Resiliently Mounted Patents (Class 297/404)
  • Patent number: 7530633
    Abstract: In a seat back structure, an auxiliary frame having a pressure receiving portion and a headrest mounted thereon is movably provided in seat back frame via guide element and link element. The guide and link elements are respectively disposed in upper and lower portions respectively of the auxiliary and seat back frames. Biasing element is provided to the link element, such that a line of force of the former is positioned on one side of a pivotal point of the link element, thereby retaining the headrest at initial position, and that, when excessive backward load is applied to the pressure receiving portion, the link element is rotated to displace the line of force toward another side of the first pivotal point, whereby the auxiliary frame is displaced forwardly and upwardly of the seat back frame, thereby causing the headrest to move to a position for supporting a head of seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yokota, Atsushi Koike
  • Publication number: 20090102255
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) having an active headrest mechanism (20) actuated by a lower lumbar mechanism (30). A seat back frame (10) mounts the active headrest mechanism (20) and the lower lumbar mechanism (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roberto D'Agostini, Angelo Falchero
  • Publication number: 20090033137
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stefan Brunner
  • Publication number: 20080284225
    Abstract: A foldable head restraint has two head restraint supports set within a bracket. A latch is made integral with at least one of the head restraint supports. The latch rests against a stop to prohibit rotation of the head restraint support in a first direction. The latch rests against a rotational cam to prohibit movement of the head restraint support in a second direction. By rotating the cam, the head restraint support may be folded. The head restraint support is comprised of a metal substrate with over-molded plastic geometry to accept a mating part configured within the head restraint bun. The geometry of the metal substrate and over-molded plastic geometry allow for a reduction, or even elimination, of the slots that are normally required for such a folding head restraint. This ability to fold can yield greater rearward visibility and aid in the kinematic motion of the seat. An articulating head restraint could also include an armature with a cam. The cam has a lock acumination and a stop acumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Gauthier, Rober R. Sutter, JR., Craig A. Ulman
  • Patent number: 7410219
    Abstract: Mounting device for a headrest with two headrest rods for a vehicle seat, which includes a first guide sleeve for the height-adjustable accommodation of a first headrest rod, a second guide sleeve for the height-adjustable accommodation of a second headrest rod, and a first receptacle device secured in the backrest, in which the first guide sleeve is held and rests at at least two axially spaced bearing points. A second receptacle device is secured in the backrest, within which the second guide sleeve can be shifted at least in the transverse direction. The second guide sleeve rests in the second receptacle device, which is secured in the backrest. Advantageously, the second guide sleeve is pivotably held in the second receptacle device, which is secured in the backrest, and the second headrest rod is pivotably held in the second guide sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kraft, Lars Merkert, Richard Hielckert
  • Publication number: 20080100118
    Abstract: A dynamic headrest having a capabilities to move forwardly during an accident or other suitable condition so as to limit injuries to an occupant's head. The headrest optionally including an actuator configured to move the headrest forwardly in respond to rotary motion of a rotary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oliver Young, John F. Nathan, H. Winston Maue
  • Patent number: 7278688
    Abstract: The elastic support structure for human body to lean against includes a connecting frame, a swing rack, and an elastic rod. The connecting frame includes a connecting surface and a positioning part for the support structure. The swing rack has its first end placed on one end of the connecting frame, which makes the second end of the swing rack swing. At least two elastic rods are placed on the same side of the connecting frame and swing rack, and two movable parts of the support structure. A multi-directional swing is created. The movable part of the support structure uses the swing feature of the second end of the swing rack, so that the movable part creates a greater range of swing in the corresponding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hsiang-Lin Hung
  • Patent number: 7213887
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough, and a head rest guide tube disposed in the aperture. The guide tube has a radially extending swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame for securing the guide tube to the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene S. Dudash, Mark Stanisz, Eric A. Smitterberg, L. Keith Hensley, Sanford E. Cook, Kevin J. Fudala
  • Patent number: 7165814
    Abstract: A sleeve arrangement for a neck rest, including a sleeve body adapted to be inserted into an opening in a frame of a vehicle seat, the sleeve body having a through going axial passage adapted to accommodate a rod of the neck rest, and the sleeve body having further a head portion which includes internal locking elements to fix the axial position of the rod in the sleeve body and a shank portion joining the head portion, the sleeve body having an external side which includes fixing elements the sleeve body in the opening of the frame, wherein in upper and lower end portions the passage has radially annular enlargements, and a preferably radially expandable sliding bushing of anti-frictional plastic material is accommodated by the enlargements which encircle the rod, and an elastomeric material is accommodated in the intermediate space between the sliding bushing and a wall of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Gans, Uwe Stapf
  • Patent number: 7156459
    Abstract: A stackable chair has a backrest mounted on back supports by resilient mount units for tilting between an upright position and a tilted-back position. Each mount unit includes a rigid coupling member having a lower portion received within an upper end portion of the respective back support and pivotally joined to the respective back support and having an upper portion received within and affixed to a socket in the backrest. A compression spring received within the upper end portion of the back support and engaged between the lower portion of the coupling member and a front wall of the respective back support biases the backrest to the upright position. An armrest is slidably supported on an armrest support for simultaneous and controlled pivotal movement about a substantially vertical pivot axis of a rearward part of the armrest relative to a forward part of the armrest and translatory movement in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. Movements of the armrests permit dense stacking of the chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Center for Design Research and Development N.V. c/o Open Ark B.V.
    Inventor: Emilio Ambasz
  • Patent number: 7140687
    Abstract: A headrest assembly that includes a head support connected to a rail that is adjustably mounted to a housing so that the headrest assembly is capable of moving between a use position and a stow position. A lock member engages the rail in the use position and operably disengages the rail to initiate the movement from the use position to the stow position. Specifically, the rail is biased to a stow position so that disengaging the lock member from the rail moves the headrest assembly from the use position to the stow position. The headrest assembly is also coordinated into a seat assembly such that the movement of a seatback from a use position to a stow position concurrently causes the headrest assembly to move from the use position to the stow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Hoekstra, David L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7137668
    Abstract: An automotive seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back, and a multi-position head restraint mounted to the seat back that is moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The seat assembly is characterized by a control mechanism mounted within the head restraint that allows the head restraint to be easily movable between the deployed and retracted positions. The control mechanism allows the passenger to place the head restraint in the retracted position by pushing down on the head restraint when the head restraint is in the deployed position. The passenger simply uses an actuation lever of the control mechanism to place the head restraint in the deployed position when the head restraint is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Kreitler
  • Patent number: 7086701
    Abstract: A head restraint guide system is provided to reduce or eliminate contact points between an armature of a head restraint and a housing in a vehicle seat assembly. The housing extends through a seat back frame. In a first embodiment, a retainer is secured to the housing and a washer is seated within the retainer. A retaining cap closes and maintains the washer within the retainer. The armature extends through the guide system contacting only the washer, thus eliminating vibrations and noise due to contact between the armature and the attachment tube. The washer comprises a non-rigid material, preferably felt. In a second embodiment, an elongated sleeve comprising a non-rigid material, preferably felt, is seated within the housing. The sleeve receives and surrounds the armature to eliminate contact points between the armature and the housing, thereby eliminating vibrations and noise therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Runde
  • Patent number: 7073863
    Abstract: An infinitely adjustable head restraint assembly that includes a head restraint adapted for movement between a first position and a second position relative to a seatback of a vehicle seat assembly. The head restraint assembly also includes at least one biasing member that biases the head restraint away from the first position toward the second position. Furthermore, the head restraint assembly includes a retainer mechanism operable to retain the head restraint in any position between the first position and the second position and operable to release the head restraint for movement between the first position and the second position. The head restraint assembly can be incorporated in a vehicle seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Kar K. Low, Eric Veine, Nagarjun Yetukuri, Mladen Humer, Dale Smallwood
  • Patent number: 6942292
    Abstract: A tilt-adjustable head restraint assembly includes a hollowed head restraint body pivotally connected to a U-shaped mounting post. A ratcheting mechanism is disposed within the head restraint body and includes a ratchet interacting with a rack of ratchet teeth. The ratchet has an inertia gear engaged therewith to slow the forward movement of the pivoting head restraint when the ratchet is engaged to allow forward movement of the head restraint, and further has a plunger mechanism which allows for the pivoting of the head restraint in a hands free manner by the application of a static force or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Kar Keong Low, Nagarjun V. Yetukuri, Kenneth J. McQueen, Mark S. Sebby, Kevin L. Gasparotto
  • Patent number: 6938958
    Abstract: A toddler head support having a unitary support member which includes a padded central support portion and padded side support portions having rounded ends. The central support portion includes a support panel which provides a support base for a wire that forms looped members on each of the side supports. The looped wire provides for adjustability of the side supports. The support member includes an elastic strap and padded wire clips for attachment to a toddler car seat or automobile head rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Gold Bug, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Gold, Lynn Rosen
  • Patent number: 6910740
    Abstract: An articulated headrestraint system for a vehicle seat permits the user to adjust the headrest vertically, and to adjust the headrest either forwardly by using a pushbuttom mechanism, or rearwardly with respect to the top of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Camaco
    Inventors: Christopher Baker, Ajay Bhandari
  • Patent number: 6874854
    Abstract: A headrest device for a vehicle seat, the headrest device including a stop device that is mounted to move between an active position adapted to prevent the headrest from being moved downwards beyond a low abutment position, and an inactive position adapted to enable the headrest to be moved downwards beyond its low abutment position into a retracted position. An actuator device is adapted to move the stop device from its inactive position to its active position while the headrest is being moved into its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Faurencia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Terrand, Slavomir Klukowsky, Guillaume Huguet
  • Patent number: 6843530
    Abstract: A multi-stage backrest assembly includes a support frame, a back plate, a head plate, a waist plate, a first elastic swivel device, and two second elastic swivel devices. Thus, the multi-stage backrest assembly has a pivotable function so as to fit the curve of the user's body ergonomically, thereby providing a comfortable effect to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20040222682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping movable furniture parts, comprising an actuation part which is held so that it can be moved to and fro corresponding to the movement of a furniture part; a damper; and a gear stage for translating the movements of the actuation part into movements of the damper. According to the invention, the gear stage contains an overrunning coupling which when the actuation part is moved in a first direction couples, and when the actuation part is moved in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, uncouples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Arturo Salice, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Publication number: 20040217640
    Abstract: An automotive seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back, and a multi-position head restraint mounted to the seat back that is moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The seat assembly is characterized by a control mechanism mounted within the head restraint that allows the head restraint to be easily movable between the deployed and retracted positions. The control mechanism allows the passenger to place the head restraint in the retracted position by pushing down on the head restraint when the head restraint is in the deployed position. The passenger simply uses an actuation lever of the control mechanism to place the head restraint in the deployed position when the head restraint is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Kreitler
  • Patent number: 6761403
    Abstract: A headrest apparatus for a vehicle has a headrest body 10a provided with a left headrest member 11 and a right headrest member 12 and a locking unit 40 for holding the left and right headrest members 11, 12 at their initial positions. At a vehicle rear-end collision, the locking unit 40 is released by a control unit 50 for detecting the vehicle rear-end collision. As a result, the left and right headrest members 11, 12 rotate forward about the vehicle, so that a sheet 13 stretched between respective separation ends of the members 11, 12 is unfolded to restrict a passenger's head without making use of the passenger's inertia at the collision, surely and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chinmoy Pal, Izumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6644747
    Abstract: First and second head supports are releasably attached to the side edges of a child safety seat. Each of the head supports has a cushion section positioned on the inner side of the seat back and a clamp arm positioned on the outer side of the seat back, with the clamp arm having a proximal end attached to the cushion section. The spacing between the clamp arm adjacent the proximal end of the cushion section is approximately equal to the width of the seat back. Preferably, the cushion section is generally cubical, with first and second headrest faces, permitting use of the head supports on seats having backs with side edges generally parallel to the seat back center section, as well as seat backs having side edges generally perpendicular to the seat back center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Eugene H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030137176
    Abstract: First and second head supports are releasably attached to the side edges of a child safety seat. Each of the head supports has a cushion section positioned on the inner side of the seat back and a clamp arm positioned on the outer side of the seat back, with the clamp arm having a proximal end attached to the cushion section. The spacing between the clamp arm adjacent the proximal end of the cushion section is approximately equal to the width of the seat back. Preferably, the cushion section is generally cubical, with first and second headrest faces, permitting use of the head supports on seats having backs with side edges generally parallel to the seat back center section, as well as seat backs having side edges generally perpendicular to the seat back center section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Eugene H. Jones
  • Patent number: 6471295
    Abstract: A headrest arrangement (22) for a vehicle seat is provided with at least one backrest (10) and a headrest device (14). A mechanical transmission device is included for transformation of a deformation of the backrest (10) into a movement of the headrest device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignees: F.S. Fehrer GmbH & Co. KG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventors: Manfred Messner, Roland Kluehspies, Wolfgang Popp, Friedrich Scheller, Thomas Leneis, Franz Tobisch
  • Patent number: 6460926
    Abstract: A transparent head restraint assembly for use on a vehicle seat includes a seat cushion assembly and a seat back assembly pivotally attached to the seat cushion assembly. The head restraint assembly includes a generally U-shaped frame member fixedly secured to the upper portion of the seat back assembly. The frame member forms the outer perimeter of the head restraint and defines an inner opening. A transparent head restraint member of plastic, glass or a combination thereof is seated in the opening of the frame member and a mounting member secures the transparent head restraint member to the frame member. The frame member comprises a tubular member surrounded by a resilient padding structure. The mounting member comprises a groove formed in the padding structure for receiving and supporting an edge of the transparent head restraint member and providing resilient absorption of impact forces on the head restraint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Colin G. Neale
  • Patent number: 6296316
    Abstract: A headrest guide for receiving a headrest rod including a collet having an adjustable inner diameter positioned within a sleeve. A lock member for maintaining a constant inner diameter ofthe collet is engaged once the inner diameter of the collet is properly sized relative to the headrest rod. A method for fitting the headrest guide with the headrest rod includes sizing the inner diameter of the collet and then molding additional headrest guides so that the lock member is only functional when the inner diameter is at the desired size or within the desired range of sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Hann
  • Patent number: 6068337
    Abstract: Headrest for motor-vehicle seats in which the positioning notches of the support rods cooperate with a pair of arms carried by a slider member movable in the load-bearing framework of the headrest, in a direction perpendicular to the support rods, between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Displacement to the disengaged position is operated by at least one push-button provided at one side of the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Gestind M.B. Manifattura di Bruzolo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio De Filippo
  • Patent number: 6012777
    Abstract: A headrest mount has a rod having an upper end adapted to carry a headrest, extending along an axis, and formed with a plurality of axially spaced and radially outwardly open notches and a socket fitting having a tube in which the rod is axially centered and slidable and a head axially traversed by the rod and forming a slide compartment having upper and lower confronting planar surfaces extending generally perpendicular to the axis. A generally rectangular and wholly plastic slide plate in the slide compartment is formed with a central aperture through which the rod passes and has a pair of axially oppositely directed planar faces respectively engaging the surfaces of the compartment. The slide plate is a snug fit between the compartment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Grammer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Wege, Mathias Patzold, Jorg Teichmann
  • Patent number: 5934755
    Abstract: A head rest support mechanism for a vehicle seat, the head rest being fitted with at least one support rod having a plurality of notches and being supported by the seat back and adapted for vertical adjustment with respect thereto, the support mechanism further including a guiding member fixed to the seat back and comprising a bore slidingly and snugly supporting the support rod. There is a latching spring supported by the guiding member and having one end fixed to the guiding member, another end projecting from the guiding member, and an intermediate, looped, notch engaging portion being normally biased to engage a portion of a notch. The support rod comprises a plurality of notches each lying in a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod and a normal of the plane is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Raviv Precision Injection Molding
    Inventor: Asaf Halamish
  • Patent number: 5873632
    Abstract: A chair is composed of a seat, a backrest, a headrest, and a swiveling device located between the backrest and the headrest so as to cause the backrest and the headrest to swivel relative to each other in response to the sitting posture of a person who is seated on the seat of the chair. The swiveling device has a tubular member, two volute elastic plate members, a connection rod, and a plurality of elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Aur Hann Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lu Chieh-Tsung
  • Patent number: 5860703
    Abstract: The vehicle seat has a seat back that is extended upwards by a headrest. The headrest is supported by at least one rigid stalk that is vertically slidable in a socket secured to the seat back, with a certain amount of clearance for forward pivoting. The stalk is urged angularly rearwards by a spring towards a rest position in which notches formed in the rear face of the stalk co-operate with a stop member secured to the socket. Starting from this rest position, the headrest can be moved angularly forwards by a user into an adjustment position where the stalk is free to slide vertically in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Courtois, Adolfo Castro
  • Patent number: 5820211
    Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat having a backrest comprises a frame securable to the backrest of the vehicle seat, a pad part swivably secured to the frame and a device engaging the pad part which swivels the pad part in the direction of the head of a vehicle occupant in a rear end collision. The device comprise at least one tensioned spring for storing energy. The spring is integrated in the headrest, is relaxed in the case of a rear end collision and results in a swivel movement of the pad part due to the stored energy being liberated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Heilig, Helmut Maiwald
  • Patent number: 5791735
    Abstract: A headrest ?10! suitable for attachment to a wheelchair seating system, comprising: a cushioned backpad ?12!, a pair of laterally spaced apart cushioned sidepads ?14!, and a mounting assembly ?20! located substantially to the rear of said headrest ?10!. Said mounting assembly ?20! enables said backpad ?12! and said sidepads ?14! to rotate together as a unit about a vertical axis located forward of said mounting assembly ?20!. Said mounting assembly ?20! is formed such that said vertical axis substantially coincides with the spinal column of a human patient seated in a wheelchair. The rotational range of backpad ?12! and sidepads ?14! is manually adjustable and limited to a prescribed range. A force is formed resisting rotational displacement in said backpad ?12! and sidepads ?14! returning said headrest ?10! to a null, forward facing orientation. The strength of said force increasing with a corresponding increase in rotational displacement of said headrest ?10!.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Helman
  • Patent number: 5738413
    Abstract: A headrest for motor vehicle seats having support rods frictionally slidable through respective tubular guide elements which are rigidly secured to the structure of a seat backrest. The support rods are slack fitted within the tubular guide elements so as to be forwardly and rearwardly tiltable around a lower transverse axis and are kept in a substantially centered equilibrium position by resilient members provided within the tubular guide elements in front and in the back of the support rods. In case of forward or rearward tilting of the headrest, positioning notches of the support rods are engaged by respective restraining members also housed within the tubular guide elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Gestind-M.B. Manifattura di Bruzolo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio De Filippo
  • Patent number: 5613736
    Abstract: A removable headrest device for seats with headrest. The device includes two boards that are joined by an elastic and an non-elastic band that embrace the headrest of the seat, and extend forward a sufficient distance to serve as a support for a user. Velcro pads are used to cooperatively tighten the non-elastic band in order to keep the removable headrest device firmly in place. Advertising or promotional or any other graphic material can be placed in the free areas of the boards. Optimally, protective covers with advertising material are removably inserted on the distal ends of the boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: Baruch Schaked, Edgar Schaked, Yaakov Schaked
  • Patent number: 5542746
    Abstract: The present design is of a variable posture component system seating device, also called a work chair, which integrates user selectable and adjustable components. The components consist generally of a short base, a long base, height adjustment mechanisms, a seat adjustment mechanism, a seat assembly, right and left arm rest assemblies, an abdominal rest assembly, a back rest assembly, a head rest assembly, a knee/leg rest assembly, a keyboard desk assembly, an auxiliary desk assembly, a horizontal work surface assembly, and a variety of interconnecting hardware. Numerous improvements to a variable posture work chair are incorporated into the design, which can benefit workers subjected to extended periods of immobilization as well as the infirm and the injured. Fore and aft support from a single seated position is provided over the entire range of leaning normally associated with human sitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: L. Walter Bujaryn
  • Patent number: 5484189
    Abstract: A retractable pop-up head rest assembly is provided which is usable with a vehicle passenger seat. A head rest is mounted for vertical movement from a normally retracted position adjacent the seat to an extended operative position. The vertical movement of the head rest is provided by an elongated shaft which slidable relative to the seat and carries the head rest and is movable therewith. The shaft is mounted for rocking movement by a gap formed in the seat. The spring is mounted below the head rest for resiliently urging the head rest to move vertically from the retracted position towards the extended operative position. A trigger member is mounted below the head rest for restraining the vertical upward movement of the shaft from the retracted position. The shaft is rockably movable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: James Patterson
  • Patent number: 5290091
    Abstract: Apparatus for preventing whiplash-related injuries to a passenger in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame supported on a seat of the vehicle and located behind the cranium and cervical spine of a passenger on the seat. A layer of resilient material is supported on the frame, and defines a supporting means located behind the cranium and cervical spine of the passenger which defines one or more contours that interfit with the posterior contour of the passenger's cranium and cervical spine. The apparatus thereby contacts and supports the posterior portion of the passenger's cervical spine substantially simultaneously with contact and support of the passenger's cranium, thereby substantially simultaneously decelerating the cranium and cervical spine during a vehicle collision to prevent whiplash-related injuries to the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dellanno, Quentin E. Gualtier
  • Patent number: 5275462
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for use in supporting a person wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus, the vehicle seat comprising: a frame; a seat cushion supported by the frame; a seat back assembly supported by the frame, the seat back assembly including a pair of spaced apart seat back members, the seat back members being spaced apart so as to house a self-contained breathing apparatus therebetween; a bracket mounted between and rearwardly of the spaced apart seat back members, the bracket being adapted to house a self-contained breathing apparatus; a headrest assembly supported by the frame above the seat back members, the headrest assembly including a pair of movable headrest members, the headrest members including a first headrest member hingedly connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis between a first position wherein the first headrest member functions as a headrest and a forwardly pivoted position wherein the self-contained breathing apparatus housed between the seat back mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Seats Incorporated
    Inventors: George Pond, Richard Reine
  • Patent number: 5213392
    Abstract: A seat construction having a back composed of a pair of side pads which are spaced apart to provide a cavity therebetween. The cavity is adapted to receive a cylinder for a self-contained breathing apparatus which is strapped on the back of a fire fighter who is seated on the seat. The rear of the cavity is enclosed by a generally U-shaped closure and a head pad connects the upper ends of the side pads and can be pivoted from a head supporting position to a release position. As the fire fighter rises from the set, the cylinder which is strapped to his back will engage the head pad, pivoting it to a release position, so that the cylinder will not catch on the head pad as the fire fighter rises from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Kurt H. Bostrom
  • Patent number: 5181763
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing whiplash related injuries has a support member adjustably supported within the seat of a vehicle, and adapted to be moved upwardly or downwardly relative to a passenger in the seat. A frame is supported on the support member and located behind the cranium and cervical spine of the passenger. A layer of resilient material is supported on the frame, and defines a supporting surface. The supporting surface defines a contour that corresponds to the posterior contour of the passenger's cranium and cervical spine. The supporting surface is therefore adapted to simultaneously decelerate the cranium and cervical spine during a vehicle collision and, thus, prevent whiplash related injuries to the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Ronald P. Dellanno
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dellanno, Quentin E. Gualtier
  • Patent number: 4991907
    Abstract: A head rest for the seat of an automotive vehicle is attached to a stay by means of a bolt which tightens a clamping clip onto the stay. The same bolt functions to hold the clip in place within the internal structure of the head rest. The engaging pressure of the clip can be adjusted by the bolt, and therefore, the precision with which the parts are formed does not need to be high allowing the head rest to be made inexpensively. By providing the clip in the interior of the head rest as opposed to an outside surface, it is possible to prevent injury to the vehicle occupants which might otherwise be caused by impacts on the clip or the bolt during an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4673214
    Abstract: In a head support assembly comprising a head support member carried on a mounting bar member in such a way as to be adjustable in respect of height and/or inclination thereon, the mounting bar member carries at least one annular flexible element co-operating with portions of the head support member and in frictional engagement relationship with the mounting bar member and/or the portions of the head support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Grammer Sitzysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Meiller
  • Patent number: 4511180
    Abstract: A headrest in passenger cars which is pivotable from its foremost position, required for performing its safety function, into at least one rearward position, from which latter position the headrest can be pivoted automatically back into the foremost position under the force of inertia acting on the headrest in case of strong deceleration of the automotive vehicle and can be locked into such foremost position, so that the headrest, even if pivoted into the rearward position to enhance the occupant's comfort, is, in case of necessity, automatically ready in the foremost position to fulfill its safety function. In connection with a headrest at the rear vehicle seat, such headrest can additionally or alternatively be pivoted onto the hat shelf underneath the rear window of the vehicle so that, when the rear vehicle seat is unoccupied, the driver's unobstructed field of vision via the inside rearview mirror toward the rear is not impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Gersmann Klaus
  • Patent number: 4451081
    Abstract: A headrest arrangement to be mounted on a backrest of a chair, especially a wall-proximity reclining chair, includes a support consisting of two support members which are articulately connected to one another, and a kinematic linkage which mounts the support on the backrest for movement between a retracted and an extended position. The headrest arrangement further includes a cushion member which is affixed to the upper one of the support members, and a connecting link which connects the upper support member to the kinematic linkage and causes the upper support member to conduct angular movement relative to the lower support member which is mounted on the kinematic linkage, during and in dependence on the movement of the kinematic linkage. In the retracted position, the support members form continuations of one another and extend across the open end of a recess in the backrest which accommodates the cushion member and the kinematic linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Mohasco Corporation
    Inventor: Jerome R. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 4004763
    Abstract: An articulated high "G" force aircraft seat which is movable between a conventional upright position and a reclined position. As described, the head and eyes remain in a relatively stationary position without affecting instrument monitoring or external vision. The aircraft controls remain within easy reach, yet the pilot is able to sustain high acceleration maneuvers in excess of eight "G's".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick E. Bunnell, III, Henry G. Combs