U.S. patent application number 12/914323 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for headrest for soft back chairs.
Invention is credited to Lance Lauchle, Fenton O'Shea.
Application Number | 20120104807 12/914323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995868 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120104807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lauchle; Lance ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
HEADREST FOR SOFT BACK CHAIRS
Abstract
A portable, detachable headrest for easy attachment to a soft
back or fully padded chair without a need for exposed framework.
When the back of the chair is received between a fixed jaw and a
moveable jaw of the headrest, the moveable jaw firmly compresses
the back of the chair between the moveable jaw and the fixed jaw,
mounting the headrest stably to the back of the chair. The headrest
is adjustable in a vertical direction and an anterior and posterior
direction, such that the user's shoulders and/or back have contact
with the chair back in which the headrest is connected to.
Inventors: |
Lauchle; Lance; (Groton,
NY) ; O'Shea; Fenton; (Groton, NY) |
Family ID: |
45995868 |
Appl. No.: |
12/914323 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/180.11 ;
297/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/180.11 ;
297/397 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38; A47C 7/74 20060101 A47C007/74 |
Claims
1. A portable, detachable headrest for mounting to a back of a soft
back chair without exposed framework, the back having a front
surface with padding for receiving at least a user's back and a
back surface, opposite the first surface, the headrest comprising:
a first arm having a first end and a second end and a channel
extending a length between the first end and the second end; a pad
mounted to the first end of the first arm; a second arm with a
first end and a second end, the first end of the second arm
slidably receiving a second end of the first arm; a first
adjustment knob received by the channel of the first arm and the
first end of the second arm, wherein when first adjustment knob
engages the first arm and locks the first arm in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the back of the chair; a
base comprising an attachment means comprising at least a moveable
jaw and a fixed jaw, the base coupled to the second arm; and a
second adjustment knob received by the second arm, wherein the
second adjustment knob locks the second arm vertically relative to
the back of the chair; wherein when the back of the chair is
received between the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw, the moveable
jaw firmly compresses the back of the chair between the moveable
jaw and the fixed jaw, mounting the headrest stably to the back of
the chair.
2. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the pad further comprises a
heating element, a cooling element, or a vibrating element.
3. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the moveable jaw of the
attachment means comprises: a slide fixedly attached to the base;
and a locking jaw comprising a locking assembly moveable on the
slide and a trigger assembly moveable to a locking position and an
unlocking position relative to the slide; wherein when the trigger
assembly is moved to an unlocking position, the locking jaw is
moveable on the slide towards or away from the fixed jaw.
4. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the attachment means and the
moveable jaw comprises a threaded screw received within a slot, the
threaded screw having a first end coupled to a third adjustment
knob and a second end coupled to a flat surface.
5. The headrest of claim 4, wherein the attachment means is shaped
as a C-clamp.
6. The headrest of claim 4, wherein the threaded screw is fixed and
the moveable jaw slides on the fixed threaded screw.
7. The headrest of claim 4, wherein the flat surface is a swivel
pad.
8. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the moveable jaw of the
attachment means is at least one strap having a ratchet assembly,
the at least one strap being moveable relative to the fixed jaw of
the base by the ratchet assembly.
9. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the moveable jaw of the
attachment means comprises a pivoting rack coupled to the moveable
jaw of the attachment means and a locking pivot comprising a
ratchet.
10. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the moveable jaw further
comprises a wedge.
11. The headrest of claim 10, wherein the wedge is adjustable.
12. The headrest of claim 1, further comprising a third arm fixedly
attached to the base and coupling the base to the second arm,
including a channel extending a length, wherein the second
adjustment knob is received by the channel in the third arm.
13. The headrest of claim 1, wherein the second arm and the base
each further comprise a channel extending a length, wherein the
channel of the base is aligned with channel of the second arm and
wherein when the second adjustment knob is received by the channel
of the second arm and the channel of the base.
14. A portable, detachable headrest for mounting to a back of a
soft back chair without exposed framework, the back having a front
surface with padding for receiving at least a user's back and a
back surface, opposite the first surface, the headrest comprising:
a first arm having a first end and a second end; a pad mounted to
the first end of the first arm; at least one fixed jaw leg having a
first end and a second end; an adjustment knob coupling the first
arm and the at least one fixed jaw leg together; a first bracket
piece pivotally connected to the first end of the at least one
fixed jaw leg through a linkage piece; and a moveable jaw leg
pivotally attached to the first bracket piece and the at least one
fixed jaw leg; wherein when the back of the chair is received
between the fixed jaw leg and the moveable jaw leg, the moveable
jaw leg firmly compresses the back of the chair between the
moveable jaw and the fixed jaw, mounting the headrest stably to the
back of the chair.
15. The headrest of claim 14, wherein the pad further comprises a
heating element, a cooling element, or a vibrating element.
16. The headrest of claim 14, further comprising a second fixed jaw
leg coupled to the at least one fixed jaw leg and the adjustment
knob.
17. The headrest of claim 14, further comprising a second bracket
piece mounted to the first bracket piece and the moveable jaw
leg.
18. A portable, detachable headrest for mounting to a back of a
soft back chair without exposed framework, the back having a front
surface with padding for receiving at least a user's back and a
back surface, opposite the first surface, the headrest comprising:
a first arm having a first end and a second end; a pad mounted to
the first end of the first arm; at least one fixed jaw leg having a
first end and a second end; a first adjustment knob coupling the
first arm and the at least one fixed jaw leg together; a holder
coupled to the first end of the fixed jaw leg; a threaded shaft
received by the holder having a first end coupled to a second
adjustment knob and a second end; and a moveable jaw leg pivotally
attached to the at least one fixed jaw leg and in contact with the
second end of the threaded shaft; wherein when the back of the
chair is received between the fixed jaw leg and the moveable jaw
leg, the moveable jaw leg firmly compresses the back of the chair
between the moveable jaw and the fixed jaw, mounting the headrest
stably to the back of the chair.
19. The headrest of claim 18, wherein the pad further comprises a
heating element, a cooling element, or a vibrating element.
20. The headrest of claim 18, further comprising a second fixed jaw
leg coupled to the at least one fixed jaw leg and the adjustment
knob.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention pertains to the field of headrests. More
particularly, the invention pertains to a portable headrest for a
soft back chair.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Headrests are used with numerous chairs. The headrests are
often integral with the chairs and therefore cannot be removed and
placed on other chairs as needed, especially padded backed chairs
in which no framework and/or specific device for headrest mounting
is exposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A portable, detachable headrest for easy attachment to a
soft back or fully padded chair without a need for exposed
framework. When the back of the chair is received between a fixed
jaw and a moveable jaw of the headrest, the moveable jaw firmly
compresses the back of the chair between the moveable jaw and the
fixed jaw, mounting the headrest stably to the back of the chair.
The headrest is adjustable in a vertical direction and an anterior
and posterior direction, such that the user's shoulders and/or back
have contact with the chair back to which the headrest is connected
to.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0006] FIG. 1 shows side view of a headrest with a sliding bar
clamp of a first embodiment with a side cover of the sliding bar
clamp removed.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a sliding
bar clamp of a first embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a back view of a headrest with a sliding bar
clamp of a first embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a
headrest with a sliding bar clamp of a first embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a headrest with a c-clamp of a
second embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a c-clamp
of a second embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a back view of a headrest with a c-clamp of a
second embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a headrest with a strap clamp of
a third embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a strap
clamp of a third embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows a back view of a headrest with a strap clamp
of a third embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a headrest with a pivoting
ratchet clamp of a fourth embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a
pivoting ratchet clamp of a fourth embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 13 shows a back view of a headrest with a pivoting
ratchet clamp of a fourth embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 14 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 13 of
a headrest with a pivoting ratchet clamp of a fourth
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 15 shows a sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 13 of
a headrest with a pivoting ratchet clamp of a fourth
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a headrest with a parallel
gripper clamp of a fifth embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a
parallel gripper clamp of a fifth embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 18 shows a front view of a headrest with a parallel
gripper clamp of a fifth embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 19 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 18 of
a headrest with a parallel gripper clamp of a fifth embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 20 shows a side view of a headrest with a parallel
gripper clamp and a wedge of a sixth embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of a headrest with a
parallel gripper clamp and an adjustable wedge of a seventh
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 22 shows a front view of a headrest with a parallel
gripper clamp and an adjustable wedge of a seventh embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 23 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 22 of
a headrest with a parallel gripper clamp and an adjustable wedge of
a seventh embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 24 shows a side view of a headrest with linkage clamp
of an eighth embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of a headrest with linkage
clamp of an eighth embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 26 shows a front view of a headrest with linkage clamp
of an eighth embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 27 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 23 of
a headrest with linkage clamp of an eighth embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 28 shows a side view of a headrest with screw linkage
clamp of a ninth embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 29 shows an isometric view of a headrest with screw
linkage clamp of a ninth embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 30 shows a front view of a headrest with screw linkage
clamp of a ninth embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 31 shows a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 27 of
a headrest with screw linkage clamp of a ninth embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 32 shows an isometric view of a headrest of the present
invention mounted to a soft back chair.
[0038] FIG. 33 shows a front view of a headrest of the present
invention mounted to a soft back chair.
[0039] FIG. 34 shows a sectional view of along line A-A of FIG. 33
headrest of the present invention mounted to a soft back chair.
[0040] FIG. 35 shows an isometric view of a headrest of a tenth
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 36 shows another isometric view of a headrest of a
tenth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The invention is for a portable, detachable headrest for
easy attachment to a soft back or fully padded chair without a need
for exposed framework and/or specific device for headrest mounting.
The front surface of the back of the chair is the surface that
receives a user's back when sitting upright in the chair. A pad
receives the user's head. The back surface of the back of the chair
is the surface opposite the front surface of the back of the chair.
The detachable headrest is adjustable in a vertical direction along
a y axis and an anterior and posterior direction along a z axis,
such that the user's shoulders and/or back have contact with the
chair back to which the headrest is connected to. The detachable
headrest attaches to the chair with substantial force to compress
the pad against the frame existing within the chair and attach/hold
the headrest in use without significant deflection and without
allowing the headrest to fall off of the chair. The pressure
exerted on the soft back of the chair the headrest is attached to
is at a level that avoids permanently deforming, cutting, tearing,
or puncturing the chair cover material or the chair padding as
shown in FIGS. 32-34.
[0043] FIGS. 1-4 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
first embodiment. A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11
defined by the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to
the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first
end and the second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment
knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18. By
rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
first direction, the threaded portion 19 of the knob engages the
nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm 18 relative to the
second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an anterior/posterior
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
By rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the first arm 18
can be slid within the hole 11 of the second arm 12, adjusting the
position of the pad 10 in an anterior/posterior direction relative
to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
[0044] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12.
[0045] A second threaded adjustment knob 22 is received by a nut 44
within the base 14 and engages the channel 13 of the second arm 12
and the preferably present channel 37 of the base 14.
Alternatively, the channels 13, 37 may also be holes. Spacer(s) 42
is preferably present between the base 14 and the open bore 15 of
the second arm 12. By rotating or turning the second threaded
adjustment knob 22 in a first direction, the threaded portion 35 of
the knob 22 engages the nut 44 and locks the position of the second
arm 12 relative to the base 14 along the y axis, and thus
vertically relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
By rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a second
direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12 slides
on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a vertical
direction (along the y-axis) relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached.
[0046] The second end of the base 14 has a first leg 16 that forms
a fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft
backed chair and a second leg 24 that acts as a slide bar and is
slidably received within a slot 21 that passes through a handle
assembly 26. The handle assembly 26 includes a body 34 through
which the slot 21 passes, a cavity 23, a handle grip 25, and an
integrally formed moveable jaw surface 27 on the body 34 opposite
the handle grip 25. The handle grip 25 has a grip cavity 29 in
which to receive a trigger handle 32. The trigger handle 32 is
coupled to an index plate 40 which is received within the cavity
23. The index plate 40 is suspended on the second leg 24 or slide
bar of the base 14. An index spring 38 is compressed between the
index plate 40 and a surface 31 of the cavity 23 urging the index
plate 40 against an upper end of the trigger handle 32. A release
trigger 28 is suspended from the second leg 24 or slide bar of the
base 16. One end of the release trigger 28 is pivotably captured in
a recess 33 within the body 34 such that the release trigger 28 may
pivot within constraints defined by the surfaces of the recess 33.
A spring 36 within the recess 33 biases the release trigger 28
towards the trigger handle 32. A clamp stop 30 is preferably
present on the end of the second leg 24 or slide bar to prevent the
handle assembly 26 from being removed from the slide bar or second
leg 24.
[0047] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw surface 27
relative to the fixed jaw 16 and attach the headrest to a soft back
chair, the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second
leg 16 forming the fixed jaw and the moveable second jaw surface 27
such that the headrest is placed on the top of the back of the
chair with the fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of
the back of the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and
the moveable jaw surface 27 is placed over and on the back surface
of the back of the chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place
on the chair, the trigger handle 32 is pivoted away from the fixed
jaw 16, indexing the moveable jaw surface 27 on the second leg 24
towards the fixed jaw 16 with release trigger 28 acting as a
ratcheting device until the moveable jaw surface 27 firmly
compresses the back of the chair with the fixed jaw 16 and the
headrest is fastened to the chair. It should be noted that once the
headrest is tightened onto the chair, both the front surface of the
chair and the back surface of the chair are preferably compressed,
such that a user's shoulders and back preferably do not contact the
fixed jaw 16.
[0048] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would pull the release trigger 28 away from the fixed jaw 16 and
slide the handle assembly 26 away from the back surface of the back
of the chair.
[0049] FIGS. 5-7 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
second embodiment. A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11
defined by the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to
the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first
end and the second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment
knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18 as in the
first embodiment. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a first direction, the threaded portion 19 of
the knob engages the nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm
18 relative to the second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, the first arm 18 slides within the hole 11 of the second
arm 12, adjusting the position of the pad 10 in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached.
[0050] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 preferably has a
corresponding channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the
second arm 12 when the first end of the base 14 is received by the
open bore 15 of the second arm 12. Alternatively, the channel 13,
37 may be a hole.
[0051] As in the first embodiment, a second threaded adjustment
knob 22 is received by a nut 44 within the base 14 and engages the
channel 13 of the second arm 12 and the channel 37 of the base 14.
Spacer(s) 42 is preferably present between the base 14 and the open
bore 15 of the second arm 12. By rotating or turning the second
threaded adjustment knob 22 in a first direction, the threaded
portion 35 of the knob 22 engages the nut 44 and locks the position
of the second arm 12 relative to the base 14 along they axis, and
thus vertically relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached. By rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12
slides on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a
vertical direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached.
[0052] The second end of the base 14 has a first leg 16 that forms
a fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft
backed chair and a second leg 58 that has a threaded hole 53 and
receives a threaded screw 52 with a third adjustment knob 56 at one
end and a flat surfaced swivel pad 50 on the opposite end and forms
an adjustable C-clamp.
[0053] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw or flat surfaced
swivel pad 50 relative to the fixed jaw 16 and attach the headrest
to a soft back chair, the back of the soft back chair is fitted
between the second leg 16 forming the fixed jaw and the moveable
flat surfaced swivel pad 50 such that the headrest is placed on the
top of the back of the chair with the fixed jaw 16 placed over and
on the front surface of the back of the chair receiving a user's
back and/or shoulders and the moveable flat surfaced swivel pad 50
is placed over and on the back surface of the back of the chair. To
tighten and fix the headrest in place on the chair, the third
adjustment knob 56 is rotated until the moveable flat surfaced
swivel pad 50 firmly compresses the back and/or front of the chair
with the fixed jaw 16, and thus the headrest is fastened to the
chair.
[0054] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the third adjustment knob 56 in direction opposite of
that to tighten the headrest onto the chair.
[0055] FIGS. 8-10 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
third embodiment. A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11
defined by the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to
the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first
end and the second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment
knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18 as in the
first embodiment. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a first direction, the threaded portion 19 of
the knob engages the nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm
18 relative to the second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, the first arm 18 slides within the hole 11 of the second
arm 12, adjusting the position of the pad 10 in an
anterior/posterior direction (z-axis) relative to the chair to
which the headrest is attached.
[0056] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12. Alternatively, the channel 13, 37 may be a
hole.
[0057] As in the first embodiment a second threaded adjustment knob
22 is received by a nut 44 within the base 14 and engages the
channel 13 of the second arm 12 and the channel 37 of the base 14.
Spacer(s) 42 is preferably present between the base 14 and the open
bore 15 of the second arm 12. By rotating or turning the second
threaded adjustment knob 22 in a first direction, the threaded
portion 35 of the knob 22 engages the nut 44 and locks the position
of the second arm 12 relative to the base 14 along they axis, and
thus vertically relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached. By rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12
slides on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a
vertical direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached.
[0058] The second end of the base 14 has a first leg 16 that forms
a fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft
backed chair. Attached to the first leg 16 of the base 14 is at
least one strap 60 with a ratchet assembly 62 that acts as a band
clamp or web clamp. While only two straps each with a ratchet
assembly 62 are shown, any number of straps may be used. Clamping
pressure is applied to the soft back chair through a ratchet
assembly 62 which tightens the straps 60 encircling the front
surface and back surface of the back of the soft back chair without
damaging the chair and still allowing the headrest to be secured to
the chair and held in place.
[0059] FIGS. 11-15 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
fourth embodiment. A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11
defined by the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to
the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first
end and the second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment
knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18. By
rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
first direction, the threaded portion 19 of the knob engages the
nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm 18 relative to the
second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an anterior/posterior
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
By rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the first arm 18
slides within the hole 11 of the second arm 12, adjusting the
position of the pad 10 in an anterior/posterior direction relative
to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
[0060] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12. Alternatively, the channel 13, 37 may be a
hole.
[0061] A second threaded adjustment knob 22 is received by a nut 44
within the base 14 and engages the channel 13 of the second arm 12
and the channel 37 of the base 14. Spacer(s) 42 is preferably
present between the base 14 and the open bore 15 of the second arm
12. By rotating or turning the second threaded adjustment knob 22
in a first direction, the threaded portion 35 of the knob 22
engages the nut 44 and locks the position of the second arm 12
relative to the base 14 along they axis, and thus vertically
relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached. By
rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a second
direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12 slides
on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a vertical
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached.
[0062] The second end of the base 14 has a first leg 16 that forms
a fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft
backed chair and a second leg is formed with a moveable jaw 66 at
one end and a pivoting rack 71 at the other end received within a
cavity 63 of the base 14. The pivoting rack 71 is split to receive
a lever arm 70 and both the lever arm 70 and the pivoting rack 71
are pivotably mounted to a pin 68. A pawl 74 is spring 76 biased
into contact with the teeth 61 of the pivoting rack 71. A pawl
release 64 is integrally formed with the pawl 74, such that when
the pawl 74 is moved, spring 76 is compressed and the moveable jaw
may be released. Attached to the lever arm 70 is a lever arm pawl
72 engaged with the pivoting rack 71. The rack teeth 61 of the
pivoting rack 71 are shaped such that the movable jaw 66 of the
attachment means is a one-way ratchet. The hole 78 of the lever arm
70 to which the pivot pin 68 is received is slightly larger than
the pivot pin 68 to allow the lever arm 70 to be moved to a
position to which the lever arm pawl 72 disengages the pivoting
rack 71 and the lever arm 70 and lever arm pawl 72 may be freely
moved along the pivoting rack 71 to a position of choice.
[0063] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 66 relative to
the fixed jaw 16 and attach the headrest to a soft back chair, the
back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second leg 16
forming the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw 66 such that the
headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair with the
fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of the back of
the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and the moveable
jaw surface 27 is placed over and on the back surface of the back
of the chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place on the
chair, the lever arm 72 is ratcheted until the moveable jaw 66 of
the attachment means firmly compresses the back of the soft back
chair with fixed jaw 16 and the headrest is fastened to the
chair.
[0064] To release or remove the headrest from the back of the soft
back chair, a user would engage the pawl release 64 to allow the
pivoting rack 71 to move freely and thus move the moveable jaw 66
away from the back surface of the back of the soft back chair.
[0065] FIGS. 16-19 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
fifth embodiment. A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11
defined by the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to
the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first
end and the second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment
knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18. By
rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
first direction, the threaded portion 19 of the knob engages the
nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm 18 relative to the
second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an anterior/posterior
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
By rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the first arm 18
slides within the hole 11 of the second arm 12, adjusting the
position of the pad 10 in an anterior/posterior direction relative
to the chair to which the headrest is attached. Alternatively, the
channel 13, 37 may be a hole.
[0066] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12.
[0067] A second threaded adjustment knob 22 is received by a nut 44
within the base 14 and engages the channel 13 of the second arm 12
and the channel 37 of the base 14. Spacer(s) 42 is preferably
present between the base 14 and the open bore 15 of the second arm
12. By rotating or turning the second threaded adjustment knob 22
in a first direction, the threaded portion 35 of the knob 22
engages the nut 44 and locks the position of the second arm 12
relative to the base 14 along they axis, and thus vertically
relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached. By
rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a second
direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12 slides
on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a vertical
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached.
[0068] The second end of the base has a first leg 16 that forms a
fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft backed
chair and a second leg 80 that is the moveable jaw and is moveably
attached to a threaded screw 84. The threaded screw 84 is received
within a hole 83 that runs the entire length of the base 14 in a
direction of the z axis. The threaded screw 84 is prevented from
moving in an axial direction by an axial screw constraint 86 placed
on an end of the threaded screw 84 received by the first leg 16 of
the base 14 forming the fixed jaw of the attachment means. The
opposite end of the threaded screw 84 is received by an adjustment
knob 82. Rotation of the adjustment knob 82 rotates the moveable
jaw 80 relative to the threaded screw 84, moving the moveable jaw
80 towards and away from the fixed jaw 16.
[0069] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 80 relative to
the fixed jaw 16 and attached the headrest to the soft back chair,
the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second leg 16
forming the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw 80 such that the
headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair with the
fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of the back of
the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and the moveable
jaw 80 is placed over and on the back surface of the back of the
chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place on the chair, the
adjustment knob 82 is rotated until the moveable jaw 80 of the
attachment means is firmly compresses the back of the chair with
the fixed jaw 16 and the headrest is fastened to the chair.
[0070] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the adjustment knob 82 in a direction opposite of the
direction to tighten the headrest onto the chair.
[0071] FIG. 20 show a headrest with an attachment means of a sixth
embodiment. The difference between the headrest shown in FIG. 20
and the headrest shown in FIGS. 16-19 is the addition of a wedge 90
mounted to the moveable jaw 80 of the attachment means.
[0072] As in the fifth embodiment, a first arm 18 of the headrest
has a first end mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably
received by a hole 11 defined by the first end of a second arm 12,
and perpendicular to the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a
length between the first end and the second end of the arm 18. A
first threaded adjustment knob 20 is received by a nut 46 within
the first arm 18, passing through and engaging the channel 17 of
the first arm 18. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a first direction, the threaded portion 19 of
the knob engages the nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm
18 relative to the second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, the first arm 18 slides within the hole 11 of the second
arm 12, adjusting the position of the pad 10 in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached.
[0073] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12. Alternatively, the channel 13, 37 may be a
hole.
[0074] A second threaded adjustment knob 22 is received by a nut 44
within the base 14 and engages the channel 13 of the second arm 12
and the channel 37 of the base 14. Spacer(s) 42 is preferably
present between the base 14 and the open bore 15 of the second arm
12. By rotating or turning the second threaded adjustment knob 22
in a first direction, the threaded portion 35 of the knob 22
engages the nut 44 and locks the position of the second arm 12
relative to the base 14 along they axis, and thus vertically
relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached. By
rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a second
direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12 slides
on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a vertical
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is
attached.
[0075] The second end of the base has a first leg 16 that forms a
fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft backed
chair and a second leg 80 that is the moveable jaw and is moveably
attached to a threaded screw 84. Mounted to the moveable jaw 80 is
a wedge 90. The threaded screw 84 is received within a hole 83 that
runs the entire length of the base 14 in a direction of the z axis.
The threaded screw 84 is prevented from moving in an axial
direction by an axial screw constraint 86 placed on an end of the
threaded screw 84 received by the first leg 16 of the base 14
forming the fixed jaw of the attachment means. The opposite end of
the threaded screw 84 is received by an adjustment knob 82.
Rotation of the adjustment knob 82 rotates the moveable jaw 80
relative to the threaded screw 84, moving the moveable jaw 80
towards and away from the fixed jaw 16.
[0076] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 80 relative to
the fixed jaw 16 and attached the headrest to the soft back chair,
the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second leg 16
forming the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw 80 such that the
headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair with the
fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of the back of
the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and the moveable
jaw 80 is placed over and on the back surface of the back of the
chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place on the chair, the
adjustment knob 82 is rotated until the wedge 90 of the moveable
jaw 80 of the attachment means is firmly compresses the back of the
chair with the fixed jaw 16 and the headrest is fastened to the
chair.
[0077] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the adjustment knob 82 in a direction opposite of the
direction to tighten the headrest onto the chair.
[0078] FIGS. 21-23 show a headrest with an attachment means of a
seventh embodiment. The difference between the headrest shown in
FIGS. 21-23 and the headrest shown in FIGS. 16-19 is the addition
of an adjustable or tiltable wedge 91 mounted to the moveable jaw
80 of the attachment means.
[0079] As in the fifth embodiment, a first arm 18 of the headrest
has a first end mounted to a pad 10 and a second end slidably
received by a hole 11 defined by the first end of a second arm 12,
and perpendicular to the second arm 12. A channel 17 extends a
length between the first end and the second end of the first arm
18. A first threaded adjustment knob 20 is received by a nut 46
within the first arm 18, passing through and engaging the channel
17 of the first arm 18. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a first direction, the threaded portion 19 of
the knob engages the nut 46 and locks the position of the first arm
18 relative to the second arm 12 along the z axis, and thus in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached. By rotating or turning the first threaded
adjustment knob 20 in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, the first arm 18 slides within the hole 11 of the second
arm 12, adjusting the position of the pad 10 in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the chair to which the
headrest is attached as shown in FIGS. 32-34.
[0080] The second arm 12 has a second end that is an open bore 15
and slidably receives a first end of a base 14. The second arm 12
has a channel 13 extending between the first end and the second end
of the arm 12. The first end of the base 14 has a corresponding
channel 37 that is aligned with the channel 13 of the second arm 12
when the first end of the base 14 is received by the open bore 15
of the second arm 12. Alternatively, the channel 13, 37 may be a
hole.
[0081] A second threaded adjustment knob 22 is received by a nut 44
within the base 14 and engages the channel 13 of the second arm 12
and the channel 37 of the base 14. Spacer(s) 42 is preferably
present between the base 14 and the open bore 15 of the second arm
12. By rotating or turning the second threaded adjustment knob 22
in a first direction, the threaded portion 35 of the knob 22
engages the nut 44 and locks the position of the second arm 12
relative to the base 14 along they axis, and thus vertically
relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached. By
rotating the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a second
direction, opposite the first direction, the second arm 12 slides
on the base 14, adjusting the height of the pad 10 in a vertical
direction relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached
as shown in FIGS. 32-34.
[0082] The second end of the base has a first leg 16 that forms a
fixed jaw of the attachment means of the headrest to a soft backed
chair and a second leg 80 that is the moveable jaw and is moveably
attached to a threaded screw 84. The second leg has a cutout 94 for
receiving an adjustable wedge 91. The adjustable wedge is rotatably
mounted to the moveable jaw 80 on a pin 95. The angle of the
incline of the adjustable wedge 91 relative to the moveable jaw 80
is adjustable by placing a pin 93 within one of a plurality of
holes 92 on the adjustable wedge 91. If no angle is desired, or for
shipping purposes, the adjustable wedge may be flush with the
moveable jaw by securing pin 93 within the bottommost pin hole 96,
92 in the moveable jaw 80 and the adjustable wedge 91. The threaded
screw 84 is received within a hole 83 that runs the entire length
of the base 14 in a direction of the z axis. An end of the threaded
screw 84 is received by an adjustment knob 82. Rotation of the
adjustment knob 82 translates the moveable jaw 80 relative to the
threaded screw 84, moving the moveable jaw 80 towards and away from
the fixed jaw 16.
[0083] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 80 relative to
the fixed jaw 16 and attached the headrest to the soft back chair,
the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second leg 16
forming the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw 80 such that the
headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair with the
fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of the back of
the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and the moveable
jaw 80 is placed over and on the back surface of the back of the
chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place on the chair, the
adjustment knob 82 is rotated until the adjustable wedge 91 of the
moveable jaw 80 of the attachment means is firmly compresses the
back of the chair with the fixed jaw 16 and the headrest is
fastened to the chair.
[0084] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the adjustment knob 82 in a direction opposite of the
direction to tighten the headrest onto the chair.
[0085] In all of the above embodiments, the pad is shown to be
oblong in shape, but may be any shape that may be comfortable for
the user to rest their head against. Additionally, the headrest may
be covered, and may include a heating element or a cooling
element.
[0086] FIGS. 24-27 show a headrest with an attachment means of an
eighth embodiment. A first arm 112 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to a pad 100 and a second end with a hole 111 that receives
a threaded portion 113 of an adjustment knob 110. At least one
fixed jaw leg 108 also receives the threaded portion 113 of the
adjustment knob 110 and is pivotally attached to the adjustment
knob 110. When the adjustment knob 110 is rotated in a first
direction, the pad 100 is locked into place rotationally relative
to the rest of the device. When the adjustment knob 110 is rotated
in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the position
of the pad 100 may be pivoted relative to the rest of the
device.
[0087] A second fixed jaw leg 109 may also be mounted or receive
the threaded portion 113 of the adjustment knob 110 and if present,
moves with the at least one fixed jaw leg 108. The second fixed jaw
leg 109 provides additional support for attaching the headrest to
the back of a chair.
[0088] A linkage piece 102 is pivotally pinned 114 to the first end
of the at least one fixed jaw leg 108 and a first bracket piece 104
in one of a series holes 116 by pin 118. The first bracket piece
104 is pivotally connected to a moveable jaw leg 106 by pin 120. A
second bracket piece 105 may be attached to the first bracket piece
104 and the linkage piece 102 to provide extra support to the
headrest.
[0089] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 106 relative to
the fixed jaw leg 108, 109, and attach the headrest to a soft back
chair, the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the at
least one fixed jaw leg 108, 109 and the moveable jaw leg 106, such
that the headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair
with the fixed jaw leg 108, 109 placed over and on the front
surface of the back of the chair receiving a user's back and/or
shoulders and the moveable jaw leg 106 is placed over and on the
back surface of the back of the chair. To tighten and fix the
headrest in place on the chair, a user would move either the first
bracket piece 104 (and the second bracket piece 105 if present) and
consequently the moveable jaw leg 106 to a position in with the
moveable jaw leg 106 firmly compresses the back of the chair with
at least one of the fixed jaw legs 108, 109 and the headrest is
fastened to the chair. To alter the placement of the pad in which
receives the head of a user may be altered by rotating the first
adjustment knob 110 and by threading the pad 100 out from the first
arm 112 and tightening the nut 124.
[0090] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would move either the first bracket piece 104 (and second bracket
piece 105 is present) and consequently the moveable jaw leg 106 to
a position in which the moveable jaw leg 106 no longer compresses
the back of the chair.
[0091] FIGS. 28-31 show a headrest with an attachment means of an
ninth embodiment. A first arm 112 of the headrest has a first end
mounted to pad 100 and a second end with a hole 111 that receives a
threaded portion 113 of an adjustment knob 110. At least one fixed
jaw leg 108 also receives the threaded portion 113 of the
adjustment knob 110 and is pivotally attached to the adjustment
knob 110. When the adjustment knob 110 is rotated in a first
direction, the pad 100 is locked into place rotationally relative
to the rest of the device. When the adjustment knob 110 is rotated
in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the position
of the pad 100 may be pivoted relative to the rest of the
device.
[0092] A first end of the fixed jaw leg 108 is coupled to a holder
136 by pins 132 (or otherwise suitably rigidly attached). The
holder 136 has a hole 134 for receiving a threaded shaft 126 of a
second adjustment knob 128. The end of the threaded shaft 126
opposite the end that receives the second adjustment knob 128
contacts a surface of a moveable jaw leg 106. The moveable jaw 106
is pivotally attached to the at least one fixed jaw leg 108,
109.
[0093] A second fixed jaw leg 109 may also be mounted or receive
the threaded portion 113 of the adjustment knob 110 and if present,
moves with at least one fixed jaw leg 108. The second fixed jaw leg
109 provides additional support for attaching the headrest to the
back of a chair.
[0094] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 106 relative to
the at least one fixed jaw leg 108, 109, and attach the headrest to
a soft back chair, the back of the soft back chair is fitted
between at least one fixed jaw leg 108, 109 and the moveable jaw
leg 106, such that the headrest is placed on the top of the back of
the chair with the fixed jaw leg 108, 109 placed over and on the
front surface of the back of the chair receiving a user's back
and/or shoulders and the moveable jaw leg 106 is placed over and on
the back surface of the back of the chair. To tighten and fix the
headrest in place on the chair, a user would rotate the second
adjustment knob 128, which causes the threaded portion 126 to press
on the moveable jaw leg 106, to move the movable jaw leg to a
position in which the moveable jaw leg 106 firmly compresses the
back of the chair with at least one of the fixed jaw legs 108, 109
and the headrest is fastened to the chair. The placement of the pad
in which receives the head of a user may be altered by rotating the
first adjustment knob 110 and by threading the pad 100 out from the
first arm 112 and tightening the nut 124.
[0095] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the second adjustment knob 128 in a direction opposite
to of the direction to tighten the moveable jaw leg onto the
headrest onto the chair.
[0096] FIGS. 35-36 show a headrest of a tenth embodiment similar to
the headrest of the seventh embodiment with the adjustable wedge
91.
[0097] A first arm 18 of the headrest has a first end mounted to a
pad 10 and a second end slidably received by a hole 11 defined by
the first end of a second arm 12, and perpendicular to the second
arm 12. A channel 17 extends a length between the first end and the
second end of the arm 18. A first threaded adjustment knob 20 is
received by a nut (not shown) within the first arm 18, passing
through and engaging the channel 17 of the first arm 18. By
rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
first direction, the threaded portion of the knob engages a nut and
locks the position of the first arm 18 relative to the second arm
12 along the z axis, and thus in an anterior/posterior direction
relative to the chair to which the headrest is attached. By
rotating or turning the first threaded adjustment knob 20 in a
second direction, opposite the first direction, the first arm 18
slides within the hole 11 of the second arm 12, adjusting the
position of the pad 10 in an anterior/posterior direction relative
to the chair to which the headrest is attached.
[0098] The second arm 12 has a second end with a hole 150 that
slidably receives a third arm 152. The third arm 152 has a channel
(not shown) extending a length between the between the first end
and second end of the third arm 152. A second threaded adjust knob
22 is received by a nut (not shown) within the third arm 152,
passing through and engaging a channel 153 of the third arm 152. By
rotating or turning the second threaded adjustment knob 22 in a
first direction, the threaded portion of the knob 22 engages with
the nut and thus locks the position of the third arm 152 relative
to the second arm 12.
[0099] The third arm 152 is fixed to base 14. The base 14 has a
first leg 16 that forms a fixed jaw of the attachment means of the
headrest to a soft backed chair and a second leg 80 that is the
moveable jaw and is moveably attached to a threaded screw (not
shown). The second leg has a cutout 94 for receiving an adjustable
wedge 91. The adjustable wedge 91 is rotatably mounted to the
moveable jaw 80 on a pin 95. The angle of the incline of the
adjustable wedge 91 relative to the moveable jaw 90 is adjustable
by placing another pin 93 within one of a plurality of holes 92 on
the adjustable wedge 91. If no angle is desired, or for shipping
purposes, the adjustable wedge may be flush with the moveable jaw
by securing pin 93 within the bottom most pin hole 96, 92 in the
moveable jaw 90 and the adjustable wedge 91. The threaded screw 84
is received within a hole 83 that runs the entire length of the
base 14 in a direction of the z axis. An end of the threaded screw
84 is received by an adjustment knob 82. Rotation of the adjustment
knob 82 rotates the moveable jaw 80 relative to the threaded screw
84, moving the moveable jaw 80 towards and away from the fixed jaw
16.
[0100] To adjust the position of the moveable jaw 80 relative to
the fixed jaw 16 and attached the headrest to the soft back chair,
the back of the soft back chair is fitted between the second leg 16
forming the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw 80 such that the
headrest is placed on the top of the back of the chair with the
fixed jaw 16 placed over and on the front surface of the back of
the chair receiving a user's back and/or shoulders and the moveable
jaw 80 is placed over and on the back surface of the back of the
chair. To tighten and fix the headrest in place on the chair, the
adjustment knob 82 is rotated until the adjustable wedge 91 of the
moveable jaw 80 of the attachment means firmly compresses the back
of the chair with the fixed jaw 16 and the headrest is fastened to
the chair.
[0101] To remove the headrest from the back of the chair, a user
would rotate the adjustment knob 82 in a direction opposite of the
direction to tighten the headrest onto the chair.
[0102] In all of the above embodiments, the pad is shown to be
circular in shape, but may be any shape that may be comfortable for
the user to rest their head against. Additionally, the headrest may
be covered, include a heating element or a cooling element.
[0103] In all of the above embodiments, the attachment means of the
portable headrest to the soft back chairs applies a force to
compress the pad against the frame of the chair within the pad and
hold the headrest upright without significant deflection and
without allowing the headrest to fall off of the chair. The
attachment means also applies a substantially low pressure to avoid
permanently deforming, cutting, tearing, or puncturing the chair
cover material or chair padding of the soft back chair as shown in
FIGS. 32-34.
[0104] In all of the above embodiments, once the headrest is
tightened onto the chair, both the front surface of the chair and
the back surface of the chair are preferably compressed as shown in
FIGS. 32-34.
[0105] In all of the above embodiments, all screw type fixing
devices may be replaced with cam, detent style, or otherwise
actuated fixing features.
[0106] In all of the above embodiments, a pad may be added to the
contact surface of the fixed jaw(s) that receives the user's
back.
[0107] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the
application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to
details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the
scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features
regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *