Angularly Movable About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 297/408)
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Publication number: 20140210245Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Hideo TOBATA, Takayuki YOSHIGA, Yutaka SODENO
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Publication number: 20140203611Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback, a headrest, and a support structure that extends between the headrest and the seatback. The support structure includes a primary member, a secondary member, and a trim piece that encloses the primary and secondary members. The primary member pivotally couples with the headrest and the seatback. The secondary member has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end pivotally couples with the headrest about a lateral axis and is spaced from the primary member. A first actuator couples between with the primary member and the seatback for rotating the headrest between a rearward position and a forward position. A second actuator couples between the lower end of the secondary member and the seatback to move the headrest between a first angle and a second angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joe S. Talamonti, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti
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Publication number: 20140203615Abstract: A head restraint assembly for a vehicle seat includes a base portion, a head restraint, and a locking mechanism. The head restraint is mounted with respect to the base portion and is selectively rotatable with respect to the base portion about a first axis. The locking mechanism includes a first lock member, a second lock member, and a first spring. The first lock member is mounted with respect to the base portion and defines a first plurality of teeth. The second lock member is movably mounted with respect to the head restraint and the first lock member. The second lock member defines a second plurality of teeth. The first spring continuously biases the second lock member toward the first lock member such that the second plurality of teeth continuously contact the first plurality of teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: WINDSOR MACHINE & STAMPING, LTDInventor: Mark Little
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Patent number: 8746799Abstract: A headrest support rod includes a shaft portion and a support portion. The shaft portion has a first end, a second end, and an annular wall. The annular wall defines a cavity that extends from the first end to the second end. The support portion is formed adjacent to the second end of the shaft portion. At least part of the support portion is a continuous extension of the annular wall of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the support portion are unitarily formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Dumont
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Publication number: 20140145488Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Inventor: Jason Magstadt
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Patent number: 8702173Abstract: A powered headrest operating system includes a headrest connected to a seatback frame using rotational pins. An actuation mechanism rotatably connected to the seatback frame has a power actuated member connected to the headrest operating between retracted and extended positions to rotate the headrest from a fully retracted to a forward rotated position about an axis of rotation of the rotational pins. A release system rotatably connecting the headrest to the actuation mechanism retains the headrest at any forward rotated position while the actuation mechanism returns the power actuated member from the extended to the retracted positions if the headrest encounters an object blocking return to the retracted position. A biasing member connected to the seatback frame and the headrest creating a biasing force during headrest rotation away from the retracted position operates without actuation mechanism operating force to bias the headrest frame assembly toward the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: La-Z-Boy IncorporatedInventors: Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe, Richard E. Marshall, Eric B. Harwood, Eugene O. Cole, II
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Patent number: 8690253Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back, a support post disposed on the seat back, and a head restraint assembly disposed on the support post. The head restraint assembly includes a rear portion moveably disposed on the support post and a front portion pivotally disposed on the rear portion. The front portion pivots with respect to the rear portion independent of movement of the rear portion along the support post.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Achim Tscherbner
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Patent number: 8672410Abstract: A tiltable headrest device is provided to suppress the occurrence of abnormal noise during rotation, to reduce the number of components and to improve appearance quality. Guide portions (12) each comprising a standing-up locking portion (12a), a falling-down locking portion (12b) and a rail portion (12c) are integrally formed on a core member (1), a coil spring (4) for urging a lateral rod (31) toward a direction approaching the guide portions (12) is provided in the core member (1). The lateral rod (31) is pressed to the guide portions (12) by the urging force of the coil spring (4) so as to be guided. Due to sliding contact between resin and metal, the occurrence of abnormal noise can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignees: Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd., Rebirth Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Misawa, Takeshi Mizutani
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Patent number: 8672409Abstract: A vehicle seat with an adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with a controller configured to receive an instruction signal to actuate a head restraint from a use position to a stowed position. A detection signal indicates whether an object is within a predetermined range of the head restraint. A stow signal is transmitted to an actuator to actuate the head restraint to the stowed position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is not within the predetermined range of the head restraint. A use signal is transmitted to the actuator to maintain the head restraint in the use position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined range of the head restraint.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke
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Patent number: 8662591Abstract: A chair includes at least one leg; a rotatable seat; a backrest; and a headrest including a clamping member having a yoke with two hollow cylindrical yoke arms; two hook members extending forward downward from both sides of the yoke respectively; and a lower well; a support including a hinge head pivotably disposed between the yoke arms; and two opposite fastening portions; a head frame including two rear bars and two joints frictionally, slidably fastened on the bars, each joint frictionally, pivotably secured to the fastening portion; a hooking member in the well and including two hook elements curved upward forward wherein the hook elements cooperate with the hook members to releasably mount the headrest on the backrest; a first hinge element pivotably disposed in one yoke arm and includes a lever; and a second hinge element moveably disposed in the other yoke arm and the hinge head.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Yu-Jen Lin
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Patent number: 8662592Abstract: A motor-vehicle headrest has a base fixable to a motor vehicle seat and a cushion support having a forwardly directed front face adapted to engage a head of a person in the seat. An upper link has a front end pivoted at an upper support axis on the support and a rear end pivoted at an upper base axis on the base, and a lower link having a front end pivoted at a lower support axis on the support offset downward from the upper support axis and a rear end pivoted at a lower base axis on the base offset downward from the upper base axis. The cushion is shiftable relative to the base between a rear position and a front position on pivoting of the links about the respective axes. A rigid brace is pivoted on the upper link between the upper axes and on the lower link between the lower axes.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Grammer AGInventors: Hubert Keller, Manuel Boesel, Manfred Schlierf, Eberhard Luber
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Patent number: 8662578Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion and a head restraint operatively coupled to the seat back. A bell-crank is pivotally coupled to the seat back and operatively coupled to the seat cushion and a head restraint latch mechanism. Initial pivotal movement of the seat back from a seating position toward a folded position pivots the bell-crank from a first position actuating the latch mechanism to disengage with the head restraint. Continued pivotal movement of the seat back to the folded position pivots the bell-crank to a second position operably disconnecting the bell-crank and seat cushion. Pivotal movement of the seat back from the folded position to the seating position pivots the bell-crank from the second position to the first position actuating the latch mechanism to a position for engagement with the head restraint upon return of the head restraint to a use position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventors: Robert J Szybisty, David M Runde
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Patent number: 8657379Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a post assembly which has a first post section, a second post section, and a cross member section connecting the first post section and the second post section. The first post section and the second post section are adapted to engage a vehicle seat. The head restraint includes a bun moveably attached to the post assembly, a first gear, and a motor that rotates the first gear in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of the first gear drives a second gear which drives a third gear. Rotation of the second gear in a first direction causes movement of the bun to a tilted position while movement of the second gear in a second direction causes movement of the bun to an upright position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mladen Humer, Arjun Yetukuri, Gerald Steven Locke, Jasmine Pizana
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Patent number: 8641149Abstract: A ratcheting pivot mechanism for coupling a head rest portion of a vehicle head restraint assembly to a post portion of a vehicle head restraint assembly includes a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotably connected to the first pivot arm, a movable ratchet member pivotably connected to the second pivot arm, and a spring disposed between the second pivot arm and the movable ratchet member. The first pivot arm has a fixed ratchet member, which the movable ratchet member is configured to selectively engage. The spring is configured to apply an engaging force to the movable ratchet member when the movable ratchet member is in a first position, and configured to apply a disengaging force to the movable ratchet member when the movable ratchet member is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Windsor Machine & Stamping (2009) LtdInventor: Mark Little
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Patent number: 8616625Abstract: A seat assembly having headrest that includes an expansion assembly that operates to expand the cushion when the headrest is in the lower position. As the headrest is raised, the expansion assembly retracts, removing the bulge and creating a more planar surface for comfortably resting the head of a seat occupant. The headrest is also configured to reduce expansion of flatten as the seatback is folded flat.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Antonio Buccinna
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Patent number: 8616650Abstract: A head support for a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, which can be folded out of an upright use position into a cargo position directed in driving direction. The head support is mounted to be foldable toward the front side of the backrest between an upright operative position is in the use position, and a folded down inoperative position when the backrest is in the cargo position, around a horizontal head support spindle of a holder arranged at the backrest and carries the head support the head support spindle extends transverse to the driving direction. The holder is lowered completely or partially into a lowered position in the backrest in the inoperative position of the head support and can be raised from the lowered position into the raised position of the operative position.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Christian Markel, Michael Wagner
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Publication number: 20130334860Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Grant Adams, Randy Eschelbach, Jason Gray, Dale Jung, Anthony Spagnuolo
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Patent number: 8573700Abstract: To perform highly precise position adjustment for head restraint in short time regardless of distance between head restraint and human body and head shape. Head restraint position adjusting device 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and drive motor unit 30. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and third sensing electrodes 11 and 13 and detection circuit 20. First sensing electrode 11 is arranged in an upper portion of front portion of head restraint 43 and senses capacitance between itself and vicinity of parietal region 49a of head 49 of human body 48. Third sensing electrode 13 is arranged in lower portion of front portion and senses capacitance between itself and any portion of human body 48 other than vicinity of parietal region 49a.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Togura, Yuichiro Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8562072Abstract: A headrest can be rotated with respect to a seatback, and support strength in a vertical direction of the headrest can be improved. In a vehicular seat, lower side curved surfaces of headrest supports, to which leg portions of a headrest are coupled, slide on lower ends of support brackets and upper side curved surfaces of the headrest supports slide on upper ends of the support brackets, whereby rotation of the headrest supports about an axis along a horizontal direction of a seatback with respect to the support brackets is guided. Further, the lower side curved surfaces touch the lower ends of the support brackets and the upper side curved surfaces touch the upper ends of the support brackets, whereby movement of the headrest supports in a vertical direction of the seatback with respect to the support brackets is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Manabu Ishimoto, Keisuke Ishizaki
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Publication number: 20130257014Abstract: A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Charles Joseph Stephens
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Patent number: 8511751Abstract: A pivoting headrest including a pair of upwardly projecting supports associated with a vehicle seatback and terminating in a pair of spaced apart sectors. A headrest bun supporting frame is pivotally secured to the sectors and includes a pair of elongated and side extending structural supports and a lower interconnecting housing. A widthwise extending bar is disposed relative to the housing, opposite extending ends of which engage the sectors at a first upright position and seat within channels in the side supports. The bar is biased in a first engaging direction against the sectors and, upon being displaced in a reverse direction, causes its ends to unseat from the sectors and the bun to rotate about the sectors to a dump position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventor: Stephen C. Bruck
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Publication number: 20130207439Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Miroslav Rezbarik, Michal Martinka, Ivan Jakubec
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Publication number: 20130181496Abstract: An integrated adjustable headrest includes a first curved head support and a second curved head support. Each of the curved head supports is secured to an adjustable rail, which itself is connected to the vertical track of a respective interior compartment. The interior compartment is located near the top of a chair, near a headrest section, inside a cavity. The curved head support can slide in and out of the adjustable rail slot. When extended, a person can rest their head on the curved head support. The curved head supports are also tiltable and extendable by manipulating the interior compartments or the adjustable rails. Locking mechanisms allow a user to adjust both the extension of the curved head supports and the angle of the adjustable rail slots. Once adjusted, the locking mechanisms secure the curved head supports in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventor: Ali Nawaz
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Patent number: 8465098Abstract: A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a head restraint support adapted to be mounted to a seat back frame. A transverse shaft is pivotally mounted to the support. A post is connected to the shaft for supporting a head restraint. A biasing member is connected to the support and the shaft for biasing the post to a collapsed position. An eccentric projection extends from a central region of the shaft. A latching mechanism is provided on the support and oriented within a path of rotation of the projection to engage the projection and maintain the head restraint in an upright position. Retraction of the latching mechanism permits the biasing member to pivot the head restraint to the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Scott Andrew Willard
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Patent number: 8459744Abstract: There are provided a headrest that prevents looseness, abnormal sounds, and noise caused by a frame urging element or elements and regulating with certainty the rotating of the headrest in a condition where vibrations occur, and a vehicle seat provided with the headrest. A headrest that tilts from a head support state in which the headrest is raised to a storage state includes a pillar mounted in the upper part of a seat back, a headrest frame rotatably engaged with the pillar, a headrest frame urging element or elements for urging the headrest frame to one side, and a locking element or elements that hinder the rotating of the headrest frame and the pillar. The headrest frame urging element or elements includes a shaft disposed on a member constituting the locking element or elements, and a damper and a spring that are disposed on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
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Patent number: 8459731Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion. The seat back is pivotally movable between a first seating position and a second folded position. A head restraint is operatively coupled to the seat back for pivotal movement between a use position and a stowed position. A handle assembly includes a handling having a first slot operatively coupled to the head restraint and a second slot operatively coupled to the seat back. Operating the handle actuates the head restraint to move from the use position to the stowed position prior to actuating the seat back to move from the first seating position to the second folded position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: David M. Runde
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Publication number: 20130140866Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventor: Lear Corporation
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Publication number: 20130134761Abstract: 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 transverse shaft. An actuator is mounted to the head restraint. A striker is mounted to one of the transverse shaft and the head restraint. A latch is mounted to the other of the transverse shaft and the head restraint in engagement with the striker, such that actuation of the actuator in the transverse direction disengages the latch from the striker for rotation of the head restraint relative to the transverse shaft. Rotation of the head restraint from a collapsed position to an upright position causes the latch to engage the striker, which retracts the latch until the head restraint reaches the upright position, and the latch extends thereby locking the head restraint.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Andrew Willard, Arjun Yetukuri, Gerald Steven Locke
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Patent number: 8449036Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a headrest for vehicles, and more particularly to a headrest for cars which may be easily folded manually or electrically, thereby providing other passengers with a wider prospect.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
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Publication number: 20130119737Abstract: A seat back frame includes an upper frame member that forms an upper side, a reinforcing member that is provided parallel to and below the upper frame member, and a headrest mounting member, that overlaps with both the upper frame member and the reinforcing member. The headrest mounting member is arranged such that, in one location, from among a location where the headrest mounting member overlaps with the upper frame member and a location where the headrest mounting member overlaps with the reinforcing member, the headrest mounting member is fixed to one of the upper frame member and the reinforcing member, and in the other location, the headrest mounting member abuts against the other of the upper frame member and the reinforcing member when the headrest tilts rearward about the one location, such that the tilting of the headrest is inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Patent number: 8414078Abstract: In the head rest apparatus, a core member is separately formed from a metal plate and a metal stay, wherein a fixing member is integrally formed on a first divided body of the core member and the fixing member mechanically engages the flat plate portion of the metal plate with the first divided body and fixes the flat plate portion to the first divided body. The flat plate position is tightly fixed to the first divided body. Since the stress can be absorbed only by the first divided body, generation of abnormal noise can be prevented without using any damper member and in addition, rattling in operation can be prevented as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masaru Fujita
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Patent number: 8408639Abstract: A vehicle seat and head restraint assembly is disclosed in which the configuration of the seat back is automatically adjusted as the position of the head rest is changed. Upon lowering the head restraint, a forwardly directed face of the seat back is urged outward to thereby decrease a torso angle associate with the seat assembly. Additional versions are described in which the torso angle is decreased by raising the head rest. And, versions are described in which horizontal or pivotal movement of the head restraint causes movement of a forward face of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael Wilms
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Patent number: 8388069Abstract: A headrest for an automobile seat has a headrest body and an attachment member to be attached to a back of the seat to allow the headrest body to be moved up and down with respect to the seat back in a standing posture, while allowing the headrest body to be rotated about a pivot shaft to move a lower end of the headrest body in a frontward-rearward direction of the automobile. The headrest body has an expanded rear portion thereof to expand rearwardly and configured so that a distance between the surface of the expanded portion and the pivot shaft gradually decreases toward an upper edge of the expanded portion. The expanded portion is opposed to an upper surface of the seat back in the standing posture and contacts the upper surface when the attachment member is moved down.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiro Kajimoto
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Publication number: 20130049429Abstract: A vehicle seat with an adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with a controller configured to receive an instruction signal to actuate a head restraint from a use position to a stowed position. A detection signal indicates whether an object is within a predetermined range of the head restraint. A stow signal is transmitted to an actuator to actuate the head restraint to the stowed position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is not within the predetermined range of the head restraint. A use signal is transmitted to the actuator to maintain the head restraint in the use position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined range of the head restraint.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke
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Patent number: 8382206Abstract: A multi-position and manually adjustable headrest having a support bracket affixed atop a seat back and exhibiting a plurality of ratchet defined portions. An intermediate and three dimensional shaped component is pivotally secured in a biased fashion to the ratchet defined bracket, the intermediate component exhibiting a pivotally supported and biased locking pawl which, depending upon a pivotal location of the intermediate component, engages a selected ratchet portion of said support bracket. A pair of headrest bun supporting plates are pivotally secured at upper ends to spaced apart sides of the intermediate pivotal component, the supporting plates further exhibiting lower arcuate extending channels through which seats pin supports projecting laterally from opposite sides of the ratchet support bracket and travel along the channels during forward displacement of the bun supporting plates, such as resulting from a manual readjustment force applied to a headrest bun.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventor: David M. Grable
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Patent number: 8360520Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-whiplash system for the use in vehicle seats.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignees: Kongsberg Automotive AB, Autoliv Development ABInventors: Markus Olsson, Jan-Inge Johansson, Anders Kvarnström, Mats Stenholm
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Patent number: 8348338Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat with an upper seatback and a headrest including various electronic components. A connector sleeve is configured to fit within a guide sleeve on the seat to allow an electrical connector extending from the headrest to be easily and efficiently connected to an opposing electrical connector extending from the seat during assembly. The connector may be configured to maintain electrical connection between the connected electrical connectors when a removal force is applied.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Mark E. Galecka, Joseph Michael Kish, Eric B. Michalak, Jeffrey C. Vincent
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Patent number: 8348347Abstract: A vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a cross member. A head restraint is supported by the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is moveably mounted on the cross member at a first latch position and at a second latch position. An actuator is mounted within the head restraint to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. The head restraint is pivotable when the latch is in the second latch position. Another vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a lateral support rod and a head restraint pivotally mounted thereon. A locking member is pivotally mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted on the support rod. An actuator disengages the locking member from the latch. A biasing member pivots the head restraint upon disengagement of the latch and the locking member.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Scott A. Willard, Arjun Yetukuri, Eric Veine, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Paul Castellani, Gerald S. Locke
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Patent number: 8342606Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, that includes a headrest with a headstall for supporting the head of a passenger in the seat, wherein the occupant may or may not wear a protection helmet depending on the circumstances. The headstall can assume at least three stable positions: a first position for the cervical support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides a cervical support function with or without wearing a helmet; a second position for the occipital support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides an occipital support function without wearing a helmet; a third position for the occipital support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides an occipital support function while wearing a helmet.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Maxime Le Texier, Regis Leymat, Louis Duroch, Laurent Cecinas
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Publication number: 20120319447Abstract: A novel salon chair having a salon chair portion with a seat portion elevated above a floor surface on a support portion and a seat back portion. The novel salon chair also having one or both of: a side wing extended from the seat back portion adjacent to at least one of two opposite sides thereof and a top edge thereof, with the side wing being extended substantially over the seat portion; and an adjustable headrest structured for supporting a head of an occupant of the salon chair from falling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Linda Barfuss
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Patent number: 8322790Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back, a support post extending from the seat back, and a headrest pivotally disposed on the support post. The headrest has a lower headrest portion, an upper headrest portion extending from the lower headrest portion, and a hinge clip that pivotally couples the headrest to the support post. The headrest is inhibited from pivoting about an axis of rotation in a first rotational direction when the lower headrest portion engages the support post.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Achim Tscherbner
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Patent number: 8317259Abstract: There are provided a seatback supporting backs of plural passengers seated on a bench type of seat cushion, a headrest provided at an upper portion of a first portion of the seatback and supporting a head of the passenger seated in front of the first portion, a pressure-receiving portion provided at a second portion of the seatback which is arranged beside the first portion so as to move rearwardly when being pressed by a rearward move of the passenger seated in front of the second portion, and a headrest moving mechanism provided to connect the pressure-receiving portion to the headrest so that the headrest is moved forwardly or upwardly in accordance with a rearward move of the pressure-receiving portion. Accordingly, the passenger's head can be protected with a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Akihiro Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20120280547Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Veine, Arjun Yetukuri, Jasmine Pizana
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Patent number: 8303038Abstract: A vehicle head restraint assembly may be provided with a support rod adapted to be mounted to a seat back of a vehicle seat. A rear housing may be mounted to the support rod. A front housing may be pivotally connected to the support rod. A locking arm may be mounted to one of the support rod and the front housing. A release mechanism may be mounted to one of the front housing and the rear housing and operably engaged with the locking arm. Actuation of the release mechanism may disengage the locking arm to pivot the front housing forward relative to the support rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Rodger Smith
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Patent number: 8292363Abstract: A clutch mechanism for selectively transmitting a force applied thereto may include an operation bracket that is rotatably connected to the vehicle seat via a first pivot shaft and is connected to a force output cable, a rotatable arm that is rotatably connected to the operation bracket via the first pivot shaft and is connected to a force input cable, and a swing arm that is rotatably connected to the operation bracket via a second pivot shaft. The operation bracket includes a curved slot formed therein. The rotatable arm includes an elongated slot that has a toothed portion. The swing arm includes an engagement portion that movably engages both of the curved slot of the operation bracket and the elongated slot of the rotatable arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Yamaguchi, Atsuki Sasaki
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Publication number: 20120261954Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having a seat back support, a seat pan coupled to the seat back support, a seat support structure coupled to the seat pan, wherein the seat support structure comprises a mounting channel, and a mounting bar inserted through the mounting channel and coupled to the seat support structure. The mounting bar is configured to pivotally couple to a passenger cabin. The mounting bar may also be configured to rotate the passenger seat assembly between an upright position and a reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Franghie Rubio Khalil, Raul Daniel Flores Aguirre, Sahira Villalobos Gonzalez, Carla Cristina Gonzalez Salitrero, Jose Angel Vilchis Dominguez
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Patent number: 8272695Abstract: There is disclosed herein a hinge assembly comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal axis. A first arm is rotationally fixed relative to the mandrel and extends from one end of the mandrel generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A second arm is rotatably connected relative to the mandrel about the longitudinal axis and extends from the opposite end of the mandrel generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A coil spring is sleeved over and snugly surrounds the mandrel. Relative rotation of the first arm and the second arm in an opposite direction tightens the spring around the mandrel. Tightening of the spring generates resistance to relative rotation of the first arm and the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: King Furniture (Australia) Pty Ltd.Inventors: David Russell King, Steven Leonard Higgs
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Patent number: 8262164Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism, which adjusts an angle formed between first and second seat members rotatably connected to each other, includes a first link member adapted to be connected to the first seat member and including a first end rotatably supported by the first seat member, a second link member adapted to be rotatably connected to the second seat member and including a first end rotatably supported by the second seat member and a second end rotatably connected to the first link member, a drive device, and an extending and retracting device driven by the drive device and extending and retracting linearly, wherein one of the drive device and the extending and retracting device is rotatably connected to a second end of the first link member and the other of the drive device and the extending and retracting device is rotatably connected to the second seat member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sadao Ito, Toshiaki Nagata, Yuji Arakawa
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Patent number: 8246116Abstract: A head restraint assembly comprising a housing, an armature extending though opposite sides of the housing, at least one latch receiving member provided on the armature and coupled thereto for non-rotatable movement with respect to the armature, and a latch member extending though opposite sides of the housing. The latch member includes a projection that engages the at least one latch receiving member when the latch member is moved into a latched position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventors: Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Elindo G. Castro
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Patent number: 8231177Abstract: A foldable head restraint assembly includes a mounting subassembly, a structural shell, and a locking plate. The mounting subassembly supports the structural shell and includes a first support post, a second support post, a cross member, and a latch rigidly. The cross member is attached to the first and second support posts and to the latch. The folding motion of the head restraint is initiated by movement of the locking plate which is positionable at a first plate position for engaging the latch and at a second plate position for releasing the latch. The structural shell is pivotable about the mounting subassembly when the latch plate is in the second plate position.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Arjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke