Expandable, redeployable automotive headrest
US6568754B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2161
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An active, resettable head restraint system includes a collision prediction system for detecting objects approaching the vehicle from the rear, a pressure tank containing a quantity of pressurized air, a motor-driven compressor for maintaining a desired pressure in the tank, and an expandable headrest. The headrest comprises a base mounted to the seat back in conventionally known fashion, a pad connected to the base for movement between a rearward pre-deployment position and a forward deployed position, and at least one inflatable bladder located between the base and the pad. The bladder is connected with the pressure tank for inflation when activated by the collision prediction system. When in the deflated condition, the bladder is substantially contained within the base, and the headrest has a relatively narrow pre-deployment configuration. When the bladder is inflated it expands to urge the pad forward, and simultaneously expands laterally outward beyond the pre-deployment perimeter of the base to enlarge the overall width of the headrest. The headrest is relatively narrow when in the pre-deployment condition in order to minimize obstruction of the driver's rearward vision and r…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.