Boeing's New Patent Might Help Passengers Sleep On Planes

April 13, 2015

Source The Verge

According to the patent: 'An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. ' — According to the patent: "An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. "

Sleeping in a cramped, upright airline seat is a unique form of torture, but Boeing has an idea that could one day fix that. A recent patent from the company reveals a "sleep support system" that unfolds into a pseudo massage table with a "a face relief aperture." The device is built into "backpack" that can be stowed under an airline seat. After you take out the backpack, you open it up and unfold the head rest. Support straps then connect to the top of your seat, so you can lean forward and sleep face down, with your weight supported by the system. The angle of the headrest and torso supports are adjustable, according to the patent filing. There's even a "sling" around the back that you can slip your arms into so that they, too, are supported.

More details here.