Device and method for head restraint

Abstract

Disclosed is a device capable of supporting a user's head when the user is seated in an upright position. The present invention includes a head support device comprising a support apparatus capable of fitting comfortably between a user's back and a seat surface and a securing apparatus capable of holding the user's head, wherein the support apparatus provides a rigid or semi-rigid support when fitted between the user and the seat surface and the securing apparatus is capable of securing the user's head to the support apparatus.

1 . A head support device comprising 
 a) a support member adapted to be disposed between a user and a seat surface; and    b) a securing member capable of restraining the user's head    wherein the support apparatus provides a resilient support when disposed between the user and the seat surface, and the securing means is capable of securing the user's head to the support apparatus.    
   
   
       2 . A head support device for use in combination with a partially reclining seat to maintain a seat occupant's head in a substantially secured position, said head support comprising 
 a) a securing member that engages the forehead of the seat-occupant; and    b) a resiliently flexible support member attached to said securing member and capable of being engaged and disposed between the seat-occupant's back and a front portion of the seat    wherein said support member is held in position by the seat-occupant's back and/or shoulders such that the head of the seat-occupant is restrained against moving in an undesired direction by a restraining force transmitted between said securing member and said support member wherein the restraining force is transmitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back-rest of the seat.    
   
   
       3 . A head support device comprising 
 a) a forehead engagement means for positioning in contact with a user's forehead; and    b) a back engagement means for positioning between a user's back and a firm surface;    wherein said forehead engagement means and said back engagement means are so interconnected that a forward movement of the user's forehead is restrained by a restraining force transmitted from the forehead engagement means to the back engagement means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back engagement means.    
   
   
       4 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , configured such that the support member fits comfortably between the user's back or side and the seat surface.  
   
   
       5 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing member further comprises an eye blinder.  
   
   
       6 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a compacting apparatus which allows the support member to be made more compact.  
   
   
       7 . The head support device according to  claim 6 , wherein the compacting apparatus is a hinge.  
   
   
       8 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises padding.  
   
   
       9 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises at least two different materials of differing rigidity.  
   
   
       10 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is shaped to substantially conform to a seat shape.  
   
   
       11 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment apparatus capable of attaching the support member and the securing member.  
   
   
       12 . The head support device according to  claim 11 , wherein the attachment apparatus enables reversible attachment.  
   
   
       13 . The head support device according to  12 , wherein the attachment apparatus is Velcro.  
   
   
       14 . The head support device according to  claim 11 , wherein the attachment apparatus is a hooking apparatus.  
   
   
       15 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing member is adjustable in length, width, thickness or any combination of these.  
   
   
       16 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is adjustable in length, width, thickness or any combination of these.  
   
   
       17 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a groove to comfortably conform to the spinal column of the user.  
   
   
       18 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member or the securing member comprises a horseshoe shaped pillow.  
   
   
       19 . The head support device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises more than one segment.  
   
   
       20 . A method for providing head support for a user in need of such support, the method comprising utilizing the device according to  claim 1.