U.S. patent application number 13/393321 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for headrest.
Invention is credited to Hae-Hyun Nam.
Application Number | 20120161489 13/393321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51492498 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120161489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nam; Hae-Hyun |
June 28, 2012 |
Headrest
Abstract
Provided is an adjustable headrest installed at an upper portion
of a seatback of a chair which a user's head contacts characterized
in that an ergonomic head-shaped recess is provided such that the
recess is adjusted to be appropriate to different head sizes, head
shapes, and neck shapes of users to conveniently seat the neck and
the head, allowing the user to rest and sleep on the chair. The
adjustable headrest mounted on the chair includes an upper block
having an upper recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the
head, and a lower block disposed under the upper block and having a
lower recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the neck. Here,
the upper block and the lower block are movable relative to each
other.
Inventors: |
Nam; Hae-Hyun; (Seoul,
KR) |
Family ID: |
51492498 |
Appl. No.: |
13/393321 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2010/000457 |
371 Date: |
February 29, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/406 ;
297/391; 297/408; 297/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20130101; B60N
2/865 20180201; B60N 2/821 20180201; B60N 2/885 20180201; B60N
2/829 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/406 ;
297/391; 297/410; 297/408 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/38 20060101
A47C007/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0083188 |
Jan 25, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0006530 |
Jan 25, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0006562 |
Feb 25, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0006589 |
Claims
1. A headrest mounted on a chair, comprising: an upper block having
an upper recess concaved in the front thereof to seat a head; and a
lower block disposed under the upper block and having a lower
recess concaved in the front thereof to seat a neck, the upper
block and the lower block are movable relative to each other.
2. The headrest according to claim 1, further comprising a
forward/rearward adjustment means configured to slide the upper
block and the lower block to relatively move the upper block and
the lower block in a forward/rearward direction.
3. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a
main frame on which the upper block and the lower block are
mounted.
4. The headrest according to claim 3, wherein the upper block
comprises an upper frame and a shock absorbing member received in
the upper frame and coupled to the upper frame, the lower block
comprises a lower frame and a shock absorbing member received in
the lower frame and coupled to the lower frame, and the
forward/rearward adjustment means comprises a forward/rearward
adjustment pinion gear installed at the main frame, and a
forward/rearward adjustment rack gear coupled to the upper frame to
be meshed with the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gear.
5. The headrest according to claim 4, wherein the main frame
comprises a bottom plate and a rear wall extending upward from a
rear side of the bottom plate, the upper block and the lower block
are disposed in the front of the rear wall and installed over the
bottom plate, a through-hole is formed to pass through the rear
wall in a forward/rearward direction, and the forward/rearward
adjustment rack gear passes through the through-hole to be meshed
with the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gear.
6. The headrest according to claim 5, comprising a forward/rearward
sliding protrusion is formed at any one of a lower portion of the
upper block and an upper portion of the lower block, and a
forward/rearward sliding groove into which the forward/rearward
sliding protrusion is inserted to be guided is lengthily formed in
the other one in a forward/rearward direction.
7. The headrest according to claim 1, comprising a
leftward/rightward adjustment means configured to adjust widths of
the upper block or the lower block.
8. The headrest according to claim 7, further comprising a main
frame on which the upper block and the lower block are mounted.
9. The headrest according to claim 8, comprising the lower block
includes a right lower block and a left lower block, the left lower
block includes a left lower frame and a shock-absorbing member
coupled to the left lower frame, the right lower block includes a
right lower frame and a shock-absorbing member coupled to the right
lower frame, and the leftward/rightward adjustment means comprise a
leftward/rightward adjustment rod installed in the main frame and
having two screw gears formed on an outer circumference thereof in
opposite directions; and leftward/rightward adjustment protrusions
having screw gears formed on inner circumferences thereof to be
meshed with the screw gears of the leftward/rightward adjustment
rod, and coupled to the right lower frame and the left lower frame,
respectively, wherein the leftward/rightward adjustment protrusion
of the right lower frame and the leftward/rightward adjustment
protrusion of the left lower frame are moved in opposite directions
by rotation of the leftward/rightward adjustment rod.
10. The headrest according to claim 9, wherein the main frame
comprises a bottom plate and a rear wall extending upward from a
rear end of the bottom plate, the leftward/rightward adjustment rod
is installed in the rear wall of the main frame, a left coupling
hole and a right coupling hole are formed in the rear wall of the
main frame to correspond to the two screw gears of the
leftward/rightward adjustment rod, and the leftward/rightward
adjustment protrusions protrude rearward from the left lower frame
and the right lower frame to be inserted into the left coupling
hole and the right coupling hole.
11. The headrest according to claim 9, wherein leftward/rightward
sliding grooves are lengthily formed in the main frame in a
leftward/rightward direction, and leftward/rightward sliding
protrusions inserted into the leftward/rightward sliding grooves
protrude outward from the right lower frame and the left lower
frame.
12. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein a height adjustment
rack gear is vertically coupled to a lower portion of the main
frame, and the height adjustment rack gear is meshed with a height
adjustment pinion gear to move the main frame upward and downward
by rotation of the height adjustment pinion gear.
13. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein the upper block
comprises an upper frame and a shock absorbing member coupled to
the upper frame, the lower block comprises a lower frame and a
shock absorbing member coupled to the lower frame, the lower frame
comprises side plates, a rear plate disposed at rear sides of the
side plates, a bottom plate disposed at lower ends of the side
plates and the rear plate, and a middle plate disposed over the
bottom plate and spaced apart from the bottom plate, the upper
frame is disposed over the middle plate of the lower frame, and a
shock absorbing member is disposed between the middle plate and the
bottom plate of the lower frame.
14. The headrest according to claim 13, wherein forward/rearward
sliding protrusions protrude outward from the side plates of the
upper frame, and forward/rearward sliding slits into which the
forward/rearward sliding protrusions are inserted and guided are
formed in the side plates of the lower frame.
15. The headrest according to claim 14, wherein forward/rearward
sliding slits are formed in the side plates of the main frame in a
shape corresponding to the forward/rearward sliding slits of the
lower frame.
16. The headrest according to claim 1, further comprising an angle
adjustment means configured to enable angle adjustment between a
chair and the headrest.
17. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the upper block and the lower block is formed of a material
comprising at least one of latex foam, memory foam, urethane foam
and sponge.
18. The headrest according to claim 3, comprising an
upward/downward through-holes are formed in the lower block and the
main frame to correspond to each other, and the forward/rearward
adjustment means includes a forward/rearward adjustment rod coupled
to the upper block at its upper end and configured to project
downward from the main frame at its lower end through the
upward/downward through-holes of the lower block and the main
frame, and a forward/rearward adjustment handle threadedly engaged
with the forward/rearward adjustment rod at a lower portion of the
main frame.
19. The headrest according to claim 8, comprising the lower block
includes a left lower block and a right lower block, a
forward/rearward through-hole is lengthily formed in the main frame
in a leftward/rightward direction to pass through the main frame in
a forward/rearward direction, and the leftward/rightward adjustment
means includes a leftward/rightward adjustment rod coupled to the
left lower block and the right lower block at its front end and
configured to project rearward from the main frame at its rear end
through the forward/rearward through-hole of the main frame, and a
leftward/rightward adjustment handle threadedly engaged with the
leftward/rightward adjustment rod at a rear side of the main
frame.
20. A headrest mounted on a chair, comprising: an upper block
having an upper recess concaved in the front thereof to seat a
head; and a lower block disposed under the upper block and having a
lower recess concaved in the front thereof to seat a neck, wherein
a portion of the lower block projects forward from the upper block,
wherein at least a portion of the upper block and the lower block
is formed of a material comprising at least one of latex foam,
memory foam, urethane foam and sponge.
21. The headrest according to claim 20, wherein a front surface of
the upper block and a front surface of the lower block are stepped
to form a step surface, wherein the step surface is inclined upward
from a front side to a rear side.
22. The headrest according to claim 21, comprising the upper block
and the lower block are formed integrally with each other,
23. The headrest according to claim 20, wherein the upper block
comprises an upper frame and a shock absorbing member received in
the upper frame and coupled to the upper frame, the lower block
comprises a lower frame and a shock absorbing member received in
the lower frame and coupled to the lower frame, and wherein the
shock absorbing member is formed of a material comprising at least
one of latex foam, memory foam, urethane foam and sponge.
24. The headrest according to claim 23, further comprising a tilt
adjustment means coupled to the upper frame at its upper portion
and coupled to the lower frame at its lower portion, wherein the
tilt adjustment means enables relative movement of the upper frame
and the lower frame in a forward/rearward direction.
25. The headrest according to claim 24, further comprising an angle
adjustment means configured to adjust an angle of the headrest.
26. The headrest according to claim 24, wherein the lower block
includes a right lower block and a left lower block, and the left
lower block and the right lower block are movable in a
leftward/rightward direction.
27. The headrest according to claim 20, comprising the upper block
and the lower block are movable relative to each other.
28. An adjustable headrest comprising: an upper support having an
upper recess configured to seat a head and formed in the front
thereof; and a lower support disposed under the upper support and
having a lower recess configured to seat a neck and formed in the
front thereof, wherein a cutout portion is formed in the upper
support so that the upper support can be expanded and contracted
leftward and rightward about the cutout portion.
29. The adjustable headrest according to claim 28, comprising the
upper support has a rear recess formed in the rear.
30. The adjustable headrest according to claim 28, wherein left and
right sides of the upper recess of a front end of the upper support
are disposed behind a front end of the lower support.
31. The headrest according to claim 29, wherein an air bag is
coupled to the rear recess so that the cutout portion moves forward
and rearward and is widened or narrowed in a leftward/rightward
direction as air is filled into the air bag or discharged
therefrom.
32. The adjustable headrest according to claim 28 or 29, wherein
the upper support and the lower support comprise at least one of
latex foam, memory foam, urethane foam, and sponge.
33. The adjustable headrest according to claim 30, wherein the
upper support and lower support are stepped to form a step surface
between the upper support and lower support, the step surface is
inclined upward from a front side to a rear side thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 200______, filed ______, 200______,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a headrest, and more
particularly, to a headrest divided into upper and lower or left
and right blocks, each of which can move forward/rearward,
leftward/rightward, or upward/downward, capable of naturally
supporting a user's neck and head to induce a convenient posture
and provide comfort.
[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates to a
headrest installed at an upper portion of a seatback, which a
user's head contacts, and having a recess with an ergonomic head
shape, so that the portion in which the head is received can be
appropriately expanded according to a shape of the head or a
thickness of the neck to stably and correctly support the neck and
the head, preventing the neck from being tilted right or left.
[0005] In addition, the present invention relates to a headrest in
which a front surface of the upper block is disposed behind a front
surface of the lower block so that the user's neck and head can be
naturally supported to induce a convenient posture, and the user's
ears can be freely maintained, naturally supporting the user's neck
and head to induce the convenient posture and provide comfort.
[0006] In addition, the present invention relates, to an adjustable
headrest capable of naturally supporting the neck and the head of a
user to induce a comfortable posture and provide comfort by forming
a slit in the middle thereof such that the head rest can be
expandable in forward/rearward and leftward/rightward
directions.
[0007] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0008] In general, the cervical vertebrae stand in a substantially
curved (C) shape in an erect posture. However, when the head and
back are reclined on a seat for rest and sleep, the cervical
vertebra hangs in the air, and the muscle supporting the cervical
vertebra is released to tilt and twist the cervical vertebra in
forward/rearward and leftward/rightward directions. In addition,
due to a rounded shape of a rear portion of the head, the head
cannot be easily fixed but easily leans and causes a neck-tilting
phenomenon. Further, when an inclination of the neck and the head
cannot be appropriately adjusted, tension and pain may occur in the
neck muscles.
[0009] When a conventional chair or headrest in which these
phenomena and inconveniences are not considered is used, pain and
inconvenience in the neck and shoulders increase with the passage
of time. Since a conventional chair does not have a technique
capable of adjusting the headrest according to the sizes and shapes
of all users' heads and necks, situations in which a user suffers
from an unnatural and inconvenient state of the head and the
cervical vertebra and a neck-tilting phenomenon are neglected, and
basic problems of the chair related to the neck and the head have
not been solved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In order to solve these problems, the present invention
provides an adjustable headrest having an ergonomic shape and
function capable of basically solving unnatural and inconvenient
postures of the neck and the head and a neck-tilting
phenomenon.
[0011] The present invention is directed to an adjustable headrest
mounted on a chair including: an upper block having an upper recess
concaved in the front thereof to seat the head; and a lower block
disposed under the upper block and having a lower recess concaved
in the front thereof to seat the neck, wherein the upper block and
the lower block are movable relative to each other.
[0012] In addition, the present invention is also directed to an
adjustable headrest mounted on a chair including: an upper block
having an upper recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the
head; and a lower block disposed under the upper block and having a
lower recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the neck,
wherein a portion of the lower block projects forward from the
upper block, and at least a portion of the upper block and the
lower block is formed of at least one of latex foam, memory foam,
urethane foam, and sponge.
[0013] In addition, The present invention is directed to an
adjustable headrest including: an upper support having an upper
recess configured to seat a head and formed in the front thereof;
and a lower support disposed under the upper support and having a
lower recess configured to seat a neck and formed in the front
thereof, wherein a slit is formed in the upper support so that the
upper support can be expanded and contracted about the slit in
forward/rearward and leftward/rightward directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art by describing in detail example embodiments
thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, which is mounted on a chair;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an upper
block and a lower block of the headrest in accordance with a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the entire
headrest in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing the upper block
and the lower block of the headrest in accordance with a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view showing a main frame to
which the upper block and the lower block are coupled;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, which is mounted on a chair;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an upper
block and a lower block of the headrest in accordance with a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a main frame in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a view showing a leftward/rightward adjustment
means of the headrest in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a forward/rearward adjustment
means of the headrest in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the
forward/rearward adjustment means of the headrest in accordance
with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when
seen from the top;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an angle
adjustment means and a tilt adjustment means in accordance with a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when seen
from the front;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a view showing the angle adjustment means in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a view showing the tilt adjustment means in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a view showing a headrest in accordance with a
third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest in
accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention with blocks separated from each other;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an upper block and a
leftward/rightward adjustment means of the headrest in accordance
with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, which is mounted on a chair;
[0034] FIG. 20 shows an upper block and a lower block of the
headrest in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a tilt adjustment means
and an angle adjustment means of the headrest in accordance with a
fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when seen from
the front;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a view showing an internal structure of the tilt
adjustment means of the headrest in accordance with a fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a view showing the angle adjustment means of the
headrest in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 24 is a view showing a chair, to which the headrest in
accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is to be coupled;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a view showing a headrest in accordance with a
sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is
coupled to a chair; and
[0040] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing an upper
block and a lower block of the headrest in accordance with a sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an adjustable headrest
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a view showing the adjustable headrest in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
which is mounted on a seat;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a view showing an adjustable headrest in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, which is mounted on a seat;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a plan view schematically showing an air bag,
which is contracted in the adjustable headrest in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0045] FIG. 31 is a plan view schematically showing the air bag,
which is expanded in the adjustable headrest in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Hereinafter, an adjustable headrest in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
which is mounted on a receiving portion 11 formed in an upper
portion of a chair 10, FIG. 2 is a view showing an upper block 100
and a lower block 200, which are separated from each other, and
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment. In addition, FIG. 4 is a rear
perspective view of the upper block 100 and the lower block 200 of
the headrest in accordance with the embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a
rear perspective view of a main frame 300.
[0048] The headrest in accordance with the embodiment includes the
upper block 100 and the lower block 200, the upper block 100
includes a right upper block 110 and a left upper block 120, and
the lower block 200 includes a right lower block 210 and a left
lower block 220.
[0049] An upper recess 130 having a substantially hemispherical
groove conforming to the back of a user's head is formed in the
middle of the upper block 100, and a lower recess 230 having an
approximately semi-cylindrical groove is formed in the middle of
the lower block 200. The back of the user's head is seated on the
upper recess 130 and the user's neck is seated on the lower recess
230, preventing the neck from being tilted.
[0050] The right upper block 110, the left upper block 120, the
right lower block 210 and the left lower block 220 include frames
112, 122, 212 and 222, and shock-absorbing members 111, 121, 211
and 221 coupled to the frames, respectively.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the upper frames 112 and 122 of the
upper block 100 include side plates 114 and 124, rear plates 113
and 123 disposed at rear ends of the side plates 114 and 124, and
bottom plates 115 and 125 disposed at lower ends of the side plates
114 and 124 and the rear plates 113 and 123, respectively. The
bottom plates 115 and 125 extend inward from the side plates 114
and 124 to a predetermined length and extend forward from the rear
plates 113 and 123 to a predetermined length to form a substantial
"" shape. Forward/rearward sliding protrusions 116 and 126
lengthily extending in a forward/rearward direction project
downward from the bottom plates 115 and 125, and forward/rearward
adjustment rack gears 604 lengthily extending in the
forward/rearward direction project rearward from the rear plates
113 and 123.
[0052] The lower frames 212 and 222 of the lower block 200 include
side plates 214 and 224, rear plates 213 and 223 disposed at rear
ends of the side plates 214 and 224, and bottom plates 215 and 225
disposed at lower ends of the side plates 214 and 224 and the rear
plates 213 and 223, respectively. The bottom plates 215 and 225
extend inward from the side plates 214 and 224 to a predetermined
length and extend forward from the rear plates 213 and 223 to form
a substantial "" shape. Leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 217
and 227 lengthily extending in a leftward/rightward direction
project downward from the bottom plates 215 and 225, and
forward/rearward sliding grooves 216 and 226 lengthily extending in
a forward/rearward direction corresponding to the forward/rearward
sliding protrusions are formed at upper portions of the side plates
214 and 224.
[0053] Meanwhile, the shock-absorbing members 111, 121, 211 and 221
may be desirably formed of an elastic member such as latex foam,
memory foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on. The resilient member
may be manufactured through a foaming expansion molding method and
then coated with a soft polyurethane resin on an outer
circumferential surface thereof through post-processing, preventing
intrusion of moisture and contamination.
[0054] A coating liquid, in which a 70% fiber adsorbent, a 200%
waterproof agent, and a 100% antibiotic deodorizer are mixed, is
applied on the polyurethane outer circumferential surface to
prevent propagation of germs and maintain cleanliness.
[0055] However, when an envelope is used on the headrest,
post-processing may be omitted.
[0056] Meanwhile, the right upper frame 112, the left upper frame
122, the right lower frame 212 and the left lower frame 222 may be
formed of a plastic injection material or a metal.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the main frame 300 is disposed under the
lower block 200.
[0058] The main frame 300 includes a bottom plate 310 and a rear
wall 320 extending upward from a rear end of the bottom plate
310.
[0059] Leftward/rightward sliding grooves 330 extending in a
leftward/rightward direction are formed at left and right edges of
the bottom plate 310, and leftward/rightward sliding protrusions
217 and 227 protruding downward from the lower frames 212 and 222
are inserted into the leftward/rightward sliding grooves 330.
[0060] In addition, a height adjustment rack gear 403 is coupled to
a lower portion of the bottom plate 310.
[0061] A leftward/rightward adjustment means receiving portion 340,
in which a leftward/rightward adjustment means 500 (described
later) is received, is lengthily formed inside the rear wall 320
from side to side, and a forward/rearward adjustment means
receiving portion 350, in which a forward/rearward adjustment means
600 (described later) is received, is lengthily formed in an upper
portion of the leftward/rightward adjustment means receiving
portion 340 from side to side.
[0062] Here, a right coupling hole 341 and a left coupling hole 342
are formed forward in predetermined middle positions of the
leftward/rightward adjustment means receiving portion 340, and a
right through-hole 351 and a left through-hole 352 are formed
adjacent to both left and right ends of the forward/rearward
adjustment means receiving portion 350 in a forward/rearward
direction.
[0063] The upper block 100 and the lower block 200 can be adjusted
upward/downward, leftward/rightward, and forward/rearward by a
height adjustment means 400 (described later), the
leftward/rightward adjustment means 500 and the forward/rearward
adjustment means 600.
[0064] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the height adjustment means 400
includes a height adjustment handle 401, a height adjustment rod
402 coupled to the inside of the height adjustment handle 401, a
height adjustment pinion gear (not shown) formed at the outside of
the height adjustment rod 402, and a height adjustment rack gear
403 meshed with the height adjustment pinion gear (not shown) and
lengthily extending upward and downward to be coupled to a lower
portion of the bottom plate 310 at its upper end.
[0065] Accordingly, when a user rotates the height adjustment
handle 401, the height adjustment rod 402 and the height adjustment
pinion gear (not shown) are rotated. As the height adjustment
pinion gear (not shown) is rotated to move the height adjustment
rack gear 403 upward and downward, the main frame 300 is moved in
an upward/downward direction to enable height adjustment of the
headrest in the upward/downward direction.
[0066] Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the leftward/rightward
adjustment means 500 includes a leftward/rightward adjustment
handle 501, a leftward/rightward adjustment rod 502 lengthily
extending inward from the leftward/rightward adjustment handle 501
and having two screw gears 503 and 504 formed at predetermined
middle positions thereof, and leftward/rightward adjustment
projections 505 (see FIG. 4) projecting rearward from the right
lower frame 212 and the left lower frame 222 having a screw gear
formed in the inside thereof. A right screw gear 503 and a left
screw gear 504 formed at the leftward/rightward adjustment rod 502
are spaced apart from each other and have gears formed in opposite
directions.
[0067] Accordingly, when the user rotates the leftward/rightward
adjustment handle 501 in one direction, the leftward/rightward
adjustment rod 502, the right screw gear 503 and the left screw
gear 504 are rotated, and thus, a gap between the
leftward/rightward adjustment projections 505 is increased or
reduced to effectively increase or reduce a gap between the left
lower block 210 and the right lower block 220.
[0068] Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the forward/rearward
adjustment means 600 includes a forward/rearward adjustment handle
601, a forward/rearward adjustment rod 602 extending inward from
the forward/rearward adjustment handle 601, two forward/rearward
adjustment pinion gears 603 formed adjacent to both left and right
ends of the forward/rearward adjustment rod 602, and
forward/rearward adjustment rack gears 604 meshed with the
forward/rearward adjustment pinion gears 603. The two
forward/rearward adjustment pinion gears 603 are formed at
positions corresponding to the right through-hole 351 and the left
through-hole 352 shown in FIG. 3, respectively, and the
forward/rearward adjustment rack gears 604 are inserted into the
right through-hole 351 and the left through-hole 352 to be meshed
with the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gears 603,
respectively.
[0069] Accordingly, when the user rotates the forward/rearward
adjustment handle 601, the forward/rearward adjustment rod 602 and
the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gears 603 are rotated, and
thus, the forward/rearward adjustment rack gears 604 move in the
forward/rearward direction to move the upper block 100 in the
forward/rearward direction.
[0070] Meanwhile, in mounting the headrest on the chair, a switch
receiving slit 12 is formed through one side surface of the
receiving portion 11, and the leftward/rightward adjustment rod 502
or the forward/rearward adjustment rod 602 passes through the
switch receiving slit 12. The switch receiving slit 12 may have a
tolerance such that the leftward/rightward adjustment rod 502 and
the forward/rearward adjustment rod 602 can freely pass
therethrough.
[0071] Hereinafter, an operational principle of the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment having the above configuration will
be described.
[0072] First, a user sits on the chair to seat his/her head on the
upper recess 130 and his/her neck on the lower recess 230.
[0073] Here, when the headrest is higher or lower than a position
of the head, the user rotates the height adjustment handle 401 to
rotate the height adjustment pinion gear (not shown) and move the
height adjustment rack gear 403 and the main frame 300 upward and
downward, adjusting a height of the headrest.
[0074] Meanwhile, when a width of the upper recess 130 or the lower
recess 230 is somewhat large or small, the user rotates the
leftward/rightward adjustment handle 501 to rotate the right screw
gear 503 and the left screw gear 504 formed at the outside of the
leftward/rightward adjustment rod 502, and thus, the
leftward/rightward adjustment projections 505 are spaced apart from
or approach each other in a leftward/rightward direction to
increase or reduce lateral gaps between the lower frames 212 and
222 and the upper frames 112 and 122.
[0075] Meanwhile, when the back of the user's head relatively
protrudes or is flat and adjustment of the headrest in the
forward/rearward direction is needed, the user rotates the
forward/rearward adjustment handle 601 to rotate the
forward/rearward adjustment pinion gears 603, and the
forward/rearward adjustment rack gears 604 meshed therewith are
moved in the forward/rearward direction to move the upper frames
112 and 122 coupled to the forward/rearward adjustment rack gears
604 in the forward/rearward direction, adjusting the headrest to a
state in which the head or the neck is in comfort.
[0076] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, while the height adjustment
pinion gear (not shown), the right screw gear 503 and the left
screw gear 504, the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gear 603,
and so on, are rotated by a manual operation of the handle, they
may be rotated by an electric motor.
[0077] In addition, a sensor may be attached to the headrest to
detect a size and a shape of the user's head so that the headrest
can be automatically adjusted.
[0078] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, while the headrest is
generally divided into four blocks and employs the height
adjustment means 400, the leftward/rightward adjustment means 500,
and the forward/rearward adjustment means 600 to enable adjustment
in all directions including upward/downward, forward/rearward, and
leftward/rightward directions, the headrest may be divided into two
upper and lower blocks and selectively employ only necessary
adjustment means, or the head rest may be divided into three blocks
by dividing only the upper block into left and right blocks or
dividing only the lower block into left and right blocks and
selectively employ only necessary adjustment means.
Second Embodiment
[0079] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a headrest in
accordance with the embodiment, which is mounted on a chair 10a,
FIG. 7 is a view showing an upper block 100a and a lower block
200a, which are separated from each other, and FIG. 8 is a view
showing a main frame 300a.
[0080] In the first embodiment, while the receiving portion 11 is
formed in the upper portion of the chair 10 and the headrest is
installed in the receiving portion 11, in the embodiment, the main
frame 300a is coupled to the chair 10a to project upward from the
chair 10 and blocks of the headrest are installed in the main frame
300a.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the headrest in accordance with
the embodiment includes the upper block 100a and the lower block
200a, the upper block 100a includes a right upper block 110a and a
left upper block 120a, and the lower block 200a includes a right
lower block 210a and a left lower block 220a.
[0082] An upper recess 130a having a substantially hemispherical
groove conforming to the back of the user's head is formed in the
middle of the upper block 100a, and a lower recess 230a having a
substantially semi-cylindrical groove is formed in the middle of
the lower block 200a. The back of the user's head is seated on the
upper recess 130a, and the user's neck is seated on the lower
recess 230a to prevent the neck from being tilted.
[0083] The right upper block 110a, the left upper block 120a, the
right lower block 210a and the left lower block 220a include frames
112a, 122a, 212a and 222a and shock-absorbing members 111a, 121a,
211a and 221a coupled to the frames, respectively.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, the upper frames 112a and 122a of the
upper block 100a include side plates 114a and 124a, rear plates
113a and 123a disposed at rear ends of the side plates 114a and
124a, and bottom plates 115a and 125a disposed at lower ends of the
side plates 114a and 124a and the rear plates 113a and 123a,
respectively. The bottom plates 115a and 125a extend inward from
the side plates 114a and 124a to a predetermined length and extend
forward from the rear plates 113a and 123a to a predetermined
length to form a substantial "" shape.
[0085] Here, a leftward/rightward coupling protrusion 118a
protrudes leftward from the rear plate 113a of the right upper
frame 112a, and a leftward/rightward coupling groove (not shown)
into which the leftward/rightward coupling protrusion 118a is
inserted is formed in the rear plate 123a of the left upper frame
122a to be opened rightward.
[0086] In addition, forward/rearward sliding protrusions 116a and
126a are formed at the outsides of the side plates 114a and 124a of
the right upper frame 112a and the left upper frame 122a, and
fastening holes 117a and 127a are formed in the forward/rearward
sliding protrusions 116a and 126a in a leftward/rightward
direction.
[0087] Meanwhile, the lower frames 212a and 222a of the lower block
200a include side plates 214a and 224a, rear plates 213a and 223a
disposed at rear ends of the side plates 214a and 224a, bottom
plates 215a and 225a disposed at lower ends of the side plates 214a
and 224a and the rear plates 213a and 223a, and middle plates 216a
and 226a disposed over the bottom plates 215a and 225a and
substantially parallel to the bottom plates 215a and 225a. The
bottom plates 215a and 225a and the middle plates 216a and 226a
extend inward from the side plates 214a and 224a to a predetermined
length and extend forward from the rear plates 213a and 223a to a
predetermined length to form a substantial "" shape.
[0088] Here, forward/rearward sliding slits 217a and 227a are cut
out in the side plates 214a and 224a from front sides thereof and
over the middle plates 216a and 226a. In addition,
leftward/rightward adjustment holes 503a having screw gears formed
at inner surfaces thereof are formed in the side plates 214a and
224a and between the middle plates 216a and 226a and the bottom
plates 215a and 225a.
[0089] Further, a leftward/rightward coupling protrusion 219a
protrudes leftward from the rear plate 213a of the right lower
frame 212a, a leftward/rightward coupling groove (not shown) into
which the leftward/rightward coupling protrusion 219a is inserted
is formed in the rear plate 223a of the left lower frame 222a to be
opened rightward.
[0090] Furthermore, leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 218a and
228a lengthily extending in the leftward/rightward direction are
formed to protrude from lower portions of the bottom plates 215a
and 225a, respectively.
[0091] Meanwhile, the shock-absorbing members 111a, 121a, 211a and
221a may be desirably formed of an elastic member such as latex
foam, memory foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on. Here, the
frame may be formed of a plastic injection material or a metal.
[0092] Among the shock-absorbing members, the upper shock-absorbing
members 111a and 121a are coupled onto the bottom plates 115a and
125a of the upper frames 112a and 122a, and the lower
shock-absorbing members 211a and 221a are inserted and coupled
between the middle plates 216a and 226a and the bottom plates 215a
and 225a of the lower frames 212a and 222a.
[0093] The upper frames 112a and 122a are mounted on the middle
plates 216a and 226a of the lower frames 212a and 222a.
[0094] The upper block 100a and the lower block 200a of the
headrest are coupled to the inside of the main frame 300a, and as
shown in FIG. 8, the main frame 300a includes left and right side
plates 310a, a rear plate 320a disposed at rear ends of the side
plates 310a, and a bottom plate 330a disposed at rear ends of the
side plates 310a and the rear plate 320a.
[0095] A forward/rearward adjustment housing 604a (described later)
is coupled to the outsides of the side plates 310a, and
forward/rearward sliding slits 311a are lengthily formed in front
of the forward/rearward adjustment housing in the forward/rearward
direction.
[0096] In addition, through-holes 312a through which
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502a can pass are formed in the
side plates 310a. Further, an angle adjustment means 700a
configured to adjust an angle of the main frame 300a is coupled to
the side plate 310a.
[0097] Furthermore, leftward/rightward sliding slits 331a coupled
to lower leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 218a and 228a of
the bottom plates 215a, 225a of the lower frame 212a and lengthily
extending in the leftward/rightward direction are formed in the
bottom plate 300a.
[0098] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment includes a leftward/rightward
adjustment means 500a, a forward/rearward adjustment means 600a, an
angle adjustment means 700a, and a tilt adjustment means 800a to
enable adjustment in the leftward/rightward and forward/rearward
directions, angular adjustment, and tilt adjustment.
[0099] First, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the leftward/rightward
adjustment means 500a include leftward/rightward adjustment handles
501a, leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502a having screw gears
formed at outer circumferences thereof, and leftward/rightward
adjustment holes 503a formed in the side plates 214a and 224a of
the lower frames 212 and 222a and having screw gears formed at
inner circumferences thereof.
[0100] Accordingly, when the user rotates the leftward/rightward
adjustment handles 501a, the leftward/rightward adjustment rods
502a are rotated, and thus, the screw gears formed at the outer
circumferences of the leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502a are
meshed with the screw gears formed at the inner circumferences of
the leftward/rightward adjustment holes 503a to move the lower
frames 212a and 222a leftward and rightward. Accordingly, as the
leftward/rightward adjustment means 500a installed at left and
right sides are adjusted, a gap between the right lower block 210a
and the left lower block 220a can be increased or reduced.
[0101] Here, the leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 218a and
228a of the lower frames 212a and 222a are slidably guided by the
leftward/rightward sliding slits 331a of the main frame 300a.
[0102] Next, the forward/rearward adjustment means 600a is shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11, FIG. 10 showing a schematic side view of the
forward/rearward adjustment means 600a and FIG. 11 showing a
cross-sectional view of the forward/rearward adjustment means 600a
when seen from the top.
[0103] The forward/rearward adjustment means 600a includes a
forward/rearward adjustment handle 601a, a forward/rearward
adjustment pinion gear 602a coupled to the inside of the
forward/rearward adjustment handle 601a, a forward/rearward
adjustment rack gear 603a coupled to the forward/rearward
adjustment pinion gear 602a and extending in the forward/rearward
direction, and a connecting pin 605a configured to connect one end
of the forward/rearward adjustment rack gear 603a and the
forward/rearward sliding protrusions 116a and 126a formed at the
outside of the side plates 114a, 124a of the upper frames 112a and
122a.
[0104] Here, portions of the forward/rearward adjustment pinion
gear 602a and the forward/rearward adjustment rack gear 603a are
received in the forward/rearward adjustment housing 604a attached
to the side plates 310a. In addition, the forward/rearward sliding
protrusions 116a and 126a are inserted into the forward/rearward
sliding slits 217a and 227a of the lower frames 212a and 222a and
the forward/rearward sliding slit 311a of the main frame 300 to be
slid in the forward/rearward direction.
[0105] Accordingly, when the user rotates the forward/rearward
adjustment handle 601a, the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gear
602a is rotated, and thus, the forward/rearward adjustment rack
gear 603a moves forward and rearward to move the upper frames 112a
and 122a connected through the forward/rearward adjustment rack
gear 603a and the connecting pin 605a in the forward/rearward
direction.
[0106] Meanwhile, FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the angle
adjustment means 700a when seen from the front, and FIG. 13 shows
an appearance and an internal structure of the angle adjustment
means 700a at left and right sides, respectively.
[0107] The angle adjustment means 700a includes a housing 701a, a
receiving portion 702a formed inside the housing 701a, a ratchet
wheel 703a received in the receiving portion 702a, a
rounded-triangular switching member 704a disposed under the ratchet
wheel 703a and rotated by an operation of a switching lever 707a,
two stoppers 705a disposed at both left and right sides of the
switching member 704a, and springs 706a configured to bias the
stoppers 705a against the switching member 704a.
[0108] One ends of the springs 706a are supported by a wall surface
of the receiving portion 702a and the other ends are supported by
the stoppers 705a to constantly bias the stoppers 705a against the
switching member 704a. Accordingly, when the stoppers 705a contact
corners of the switching member 704a, the stoppers 705a are spaced
apart from the ratchet wheel 703a. However, when the switching
member 704a is rotated to contact one of the stoppers 705a at its
one side, rather than the corners, the inclined stopper 705a is
vertically disposed to contact the ratchet wheel 703a.
[0109] When any one stopper 705a is inserted between teeth of the
ratchet wheel 703a, while the ratchet wheel 703a can be rotated in
a direction of pressing the stopper 705a toward the spring 706a,
the ratchet wheel 703a cannot be rotated in a direction of pressing
the stopper 705a toward the switching member 704a.
[0110] Meanwhile, the housing 701a of the angle adjustment means
700a lengthily extends upward and downward to be coupled to an
outside of a housing of the tilt adjustment means 800a (described
later) at its upper portion and inserted into an upper portion of
the chair to be coupled to the chair at its lower end.
[0111] Meanwhile, FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the tilt
adjustment means 800a, and FIG. 14 shows a side view of an internal
structure of the tilt adjustment means 800a.
[0112] The tilt adjustment means 800a is generally used in a
headrest of a vehicle, and has a function of moving forward to a
predetermined distance and upward to a predetermined distance when
a force is applied from a rear side to a front side.
[0113] The tilt adjustment means 800a having the above function
includes a housing 801a, and pivot members 802a and a spring 805a
received inside the housing 801a. Here, upper ends of the pivot
members 802a are pivotally coupled to an inner surface of the
housing 801a through a hinge coupling portion 803a, and lower ends
are pivotally coupled to the angle adjustment means 700a through
another hinge coupling portion 804a.
[0114] Accordingly, in a state in which the pivot members 802a of
the tilt adjustment means 800a are inclined as shown in an upper
side of FIG. 14, when a force is applied forward to the main frame
300a, as shown in a lower side of FIG. 14, the pivot members 802a
are rotated to be vertically aligned to move the upper frame 120a
forward to a predetermined distance and upward to a predetermined
distance.
[0115] As described above, the internal configuration and principle
of the tilt adjustment means 800a are generally used in the
headrest for a conventional vehicle and the adjustment means 800a
described in the embodiment employ the configuration and principle
generally used in the conventional vehicle, and thus, detailed
description of the configuration and principle will be omitted.
[0116] Hereinafter, an operational principle of the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment having the above configuration will
be described.
[0117] A user sits on the chair to seat the head on the upper
recess 130a and the neck on the lower recess 230a.
[0118] Here, when a width of the upper recess 130a or the lower
recess 230a is somewhat large or small, the leftward/rightward
adjustment handle 501a is rotated to rotate the leftward/rightward
adjustment rods 502a having the screw gears formed at the outer
circumferences thereof, and the screw gears formed at the inner
circumferences of the fastening holes 503a of the side plates 214a
and 224a of the lower frames 212a and 222a are meshed with the
screw gears formed at the outer circumferences of the
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502a to simultaneously move the
lower frames 212a and 222a and the upper frames 112a and 122a in
the leftward/rightward direction, adjusting the width of the
recesses 130a and 230a.
[0119] Meanwhile, when the back of the user's head relatively
protrudes or is flat and adjustment in the forward/rearward
direction is needed, the user rotates the forward/rearward
adjustment handle 601a to rotate the forward/rearward adjustment
pinion gear 602a, and thus, the forward/rearward adjustment rack
gear 603a coupled thereto is moved in the forward/rearward
direction. As a result, a force is applied to the forward/rearward
adjustment protrusions 116a and 126a coupled through the
forward/rearward adjustment rack gear 603a and the connecting pin
605a in the forward/rearward direction, and thus, the upper frames
112a and 122a are moved in the forward/rearward direction to adjust
the headrest such that the head or the neck is in comfort.
[0120] In addition, when angular adjustment of the main frame 300a
is needed, the user operates the adjustment levers 707a of the
angle adjustment means 700a to middle positions such that the
switching member 704a is in a neutral position and the ratchet
wheel 704a is rotatable in the forward/rearward direction, rotates
the main frame 300a to a comfortable angle, and then operates the
adjustment levers 707a installed at both sides of the main frame
300a in different directions to prevent further rotation.
[0121] Further, when tilt adjustment is needed, the main frame 300a
is pushed forward or rearward to pivot the pivot member of the tilt
adjustment means 800a and the main frame 300a is moved in
upward/downward and forward/rearward directions to a predetermined
distance to perform to the tilt adjustment.
[0122] As a result, the user can adjust the upper block 100 and the
lower block 200 to the most appropriate state for his/her body and
head shapes such that the head can be supported in comfort.
[0123] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, while the leftward/rightward
adjustment rod 502a and the forward/rearward adjustment pinion gear
602a are rotated by a manual operation of the handle, they may be
rotated by an electric motor. In addition, angular adjustment of
the main frame 300a with respect to the chair 10a may also be
performed using an electric motor.
[0124] Further, in the embodiment, while the headrest is generally
divided into four blocks and employs the leftward/rightward
adjustment means 500a and the forward/rearward adjustment means
600a to enable adjustment in all directions including
upward/downward, forward/rearward, and leftward/rightward
directions, the headrest may be divided into two left and right or
two upper and lower blocks and selectively employ only necessary
adjustment means, or the head rest may be divided into three blocks
by dividing only the upper block into left and right blocks or
dividing only the lower block into left and right blocks and
selectively employ only necessary adjustment means.
[0125] Furthermore, in the embodiment, while only one tilt
adjustment means is installed between the chair 10a and the main
frame 300a, one tilt adjustment means may be further installed
between the upper frames 112a and 122a and the lower frames 212a
and 222a to enable further angular adjustment between the upper
frames 112a and 122a and the lower frames 212a and 222a.
Third Embodiment
[0126] FIG. 15 is a view showing a headrest in accordance with a
third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a
view showing blocks of the headrest, which are separated from each
other, and FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of an upper block and
a leftward/rightward adjustment means.
[0127] The headrest in accordance with the embodiment includes an
upper block 100f and a lower block 200f, the upper block 100f
includes a right upper block 110f and a left upper block 120f, and
the lower block 200f includes a right lower block 210f and a left
lower block 220f.
[0128] An upper recess 130f having a substantially hemispherical
groove conforming to the back of a user's head is formed in the
middle of the upper block 100f, and a lower recess 230f having a
substantially semi-cylindrical groove is formed in the middle of
the lower block 200f. The back of the user's head is seated on the
upper recess 130f and the user's neck is seated on the lower recess
230f, preventing the neck from being tilted.
[0129] The right upper block 110f, the left upper block 120f, the
right lower block 210f and the left lower block 220f include frames
112f, 122f, 212f and 222f, and shock-absorbing members 111f, 121f,
211f and 221f coupled to the frames, respectively.
[0130] The frames 112f, 122f, 212f and 222f may be formed of a
plastic injection material or a metal and may have a substantially
half-hemispherical inner surface, and the shock-absorbing members
111f, 121f, 211f and 221f may be desirably formed of an elastic
member such as latex foam, memory foam, urethane foam, sponge, and
so on.
[0131] Meanwhile, the right upper frame 112f and the left upper
frame 122f have a substantially half-hemispherical inner surface, a
coupling protrusion 113f protrudes leftward from a rear end of the
right upper frame 112f, and a coupling groove (not shown) into
which the coupling protrusion 113f is slidably inserted is formed
in a rear end of the left upper frame 122f to be opened
rightward.
[0132] In addition, leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f are
coupled to rear sides of the right lower frame 212f and the left
lower frame 222f, and threads are formed at outer circumferences of
the leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f. When the right lower
frame 212f and the left lower frame 222f are coupled to a main
frame 300f, the leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f pass
through forward/rearward through-holes 321f formed in the rear
plate 320f of the main frame 300f.
[0133] Further, forward/rearward sliding protrusions (not shown)
lengthily protrude downward from the right upper frame 112f and the
left upper frame 122f in the forward/rearward direction, and the
forward/rearward sliding protrusions are inserted into and guided
by forward/rearward guide grooves 214f and 224f of the lower frames
212f and 222f.
[0134] Meanwhile, the right lower frame 212f and the left lower
frame 222f have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a
corner of which is removed in a substantially half-hemispherical
shape, forward/rearward guide grooves 213f and 223f are lengthily
formed in upper portions thereof in the forward/rearward direction,
and upward/downward through-holes 214f and 224f are formed to pass
through in the front thereof.
[0135] Forward/rearward adjustment rods 602f of a forward/rearward
adjustment means 600f (described later) pass through the
upward/downward through-holes 214f and 224f.
[0136] A coupling protrusion 215f protrudes leftward from a rear
end of the right lower frame 212f, and a coupling groove (not
shown) into which the coupling protrusion 215f is inserted is
formed at a rear end of the left lower frame 222f to be opened
rightward.
[0137] The main frame 300f includes two side plates 310f, a rear
plate 320f disposed at rear ends of the side plates, and a bottom
plate 330f disposed at left and right lower ends of the side plates
310f and the rear plate 320f.
[0138] Here, forward/rearward through-holes 321f are formed to pass
through the rear plate 320f forward and rearward, and
upward/downward through-holes 331f are formed to pass through the
bottom plate 330f upward and downward.
[0139] The leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f of the
leftward/rightward adjustment means 500f pass through the
forward/rearward through-holes 321f, and the forward/rearward
adjustment rods 602f of the forward/rearward adjustment means 600f
pass through the upward/downward through-holes 331f.
[0140] Meanwhile, the leftward/rightward adjustment means 500f
includes leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501f and the
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f. In a state in which the
lower block 200f is coupled to the main frame 300f, the
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502f pass through the
forward/rearward adjustment holes 321f of the main frame 300f to
partially project from the outside of the rear plates 320f of the
main frame 300f. Threads are formed at the projected portions, and
the leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501f are fitted onto the
threaded portions.
[0141] Meanwhile, the forward/rearward adjustment means 600f
includes forward/rearward adjustment handles 601f and the
forward/rearward adjustment rods 602f. The forward/rearward
adjustment rods 602f are fixed to lower ends of the right upper
frame 112f and the left upper frame 122f, respectively, and
sequentially pass through the upward/downward through-holes 214f
and 224f of the lower frames 212f and 222f and the upward/downward
through-holes 331f of the main frame 300f to partially project
downward from the bottom plate 330f of the main frame 300f. Threads
are formed at the projected portions, and the forward/rearward
adjustment handles 601f are coupled to the threaded portions.
[0142] Tilt adjustment means 800f are attached to the outsides of
the side plates 310f of the main frame 300f, and angle adjustment
means 700f are coupled to the outsides of lower ends of the tilt
adjustment means 800f.
[0143] Portions of the lower ends of the angle adjustment means
700f lengthily extend downward to be inserted into fixing holes of
the chair to couple the headrest in accordance with the embodiment
to the chair.
[0144] Here, since the configurations and functions of the angle
adjustment means 700f and the tilt adjustment means 800f are the
same, overlapping description thereof will not be repeated.
[0145] Hereinafter, an operation method of the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment will be described.
[0146] A user sits on the chair to seat the head on the upper
recess 130f and the neck on the lower recess 230f.
[0147] Here, when a width of the user's head does not fit the width
of the upper recess 130f, the user releases the forward/rearward
adjustment handle 501f to adjust the gap between the right lower
frame 212f and the left lower frame 222f, and then, fastens the
forward/rearward adjustment handle 501f, such that the lower block
200f is fixed with an appropriate gap maintained.
[0148] Meanwhile, when the upper block 100f is to be moved forward
and rearward according to how much the back of the user's head
protrudes, the user releases the forward/rearward adjustment handle
601f to freely move the upper block 200f forward and rearward, and
then, rotates the forward/rearward adjustment handle 601f at an
appropriate position to fix the upper block 100f on the lower block
200f.
Fourth Embodiment
[0149] FIG. 18 is a view showing a headrest in accordance with a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The headrest
in accordance with the embodiment includes an upper block 100c and
a lower block 200c fixed to a lower portion of the upper block
100c.
[0150] The upper block 100c includes an upper recess 130c having a
substantially hemispherical groove formed in the middle thereof and
conforming to the back of a user's head, and the lower block 200c
includes a lower recess 230c having a semi-cylindrical groove
formed in the middle thereof.
[0151] Here, a front surface of the upper block 100c is stepped to
be disposed behind a front surface of the lower block 200c at both
left and right sides of the upper recess 130c.
[0152] Accordingly, a step surface 240c is formed between the front
surface of the upper block 100c and the front surface of the lower
block 200c, and the step surface 240c has an inclination increasing
from a front side to a rear side.
[0153] Since the front surfaces of the upper block 100c and the
lower block 200c are stepped such that the user's neck is supported
by the lower recess 230c to substantially prevent the neck from
being tilted, the left and right outer sides of the upper recess
130c on which the head is seated are somewhat cut out to free the
ears so that the headrest can be used regardless of different
widths of users' heads.
[0154] The upper block 100c and the lower block 200c may be
integrally formed with each other.
[0155] Meanwhile, the upper block 100c and the lower block 200c are
mounted on a main frame 300c. The main frame 300c includes two left
and right side plates 310c, a rear plate 320c coupled to rear ends
of the side plates 310c, and a bottom plate 330c coupled to lower
ends of the side plates and the rear plate. The bottom plate
extends inward from both left and right side plates to a
predetermined length and extends forward from the rear plate to a
predetermined length to form a substantial C shape.
[0156] Currently, frames of headrests for vehicles have been formed
of a metal, a thin sponge has been attached to the outside of the
frame, an outer cover has been put on the headrest, and then, the
head has been coupled to a main body of the chair. On the other
hand, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the headrest having
the recess, on which the neck and the head can be supported in
comfort, is formed of a soft material such as latex and memory
foam, an outer cover is put on the headrest, the headrest is
mounted on the main frame 300c, and then, the headrest is coupled
to the main frame 300c and the main body of the chair.
[0157] In a method of coupling the headrest to the main body of the
chair as shown in FIG. 18, the tilt adjustment means 800c and the
angle adjustment means 700c are installed at both side plates of
the main frame 300c, and the lower ends lengthily extending from
the housing are inserted into fixing holes 14d of the chair 10d to
be coupled to the chair 10d as shown in FIG. 24.
[0158] Since the tilt adjustment means 800c and the angle
adjustment means 700c have the same configurations and functions as
the tilt adjustment means 800d and the angle adjustment means 700d
of a fifth embodiment (described later), detailed description of
the tilt adjustment means 800d and the angle adjustment means 700d
will be described later through the fifth embodiment.
[0159] The upper block 100c and the lower block 200c may be
desirably formed of an elastic member such as latex foam, memory
foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on.
Fifth Embodiment
[0160] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment, which is mounted on the chair 10d
and FIG. 20 is a view separately showing an upper block 100d and a
lower block 200d constituting the headrest in accordance with the
embodiment.
[0161] The upper block 100d in accordance with the embodiment
includes an upper frame 120d and an upper shock-absorbing member
110d coupled to an upper portion of the upper frame 120d.
[0162] The upper frame 120d includes two left and right side
plates, a rear plate coupled to rear ends of the side plates, and a
bottom plate coupled to lower ends of the side plates and the rear
plate. The bottom plate extends inward from the lower ends of both
the left and right side plates to a predetermined length and
extends forward from the rear plate to form a substantial C
shape.
[0163] The upper shock-absorbing member 110d is formed of an
elastic material having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped
shape, a front portion of which is partially removed in a
substantially hemispherical shape. The portion removed from the
upper shock-absorbing member forms an upper recess 130d, on which
the back of the user's head is seated and supported.
[0164] The lower block 200d includes a lower frame 220d and a lower
shock-absorbing member 210d coupled onto the lower frame.
[0165] The lower frame 220d includes two left and right side
plates, a rear plate coupled to rear ends of the side plates, and a
bottom plate coupled to lower ends of the side plates and the rear
plate. The bottom plate extends inward from the lower ends of both
left and right side plates to a predetermined length and extends
forward from the rear plate to a predetermined length to form a
substantial C shape.
[0166] The lower shock-absorbing member 210d is a substantially
rectangular parallelepiped elastic member, a front upper portion of
which is partially removed in an inclined shape and a front middle
portion of which is partially removed in a substantially
semi-cylindrical shape.
[0167] A step surface 240d is formed at a portion formed by
inclinedly removing the front upper portion from the lower
shock-absorbing member 210d, and a lower recess 230d is formed at a
portion formed by partially removing a front portion in a concave
shape.
[0168] The upper shock-absorbing member 110d and the lower
shock-absorbing member 210d may be desirably formed of an elastic
member such as latex foam, memory foam, urethane foam, sponge, and
so on. Meanwhile, the frames 110d and 210d may be formed of a
plastic injection material or a metal.
[0169] The upper frame 120d and the lower frame 220d are coupled to
an upper portion of the chair through an upper tilt adjustment
means 900d, a lower tilt adjustment means 800d, and an angle
adjustment means 700d.
[0170] First, FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view showing the
upper tilt adjustment means 900d and the lower tilt adjustment
means 800d when seen from the front, and FIG. 22 shows an internal
structure when seen from a right side thereof. The two tilt
adjustment means 800d and 900d are generally used in the headrest
for a vehicle. When a force is applied in the forward/rearward
direction, the headrest moves to a predetermined distance in the
forward/rearward direction and a distance in the upward/downward
direction.
[0171] The upper tilt adjustment means 900d having the above
function includes a housing 901d and a pivot member 902d and a
spring 905d received in the housing 901d. Here, an upper end of the
pivot member 902d is pivotally coupled to a hinge coupling portion
903d, the hinge coupling portion 903d and the housing 901d are
coupled to a lower side surface of the upper frame 120d, a lower
end thereof is pivotally coupled to another hinge coupling portion
904d, and the other hinge coupling portion 904d is coupled to an
upper side surface of the lower frame 220d.
[0172] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, in a state in which the
upper tilt adjustment means 900d and the lower tilt adjustment
means 800d are aligned upward and downward, while the pivot member
902d of the upper tilt adjustment means 900d is disposed in an
inclined state as shown in a left side of FIG. 22, when a force is
applied rearward to the upper frame 120d, as shown in a right side
of FIG. 22, the pivot member 902d is rotated to be vertically
aligned and the upper frame 120d is moved rearward to a
predetermined distance and upward to a predetermined distance.
[0173] As described above, the internal configuration and principle
of the tilt adjustment means 900d are generally and widely used in
headrests for vehicles. Since the embodiment employs the
configuration and principle of the tilt adjustment means generally
used in a vehicle, detailed description of the configuration and
operational principle will be omitted.
[0174] While the internal configuration of the tilt adjustment
means 900d used in the embodiment is known, in accordance with the
embodiment, as the tilt adjustment means 900d is fixedly installed
at the upper frame and the lower frame to enable tilt adjustment
between the upper block 100d and the lower block 200d, the headrest
can be adjusted into the most comfortable and stable state
according to a shape of the back of the user's head through a
forward/rearward adjustment operation of the upper frame. While the
tilt adjustment means is one of widely used techniques, there is no
example of the tilt adjustment means in which the headrest is
divided into the upper and lower blocks to be adjusted to conform
to the head.
[0175] Meanwhile, similar to the upper tilt adjustment means 900d,
the lower tilt adjustment means 800d includes a housing 801d, and a
pivot member 802d and a spring 805d received in the housing
801d.
[0176] Here, an upper end of the pivot member 802d is coupled to a
lower side surface of the lower frame 220d through a hinge coupling
portion 803d, and a lower end thereof is coupled to a housing of
the angle adjustment means 700d. Accordingly, when the lower frame
220d is pushed from a front side to a rear side, since the pivot
member 802d is rotated to move the lower frame 220d upward to a
predetermined distance and rearward to a predetermined distance,
the headrest can be adjusted to conform to a shape of the neck.
[0177] Here, since the lower tilt adjustment means 800d employs a
known technique generally used in a headrest for a vehicle,
detailed description thereof will be omitted. While the
configuration of the tilt adjustment means 800d and 900d used in
the embodiment is known, according to the embodiment, as the two
tilt adjustment means 800d and 900d are used to enable further tilt
adjustment between the upper block 100d and the lower block 200d,
the headrest can be adjusted to the most comfortable and stable
state according to a shape of the back of the user's head.
[0178] Meanwhile, FIGS. 21 and 23 show a structure of the angle
adjustment means 700d, FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view thereof
when seen from the front, a right side of FIG. 23 shows a side view
thereof, and a left side of FIG. 23 show an internal structure
thereof, with a portion of a housing removed.
[0179] The angle adjustment means 700d includes a housing 701d, a
receiving portion 702d formed inside the housing 701d, a ratchet
wheel 703d received in the receiving portion 702d, a substantially
rounded triangular switching member 704d disposed under the ratchet
wheel 703d and rotated according to an operation of a switching
lever 707d, two stoppers 705d disposed at both left and right sides
of the switching member 704d, and springs 706d configured to bias
the stoppers 705d against the switching member 704d.
[0180] One ends of the springs 706d are supported by a wall surface
of the receiving portion 702d and the other ends are supported by
the stoppers 705d to constantly bias the stoppers 705d against the
switching member 704d. Accordingly, when the stoppers 705d contact
corners of the switching member 704d, the stoppers 705d are spaced
apart from the ratchet wheel 703d. However, when the switching
member 704d is rotated to contact one of the stoppers 705d at its
one side, rather than the corners, the inclined stopper 705d is
vertically disposed to contact the ratchet wheel 703d.
[0181] When any one stopper 705d is inserted between teeth of the
ratchet wheel 703d, while the ratchet wheel 703d can be rotated in
a direction of pressing the stopper 705d toward the spring 706d,
the ratchet wheel 703d cannot be rotated in a direction of pressing
the stopper 705d toward the switching member 704d.
[0182] Meanwhile, the housing 701d of the angle adjustment means
700d lengthily extends upward and downward to be coupled to an
outside of a housing of the tilt adjustment means 800d at its upper
portion and inserted into a fixing hole 14d of the chair 10d to be
coupled to the chair at its lower end, as shown in FIG. 24.
[0183] FIG. 24 is a view showing a chair, on which the headrest is
to be mounted. In FIG. 24, reference numeral 15d designates a
reinforcement member, which functions to support the headrest to
prevent the headrest from being damaged due to strong impact upon a
traffic accident when the headrest is applied to a vehicle.
[0184] Hereinafter, an operation method of the headrest in
accordance with the embodiment will be described.
[0185] A user sits on the chair shown in FIG. 19 to seat the neck
on the lower recess 230d and the head on the upper recess 130d.
[0186] Here, since the neck is supported by the lower recess 230d
to prevent the neck from being tilted, even when a front surface of
the upper block 100d is disposed behind a front surface of the
lower block 200d, the head can be sufficiently fixed and supported,
and the user's ears can be relatively free.
[0187] Meanwhile, the user can operate the angle adjustment means
700d, the lower tilt adjustment means 800d and the upper tilt
adjustment means 900d to adjust the headrest to a comfortable
state.
[0188] First, the adjustment levers 707d of the angle adjustment
means 700d installed at both of the side plates of the lower frame
are operated to a middle position to dispose the switching member
704d at a neutral position so that the ratchet wheel 703d is
rotatable in the forward/rearward direction, the lower frame 220d
is rotated to a comfortable angle, and both of the adjustment
levers 707d are rotated in different directions to prevent further
rotation of the ratchet wheel 703d.
[0189] Next, the lower tilt adjustment means 800d is operated to
move the lower block 200d to an appropriate position, and the upper
tilt adjustment means 900d is operated to move the upper block 100d
to an appropriate position.
[0190] As a result, the user can adjust the upper block 100 and the
lower block 200 to the most appropriate state to conform to his/her
body and head shapes so that the head can be supported in
comfort.
Sixth Embodiment
[0191] FIG. 25 is a view showing a headrest in accordance with a
sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted on a
chair.
[0192] The headrest in accordance with the embodiment includes an
upper block 100e and a lower block 200e, and the lower block 200e
includes a right lower block 210e and a left lower block 220e.
[0193] An upper recess 130e having a substantially hemispherical
groove conforming to the back of a user's head is formed in the
middle of the upper block 100e, and a lower recess 230e having a
semi-cylindrical groove is formed in the middle of the lower block
200e. The back of the user's head is seated on the upper recess
130e and the user's neck is seated on the lower recess 230e,
preventing the neck from being tilted.
[0194] The upper block 100e, the right lower block 210e, and the
left lower block 220e include frames 120e, 212e and 222e, and
shock-absorbing members 110e, 211e and 221e coupled to the frames,
respectively.
[0195] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the upper frame 120e of the
upper block 100e includes two left and right side plates, a rear
plate disposed at rear ends of the side plates, and a bottom plate
disposed at lower ends of the side plates and the rear plate. The
bottom plate extends inward from the side plates to a predetermined
length and extends forward from the rear plate to a predetermined
length to form a substantial "" shape.
[0196] The upper shock-absorbing member 110e is a substantially
rectangular parallelepiped elastic member, a front upper portion of
which is partially removed in a substantially hemispherical shape.
The portion formed by partially removing the upper shock-absorbing
member in a concave shape forms the upper recess 130e and the back
of the user's head is seated and supported on the upper recess
130e.
[0197] Each of the lower frames 212e and 222e of the lower block
200e includes a side plate, a rear plate disposed at a rear end of
the side plate, and a bottom plate disposed at lower ends of the
side plate and the rear plate. The bottom plate extends inward from
the side plate to a predetermined length and extends forward from
the rear plate to a predetermined length to form a substantial ""
shape.
[0198] Here, a leftward/rightward insertion protrusion 215e
protrudes leftward from the rear plate of the right lower frame
212e, and an insertion groove (not shown) into which the insertion
protrusion is inserted is formed in the rear plate of the left
lower frame 222e to be opened rightward.
[0199] In addition, leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 214e and
224e lengthily extending in the leftward/rightward direction
protrude downward from the bottom plate.
[0200] Further, leftward/rightward adjustment holes 503e are formed
to pass through the side plates, and screw gears may be formed at
inner circumferences of the leftward/rightward adjustment
holes.
[0201] Meanwhile, the shock-absorbing members 110e, 211e and 222e
may be desirably formed of an elastic member such as latex foam,
memory foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on.
[0202] Meanwhile, the frames 120e, 212e and 222e may be formed of a
plastic injection material or a metal.
[0203] The upper shock-absorbing member 110e of the shock-absorbing
members is coupled onto the bottom plate of the upper frame 120e,
and the lower shock-absorbing members 211e and 221e are coupled
onto the bottom plates of the lower frames 212e and 222e.
[0204] Meanwhile, the upper block 100e and the lower block 200e are
received in an upper portion of a main frame 300e.
[0205] The main frame 300e includes two left and right side plates,
a rear plate disposed at rear ends of the side plates, and a bottom
plate disposed at lower ends of the side plates and the rear plate.
Two leftward/rightward sliding grooves 301e are lengthily formed in
the bottom plate in the leftward/rightward direction.
[0206] The leftward/rightward sliding protrusions 214e and 224e of
the lower frames 212e and 222e are inserted into the
leftward/rightward sliding grooves 301e.
[0207] Meanwhile, two left and right through-holes 302e are formed
at the side plates of the main frame 300e, and leftward/rightward
adjustment rods 502e of a leftward/rightward adjustment means 500e
(described later) are inserted into the left and right
through-holes 302e.
[0208] In addition, an upper tilt adjustment means 900e and a lower
tilt adjustment means 800e are coupled to outsides of the side
plates of the main frame 300e, and an angle adjustment means 700e
is coupled to a side surface of the lower tilt adjustment means
800e.
[0209] A portion of an upper end of the upper tilt adjustment means
900e is coupled to an outside of the side plate of the upper frame
120e, and a portion of a lower end thereof is coupled to an outside
of the side plate of the main frame 300e.
[0210] A portion of an upper portion of the lower tilt adjustment
means 800e is coupled to a lower side of the upper tilt adjustment
means 900e from the outside of the side plate of the main frame
300e, and a portion of a lower end thereof is coupled to the angle
adjustment means 700e.
[0211] A portion of an upper end of the angle adjustment means 700e
is coupled to the lower tilt adjustment means 800e, and the lower
end extending in a rod shape is inserted into holes formed at an
upper portion of the chair to be coupled thereto.
[0212] Here, since the configurations and functions of the upper
tilt adjustment means 900e, the lower tilt adjustment means 800e
and the angle adjustment means 700e are the same as in the fifth
embodiment, repeated description thereof will be omitted.
[0213] Meanwhile, the leftward/rightward adjustment means 500e
includes leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501e and
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502e extending inward from the
leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501e and having screw gears
formed at outer circumferences thereof. As shown in FIG. 26, the
leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502e extending inward from the
leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501e pass through the left
and right through-holes 302e of the main frame 300e to be inserted
into the leftward/rightward adjustment holes 503e of the lower
frames 212e and 222e. Here, since the screw gears are formed at the
outer circumferences of the leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502e
and screw gears are also formed at inner circumferences of the
leftward/rightward adjustment holes 503e of the lower frames 212e
and 222e, as the leftward/rightward adjustment handles 501e are
rotated to rotate the leftward/rightward adjustment rods 502e, the
lower frames 212e and 222e can be slid leftward and rightward.
[0214] Meanwhile, when the lower frames 212e and 222e are slid in
the leftward/rightward direction, the leftward/rightward sliding
protrusions 214e and 224e protruding downward therefrom are guided
by the leftward/rightward sliding grooves 301e formed in the bottom
plate of the main frame.
[0215] Hereinafter, an operation process of the headrest having the
above configuration will be described.
[0216] A user sits on the chair and leans his/her head on the
headrest such that the head is seated on the upper recess 130e and
the neck is seated on the lower recess 230e. Here, when angular
adjustment is needed, similar to the above embodiment, the angle
adjustment means 700e is operated to adjust an angle of the main
frame 300e, and when tilt adjustment is needed, the main frame 300e
is moved rearward to be tilt-adjusted. In addition, when only tilt
adjustment of the upper block 100e is needed for a forward/rearward
adjustment operation of the upper frame, a force may be applied
rearward to the upper block 100e to move the upper block 100e
upward to a predetermined distance and rearward a predetermined
distance.
[0217] In addition, the leftward/rightward adjustment handle 501
may be rotated to increase or reduce a gap between the right lower
block 210e and the left lower block 220e leftward and
rightward.
[0218] Accordingly, the user can adjust the headrest to conform to
a shape of the back of the user's head, a length of the neck or an
angle of the neck such that the neck and the head can be supported
in the most comfortable state.
Seventh Embodiment
[0219] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an adjustable headrest
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0220] The adjustable headrest in accordance with the exemplary
embodiment includes an upper support 100b and a lower support 200b
disposed under the upper support 100b.
[0221] The upper support 100b is provided with an upper recess 130b
in the front thereof, which is recessed in an approximately
hemispherical shape like the back of a human head, and a rear
recess 140b in the rear thereof, which is deeply recessed toward
the middle thereof in a leftward/rightward direction.
[0222] Thus, the upper support 100b is configured so that a
thickness thereof is thin in the middle thereof in a
forward/rearward direction and is gradually increased toward
opposite left and right ends thereof in the forward/rearward
direction when viewed from the top.
[0223] Here, the upper support 100b is provided with a slit 150b in
the middle thereof in the leftward/rightward direction which is cut
open by a predetermined depth downward from an upper end thereof.
The slit 150b is cut out to a predetermined depth in the middle of
the upper support 100b in the leftward/rightward direction.
[0224] Meanwhile, the lower support 200b located under the upper
support 100b is provided with a lower recess 230b in the front
thereof which is recessed in an approximately cylindrical shape. A
user's neck is seated and fixed on the lower recess 230b to prevent
the neck from being tilted.
[0225] Left and right front surfaces of the lower recess 230b of
the lower support 200b project from left and right front surfaces
of the upper recess 130b of the upper support 100b. That is, the
front surfaces of the upper support 100b are retracted from the
front surfaces of the lower support 200b.
[0226] Accordingly, the front surfaces of the upper support 100b
and the lower support 200b have a stepped shape to form a step
surface 240b, an inclination of which is gradually increased from a
front side to a rear side thereof.
[0227] The reason for stepping the front surfaces of the upper
support 100b and the lower support 200b is that the left and right
portions of the upper recess 130b in which the head is seated are
cut out to free the ears because the user's neck is supported by
the lower recess 230b to sufficiently prevent the neck from being
tilted.
[0228] Meanwhile, the upper support 100b and the lower support 200b
may include a member having elasticity such as latex foam, memory
foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on.
[0229] FIG. 28 is a view showing the headrest having the
above-mentioned configuration mounted on a chair 10b. A receiving
portion 11b in which the headrest is received is formed in an upper
portion of a seatback of the chair 10b, and the headrest is held in
and coupled to the receiving portion 11b so that the headrest can
be disposed in a usable manner.
[0230] Hereinafter, operations of the headrest in accordance with
the embodiment will be described.
[0231] A user sits on the chair 10b to seat his/her neck on the
lower recess 230b and his/her head on the upper recess 130b.
[0232] As a result, the neck seated on the lower recess 230b is
naturally supported and prevented from being tilted in
leftward/rightward and rearward directions. In addition, since the
back of the head is seated on the upper recess 130b to prevent
leftward and rightward movement of the head, a neck-tilting
phenomenon can be completely prevented.
[0233] Here, when the back of the user's head protrudes, since the
upper recess 130b can be expanded in the forward/rearward direction
due to presence of the slit 150b, the user's head can fit in the
upper recess 130b so that the user can more comfortably sit on the
chair and the neck-tilting phenomenon can be prevented.
Eighth Embodiment
[0234] FIGS. 29 to 31 show a headrest in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 29 is a view
showing the headrest in accordance with the embodiment mounted on
the chair, and FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan views showing the headrest
in accordance with the embodiment, when viewed from the top.
[0235] In the description of the embodiments, like reference
numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.
[0236] The headrest in accordance with the embodiment includes an
upper support 100b and a lower support 200b disposed under the
upper support 100b.
[0237] The upper support 100b is provided with an upper recess 130b
in the front thereof, which is recessed in an approximately
hemispherical shape like the back of a human head, and a rear
recess 140b in the rear thereof, which is symmetrical with respect
to the upper recess 130b and recessed in an approximately
hemispherical shape.
[0238] Thus, the upper support 100b is configured so that a
thickness thereof is thin in the middle thereof in a
forward/rearward direction and is gradually increased toward
opposite left and right ends thereof in the forward/rearward
direction when viewed from the top.
[0239] Here, the upper support 100b is provided with a slit 150b in
the middle thereof in the leftward/rightward direction which is cut
open by a predetermined depth downward from an upper end thereof.
The slit 150b is cut out to a predetermined depth in the middle of
the upper support 100b in the leftward/rightward direction.
[0240] Meanwhile, the lower support 200b located under the upper
support 100b is provided with a lower recess 230b in the front
thereof which is recessed in an approximately cylindrical shape. A
user's neck is seated and fixed on the lower recess 230b to prevent
the neck from being tilted.
[0241] Left and right front surfaces of the lower recess 230b of
the lower support 200b project from left and right front surfaces
of the upper recess 130b of the upper support 100b. That is, the
front surfaces of the upper support 100b are retracted from the
front surfaces of the lower support 200b.
[0242] Accordingly, the front surfaces of the upper support 100b
and the lower support 200b have a stepped shape to form a step
surface 240b, an inclination of which is gradually increased from a
front side to a rear side thereof.
[0243] The reason for stepping the front surfaces of the upper
support 100b and the lower support 200b is that the left and right
portions of the upper recess 130b in which the head is seated are
cut out to free the ears because the user's neck is supported by
the lower recess 230b to sufficiently prevent the neck from being
tilted.
[0244] An air bag 160b is disposed in the rear recess 140b. The air
bag 160b is configured to receive air from an air supply means (not
shown) to be expanded, or to discharge the air to be
contracted.
[0245] Here, any means such as a manual rubber pump or an automatic
pump may be used as the air supply means as long as the air can be
supplied into the air bag 160b.
[0246] FIG. 30 shows the air bag 160b in a contracted state and
FIG. 31 shows the air bag 160b in an expanded state. In a state in
which the air bag 160b is contracted, the slit 150b is increased in
width and moved rearward by a weight of the user's head to provide
an appropriate shape to the user whose head has a large diameter or
the back of whose head protrudes. On the other hand, when the air
bag 160b is expanded, the slit 150b is reduced in width and the
rear recess 140b is kept in an original state. Thus, it is possible
to provide an appropriate shape to the user whose head has a small
diameter or the back of whose head is flat.
[0247] Meanwhile, a retainer 170b is disposed in the rear of the
rear recess 140b. The retainer 170b may be a member to which a
separate solid plate is attached to the rear of the rear recess
140b to prevent separation of the air bag inserted into the rear
recess 140b of the upper support 100b.
[0248] Meanwhile, the upper support 100b and the lower support 200b
may include a member having elasticity such as latex foam, memory
foam, urethane foam, sponge, and so on. The resilient member may be
manufactured through a foaming expansion molding method and then
coated with a soft polyurethane resin on an outer circumferential
surface thereof through post-processing, preventing intrusion of
moisture and contamination.
[0249] A coating liquid, in which a 70% fiber adsorbent, a 200%
waterproof agent, and a 100% antibiotic deodorizer are mixed, is
applied on the polyurethane outer circumferential surface to
prevent propagation of germs and maintain cleanliness.
[0250] However, when an envelope is used on the headrest,
post-processing may be omitted.
[0251] Hereinafter, operations of the headrest of the embodiment
will be described.
[0252] A user sits on the chair 10b to seat his/her neck on the
lower recess 230b and his/her head on the upper recess 130b.
[0253] As a result, the neck seated on the lower recess 230b is
naturally supported and prevented from being tilted in
leftward/rightward and rearward directions. In addition, since the
back of the head is seated on the upper recess 130b to prevent
leftward and rightward movement of the head, a neck-tilting
phenomenon can be completely prevented.
[0254] Here, when the user's head has a large diameter or the back
of the user's head protrudes, the air in the air bag 160b is
discharged, and the slit 150b is increased in width and moved
rearward by the user's head to increase an volume of the upper
recess 130b so that the user's head is fitted to the upper recess
130b to maintain a convenient state.
[0255] On the other hand, when the user's head has a small diameter
or the back of the user's head is flat, the air is filled into the
air bag 160b to reduce the width of the slit 150b to maintain the
rear recess 140b and the upper recess 130b in an original state so
that the user's head fits in the upper recess 130b.
[0256] Accordingly, the user can sit on the chair in a more
comfortable state and prevent the neck-tilting phenomenon.
[0257] Meanwhile, although the embodiment including the air bag
160b is exemplified as the rear recess 140b of the head rest
including the retainer installed in the rear thereof, the headrest
may not include the retainer but a front surface of the receiving
portion 11b of the chair 10b may function as the retainer.
[0258] Here, the forward direction described in the embodiments
means a direction that a user faces when the head is supported by
the headrest.
[0259] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain example embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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