Adjustable Rectilinearly Vertically Patents (Class 297/410)
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Patent number: 8297705Abstract: A head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat includes a post having first and second end portions, a support member fixedly attached to the second end portion of the post, and a head rest assembly. The support member includes a locking feature. The head rest assembly includes a housing supported by the support member, a locking member, and an actuator configured to move the locking member from a locked position with the locking feature to an unlocked position from the locking feature to permit the headrest assembly to move relative to the post and support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Stefan Brunner, Achim Tscherbner, Bernd Rolf Schwerma
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Patent number: 8296018Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest system comprising: a headrest device (1); a plurality of sensors (2, 3); and an electromechanical headrest device positioning system, associated to said sensors (2, 3). Data are recorded during an upward movement of the headrest device (1), relating to the distance between the headrest device (1) and the head in a plurality of positions of the headrest device (1) throughout said upward movement. The upward movement ends when, through the sensors, the system detects that the headrest is at a certain height. Based on this data recorded during the upward movement, the headrest device (1) is moved substantially horizontally until it is located at a certain distance from the head.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Fundacion RobotikerInventors: Juan Manuel Pedrero Iniguez, Mercedes Ferros Presa, Jesus Murgoitio Larrauri, Inaki Iglesias Aguinaga, Antonio Sanchez Diaz
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Publication number: 20120261969Abstract: A headrest position adjustment device includes a capacitance sensor unit, and a drive motor unit. The capacitance sensor unit includes a plurality of electrode groups each configured by a plurality of sensing electrodes. The total electrode area of each of the electrode groups is switchable by a switching unit of a circuit unit between at least a total electrode area A and a total electrode area A+B. The total electrode area A is selected when the distance d between a head and a headrest is short, and the total electrode area A+B is selected when the distance is long. In this way, the sensitivity is changed depending on how long or how short the distance is. An estimated center position of the head is calculated based on capacitance values obtained, and thereby the position of the headrest is adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.Inventors: Takuya Osaki, Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Yuki Noguchi, Koji Sakiyama
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Patent number: 8276983Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a generally upright seating position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A head restraint is slidably coupled to an upper end of the seat back for vertical movement between a use position spaced apart from the upper end and a stowed position adjacent the upper end. A mechanism is operative for automatically moving the head restraint between the use and stowed positions in response to pivoting the seat back between the seating and folded positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: Omar D. Tame
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Patent number: 8272696Abstract: The present invention relates to a height control unit of a headrest for a vehicle seat, in which the height of the headrest may be simply controlled by the driving force of an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Cheong Myung Hong
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Publication number: 20120235460Abstract: A seat assembly having a support post assembly and a moveable headrest assembly. The support post assembly has first and second posts and a cross member. The cross member extends from the first post to the second post. The headrest assembly includes a mounting unit that defines a post cavity that receives the first and second posts. The cross member extends through first and second slots in the mounting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Ralph Fey, Karsten Mueller, Zdzislaw Sobieski
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Publication number: 20120200134Abstract: A pillow support structure of a chair contains a fixing unit including a body and a back cover, wherein the body includes a longitudinal groove having a laterally through slot and a limiting piece with a tilted guide recess and a defining end; the longitudinal groove includes a resilient swinging rib with a tooth portion and an abutting tab; a vertical moving unit including a moving member and a sliding panel having a stop element, a plurality of peripheral teeth, and includes a side rim biased against the abutting tab; an inserting member including a biasing end and a pressing segment, such that the stop element of the sliding panel of the moving member is capable of preventing from contacting with the defining end of the body so that the sliding panel of the moving member disengages from the body smoothly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Yu-Shan Lai, Yen-Chuan Lai
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Publication number: 20120200135Abstract: The disclosed headrest support device is formed with a synthetic thermoplastic resin material as a base, in an effort to reduce overall weight. The headrest support device is provided to the top of the seatback of a seat for a vehicle, holds a headrest that supports the head of a seat occupant, and is such that the height in the vertical direction of the headrest can be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: SANKYO CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsutaka Muto, Yoshihisa Shibakawa
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Patent number: 8235464Abstract: Seat to accommodate a child in a vehicle, the seat being adapted for secure connection to the vehicle e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: HTS Hans Torgersen & SonsInventors: Johannes Henderikus Rikhof, Hendricus Johannes Vertegaal, Willem Mees Van der Bijl, Rob Cristian Heinemeijer
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Publication number: 20120161489Abstract: Provided is an adjustable headrest installed at an upper portion of a seatback of a chair which a user's head contacts characterized in that an ergonomic head-shaped recess is provided such that the recess is adjusted to be appropriate to different head sizes, head shapes, and neck shapes of users to conveniently seat the neck and the head, allowing the user to rest and sleep on the chair. The adjustable headrest mounted on the chair includes an upper block having an upper recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the head, and a lower block disposed under the upper block and having a lower recess concaved in the front thereof to seat the neck. Here, the upper block and the lower block are movable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Hae-Hyun Nam
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Publication number: 20120161490Abstract: A headrest assembly securable to a motor-vehicle seat back part has a movable headrest and a rod fixed in the seat back and having a plurality of vertically spaced catch formations. A spring carried on the headrest has a pair of legs flanking the rod, elastically deflectable toward and away from the rod, and biased elastically toward the rod, and a crosspiece connecting the legs and fittable with one of the catch formations. An actuator shiftable in the slide relative to the spring has respective actuating formations engageable with the spring legs. The actuator is movable between a latching position in which the actuating formations are generally disengaged from the respective legs and the crosspiece engages the rod and an unlatching position in which the actuating formations engage the respective legs and press them into the released position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Christian POEHLMANN, Joerg Girbinger
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Publication number: 20120126605Abstract: A vehicle headrest comprises means for retaining the headrest on the backrest as a vehicle seat. The headrest is adjustable vertically (Z-direction) in a reversible manner relative to the backrest, and at least partially with regard to its distance from the head of a seat occupant (X-direction). Such adjustments are carried out at least temporarily at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Johnson Control Technology CompanyInventors: Bernd Gross, Hans-Georg Werner, Joshua Hesterberg, Sachin Bharambe, Thomas Frotz, Denis Quandt
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Patent number: 8172329Abstract: An electromotive headrest folding apparatus includes a rotating shaft, a rotary member, a vertical moving unit and a locking unit. The rotating shaft is coupled at opposite ends thereof to a seat back frame so as to be rotatable, and is provided with a striker. The rotary member is mounted to the rotating shaft. A headrest pole is fitted into the rotary member. The vertical moving unit is fastened to the rotary member through a mounting bracket. The vertical moving unit moves the headrest pole upwards or downwards. The locking unit is mounted to the seat back frame and has a locking piece, to which a striker is locked.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Ho Kim
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Patent number: 8167376Abstract: A headrest apparatus for vehicle seats. The headrest apparatus includes coupling holders, a support, a headrest, and an actuating unit. The headrest apparatus further includes a connector body mounted outside any one of the coupling holders, and configured to have guide rails that extend from the connector body in the ascending and descending direction of the support; a slider coupled to the connector body so as to be moved along the guide rails; and connectors configured to be respectively mounted to a lower end of the support and the slider, to be coupled to or separated from each other according to the ascent and descent of the support, and to be respectively connected with the power line, which is connected to the actuating unit of the headrest, and the power line, which is connected to the power supply unit of the vehicle via the seat main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: DDD Co., LtdInventor: Byeong Rock Song
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Patent number: 8162401Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket system (1) adapted for use in a raising and lowering mechanism of an adjustable headrest (4) of a vehicle seat. The inventive bracket system (1) adapted for use in a raising and lowering mechanism of an adjustable headrest (4) of a vehicle seat comprises a spring element (8) an actuation arm (7) a longitudinal carrier bar (2) carrying the head rest (4) and having on its surface at least one notch of a first kind (9) and at least one notch of a second kind (10).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Kongberg Automotive AB, Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Arnout Homan, Nicholas Morrell, Anders Kvarnstrom
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Publication number: 20120080926Abstract: A vehicle head restraint assembly has a guide member mounted proximate to a vehicle seat back. A head restraint is mounted to another guide member. A button actuator is mounted to an outboard side of the head restraint for movement of the button actuator in a direction perpendicular to a lateral direction of the head restraint. A locking mechanism cooperates with the first guide member and the second guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. The locking mechanism is connected to the button actuator so that actuation of the button actuator disengages the locking mechanism and permits adjustment of the position of the head restraint relative to the vehicle seat back.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Ralph Fey, Zdzislaw Sobieski
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Publication number: 20120080927Abstract: A backrest for a vehicle includes a head restraint which can be adjusted to a higher position. The head restraint includes a head part and a support, which is guided displaceably in the backrest, for the head part being transferable from a use region, which is delimited by an upper use position and a lower use position, into a lower not-in-use position in which the backrest is blocked by an interfering structure against use, wherein the support triggers the interfering structure upon transfer of the head restraint into the lower not-in-use position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Marcus Lohmann
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Patent number: 8128162Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle seat 5 comprises an armrest portion 11a, 11b, 11c, a shingle head restraint portion 12 moveably attached to one end of the armrest portion 11a, 11b, 11c, to permit the shingle head restraint 12 to be moved towards and away from the one end of the armrest portion 11a, 11b, 11c, and a height adjuster to selectively secure the head restraint 12 in one of a number of predetermined displaced positions relative to the armrest portion 11a, the armrest portion being moveable from a folded up position 11a to a folded down position 11c.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Torsten Gerhardt, Andrew John Murray, Will Farrelly, John K. Harding
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Patent number: 8118360Abstract: A vehicle seat having a first support and a second support, and a first stay and a second stay for attaching a head rest to a seat back also includes a position adjusting mechanism and a retaining mechanism. The position adjusting mechanism adjusts positions of the stays with respect to the supports. The retaining mechanism prevents the stays from slipping out of the supports at positions above positions at which the stays are highest in an adjusted range by the position adjusting mechanism. A check hole for checking the connection state between two members, for example a cable and an operating rod, is formed in the first stay in such a position that the check hole is not visible when the stays are positioned in the adjusted range and is visible when the stays are prevented from slipping out of the supports by the retaining mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Oota, Takeshi Nishiura, Atsuki Sasaki
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Patent number: 8109570Abstract: A stay is provided with an insulating member, so that only a lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member can be energized. Further, the lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Nishiura, Atsuki Sasaki
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Patent number: 8096613Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a foam geometry which reduces the tendency of the child's head to slide forward and roll out by contouring the side foam to have its leading edge closer to the center line of the child's seat than some more rearward portion of the side foam thus forming an inward protruding forward lip on the foam. The depth of the protruding lip is the primary determinant of the increase in head retention, but the particular geometry of the lip, foam density or rigidity, and overall depth also contribute. The invention relates to the contour of a horizontal section of a headrest foam liner being closer to the seat centerline at some distance from the seat back than some distance closer to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Meeker R&DInventors: William Gibson, Jody M. Malone
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Publication number: 20120001472Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback, a headrest body, a stay and a locking member. The seatback is provided on a floor of a vehicle body. The headrest body is provided above the seatback. The stay extends downward from the headrest body into the seatback. The locking member, provided to the seatback and engaging with the stay at a specific position in a longitudinal direction of the stay, engages with the stay at a substantially longitudinal center of the stay when the headrest body is positioned at a lowest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiro IKEYA, Takayuki Toyoshima, Hideki Hitomi
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Publication number: 20110316318Abstract: There is provided a headrest apparatus including: a headrest main body provided at a top edge portion of a seatback; a detection section to detect contact between the head of an occupant seated in the seat and the headrest main body; a moving section that moves the headrest main body in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a controller that controls the moving section such that the headrest main body is moved forward until contact between the head of an occupant and the headrest main body is detected by the detection section, and, when contact between the head of an occupant and the headrest main body has been detected by the detection section, controls the moving section to move the headrest main body such that there is a specific amount of back-set separation distance in a horizontal direction between the head of an occupant and the headrest main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi, Makoto Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8075060Abstract: A plastic headrest sleeve receiving a headrest rod and comprising a tube fitted at its top end with a flange within which a slider is displaceably supported between a locked position, wherein it locks the headrest rod, and a release position, the wall of the said tube being fitted between its ends with at least one resilient clamping segment, a spring being mounted on the tube outside and biasing the resilient segment toward the tube inside, and a drive element displaceably resting on the tube, said drive element being operationally connected to the slider and the clamping segment in a manner that the spring's action on the clamping segment shall be reduced or eliminated when the slider is displaced into the release position.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Matthias Gans
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Patent number: 8070222Abstract: The active headrest of the invention includes individual parts provided in a seat back. The individual parts include a lower unit which operates by an impact given to a frame, a wire which elevates/lowers inside the seat back linked to the lower unit, a solenoid to which the wire is locked and/or an upper unit having the solenoid, and a headrest device linked to a lifter or a connecting portion of the upper unit. At the time of collision, the wire is tensioned downward, the lifter or connecting portion of the upper unit ascends or tilt forward, and the ascent and forward tilting of the headrest are performed instantaneously. As a result, this headrest can secure the ascent stroke and forward tilting which can follow the movement of a head, etc. at the time of collision, and can protect a head, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Nihon Technica Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuo Yamada
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Publication number: 20110291456Abstract: A headrest has a generally vertical rod mountable in a motor-vehicle seat and formed with a plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally open notches, a support vertically movable along the rod and adapted to carry a head cushion, and a latch element vertically fixed on the support and shiftable on the support between a latched position engaged in one of the notches and locking the support on the rod against downward movement and an unlatched position disengaged from the rod and permitting free vertical movement of the support on the rod. An actuating element is pivotal about an axis on the support between an actuated position holding the latch element in the disengaged position and a rest position with the latch element in the engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Christian POEHLMANN, Manfred Schlierf, Joerg Girbinger, Maximilian Kotz
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Patent number: 8066331Abstract: A continuously adjustable headrest mechanism 10 for a vehicle seat 12 and method of assembly thereof. The mechanism 10 includes in one aspect a pair of posts 17 that extends from vehicle seat 12. A pad 14 is moveably attached to each post 17. Positioned at least partially within the pad 14 is a locking subassembly 16 that has a disengaged and an engaged configuration that permits continuous adjustment of the pad 14 in relation to the post 17.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Klaus Boes
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Patent number: 8066329Abstract: A car seat head rest, which is adapted for mounting on a car seat having two spaced apart retention slots, includes a head pillow, a display screen supported at the rear side of the head pillow, and an adjustable mounting arrangement including a length-adjustable sliding guider longitudinally supported within the interior cavity of the head pillow, a supporting frame having two overlapped sliding panels and two supporting arms downwardly and parallelly extended from the sliding panels respectively through the bottom side of the head pillow to define an engaging distance between the two supporting arms, and an adjuster provided at the sliding guider to control a length of the sliding guider so as to selectively adjust the engaging distance of the supporting arms for slidably engaging with the two retention slots respectively so as to securely support the head pillow on the car seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventor: Edward Liu
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Patent number: 8061777Abstract: A head rest system for an automotive vehicle seat movable between an extended position when the seat back of the vehicle seat is in its upright position and a retracted position when the seat back is in its lowered position. The system includes a seat base, a seat back pivotably attached to the seat base, a head rest movably attached to the seat back by a head rest attachment assembly, and a head rest movement balancing portion. The head rest attachment assembly includes a fixed portion attached to the seat back and a movable portion. The fixed portion includes a spool assembly. The movable portion includes a pair of spaced apart posts attached to the underside of the head rest and a latching assembly. The spaced apart posts are slidably attached to the fixed portion. The head rest movement balancing portion includes a pair of spaced apart constant force springs. Each of the springs has a spool attachment end and a latching assembly attachment end. A cable is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Matthew T. Jensen
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Patent number: 8056984Abstract: The invention relates to a head rest carrying element which is produced out of a tubular member and which, can be connected to a seat at one end, and which carries a head rest at its second end. The tubular member is produced by being formed out of a flexibly rolled strip material with a variable wall thickness. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process of producing such a head rest carrying element.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventors: Stephan Hentschel, Peter Finge, Georg Mintkewitz, Andreas Rinsdorf
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Patent number: 8047611Abstract: A headrest bushing into which a headrest stay are inserted for supporting a head rest includes a lock mechanism for preventing disengagement of the headrest stay from the headrest bush; and an unlock mechanism having a button for unlocking the lock mechanism and a housing for accommodating which has an opening for manipulating the button, and wherein a surface of the button is placed inwardly from the opening of the housing. The surface of the button is placed correspondently to the opening of the housing or inwardly in a pressing direction from the opening of the housing. The headrest stay has a notch consisting of a horizontal surface and an inclined surface to increase its diameter of slowly downward from the deepest part of the horizontal surface, and wherein the horizontal surface of the notch engages with the lock mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: NHK Spring Co., LtdInventors: Morihiro Ichisugi, Daijiro Terashima
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Patent number: 8038220Abstract: A vehicle seat headrest (14) is mounted on a vehicle seat back (12) for infinite position vertical adjustment by helical spring clamping and unclamping of a support shaft of the headrest.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Porter Group, LLCInventors: Hsing Lung Lewis Liu, Karl A. Murphy, Venugopala C. Mittapalli
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Patent number: 8038219Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed that provides longitudinal adjustment and height adjustment of a head restraint by actuation of a manual release. One embodiment discloses a vehicle seat with a rod extending from a seat back and a frame mounted to the rod. A head restraint is mounted to the frame by a linkage to extend and retract. A locking mechanism cooperates with the head restraint and the frame for permitting incremental locking positions of the head restraint relative to the frame. A manual release releases the locking mechanism to extend and retract the head restraint relative to the rod. Another embodiment includes an eccentric mechanism pivotally connected to the frame. A wire spring is mounted to the frame for engaging a notch in the rod. An actuator rotates an eccentric mechanism for disengaging the wire spring from the notch in the rod for permitting height adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Klaus Boes, Juergen Geisslinger, Tobias Bokelmann
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Patent number: 8025338Abstract: A support structure of a head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat includes an actuator configured to be actuated by an occupant. A locking arrangement is disposable within a back of the vehicle seat and is configured to selectively secure the support structure relative to the back of the vehicle seat. At least a portion of the locking arrangement is operatively associated with the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Stefan Brunner, Markus Schmid
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Patent number: 8020935Abstract: An electrically height-adjustable head rest device of a motor vehicle seat having a head rest, one or two bars carrying the head rest, a cross member, which is connected to at least one bar and comprises an internal thread, and a motor-spindle unit comprising a spindle engaging the internal thread. On the cross member and/or on the motor-spindle unit there is provided a guide seat for a guide part.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker, Van-Toan Ho
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Patent number: 7992940Abstract: An actuating device for a fixing rod (7) that is to be displaced in a longitudinal direction and can be rotated to release a latching connection (9, 10) comprises a coupling slide (4) which can be displaced in a bearing sleeve (2) and which, via a coupling arm (5) fitted pivotably to the bearing sleeve (2), drives a coupling head (6) that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the fixing rod (7). The fixing rod (7) can thus be rotated by actuating the coupling slide (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Friedrich Silbereisen, Michael De Jong, Gunter Tremmel
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Patent number: 7992939Abstract: Detailed are head rest mechanisms and assemblies containing a flexible collar. Portions of the collar may be moved independently from other portions and may pivot or otherwise move both forward of the seat back and vertically under passenger control. Also described are slide assemblies containing deformable projections for use with vertically-adjustable head rests.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Weber Aircraft LLCInventor: Alexander N. Pozzi
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Publication number: 20110175422Abstract: A retractable headrest exhibiting a plate shaped support embedded within a seatback. A scissor linkage includes a plurality of interconnecting and overlapping link arms pivotally secured to the plate support at one end thereof. A spring biased rivet is disposed at an overlapping intermediate location of the link arms for travel along a linear extending channel defined in the support. A carriage connects to the other end of the scissor linkage and is linearly displaceable along the plate support. A headrest support rod is connected to the carriage and extends from the seatback. A spring loaded and rotatable pawl is pivotally supported proximate a base end of the scissor linkage and includes a catch location in engagement with a first pin extending from the support. A first cable extends from a first remote location and connects to the pawl. A second cable extends from a second remote location and connects to the carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: BAE INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Stephen C. Bruck
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Patent number: 7967377Abstract: A headrest has a generally stationary support, a headrest body having a forwardly directed front face and positioned such that a head of a user seated in front of the support is generally level with the body, and a guide securing the body to the support for vertical movement relative to the support. A drive can vertically shift the body relative to the support. A sensor assembly has at least three horizontally elongated and vertically spaced electrodes carried on the front face. A controller connected to the electrodes and to the drive means detects a vertical position of the user's head relative to the body and displaces the body so as to centrally align with the user's head.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Grammer AGInventors: Gerd Truckenbrodt, Alfred Höss
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Patent number: 7967379Abstract: A seat including a plurality of user support assemblies that are independently adjustable. User support assemblies, which are independently adjustable, include a head support assembly, a thoracic support assembly, and a lumbar support assembly. Moreover, the seat might include a independently adjustable seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Joseph L. Walters, Dana E. Lockwood, Robert Ripplinger, James A. Riegsecker
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Publication number: 20110148171Abstract: A headrest including fixed rods intended to be secured on the backrest and extending substantially vertically, a mobile frame slidably assembled on the rods, and a lock associated with the mobile frame and slidably guided thereon along a horizontal direction, to be able to lock the frame on the rods in a plurality of positions. The headrest includes a cross-piece connecting the upper ends of the rods, the cross-piece and the lock respectively including notches and teeth arranged to cooperate together to be able to lock said frame with respect to the cross-piece in any of said plurality of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Faurecia Sieges D'AutomobileInventors: Philippe CHARLES, Christophe Remy
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Patent number: 7954895Abstract: The present invention provides a child seat (1) comprising a seat back (3), a headrest (4) which is moveable relative to the seat back (3), and a removable harness which may be installed for use in securing an occupant to the seat (1), wherein the headrest (4) is coupled to the seat back (3) such that the headrest (4) may undergo a first extent of movement relative to the seat back (3) when the harness is installed and may only undergo a second further extent of movement relative to the seat back (3) when the harness is removed. In this regard, only when the harness is removed from an operative position, namely one where it is installed such that it can be used to restrain a child, can the headrest (4) undergo its second further extent of movement relative to the seat back (3). This ensures that the headrest (4) is not inappropriately positioned for the group of child being restrained thereby.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Britax Excelsior LimitedInventors: Vincent Freeman, Iain Powell, Gareth James
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Patent number: 7954899Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from material having low density such as expanded polypropylene. The seat back assembly further includes an adjustable head rest assembly including a guide bracket encapsulated in a frame. Encapsulating the guide bracket within the frame provides the headrest assembly with a rigid support, while simultaneously reducing the mass of the seat back assembly with respect to seat back assemblies having a metal seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a headrest body and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the headrests. The guide bracket is fully encapsulated within the frame during the molding process, and is configured so as to slidingly receive each of the legs and secure the headrest assembly to the seat back assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Yi-Ru Chen, Lindsay Anne-Allor Babian
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Patent number: 7946653Abstract: Motor vehicle seat back comprising a structure, a headrest, a headrest, a support, a slide, a return element and a lock. The structure comprises at least one socket. The headrest comprises at least one stem mounted so as to slide in the socket between a high position and a low position. The stem has a curve. The support is mounted on the structure through an articulation element having at least a degree of freedom to rotate about an axis of orientation. The slide is connected to the stem and capable of sliding relative to the support in a direction of sliding. The return element is interposed between the slide and the support and biases the headrest towards its low position. The lock has an active state in which it is capable of holding the headrest in the high position and an inactive position in which it releases the headrest.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'AutomobileInventors: Jacques Robert, Laurent Morinet
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Publication number: 20110101738Abstract: A head rest system for an automotive vehicle seat movable between an extended position when the seat back of the vehicle seat is in its upright position and a retracted position when the seat back is in its lowered position. The system includes a seat base, a seat back pivotably attached to the seat base, a head rest movably attached to the seat back by a head rest attachment assembly, and a head rest movement balancing portion. The head rest attachment assembly includes a fixed portion attached to the seat back and a movable portion. The fixed portion includes a spool assembly. The movable portion includes a pair of spaced apart posts attached to the underside of the head rest and a latching assembly. The spaced apart posts are slidably attached to the fixed portion. The head rest movement balancing portion includes a pair of spaced apart constant force springs. Each of the springs has a spool attachment end and a latching assembly attachment end. A cable is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Matthew T. Jensen
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Publication number: 20110095590Abstract: Detailed are head rest mechanisms and assemblies containing a flexible collar. Portions of the collar may be moved independently from other portions and may pivot or otherwise move both forward of the seat back and vertically under passenger control. Also described are slide assemblies containing deformable projections for use with vertically-adjustable head rests.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: WEBER AIRCRAFT LLCInventor: Alexander N. POZZI
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Patent number: 7922252Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed with a seat bottom and a seat back. A guide is pivotally mounted to a frame of the seat back. A head restraint extends from the seat back and is mounted to the guide for translation along the guide at a first pivotal position of the guide and for being secured to the guide at a second pivotal position of the guide. A slider is disclosed for sliding upon the guide and for supporting the head restraint. A biasing member is disclosed for urging the head restraint to a retracted position. A release mechanism is provided for rotating the guide shaft and retracting the head restraint for manual adjustment or for tilt of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Stefan Brunner
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Patent number: 7914080Abstract: A head restraint guide for guiding and engaging an armature of a head restraint includes a guide bushing having an axial bore for receiving the armature therein. A lever is pivotally coupled within the guide bushing and includes an aperture for receiving the armature therethrough. A spring includes first and second portions biased against the armature. The first portion is adapted for engaging any of a plurality of adjustment notches on a first side of the armature. The second portion is adapted for engaging a stop notch on a second side of the armature. Pivoting the lever in a first direction disengages the first portion of the spring from the plurality of adjustment notches and allows axial adjustment of the armature. Pivoting the lever in a second direction disengages the second portion of the spring from the stop notch and allows removal of the armature from the guide bushing.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: David M. Runde
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Publication number: 20110062762Abstract: An automotive seat headrest supporting apparatus includes headrest supporting members and stay locking units 20 which are incorporated into the headrest supporting members 10 to lock stays 4. The headrest supporting member 10 has a stay guiding hole 13 into which the stay 4 is inserted and an incorporating recess 14 which is opened to an outer surface and which communicates with the stay guiding hole 13 within the headrest supporting member 10 from a direction intersecting the stay guiding hole 13. The stay locking unit 20 includes a stay lock body 30 which is slidably fitted in the incorporating recess 14, a locking bar 21 which is incorporated into the stay lock body 30 and a coil spring 22 which biases the stay lock body 30 in a direction in which the locking bar 21 is brought into engagement with a locking portion 4a of the stay 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Kazuhiro Mita
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Patent number: 7901008Abstract: A head restraint is guided and at least indirectly held in a frame part of a seat, in particular of a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, via at least one holding element which can be positioned at various height levels relative to the frame part by way of an actuating element. The actuating element interacts with at least one locking element. The actuating element is operated with a first, second, and third operating action. A first operating action of the actuating element permits height adjustment of the head restraint and a second operating action permits removal thereof from the frame part of the seat. The second operating action, for removing the head restraint, can be carried out in parallel with or after a third operating action on at least one blocking member that is integrated in the actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Roberto Follesa, Peter Schmuda von Trzebiatowski