Headrest pillow

Abstract

The invention relates to a headrest pillow. An assembly is described that includes a headrest including a support surface for receiving and supporting a head of an occupant. The headrest is adapted to extend over a seatback portion of the seatback, and the first strap is located on a support surface of the headrest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a headrest - pillow assembly and a method for assembling a pillow to a headrest. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly that includes a headrest - pillow assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0003] Figure 1B is a side view of a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly that includes a headrest - pillow assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of a headrest according to the present disclosure;

[0005] Figure 3A is a rear view of a pillow according to the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 3B is a rear view of a pillow according to the present disclosure; and

[0007] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure.

[0008] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well - known methods, procedures, components, features, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0009] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that numerous and alternative forms are possible. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Thus, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments according to the present disclosure in various ways.

[0010] "One or more" and / or "at least one" includes functions performed by one element, such as functions performed by more than one element in a distributed manner, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0011] It should also be understood that although in some cases the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0012] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0013] As used herein, the term "if" may optionally be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if detected [the condition or event]" may optionally be construed to mean "when determined" or "in response to determining" or "when detected [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", depending on the context.

[0014] Figure 1A A seat assembly 10 is shown, which includes a seat bottom 12, a seat back 14 attached to (e.g., pivotally attached to) the seat bottom 12, and a headrest pillow assembly 16 according to the present disclosure associated with the seat back 14. The headrest pillow assembly 16 includes a headrest 18, which includes a headrest body having a support surface 20 that receives and supports (directly or indirectly) an occupant's head, and the headrest 18 is adapted to extend above a seat back portion 22 of the seat back 14. In Figure 1AIn the illustrated embodiment, for example, the headrest 18 is part of a headrest assembly 24 that includes the headrest 18 and one or more support bars 26 attached to or attachable to the headrest 18. The support bars 26 extend from the seat back 14 to position the headrest 18 above the seat back portion 22 of the seat back 14. The one or more support bars 26 may be adjustably attached to the seat back 14, and / or the headrest 18 may be adjustably attached to the one or more support bars 26 such that the vertical position of the headrest 18 can be adjusted relative to the seat back portion 22 of the seat back 14. In one or more embodiments, the seat back 14 and the headrest 18 may be formed as an integrated seat back headrest configuration, such as Figure 1B the illustrated integrated seat back 14', where the headrest 18' is provided as an upper portion of the integrated seat back 14' such that the headrest 18' extends above the seat back portion 22' of the integrated seat back 14'.

[0015] Referring Figure 1A and Figure 2 , the headrest 18 also includes a first fastener (such as a first strap 28) located on the support surface 20 of the headrest 18. The first strap 28 of the headrest 18 may be made of an abrasion resistant material. In various embodiments, the material of the first strap 28 may be a fabric material or any other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first strap 28 extends from the support surface 20 of the headrest 18 in an upwardly projecting direction. For example, the first strap 28 may be oriented in the upwardly projecting direction and have opposite ends connected (e.g., stitched) to the support surface 20 or other parts of the headrest 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest 18 also includes a padding 30 (such as a foam padding, a padding formed as a mesh member or structure, etc.) and a cover 32 (such as a fabric, leather, vinyl, etc.) located over (e.g., covering or at least partially covering) the padding 30. In one or more embodiments, the first strap 28 is stitched to the cover 32. In an embodiment where the padding 30 is formed as a mesh member, the mesh member may include a set of filaments (such as strands or threads) of a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic resin based on polyamide, polyester, polyimide, polyolefin (e.g., based on polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), polystyrene, or a combination thereof); as an example, the filaments based on polyethylene may be made of linear low density polyethylene (LLPDE). Additionally, each filament in the set of filaments may be looped and adhered to at least one other member in the set of filaments.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest pillow assembly 16 further includes a pillow 34 detachably attached to the headrest 18. The pillow 34 is adjustable relative to the headrest 18 to better accommodate the ergonomic needs of the user (e.g., neck support or head angle). The pillow 34 includes a pillow body 36 having a padding 38 (e.g., a foam padding, formed as a mesh member or structure (e.g., as described above, etc.)) and a cover 40 (e.g., fabric, leather, vinyl, etc.) located on the padding 38 (e.g., covering or at least partially covering the padding 38). The density of the padding 38 may be less than the density of the padding 30 of the headrest 18, such that the pillow 34 may provide a softer support than the headrest 18, thereby allowing the user to obtain a more comfortable and customized experience. This density difference between the padding 38 of the pillow 34 and the padding 30 of the headrest 18 may help the pillow to more easily conform to the user's neck and / or head. The padding 38 of the pillow 34 may be characterized as having a lower density (e.g., about 10 kg / m 3 to 30 kg / m 3 ), compared to the padding 30 of the headrest 18, which may have a higher density (e.g., about 55 kg / m 3 to 75 kg / m 3 ). This variation in density allows the pillow 34 to provide a softer and more adaptable support, enabling the pillow 34 to more effectively conform to the contours of the user's neck and / or head compared to the firmer support provided by the headrest 18.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the pillow 34 further includes a second fastener (e.g., a second strap 42) located on the pillow body 36, and the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 are configured to cooperate to secure the pillow 34 to the headrest 18. In various embodiments, the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 are configured to cooperatively secure the pillow 34 to the headrest 18 by mechanical interlocking of a portion of the first strap 28 and a portion of the second strap 42. The first strap 28 and the second strap 42 may be configured to be connectable to cooperatively secure the pillow 34 to the headrest 18, and the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 are also separable to separate the pillow 34 from the headrest 18.

[0018] In various embodiments, one of the strap 28 and the strap 42 includes first and second portions or segments that are connectable to and separable from each other, such that one strap can be connected to (e.g., looped around and connected to) the other strap and separated from the other strap. In Figure 3AIn the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second strap 42 includes a first portion 44 and a second portion 46, respectively, and the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are connectable and separable from each other (e.g., using a hook-and-loop fastener). For example, one of the portions 44 and 46 of the second strap 42 may include one or more hook fasteners, and the other of the portions 44 and 46 may include one or more loop fasteners that can cooperate with the hook fasteners to secure the portions 44 and 46 together after the portions 44 and 46 have been positioned around the first strap 28. This configuration can enable the pillow 34 to be adjustably attached to the headrest 18.

[0019] Figure 3B A clip embodiment of the strap system is depicted. In this embodiment, the second strap 42' is designed to be connected to the first strap 28 using a clip or clip fastener (e.g., connected around the first strap 28). The second strap 42' includes a first portion 44' and a second portion 46', respectively, and the first portion 44' and the second portion 46' can be connected or separated from each other using a clip fastener to connect or attach the second strap 42' around or to the first strap 28. For example, one of the portions 44' and 46' may include a clip fastener formed by one or more flexible protrusions (e.g., shanks, arms, etc.), and the other of the portions 44' and 46' may include a clip fastener formed as a receptacle (configured to receive the flexible protrusion).

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the second strap 42 may include a first portion and a second portion that are connectable and separable from each other in any suitable manner (e.g., using one or more magnetic fasteners or magnets, one or more snap fasteners (e.g., press studs), a buckle or clasp that receives one portion on another portion, etc.). In still yet another embodiment, the first strap 28 may include a first portion and a second portion that are connectable and separable from each other in any suitable manner, such as using a hook-and-loop fastener, a clip, one or more magnetic fasteners or magnets, one or more snap fasteners (e.g., press studs), a buckle or clasp that receives one portion on another portion, etc., or each of the first strap and the second strap may include a first portion and a second portion that are connectable and separable from each other in any suitable manner, such as having a hook-and-loop fastener, a clip, one or more magnetic fasteners or magnets, one or more snap fasteners (e.g., press studs), a buckle or clasp that receives one portion on another portion, etc. For any of the above embodiments, for example, one of the straps 28, 42 may be connected around the other strap 28, 42 to secure the pillow 34 to the headrest 18.

[0021] In at least one or more embodiments, one of the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 may include a fastener portion that may cooperate with the other of the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 (e.g., cooperate with another fastener portion of the other of the first strap and the second strap) to connect the straps 28, 42 together, thereby securing the pillow 34 to the headrest 18. For example, one of the straps 28, 42 may include one or more hook fasteners that may be connected to one or more loop fasteners formed on the other strap 28, 42. As another example, each of the straps 28, 42 may include a clip or clip fastener, and the clip fasteners may engage each other to connect the straps 28, 42 together. As another example, one of the straps 28, 42 may include a magnet that may engage a metal portion formed on the other strap 28, 42. As yet another example, each of the straps 28, 42 may include a snap fastener (e.g., a snap or snap receiver), and the snap fasteners may engage each other to connect the straps 28, 42 together. As yet another example, one of the straps 28, 42 may include a buckle or clasp that is configured to receive an end of the other strap 28, 42 to connect the straps 28, 42 together.

[0022] In at least one or more embodiments, the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 may be considered examples of a primary fastener and a secondary fastener, respectively, and the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 are configured to interact to secure the pillow 34 to the headrest 18. Additionally, the first strap 28 and the second strap 42 may each independently include any suitable material, such as a textile material, a vinyl material, and / or a leather material.

[0023] Figure 4is a flowchart showing a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. The method includes a first step 48 of aligning a pillow with a headrest, and a second step 50 of fastening a first fastener of the pillow to a second fastener on the headrest. The alignment may include, for example, positioning the pillow at a desired position relative to the headrest on a vehicle seat. The fastening may include, for example, engaging the first fastener of the pillow with the second fastener on the headrest. The first fastener and the second fastener may include any suitable fasteners, such as straps. One of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a first part and a second part that are connectable and separable from each other in any suitable manner, such as with a hook - and - loop fastener, one or more magnetic fasteners or magnets, one or more snap fasteners (e.g., press studs), a buckle or clasp that receives another part on one part, etc., and the fastening step may include engaging the first part and the second part with each other so as to connect one fastener to the other fastener or around the other fastener, thereby fixing the pillow to the headrest. As another example, each of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a first part and a second part that are connectable and separable from each other in the above - mentioned manner so as to connect one of the first fastener and the second fastener to the other of the first fastener and the second fastener or around the other of the first fastener and the second fastener.

[0024] As yet another example, one of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a fastener portion that is configurable to mate (e.g., engage) with the other of the first fastener and the second fastener (e.g., mate with another fastener portion of the other of the first fastener and the second fastener) to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together. As a more specific example, one of the first fastener and the second fastener may include one or more hook fasteners that are connectable to one or more loop fasteners formed on the other of the first fastener and the second fastener, and the fastening step may include engaging the hook fastener and the loop fastener with each other to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together and secure the pillow to the headrest. As another more specific example, each of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a clip or a clip fastener, and the fastening step may include engaging the clip fasteners with each other to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together and secure the pillow to the headrest. As another more specific example, one of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a magnet that is configurable to engage with a metal portion formed on the other of the first fastener and the second fastener, and the fastening step may include engaging the magnet with the metal portion to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together and secure the pillow to the headrest. As yet another more specific example, each of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a snap fastener (e.g., a snap or a snap receiver), and the fastening step may include engaging the snap fasteners with each other to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together and secure the pillow to the headrest. As still yet another more specific example, one of the first fastener and the second fastener may include a buckle or a clasp, and the fastening step may include inserting an end portion of the other of the first fastener and the second fastener into the buckle or the clasp to connect the first fastener and the second fastener together and secure the pillow to the headrest.

[0025] The following clauses describe aspects in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Clause 1. An assembly, comprising: a headrest including a support surface for supporting an occupant's head and a first strap located on the support surface, wherein the headrest is adapted to extend above a seat back portion of a seat back.

[0027] Clause 2. The assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first strap of the headrest comprises a wear-resistant material.

[0028] Clause 3. The assembly according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the first strap of the headrest comprises a fabric material.

[0029] Clause 4. The component according to any one of Clauses 1 - 3, wherein the first strap of the headrest comprises a fabric material.

[0030] Clause 5. The component according to any one of Clauses 1 - 4, wherein the component further comprises at least one support rod adapted to extend the headrest above the seat back.

[0031] Clause 6. The component according to any one of Clauses 1 - 5, wherein the headrest further comprises a cushion and a decorative cover.

[0032] Clause 7. The component according to any one of Clauses 1 - 6, wherein the first strap is stitched to the decorative cover.

[0033] Clause 8. The component according to any one of Clauses 1 - 7, wherein the component further comprises a pillow removably attached to the headrest.

[0034] Clause 9. The component according to Clause 8, wherein the pillow is adjustable relative to the headrest.

[0035] Clause 10. The component according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein the pillow comprises a cushion, and the density of the cushion of the pillow is less than the density of the cushion of the headrest.

[0036] Clause 11. The component according to any one of Clauses 8 - 10, wherein the pillow comprises a pillow body and a second strap located on the pillow body, and the first strap and the second strap are configured to cooperatively secure the pillow to the headrest.

[0037] Clause 12. The component according to Clause 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to cooperatively secure the pillow to the headrest by mechanical interlocking of a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap.

[0038] Clause 13. The component according to Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the first strap and the second strap are also separable to separate the pillow from the headrest.

[0039] Clause 14. A component comprising a headrest, the headrest comprising a support surface for receiving and supporting an occupant's head, a pillow, a primary fastener on the headrest, and a secondary fastener on the pillow, wherein the primary fastener and the secondary fastener interact to secure the pillow to the headrest.

[0040] Clause 15. The component according to Clause 14, wherein the primary fastener and the secondary fastener comprise a textile material or a leather material.

[0041] Clause 16. The component according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, wherein at least one of the primary fastener and the secondary fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0042] Clause 17. The component according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, wherein the primary fastener and the secondary fastener further comprise interacting clips.

[0043] Clause 18. The component according to any one of Clauses 14 - 17, wherein the component further comprises a seat bottom and a seat back attached to the seat bottom, and wherein the headrest is adapted to extend above the seat back.

[0044] Clause 19. The component according to any one of Clauses 14 - 17, wherein the component further comprises a seat bottom and a seat back attached to the seat bottom, and wherein the headrest forms an upper portion of the seat back.

[0045] Clause 20. A method comprising aligning a pillow with a headrest and fastening a primary fastener of the pillow to a secondary fastener on the headrest.

[0046] Clause 21. Any combination according to any of the foregoing Clauses 1 - 20.

[0047] While the exemplary embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that these embodiments describe all possible forms in accordance with the present disclosure. In this regard, the words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive words, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the various features, elements, components, methods, processes, steps, and / or functions of the various embodiments can be combined or utilized in any one or more combinations, and / or can be performed in any order other than the order specifically described herein to form additional embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A component, comprising: A headrest, the headrest including a support surface for supporting an occupant's head and a first strap located on the support surface, wherein the headrest is adapted to extend above a seat back portion of a seat back.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first strap of the headrest comprises a wear-resistant material.

3. The component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The first strap of the headrest comprises a fabric material.

4. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first strap of the headrest extends in an upwardly protruding direction.

5. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The component further includes at least one support rod adapted to cause the headrest to extend above the seat back.

6. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The headrest further includes a cushion and a decorative cover.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The first strap is stitched to the decorative cover.

8. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The component further includes a pillow removably attached to the headrest.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein The pillow is adjustable relative to the headrest.

10. The component according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The pillow includes a cushion, and the density of the cushion of the pillow is less than the density of the cushion of the headrest.

11. The component according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The pillow includes a pillow body and a second strap located on the pillow body, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to cooperatively secure the pillow to the headrest.

12. The component according to claim 11, wherein, The first strap and the second strap are configured to cooperatively secure the pillow to the headrest by mechanical interlocking of a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap.

13. The component according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein, The first strap and the second strap are connectable to cooperatively secure the pillow to the headrest, and the first strap and the second strap are also separable to separate the pillow from the headrest.

14. A component, comprising: A headrest, the headrest including a support surface for supporting an occupant's head; A pillow; A primary fastener located on the headrest; And A secondary fastener located on the pillow, wherein the primary fastener and the secondary fastener are configured to interact to secure the pillow to the headrest.

15. The component according to claim 14, wherein, The primary fastener and the secondary fastener comprise a textile material or a leather material.

16. The component according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein, At least one of the primary fastener and the secondary fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

17. The component according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein The primary fastener and the secondary fastener further include interacting clips.

18. The component according to any one of claims 14 - 17, further comprising a seat bottom and a seat back attached to the seat bottom, wherein the headrest is adapted to extend above the seat back.

19. The component according to any one of claims 14 - 17, further comprising a seat bottom and a seat back attached to the seat bottom, wherein the headrest forms an upper portion of the seat back.

20. A method, comprising: Aligning a pillow with a headrest; And Fastening a first fastener of the pillow to a second fastener on the headrest.

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