WO2000038946A1

WO2000038946A1 - Forehead rest for passenger seat

Info

Publication number: WO2000038946A1
Application number: PCT/FR1999/003264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luc Morin
Original assignee: Luc Morin
Priority date: 1998-12-23
Filing date: 1999-12-20
Publication date: 2000-07-06
Also published as: FR2787751A1; FR2787751B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device comprising a headband (1) designed to support the passenger's forehead and the temples and a device for fixing said headband (1) to the back of the seat or a rear headrest known per se. The headband (1) is detachable, extensible and adjustable in length. The headband is opened and closed by reversible adhesive strips provided on zones (10) and (18). The headband (1) comprises zones (11, 13, 15, 17) which are loosened or ruptured in the event of very significant deceleration or impact. The device fixing the headband (1) to the seat back comprises one or several straps (24) tightly tied up around the seat back or around the rear headrest. The inventive device is called forehead rest and is designed to support the forehead and temples of a passenger who happens to doze off.

Description

Headrest for passenger seat

The invention relates to a forehead support strip intended to support the head of the sleepy or sleeping passenger.

Many efforts have been made to improve the comfort of passenger seats in cars, planes and trains. Certain devices are specially designed to support the head of the sleepy or sleeping passenger. Are known in particular reclining backrests, tilting rear headrests, retractable lateral supports. Head restraint devices are also known which consist of a strip passed around the passenger's head and of a means of connection to the backrest or to the rear headrest. US Patent 4,707,031 shows two embodiments of a head restraint: an "adult" mode and a "child" mode. According to the said patent, the adult mode comprises a first strip passed around the head, which strip is coupled to a second strip passed around the backrest. The description does not indicate that the said first strip could distend or rupture in the event of significant deceleration or in the event of an impact. The "child" embodiment of US Pat. No. 4,707,031 describes an optional additional strip to "better resist lateral movements of the head (relative to the headrest), for example during sudden deceleration". Patent DE 9001789 describes a head restraint for children which comprises a frontal band and a chin band, both connected to the backrest. Patent GB 2 179852 describes a head support, of adjustable height, connected to the rear headrest or to the backrest. US Patent 5,081,714 describes a first strip passed around the head and connected back to a second strip passed around the back. The patents DE 29610904 and DE 4306555 also describe textile headbands, connected to the rear headrest. US Patent 4607885 describes a head support for children, U-shaped and rigid.

These head restraint devices have a serious drawback: they fix the passenger's head to the backrest, which can be dangerous in the event of a sudden impact or in the event of significant deceleration, in particular if the chest escapes the seat belt.

The object of the invention is to remedy this drawback.

For the record, devices hold the head in the event of an impact, but leave the head free in normal use. Patent FR 2 721 880 describes a head retaining strap in the event of an abrupt change in movement. Patent DE 29516661 describes a device for retaining the helmet of a sports car driver. US Pat. No. 4,909,459 describes a device for retaining the head in the event of deceleration greater than a threshold value. Patent GB 1 497 847 describes a head holding device which leaves the head free during normal use and retains the head in the event of an accident. WO 99/02376 describes a headband which retains the head in the event of an impact and which allows the head to rotate freely in normal use. These devices are outside the scope of the invention since they do not support the head in normal use and retain it in the event of an impact, which is exactly the opposite of what is sought in the present invention.

The object of the invention is to provide a forehead support strip which can stretch or break in the event of significant deceleration or in the event of an impact, while ensuring the support of the passenger's head in normal use. In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved by incorporating into the strip stretch zones or zones of less resistance, called "break" zones. In the event of a significant deceleration or in the event of an impact, the strip according to the invention allows the head to move freely relative to the backrest, thereby avoiding trauma to the cervical spine. In particular, if during a shock the thorax deviates from the backrest or escapes the seat belt, the passenger's head can follow the movement of the thorax.

Description:

Certain embodiments of the invention make use of known fabrics, with reversible adhesion. Said fabrics are usually used for closing reversible clothing, bags or shoulder straps. Said fabrics have on their surfaces either loops or barbs. Said loops and barbs hang respectively when the two surfaces are pressed against each other. The said loops and barbs fall off when the two surfaces are separated from one another. In the following description, the designation "reversible adhesion band" will designate a band made with reversible adhesion fabric as described in this paragraph.

The forehead support according to the invention comprises:

- A strip (1) which has extendable zones or rupture zones, which is removable and of adjustable length at rest.

- a device for securing the strip (1) to the backrest or to the rear headrest. Figure 1 shows the overall arrangement of the best way to realize the invention.

Description of an embodiment of the banner (1):

According to the first embodiment of the strip (1), the strip (1) consists of: - a strip (3) of easily stretchy elastic fabric with limited elongation

- pieces (19 to 23.57) glued or sewn onto the strip (3). The parts (19 to 23, 57) read the extensibility of the strip (1) in normal use or are used for closing the strip or for fixing it. The strip (1) closes in front of the passenger's head, by superposition of the zones (10) and (18) by means of strips with reversible adhesion. The length at rest of the strip (1) is adjustable by the user by reversible adhesion strips placed on the zones (10) and (18). The strip (1) has two sides: - one side, called "internal", located on the side of the passenger's head

- a face, called "external", located on the side opposite to the internal face. The strip (3) has two faces:

+ a face, called "internal", located on the side of the passenger's head + a face, called "external", located on the side opposite the internal face. The strip (1) has nine zones: + a central zone (14) which is in contact with the backrest + two end zones (10) and (18) which, when the strip (1) is closed, overlap completely or in part

+ two medium zones (12) and (16) provided with means which limit the extensibility of the strip (1) in the event of medium deceleration + four zones (11, 13,15,17), called zones of extensibility or " rupture "located respectively between zones (10 and 12), (12 and 14), (14 and 16), (16 and 18).

For passenger safety, a non-adhesive tab (55) is attached to the end of the area (10). Said tab (55) allows the passenger to easily and quickly open the strip (1), in particular in the event of an emergency. For safety, the width of the band (1) is greater than the dimensions of the orbital cavity of an adult.

On the internal face of the strip (3) are sewn or glued the following elements:

+ at the level of the zone (10) a strip with reversible adhesion (19). + at the level of the zone (14) a strip with reversible adhesion (20). The following elements are sewn or glued to the outside of the strip (3):

+ at the level of the zone (12) one or more parallel strips (21) of elastic fabric that is not very stretchy + at the level of the zone (16) one or more parallel strips (22) of elastic fabric that is not very stretchy

+ at the level of the zone (18) a band with reversible adhesion (23) + at the level of the zone (10) a band with reversible adhesion (57). Figure 2 shows, according to the 1st embodiment of the strip (1), the spread strip (1), composed of the zones (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and the tongue ( 55). Figures 3 and 4 show respectively the outer and inner faces of the strip (1) in the spread position.

No element is sewn or glued at the internal face or at the external face of the zones (11, 13, 15, 17) of the strip (3). In response to a press, the fabric of the strip (3) of the zones (11, 13, 15, 17) has a reaction in three stages:

+ at first, in the event of weak support, the fabric easily distends + in a second time, in the event of average support, the fabric arrives at the limit of elongation and resists. + thirdly, in the event of very significant support, the tissue breaks.

The absence of any added element at the level of the zones (11, 13, 15, 17) allows the fabric of the strip (3):

+ play a role of extensibility at the level of the zones (11, 13, 15, 17) in the event of weak deceleration or in response to the support of the passenger's head. + to stretch or break at one of the zones (11, 13, 15, 17) in the event of significant deceleration or in the event of an impact. The elastic and poorly extensible bands (21) and (22) of the zones (12) and (16) limit the extensibility of the strip (1) in the event of average deceleration. The reversible adhesion bands (19) and (23) of the zones (10) and (18) make it possible to close the forehead support strip (1) and to adjust the length of the forehead support strip (1).

According to an alternative embodiment of the strip, not illustrated, the strip (1) is cut transversely in the middle of the zone (14). This cut allows the area (14) to detach from the straps (24) in the event of significant deceleration or in the event of an impact, which adds to safety.

When the passenger does not wish to use the strip, he can open the strip (1) and apply the zones (10) and (18) on reversible adhesion strips provided for this purpose on the backrest or on the external faces of the zones ( 30 of the straps (24) (Figure 5). If the size of the headrest allows, the areas (10) and (18) can also overlap behind the headrest and adhere to one the other by means of the reversible adhesion bands (19) and (23) (FIG. 6). The other embodiments of the invention also provide for the possibility of folding the zones (10) and (18) backwards and the possibility of overlapping zones (10) and (18) behind the headrest.

According to an improvement of the invention, a folding device (51) for protection against light is fixed on the lower edge of the zone (10), by means of a textile hinge. Said device (51) can be placed in two positions: a lowered position in which it protects the passenger's eyes from light, and a raised position. The device (51) is fixed in the raised position by means of a reversible adhesion strip (52) placed on said device (51) and by means of a reversible adhesion strip (53) placed on the external face of the zone (10). In this case, the reversible adhesion strip (57) is placed on the external face of the device (51). A suspension string (56) allows the device (51) to be retained in the lowered position. Known means makes it possible to adjust the length of the string (56) and therefore to adjust the longitudinal inclination of said device (51) in the lowered position. Figure 7 shows in perspective, in anterolateral view, the strip (1) provided with the device (51) in the lowered position. According to a variant of the device (51) not illustrated, said device (51) can be removable.

According to the best means of producing the strip (3), the said strip consists of a fabric (42) which has elasticity in two stages: firstly, in the event of weak deceleration, the fabric is easily stretchable, then beyond an elongation limit the fabric becomes not very stretchy. Said fabric (42) comprises two kinds of fibers:

- rectilinear fibers (40) made of easily extensible elastic material and arranged substantially parallel to the midline (35) of the strip (1).

- Fibers (41), composed of elastic material which is not very extensible and which have at rest a curvilinear path, for example in accordion or in sinusoid. FIG. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of the fabric (42) with rectilinear fibers (40) and curvilinear fibers (41), the said fabric (42) being shown at rest. From a functional point of view:

- At rest, the fibers (40) and the fibers (41) are not stressed.

- in the event of weak deceleration: only the fibers (40) are under tension, the fibers (41) are not stressed.

- In case of medium deceleration: the fibers (40) are under tension, the fibers (41) have a straight path and are under tension and limit the elongation. According to a simplified embodiment of the strip (3), the strip (3) consists of a synthetic foam fabric made of polyurethane, a foam fabric which is usually used for insulation purposes. This foam fabric is not very stretchy. It breaks in the event of significant tension. However, its tensile strength is sufficient to support the head of the sleepy passenger. In the case where the strip (3) is formed with the said foam fabric, only the parts (19,20,23,56) are fixed on the strip (3). According to another alternative embodiment, the strip (3) consists of a synthetic foam polystyrene with closed bubbles, foam fabric which is usually used for packaging purposes. This foam fabric has a soft touch, which improves passenger comfort.

Description of the fixing device:

According to the first embodiment of the fixing device: - the strip (1) is located entirely in front of the headrest

- one or more straps (24) are tightened vertically around the rear headrest and press the area (14) of the strip (1) against the headrest (Figure 1). The center line (36) of each strap (24) is located substantially in a vertical and longitudinal plane relative to the vehicle. The zone (14) passes in front of the zone (29) of each strap (24). Tightening the straps (24) presses the area (14) against the headrest. Description of the straps (24): Each strap (24) has two sides:

- a face, called "internal", located in contact with the known posterior headrest or in contact with the upper part of the backrest.

- a face, called "external", located on the side opposite to the internal face. Each of the straps (24) consists of:

- a strip (25) of very little stretch fabric.

- Parts (31,32,33) glued or sewn on the strip (25), parts which will be described later.

Each strip (25) has two faces:

- a face, called "internal", located in contact with the known posterior headrest or in contact with the upper part of the backrest. - a face, called "external" located on the side opposite to the internal face.

Each strap (24) has three zones:

- A zone (28) which is located opposite the rear face of the backrest.

- A central zone (29), the most median part of which is opposite the anterior face of the known posterior headrest.

- A zone (30) which, when the strap (24) is closed, is located opposite the zone (28).

A reversible adhesion strip (31) is sewn or glued to the internal face of the strip (25) at the level of the zone (30). On the external face of the band (25) are sewn or glued: a reversible adhesion band (33) at the level of the zone (30) and a reversible adhesion band (32) at the level of the zone (28) The figure 9 shows a band (25) spread and the center line (36) of the strap (24). FIG. 10 shows a spread strap (24), composed of the zones (28) (29) (30). Figures 11 and 12 show respectively the outer and inner faces of a strap (24). For the fitting of the straps (24), the reversible adhesion strip (31) of the internal face of the zone (30) is applied to the reversible adhesion strip (32) of the external face of the zone (28) (figure 13). According to a variant of the 1st embodiment of the fixing device, when the rear headrest is not provided with vertical uprights, the strap (24) is placed in a substantially horizontal plane (Figure 14). In this case, the zone (14) of the strip (1) is fixed to the external face of the zone (29) of the strap (24) according to a known method, such as for example gluing, welding or sewing. Said attachment can also break in the event of very significant deceleration or in the event of an impact, which adds to safety.

Second embodiment of the fixing device: According to the 2nd embodiment, the device for fixing the headband (1) to the seat includes a cover (43) which is threaded onto the known posterior headrest or onto the backrest. The cover (43) is made of an elastic fabric which allows it to adapt to the shape of the rear headrest or the shape of the backrest. On the rear face of the cover (43) are glued or sewn one or more strips with reversible adhesion (50). The area (14) of the banner (1) is glued or sewn on the front face (45) of the cover (43). The cover (43) is reinforced by a strip (54) of fabric that is not very stretchy around the periphery of said cover, at the level of the insertion of the zone (14) of the strip (1). Figure 15 shows in perspective, in antero-lateral view, the cover (43) provided with the reinforcing strip (54) and reversible adhesion strips (50). Figure 16 shows in perspective, in antero-lateral view, the cover (43) threaded on the rear headrest and the strip (1) closed in front at the areas (10) and (18). For clarity of the drawing, the reinforcing strip (54) is not shown in FIG. 16.

3rd mocje of realization of the fixing device: The strip (1) passes behind the posterior headrest. The headband is positioned by means of tabs (58) glued or sewn onto the rear headrest (Figure 17). The attachment of the legs (58) on the backrest or on the known rear headrest is sufficiently loose so that the legs (58) detach from the backrest or of the known rear headrest in the event of very significant deceleration or in the event of an impact, which adds to safety.

4th embodiment of the fixing device:

The strip (1) passes behind the rear headrest. Two straps (24) are tightened vertically or horizontally around the rear headrest. The reversible adhesion band (20) of the zone (14) of the band (1) is applied to the reversible adhesion bands (33) of the zones (30 of the straps (24). This maneuver secures the zone (14) of the band (1) with the rear face of the head restraint, via the straps (24) (Figure 18).

According to a variant embodiment not illustrated, strips with reversible adhesion are glued or sewn directly onto the rear face of the headrest or of the backrest. Said strips adhere to the strip (20) of the zone (14) of the strip (1).

Claims

1. Headrest device for passenger seat, comprising:

- a strip (1) whose front part (10,18) supports the passenger's forehead and whose lateral parts (12) and (16) support the passenger's temples

- a device allowing the bandage (1) to be fixed to the backrest or to a rear conrw headrest, characterized in that the bandage (1) comprises one or more zones (11, 13, 15, 17) which break or stretch in the event of a significant deceleration or in the event of an impact.

2. headrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (1) comprises elastic zones which are easily extensible and of limited elongation (11, 13, 15, 17) which allow the head of the passenger to follow the movement thorax in case of weak deceleration.

3. Headrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (1) comprises elastic zones which are not very extensible (12, 16) which hold the passenger's head in the event of average deceleration.

4. Headrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (1) comprises elastic zones (11, 13, 15, 17) which are in a first te _^ mps easily expandable in the event of weak deceleration, then which beyond an elongation limit become not very extensible.

δ. Headrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (3) of the strip (1) consists of a synthetic polyurethane foam fabric.

6. Headrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip (3) of the strip (1) consists of a synthetic foam fabric of polystyrene, with closed bubbles.

7. Headrest device according to claim 1, comprising a device (51) for protecting the eyes against light, characterized in that said device (51) can be placed in a raised position and a lowered position.

S. Headrest device according to claim 7 characterized in that the inclination of the device (51) in the lowered position is adjustable.

9. Headrest device claim 1, characterized in that the strip (1) is provided at the end of the area (10) with a tongue (55) which facilitates the opening of the strip (1).

10. Headrest device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the device for fixing the strip (1) to the backrest comprises one or more straps (24) tightened around the known posterior headrest, characterized in that said straps (24) are located in substantially vertical and longitudinal planes relative to the vehicle and in that said straps (24) pass in front of the zone (14) of the strip (1) and flatten the zone ( 14) on the anterior face of the known headrest.

11. Headrest device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device for fixing the strip (1) to the backrest comprises:

- a cover (43) threaded on the known posterior headrest or on the backrest - a means of fixing the zone (14) of the strip (1) on the front face

(45) of the cover (43).

12. Headrest device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device for fixing the strip (1) to the backrest includes lugs (58) fixed on the backrest or on the rear headrest known.

13. Headrest device according to claim 12, characterized in that the fixing of the legs (58) on the backrest or on the known posterior headrest allows the said legs (58) to detach in the event of significant deceleration or in shock.

14. Headrest device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the strip (1) of which can be opened and closed by means of bands with reversible adhesion at the level zones (10) and (18), characterized in that, when the strip (1) is open, the end zones (10) and (18) of the strip (1) can overlap behind the backrest and can adhere to the to one another by a reversible adhesion means.