Hygienic Headrest Cover

Abstract

In a cover for a variable geometry vehicle headrest having a geometry including a center surface and integral left and right lateral extensions, each of the lateral extensions defining planes of angulation relative to the center surface along respective lines of dependency between the center surface and each respective lateral extension, the cover includes a stretchable, breathable moisture-absorbent fabric enveloping the headrest and formed in proportion to dimensions smaller that the headrest but within a range of stretchability of the cover relative to the dimensions the headrest, the fabric including internal bands of resilient material having a greater modulus of elasticity than that of the fabric, the bands secured within the fabric proximally against each of the lines of dependency between the center surface and the lateral extensions of the headrest.

Claims

1. A cover for a variable geometry vehicle headrest having a geometry including a center surface and integral left and right lateral extensions, each of said lateral extensions defining planes of angulation relative to said center surface along respective lines of dependency between said center surface and each respective lateral extension, the cover comprising: a stretchable, breathable moisture-absorbent fabric enveloping said headrest and formed in proportion to dimensions smaller that said headrest but within a range of stretchability of the cover relative to the dimensions the headrest, said fabric including internal bands of resilient material having a greater modulus of elasticity than that of said fabric, said bands secured within said fabric proximally against each of said lines of dependency between said center surface and said lateral extensions of said headrest.

2. The headrest cover as recited in claim 1, said range of stretchability of said fabric defines multi-directional stretchability thereof.

3. The headrest cover as recited in claim 2, in which: the range of elasticity of said internal resilient-bands enables firm engagement an entire cover to each of said lines of dependency.

4. The cover as recited in claim 3, in which said fabric includes a slightly stretchable Terry knit fabric formed substantially of cotton.

5. The cover as recited in claim 3, in which said fabric includes a slightly stretchable Jersey knit fabric formed substantially of cotton.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional three part headrest.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, however showing extensions of the headrest moved toward the centerline of the seat.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an external view of the novel headrest cover.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the headrest cover.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a view of prior art showing a headrest cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Shown in FIG. 1 is a three-part headrest 8 of an airplane seat 15, the headrest including a central section 10 and left and right lateral extensions 12 and 14, each of which integrally connect to the central section by respective lines of dependency 16 and 18.

[0028] As may be seen in FIG. 2, either or both extensions 12 and 14 may be selectably bent in the direction of a vertical centerline of seat 15 until a position of comfort to the passenger is attained. Headrests of this type are common and have been in use since at least 2006. However, the provision of a suitable cover for headrest of this type has proven elusive, as may be seen in Resendez, US. Pat. No. 7,726,735, FIG. 2-B thereon, in which a less than optimal solution to this issue is suggested. See FIG. 5 marked Prior Art. That is, the extension regions of the headrest of Resendez are neither completely nor securely coverable. As such, a problem with headrests of this type is that unless the cover fully and closely envelops the lines of dependency between the lateral extensions and the center panel, the entire cover cannot securely and flushly engage the complete headrest and, particularly, the lateral extensions thereof.

[0029] The instant invention addresses this problem by providing an initially solid rectangular cover 22 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) formed of a selectable breathable, stretchable, moisture absorbable fabric, such as a Terry or Jersey-knit fabric having therein a small percent of lycra-spandex, e.g., 5 to 10% or an equivalent elastomer thereof.

[0030] A polyester or polypropylene fabric may be employed at a lower cost, if breathability or skin irritation is a lesser concern. However, cotton-based fabrics lend themselves to comfort and the use of printing of more complex fonts and pleasing patterns on the surface thereof without the use of potentially irritating inks.

[0031] As may be seen in FIG. 4, it is generally advantageous to include a hem 32 that encloses a drawstring 20 near the periphery of the cover 22 (see FIG. 4) to assure that the cover is initially positioned completely over the opened headrest, shown in FIG. 1. Therein, the inclusion of a cord lock 24 permits adjustments of size of the cover to that of the particular headrest 8.

[0032] Secured to back surface 20 of the cover 22 is a pair of resilient bands 26 and 28 that are positioned oppositely to the said lines of dependency 16 and 18, above described. Said bands are particularly selected according to their modulus of elasticity to tightly engage each of the lines of dependency such that the headrest cover drawstring 20, when opened by lock 24, will remain firmly engaged against all surfaces including extensions 12 and 14.

[0033] As may be noted in FIG. 4, each band 26/28 must be firmly secured across back surface 22 of the cover, including the underside of cover hem 32 at regions 34 shown in phantom in FIG. 4. As such, hem 32 plays an important role in this invention since it encloses both drawstring 20 and regions 34 of the bands 26/28, all of which, together with lock 24, are essential to a firm and stable securement of the cover to the headrest when its extensions 12/14 are utilized, thus resolving the issue of such securement that exists in the prior art. (See FIG. 5).

[0034] As such, the present headrest, which may be either disposable or washed, should the passenger wishes, will fully cover a laterally adjustable headrest regardless of the degree of closure toward the seat centerline of the lateral extension thereon.

[0035] Prior to use of the present headrest cover, the uncovered headrest 8 and entire seat 15 should be swathed with an antibacterial product such as Wet Wipes.

[0036] While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.