WO2012129603A1

WO2012129603A1 - Head support

Info

Publication number: WO2012129603A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Catherine RANDABEL; Edward Joseph Khoury
Original assignee: Riambel Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-29
Filing date: 2012-03-28
Publication date: 2012-10-04

Abstract

A head support (10) comprising a first side portion (20) locatable adjacent an inner surface (30) of a basin (12), a second side portion (22) locatable adjacent an outer surface (32) of the basin (12) and an interconnecting portion (24) extending between first ends of the first and second side portions (20, 22) such that the interconnecting portion (24) extends over an upper edge (34) of the basin (12). A headrest (16) extends from a first end thereof located adjacent the first end of the first side portion (20) to a distal second end thereof. The headrest (16) comprises a wall portion shaped to extend under and support the occipital bone of the head (18) and has a width less than that of the head (18).

Description

"HEAD SUPPORT"

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a head support.

Background to the Invention

[002] Hairdressers commonly wash the hair of their customers as part of the service they provide. The process of washing hair generally involves the customer leaning backward so that the head is located above a small basin while their neck rests on the edge of the basin.

[003] While this position provides access to the whole head for washing, it can be relatively uncomfortable. The edge of the basin is often an uncomfortable surface on which to rest the neck and, as no support is provided for the rear of the head, the customer must often support at least part of the weight of their head during the wash. This places further strain on the neck muscles.

[004] The present invention relates to a device aimed at overcoming, at least in part, the abovementioned problems by providing a device that can support the head of someone having their hair washed in a basin while still providing sufficient access to the hair for washing.

Summary of the Invention

[005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a head support comprising:

a first side portion locatable adjacent an inner surface of a basin;

a second side portion locatable adjacent an outer surface of the basin;

an interconnecting portion extending between first ends of the first and second side portions such that the interconnecting portion extends over an upper edge of the basin; and a headrest extending having a first end thereof extending from adjacent the first end of the first side portion and a distal second end;

wherein the headrest includes an upper surface shaped to extend under and support the occipital bone of a head, the headrest having a width less than that of the head.

[006] Preferably the headrest includes first and second parallel sides extending from the first end to the second end thereof.

[007] Preferably, the upper surface of the headrest is provided with a concave shape in longitudinal cross section to receive the rear of the head. Preferably, the interconnecting portion is provided with a convex shape in longitudinal cross section in order to conform to the shape of the rear of the neck. In a preferred embodiment, the headrest is provided with a concave shape in transverse cross section in order to conform to the shape of the head.

[008] In one embodiment, the first side portion comprises a relatively thin first wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first end thereof to a distal second end thereof. The second side portion also preferably comprises a relatively thin second wall portion connected at a first end thereof to the interconnecting portion, the second wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first end to a distal second end thereof. The interconnecting portion preferably comprises a relatively thin third wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first wall portion to second wall portion.

[009] In a preferred embodiment, the widths of the first and second wall portions adjacent the first ends thereof are equal to the width of the third wall such that the first sides of the first, second and third wall portions all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion and the second sides of the first, second and third wall lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion. [010] Preferably, the headrest comprises a relatively thin fourth wall portion having generally parallel first and second sides extending away from the first end thereof, wherein the width of the headrest adjacent the first end thereof is the same as that of the third wall portion such that the first sides of the headrest and the first, second and third wall portions all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion and the second sides of the headrest and the first, second and third wall all lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion .

[01 1 ] The width of the headrest is preferably between 20mm and 60mm. The length of the headrest is preferably between 40mm and 70mm.

[012] In one embodiment, the second wall portion is shorter than the first wall portion such that the first, second and third wall portions are generally J- shaped.

[013] The first and second wall portions each preferably include a curve between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the inner and outer surfaces of the basin. The third wall portion is preferably curved between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the upper edge of the basin.

[014] Preferably the first and second side portions and the interconnecting portion are constructed of a resilient material such that the first and second side portions can be flexed away from each other to receive the edge of the basin.

[015] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a basin including a head support, the basin comprising a headrest integrally formed with the basin, the headrest extending generally transversely away from an upper edge of the basin towards the centre of the basin and having an upper surface on which the rear of the head may be rested wherein the upper surface is shaped to extend under and support the occipital bone of the head and has a width less than that of the head. [016] Preferably the upper surface comprises a generally elongate surface having parallel sides extending away from the upper edge of the basin and a rounded distal end joining the sides. The upper surface is preferably provided with a concave shape in longitudinal cross section and a concave shape in transverse cross section in order to conform to the shape of the head.

[017] In one embodiment, a support cushion is provided into which the headrest is incorporated.

[018] The support cushion preferably extends above the interconnecting portion and extends in length either side of the interconnecting portion to provide additional support around the sides of the neck.

[019] Preferably the support cushion further comprises:

an arcuate upper surface extending from a rear edge of the support cushion around over the interconnecting portion and the second side portion, to a front edge at a location below the second side portion;

a headrest portion extending away from around a midpoint of the rear edge generally transversely thereto, the headrest portion include an upper surface having opposed first and second parallel sides extending to a distal end thereof;

wherein the upper surface is located above the headrest such that in use a person may rest their head on the upper surface of the headrest portion.

[020] A flap may be provided extending downwardly away from the front edge adjacent the outer surface of the basin, the flap having one or more suction cups thereon to engage against the outer surface. Also, flexible tabs may be provided extending away from the rear edge on either side of the headrest portion, the tabs having suction cups thereon such that the tabs may be flexed downwardly to positions adjacent the inner surface of the basin to engage the suction cups with the inner surface. Brief Description of the Drawings

[021 ] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[022] Figure 1 a is a first upper perspective view of a head support in accordance with the present invention;

[023] Figure 1 b is a second upper perspective view of the head support of Figure 1 a;

[024] Figure 2a is a top view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[025] Figure 2b is a rear view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[026] Figure 2c is a front view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[027] Figure 2d is a side view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[028] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[029] Figure 4a is a rear view of the head support of Figure 1 ;

[030] Figure 4b is a side cross sectional view of the head support of Figure

4a through the line A-A;

[031 ] Figure 5 is a side cross sectional view of a basin showing the head support of Figure 1 in use;

[032] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a head support in accordance with the present invention;

[033] Figure 7 is a side view of the head support of Figure 6 showing movement of the second side portion;

[034] Figure 8a is an upper perspective view of a third embodiment of a head support in accordance with present invention;

[035] Figure 8b is a lower perspective view of the head support of Figure 8a;

[036] Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of a basin including a head support in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention;

[037] Figure 10a is an upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a head support in accordance with the present invention; and

[038] Figure 10b is a side cross sectional view of the head support of Figure

10a through the line A-A. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[039] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a head support 10 provided for supporting the head of a person above a basin 12 to allow treatment of the hair, such as hair washing.

[040] The head support 10 comprises a basin engaging member 14 to engage with the basin 12 and a headrest 16 on which the head 18 can be supported during treatment.

[041 ] The basin engaging member 14 comprises a first side portion 20, a second side portion 22 and an interconnecting portion 24. The first side portion 20 is to be located in use adjacent an inner surface 30 of the basin 12. The second side portion 22 is to be located in use adjacent an outer surface 32 of the basin 12. The interconnecting portion 24 extends over an upper edge 34 of the basin from the first side portion 20 to the second side portion 22 (as can be seen in Figure 5).

[042] The first side portion 20 comprises a relatively thin first wall portion 21 of generally rectangular shape. The interconnecting portion 24 extends from a first end of the first wall portion 21 . The first wall portion 21 includes parallel first and second sides extending from the first end thereof to a distal second end thereof. The first wall portion 21 includes a slight curve between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the inner surface 30 of the basin, as shown in Figure 5. The first wall portion 20 is oriented in use parallel to the inner surface 30 of the basin 12 extending generally downwardly from the upper edge 34.

[043] The second side portion 22 comprises a relatively thin second wall portion 23 connected at a first end thereof to the interconnecting portion 24. The first end of the second wall portion 23 extends away from the interconnecting portion 24 such that a gap 26 is defined between the first and second wall portions 21 and 23. The edge of the basin 12 is received in this gap 26 in use. The second wall portion 23 includes parallel first and second sides extending from the first end to a distal second end thereof. The second wall portion 23 is curved between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the outer surface 32 of the basin 12, as shown in Figure 5. The second wall portion 23 is shorter than the first wall portion 21 such that the basin engaging member 14 is generally J-shaped.

[044] The interconnecting portion 24 comprises a relatively thin third wall portion 25. The third wall portion 25 extends from the first end of the first wall portion 21 to the first end of the second wall portion 23 such that when the first wall portion 21 is arranged adjacent and parallel to the inner surface 30 of the basin 12 and the second wall portion 23 is arranged adjacent and parallel to the outer wall 32 of the basin 12, the third wall portion 25 extends across and parallel to the upper edge 34 of the basin 12. The third wall portion 25 includes parallel first and second sides extending from the first wall portion 21 to second wall portion 23. The widths of the first and second wall portions 21 and 23 adjacent the first ends thereof are equal to the width of the third wall 25 such that the first sides of the wall portions 21 , 23 and 25 all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion 24 and the second sides of the wall portions 21 , 23 and 25 lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion 24. The third wall portion 25 is curved between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the upper edge 34 of the basin 12, as shown in Figure 5.

[045] The first and second side portions 20 and 22 and the interconnecting portion 24 are constructed of a resilient material such that the first and second side portions 20 and 22 can be flexed away from each other to receive the edge of the basin 12. The first and second side portions 20 and 22 then flex back towards each other to engage the inner and outer surfaces 21 and 23 of the basin 12.

[046] The first side portion 20 includes one or more pads 36 on a side thereof adjacent the second side portion 22. The pads 36 are provided to rest on the inner surface 30 of the basin 12 to prevent the head support 10 from sliding relative to the basin 12. In the embodiment shown, the pad 36 comprises a suction cup 38 secured through a first aperture 40 provided in the first wall portion 21 adjacent the second end thereof. The suction cup 38 is provided to engage against the inner surface 30 of the basin 12 to prevent slipping. [047] The first wall portion 21 is also provided with a second aperture 41 located between the first aperture 40 and the first end of the first wall portion 21 . The suction cup 38 may be moved from the first aperture 40 to the second aperture 41 to adjust the position of the suction cup 38 to better engage with the inner surface 30 in the case of a differently shaped basin 12.

[048] An inner pad 28 is also provided secured to inner surfaces of the second and third wall portions 23 and 25, as can be seen in Figure 2d. The inner pad 28 is provided to engage with the upper edge 34 and the outer surface 32 of the basin 12 to further prevent slipping of the head support 10 in use.

[049] A first end of the headrest 16 extends from the basin engaging member 14 from a location adjacent the first end of the first wall portion 21 . The headrest 16 extends at an angle to the first wall portion 21 such that when the first wall portion 21 is located adjacent and parallel to the inner surface 30 of the basin 12, the headrest 16 extends generally horizontally above the first wall portion 21 towards the centre of the basin 12.

[050] The headrest 16 comprises also a relatively thin fourth wall portion 17 having generally parallel first and second sides extending away from the first end thereof to a distal second end thereof. The width of the headrest 16 adjacent the first end thereof is the same as that of the third wall portion 25 such that the first sides of the headrest 16 and the wall portions 21 , 23 and 25 all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion 24 and the second sides of the headrest 16 and the wall portions 21 , 23 and 25 all lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion 24.

[051 ] A cushion member 60 is provided on an upper surface of the headrest 16, in order to provide a soft surface on which the head 18 rests in use. In the embodiment shown, the upper surface includes a recess 43 into which the cushion member 60 is received. The cushion member 60 may, for example, comprise a foam material.

[052] The headrest 16 is shaped to support the rear of the head while having a width relatively small in relation to the width of the human head, in order to allow access to the hair for treatment. The headrest 16 is shaped to provide support under the occipital bone of the human head. In particular, the headrest 16 extends sufficiently to extend under the external occipital protuberance of the head while being narrower in width that the head. The width of the headrest 16 may be between 20mm and 60mm and may in a preferred embodiment be around 40mm. The length of the headrest 16 may be between 40mm and 70mm and in a preferred embodiment around 50mm.

[053] An upper surface of the interconnecting portion 24 is provided with a convex shape in longitudinal cross section in order to conform to the shape of the rear of the neck. The headrest 16 is provided with a concave shape in longitudinal cross section to conform to the shape of the rear of the head. That is, longitudinal cross section of the upper surface extending from the interconnecting portion 24 across the headrest 16 comprises a convex portion adjacent the interconnecting portion 24 followed by a concave portion extending towards the headrest 16. The headrest 16 may also be provided with a slight concave shape in transverse cross section in order to conform to the shape of the head.

[054] This arrangement allows support to be provided under the heaviest part of the head while leaving sufficient access to the hair for treatment. The shape and size of the headrest 16 supports the head under the occipital bone thereby taking pressure off the neck, which may otherwise be supported near the edge of the basin. Such support taken through the neck can result in undesirable bending of the neck and blood vessels and nerves within the neck, potentially causing damage in these areas.

[055] In use, the head support 10 can be engaged with the edge of a basin 12 as shown in Figure 5, by receiving the edge between the first and second side members 20 and 22. The interconnecting portion 24 rests on the upper edge 34 of the basin 12, the first side portion 20 rests against the inner surface 30 and the second side portion 22 engages against the outer surface 32. The pads 28 engage the surfaces of the basin 12 to prevent slipping and a person can rest the rear of their head 18 on the headrest 16 as shown. This provides good support for the head to relieve the stress that would otherwise be placed on the neck muscles of the person having the treatment.

[056] Figures 6 and 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a head support 10 in accordance with the present invention. The head support 10 of Figures 6 and 7 is similar to that of Figures 1 to 5 and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

[057] Instead of the suction cup 38, the pad 36 is comprises a member having an opening 39 that is provided to receive the distal end of the first side portion 20. Also, the second wall portion 23 comprises a pair of members separated by a gap. The first and second opposed sides of the second side wall 23 also diverge towards the distal end thereof in order to provide slightly greater width and provide additional stability when resting on the basin.

[058] Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of a head support in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the headrest 16 includes a pair of parallel arm members 46 extending outwardly from a distal end thereof. Adjacent edges 48 of the arm members 46 are each curved such that adjacent edges 38 meet to form a continuous curved edge to provide additional support to the head 18. The arms 46 are each also curved in shape to fit the curved contour of the rear of the head 18.

[059] An adjustable stopper is also provided to limit the amount of downward flex of the headrest 16. In the embodiment shown, the adjustable stopper comprises an adjuster screw 52 received in a threaded aperture in a protrusion 54 on a lower side of the headrest 16. The adjuster screw 52 can be rotated to alter the amount by which it protrudes below the headrest 16. A stopper base 56 is provided on the first side portion 20 on a side opposite the inner surface 30 of the basin 12. The stopper base 56 is provided below the adjuster screw 52 such that the headrest 16 will flex downwardly until the lower end of the adjuster screw 52 engages with an upper surface of the stopper base 56.

[060] The adjuster screw 52 can be altered to change the range of movement of the headrest 16 to account for different shapes of basin 12. In the case of a basin with a more vertical inner surface, the adjuster screw 52 may be wound out to keep the headrest 16 in a more horizontal position.

[061 ] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the pads 36 comprise first and second pads of resilient material, such as rubber, on the first wall portion 21 to grip against the inner surface 30 of the basin 12. A third pad 36 is provided secured on a side of the second wall portion 23 adjacent the outer surface 32 of the basin 12.

[062] The second wall portion 23 is arcuate in shape such that the second side wall portion 23 extends from the interconnecting portion 24 towards the outer surface 32 of the basin 12 and then away from the outer surface 32 to the distal second end thereof.

[063] Figure 9 shows a basin including a head support 10 in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. The head support 10 in the embodiment of Figure 7 is integrally formed with the basin 12.

[064] The head support 10 includes an integral headrest 16 extending generally transversely away from the upper edge 34 of the basin 12 towards the centre of the basin 12. The headrest 16 comprises an upper surface 60 which is generally coplanar with the upper edge 34 of the basin 12 at a proximal end thereof. The upper surface 60 comprises a generally elongate surface having parallel sides 62 extending away from the upper edge 25 of the basin 12 and a rounded distal end 64 joining the sides 62. The upper surface 60 is shaped to receive the rear of the head in the same manner as the headrest 16 of the head support 10 of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8. That is, the longitudinal cross section of the upper surface 60 extending from the upper edge 34 across the headrest 16 comprises a convex portion adjacent the upper edge 34 followed by a concave portion extending towards the headrest 16.

[065] The headrest 16 includes a body portion 66 extending generally downwardly from the upper surface 60. The body portion 66 extends down to join with the inner surface 21 of the basin 12. [066] In use, the basin 12 of Figure 9 incorporating the head support 10 may be used in the same manner as the head supports 10 of Figures 1 to 8. A person having treatment on their hair may rest the back of their head on the upper surface 60 of the headrest 16 to provide additional support to the head and neck during the treatment.

[067] Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a head support in accordance with the present invention. The headrest of Figure 10 is similar to the headrest of Figures 1 to 5. The headrest 10 includes the same featues of the device of Figures 1 to 5, however includes also a larger support cushion 70, into which the headrest 10 is incorporated.

[068] The support cushion 70 extends above the interconnecting portion 24 to provide additional support for the neck of the user. The support cushion 70 extends also in length either side of the interconnecting portion 24 to provide additional support around the sides of the neck and to prevent water leakage from the basin 12. In a cross section taken through a plane bisecting the headrest 16 and the first side portion 22, the support cushion 70 includes an arcuate upper surface 72. The arcuate upper surface 72 extends from a rear edge 74 of the support cushion 70 around over the interconnecting portion 24 and the second side portion 22, to a front edge 75 at a location below the second side portion 22. The support cushion 70 thereby covers over the interconnecting portion 24 and the second side portion 22.

[069] The upper surface 72 of the support cushion 70 extends either side of the interconnecting portion 24 in a curve away from the headrest 16 to follow the curve of the neck of the user. The rear edge 74 is therefore also curved away from the headrest 16 either side thereof as can be seen in Figure 10a.

[070] The support cushion 70 includes a flap 76 that extends downwardly away from the front edge 75 adjacent the outer surface 32. The flap 76 includes one or more suction cups 78 thereon to engage against the outer surface 32 of the basin 12, as can be seen in Figure 10b.

[071 ] The support cushion 70 includes also a headrest portion 80. The headrest portion 80 extends away from around a midpoint of the rear edge 74 generally transversely thereto. The headrest portion 80 includes an upper surface 82 having opposed first and second parallel sides extending to a distal end thereof. The upper surface 82 is located above the headrest 16 such that in use a person may rest their head on the upper surface 82 of the headrest portion 80.

[072] The headrest portion 80 extends around the headrest 16 and underneath to enclose also a portion of the upper end of the first side portion 20 (as best seen in Figure 10b). The width of the headrest portion 80 between the opposed first and second sides thereof is similar to that of the headrest 16. That is, the headrest 10 can be used in the same manner as described previously to extend under and support the occipital bone of the human head while being sufficiently narrow to not interfere with the process of washing the hair.

[073] The rear edge 74 of the support cushion 70 is also provided with flexible tabs 84 extending therefrom on either side of the headrest portion 80. The tabs 84 may be flexed downwardly to positions adjacent the inner surface 30 of the basin 12 and include suction cups thereon to engage with the inner surface 30 and help secure the headrest 10 in place.

[074] It will be appreciated that while the embodiment of Figure 10 has been shown as the headrest 10 being distinct from the support cushion 70, the features of the headrest 10 and the support cushion may be formed integrally. That is, the side portions 20, 22, the interconnecting portion 24 and the headrest 16 may simply comprise portions of the support cushion 70 that are formed with sufficient rigidity to perform the required functions.

[075] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A head support comprising:

a first side portion locatable adjacent an inner surface of a basin;

a second side portion locatable adjacent an outer surface of the basin;

an interconnecting portion extending between first ends of the first and second side portions such that the interconnecting portion extends over an upper edge of the basin; and

a headrest extending having a first end thereof extending from adjacent the first end of the first side portion and a distal second end;

2. A head support in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the headrest includes first and second parallel sides extending from the first end to the second end thereof.

3. A head support in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper surface of the headrest is provided with a concave shape in longitudinal cross section to receive the rear of the head.

4. A head support in accordance with claim 3, wherein the interconnecting portion is provided with a convex shape in longitudinal cross section in order to conform to the shape of the rear of the neck.

5. A head support in accordance with claim 4, wherein the headrest is provided with a concave shape in transverse cross section in order to conform to the shape of the head.

6. A head support in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side portion comprises a relatively thin first wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first end thereof to a distal second end thereof.

7. A head support in accordance with claim 6, wherein the second side portion comprises a relatively thin second wall portion connected at a first end thereof to the interconnecting portion, the second wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first end to a distal second end thereof.

8. A head support in accordance with claim 7, wherein the interconnecting portion comprises a relatively thin third wall portion having parallel first and second sides extending from the first wall portion to second wall portion.

9. A head support in accordance with claim 8, wherein the widths of the first and second wall portions adjacent the first ends thereof are equal to the width of the third wall such that the first sides of the first, second and third wall portions all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion and the second sides of the first, second and third wall lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion.

10. A head support in accordance with claim 9, wherein the headrest comprises a relatively thin fourth wall portion having generally parallel first and second sides extending away from the first end thereof, wherein the width of the headrest adjacent the first end thereof is the same as that of the third wall portion such that the first sides of the headrest and the first, second and third wall portions all lie in generally the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion and the second sides of the headrest and the first, second and third wall all lie generally in the same plane adjacent the interconnecting portion .

1 1 . A head support in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the headrest is between 20mm and 60mm.

12. A head support in accordance with claim 1 1 , wherein the length of the headrest is between 40mnn and 70mnn.

13. A head support in accordance with any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the second wall portion is shorter than the first wall portion such that the first, second and third wall portions are generally J-shaped.

14. A head support in accordance with any once of claims 6 to 13, wherein the first and second wall portions each include a curve between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the inner and outer surfaces of the basin.

15. A head support in accordance with clam 14, wherein the third wall portion is curved between the ends thereof in order to follow generally the curve of the upper edge of the basin.

16. A head support in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second side portions and the interconnecting portion are constructed of a resilient material such that the first and second side portions can be flexed away from each other to receive the edge of the basin.

17. A basin including a head support, the basin comprising a headrest integrally formed with the basin, the headrest extending generally transversely away from an upper edge of the basin towards the centre of the basin and having an upper surface on which the rear of the head may be rested wherein the upper surface is shaped to extend under and support the occipital bone of the head and has a width less than that of the head.

18. A basin in accordance with claim 17, wherein the upper surface comprises a generally elongate surface having parallel sides extending away from the upper edge of the basin and a rounded distal end joining the sides.

19. A basin in accordance with claim 18, wherein , the upper surface is provided with a concave shape in longitudinal cross section to receive the rear of the head.

20. A basin in accordance with claim 19, wherein the upper surface is provided with a concave shape in transverse cross section in order to conform to the shape of the head.

21 . A headrest in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a support cushion is provided into which the headrest is incorporated.

22. A headrest in accordance with claim 21 , wherein the support cushion extends above the interconnecting portion and extends in length either side of the interconnecting portion to provide additional support around the sides of the neck.

23. A headrest in accordance with claim 22, wherein the support cushion comprises:

24. A headrest in accordance with claim 23, wherein a flap is provided extending downwardly away from the front edge adjacent the outer surface of the basin, the flap having one or more suction cups thereon to engage against the outer surface.

25. A headrest in accordance with claim 24, wherein flexible tabs are provided extending away from the rear edge on either side of the headrest portion, the tabs having suction cups thereon such that the tabs may be flexed downwardly to positions adjacent the inner surface to engage the suction cups with the inner surface.