Angularly Movable About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 297/408)
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Patent number: 7364239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventor: Robert Clough
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Publication number: 20080073963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Andre Mauro, David Karl Williams, Eric A. Woods, Michael Ferrari, Mark Allyn Folkert, Syed Z. Haider, Alan Daniel Novrocki
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Patent number: 7344189Abstract: A head restraint (20) having a front surface (22) for supporting the head of the occupant seated on the seat assembly (10) is pivotally coupled to the upper portion (15) of the seat back (12) and moveable relative to the seat back between a plurality of angled head supporting positions (A) and a forwardly folded stowed position (B) defined by the front surface (22) of the head restraint (20) being generally perpendicular to the front surface (17) of the seat back (12). The seat assembly further includes a mechanism operatively interconnecting the head restraint to the seat back for providing automatic and continuous pivotal movement of the head restraint between one of the head supporting positions and the stowed position in response to pivotal adjustment of the seat back between one of the reclined seating positions and the forwardly folded positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Intier Automotive IncInventors: Steven James Reed, Kevin John Ventura, Jacob Aaron Bentekoe
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Patent number: 7341312Abstract: 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. In another embodiment, an articulating head restraint could also include an armature with a cam. The cam has a lock acumination and a stop acumination. The lock acumination engages a slide to prevent movement of the head restraint in one direction, and the stop acumination engages a bracket to prevent movement in the other direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Gill Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy J. Gauthier, Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Craig A. Ulman
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Patent number: 7325877Abstract: The foldable headrest assembly includes a first and second support and a first and second paddle. A first and second plate extending from the supports and supported by the paddles rotate in unison about a first axis (A1) from an upright to a forwardly folded position. A lock lever rotatably supported by the first plate rotates about a second axis (A2) between a locked position and an unlocked position. A first biasing member (FBM) is disposed between the plates and a second biasing member (SBM) is supported by the first plate engaging the lock lever. The FBM rotatably biases the supports about the A1 toward the forwardly folded position and the SBM rotatably biases the lock lever about the A2 toward the locked position in a common rotational direction as the rotation of the supports about the A1. A release mechanism for rotating the lock lever is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Windsor Machine & Stamping LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony Brockman, Jerry Scott Barko, Evan Murray Kayahara
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Patent number: 7322646Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom attached to a seat back with a moveable head restraint attached to the seat back. Characteristically, the head restraint is movable from a raised to a lowered position and vice versa. The head restraint of this embodiment when in the raised position is able to withstand impacts that meet or exceed the specifications of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) 201.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, James C. Dalian
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Publication number: 20080007105Abstract: A headrest assembly for a chair or sofa includes a fixed rear section, and a front section adapted to slide upwardly and forwardly to an inclined orientation with respect to the rear section. Movement of the front section is controlled by a linear actuator, which is connected via a switch to a source of power such as a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Denis Viger
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Patent number: 7303232Abstract: A backrest adjusting device for office chairs comprising: a seat portion having a seat cushion and a stand for supporting the seat cushion; a back having a frame, a back cushion fixed on the surface of the frame, a connecting member for connecting the bottom of the back to a rear side of the seat portion, a hollow containing space formed at the middle section of the back, an n-shaped member being disposed in the containing space and extended backward; and a first attaching device installed on the n-shaped member of the containing space, thereby achieving the adjustment of the three-dimensional space of position, longitudinal buffer and angular rotation. Moreover, the back further includes a support member disposed at the top of the back, and a second attaching device installed on the support member and having a structure identical to the first attaching device. Meanwhile, the first attaching device has an attaching body made in compliance with the shape of a human waist to form a backrest bump.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: Yung-Hua Chen
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Patent number: 7290833Abstract: An embodiment of the invention has a headrest restraint incorporating a remote-controlled, video monitor with a monitor safety cover and concealed video input and power supply cable. It can serve as an OEM headrest or as an after-market headrest replacement. This embodiment of the invention maintains headrest safety requirements and meets vehicle manufacturers' specifications, unlike headrests specially modified to incorporate a rearward facing video monitor. The monitor safety cover protects rear seat occupants from impact with the monitor. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: SAVV CorporationInventors: Eric Park, Jung Ho Son
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Patent number: 7284795Abstract: An automobile seat having a seat cushion, a seatback, and a headrest is disclosed. The headrest includes a stay and a headrest main body. The stay is generally U-shaped and is detachably coupled to the seatback. The stay includes a generally horizontal portion having an axis. The headrest main body is rotatably coupled to the horizontal portion of the stay and includes a receiving port for receiving the horizontal portion of the stay. The headrest main body rotates around the axis of the horizontal portion of the stay. The receiving port is located at a position that is coaxial with the axis of the horizontal portion of the stay.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems CorporationInventors: Nobuya Sato, Makoto Sawazaki
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Publication number: 20070236070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Mark Anthony Brockman
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Patent number: 7275792Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Cybex Industrial, Ltd.Inventor: Martin Pos
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Patent number: 7258400Abstract: In a vehicle-seat retracting apparatus, a seating state is switched to a non-seating state by retracting a headrest and tilting a seat back relative to a seat cushion (lower arm). In association with retraction of the headrest, the tilting angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yukifumi Yamada
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Patent number: 7243996Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 7240966Abstract: A mechanism for supporting and permitting selected adjustment of the position of a headrest relative to the back of a chair comprises a body, a first pivotable connection, a second pivotable connection and a selectively releasable locking mechanism. The first pivotable connection is near the first end of the body, adapted to connect to the chair and to allow pivoting of the body relative to the chair. The second pivotable connection is near the second end of the body, adapted to connect to the headrest and to allow pivoting of the headrest relative to the body. The selectively releasable locking mechanism is configured to retain the body in selected angular positions relative to the chair and relative to the headrest by clamping together interleaved plate members in frictional contact and to allow for one-handed actuation.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: A-dec, Inc.Inventors: Christopher C. Stone, Brian E. Bonn, William R. Stewart
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Publication number: 20070152486Abstract: A mounting seat for an integrated circuit (IC) and a circuit board includes a base formed by way of powder metallurgy, two pin holes formed on the base, and two positioning pins, which may be respectively formed in the pin holes by way of insert molding or inserted into the pin holes by way of assembling. Thus, a surface of the base may be quickly molded to form the positioning pins or assembled with the positioning pins, which are made of a material different from that of the base. Consequently, the method of manufacturing the mounting seat is simple and timesaving, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Huei-Long Lee, Shun-Fa Chen, Simon D. Shong, T. L. Yeh, C. L. Chu
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Patent number: 7237842Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest (10), particularly for a motor vehicle seat. At least on element is provided that can be displaced relative to a retaining device (12) of the headrest (10). The at least one element can be displaced, in part and/or in total, about at least one horizontal rotation axis and/or at least one vertical rotation axis and can be locked in selectable displaced positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Schmuda von Trzebiatowski, Ronald List, Marian Skiora
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Patent number: 7237843Abstract: A head restraint assembly adapted for inwardly rotating between a substantially upright use position and a relatively retracted storage position is disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the head restraint assembly is configured for use with a vehicle seat having a collapsible seat back for providing improved clearance as the seat back moves between a use position and a storage position. The head restraint assembly generally includes a support member having a first portion adapted for pivotally coupling to the seat back and a second portion that outwardly extends through an aperture defined by a top surface of the seat back for supporting a head supporting cushion. The first portion of the support member has a substantially curvilinear profile for allowing the required size of the aperture in the top surface of the seat back to be minimized in a longitudinal direction relative to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Juan Guerra, Anibal P. Margina, Scott R. Meachum
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Patent number: 7234778Abstract: A retractable headrest for vehicle having a general versatility. All the components of a retracting mechanism for retracting a headrest body are provided inside the headrest body. Thus, any additional component does not need to be provided inside a seatback. Accordingly, even if the seatback can take various forms according to the type of a vehicle, yet the headrest body can be made retractable by an actuator simply by attaching the headrest to an upper portion of the seatback, using a pillar. Thus way, there can be provided a retractable headrest for vehicle with a high versatility.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Toba
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Patent number: 7201448Abstract: A headrest support assembly for a seat apparatus capable of positioning the headrest in a variety of positions, including a position that provides headrest support to raise the head while the seat is in a reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: John Williamson, Pedro Meneses
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Patent number: 7195313Abstract: In a headrest (201) for a vehicle seat, having a support (205), at least one upper and lower linkage (211, 215) hinged to the support (205), which are pivotable around horizontal axles (207, 217), an impact element (213) hinged to the linkages (211, 215), which forms at least one four-bar linkage (219) with the linkages (211, 215) and the support (205), and an energy storage, the energy storage driving the four-bar linkage (219) in the event of a crash, so that the impact element (213) is driven out forwardly from an initial position into a crash position that is locked rearward by a crash lock, a drive (271) is provided by way of which, in normal use, the headrest (201) can be brought from its initial position to at least one other comfort position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Daniel Hippel, Harald Klein, Jürgen Schilling, Andreas Diehl
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Patent number: 7185950Abstract: A head restraint assembly may include a head restraint, a cam, and an arm. The head restraint may be rotatably supported by a seat back and configured to be automatically rotated as the seat back is rotated. The cam may be rotatably coupled to the seat back and include an engagement surface. The arm may include a first portion non-rotatably coupled to the head restraint and a second portion engaged with the cam engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventors: Erik O. Pettersson, Bernardus W. G. van de Geer
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Patent number: 7152927Abstract: A recliner that is independently adjustable relative to the recliner. The headrest in the non-operative position is in planar alignment with the back of the recliner and can be incrementally moved toward the anterior end of the recliner, so that when a user moves the recliner toward a horizontal position the headrest can be used to support the head in a forward position, such as would be desirable watching television. The headrest includes a pivotal headrest having at least one pawl engaging a toothed member so that the headrest can be incrementally moved according to the spacing of the toothed member. When it is desirous to return the headrest to its starting position the headrest is moved forward until the pawl disengages and is locked in a non-engaging position so that the headrest can be returned to its starting position whereupon the pawl will engage a tab moving the pawl into engagement with the toothed member.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Lee O Halstrom
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Patent number: 7134716Abstract: An automotive seat assembly 10 is provided, including a primary seat structure 12 having a seatbase portion 14 and a seatback portion 16. The present invention further includes a headrest support assembly 26 including an upper headrest support section 28 and a lower headrest support section 30 rotatable about a headrest pivot point 34 positioned between the upper headrest support section 28 and the lower headrest support section 30. An energy absorbing deformable plate 40 is mounted to the lower headrest support section 30 at an upper plate end 42 and is mounted to the primary seat structure 12 at a lower plate end 44. The energy absorbing deformable plate 40 is deformable rearwards 43 during a rear-end collision. As the energy absorbing deformable plate 40 deforms rearward, the upper plate end 42 moves the lower headrest support section 30 rearward and the upper headrest support section 28 is thereby rotated forward.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
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Patent number: 7131698Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle, including a frame for being attached to a floor of the vehicle, a fixed backshell attached to the frame, and a seat back attached to the backshell. A seat bottom is attached to the backshell, and a headrest assembly attached to the backshell at a position above the seat back. The headrest assembly includes left and right spaced-apart side wings, each of the side wings comprising a rigid support and a wedge-shaped cushion attached to the rigid support by a pivot. The left and right cushions are each translatable in a direction parallel to the rigid support to selectively increase or decrease the effective width of the headrest assembly by increasing or decreasing the distance between the left and right side wings. The left and right cushions are each mounted for rotation about the pivot for selectively changing the angle of a forward face of the cushion relative to the rigid support to thereby permit selection by a seat occupant of a desired cushion position.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, Christopher Augustine Luomanen, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 7093313Abstract: A linkage mechanism for an adjustable arm assembly. The linkage assembly may be used to support an object, such as a headrest for use in connection with an examination table. The linkage mechanism provides structure to interlock or disengage two adjoining arm sections. The linkage mechanism controls relative movement of two adjoining arm sections without affecting the movement of non-adjoined sections or the headrest. The linkage mechanism further provides friction retention means so that the adjoining arms will retain their relative position to one another even if they are not in an interlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLCInventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant
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Patent number: 7080886Abstract: A headrest (1) for a seat (3), preferably a passenger seat, particularly an air passenger seat, includes at least one tilt adjusting device (27) and one height adjustment device (12) for adjusting the tilt or the height of the headrest (1) relative to the backrest (2) of the seat (3) on which the headrest (1) can be placed. A swiveling axis (28) for tilt adjustment of the headrest (1) is on guiding part (14), while pointing away from the headrest. The guiding part displaceably interacts with a longitudinal guide (13) and, together with this longitudinal guide, is part of the height adjusting device (12). The backrest structure can have a highly simplified design due to the longitudinal guide (13) being an integral part of the headrest (1) and the swiveling axis (28) of the guiding part (14) being fixed relative to the backrest (2), and since the frame of the backrest does not require any reinforcing structures or guide rails for accommodating a headrest.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jürgen Bauer
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Patent number: 7070237Abstract: A universal headrest mounting collar which is engaged with the rods of a headrest on a vehicle seat back and supports a video monitor thereon for viewing by a passenger in a rear seat. The bracket can be secured at a fixed vertical position on the headrest rods and collar assemblies surrounding the rods are horizontally slidable in grooves formed in the base of the bracket assembly to accommodate different spacing between headrest rods by different vehicle manufacturers. The monitor mounting element is universally adjustable to modify the viewing angle of the monitor screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Epsilon Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Sohail Rochel
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Patent number: 7070240Abstract: A headrest arrangement for a vehicle seat consisting of a back and a bottom seating part. Said arrangement comprises a headrest part that is connected to the back of the seat, with the connection configured in such a way that the headrest part can be moved between an in-use position arranged above the back of the seat and corresponding to its headrest function and a non-use position wherein the headrest part can be releasably locked in both positions. The headrest part in non-use position and relative to the in-use position is lowered in the direction of the seating part and is arranged horizontally in the area of the front part of the back of the seat. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat fitted with said headrest arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Daniel Schmitt, Daniel Metz, Oliver Seel
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Patent number: 7055904Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle includes a seat back; and a seat bottom, which may be mounted to a fixed backshell. The seat bottom is selectively configurable such that at least a portion of one side thereof is higher than at least a portion of the opposite side thereof, relative to a floor of said vehicle, so as to support a passenger who is seated on said seat bottom in a rotated position wherein one of said passenger's hips is higher than the other hip relative to said floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Trevor B. Skelly, Mark Brian Dowty, James Randy Penley, Kurt R. Heidmann, James R. Yurchenco
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Patent number: 7055909Abstract: A chair pillow includes a secured member fixed on a top of a back of a chair, an intermediate member, and a pillow body; the intermediate member is pivoted to the secured member at a first end thereof such that it is normally held in position by the secured member, and can be forced to change orientation relative to the secured member; the pillow body is pivoted to a second end of the intermediate member at a rearwards projecting portion thereof such that it is normally held in position by the intermediate member, and can be forced to change orientation relative to the intermediate member; therefore, the pillow body can be adjusted in position as well as in the orientation relative to the back.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Comfordy Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Ling Wu
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Patent number: 7052089Abstract: A multi-position headrest for a chair and a mechanism for the headrest. The headrest can move between a forwardly tilted position and a non-tilted position. The headrest is supported by a multi-position bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes two bracket members, one of which has an arcuate slot and the other of which has a mounting member adapted to move along the arcuate slot. A catch member is mounted for rotation on the mounting member. The catch member has angled edges at each end. As the mounting member moves along the slot, the catch member is rotated by contact with a shoulder and an alignment stop between orientations in which it engages the shoulder, establishing the forwardly tilted position, and orientations in which it does not engage the shoulder, allowing relative pivotal movement of the bracket assembly to return to the non-tilted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Lane Furniture Industries, Inc.Inventor: Teddy J. May
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Patent number: 7048334Abstract: A vehicle headrest apparatus has a headrest unit mounted to an upper end of a seatback. The headrest unit has a headrest members with a head restraining member configured to be tensioned to restrain a passenger's head upon a rear-end collision. The headrest unit quickly and reliably restrains a seated passenger's head during a rear-end collision without utilizing the inertia force of the passenger's body by detecting the rear-end collision and pushing the headrest unit only outward in the forward direction of the vehicle. The headrest unit also has a swing/pushup device that to pushes the headrest members upwardly and forwardly. An auxiliary swing force adding device applies an auxiliary spring force in the deployment direction of the headrest members to increase the deployment speed of the headrest members and shorten the amount of time required to achieve initial contact between the passenger's head H and the head restraining member.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chinmoy Pal, Izumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7048336Abstract: A neck rest includes first and second supports having first and second positions where the supports are at approximately the same level and the second support is elevated relative to the first support, respectively. A first spring is supported by the first support and rotatably connected to the second support to bias the second support into the second position. A movable locking element biased by a second spring on the first support automatically blocks the second support in the second position. A locking element is movably supported by the first support and cooperates with a projection of the second support to lock the second support in the first position. A releasing element is movably supported by the first support and releases the locking element when actuated. A supporting member is located between the supports in the second position for transferring shock forces from the second support to the first support.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gerald Mawbey, Gerd Fischer, Roland Och
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Patent number: 7044555Abstract: An assembly for use in an automobile is provided including an automotive seat element including a seatback element having a seatback forward face, a seatback top face, and a seatback rearward face. The seatback rotates between a use position and a folded position and includes a mounting structure. The lower pivot end, of a pivot structure, is rotatably mounted to the mounting structure having a pivot structure storage position and a pivot structure use position. The pivot structure extends vertically upward in the pivot structure use position. The upper pivot end rotates forward to a pivot structure storage position. A headrest inner structure rotates at the upper pivot end, extends on a downward angle, is covered by a headrest outer structure having a head engagement surface. The headrest inner structure rotates away from the seatback so the headrest slides down the seatback face into the pivot structure storage position.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Mohammad Saberan
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Patent number: 7044554Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat back is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement of the seat back about a first pivot axis relative to the seat cushion. A head restraint support assembly is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement with the seat back about the first pivot axis and independent pivotal movement relative to the seat back about a second pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Roland Furtado, Mari C. Milosic, Steven James Reed
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Patent number: 7040705Abstract: An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with furniture including household and office furniture and also in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes locking means for securely locking the headrest in a desired elevated position. 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 constant torque hinges and also includes easily adjustable chin support members that are pivotally connected to the side support members by means of constant torque hinges.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Robert Clough
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Patent number: 7008019Abstract: A headrest for use with a seat back, preferably for a rear seat of an automobile, having a mount operatively attached to the seat back and a headrest pivotably mounted so that it may pivot or swivel forward about a swivel axis. In a use position, a spring places pressure or a load on the headrest, and may be engaged or locked against folding forward because of the spring. When the headrest is lowered below a minimum heigth, the headrest is automatically unlocked or disengaged, and the headrest moves forward generally perpendicular with the seatback under the force of the spring. The mount is adjustable in height, and the headrest is automatically released from the engaged or locked position when the headrest is lowered below a minimum height.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ingo Lampke, Martin Graeper, Uwe Lindenberg
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Patent number: 6983996Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) as a head-rest (5) which is mounted for movement about a horizontal axis defined by a bar (7) depending arms (12) extend downwardly into the back of the seat and carry a pressure plate (13) at a position behind the torso of the occupant of the seat so that pressure applied to the pressure plate (13) will cause the head-rest (5) to move forwardly. The pressure plate (13) is pivotally connected (14, 15, 16, 17) to the arms (12) to enable the arrangement to pivot to the maximum extent in a situation where the rear part of the seat is rigid, for example if the seat is a rear seat in a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventor: Anders Svantesson
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Patent number: 6974188Abstract: A chair comprises a frame, a chair back, and a chair back return device. The chair back is mounted to the frame for pivotable movement away from a home position. The chair back return device is arranged to return the chair back to the home position.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Paul T. Zink, Jason Andrews
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Patent number: 6962392Abstract: An articulated headrest. In one embodiment, an apparatus include a base portion and a headrest portion, and the headrest portion is coupled to the base portion by an articulation mechanism which moves the headrest substantially along an arc defined with respect to a pivot point outside the headrest portion and the base portion. In some embodiments, the pivot point may approximate the cervicothoracic junction of a user. In some embodiments, the headrest portion may be used to maintain the a user's head in a substantially neutral position. In some embodiments, the headrest portion may be deployed in the event of a crash condition and/or may articulate in response to reclining a seat back. In one embodiment, a portable or pillow version may articulate a headrest portion with respect to a base portion to provide head support.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventor: Richard W. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6957858Abstract: An active head restraint arrangement comprising a head restraint cushion, at least one head restraint post and head restraint post guide connecting said head restraint cushion to the interior of said passenger seats; and a flip-up assembly associated with said head restraint post beneath said head restraint cushion. Upon activation by rear impact, the flip-up assembly flips upward and forward to protect an occupant's head and neck from injury. Since this active head restraint arrangement utilizes a flip-up motion, the head restraint has a lower initial height that is dynamically increased upon activation. This feature allows the head restraint to be smaller allowing an occupant to have a better view around the head restraint.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nagarjun Yetukuri, Mladen Humer, Kaur Grewal
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Patent number: 6942292Abstract: A tilt-adjustable head restraint assembly includes a hollowed head restraint body pivotally connected to a U-shaped mounting post. A ratcheting mechanism is disposed within the head restraint body and includes a ratchet interacting with a rack of ratchet teeth. The ratchet has an inertia gear engaged therewith to slow the forward movement of the pivoting head restraint when the ratchet is engaged to allow forward movement of the head restraint, and further has a plunger mechanism which allows for the pivoting of the head restraint in a hands free manner by the application of a static force or pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Kar Keong Low, Nagarjun V. Yetukuri, Kenneth J. McQueen, Mark S. Sebby, Kevin L. Gasparotto
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Patent number: 6935696Abstract: An articulating head restraint includes an armature with a cam. The cam has a lock acumination and a stop acumination. The armature fits within a structure composed of a bracket and a slave bracket. A slide, which is attached to a cable, rides within a slot on the bracket. When the slide is in the locked position, the lock acumination of the cam presses against the slide, restraining movement of the slide. When sufficient force is applied to the cable, the slide moves within the slot to an unlocked position. A torsion spring wrapped around the armature causes the armature to rotate to a stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Gill Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy J. Gauthier, Robert R. Sutter, Jr., Craig A. Ulman
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Patent number: 6926367Abstract: A car seat is provided with a detector for detecting whether a seat belt is buckled or unbuckled and a deformation mechanism for partial deformation of the car seat. The partial deformation is held when an ignition switch of a car engine is switched on and the detector detects the seat belt is unbuckled. The partial deformation is canceled when the detector detects the seat belt is buckled. The deformation mechanism displaces at least one element out of a headrest, a seatback and a seat cushion of the car seat so as to partially deform the car seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Tomimatsu
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Patent number: 6910740Abstract: An articulated headrestraint system for a vehicle seat permits the user to adjust the headrest vertically, and to adjust the headrest either forwardly by using a pushbuttom mechanism, or rearwardly with respect to the top of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: CamacoInventors: Christopher Baker, Ajay Bhandari
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Patent number: 6899395Abstract: The present invention relates to a head restraint assembly providing four-way adjustment and having dual positive stops as well as a single ergonomic control. The present invention includes a frame and a housing that engages a portion of the frame. The present invention further includes a cam assembly disposed within the housing to provide fore/aft adjustment of the housing relative to the frame. The cam assembly includes a camshaft and at least two drum assemblies supported by the camshaft. The cam assembly further includes a contact plate extending parallel to the camshaft to releasably engage the drum assemblies. The camshaft is connected to the contact plate to provide releasable engagement between the contact plate and the drum assemblies. The present invention further includes a control member to engage the cam assembly and provide for fore/aft and vertical adjustment in response to user input.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nagarjun Yetukuri, Mark Farquhar, Dale Smallwood, Paul Wier, Kenneth McQueen, Michael Phan
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Patent number: 6893096Abstract: Mechanism for supporting and permitting selected adjustment of the position of a headrest relative to the back of a chair includes an elongate housing, support brackets pivotally connected adjacent opposite ends of the body, and a plurality of interleaved elongate plate members extending longitudinally of the body and movable relative thereto, with opposite ends of the interleaved plate members pivotally connected to the brackets. Clamping mechanism is provided for releasably clamping interleaved portions of the plate members to hold them, and their associated brackets, in selected positions. A slide mechanism mounts a headrest permitting translational movement of the headrest relative to the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: A-dec, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Bonn, Christopher C. Stone, William R. Stewart
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Patent number: 6890028Abstract: A vehicle headrest apparatus includes a headrest member including a head restraint section to restrain the head of a seat occupant; and a forward move mechanism to move the head restraint section forward in case of a rear end collision of a vehicle. There is further provided an inclining mechanism to incline the head restraint section forward during a forward movement of the head restraint section, by increasing an amount of a forward movement of an upper part of the head restraint section greater than an amount of a forward movement of a lower part of the head restraint section.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chinmoy Pal, Izumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6883870Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a cushion made from synthetic foam which houses an integrated support that can be used to fix two parallel anchor rods to the seat. According to the invention, the anchor rods are fitted with threaded shafts that extend at a right angle from the upper end of said rods. The threaded shafts are each screwed into one end of a housing body in the form of a cylindrical sleeve having a suitable internal threading. Tightening locknuts are used to lock the anchor rods in position on the cylindrical sleeve. Said cylindrical sleeve is fixed to a locking lug, which is disposed on the integrated support, by means of a stirrup piece which is associated with a screw-nut type tightening system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Security Vision ConceptInventor: Gilbert Jost