the headrest 8 is in the highest position relative to the seat back 6 (i.e., the headrest 8 is in the maximum travel range), the neck support 4 can be rotated from the stowed position to the use position, and vice versa. In addition, the neck support 4 has a sufficient length to support the user's neck in the use position.

[0041] The contour of the neck support 4 may be configured to provide comfortable contact and support to the user's neck in the use position. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the neck support 4 may have a first portion 28 adjacent to the first side 14, a second portion 30 away from the first side 14 or adjacent to the second side 16, and a center line 32 separating the first portion 28 and the second portion 30. It should be understood that the center line 32 is not necessarily a center line in the longitudinal direction L. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first portion 28 in the depth direction is greater than the thickness of the second portion 30. In some embodiments, the front surface 18 may have a curvature that rises from the second side 16 toward the center line 32 with a first slope relative to the rear surface 20, and then descends to the first side 14 with a second slope. The second slope may be the same as or different from the first slope.

[0042] In addition, at least the material of the front surface 18 of the neck support 4 is formed of the same material as the cover of the seat back 6 and the cover of the headrest 8, such as fabric or leather or a combination. In some embodiments, both the front surface 18 and the rear surface 20 of the neck support 4 are made of the same material as the cover of the seat back 6. The color and shape of the neck support 4 can be further configured to match the design intention of the vehicle interior. In this way, the neck support 4 is integrated with the vehicle's seat system in terms of both structure and aesthetic appearance.

[0043] In some embodiments, the neck support 4 may include two slots 34 adjacent to the second side 16. The slots 34 are configured to pass through the rods 26 when the neck support 4 is rotated from the use position to the stowed position. In some embodiments, the slots 34 may be configured to be held in place by an interference fit with the rods 26 of the headrest 8. In this way, the neck support 4 can be fixed to the headrest 8 in the stowed position via an interference fit, so no additional locking mechanism is required.

[0044] The neck support 4 may include a locking mechanism to secure the neck support 4 to the headrest 8 in the stowed position. Figure 4is an exploded view of the neck support 4 and the headrest 8 of the seat 2, illustrating an exemplary locking mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a locking pin 36 disposed on the lower surface 22 of the headrest 8 and a locking slot 38 disposed on the rear surface 20 of the neck support 4. The locking slot 38 may include a head 40 for matching the locking pin 36 in the stowed position and an elongated portion 42 in the longitudinal direction L for facilitating movement of the locking pin 36 in the locking slot 38. The seat 2 may include a locking mechanism located in a middle portion of the neck support 4 and a corresponding lower surface 22 of the headrest 8. Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the seat 2 may include multiple locking mechanisms, such as two sets of locking pins and locking slots located at the ends of the neck support 4 and the corresponding lower surface 22 of the headrest 8. It should be understood that any suitable locking mechanism may be used. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be used as a locking mechanism. The lower surface 22 of the headrest 8 may include a fabric strip with a small hook, and the rear surface 20 of the neck support 4 includes a fabric strip with a smaller and more elongated loop. When the neck support 4 is rotated to the stowed position, the hook is captured in the loop to lock the neck support 4, thereby fixing the neck support 4 to the headrest 8.

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 8. In some embodiments, the headrest 8 may include a groove 44 cut from the lower surface 22 of the headrest 8 and configured to partially receive the neck support 4. The groove 44 may be located between the two rods 26. Figure 4 The associated locking mechanism, such as a locking pin, may be disposed on the recess 44. The recess 44 may be configured to meet packaging and styling requirements. It should be understood that the seat may be configured without a recess on the headrest, but still be able to operate the neck support and meet the overall design of the seat system.

[0046] The neck support 4 may further include a central spine portion to provide a support structure for the user's neck. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C An exemplary central spine 50 in a cervical support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The central spine portion 50 can be disposed between the front surface and the rear surface of the cervical support. In some embodiments, the central spine portion 50 can include a flexible back side 52 and a plurality of slats 54. The slats 54 extend in a transverse direction W and are arranged sequentially along a longitudinal direction L. Each slat 54 has a fixed end 56 connected to the flexible back side 52 and a free end 58. The slats 54 can be made of wood or plastic. Figure 6BAs shown, the central spine portion 50 can be configured to bend only in one direction R toward the headrest. The distance d between the free ends 58 of the slats 54 increases as the neck support is rotated toward the headrest. In the use position, the free ends 58 of the slats 54 face the user's neck. In other words, the force F of the user's neck is applied to the free ends 58 of the slats. Since the central spine portion 50 cannot bend in a direction away from the seat back, the neck support provides sufficient reaction force to the user to support the neck.

[0047] The central spine portion 50 can be a separate part that is made separately and connected to the neck support. For example, the spine portion 50 as a module can be attached to the rear surface of the neck support. In another example, the flexible back side 52 can be part of the rear surface of the neck support, and the slats 54 are directly attached to the rear surface of the neck support. Although the central spine portion 50 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it should be understood that the central spine portion can have any suitable shape to match the shape of the neck support while providing enough area for the user's neck to rest.

[0048] It should be understood that the neck support can be constructed without a central spine. The neck support can be filled with a material that has a certain hardness while providing a soft comfort, such as foam and / or fiber material.

[0049] The neck support may have any suitable configuration to meet packaging and design requirements. In some embodiments, Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C 1 and 2 show a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the neck support 104, respectively. Fig. 7A As shown, the neck support 104 has different widths in the longitudinal direction L. The neck support 104 has a first side 114 rotatably connected to the headrest of the seat, a second side 116 opposite to the first side, a first portion 128 adjacent to the first side 114, a second portion 130 adjacent to the second side 116, and a center line 132 between the first portion 128 and the second portion 130. The width of the second portion 130 is less than the distance between the two rods connecting the headrest to the seat, so that the neck support 104 can move between the rods between the use position and the stowed position. The first portion 128 is located in front of the rods in the stowed position, and is therefore configured to have a width greater than the width of the second portion 130.

[0050] refer to Figure 7B and Figure 7C, the neck support 104 has a front surface 118 and a rear surface 120. The neck support 104 may further include a central spine portion 150 disposed between the front surface 118 and the rear surface 120 to provide sufficient reaction force to support the user's neck. A flexible material may be filled to cover the central spine portion. In some embodiments, the neck support 104 may include a neck support pad 160 disposed on the central spine portion 150. The neck support pad may include a flexible material, such as foam, cotton, or a cotton-like material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the neck support cushion 160 may be a bladder. The bladder 160 may be an inflatable cushion disposed adjacent to the front surface 118 to provide a comfortable feeling to the user. In some embodiments, the bladder 160 may be adjustable. The user may adjust the volume of the bladder 160 to inflate or deflate it by pressing a button 162 on the neck support 114 so that the user may obtain a desired contour to support his or her neck.

[0052] like Figure 7B As shown, the front surface 118 of the neck support 104 can have a curvature with different slopes. For example, the second portion 130 can rise from the second side 116 toward the middle line 132 relative to the first slope of the rear surface 120. The first portion 128 can start from the middle line 132, further rise at a second slope, and then descend to the first side 114 at a third slope. The second slope can be greater than the first slope. The third slope can be the same as or different from the second slope. The first portion 128 can be configured to provide a comfortable contact for the user. In addition, the curvature of the neck support 104 can be configured to adapt to the contour of the user's neck.

[0053] The neck support of the present disclosure is integrated with a vehicle seat and is designed for a specific seat. That is, the neck support adapts to the configuration of the seat and the design intent of the seat. Therefore, the seat and the neck support integrated therein can provide the desired comfort while meeting the styling requirements of the seat or vehicle interior. Due to the pivot feature of the neck support, the user can set the neck support to the use position when needed. In addition, the position of the neck support on the seat back can be adjusted by the user by moving the headrest up and down.

[0054] The above disclosure contains multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in a specific form, the specific embodiments disclosed and shown above should not be considered restrictive, because many variations are possible. The subject matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed above and inherent to these inventions by those skilled in the art.

[0055] The following claims specifically point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by presenting new claims in this or a related application.

Claims

1. A seat for a vehicle, comprising: Seat backs; a headrest, wherein the headrest is disposed on the seat back, connected to two rods and movable up and down relative to the seat back; a neck support having a first side in a lateral direction and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the first side is pivotally connected to a lower surface of the headrest, wherein the neck support is rotatable between a use position and a stowed position, and wherein the neck support is disposed on an upper portion of the seat back in the use position and is disposed between the lower surface of the headrest and the seat back in the stowed position, The cervical support further comprises a central spine portion, wherein the central spine portion comprises: a flexible back side; a plurality of slats, the plurality of slats being adjacent to each other along the transverse direction and fixed to the flexible back side, wherein each of the plurality of slats has a fixed end attached to the flexible back side and a free end, wherein the central spine portion of the neck support is configured to bend in only one direction toward the headrest, and the distance between the free ends of the slats increases as the neck support is rotated toward the headrest, and wherein the free ends of the plurality of slats face the user so that the spine portion maintains a reaction force toward the user in the use position.

2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein: The first side of the neck support is connected to the lower surface of the headrest via a living hinge.

3. The seat according to claim 1, wherein: The central spine portion has a rectangular shape.

4. The seat according to claim 1, wherein: The slats are made of wood or plastic.

5. The seat according to claim 1, wherein: The cervical support further includes a cervical support pad disposed on the central spine.

6. The seat according to claim 1, wherein: The headrest includes a recess cut from the lower surface and configured to partially receive the neck support.

7. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The neck support has a first portion adjacent to the first side of the neck support and a second portion away from the first side, and wherein a width of the second portion is smaller than a width of the first portion, and the width of the second portion is smaller than a distance between the two rods.

8. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The thickness of the first portion of the neck support is greater than the thickness of the second portion.

9. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The second portion of the neck support includes two slots adjacent to the second side, and wherein the two slots correspond to the two rods and are configured to receive the two rods in the stowed position. 10 . The seat for a vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism that secures the neck support at the stowed position.

11. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a locking groove formed on a rear surface of the neck support and a locking pin extending from a lower surface of the headrest, and wherein the locking pin is received in the locking groove to lock the neck support to the headrest at the stowed position.

12. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The cervical support further includes a balloon.

13. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the neck support, the cover of the seat back and the cover of the headrest are made of the same material, and wherein the first side of the neck support is sewn to the underside of the headrest.

14. A neck support attached to a headrest of a seat via a hinged connection, comprising: a first side, the first side being attached to the headrest; a front surface that faces toward the neck of a user in a use position; a rear surface, the rear surface being opposite to the front surface; as well as a central spine portion between the front surface and the rear surface, wherein the central spine portion is configured to rotate in only one direction and maintain a reaction force to provide support to a user's neck; The central spine portion is a separate part that is made separately and connected to the neck support, and the central spine portion includes a plurality of slats that are adjacent to each other and fixed to the flexible back side along a lateral direction, wherein each of the plurality of slats has a fixed end attached to the flexible back side and a free end, and the distance between the free ends of the plurality of slats increases as the neck support rotates toward the headrest.

15. The neck brace according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of slats extend along the transverse direction and are disposed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and wherein each of the slats has a fixed end connected to the rear surface and a free end facing the front surface.

16. The neck brace according to claim 14, wherein: The rear surface includes a locking mechanism that secures the neck support to the headrest.

17. The cervical brace of claim 14, further comprising a bladder disposed between the front surface and the rear surface.

18. The neck brace according to claim 14, wherein: The front surface has a curvature, which increases from the second side toward the middle line with a first slope relative to the rear surface, and further increases after the middle line with a second slope greater than the first slope, and then decreases to the first side, and wherein the first slope is less than the second slope.

19. The neck brace of claim 14, further comprising a hinged portion adjacent to the first side, and wherein: The hinged portion is sewn to the headrest to form a living hinge.

20. The neck brace of claim 14, further comprising a first zipper half at the first side, wherein: The first zipper half mates with a second zipper half disposed on the headrest so that the neck support can be detachably connected to the headrest.

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