Angularly Movable About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 297/408)
  • Patent number: 7578559
    Abstract: A headrest including a base material having a front base member and a rear base member, a turn restricting bracket installed the front and rear base members and having an abutting portion and a protruding step, a center shaft attached to the turn restricting bracket, and a latching panel installed between the front and rear base members with one end thereof hinged to the rear base member, the latching panel being pulled by a spring. The headrest has forward and rearward use limitation positions: at forward use limitation position, when the headrest turns forward and a latching surface formed in the latching panel catches on the protruding step, a further forward turning of the headrest is restricted; and at the rearward use limitation position, when the headrest turns rearward and the abutting portion strikes the front base member, further rearward turning of the headrest is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Bizen Hatsujoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamane, Tokuzo Kobayashi, Akihiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7575274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a an actuation unit having a triggering device for the moving of a headrest into a predetermined position, with the triggering device comprising a pyrotechnic gas generator and a triggering member which is movable from a blocking position into a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Frank, Josef Storath, Uwe Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7575282
    Abstract: A foldable head restraint has two head restraint supports set within a bracket. A latch is made integral with at least one of the head restraint supports. The latch rests against a stop to prohibit rotation of the head restraint support in a first direction. The latch rests against a rotational cam to prohibit movement of the head restraint support in a second direction. By rotating the cam, the head restraint support may be folded. The head restraint support is comprised of a metal substrate with over-molded plastic geometry to accept a mating part configured within the head restraint bun. The geometry of the metal substrate and over-molded plastic geometry allow for a reduction, or even elimination, of the slots that are normally required for such a folding head restraint. This ability to fold can yield greater rearward visibility and aid in the kinematic motion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Gill Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Jeremy J. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20090200851
    Abstract: A head and/or neck support for a chair, in particular for an office chair, includes a device for adjusting the swivel and height, with which the support may be moved relative to a back rest of the chair, a first receptacle for a head and/or neck cushion, and a second receptacle for fastening the support to the back rest, the support being rotatably held at one end on the second receptacle via two first swivel arms and on the other end, the first swivel arms being connected in a rotatable and swivelable manner to two second swivel arms which hold the first receptacle at the end which is opposite the swivel arms which are hingedly connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Link
  • Patent number: 7571502
    Abstract: An anterior support for the head of a person seated in a wheelchair or other type of chair. The support can be pivoted from a position behind the chair to a position wherein a forehead strap engages the anterior portion of the head to hold the head adjacent a headrest pad. The forehead strap is attached to slide along one or more head bands which extend around the head to allow the head to turn without loss of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Frano, Mitchell F. Komisar, David S. Pickett
  • Publication number: 20090189431
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a headrest attached to a seat-back, a skin member covering the seat-back, a cable extending in the seat-back, a wire member extending between sides of a frame, a strip member attached to the wire member, so that when the cable is pulled and the headrest is moved to a seat front side by being pulling the cable, the cable is moved to extend through a guiding recess portion formed in a portion of the wire member and a portion of the skin member is pulled into the seat-back as the part of the skin member is extended by the strip member over the guiding recess portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Publication number: 20090184555
    Abstract: A head restraint actuation system includes a head restraint positionable in an upright and folded position. Repositioning of the head restraint is accomplished through the action of a head restraint actuator. The head restraint actuator is in communication with the head restraint. An actuating cable system includes a cable that is in communication with the head restraint actuator and a user operated handle. User initiated movement of the handle causes movement of the cable thereby causing the head restraint to be positioned in the folded position. The activation system is able to simultaneously actuate a plurality of head restraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Mladen Humer, Ted Smith, Marc Stauske
  • Publication number: 20090179475
    Abstract: A headrest assembly may include a first frame member operatively connected to a seat, a second frame member that is selectively movable with respect to the first frame member, and a locking mechanism for use in adjusting the first locking member between a first locked condition that prevents the second frame member from moving relative to the first frame member and a second adjustable condition that permits the second frame member to move relative to the first frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Haase
  • Patent number: 7559608
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle comprises a seat cushion, a seat back, a headrest having a neck-support portion, a headrest pole member to support the headrest, and a rotational support device. The rotational support device supports the headrest in such a manner that the neck-support portion of the headrest is rotated around a rotational axis that extends in substantially a width direction of the seat back and held at a specified angle relative to the seat back, wherein the headrest is its lowest position, the neck-support portion of the headrest is configured to be allowed to be rotated forward from its rearmost stored position by the rotational support device. Accordingly, a neck portion of a passenger can be supported by the neck-support portion of the headrest properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tamio Miyahara, Kouichi Nakaya, Nanae Michida, Hiroshi Okiyama, Akihiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7556306
    Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a user can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area. Remote actuation systems using infrared sensor assemblies such infrared proximity sensors are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David Hein, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 7552973
    Abstract: A headrest for a seat back for a seat back of an automobile vehicle seat, comprising a rod, likely to be at least party driven into the seat back, and a body linked to the rod. The rod is linked to a lower portion of the body by a pivoting link and the headrest comprises means, triggered by a driving of the rod into the seat back down to a driving-in position, capable of automatically pivoting the body with respect to the rod from a use position to a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Matthieu Linardi, Fabrice Lesbats
  • Patent number: 7549704
    Abstract: A headrest adjusting structure for a seat comprises a base and a rotating support. The base is formed with a groove for receiving a supporting portion of the rotating support which has outwardly cavities. The base has outwardly accommodating spaces which is formed with an aperture for receiving a ball and resilient element on two sides. Each ball has an end engageable with the corresponding recess on the positioning disk mounted in the rotating support. A threaded fastener can penetrate the pressing plates fitted in the accommodating spaces of the base, the base and the supporting portion of the rotating support, and be screwed into a nut to hold together. A cap is mounted on each accommodating space of the base. A headrest which is combined at the headrest adjusting assembly installed on a seat can be adjusted to a preferred position by manually pulling the rotating support easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Kuo-Ching Chou, Ding-Kuo Chou
  • Publication number: 20090152924
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a headrest for a vehicle which is constructed in such a way that a headrest boy 100 of the headrest 1 can be folded by releasing the locking state with a fixed member 70 fixed on the horizontal frame portion 12 of the mounting frame 10 using a catch 60 that is rotated in an interlocking state with rotation of a lever 50.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ki Nam Kim, Hyun Ko, Hae Il Jeong
  • Patent number: 7547068
    Abstract: An automobile seat comprises a replacement adjustable back rest and an adjustable head and shoulder rest. Both the back rest and the head and shoulder rest are supported on the existing seat pan for independent vertical and angular adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7543891
    Abstract: A device for stooping car headrests is provided. The device includes a housing wherein a stay of a car headrest is pivotably coupled thereto, a main spring installed in the housing to bias the stay and the headrest in the forward direction, an arresting member pivotably and resiliently fixed to the housing for releasably holding the stay and a check member having a release means and pivotably and resiliently coupled to the arresting member for controlling movement of the arresting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hae Il Chung
  • Patent number: 7533933
    Abstract: Child seat for motor vehicles with a seat shell and backrest, at the upper end of which a head support (10) with lateral wings (11) projecting towards the front is disposed. The inclination of the head support (10), at least of a headrest (12) disposed between the two lateral wings (11) of the same, can be adjusted relative to the backrest (arrows 13, 14), in particular, between an upright, waking position “W” extending approximately parallel to the backrest and a resting or sleeping position “S” inclined towards the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Cybex Industrial, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Pos
  • Patent number: 7530633
    Abstract: In a seat back structure, an auxiliary frame having a pressure receiving portion and a headrest mounted thereon is movably provided in seat back frame via guide element and link element. The guide and link elements are respectively disposed in upper and lower portions respectively of the auxiliary and seat back frames. Biasing element is provided to the link element, such that a line of force of the former is positioned on one side of a pivotal point of the link element, thereby retaining the headrest at initial position, and that, when excessive backward load is applied to the pressure receiving portion, the link element is rotated to displace the line of force toward another side of the first pivotal point, whereby the auxiliary frame is displaced forwardly and upwardly of the seat back frame, thereby causing the headrest to move to a position for supporting a head of seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yokota, Atsushi Koike
  • Patent number: 7520564
    Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat includes a stationary support part, and an impact element which can be moved relative to the latter. The impact element is mounted on the support part via a lever system which can be at least partially decoupled, so that it permits different sequences of movement between impact element and the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Woerner
  • Patent number: 7517009
    Abstract: A headrest assembly in combination with a vehicle seat assembly, the combination including a vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back assembly connected to the seat bottom. The combination also includes a headrest assembly connected to the seat back assembly. The headrest assembly has a head receiving portion that is configured for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat back assembly. The seat back assembly obstructs downward adjustment of the headrest assembly below a predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the first position. The headrest assembly can be downwardly adjustable below the predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Mauro, David Karl Williams, Eric A. Woods, Michael Ferrari, Mark Allyn Folkert, Syed Z. Haider, Alan Daniel Novrocki
  • Publication number: 20090072593
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7494188
    Abstract: A headrest for an office chair includes a headrest body, two connecting blocks, a support frame and a hook. The support frame has two L-shaped hooks in an intermediate portion, and the headrest can be assembled with a backrest of an office chair by a hook and L-shaped hooks of the support frame to enable the headrest being assembled with any office chair easily. Moreover, the headrest body can be adjusted in its height and angle to be usable by users of different physical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Zen Lin
  • Publication number: 20090039694
    Abstract: During the treatment of teeth by a dentist or dental specialist the patient's head rests on a headrest. The position of the head towards the caretaker, as well as the comfort of the patient, are very important for a successful treatment. Such comfort is often prevented due to hairstyling that is not accommodated by the design of the headrest. Certain embodiments of the invention a U-shaped headrest that allows for comfortable resting of a patient's head on the headrest. The U-shape may be subject to a variety of mechanical changes, for example, making an opening bigger or smaller, or changes in the angle of the headrest itself so that it better fits the counter of a patient's head. Such changes may be made through manual, pneumatic, or electrical control, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson Mark Hersh
  • Patent number: 7484808
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that is disposable in a vehicle rearward of a front seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back attached to the seat bottom, and a head restraint attached to the seat back and having a head restraint body that is moveable from a raised position to a lowered position. The seat assembly further includes an actuator associated with the head restraint for enabling movement of the head restraint body from the raised position to the lowered position. The actuator is located proximate a front portion of the seat bottom such that the actuator is accessible by an occupant of the front seat when the seat assembly is installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Nagarjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke, Thomas J. Fowler
  • Patent number: 7484796
    Abstract: A head rest arrangement for a motor vehicle seat includes a back rest frame, a head rest which can be fixed in at least one position of use on the back rest frame and comprises a head rest body for supporting the head of a vehicle passenger, a device for displacing the head rest in the event of a collision, in order to be able to move the head rest body in relation to the back rest frame into a pre-determinable position different from the position of use, and a locking device which counteracts a displacement of the head rest and can be unlocked in a the event of a collision. The head rest arrangement is provided with a device for blocking the displacement device in an unlocked state as long as the head rest is moved out of the position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Matthias Fischer, Jochen Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090021068
    Abstract: A headrest including a base material having a front base member and a rear base member, a turn restricting bracket installed the front and rear base members and having an abutting portion and a protruding step, a center shaft attached to the turn restricting bracket, and a latching panel installed between the front and rear base members with one end thereof hinged to the rear base member, the latching panel being pulled by a spring. The headrest has forward and rearward use limitation positions: at forward use limitation position, when the headrest turns forward and a latching surface formed in the latching panel catches on the protruding step, a further forward turning of the headrest is restricted; and at the rearward use limitation position, when the headrest turns rearward and the abutting portion strikes the front base member, further rearward turning of the headrest is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamane, Tokuzo Kobayashi, Akihiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7478874
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular functioning as a rear vehicle seat having a seat element provided at the free end of the backrest, and a vehicle with such a seat are specified in which the seat element is pivotably linked to a backrest structure of the vehicle seat and the seat element acts at the same time as a headrest and as protection against rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Hanno Figenser, Rolf-Peter Baule
  • Publication number: 20090001799
    Abstract: A patient procedures chair is provided with a system that permits ready interchangeability of patient headrests with ease of positioning and locking in position while at the same time guarding against inadvertent axial removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Mark G. Diller
  • Publication number: 20080315648
    Abstract: A headrest assembly is adapted to be disposed on a child seat. The child seat includes a seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a mounting member connected to the seat frame, and a headrest plate including a mounting seat attached to the mounting member and including a pair of resilient retainers connected respectively to two opposite sides of the mounting member. Each of the retainers has a plurality of positioning portions disposed respectively at different height positions. Each of the sides of the mounting member engages a selected one of the positioning portions of a corresponding one of the retainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jun-Xu Jin
  • Patent number: 7458640
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest assembly includes a vehicle seat including a vertically oriented back rest. A headrest is conjoined to the back rest that is adaptable between raised and lowered positions when a transmission gear shifter is biased between forward and reverse positions. The headrest is permanently affixed to the automatic adapting mechanism. A mechanism is included for automatically adapting the headrest between raised and lowered positions when the vehicle is selectively biased between the forward and reverse driving positions. The automatic adapting mechanism is power operated and electrically coupled to an internal power supply source of the vehicle. The automatic adapting mechanism is operably connected to the transmission gear shifter such that the headrest automatically biases between the raised and lowered positions without requiring the driver to manually reposition the headrest while transitioning the vehicle between forward and the reverse positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory C. Hill
  • Publication number: 20080290713
    Abstract: A headrest device for supporting a headrest with respect to a seat. A lower frame is connectable to the seat, and an upper frame is provided for supporting the headrest thereon. A pair of link brackets connects the lower frame to the upper frame for pivotal motion of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame through a limited range of motion between a forward tilt limit position and a rearward tilt limit position. A motor is operatively connected one of the link brackets to move the upper frame between the forward tilt limit position and the rearward tilt limit position in response to a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeo Oda
  • Publication number: 20080290714
    Abstract: A seat comprising a sitting surface (10), a back (11), and a headrest (12) pivoting between a vertical position in the extension of the said back (11) and an inclined position. It comprises a vertical support (14) consisting of a plate extending at the rear of the back (11) of the said seat and above the said back (11) and means for pivoting assembly (15) of the headrest (12) fastened to the said vertical support (14). Use in particular for fitting out an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS
    Inventor: Laurent Barrou
  • Patent number: 7455357
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed with a seatback frame for supporting the back of an occupant. A head restraint extends from the seatback frame for supporting the head of the occupant. In one embodiment, a four-bar mechanism is operably connected to the seatback frame and the head restraint for receiving an input force from the occupant in response to an impact condition, and for consequently actuating the head restraint to an actuated position. In another embodiment, the four-bar mechanism locks the head restraint in the actuated position in response to an input force of the occupant resting against the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mladen Humer, Gerald S. Locke, Arjun V. Yetukuri
  • Publication number: 20080277989
    Abstract: A headrest for vehicles including a stationary plate secured to the seat back of a vehicle; an attachment shaft supported by the stationary plate; a coil spring wound on the attachment shaft and having a fixed end and a free end with its inner diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the attachment shaft; and a headrest base plate attached to the stationary plate so as to turn forward and rearward. The fixed end of the coil spring is fixed to the base plate so as to secure the attachment shaft to the base plate or the fixed end of the coil is fixed to the stationary plate so as to secure the attachment shaft to the base plate, and the winding direction of the coil spring is set in a direction that tightens the spring when the base plate is turned rearward, thus restricting this rearward turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamane, Tokuzo Kobayashi, Akihiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7448686
    Abstract: A headrest for a dental chair that provides both the desirable support to a patient's head as well as avoiding damage to hairstyling is disclosed. The invention provides a U-shaped headrest that allows for comfortable resting of a patient's head on the headrest. The U-shape may be subject to a variety of mechanical changes, for example, making an opening bigger or. smaller, or changes in the angle of the headrest itself so that it better fits the counter of a patient's head. Such changes may be made through manual, pneumatic, or electrical control, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Nelson Mark Hersh
  • Patent number: 7445289
    Abstract: A head and restraint assembly for a motor vehicle seat having a seat back includes a support member that is removably securable to the seat back. A body portion including a foam cushion is disposed adjacent the support member. A pivot tube is fixedly secured to the support member. The pivot tube defines a slot cut through the pivot tube. A spring is fixedly secured to the pivot tube and extends through a portion of the pivot tube. The head restraint assembly also includes a pivot rod that is disposed within the pivot tube. The pivot rod includes a guide pin that extends out of the pivot rod and is received by the slot. The pivot rod is fixedly secured to the body portion such that rotation of the pivot rod with respect to the pivot tube pivots the body portion with respect to the support member to move the body portion between a use and a tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Colin G. Neale
  • Patent number: 7441821
    Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a vehicle operator can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Nagarjun Yetukuri, Gerald Locke, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
  • Publication number: 20080258532
    Abstract: An adjustable linkage to support an object comprising a pair of arms rotatable about a first axis, one of said arms supporting said object and damper means disposed about said first axis between said arms for selective rotational movement and placement of said object relative said other arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Cassaday
  • Patent number: 7431399
    Abstract: A headrest of a motor vehicle seat can be folded down into an inoperative position. The headrest has a headrest body and a headrest bracket which are mechanically connected in such a manner, via a bearing part having a sliding bearing and a pivot bearing that a vertical displacement and a pivoting about a horizontal pivot axis arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Christoph Kern, Oswald Kriessler, Bernd Schmidt, Juergen Schrader, Wolfgang Schramm
  • Patent number: 7431400
    Abstract: An adjustable headrest for a vehicle includes a headrest body and at least one support arm extending downwardly from the headrest body. The support arm is shaped and dimensioned for positioning within the seat back of an automobile. A tilt assembly is positioned within the headrest body. The tilt assembly couples the headrest body to the support arm in a manner permitting relative movement between the headrest body and the support arm. The tilt assembly includes a lower bracket assembly fixedly coupled to the support arm and an upper bracket assembly fixedly coupled to the headrest body. The upper bracket assembly is pivotally coupled to the lower bracket assembly for controlled movement relative thereto. The tilt assembly includes a cam arm permitting actuation thereof between a locked position and a release position, wherein the cam arm may be actuated from either side of the headrest body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brawner
  • Patent number: 7429082
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a headrest for a vehicle is formed from an impact cushion and installed upon a seat back. The headrest is pivoted around a stationary pivotal axle aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and can be swung from an unused position against the force of a spring into a used position. In the used position, the headrest is held stationary by a toggle linkage, which, within its self-limiting swing zone, acts as a pivoting element between the impact cushion and the pivotal axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Dieter Kraft, Jürgen Hofmockel
  • Patent number: 7427108
    Abstract: A head restraint (1) for use in motor vehicles and comprising a support (5) for supporting the head restraint and fixing the head restraint to the backrest of a vehicle seat, the support (5) comprising a carrier (12) and at least one support leg (14, 15) coupled to the carrier (12), together with an adjusting arrangement (6) for adjusting the position of the head restraint in relation to an occupant of the motor vehicle. The carrier (12) is enclosed by a casing (2), which is rotatably connected to the support (5) along an axis of rotation (18) running essentially at right angles to the support leg (14, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventors: Bengt Hermansson, Therese Nilsson, Urban Jägenstedt
  • Patent number: 7422280
    Abstract: A foldable headrest assembly for a seat includes a pair of posts engaged with an upper portion of the seat and a frame rotatably supported by the posts. A latch is moveably supported by the frame and includes a release pin. A release mechanism is coupled to the latch for moving the latch from a locked position preventing rotation of the frame relative to the posts to an unlocked position allowing rotation of the frame relative to the posts. The assembly further includes an inertia lock rotatably coupled to the frame. The inertia lock defines a stop slot corresponding to the release pin. In response to deceleration of the frame, e.g., resulting from a collision of the vehicle, the inertia lock rotates to a triggered position whereby the stop slot receives the release pin and limits movement of the release pin thereby maintaining the latch in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Windsor Machine & Stamping Limited
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Brockman
  • Publication number: 20080203801
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Arjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke
  • Patent number: 7413253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head rest for a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle. The head rest consists of an attachment (8) arranged on top of the back rest of the vehicle seat, a protective cushion (4) and one or several supporting arms (5, 13) which protrude from the attachment and support the protective cushion (4). The supporting arms are at their one end (7) pivotably attached to the attachment about a lower pivoting shaft (9), and the attachment exhibits a locking mechanism which in its use position for the head rest holds the locking arms pivotable locked about the first pivot shaft relative to the attachment. A release mechanism can, when activated, release the locking mechanism for pivoting of the supporting arms together with the protective cushion about the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Rune Karlberg
  • Publication number: 20080191536
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for adjusting mutual position of two structural elements of a patient chair, like the back rest and the head rest, articulated with each other, in which method the mutual position of the two structural elements (3, 4, 5) connected with each other by articulation is adjusted by a drive device (13). With the help of the drive device (13) it is possible to produce, for example, an essentially high rotational motion that can be converted to a linear motion with the help of a thread. The linear motion is converted to an essentially slow rotational motion with the help of a thread element (9) functionally connected to an articulated shaft (6, 7) belonging to the position adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: PLANMECA OY
    Inventor: Pentti Hyvarinen
  • Patent number: 7410218
    Abstract: A headrest-attached vehicle seat is provided in which a headrest is provided over a seat back. In the headrest-attached vehicle seat: the headrest includes a headrest body, and a neck-support portion which is provided under the headrest body; and the neck-support portion turns around a pivot which extends in the seat-width directions inside of the headrest body and moves in the front-and-rear directions, and the neck-support portion is positioned at a predetermined turning angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tadao Kotani, Kouichi Nakaya, Nanae Michida, Tamio Miyahara, Hiroshi Okiyama
  • Patent number: 7404606
    Abstract: A device for maintaining height of a headrest relative to a seatback frame includes: a suspension disposed in the seat back frame, configured to be pushed by a passenger during a crash; a linkage rotatably coupled to the seat back frame and rotatably supporting the suspension; and a fixing link inside the seat back frame for maintaining a rotational position of the linkage so as to maintain a height of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seok Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7367626
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat and a headrest connected to the seat and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat. The seat assembly also includes a biasing element biasing the headrest toward the second position. A releasable headrest restraining mechanism restrains the headrest in the first position when the seat is unoccupied and releases the headrest to permit movement of the headrest via the biasing element to the second position when the seat is occupied. A method of moving the headrest is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Thomas Bernard Blake
  • Patent number: 7364239
    Abstract: An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes means for adjusting the headrest forwardly and rearwardly. Further, the headrest includes easily adjustable, wing-like, side-support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by means of specially designed hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Clough
  • Publication number: 20080073963
    Abstract: A headrest assembly in combination with a vehicle seat assembly, the combination including a vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back assembly connected to the seat bottom. The combination also includes a headrest assembly connected to the seat back assembly. The headrest assembly has a head receiving portion that is configured for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat back assembly. The seat back assembly obstructs downward adjustment of the headrest assembly below a predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the first position. The headrest assembly can be downwardly adjustable below the predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andre Mauro, David Karl Williams, Eric A. Woods, Michael Ferrari, Mark Allyn Folkert, Syed Z. Haider, Alan Daniel Novrocki