INTEGRATED ADJUSTABLE NECK REST WITH RELEASE VALVE

Abstract

A number of variations may include a neck rest comprising an air bladder, wherein the air bladder includes a plurality of valves.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes vehicle seats.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle may include one or more seats.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

A number of variations may include a product comprising: a neck rest comprising: an air bladder; wherein the air bladder comprises a first valve and a second valve.

A number of variations may include a method comprising: providing a neck rest adjacent a headrest and a seat back; wherein the neck rest includes an adjustable air bladder having a first valve and a second valve; wherein the air bladder has a first pressure which is equal to an outside pressure; adjusting the first pressure to a second pressure comprising opening the first valve and forcing air out of the air bladder and closing the first valve so that the second pressure is less than the first pressure.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing variations within the scope of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a seat and neck rest including a passenger according to a number of variations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up side view of a seat with a neck rest and a passenger according to a number of variations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a neck rest according to a number of variations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of a neck rest without attachment hardware according to a number of variations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a neck rest according to a number of variations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a neck rest according to a number of variations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a neck rest in a fully inflated condition according to a number of variations.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a neck rest in a partially inflated condition according to a number of variations.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a plug in an air bladder according to a number of variations.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a neck rest in a fully inflated condition according to a number of variations.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a seat with neck rest attachments according to a number of variations.

FIG. 12 illustrates a neck rest with seat attachments according to a number of variations.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a neck rest attached to a seat according to a number of variations.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of a neck rest with seat attachments according to a number of variations.

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of a neck rest with seat attachments according to a number of variations.

FIG. 16 illustrates a close up of a seat attachment feature according to a number of variations.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a seat with neck rest attachment features according to a number of variations.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of a neck rest with seat attachment features according to a number of variations.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a seat with a neck rest attached according to a number of variations.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective rear view of a neck rest with attachment features according to a number of variations.

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a seat with a neck rest attached according to a number of variations.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective front view of a neck rest with seat attachment features according to a number of variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in any of a number of variations, a vehicle may include at least one seat 40 which may be used by a passenger 64. In any of a number of variations, a seat 40 may include a seat base 42, a seat back 44, and a headrest 48 which may be adjustable with the use of one or more headrest guides 58. A passenger 64, in any of a number of variations, may rest his or her head 66 against the headrest 48 while seated in the vehicle. The headrest 48 may provide a passenger 64 with head protection in the event of a rear impact or a quick stopping event. A neck rest 68 may be used to provide a passenger 64 with additional head and/or neck comfort while seated in a vehicle. A neck rest 68 may be located at any of a number of locations including, but not limited to adjacent the top portion 46 of the seat back 44 and/or the bottom portion of the headrest 62 adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58.

Referring to FIGS. 3-10, in any of a number of variations, a neck rest 68 may include an air bladder 70 and a cover 100. In any of a number of variations, an air bladder 70 may include a body 72 which may be any of a number of shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical in shape or having a generally cylindrical portion and may comprise a first end 74 and a second end 76 which may each be rounded, for example as illustrated in FIG. 6. In any of a number of variations, the air bladder 70 may comprise a first valve 78, a second valve 76, and an optional third valve 92 located on any of a number of locations on the air bladder 70, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and as will be discussed hereafter.

In any of a number of variations, an air bladder 70 may be constructed and arranged to remain in a fully inflated condition 96 in its natural state, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7, so that the pressure P₂ inside of the air bladder 70 may be equal to the pressure P₁ outside of the air bladder 70. In any of a number of variations, the first valve 78 may be closed to retain air inside of the air bladder 70. The first valve 78 may be opened to relieve any vacuum inside of the air bladder 70.

In any of a number of variations, the air bladder 70 may be adjusted so that it is partially inflated 98 depending on a passenger's desired preference. The amount of air in the air bladder 70 may adjusted comprising opening the first valve 78 and manually forcing air out of the air bladder 70 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, squeezing the air bladder 70, which may release air out of the air bladder 70 to a third pressure P₃ which may be less than the first pressure P₁ and the second pressure P₂ and which may reduce the size of the air bladder 70, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8. The passenger 64 may close the first valve 78 when a desired shape of the neck rest 68 is obtained which may retain the passenger's desired shape of the neck rest 68.

In one variation, the first valve 78 may also be constructed and arranged to automatically open in the event that the air bladder 70 is loaded to a fourth pressure, which is greater than the first, second, or third pressures P₁, P₂, P₃ but less than a fifth pressure required to blow out the second valve 80 as will be discussed hereafter. The first valve 78 may comprise any of a number of types of valves including, but not limited to, a plug valve, a squeeze valve, a pull valve, a twist valve, or a push valve.

In another variation, an optional third valve 92 may be attached to any of a number of locations on the air bladder 70 including, but not limited to, the first end 74 or the second end 76 of the air bladder 70 and may be constructed and arranged to open in the event that the air bladder 70 is loaded to a fourth pressure which is greater than the first, second, and third pressures P₁, P₂, P₃, but less than a fifth pressure which is required to blow out the second valve 80 as will be discussed hereafter.

In one variation, the third valve 92 may comprise a plug feature 94 which may automatically push out of the air bladder 70 if the pressure inside of the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which may allow air to release from inside the air bladder 70. In this variation, if the plug feature 94 is pushed out of the air bladder 70, the plug feature 94 may require manual reinsertion back into the air bladder 70. The use of a plug type first valve 78 or a plug type third valve 92 may allow the air bladder 70 to be used multiple times by eliminating the use of the second valve 80 which if activated may render the air bladder 70 inoperable, as will be discussed hereafter. This may eliminate or reduce the need for replacement where an occupant 64 adds pressure to the neck rest 68 which reaches a fourth pressure including, but not limited to, an occupant 64 leaning or pressing on the neck rest 68, stepping on the neck rest, and/or any event which may cause the pressure in the air bladder 70 to reach a fourth pressure which is less than a fifth pressure.

In any of a number of variations, the air bladder 70 may include a second valve 80. The second valve 80 may be used in the event that either the first valve 78 or the third valve 92 does not open in the event of a vehicle rear impact event or a quick stopping event so that the function of the headrest 48 may not be compromised by the neck rest 68. The second valve 80 may be located in any of a number of variations on the air bladder 70 including, but not limited to, the front portion 73 of the air bladder body 72, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first end 74 of the air bladder 70, or the second end 76 end of the air bladder 70, for example as illustrated in FIG. 10. The second valve 80 may be any of a number of types of valves including, but not limited to, a one-time use valve which may comprise a breakaway feature 82 which may automatically break apart when the pressure in the air bladder 70 reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure. The breakaway feature 82 may comprise a thin layer of material 86 and several members 84 which may intersect each other and which may be constructed and arranged to tear and/or break apart in the event that the air bladder 70 reaches a fifth pressure. In one variation, the members 84 may comprise a cross shape 88 which may be located inside of a square-like shape 90 on top of the thin layer of material 86. The air bladder 70 may comprise any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, elastomeric material.

In any of a number of variations, a cover 100 may be placed over the air bladder 70 so that the first valve 78 may be exposed for passenger access. The cover 100 may comprise a top surface 102, a bottom surface 104, a front surface 106, a rear surface 108, a first side surface 114, and a second side surface 116. The cover 100 may comprise a plurality of panels which may be attached together in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing, or the cover 100 may comprise one piece which may be shaped into a cover in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing. The cover 100 may comprise any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, cloth, leather, and/or vinyl. One or more logos 216 may be placed onto the front surface 106 of the cover 100 or integrated into the cover 100 material (best illustrated in FIG. 6).

In any of a number of variations, the neck rest 68 may be removeably attached to the seat 40. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 11-12, in one variation, a first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 118 may be attached to the top surface 102 of the cover 100, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, which may be constructed and arranged to attach to a lower portion 62 of a the headrest 48. In another variation, the neck rest 68 may include a first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 118 which may be attached to at least one first piece of elastic material 122. The at least one first piece of elastic material 122 may be attached to an upper portion 110 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100 so that the first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 118 is facing upward. A second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 120 may be attached to at least one second piece of elastic material 124. The at least one second piece of elastic material 124 may be attached to a lower portion 112 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100 so that the second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 102 is facing downward. A seat 40 may also include a third strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 126 which may be attached to the bottom portion 62 of the headrest 48 and a fourth strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 128 may be attached to the top portion 46 of the seat back 44 and may be adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58. The first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 118 on the neck rest 68 may be attached to the third strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 126 on the headrest 48 and the second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 120 on the neck rest 68 may be attached to the fourth strip of hook and loop tie fasteners 128 on the seatback 44 and may stretch which may cover any gap 130 between the headrest 48 and the seatback 44, for example as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, in another variation, a first strip of elastic material 132 may be attached to an upper portion 110 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100 and a second strip of elastic material 134 may be attached to a lower portion 112 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The first strip 132 and the second strip 134 may be approximately parallel with each other and may extend along the length L of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The first end 136 and the second end 138 of the first and second strips 132, 134 may be attached to the rear surface 108 of the neck rest 68 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to sewing or an adhesive. The neck rest 68 may then be slipped over the headrest 48 and positioned between the headrest 48 and the seatback 44 adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58, for example as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, in another variation, a neck rest 68 may include a plurality of loop features 156, 158, 160, 162 which may each be attached to the rear surface 108 of the neck rest 68. The plurality of loop features 140 may be constructed and arranged to mate with one or more hooks 142, 144. The loop features 156, 158 may comprise any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, woven material, non-woven material, elastomeric material, or polymeric material. A first hook 142 may be attached to a first end 152 of an elastic strip 150 and a second hook 144 may be attached to a second end 154 of the elastic strip 150. In this variation, the neck rest 68 may be attached to the seat 40 comprising positioning the neck rest 68 between the bottom portion 62 of the headrest 48 and the top portion 46 of the seat back 44 adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58. The first hook 142 may then be attached to the first loop feature 156, and the second hook 144 may be attached to the second loop feature 158 so that the elastic strip 150 is adjacent the rear side 61 of the headrest guides 58. One or more elastic strips 150 with hooks 142, 144 may be used to attach the neck rest 68 to the seat 40. The loop features 156, 158 may be attached to the cover 100 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive. The hooks 142, 144 may be attached to the elastic strips 150 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, in another variation, a neck rest 68 may include a first, second, third, and fourth elastic strip 164, 166, 168, 170. Each elastic strip 164, 166, 168, 170 may include a first end 172 and a second end 174. The first end 172 of the first elastic strip 164 may be attached to a first loop 176 (or hook) and the second end 174 of the first elastic strip 164 may be attached to a first upper corner 184 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The first end 172 of the second elastic strip 166 may be attached to a second loop 178 (or hook) and the second end 174 of the second elastic strip 166 may be attached to a second upper corner 186 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The first end 172 of the third elastic strip 168 may be attached to a third loop 180 (or hook) and the second end 174 may be attached to a first lower corner 188 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The first end 172 of the fourth elastic strip 170 may be attached to a fourth loop 182 (or hook) and the second end 174 of the fourth elastic strip 170 may be attached to a second lower corner 190 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The headrest 48 may include a first hook 192 (or loop) on the first side surface 50 of the headrest 48 and a second hook (or loop) 194 on the second side surface 52 of the headrest 48. The seatback 44 may include a third hook 196 (or loop) on a first side 45 of the top portion 46 of the seatback 44 and a fourth hook 198 (or loop) attached to the second side 47 of the top portion 46 of the seatback 44. The neck rest 68 may then be attached to the seat 40 comprising positioning the neck rest 68 between the bottom portion 62 of the headrest 48 and the top portion 46 of the seatback 44 adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58. The first loop 176 (or hook) may be attached to the first hook 192 (or loop) on the headrest 48. The second loop (or hook) 178 may be attached to the second hook 194 (or loop) attached to the headrest 48. The third loop 180 (or hook) may be attached to the third hook 196 (or loop) on the seatback 44. The fourth loop 182 (or hook) may be attached to the fourth hook (or loop) 198 on the seatback 44. The use of the elastic strips 164, 166, 168, 170 and hook/loop attachment may assist in providing the correct orientation of any logos 216 which may be used on the cover 100. The loops 176, 178, 180, 182 (or hooks) may be attached to the elastic strips 164, 166, 168, 170 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive. The hooks 192, 194, 196, 198 (or loops) may be attached to the headrest 48 and/or seatback 44 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 19-20, in another variation, a neck rest 68 may include a locking channel 200 which may be attached to the upper portion 110 of the rear surface 108 of the cover 100. The locking channel 200 on the neck rest 68 may be constructed and arranged to snap fit and/or snap release with a headrest locking channel 202 as will be discussed hereafter. The headrest 48 may include a locking channel 202 which may be constructed and arranged to snap fit and/or snap release with a locking channel 200 on a neck rest 68. The locking channel 202 on the headrest 202 may be attached to the bottom portion 62 of the headrest 48 adjacent the front side 60 of the headrest guides 58. The neck rest locking channel 200 may be attached to the cover 100 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive. The headrest locking channel 202 may be attached to the headrest 48 in any of a number of variations including, but not limited to, sewing or an adhesive.

In another variation, the neck rest 68 may include a first tensioned linkage 204 and a second tensioned linkage 206. The first and second tensioned linkages 204, 206 may include a first end 208 and a second end 210 and may be constructed and arranged to wrap around both the first side 50 of the headrest 48 and the second side 52 of the headrest 48 respectively. The first end 208 of the first tensioned linkage 204 may attach to the first side surface 114 of the cover 100 and the second end 210 may be constructed and arranged to hook into a first receptacle 212 on the headrest 48 which will be discussed hereafter. The first end 208 of the second tensioned linkage 206 may be attached to the second side surface 116 of the cover 100 and the second end 210 of the second tensioned linkage 206 may be constructed and arranged to hook into a second receptacle 214 located on the headrest 48 which will be discussed hereafter. The headrest 48 may include a first and a second receptacle 212, 214 which may each be attached to or integrated into the headrest 48 and which may each be constructed and arranged to mate with the first and/or second tensioned linkages 204, 206. The first receptacle 212 may be located on the first side 50 of the headrest 48 and the second receptacle 214 may be located on the second side 52 of the headrest 48. The first and second tensioned linkages 204, 206 and the first and second receptacles 212, 214 may comprise any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, polymeric material.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Variation 1 may include a product comprising: a neck rest comprising: an air bladder; wherein the air bladder comprises a first valve and a second valve.

Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variation 1 wherein when the first valve is closed the first valve retains air inside of the air bladder.

Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the air bladder is in a fully inflated condition in its natural state and has a second pressure equal to a first pressure outside of the air bladder.

Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-3 wherein the first valve can be manually opened and closed to decrease the second pressure inside of the air bladder to a third pressure which is less than the first and the second pressure.

Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the first valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first, the second, and the third pressure and wherein the second valve opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-5 wherein the air bladder further comprises a third valve which is attached to the air bladder.

Variation 7 may include a product as set forth in Variation 6 wherein the third valve automatically opens if the pressure in the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first and the second pressure and wherein the second valve opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 6-7 wherein the third valve is a reusable plug-type valve.

Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-8 further comprising a cover, wherein the cover encloses the air bladder body and the second valve.

Variation 10 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-9 wherein the cover includes a means for attaching to a seat.

Variation 11 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-10 further comprising a seat attached to the neck rest.

Variation 12 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11 wherein the cover includes one or more elastic strips which are constructed and arranged to secure the neck rest against one or more headrest guides.

Variation 13 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-12 wherein the cover includes one or more hook and loop tie fastener strips which are constructed and arranged to attach to at least one hook and loop tie fastener strip on a headrest or a seatback.

Variation 14 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-13 wherein the cover includes a plurality of hook and loop features which are constructed and arranged to attach to one or more hook and loop features on one or more elastic strips which are constructed and arranged to secure the neck rest onto a seat.

Variation 15 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-14 wherein the cover includes a locking channel which is constructed and arranged to attach to a locking channel on a headrest.

Variation 16 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-15 wherein the cover includes a plurality of tensioned linkages which are constructed and arranged to attach to a headrest.

Variation 17 may include a method comprising: providing a neck rest adjacent a headrest and a seat back; wherein the neck rest includes an adjustable air bladder having a first valve, and a second valve; wherein the air bladder has a second pressure which is equal to a first pressure outside of the air bladder; adjusting the air bladder to a third pressure comprising opening the first valve and forcing air out of the air bladder and closing the first valve so that the third pressure is less than the first and the second pressure.

Variation 18 may include a method as set forth in Variation 17 wherein the first valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first and the second pressure and wherein the second valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

Variation 19 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 17-18 further comprising: providing a third valve, wherein the third valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first, the second, and the third pressure; and wherein the second valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

Variation 20 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 17-19 further comprising a cover, wherein the cover encloses the air bladder body and the second valve.

Variation 21 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 wherein the first valve is a squeeze type valve.

Variation 22 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 wherein the first valve is a twist type valve.

Variation 23 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 wherein the first valve is a pull type valve.

Variation 24 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 wherein the first valve is a push type valve.

Variation 25 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 and 21-24 wherein the second valve is a breakaway valve.

Variation 26 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 13, and 21-25 wherein the cover further comprises first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners; a first piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners; a second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners; a second piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners; wherein the second end of the first piece of elastic material is attached to an upper portion of the rear surface of the cover and the second end of the second piece of elastic material is attached to a lower surface of the rear surface of the cover; and wherein the first strip of hook and loop tie fasteners is constructed and arranged to attach to a strip of hook and loop tie fasteners attached to a head rest and the second strip of hook and loop tie fasteners is constructed and arranged to attach to a strip of hook and loop tie fasteners attached to a strip of hook and loop tie fasteners attached to a seat back.

Variation 27 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 13, and 21-25 wherein the cover further comprises a strip of hook and loop tie fasteners attached to the top surface of the cover which is constructed and arranged to attach to a strip of hook and loop tie fasteners on a headrest.

Variation 28 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 14, and 21-25 wherein the cover includes a first, second, third, and fourth elastic strip, wherein each strip includes a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the first elastic strip is attached to an approximate first upper corner; wherein the first end of the second elastic strip is attached to an approximate second upper corner; wherein the first end of the third elastic strip is attached to an approximate first lower corner; wherein the first end of the fourth elastic strip is attached to an approximate second lower corner; wherein each of the second ends is attached to a hoop; and wherein the hoop on the first elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hook on a first side of a headrest, the hoop on the second elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hook on a second side of the headrest, the hoop on the third elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hook on a first side of a seat back, and the hoop on the fourth elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hook on a second side of the seat back.

Variation 29 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 14, and 21-25 wherein the cover includes a first, second, third, and fourth elastic strip, wherein each strip includes a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the first elastic strip is attached to an approximate first upper corner; wherein the first end of the second elastic strip is attached to an approximate second upper corner; wherein the first end of the third elastic strip is attached to an approximate first lower corner; wherein the first end of the fourth elastic strip is attached to an approximate second lower corner; wherein each of the second ends is attached to a hook; and wherein the hook on the first elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hoop on a first side of a headrest, the hook on the second elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hoop on a second side of the headrest, the hook on the third elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hoop on a first side of a seat back, and the hook on the fourth elastic strip is constructed and arranged to attach to a hoop on a second side of the seat back.

Variation 30 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 15, and 21-25 wherein the cover locking channel is attached to the rear surface of the cover and is constructed and arranged to attach to a locking channel on a lower portion of the headrest.

Variation 31 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-11, 16, and 21-25 wherein the cover further comprises a first tensioned linkage and a second tensioned linkage; wherein the first tensioned linkage includes a first end which is attached to the first side surface of the cover and a second end which is constructed and arranged to attach to a receptacle in a headrest; and wherein the second tensioned linkage includes a first end which is attached to a second side surface of the cover and a second end which is constructed and arranged to attach to a receptacle in a headrest.

Variation 32 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 and 21-31 wherein the cover comprises cloth.

Variation 33 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 and 21-31 wherein the cover comprises leather.

Variation 34 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-16 and 21-31 wherein the cover comprises vinyl.

The above description of select variations within the scope of the invention is merely illustrative in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A product comprising:

a neck rest comprising:

an air bladder;

wherein the air bladder comprises a first valve and a second valve; and

wherein the air bladder is in a fully inflated condition in its natural state and has a second pressure equal to a first pressure outside of the air bladder.

2. The product of claim 1 wherein when the first valve is closed the first valve retains air inside of the air bladder.

3. (canceled)

4. The product of claim 1 wherein the first valve can be manually opened and closed to decrease the second pressure inside of the air bladder to a third pressure which is less than the first and the second pressure.

5. The product of claim 1 wherein the first valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first, the second, and the third pressure and wherein the second valve opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

6. The product of claim 1 wherein the air bladder further comprises a third valve which is attached to the air bladder.

7. The product of claim 6 wherein the third valve automatically opens if the pressure in the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first and the second pressure and wherein the second valve opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

8. The product of claim 6 wherein the third valve is a reusable plug-type valve.

9. The product of claim 1 further comprising a cover, wherein the cover encloses the air bladder body and the second valve

10. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes a means for attaching to a seat.

11. The product of claim 9 further comprising a seat attached to the neck rest.

12. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes one or more elastic strips which are constructed and arranged to secure the neck rest against one or more headrest guides.

13. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes one or more hook and loop tie fastener strips which are constructed and arranged to attach to at least one hook and loop tie fastener strip on a headrest or a seatback.

14. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes a plurality of hook and loop features which are constructed and arranged to attach to one or more hook and loop features on one or more elastic strips which are constructed and arranged to secure the neck rest onto a seat.

15. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes a locking channel which is constructed and arranged to attach to a locking channel on a headrest.

16. The product of claim 9 wherein the cover includes a plurality of tensioned linkages which are constructed and arranged to attach to a headrest.

17. A method comprising:

providing a neck rest adjacent a headrest and a seat back;

wherein the neck rest includes an adjustable air bladder having a first valve and a second valve

wherein the air bladder has a second pressure which is equal to a first pressure outside of the air bladder;

adjusting the air bladder to a third pressure comprising opening the first valve and forcing air out of the air bladder and closing the first valve so that the third pressure is less than the first and the second pressure.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first and the second pressure and wherein the second valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a third valve, wherein the third valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fourth pressure which is greater than the first, the second, and the third pressure; and

wherein the second valve automatically opens if the air bladder reaches a fifth pressure which is greater than the fourth pressure.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a cover, wherein the cover encloses the air bladder body, the first end, the second end, and the second valve.