Description:DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[001] This disclosure relates generally to headrests of seats, and in particular to a headrest with an inflatable airbag and a system for implementing an inflatable airbag within the headrest.

Background
[002] Over the years, the design and functionality of seats have undergone significant changes to better address the needs of users. The evolution of seats, particularly concerning the incorporation of headrests, reflects a progression driven by a combination of comfort, safety, and ergonomic considerations. As travel patterns have transformed and journeys have become longer, the necessity to address passenger discomfort has gained prominence. Presently, the headrests are designed for safety in case of collisions as well as overall passenger well-being. Longer journeys amplify the challenges associated with traditional headrests and necessitate a more sophisticated approach to design. Prolonged periods of sitting, especially in vehicles with less-than-optimal seating arrangements, often result in discomfort, strain, and even pain in the neck and upper back regions. The lack of proper support for the neck and back during these journeys can lead to discomfort, reduced focus, and potentially pose health risks, such as whiplash injury.
[003] The existing vehicle seat headrests face various challenges including discomfort during long journeys, neck injuries and whiplash, lack of personalization, ineffective safety and comfort balance, limited adjustability, uncomfortable resting positions for occupants, neck and back strain, ignoring of maintaining suitable sitting posture based on occupant’s ergonomics, passenger dissatisfaction, etc. In particular, the traditional headrests suffer from insufficient neck support, neck injuries, uncomfortable angle, inadequate adjustability for maintaining right positions and sitting posture, limited customization, lack of ergonomics, discomfort during rest, passenger dissatisfaction, and discomfort variations.
[004] To ensure the well-being and safety of individuals, there is, therefore, a need for effective and convenient headrest that provides targeted support to the neck and upper back, thereby alleviating ergonomic issues and enhancing overall comfort during driving or travel.

SUMMARY
[005] In an embodiment, a headrest is disclosed. The headrest may include a spool mounted on a housing of the headrest. The spool may be configured to rotate about an axis. The headrest may further include an inflatable airbag configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool upon a corresponding rotation of the spool. The inflatable airbag may be configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag is unfolded from the spool. The headrest may further include an air pressure source pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag. The air pressure source may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag to inflate the inflatable airbag and to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of a user.
[006] In another embodiment, a system for implementing an inflatable airbag within a headrest is disclosed. The system may include a spool configured to be mounted on a housing of the headrest. The spool may be configured to rotate about an axis. The system may further include an inflatable airbag configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool upon a corresponding rotation of the spool. The inflatable airbag may be configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag is unfolded from the spool. The system may further include an air pressure source pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag. The air pressure source may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag to inflate the inflatable airbag and to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of a user.
[007] In yet another embodiment, a headrest is disclosed that may include a receptacle positioned within the headrest and a collapsible inflatable airbag. The inflatable airbag may be configured to extend out from the receptacle in response to being inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag, and collapse and confine within the receptacle, in response to being deflated upon removing of air from inside the inflatable airbag. The headrest may further include an air pressure source pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag. The air pressure source may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag to inflate and extend the inflatable airbag out from the receptacle, to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic front view of a headrest, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the headrest of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[011] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic side view of the headrest of FIG. 1A along with a seat, in accordance with some embodiment.
[012] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a portion of a headrest, in accordance with some embodiments.
[013] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a portion of another headrest, in accordance with some embodiments.
[014] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a system for implementing an inflatable airbag within a headrest, in accordance with some embodiments.
[015] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a headrest with an inflatable airbag in a deflated condition, in accordance with another embodiment.
[016] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the headrest with the inflatable airbag in an inflated condition, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[017] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed below.
[018] The present disclosure relates to a headrest with an inflatable airbag. The headrest may include a spool mechanism, for example, implemented inside the headrest and attached to the headrest rod. An inflatable airbag is provided which is configured for inflation (with air) and deflation in a required profile, to support a user’s head and neck, thereby maintaining required ergonomics and sitting posture. One end of the inflatable airbag may be attached to the spool’s outer surface and the other end of inflatable airbag may be provided with a Velcro or any other engaging member. A motor may be provided inside the spool for rotating the spool for folding and unfolding of the inflatable airbag. In another embodiment, a torsional spring mechanism may be provided instead of the motor (and switch) mechanism, for folding and unfolding of the inflatable airbag.
[019] A Velcro attachment may be provided on headrest as well as to support the (inflated) inflatable airbag in an alignment, such that when air is pumped inside the inflatable airbag, it will create the desired curvature. An air pressure source (a pump) may be attached to the inflatable material, via a common attachment. The common attachment may be used to allow the pump to push air inside the inflatable airbag and create a desired curvature of the inflatable airbag for supporting the user’s head and neck. Further, a switch may be provided for controlling the inflation and deflation of the inflatable airbag. For example, separate switches may be provided for inflating and deflating function. Alternatively, a single switch may be provided for inflation and deflation that may operate based on number of times the switch is pressed – for example, a double press of the switch may cause inflation and a single press of the switch may cause deflation of the inflatable airbag.
[020] Referring now to FIGs. 1A-1B, a schematic front view and a schematic perspective view, respectively, of a headrest 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The headrest 100, for example, may be associated with a seat 101, for example, of a vehicle (e.g. a car, a trailer, an airplane, etc.). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the headrest 100 may be a supportive structure configured to provide comfort and safety by supporting the head and neck. The primary purpose of the headrest 100 is to reduce the risk of neck injuries and enhance overall passenger safety, especially during sudden stops or collisions. Proper positioning of the headrest 100 is crucial to maximize its effectiveness in preventing whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.
[021] As shown in FIGs. 1A-1B, the headrest 100 may include a spool 102. For example, the spool 102 may be any typical spool and manufactured from a rigid material, such as a metal or a plastic. The spool 102 may be mounted on a housing 104 of the headrest 100. The housing 104, for example, as shown in FIGs. 1A-1B, may include a rigid structure (e.g. manufactured from a metal) and configured to house the spool 102. The spool 102 may be rotatably engaged with the housing 104. As such, the spool 102 may be configured to rotate about an axis A associated with the spool 102. In other words, the spool 102 may be engaged with the housing 104 along the axis A, so as to allow the spool 102 to rotate.
[022] The headrest 100 may further include an inflatable airbag 106. The inflatable airbag 106 may be configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 102 upon a corresponding rotation of the spool 102. To this end, the inflatable airbag 106 may be manufactured from a flexible material that allows the inflatable airbag 106 to be folded on the spool 102 as well as to be inflated and deflated. Further, the material of the inflatable airbag 106 may be leak-proof, so as to prevent leakage of air inside the inflatable airbag 106 (when inflated). For example, the material of the inflatable airbag 106 may be selected from rubber, a polymer, or a composite material. The inflatable airbag 106 may be configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag 106, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 106 is unfolded from the spool 102.
[023] It should be noted that the inflatable airbag 106, when deflated, may remain rolled over the spool 102. For example, this may be the scenario when a user is not using the seat associated with the headrest 100. However, when the user is using the seat, the inflatable airbag 106 may be inflated to afford better support and cushioning to the upper body of a user (i.e. head, neck, and upper back of the user). As such, to allow the inflatable airbag 106 to be inflated, the inflatable airbag 106 may be first unfolded from the spool 102.
[024] To unfold the inflatable airbag 106 from the spool 102, the spool 102 may be correspondingly rotated in a direction that causes the inflatable airbag 106 to be unfolded from the spool 102. To this end, the headrest 100 may include a motor 110. For example, the motor 110 may be an electric motor, and in particular, a Direct Current (DC) motor. The motor 110 may be mechanically coupled to the spool 102 and configured to rotate the spool 102 about the axis A. Further, the motor 110 may be configured to rotate in both clockwise direction and anticlockwise direction to allow the inflatable airbag 106 to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 102. In some example embodiments, the motor 110 may be positioned within the spool 102. However, in some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 1A-1B, the motor 110 may be positioned outside the spool 102 and may be mechanically coupled to the spool 102. Further, in some embodiments, in order to control the operation of the motor 110, the headrest 100 may include at least one electrical switch (not shown in FIGs. 1A-1B). The electrical switch may be electrically coupled with the motor 110, such that the motor 110 may be switched ON and OFF by manipulating the at least one electrical switch.
[025] In alternative embodiments, in order to rotate the spool 102, the headrest 100 may include a torsional spring mechanically coupled to the spool 102 that may be configured to rotate the spool 102 about the axis A. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[026] In order to inflate the inflatable airbag 106, the headrest 100 may further include an air pressure source 108 pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag 106. For example, the air pressure source 108 may be an air pump. Further, the air pressure source 108 may be mounted within the headrest 100 (as shown in FIGs. 1A-2B); however, in some alternative embodiments, the air pressure source 108 may be mounted outside the headrest 100. The air pressure source 108 may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag 106 (i.e. when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 106 is unfolded from the spool 102) to inflate the inflatable airbag 106 and to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of the user.
[027] It should be noted that the air pressure source 108 may be a dedicated pump provided for the purpose of inflating the inflatable airbag 106. In some embodiments, an existing air blower of the vehicle may be used, by directing the air from the blower via a conduit, to the inflatable airbag 106.
[028] In some embodiments, the air pressure source 108 may be pneumatically coupled to the spool 102. Further, the spool 102 may be pneumatically coupled to the inflatable airbag 106 via an opening associated with the spool 102 and an opening associated with the inflatable airbag 106. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[029] In some embodiments, the inflatable airbag 106 may include an engaging member positioned on a second end of the inflatable airbag 106. Further, a secondary engaging member may be positioned on one of the headrest 100 and the seat associated with the headrest 100. The engaging member 114 may be configured to engage with the secondary engaging member when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 106 is unfolded from the spool 102. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[030] Referring now to FIG. 1C, a schematic side view of the headrest 100 along with the seat 101 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1C, the inflatable airbag 106 is inflated and aligned with the seat 101. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 1C, a part of the inflatable airbag 106 is unfolded from the spool 102, while remaining part of the inflatable airbag 106 is still folded on the spool 102. As such, the unfolded part of the inflatable airbag 106 may be inflated with the air, using the air pressure source (not shown in FIG. 1C). By inflating the inflatable airbag 106, a cushion is created for the upper body (i.e. head, neck, and upper back) of the user. In some embodiments, the implementation of the inflatable airbag 106 in the headrest 100 may reduce the gap between the headrest and the head of the user, when the user is seated on the seat 101. For example, the said gap may be reduced by 25-30 millimeters, as compared with the conventional headrests.
[031] It should be noted that the extent to which the inflatable airbag 106 is inflated may be controlled by controlling the amount of air which is pumped inside the inflatable airbag 106. As such, the extent to which the inflatable airbag 106 is inflated may be depend on the time period for which the air pressure source 110 is switched ON. Further, the profile (i.e. shape) of the inflatable airbag 106 may be predefined, such that, upon inflation, the inflatable airbag 106 may automatically assume the desired profile. As will be understood, one or more different profiles of the inflatable airbag 106 may be possible, depending on the type of cushioning required. In particular, the profile may depend on whether the cushioning is required only for the head, or neck, or upper back, or a combination thereof.
[032] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic perspective view of a portion of a headrest 200 (corresponding to the headrest 100) is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the headrest 200 may include a spool 202 (corresponding to the spool 102) mounted on a housing 204 (corresponding to the housing 104) of the headrest 200. The housing 204, for example, as shown in FIGs. 1A-1B, may include a rigid structure and configured to house the spool 202. The spool 202 may be rotatably engaged with the housing 204, and configured to rotate about an axis B associated with the spool 202. The headrest 200 may further include an inflatable airbag 206 (corresponding to the inflatable airbag 106). The inflatable airbag 206 may be configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 202 upon a corresponding rotation of the spool 202. The inflatable airbag 206, when deflated and not in use, may remain rolled over the spool 202. However, when the user is using the seat, the inflatable airbag 206 may be inflated. To allow the inflatable airbag 206 to be inflated, the inflatable airbag 206 may be first unfolded from the spool 202. To unfold the inflatable airbag 206 from the spool 202, the spool 202 may be correspondingly rotated in a direction that causes the inflatable airbag 206 to be unfolded from the spool 202. To this end, as shown in FIG. 2, the headrest 200 may include a torsional spring 210 mechanically coupled to the spool 202 and configured to rotate the spool 202 about the axis B.
[033] For example, the torsional spring 210 may be manufactured from spring Steel. The torsional spring 210 may be mechanically coupled to the spool 202 and configured to rotate the spool 202 about the axis B. Further, the torsional spring 210 may be configured to cause the spool 202 to rotate in both clockwise direction and anticlockwise direction to allow the inflatable airbag 206 to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 202. In some example embodiments, the torsional spring 210 may be positioned within the spool 202. However, in some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the torsional spring 210 may be positioned outside the spool 202 and may be mechanically coupled to the spool 202. Further, in some embodiments, in order to control the operation of the torsional spring 210, the headrest 200 may include a hook 212 which may be configured to selectively engage with the torsional spring 210. The hook 212 may be configurable in an engaged position and an unengaged position. In the engaged position, the hook 212 may prevent rotation of the spool 202. In the unengaged position, the hook 212 may allow rotation of the spool 202. For example, the hook 212 may be manually manipulated by a user, to be configured between the engaged position and the unengaged position. When the seat is not in use and the inflatable airbag 206 is to remain folded on the spool 202, the hook 212 may be configured in the engaged position, to thereby restrict the rotation of the spool 202. When the inflatable airbag 206 is required to be unfolded from the spool 202, the hook 212 may be configured in the unengaged position, to thereby release and allow the rotation of the spool 202. Further, in such embodiments, in order to re-fold the inflatable airbag 106 on the spool 202, the user may manually manipulate the spool 202 and the torsional spring 210 to rotate the spool 202.
[034] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic perspective view of a portion of a headrest 300 (corresponding to the headrest 100) is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the headrest 300 may include a spool 302 (corresponding to the spool 102) mounted in a housing 304 (corresponding to the housing 104) of the headrest 300. The spool 302 may be rotatably engaged with the housing 304, and configured to rotate about an axis C associated with the spool 302. The headrest 300 may further include an inflatable airbag 306 (corresponding to the inflatable airbag 106) which may be configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool upon a corresponding rotation of the spool 302. In order to inflate the inflatable airbag 306, the headrest 300 may further include an air pressure source 308 pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag 306.
[035] To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, the air pressure source 308 may be pneumatically coupled to the spool 302. The spool 302 may include an opening 302A and an opening 302B. The inflatable airbag 306 may include an opening 312 towards a first end 306A of the inflatable airbag 306. The spool 302 may be pneumatically coupled to the inflatable airbag 306 via the opening 302B associated with the spool 302 and the opening 312 associated with the inflatable airbag 306. Further, the air pressure source 308 may be pneumatically coupled with the spool 302 via the opening 302A associated with the spool 302. The air pressure source 308 may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag 306 (i.e. when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 306 is unfolded from the spool 302), via the opening 302B associated with the spool 302, to inflate the inflatable airbag 306 and to thereby create a cushion. In some embodiments, the inflatable airbag 306 may further include a seal at the opening 312 associated with the first end 306A of the inflatable airbag 306. When activated, the seal may block passage of air via the opening 312, to thereby avoid leakage of air from inside the inflatable airbag 306. As such, once the inflatable airbag 306 is inflated, the inflatable airbag 306 may be sealed to block passage of air out of the inflatable airbag 306, to thereby confine the air inside the inflatable airbag 306.
[036] As shown in FIG. 3, the inflatable airbag 306 may further include an engaging member 314 positioned on the second end 306B of the inflatable airbag 306. Further, a secondary engaging member (not shown in FIG. 3) may be positioned on one of the headrest 300 or the seat associated with the headrest 300. The engaging member 314 may be configured to engage with the secondary engaging member when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 306 is unfolded from the spool 302. In some embodiments, the engaging member 314 and the secondary engaging member may be a Velcro. The engaging member 314 may be used to engage and fasten the second end 306B of the inflatable airbag 306 with the headrest 300 or the seat, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 306 is unfolded from the spool 302. By engaging the engaging member 314 with the secondary engaging member, the inflated part of the inflatable airbag 306 is temporarily aligned and attached to the headrest 300 or the seat. This prevents inadvertent moving or slipping of the inflatable airbag 306 relative to the headrest 300 or the seat, when the inflatable airbag 306 is in use.
[037] During operation, a lock associated with the inflatable airbag 306 may be opened to unfold the inflatable airbag 306 from the spool 302. When the inflatable airbag 306 is still deflated, the engaging member 314 may be used to engage (with the secondary engaging member) and fasten the second end 306B of the inflatable airbag 306 with the headrest 300 or the seat, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 306 is unfolded from the spool 302. Once the engaging member 314 is engaged, the air pressure source 308 may be switched ON to fill air inside and inflate the inflatable airbag 306. The inflatable airbag 306 may assume a shape according to the predefined profile of the inflatable airbag 306. When the inflatable airbag 306 is no longer in use, the pressure source 308 may be switched OFF and the air inside may be released to thereby cause deflation of the inflatable airbag 306. The engaging member 314 may be disengaged (from the secondary engaging member). Further, the motor or the torsional spring may be triggered to fold the inflatable airbag 306 on the spool. It should be noted that a provision may be made for manually folding the inflatable airbag 306 on the spool. Once the inflatable airbag 306 is fully folded on the spool 302, the lock associated with the inflatable airbag 306 may be locked once again.
[038] Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic perspective view of a system 400 for implementing an inflatable airbag within a headrest is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The headrest, for example, may be associated with a seat, for example, of a vehicle. The system 400 may include a spool 402. For example, the spool 402 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a metal or a polymer. In some embodiments, the spool 402 may be configured to be mounted on a housing 404 of the headrest 400. However, in some alternative embodiments, the system 400 may include the housing 404, and the spool 402 is mounted on the housing 404. The housing 404, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, may include a rigid structure (e.g. manufactured from a metal). The spool 402 may be configured to be rotatably engaged with the housing 404, and as such, the spool 402 may be configured to rotate about an axis D associated with the spool 402.
[039] The system 400 may further include an inflatable airbag 406 (similar to the inflatable airbag 106 as described above). The inflatable airbag 406 may be configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 402 upon a corresponding rotation of the spool 402. The inflatable airbag 406 may be configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag 406, when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 406 is unfolded from the spool 402. When deflated, the inflatable airbag 406 may remain rolled over the spool 402, for example, when the user is not using the seat associated with the headrest. However, when the user is using the seat, the inflatable airbag 406 may be inflated to afford better support and cushioning to the upper body of a user. To allow the inflatable airbag 406 to be inflated, the inflatable airbag 406 may be first unfolded from the spool 402.
[040] To unfold the inflatable airbag 406 from the spool 402, the spool 402 may be correspondingly rotated in a direction that causes the inflatable airbag 406 to be unfolded from the spool 402. To this end, the system 400 may include a motor 410. The motor 410 may be mechanically coupled to the spool 402 and configured to rotate the spool 402 about the axis D. Further, the motor 410 may be configured to rotate in both clockwise direction and anticlockwise direction to allow the inflatable airbag 406 to be folded on and unfolded from the spool 402. In some example embodiments, the motor 410 may be positioned within the spool 402. However, in some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the motor 410 may be positioned outside the spool 402 and may be mechanically coupled to the spool 402. To control the operation of the motor 410, the system 400 may include at least one electrical switch (not shown in FIG. 4). The electrical switch may be electrically coupled with the motor 410, such that the motor 410 may be switched ON and OFF by manipulating the at least one electrical switch. In alternative embodiments, in order to rotate the spool 402, the system 400 may include a torsional spring (instead of the motor 410) that may be mechanically coupled to the spool 402.
[041] In order to inflate the inflatable airbag 406, the system 400 may further include an air pressure source 408 pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag 406. For example, air pressure source 408 may be an air pump. The air pressure source 408 may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag 406 (i.e. when at least a part of the inflatable airbag 406 is unfolded from the spool 402) to inflate the inflatable airbag 406 and to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of the user.
[042] In some embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to be retrofitted to an existing headrest of a seat. To this end, for example, the existing headrest may be dismantled to create space for positioning of the system 400 within the existing headrest. Further, the system 400 may be attached to the rods or frame associated with the existing headrest, to thereby retrofit the system 400 to the existing headrest.
[043] Referring now to FIG. 5A, a schematic perspective view 500A of a headrest 500 with an inflatable airbag in a deflated condition is illustrated, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The headrest 500, for example, may be associated with a seat, for example, of a vehicle. The headrest 500 may include a receptacle 502 positioned within the headrest 500. For example, the receptacle 502 may be cuboid shaped, and manufactured from a rigid material, such as a metal or a polymer. The headrest 500 may further include a collapsible inflatable airbag 504. The inflatable airbag 504 may be configured to extend out from the receptacle 502 in response to being inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag 504. The inflatable airbag 504 may be further configured to collapse and confine within the receptacle 502, in response to being deflated upon removing of air from inside the inflatable airbag 504. As shown in FIG. 5A, the inflatable airbag 504 is deflated and therefore collapsed and confined within the receptacle 502. It should be noted that as the air is released from inside the inflatable airbag 504, the inflatable airbag 504 may automatically collapse and be confined within the receptacle 502. To this end, the inflatable airbag 504 may include an elastic member, for example, a spring. The elastic member may be biased in a way to collapse the inflatable airbag 504. As such, when the inflatable airbag 504 is inflated, the inflatable airbag 504 may inflate and extend, by acting against the biasing force of the elastic member.
[044] To inflate the inflatable airbag 504, the headrest 500 may include an air pressure source 506 pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag 504. For example, the air pressure source 506 may be an air pump. The air pressure source 506 may be configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag 504 to inflate and extend the inflatable airbag 504 out from the receptacle 502, to thereby create a cushion for the upper body of a user. Once the inflatable airbag 504 is inflated, the inflatable airbag 504 may be sealed to block leakage of air from the inflatable airbag 504, to thereby confine the air inside the inflatable airbag 504. As such, the inflatable airbag 504 may include a seal at an opening associated with the inflatable airbag 504 (i.e. the opening that pneumatically couples the inflatable airbag 504 with the air pressure source 506).
[045] In some embodiments, the headrest 500 may further include at least one switch 508 electrically coupled with the air pressure source 506. The air pressure source 506 may be switched ON and OFF by manually manipulating the at least one electrical switch 508. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the headrest 500 may include a sensor 510. The sensor 510 may be configured to detect a presence of the user near the headrest 500. Further, in response to the detection, the sensor 510 may be configured to automatically configure the at least one switch 508 to switch ON and OFF the air pressure source 506, to thereby inflate and deflate the inflatable airbag 504. For example, the sensor 510 may be an Infrared-based proximity sensor.
[046] Referring now to FIG. 5B, a schematic perspective view 500B of the headrest 500 with the inflatable airbag 504 in an inflated condition is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5B, the inflatable airbag 504 is extended out from the receptacle 502 in response to being inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag 504. As such, in the inflated condition, the inflatable airbag 504 may create a cushion for the upper body of the user.
[047] One or more techniques are described above for implementing an inflatable airbag in a headrest of a seat, and in particular, a seat of a vehicle. The above techniques provide for an advanced ergonomic head and neck support that helps in prevention of injuries to users. Further, by way of using the engaging members (i.e. Velcro) the techniques provide a modular solution for attaching the inflatable airbag to the headrest or the seat. The techniques further provide for multi-dimensional adjustability, allowing passengers to customize the headrest's height, angle, and depth, thereby allowing passengers of varying heights and preferences to find an optimal comfort position.
[048] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A headrest (100) comprising:
a spool (102) mounted on a housing (104) of the headrest (100), wherein the spool (102) is configured to rotate about an axis;
an inflatable airbag (106) configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool (102) upon a corresponding rotation of the spool (102),
wherein the inflatable airbag (106) is configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag (106), when at least a part of the inflatable airbag (106) is unfolded from the spool (102); and
an air pressure source pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag (106),
wherein the air pressure source (108) is configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag (106) to inflate the inflatable airbag (106) and to thereby create a cushion for upper body of a user.

2. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air pressure source (108) is pneumatically coupled to the spool (102), and wherein the spool (102) is pneumatically coupled to the inflatable airbag (106) via an opening (302B) associated with the spool (102) and an opening (312) associated with a first end (306A) of the inflatable airbag (106).

3. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inflatable airbag (106) comprises a seal at the opening (312) associated with the first end (306A) of the inflatable airbag (106),
wherein, when activated, the seal is to block passage of air via the opening (312) to thereby trap the air inside the inflatable airbag (106).

4. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable airbag (106) comprises an engaging member (314) positioned on a second end (306B) of the inflatable airbag (106),
wherein the engaging member (314) is configured to engage with a secondary engaging member when at least a part of the inflatable airbag (106) is unfolded from the spool (102), and
wherein the secondary engaging member is positioned on one of the headrest (100) and a seat associated with the headrest (100).

5. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging member (114) and the secondary engaging member is a Velcro.

6. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a motor (110) mechanically coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool (102) about the axis.

7. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (110) is positioned within the spool (102).

8. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 6 comprising:
at least one electrical switch electrically coupled with the motor (110), wherein the motor (110) is switched ON and OFF by manipulating the at least one electrical switch.

9. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a torsional spring (210) mechanically coupled to the spool (102) and configured to rotate the spool (102) about the axis.

10. The headrest (100) as claimed in claim 9 comprising:
a hook (212) configured engage with the torsional spring (210),
wherein the hook (212) is configurable in an engaged position and an unengaged position,
wherein, in the engaged position, the hook (212) is to prevent rotation of the spool (102), and
wherein, in the unengaged position, the hook (212) is to allow rotation of the spool (102).

11. A system (400) for implementing an inflatable airbag within a headrest, the system (400) comprising:
a spool (402) configured to be mounted on a housing (404) of the headrest, wherein the spool (402) is configured to rotate about an axis;
an inflatable airbag (406) configured to be folded on and unfolded from the spool (402) upon a corresponding rotation of the spool (402),
wherein the inflatable airbag (406) is configured to be inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag (406), when at least a part of the inflatable airbag (406) is unfolded from the spool (402); and
an air pressure source (408) pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag (406),
wherein the air pressure source (408) is configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag (406) to inflate the inflatable airbag (406) and to thereby create a cushion for upper body of a user.

12. A headrest (500) comprising:
a receptacle (502) positioned within the headrest (500);
a collapsible inflatable airbag (504) configured to:
extend out from the receptacle (502) in response to being inflated upon pumping of air inside the inflatable airbag (504); and
collapse and confine within the receptacle (502), in response to being deflated upon removing of air from inside the inflatable airbag (504); and
an air pressure source (506) pneumatically coupled with the inflatable airbag (504),
wherein the air pressure source (506) is configured to pump air into the inflatable airbag (504) to inflate and extend the inflatable airbag (504) out from the receptacle (502), to thereby create a cushion for upper body of a user.

13. The headrest (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
at least one switch (508) electrically coupled with the air pressure source (506), wherein the air pressure source (506) is switched ON and OFF by manipulating the at least one electrical switch,
wherein the air pressure source (506) is an air pump.

14. The headrest (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
a sensor configured to:
detect a presence of the user near the headrest (500); and
in response to the detection, automatically configure the at least one switch (508), to switch ON and OFF the air pressure source (506), to thereby inflate and deflate the inflatable airbag (504).