Lightweight headrests with suspension mesh and supporting frame

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2017320418-A1
Application number	US-201515319592-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jun 16, 2015
Priority date	Jun 16, 2014
Publication date	Nov 9, 2017
Grant date	—

Abstract

Described are lightweight headrests with a perimeter frame 200 with an open central region. The open central region is spanned by a suspension membrane 100 held in tension. The suspension membrane provides support and cushioning functions to a passenger head without the need for internal structures or compression cushions. The perimeter frame of the headrest may have additional cross members spanning the rear portion of the headrest. These cross members may provide additional structure or locate attachment points for the headrest onto the seat.

First claim

That which is claimed is:

1 . A suspension headrest comprising:
a perimeter frame comprising a forward side, an aft side, and an open central region; and a suspension membrane affixed to forward side of the perimeter frame; wherein the suspension membrane is held in tension across the open central region of the perimeter frame and may deflect into the open central region when load is applied to the suspension membrane.

2 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter frame comprises a rounded rectangle.

3 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter frame comprises a curve such that the forward side of the perimeter frame is substantially concave and the aft side of the perimeter frame is substantially convex.

4 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension membrane comprises a mesh.

5 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension membrane comprises a two-way stretch fabric.

6 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension membrane comprises a four-way stretch fabric.

7 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the tension of the suspension membrane in a first direction is different from the tension of the suspension membrane in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

8 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , further comprising at least one cross member spanning the open central region on the aft side of the perimeter frame, wherein the at least one cross member partially defines an expansion space.

9 . The suspension headrest of claim 8 , wherein the at least one cross member is convex with respect to the aft side of the perimeter frame.

10 . The suspension headrest of claim 8 , wherein the at least one cross member comprises a first cross member and a second cross member.

11 . The suspension headrest of claim 10 , wherein the first cross member is substantially orthogonal to the second cross member.

12 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter frame deflects to provide support in response to loading.

13 . The suspension headrest of claim 8 , wherein the perimeter frame and the at least one cross member deflect to provide support in response to loading.

14 . The suspension headrest of claim 8 , wherein the at least one cross member comprises a horizontal cross member.

15 . The suspension headrest of claim 14 , wherein the horizontal cross member is vertically offset.

16 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension membrane and the perimeter frame comprise a single molded piece of material of varying thickness.

17 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension membrane comprises an integrated reinforcement selected from the group consisting of foam, woven thread, and sleeved reinforcements.

18 . The suspension headrest of claim 1 , wherein the suspension headrest comprises articulating lateral portions.

19 . The suspension headrest of claim 8 , further comprising a cushioning material on the at least one cross member.

20 . A suspension headrest comprising:
a perimeter frame comprising a rounded rectangle comprising an open central region and a forward side and an aft side; a suspension membrane comprising a two-way stretch fabric held in tension across the forward side of the perimeter frame and spanning the open central region; a vertical cross member spanning the aft side of the perimeter frame; and a horizontal cross member spanning the aft side of the perimeter frame orthogonal to the vertical cross member; wherein the perimeter frame comprises a curve such that the forward side of the perimeter frame is substantially concave and the horizontal cross member comprises a curve to follow the profile of the aft side of the perimeter frame.

Assignees

• Zodiac Seats Us Llc

Inventors

• Madrigal Jose
• Parker Ty
• Luevano Patricia

Classifications

• B64D11/0646

  Seats characterised by special features of stationary arms, foot or head rests · CPC title

• B60N2/7011 Primary

  of substantially two-dimensional shape, e.g. hammock-like, plastic shells, fabrics · CPC title

• B64D11/0647

  Seats characterised by special upholstery or cushioning features · CPC title

• A47C7/38

  for the head, e.g. detachable · CPC title

• B64D11/0649

  Seats characterised by special features for reducing weight · CPC title