Robert S Sutter

US Patent:

20050029853, Feb 10, 2005

Filed:

Aug 4, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/633770

Inventors:

Jeremy Gauthier - Kalamazoo MI, US
Robert Sutter - Belmont MI, US
Craig Ulman - Rockford MI, US

International Classification:

A47C001/10

US Classification:

297408000

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

20060061187, Mar 23, 2006

Filed:

Jul 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/177620

Inventors:

Jeremy Gauthier - Kalamazoo MI, US
Robert Sutter - Belmont MI, US
Craig Ulman - Rockfrod MI, US

International Classification:

A47C 1/10

US Classification:

297408000

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. An articulating head restraint could also include 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.