Passive Head Support Device for a Vehicle Passenger

Abstract

A passive support device to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle generally comprises a frame having adjustable members to conform the frame to a passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein various portions of the frame are adjustable with respect to a reference x-axis, a reference y-axis, and/or a reference z-axis. The device further comprises a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat, and support cushions coupled to and rotatable about a portion of the frame. The support cushions may comprise memory shape materials or a contoured shape to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger. The support cushions themselves may also be adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A passive support device to support a slouching body position of a passenger in a vehicle, comprising:
 a frame having adjustable members to conform the frame to a passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein a first portion of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference x-axis and a second portion of the members are adjustable with respect to a reference y-axis;   a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat; and   support cushions coupled to and rotatable about a third portion of the members.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a horizontal member of the frame further comprises the securing mechanism and the securing mechanism comprises at least one clip that extends from the horizontal member to a position at a back side of the passenger seat. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises studs to insert into head rest receptacles of the passenger seat. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises straps to couple to integral car seat anchors. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the support cushions comprise memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the support cushions are contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the support cushions are adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis. 
     
     
         8 . A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprising:
 A frame comprising a first portion that extends substantially horizontally along a top rear of a passenger seat;   a second portion coupled to a first end of the first portion, and a third portion coupled to a second end of the first portion, wherein the second and third portions extend from their respective first and second ends of the first portion at the top rear of the passenger seat to a top front of the passenger seat;   fourth and fifth portions that couple, respectively, from the second and third portions, and traverse substantially vertically along the height of the passenger seat from the top front of the passenger seat towards a passenger seat bottom, wherein the fourth and fifth portions are at least partially encased by a pliable cushioning material to provide comfort to the passenger; and   a securing mechanism to secure the frame to the passenger seat.   
     
     
         9 . The-device of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion further comprises the securing mechanism, and the securing mechanism comprises at least one clip that extends from the first portion to a position at a rear side of the passenger seat. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises studs configured to insert into head rest receptacles of the passenger seat. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises straps to couple to integral anchors of the passenger seat. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the pliable cushioning material comprises memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the pliable cushioning material is contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the pliable cushioning material is adjustable with respect to a reference z-axis. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth portions are adjustable along its length. 
     
     
         16 . A device to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprising:
 a first u-shaped frame member and a second u-shaped frame member coupled together by a substantially horizontal third member, wherein the first and second u-shaped members conform to a passenger seat from a front of the passenger seat to a rear of the passenger seat; and   support cushions coupled to at least a portion of the first and second u-shaped frame members at the front of the passenger sea.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein a length of the horizontal third member is adjustable. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second u-shaped frame members comprise a malleable material to securely conform the first and second u-shaped frame members to the passenger seat. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the support cushions comprise memory shape materials to conform to an anatomical feature of the passenger. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the support cushions are contoured to accommodate an anatomical feature of the passenger.