Bi-level headrest, body support structure and method of supporting a user's cranium

Abstract

A method of supporting a user's cranium includes directly supporting at least a portion of a first user's T1-T6 vertebrae with a primary support and directly supporting a junction between the first user's occipital bone and C1 vertebrae with a secondary support spaced from the primary support. The positions of the primary and secondary supports may be independently adjusted relative to each other. Various body support structures and headrest structures are also provided.

1 . A method of supporting an occupant in a seated position in a seat, the method comprising:
 supporting the occupant's buttock and thighs with a seat member;   supporting the occupant's sacrum with a backrest;   supporting, in a targeted fashion with a primary support structure, the occupant's T1-T6 vertebrae; and   supporting, in a targeted fashion with a secondary support structure, the occupant's occipital bone.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the primary support structure includes a primary support surface that fits between the occupant's scapulae. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary support structure includes a secondary support surface that is no wider than the occupant's occipital bone. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary support structure includes a secondary support surface that is no wider than the occupant's cranium. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein supporting the occupant's occipital bone comprises directly supporting a junction of the occupant's occipital bone and C1 vertebrae with the secondary support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising independently adjusting the position of the primary and secondary support structures with respect to each other and with respect to the seat and backrest. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including aligning the primary support structure and the secondary support structure along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising rotating the primary support about a laterally extending axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising rotating the secondary support about a laterally extending axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising rotating the secondary support about a laterally extending axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         11 . A body support structure comprising:
 a seat member shaped and configured to support at least the buttock and thighs of a seat occupant;   a backrest member shaped and configured to support at least the sacral region of the occupant;   a primary support structure providing targeted support for the occupant's T1-T6 vertebrae; and   a secondary support structure providing targeted support of the occupant's occipital bone.   
     
     
         12 . The body support structure of  claim 11 , wherein the primary support structure includes a primary support surface that fits between the occupant's scapulae. 
     
     
         13 . The body support structure of  claim 11 , wherein the secondary support structure includes a secondary support surface that is no wider than the occupant's occipital bone. 
     
     
         14 . The body support structure of  claim 11 , wherein the secondary support structure is positioned to support the occupant's occipital bone at a junction of the occupant's occipital bone and C1 vertebrae. 
     
     
         15 . The body support structure of  claim 11 , further comprising means for independently adjusting the position of the primary and secondary support structures with respect to each other and with respect to the seat member and backrest member. 
     
     
         16 . The body support structure of  claim 11 , wherein the primary support structure and the secondary support structure are aligned along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         17 . The body support structure of  claim 16 , wherein the primary support structure is pivotable about a laterally extending axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         18 . The body support structure of  claim 16 , wherein the secondary support structure is pivotable about a laterally extending axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         19 . The body support structure of  claim 16 , wherein the secondary support structure is pivotable about a fore-aft axis lying substantially perpendicular to the laterally extending axis.