Portable headrest system

Abstract

A portable headrest system has a case having top and bottom enclosures. The top and bottom enclosures are hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by- side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position. A head supporting cushion is mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user's head in a laying position on the surface. The head supporting cushion has a main cushion portion and a neck portion extending from the main cushion portion. The system may also have a deployable and positionable sunshade to shade a user's face from the sun. The system may also have speakers and may also have a solar panel for charging a rechargeable battery of the system or the batteries of other electronic devices.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] PORTABLE HEADREST SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates generally to headrests and, more particularly, to a portable headrest system having shade and entertainment capability.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Headrests are commonly used by people to support their head when laying down. Examples of headrests may be pillows or cushions or other devices depending on usage situations, such as rolled up towels. It is also common for people to enjoy listening to audio (e.g., music, podcasts, and audiobooks). For example, individuals may enjoy listening to audio while poolside, at a park, or at the beach. People may use headphones, their smart phone, or portable speakers. Further it is common for people to seek shade to cover their face and as such sun shields have become necessary on the beach or by the pool, for example.

[0007] Typically, a day at the beach or poolside requires an individual carrying a sun shield, which can be large and cumbersome, an extra towel to use as a headrest when laying on the sand or ground, and a portable speaker for music. Additionally, the sun shield may not be able to attach to the user's beach chair which may cause it to rest uneasily or unevenly over the user and accordingly, the user may become sunburned from its improper placement. Further, the batteries of a portable speaker or music playing device (i.e., a smartphone or digital audio device) can become drained thereby preventing use. A further problem of the known art is that the individual, in addition to any of the above items, typically carries a cooler to bring drinks or food to the beach or pool side for use while sunbathing and relaxing.

[0008] It is cumbersome for an individual to carry all these items for a relaxing day at the beach or poolside. Accordingly, there is a need and desire for an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for a user to separately carry multiple convenience items to the beach or poolside, or the like, for a day of relaxation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide for a portable headrest system that activates the need to separately carry multiple convenience items, such as a sunshade, a headrest, and speakers, for example.

[0010] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide for a portable headrest system that may include a carrying case having integrated therewith a headrest, a sunshade, and speakers.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide for a portable headrest system that may also have a rechargeable power source and may also have solar panels for providing solar power.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide for a portable headrest system that may also have an integrated fan for providing cooling air to a user.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide for a portable headrest system that may also have reading lights and / or decorative lighting.

[0014] In embodiments, a portable headrest system has a case having top and bottom enclosures. The top and bottom enclosures are hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by-side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position. A head supporting cushion is mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user’s head in a laying position on the surface.

[0015] In embodiments, a portable headrest system has a case having top and bottom enclosures. The top and bottom enclosures are hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by-side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position. A head supporting cushion is mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user’s head in a laying position on the surface. The head supporting cushion has a main cushion portion and a neck portion extending from the main cushion portion. The bottom enclosure has an opening in a longitudinal side thereof through which the neck portion extends. A support is pivotally attached to the bottom enclosure and rotatable between a stored position where the support is disposed generally against the bottom enclosure and a use position where the support is disposed in an upward position relative to the bottom enclosure. In aspects, at least one speaker may be attached to the bottom enclosure. In aspects, a sunshade may be attached to the support. In further aspects, the sunshade may be pivotally attached to the support and positionable between a stored position where the sunshade lays against the support and a deployed position where sunshade extends from the support.

[0016] In additional aspects, the system may have a rechargeable battery and at least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the battery to receive power from the battery.

[0017] In additional aspects, the system may have a solar panel mounted to an interior side of the top enclosure and at least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the solar panel to receive power from the solar panel. In further aspects, the solar panel may be movably connected to the top enclosure to move between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position an interior space of the top enclosure is closed by the solar panel and wherein in the open position the interior space of the top enclosure is accessible.

[0018] In additional aspects, the system may have an air nozzle on the support that is in fluidic communication with an airduct that extends along the support and a fan flui dically connected to the airduct to push air through the airduct and out of the air nozzle.

[0019] Numerous additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide a further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, wherein:

[0023] Figure l is a perspective view of portable headrest system showing a case in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view the portable headrest system showing the case in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view the portable headrest system showing the case in an open configuration with an arch-shaped support element rotated in a use position according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view the portable headrest system showing the case in an open configuration with a sunshield deployed according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view the portable headrest system showing the case in an open configuration with a sunshield deployed according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is an elevational view the portable headrest system showing the case in an open configuration with a sunshield deployed according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an arch-shaped support element according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an electrical system of the portable headrest system deployed according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate inventive aspects, embodiments, implementations, or applications should not be taken as limiting — the claims define the protected invention. Various mechanical, structural, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known devices, structures, or techniques have not been shown or described in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Like reference numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0032] Although this description is made to be sufficiently clear, concise, and exact, scrupulous, and exhaustive linguistic precision is not always possible or desirable, since the description should be kept to a reasonable length and skilled readers will understand background and associated technology.

[0033] In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. And the terms “comprises”, “includes”, “has”, and the like specify the presence of 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 groups.

[0034] Further, specific words chosen to describe one or more embodiments and optional elements or features are not intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms — such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like — may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the Figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different locations (i.e., translational placements) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a device in use or operation in addition to the location and orientation shown in the Figures.

[0035] For example, if a device in the Figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both locations and orientations of above and below. A device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along (translation) and around (rotation) various axes include various special device locations and orientations.

[0036] In FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a portable headrest system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 10 has a case 12 of a clamshell configuration having two enclosures 14 and 16 that are hingedly connected to allow them to come together and close. The first and second enclosures 14 and 16 are similar in shape such as to ensure that at least one storage compartment is formed in a secure manner when case is in a closed position. The shape of the enclosures be any shape suitable for a briefcase or any other storage case including square and rectangular shaped. Moreover, the outer shell of each enclosure, 14 and 16 may be formed from any suitable material that will provide the necessary structural support including a hard thermoplastic.

[0037] As with standard storage cases, case 10 includes a set of hinges permanently attached along the outer edges on the same longitudinal side of each of the enclosures 14, 16. The hinges are positioned and aligned such as to provide for the smooth rotational movement of the enclosures 14, 16 between an open position that allows access to the at least one storage compartment and a closed position that secures the at least one storage compartment from access. A handle 18 is permanently attached to the top enclosure 14 and may be centered on the outer edge of the longitudinal side opposite the hinges. One or more latches may be attached on both enclosures 14, 16, on the outer surface of the longitudinal side opposite the hinges of each of the enclosures 14, 16. The complementary latches on each of the enclosures 14, 16 are positioned to align with each other when the case 10 is in a closed position.

[0038] A head supporting cushion 20 is mounted to the interior side of the bottom enclosure 16. Cushion 20 is configured to comfortably support a user’s head when laying down. Cushion 20 may be constructed of a memory foam material or any other suitable cushion material. Cushion 20 may have main cushion portion 22 and a neck portion 24 that projects from the main cushion portion as shown. The neck portion 24 may be configured to fold back upon the main cushion portion 22 when not being used and when the case 10 is closed. The bottom enclosure 16 may have an opening 25 through its longitudinal side opposite the hinges through which the neck portion 24 may extend through. To this end, a user’s head may be comfortably supported by the cushion 20 without resting on the lip of the bottom enclosure 16. In aspects, speakers 26 may be positioned on opposite sides of the cushion 20. The speakers 26 may be operatively connected to an audio playing device (not shown). As a non-limiting example, the audio playing device may be a smartphone capable of playing music, audiobooks, podcasts and / or other audio content and may be connected to the speakers via a USB connection, which is described in more detail below. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the audio playing device could wirelessly connect to the speakers via Bluetooth® or other wireless communication protocol.

[0039] In aspects, a support 28 may be provided which is configured to have various elements of the system 10 mounted thereto. As shown, in the representative embodiment, support 28 is generally arch shaped and has a pair of spaced arms 30 and horizontal member 32 attached to and extending between the spaced arms. The ends of the arms 30 opposite the horizontal support 32 may be pivotally attached to the bottom enclosure 16 on opposite lateral sides thereof by pivot connections 34. Support 28 is rotatable between a stored position where the support is disposed generally against the bottom 16, as best seen in FIG. 2, and a use position where the support is disposed in an upward, rotated position.

[0040] As further shown, support 28 is configured such that the horizontal member 32 extends across the bottom 16 and thus the head cushion 20. In aspects, support 28 can be selectively positioned (rotated) between the stored and the use position such that the horizontal member 32 provides shade to a user’s face when laying on the cushion. In aspects, a sunshield 36 may be provided to further shade the user’s face. The sunshield 36 is an elongated, planar-shaped element that is pivotally attached to the horizontal member 32 by spaced hinges, for example. Sunshield 36 may be deployed by pivoting or folding it outward from the horizontal member 32 to further block the sun and shade a user’s face. The sunshield 36 is shown in the stored position where it is folded against the top of the horizontal member in FIG. 3 and is shown in a deployed position in FIG. 4.

[0041] In aspects, support 28 may be configured to telescope or extend upwardly away from the bottom 16. In such aspects, each arm 30 has arm segments 30a and 30b that are telescopically connected. In the representatively shown embodiment, arm segment 30a is provided with a slot or channel 46 into which segment 30b is slidingly received.

[0042] In aspects, a power source such as a rechargeable battery 38 may be provided. The battery 38 can be stored in a housing of the case 10, such as housing 41 on the bottom 16, for example. The battery 38 can be configured to provide power to various devices via one or more electrical connections. In aspects, devices may be electrically connected to the battery 38 via one or more USB ports 40 that are operatively connected to the battery to provide power at the ports. In further aspects, one or more USB ports 40 may be operatively connected to speakers 26. An audio playing device may be connected to a USB port to play through the speakers 26 and may also have its battery charged by the battery 38. Battery 38 may also be charged by connecting the battery to an external power source, such as a household electrical outlet.

[0043] In aspects, one or more solar panels 42 may be provided to provide electrical power to devices that are connected via USB ports and / or to recharge the battery 38. As representatively shown, solar panel 42 is attached to the top 14 at its interior side so that the panel will be enclosed and protected when the case 12 is closed. As further representative shown, the solar panel 42 may have a shape and size that corresponds to the shape and size of the top 14. Further the solar panel 42 may be moveably attached to the top 14 to provide access below the solar panel and to the interior space of the top for storing articles therein. As representatively shown, solar panel 42 may be movably attached to the top 14 by one more lift-up (linear) hinges 44 that may connect respective lateral sides of the solar panel and the top as shown. To this end, a user may move the solar panel 42 up and away from the top to allow access to the top’s interior and then move the solar panel back toward and against the top to close its interior storage compartment 48.

[0044] In aspects, an air-cooling system may be provided. In the representatively shown embodiment, one or more air nozzles 50 are attached to the underside of the horizontal member 32. Air nozzles 50 are fluidically connected to one or more air channels 52 formed in the support 28 and having one or more fluted inlets 54 located on arms 30. Electric fans 56 are disposed in the inlets 54 and are operated to draw air from the ambient environment into and through the channels 52 where the air is directed out of the air nozzles 50. Air nozzles 50 may be adjustable to direct the air flowing outward therefrom. The electric fans 56 may be electrically connected to the battery 38 for operation. While the representative embodiment is shown with two fans, it should be appreciated that a single fan or more fans could be implemented. In aspects, while not shown, misting nozzles may be provided that are connected to a water source and which may operate to dispense water from the water source in the form of a mist that may be directed at a user’s face. With additional reference to FIG. 8, system 10 may have an electrical system including a PLC and / or control circuitry 58, a solar panel control circuit 60, and a charging circuit 62. The PLC 58, solar panel control circuit 60, the charging circuit 62, the USB ports 40, the fans 56, and the speakers may all be operatively connected for example by the PLC. A display screen 64, such as for example an LCD screen may also be provided and operatively connected to PLC 58. The screen 64 may operate to display various statuses of system 10. The display screen may be touch sensitive and allow a user to interface with the system such as to operate the fans and / or other components of the system as well as view status information such as charge left in battery 38, power provided by the solar panel 46, and other status information for example.

[0045] In aspects, while not shown, reading lights may be provided such as on the underside of the horizontal member 38. In other aspects, decorative lighting may be provided on case 12, support 28, or any other desirable location. The decorative lighting may be configured to change colors, flash, blink, strobe, etc. as desired by the user.

[0046] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable headrest system comprising: a case having top and bottom enclosures, the top and bottom enclosures hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by-side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position; and a head supporting cushion mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user’s head in a laying position on the surface.

2. A portable headrest system comprising: a case having top and bottom enclosures, the top and bottom enclosures hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by-side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position; a head supporting cushion mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user’s head in a laying position on the surface; the head supporting cushion having a main cushion portion and a neck portion extending from the main cushion portion; the bottom enclosure having an opening in a longitudinal side thereof through which the neck portion extends; and a support, the support pivotally attached to the bottom enclosure and rotatable between a stored position where the support is disposed generally against the bottom enclosure and a use position where the support is disposed in an upward position relative to the bottom enclosure.

3. The portable headrest system of claim 2, further comprising: at least one speaker attached to the bottom enclosure.

4. The portable headrest system of claim 2, further comprising: a sunshade attached to the support.

5. The portable headrest system of claim 4, wherein the sunshade is pivotally attached to the support and positionable between a stored position where the sunshade lays against the support and a deployed position where sunshade extends from the support.

6. The portable headrest system of claim 2, further comprising: a rechargeable battery; and at least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the battery to receive power from the battery.

7. The portable headrest system of claim 2, further comprising: a solar panel mounted to an interior side of the top enclosure; and a least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the solar panel to receive power from the solar panel.

8. The portable headrest system of claim 7, wherein the solar panel is movably connected to the top enclosure to move between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position an interior space of the top enclosure is closed by the solar panel and wherein in the open position the interior space of the top enclosure is accessible.

9. The portable headrest system of claim 2, further comprising: an air nozzle on the support and in fluidic communication with an airduct that extends along the support; and a fan fluidically connected to the airduct to push air through the airduct and out of the air nozzle.

10. A portable headrest system comprising: a case having top and bottom enclosures, the top and bottom enclosures hingedly connected to allow them to lay flat side-by-side on a surface in an open position and come together in a closed position; a head supporting cushion mounted to an interior side of the bottom enclosure such that when the enclosures are in the open position the head supporting cushion is disposed to support a user’s head in a laying position on the surface;a support, the support having a pair of spaced arms and a horizontal member extending between the arms, ends of the arms pivotally attached to the bottom enclosure so that the support is rotatable between a stored position where the support is disposed generally against the bottom enclosure and a use position where the support is disposed in an upward position relative to the bottom enclosure; at least one speaker attached to the bottom enclosure and disposed at a location along a side the head supporting cushion; a rechargeable battery; and at least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the battery to receive power from the battery.

11. The portable headrest system of claim 10, wherein: the head supporting cushion having a main cushion portion and a neck portion extending from the main cushion portion; and the bottom enclosure having an opening in a longitudinal side thereof through which the neck portion extends.

12. The portable headrest system of claim 11, further comprising: a sunshade pivotally attached to the horizontal member of the support.

13. The portable headrest system of claim 12, further comprising: a solar panel mounted to an interior side of the top enclosure; and a least one electrical connection permitting the coupling of an electric device to the solar panel to receive power from the solar panel.

14. The portable headrest system of claim 13, wherein the solar panel is movably connected to the top enclosure to move between a stored position and an open position, wherein in the stored position an interior space of the top enclosure is closed by the solar panel and wherein in the open position the interior space of the top enclosure is accessible.

15. The portable headrest system of claim 13, further comprising: an air nozzle on the horizontal member of the support and in fluidic communication with an airduct that extends along the support; anda fan fluidically connected to the airduct to push air through the airduct and out of the air nozzle.

16. The portable headrest system of claim 15, wherein airduct has a fluted inlet and wherein the fan is disposed in the fluted inlet.

17. The portable headrest system of claim 16, wherein the at least one electrical connection is a USB port.

18. The portable headrest system of claim 17, further comprising: a PLC; and a display screen operatively connected to the PLC.

19. The portable headrest system of claim 18, wherein the display screen is a touch sensitive display screen.

20. The portable headrest system of claim 10, wherein: each support arm has a first arm segment and a second arm segment sliding connected so that a length of the support arm is adjustable.

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