Active material actuated headrest utilizing bar linkage deployment system

US8109567B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Michael G. Carpenter · Romeo, US
• Leigh A. Berger · Brighton, US
• Dale Drew · Grosse Pointe Farms, US
• Michael E. Kilpinen · Rochester Hills, US
• Clayton J. Hayes · Romeo, US
• James A. Smith · Chatham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 7, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/888
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An active headrest for selectively supporting the head of an occupant, includes a shell, and an actuator disposed within the shell, including a bar linkage system drivenly coupled to the shell, so as to adjust the distance or engagement between the shell and head when displaced, and an active material element drivenly coupled to the system, so as to cause or enable the displacement of the system, and preferably further including a ratchet sector/pawl and latch cooperating to present plural achievable deployment positions.