Angularly Movable About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 297/408)
  • Publication number: 20140210245
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Hideo TOBATA, Takayuki YOSHIGA, Yutaka SODENO
  • Publication number: 20140203611
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joe S. Talamonti, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20140203615
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: WINDSOR MACHINE & STAMPING, LTD
    Inventor: Mark Little
  • Patent number: 8746799
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dumont
  • Publication number: 20140145488
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Magstadt
  • Patent number: 8702173
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe, Richard E. Marshall, Eric B. Harwood, Eugene O. Cole, II
  • Patent number: 8690253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Achim Tscherbner
  • Patent number: 8672410
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignees: Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd., Rebirth Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Misawa, Takeshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 8672409
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke
  • Patent number: 8662591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Lin
  • Patent number: 8662592
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Hubert Keller, Manuel Boesel, Manfred Schlierf, Eberhard Luber
  • Patent number: 8662578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Szybisty, David M Runde
  • Patent number: 8657379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mladen Humer, Arjun Yetukuri, Gerald Steven Locke, Jasmine Pizana
  • Patent number: 8641149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Windsor Machine & Stamping (2009) Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Little
  • Patent number: 8616625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Antonio Buccinna
  • Patent number: 8616650
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Markel, Michael Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130334860
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Grant Adams, Randy Eschelbach, Jason Gray, Dale Jung, Anthony Spagnuolo
  • Patent number: 8573700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Togura, Yuichiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8562072
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Ishimoto, Keisuke Ishizaki
  • Publication number: 20130257014
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Joseph Stephens
  • Patent number: 8511751
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Bruck
  • Publication number: 20130207439
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Rezbarik, Michal Martinka, Ivan Jakubec
  • Publication number: 20130181496
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ali Nawaz
  • Patent number: 8465098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Scott Andrew Willard
  • Patent number: 8459744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Patent number: 8459731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Runde
  • Publication number: 20130140866
    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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lear Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130134761
    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 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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Willard, Arjun Yetukuri, Gerald Steven Locke
  • Patent number: 8449036
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Publication number: 20130119737
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8414078
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Fujita
  • Patent number: 8408639
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Wilms
  • Patent number: 8388069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kajimoto
  • Publication number: 20130049429
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke
  • Patent number: 8382206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Grable
  • Patent number: 8360520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-whiplash system for the use in vehicle seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Kongsberg Automotive AB, Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Markus Olsson, Jan-Inge Johansson, Anders Kvarnström, Mats Stenholm
  • Patent number: 8348338
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Galecka, Joseph Michael Kish, Eric B. Michalak, Jeffrey C. Vincent
  • Patent number: 8348347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Willard, Arjun Yetukuri, Eric Veine, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Paul Castellani, Gerald S. Locke
  • Patent number: 8342606
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Maxime Le Texier, Regis Leymat, Louis Duroch, Laurent Cecinas
  • Publication number: 20120319447
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Linda Barfuss
  • Patent number: 8322790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Achim Tscherbner
  • Patent number: 8317259
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Akihiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120280547
    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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Veine, Arjun Yetukuri, Jasmine Pizana
  • Patent number: 8303038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Rodger Smith
  • Patent number: 8292363
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Yamaguchi, Atsuki Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20120261954
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Franghie Rubio Khalil, Raul Daniel Flores Aguirre, Sahira Villalobos Gonzalez, Carla Cristina Gonzalez Salitrero, Jose Angel Vilchis Dominguez
  • Patent number: 8272695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: King Furniture (Australia) Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David Russell King, Steven Leonard Higgs
  • Patent number: 8262164
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadao Ito, Toshiaki Nagata, Yuji Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8246116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Elindo G. Castro
  • Patent number: 8231177
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Arjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke