Angularly Movable About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 297/408)
  • Patent number: 9365140
    Abstract: A headrest system comprises a headrest, a bracket to which the headrest is mounted and an actuator. The actuator is configured to displace at least a portion of the headrest relative to the bracket in a displacement direction which is transverse to a longitudinal member of the bracket. The actuator comprises a spindle transmission and a power drive coupled to the spindle transmission. The spindle transmission comprises a spindle and a spindle nut engaged with the spindle. The power drive is arranged in a cavity defined within an outer shell of the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Schukra Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Falster, Klaus Junker, Gunter Maierhofer, Jürgen Wanke
  • Patent number: 9351580
    Abstract: An office chair (1) including a seat (2), a backrest (3) including a lumbar support (4), an actuator device (8) arranged to enable adjustment of the lumbar support (4) between an inactive position in which it follows the general shape of the backrest (3), and a fully active position in which it is adjusted outwards forwardly from the backrest (3) in order to support the lumbar back portion of a person seated on the seat (2). The lumbar support (4) includes a first part (200) with first (201) and second (202) ends and a second part (300) with first (301) and second (302) ends. The first ends (201, 301) of the first and second parts (200, 300) are connected to each other via a pivoting point (400) and the second ends (202, 302) are pivotally coupled to the backrest (3), wherein at least one of the second ends (202, 302) of the parts (200, 300) is slidably arranged along the backrest (3) and wherein the actuator device (8) pushes and/or pulls the slidable ends (202, 302) in response to actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: LT Office Line AB
    Inventors: Lennart Tranback, Goran Tollesson
  • Patent number: 9340132
    Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, is proposed. The headrest includes a padded part facing the head of a seat occupant, a basic part and a comfort-adjustment device. When the headrest is in use, the padded part can be adjusted by the comfort-adjustment device relative to the basic part from a first position, in which it is further away from the head of the seat occupant, into a second position, closer to the head of the seat occupant. The comfort-adjustment device has two control elements which can be set in a locking position and in an unlocking position, the movement of the control elements being synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Schmitz, Henrik Völker
  • Patent number: 9327627
    Abstract: An unlocking mechanism of inclinable headrest includes a push button having a connecting element and an internal frame having a cylindrical element defining a through-bore in which the push button is slidably accommodated. Provided within the internal frame is a slidable lever element having one end operatively connected with a lock gear for locking the headrest and another end having a connecting hole in which the connecting element of the push button is resiliently inserted and engaged. The slidable lever element is slidably supported by a guide element so that the connecting hole thereof is retained at a location corresponding to the through-bore of the cylindrical element. Hence, in assembly, simple insertion by a worker of the push button in the cylindrical element results in quick and precise connection of the push button's connecting element with the slidable lever element's connecting hole invisibly disposed in the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Tobata, Takayuki Yoshiga, Yutaka Sodeno
  • Patent number: 9260043
    Abstract: A mounting system for a headrest comprising at least one shaft, the system comprising a housing adapted to enclose the shaft with a radial clearance, a moving carriage capable of being moved between a blocking position and an unblocking position, and a jaw movable between an immobilization position and a release position. The jaw is adapted to apply, when it is in the immobilization position, a clamping force to the shaft in a clamping direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, so that the shaft is supported on the housing. The moving carriage comprises at least one drive slot in which a slug from the jaw is able to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Jacques Robert, Philippe Pedronno, Patrick Plaut
  • Patent number: 9227540
    Abstract: A height- and/or inclination-adjustable head restraint for a vehicle seat includes at least one holding element, a head restraint cushion, a head restraint structure and an inclination-adjustment mechanism that includes at least one latching plate, a toothed profile and an actuating element. The latching plate is arranged on the holding element and, in a locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, engages in a form-fitting and/or frictional manner in the toothed profile, which is arranged on the head restraint structure. The lower end of the head restraint structure is coupled pivotably to the holding element and, upon pivoting of the head restraint about the holding element; in a non-locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, the form-fitting and/or frictional connection between the latching plate and the toothed profile is released and a relative movement is thereby brought about between the latching plate and the toothed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Silvio Hartlaub
  • Patent number: 9221371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a head restraint having a head rest element that is provided with at least one retaining rod, in particular on the seat back of a vehicle seat, wherein the head rest element can be reversibly moved from a working position into a stowage position and in particular can be locked in the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Alisan Akyildiz
  • Patent number: 9132756
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly, comprising: a support configured to mount the head restraint above a seat back; a bun assembly pivotally mounted on the head restraint support for movement in first and second directions relative to the head restraint support, the limit of the first and second directions of movement defining fully forward and fully upright positions, respectively, of the bun assembly; and an adjustment mechanism disposed at least substantially within the bun assembly, the adjustment mechanism configured to permit the pivotal movement of the bun assembly in either of the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GILL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Witte, Robert R. Sutter
  • Patent number: 9119472
    Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seatback, a seat bottom and an adjustment mechanism. The seat bottom may include an aft portion adjacent to the seatback, a front portion opposite the aft portion, and a central portion disposed between the front and aft ends. The adjustment mechanism may support the central portion for movement relative to the front portion between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Walter W Holzhueter, Travis D Bechtel
  • Patent number: 9102255
    Abstract: A headrest assembly for an aircraft seat includes a headrest frame having a body portion, a top member interconnected with the headrest frame, a spring clip member interconnected with the top member, a bracket member with a locking rivet, and a headrest tube having a longitudinal slot. The top member includes a plurality of elongated slots and the bracket member is coupled to the headrest frame. The headrest tube is configured to receive the locking rivet in the longitudinal slot in a locked position and thereby lock the headrest tube to the headrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Robert Duckert
  • Patent number: 9096154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reclining apparatus for a head rest of a rear seat that includes: a reclining motor operably coupled to an integral lead screw; a carrier thread fastened to the integral lead screw; and a link module configured to transmit operation force from the carrier to a head rest module, wherein the head rest module angle is adjusted in a forward/rearward direction by the operation force from the carrier and the link module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Dymos Incorporated
    Inventors: Mi Sun Kwon, Jun Yeol Heo, Ju Hyun Cha, Jung Sang You, Seon Chae Na, Hak Gyun Kim, Chan Ho Jeong, Chan Uk Park, Jin Ho Seo, Yun Ho Kim, Myeong Sub Kim
  • Patent number: 9061615
    Abstract: A folding headrest is disclosed, supported by a mounting rod bar beam, comprising a headrest shell connected to a housing, wherein the housing is pivotably supported on a shaft fixed to the mounting rod, wherein the housing is preloaded for rotation with respect to the shaft by a first torsion spring, an actuating button connected to in sliding communication with the headrest shell, the button in contact with a pushrod, wherein the pushrod passes within into the housing, a force direction-changing L-shaped lever pivot arm pivotably connected to pivotably disposed on the housing, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pushrod is substantially orthogonal to a plane containing the axis of rotation of the force direction-changing lever, a locking lever pivotably connected to pivotably disposed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: DAIMAY NORTH AMERICA AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Jianhua Wang, Yingtai Jiang, Guojun Tang, Xiaoguang Wang
  • Publication number: 20150145309
    Abstract: Two headrest stays-are supported such that, when the tilting amount in the seat front-rear direction of the headrest stays-relative to a seatback frame is within a specified range, the support stiffness of a headrest relative to the seat front-rear direction is reduced in comparison to when the tilt amount is outside the range. The two headrest stays are secured to be swingable in the seat front-rear direction in the headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Gen Takahashi, Hideyuki Kato, Hideki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20150145310
    Abstract: Disclosed is a headrest moving device. The headrest moving device includes: a cover including a front wall and a rear wall a middle cover disposed inside the cover and formed with a hollow portion; a locking cover inserted into the hollow portion, connected to the cover, and formed with teeth along a forward/backward direction thereof; a lock pin plate installed on the middle cover to be slidable in a leftward/rightward direction and provided with a lock pin inserted into the teeth; a lock plate formed with through-holes through which vertical portions of a stay rod pass, the lock plate being installed on the middle cover to be slidable in the leftward/rightward direction and being connected to the lock pin plate; a return spring configured to return the lock plate or the lock pin plate; and a button configured to move the lock plate in the leftward/rightward direction. The cover is formed in an integrated body so that the spacing between the front wall and the rear wall may be maintained constantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Patent number: 8979202
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crash-active headrest of a motor vehicle seat having a head part at least partially displaceable in the direction of the head of a seat occupant for comfort and/or safety purposes, and that can be locked in said position by means of a form-fit and/or frictional connection means, said headrest comprising means for transitioning the form-fit and/or frictional connection means from a locked into an unlocked position, characterized thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8979203
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly, comprising: a support for mounting the head restraint above a seat back; a bun assembly pivotally mounted on the head restraint support for movement in first and second directions relative to the head restraint support; and an adjustment mechanism disposed at least substantially within the bun assembly, the adjustment mechanism operative to permit (i) the selective pivotal movement of the bun assembly in either of the first and second directions and, as the bun assembly is moved in either of the first and second directions, (ii) the incremental positioning of the bun assembly in any of a plurality of predefined positions along a path of travel of the bun assembly in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Gill Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Craig A. Ulman, Brian C. Leja, Michael J. Boks
  • Publication number: 20150061341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mount assembly comprising a frame (A) for mounting at least one headrest support rod (13a, 13b) and formed with at least one locating seat (29) for locating and mounting the support rod (13a, 13b) and an escutcheon (19) that can be fixed to the frame (A) and that has a first centering formation (23) that acts in conjunction with second centering formation (42) of the device (10) in order to center a central axis m1 of a guide passage (43) formed in the escutcheon (19) with a central axis m2 of the locating seat (29). The special feature is that the escutcheon (19) has a first positioning formation (35) that acts in conjunction with a second positioning formation (30) of the mount assembly in order to define an angular position of the escutcheon (19) about the central is axis m1 relative to the frame (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan S. GRAF, Johannes RAAB
  • Publication number: 20150054326
    Abstract: A headrest assembly for a chair includes a headrest unit, two spaced-apart grip frame members respectively connected to two opposite ends of the headrest unit, and two spaced-apart connection frame members respectively connected to the grip frame members. The grip frame members gradually extend away from each other from the headrest unit to the connection frame members, respectively. Each of the grip frame members extends obliquely, rearwardly and downwardly from the headrest unit in a manner of being oblique to a first vertical plane that has opposite front and rear surfaces respectively facing front and rear sides of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Deng-Chuan CAI, Shao-Yong CHEN, Yan-Wei ZHANG, Yen-Ju LAI, Ting SHAO
  • Publication number: 20150054325
    Abstract: A head restraint allows adjustment of the angle of inclination of a support structure relative to a holding structure, in particular a holding bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Dillinger, Thomas Jakubec
  • Patent number: 8955913
    Abstract: A head restraint is supported by a vehicle seat assembly having a support structure including a guide. The head restraint is movable between a design position and a stowed position. The head restraint has a support member that is received in the guide, a head restraint body attached to the support member, and a locking mechanism. The support member moves with respect to the guide to translate the body with respect to the support structure. The body rotates with respect to the support member. The locking mechanism locks the body in the first or second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Veine, Arjun Yetukuri, Jasmine Pizana
  • Patent number: 8939503
    Abstract: An object is to provide a head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle which is simple in a structure and an operation principle and excellent in reliability and safety and can protect the head and neck part by alleviating not only a rearward impact received by the head part at a rear-end collision but also a forward impact. A head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle according to the present invention is attached to a vehicle seat, provided with a fixed frame having a mounting stay, a swing frame swingably connected with respect to the fixed frame, and a lock stopper for locking the swing frame with respect to the fixed frame, in which the swing frame has a rear-head part contact member with which the rear head part is brought into contact and a front-head part buffer member alleviating an impact of the front head part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Ayako Mori
  • Patent number: 8939513
    Abstract: A head rest for a seat assembly includes a rotation mechanism that allows the head rest to rotate with respect to the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism may allow the head rest to incline when in a raised position to provide clearance for an occupant seated in the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism also may allow the head rest to rotate outward from the seat assembly when in a lowered position to displace the occupant with respect to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Allen W. Holmes, Aleksandar D. Malusev, Robert A. Wilson, Brian S. Holder, Rebecca L. Pennington, Michael S. Demianenko, Kenneth C. Farkas, Travis Matthew Reel
  • Patent number: 8939512
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a headrest for supporting the head of a seat occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat back, a support post disposed on the seat back, and a headrest. The headrest has a front portion for supporting the head of a seat occupant. The front portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The headrest is rotatably disposed on the support post such that the headrest can rotate independent of movement of the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Boes, Achim Tscherbner, Karsten Loehr
  • Patent number: 8936310
    Abstract: A headrest including: a headrest body that supports a head portion of an occupant; a pair of side frame sections that supports the headrest body, the side frame sections extending along a seat height direction and disposed at a separation from each other along a seat width direction; and an inclined wall portion that is provided between the side frame sections, that is inclined towards a seat front-rear direction front side with respect to the side frame sections such that a lower end portion of the inclined wall portion is positioned further to the seat front-rear direction front side than an upper end portion of the inclined wall portion, and that bears load acting on the headrest body from a seat front-rear direction rear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Takayama, Kenzo Yasuda, Atsushi Kageyama, Satoshi Nishikido, Eiji Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20150015048
    Abstract: A folding mechanism for a head restraint may include a support member and a latch. The support member may have a first axis and a projection that projects outward from the support member. The latch may be attached to the head restraint and rotatable around the first axis and may have a notch that can receive the projection. The latch may be flexed to pivot a portion of the latch around a second axis in order to move between an unlocked position where the projection is not received in the notch such that the head restraint is rotatable around the support member, and a locked position where the projection is received in the notch such that the head restraint is not rotatable around the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Michael KAPUSKY, Patrick DONNELLY, David HAYES, Srinivasa SANKU, Alexander BALIN
  • Patent number: 8931836
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat back and a head rest disposed on the seat back. When a child sits on the child safety seat, his back is against the seat back, and his head is against the head rest. The child safety seat also includes two sliding slot structures, formed on the seat back, and two sliding rods. The two sliding rod are connected to two opposite sides of the head rest corresponding to the two sliding slot structures and slidably disposed in the corresponding sliding slot structures. When the sliding rod is at a first restraining position of the sliding slot structure and the child safety seat shakes because of an impact, the head rest moves relative to the seat back, so that the sliding rod slides to a second restraining position sliding slot structure, which reduces possible harm to the head of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Chin-Ming Cheng, Yu-Ya Su
  • Patent number: 8926020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headrest moving device. The headrest moving device includes an ejector casing mounted to a seat frame, a tiltable member tiltably installed in the ejector casing, a stay rod connected to a headrest and passing through the tiltable member, a movable unit having a connector and a mounting holder rotatably coupled to the connector and connected to the stay rod, a screw engaged with the connector in a screw manner of engagement, and a motor for rotating the screw, wherein the tiltable member can be tilted relative to the ejector casing and the mounting holder can be rotated relative to the connector, so that the headrest moving device can easily move the headrest forwards and upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Patent number: 8911018
    Abstract: Described are passenger seats comprising a seat back support and a neck support structure comprising a headrest coupled to the seat back support and at least one wing pivotally coupled to the headrest, wherein the at least one wing is configured to rotate downwardly from a stowed position to a first deployed position and the at least one wing is also configured to rotate laterally from the stowed position to a second deployed position. The neck support structure may comprise a first wing and a second wing. A cover may be removably coupled to the at least one wing. The at least one wing may be formed from a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Paul Bentley
  • Publication number: 20140354025
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a bracket contact member is fixed to a seat back frame and contacts support brackets in an initial use position, to suppress rearward tilting of a head rest with respect to the seat back frame. While suppressing rearward tilting, forward tilting of the head rest with respect to the seat back frame from the initial use position, by inertia force in the event of a rear-end collision of a vehicle, is not suppressed by the contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Manabu Ishimoto
  • Patent number: 8899683
    Abstract: A seat adjustment device adjusts the pivoting angle formed by a first seat member and a second seat member. A hinge shaft connects at a first connection point, the first seat member, and the second seat member. An arm section and a connection mechanism are connected at a second connection point. The positions of the axes of the first connection point, the second connection point, and a pivoting section are set in such a manner that, when a load is applied to the front end of either the first seat member or the second seat member, the distance from the second connection point to the axis of the pivoting section is less than the distance from the first connection point to the second connection point with respect to the direction perpendicular to the line of action of a load applied to the second connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • Publication number: 20140339875
    Abstract: A headrest structure and a headrest device, including a bottom plate provided at a lower face of a headrest, and provided with an elongated hole extending in a seat front-rear direction through which a stay is inserted, a guide sheet having the same width as that of the elongated hole, that is longer in length than the elongated hole, whose both end portions are slidably supported by the bottom plate, and that is provided with an elongated guide hole smaller than the elongated hole, a concealing sheet provided with an attachment hole to which the stay is attached, and that is overlapped slidably on an upper face of the guide sheet so as to cover the elongated guide hole, and a wall portion that is formed at the bottom plate, and that restricts movement of the guide sheet and the concealing sheet in a seat width direction, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sunaga, Takahiro Yajima
  • Publication number: 20140333110
    Abstract: An object is to provide a head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle which is simple in a structure and an operation principle and excellent in reliability and safety and can protect the head and neck part by alleviating not only a rearward impact received by the head part at a rear-end collision but also a forward impact. A head and neck protection apparatus for vehicle according to the present invention is attached to a vehicle seat, provided with a fixed frame having a mounting stay, a swing frame swingably connected with respect to the fixed frame, and a lock stopper for locking the swing frame with respect to the fixed frame, in which the swing frame has a rear-head part contact member with which the rear head part is brought into contact and a front-head part buffer member alleviating an impact of the front head part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Ayako Mori
  • Patent number: 8876210
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved adjustable chair headrest. Specifically, the present invention comprises a double articulating dental chair headrest apparatus which has a one-handed side pushbutton release and locking mechanism. When pressed, the pushbutton temporarily disengages a movable mating plate having splined perforations away from each of two corresponding rotatable splined pin assemblies to unlock each splined pin assembly. The unlocked splined pin assemblies each rotate independently. Each splined pin assembly is also fixedly attached to one of a headrest and a backrest via an attachment plate. The two splined pin assemblies are held in relation to each other, the movable mating plate having splined perforations, and the side pushbutton release and locking mechanism, by a housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Beaver State Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Magstadt
  • Patent number: 8864236
    Abstract: Provided are a versatile and thin headrest, and seat for same, that can be operated smoothly by reducing an operation load at the time when the headrest is tilted from a head support state to a storage state, and is capable of preventing noise caused by the headrest. The headrest includes a pillar having a transverse shaft part and mounted to the upper part of the seat back, a headrest frame rotatably engaged with the transverse shaft part of the pillar, a headrest urging element that urges the headrest frame to one side, a locking element that hinders turning the headrest frame and pillar, a ratchet lever operating the locking element and sliding in the transverse direction, and a ratchet lever urging element, that urges the ratchet lever in the direction at a predetermined angle to the ratchet lever sliding in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Patent number: 8857910
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for moving a headrest. The apparatus includes a stay rod, a fixing cam which is fixed to the stay rod and provided with a locking protrusion, a rotating cam which is provided on the fixing cam and has an insert depression into which the locking protrusion is inserted, a support spring which biases the rotating cam to the fixing cam, and a return spring which has a first end fixed in place and a second end connected to the rotating cam. The fixing cam has a spring support supporting the support spring. The rotating cam has a through hole which has a diameter greater than a diameter of the stay rod so that the rotating cam can be provided around the stay rod after passing through one end of the stay rod and a bent portion of the stay rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140300169
    Abstract: A head support for a pushchair comprises a support section, a seat connection section and a back support. The support section forms a U-shape and comprises an armature, comprising sides, that provides stiffness to the support section. The seat connection section is coupled to the support section and is for connecting to the pushchair. The back support is connected to the support section or connectable to the support section and configured such that, when connected to the support section, it prevents the sides of the armature from dropping relative to the back support in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Caroline DALE
  • Patent number: 8851562
    Abstract: A vehicle head restraint on a seat back is adjustable in height from a non-usage position to a usage position. The head restraint is disposed on a retaining element formed from a U-shaped tubular section and of which a horizontally disposed section forms the axis of rotation of the head restraint. The head restraint and retaining element are coupled by means of a spring element such that a biasing force of the spring element is applied to the head rest, wherein sections of the spring element engage in respective cutouts disposed on both sides in the region of rounded portions of the retaining element, and the biasing force generated rotates a lower end of the head rest automatically in the direction of the retaining element as the head rest is moved from the non-usage position to the usage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Rezbarik, Michal Martinka, Ivan Jakubec
  • Patent number: 8851574
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly is provided to be mounted within a vehicle. A head restraint is supported by the cross member in a lateral direction and adapted to rotate about a lateral axis of the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted to slide on the cross member between a first latch position engaged with the locking member and at a second latch position released from the fixed locking member. A lever is provided proximate the latch to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. A motor is in communication with the lever such that the motor moves the lever to translate the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The head restraint is rotatable about the cross member when the latch is in the second latch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Ted Smith, Kailas Bade, Manish Garge
  • Publication number: 20140292052
    Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame 1, a seat portion 101, a back portion 201 that has an upper end, a lower end, and is pivotally mounted relative to the supporting frame at a position above its lower end, and a recline mechanism 601. The recline mechanism 601 lifts the seat portion 101 upon a reclining action of the back portion 201, and has an operative connection 603, 611 between the seat portion and the supporting frame and a drag link 602 pivotally connected to the seat portion 101 and pivotally connected to the back portion 201 at a position below the pivotal mounting of the back portion relative to the supporting frame. As the back portion 201 of the chair is reclined, the lower end of the back portion 201 moves forward and the drag link 602 pulls the seat portion 101 upward relative to the supporting frame 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Gregory William Baum, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Gavin James Bateman, Leon Harley Craze, Jon Leonard Fifield, Mark Rundle Pennington, Wayne Douglas O'Hara, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Paul James Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20140284985
    Abstract: A height- and/or inclination-adjustable head restraint for a vehicle seat includes at least one holding element, a head restraint cushion, a head restraint structure and an inclination-adjustment mechanism that includes at least one latching plate, a toothed profile and an actuating element. The latching plate is arranged on the holding element and, in a locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, engages in a form-fitting and/or frictional manner in the toothed profile, which is arranged on the head restraint structure. The lower end of the head restraint structure is coupled pivotably to the holding element and, upon pivoting of the head restraint about the holding element; in a non-locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, the form-fitting and/or frictional connection between the latching plate and the toothed profile is released and a relative movement is thereby brought about between the latching plate and the toothed profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Silvio Hartlaub
  • Patent number: 8840185
    Abstract: An automobile seat with a massage device (3) with at least one massaging element (3a) to stimulate and/or massage the neck and/or shoulder area which includes a seat back (1) and a headrest (2). The massage device (3) is connected with the seat back (1) on its upper section (1a) facing the headrest (2), and may be adjusted relative to the seat back without having to adjust the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Claudia Worlitz
  • Publication number: 20140265506
    Abstract: A pneumatically adjustable seat includes a seat frame having a seat back frame portion and a headrest coupled to the seat back frame portion. The headrest includes a resilient cushion. A drive assembly includes a contact member operatively associated with the resilient cushion. A first bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the first bladder via the source of pressurized fluid extends the contact member from a first position nearer the seat back frame to a second position further from the seat back frame. A second bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the second bladder via the source of pressurized fluid pivots the contact member away from an occupant of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Renato Colja
  • Publication number: 20140265507
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a locking mechanism that is electromagnetically actuated and is selectively moveable between a locked and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the head restraint to move between an upright and a folded position. The locked position comprises engagement of a first lock member with a second lock member to prevent rotation of the head restraint relative to a base portion of the head restraint and the unlocked position comprises disengagement of the first lock member from the second lock member to allow rotation of the head restraint relative to the base portion. An electromagnet is operatively connected to the head restraint and positioned to exert a magnetic force on the second lock member that urges the second lock member toward the unlocked position when the electromagnet is in an energized condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WINDSOR MACHINE AND STAMPING 2009 LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher James Fredriksson, Eleazar Felipe Bustamante
  • Patent number: 8833860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Fey, Zdzislaw Sobieski
  • Patent number: 8820839
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly for pivotally supporting a head restraint above a seat back comprises a bracket pivotally mounting at least one head restraint support, a lock element linearly movably disposed in the bracket, and a spring element biasing the lock element in a position of engagement with the at least one head restraint support. The spring element includes a portion extending beyond the lock element and associated with the bracket to fix the position of the spring element relative to the bracket. The head restraint support is pivotally moveable between upright and folded positions. The lock element is selectively linearly movable from a position of engagement with the head restraint support, in which position of engagement the head restraint support is fixed in the upright position, to a position of disengagement in which the head restraint support is pivotally moveable between the upright and folded positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Gill Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Craig A. Ulman, Richard Perreault
  • Patent number: 8820832
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wire harness assembly for routing a wire harness through a vehicle seat back having an active head restraint system. The assembly can comprise a movable member configured to move relative to a seat frame in a vehicle fore-aft direction and can have a sleeve with a first end configured to receive a headrest. A harness guide is included with a guide tube and an attachment member that is connected to the guide tube and to the movable member, the guide tube having a first open end and a second open, and a guide passage that extends through the guide tube from the first open end to the second open end. A second end of the sleeve opposite the first end is located within the attachment member and configured such that the sleeve and the attachment member move with the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dumont
  • Patent number: 8814271
    Abstract: A headrest with a function of a dynamic damper that damps vibrations of a vehicle seat, and provide the headrest with an impact absorbing function with respect to a head portion of a seated vehicle occupant. A stay of a headrest is held at a seat back, and a cover, that covers at least a portion of the stay, is supported at the stay so as to be swingable in a seat front-rear direction around a seat transverse direction. Due to a torsion coil spring (an elastic member) elastically deforming when the cover swings, restoring force in a direction opposing a swinging direction of the cover is generated. Further, displacement other than in the swinging direction is suppressed by a suppressing portion that is provided between the stay and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Ishimoto, Yuji Yamada, Keisuke Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 8814270
    Abstract: Folding assemblies for vehicles are described. In one aspect, a folding headrest assembly for a vehicle seat comprises a headrest having a frame. A pivot joint is coupled to the frame for rotatably supporting the headrest with respect to the vehicle seat between an upright position and a folded position. A support rod extends from the pivot joint and is configured for coupling to the vehicle seat. The headrest receives the pivot joint and a portion of the support rod, and the headrest defines an opening configured to provide clearance for the support rod as the headrest is rotated about the pivot joint relative to the support rod. A closeout member coupled to the support rod circumscribes at least an exposed portion of the pivot joint that is aligned with the opening of the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Adams, Randy Eschelbach, Jason Gray, Dale Jung, Anthony Spagnuolo
  • Patent number: 8807653
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a post mounted in a vehicle proximate to a seat back. A transverse shaft is mounted to the post. A head restraint is pivotally connected to the shaft. A series of teeth are provided on the head restraint. A locking mechanism is mounted to the shaft for translation in a transverse direction for engagement with the teeth. An actuator cooperates with the locking mechanism for disengaging the mechanism from the series of teeth for permitting adjustment of a tilt of the head restraint. A head restraint assembly is provided with a partial ring gear mounted to the head restraint. A sector gear is mounted to a transverse shaft in engagement with the partial ring gear. The actuator translates one of the partial ring gear and the sector gear for disengaging the gears and permitting adjustment of the tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke, Scott Andrew Willard
  • Publication number: 20140210244
    Abstract: An inclinable headrest includes a base bracket including first and second side walls, a ratchet gear, and a lock gear movable for engagement with the ratchet gear. Both ratchet and lock gears are disposed inwardly of the first and second side walls. The lock gear has a connecting hole. The first side wall of the base bracket has an opening defined at a location where the connecting hole of the lock gear exists, and a connecting region defined near to that opening. Provision of those opening and connecting region allows direct and quick connection by a worker' hand of a tension spring between the lock gear and base bracket from the outside, such that the worker can directly engage one end of the tension spring with the lock gear's connecting hole through the opening, while directly engaging the other end thereof with the base bracket's connecting region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Hideo TOBATA, Takayuki YOSHIGA, Yutaka SODENO