| Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method -> Monitor Keywords |
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Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and methodHead restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070200413, Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the height of a vehicle head restraint wherein the height adjustment apparatus is designed to trim out the underside of the head restraint, providing an aesthetically pleasing finish. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Automotive seat head restraints typically contain at least one notched post wherein one end of the post is permanently attached to a substructure contained within the head restraint body. The exposed surface of the notched post is sleeved within a pocket contained within the automobile seat body, the pocket opening typically being situated on the top surface of the automotive seat body. The occupant of the vehicle adjusts the head restraint position by actuating a button located on the seat body immediately adjacent to the latch post pocket. This action unlatches the notched post from the seat body, and as long as the button is depressed, the head restraint can be vertically adjusted. Once the head restraint reaches the desired height, the button is released, and the post is then latched at the nearest notch on the post. The weight of the head rest and latch post is supported by the latch assembly at a point just above the surface of the seat body. The underside of the head restraint is never in direct functional contact with the height adjustment apparatus. [0003] Due to the presence of protruding head restraint latch posts, the underside of a vehicle head restraint body is in a relatively unfinished state compared to the more visible external surfaces of the automotive seat assembly. Specifically, head restraint latch posts necessitate the use of an equivalent number of openings in the fabric trim of the head restraint. Also, the underside of the head restraint may contain a seam where the edges of the upholstery wrapping converge. Various methods are used to finish, trim, or close out, these openings, in the attempt to provide an aesthetically pleasing, closely mated fit between latch post and fabric opening. Standard finishing methods include sewing, surging, and the application of unsightly j-clips and j-arrows to pull the opposing fabric trim edges together. Additionally, j-clips and j-arrows have the disadvantage of having to be sewn to the fabric, adding extra labor and/or time to the manufacturing process. [0004] The repeated movement of the latch posts can cause fraying of the fabric of the head restraint body or bagging of the underlying trim material. Another problem associated with the prior art is the protrusion of head restraint fill material through the latch post openings. Fraying, bagging, and protrusion of fill material combine to produce a potentially unsightly head restraint finish, as the underside of the head restraint is clearly visible when the latch post is extended more than a few notches above the fully retracted position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for adjusting the height of an automotive seat head restraint and using the height adjustment apparatus to trim the underside of the restraint in an aesthetically pleasing manner. [0006] A height adjuster for a head restraint in accordance with the invention includes an external surface for easy accessibility and is movable with respect to at least one latch post extending from a seat assembly. A latch assembly may be in or on the head restraint, at least one portion of the latch assembly being actuatable in one manner with respect to the latch post for latching the head restraint and actuatable in another manner with respect to the latch post so that the height of the head restraint can be adjusted. [0007] The latch assembly is actuatable by applying pressure at an easily accessible portion on an external surface of the head restraint, such as a button or pressure point on a back or side of the head restraint. [0008] An apparatus for adjusting the height of a vehicle head restraint includes a latch assembly containing a button and a latch. The latch assembly is operative to move laterally in one direction with respect to a latch rod, thereby unlatching the latch assembly from the rod upon depression or actuation of the button, which in turn allows the head restraint to move longitudinally along the axis of the latch rod or series of rods. The latch assembly is operative to re-latch to the latch post upon release of the button, thereby setting the height of the head restraint at the desired level. [0009] Preferably, the latch assembly is biased by a spring, which provides the requisite lateral counterforce to the button, thereby returning the button to its starting position upon release. [0010] The button is configured to face an external surface of the head restraint, providing a finished aesthetic appearance. Preferably, the button is framed by a bezel to further improve on the desired aesthetic trim. [0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for closing out the underside of a vehicle head restraint using a head restraint height adjustment apparatus. The method includes: A) providing a bottom cover sufficiently coextensive with the closeout opening on the underside of the head restraint; B) sandwiching a latch assembly between the bottom cover and the underside of the head restraint; and C) connecting the bottom cover to the underside of the head restraint to aesthetically trim out the closeout opening. [0012] The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. I is a fragmentary, perspective, rear schematic illustration from the bottom of a vehicle head restraint head adjustment apparatus in accordance with the invention, wherein the head restraint adjustment apparatus is exploded with respect to the head restraint, and showing the latch assembly in a schematically latched position; and [0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic illustration from another angle showing a side of the vehicle head restraint apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein the apparatus is shown in both an exploded pre-attached condition and, in phantom, as it would be oriented in a fully attached and concealed condition. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of a height adjuster and trim closeout 10 for a head restraint 19. The height adjuster and trim closeout 10 controls the movement of the head restraint 19 along the longitudinal axis of a latch post 16 which is affixed within and extends upwardly from an automotive seat assembly 11, depicted in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of materials that may be employed to form the externally visible portions of height adjuster and trim closeout 10, including various metals and plastics, which may be burnished, stippled or otherwise finished in an aesthetically pleasing manner. [0016] The position of the head restraint 19 is adjusted by actuating a button portion 13 of a latch assembly 12 having a latch portion 14 operatively connected to the push button 13. The latch portion 14 of latch assembly 12 is moveable laterally or actuatable in a manner or direction relative to the latch post 16, as indicated by the block arrow in FIG. 1. This action selectively separates the latch portion 14 of assembly 12 from one of the notches 24 of latch post 16, allowing the head restraint 19 to move upwardly or downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the latch post 16 to different positions. [0017] A spring portion 17 of the latch assembly 12 provides a biasing counterforce to the latch portion 14 of assembly 12, allowing the latch portion 14 of latch assembly 12 to return in another manner or direction to its initial position in one of the notches 24 upon release of the button 13. The spring 17 is compressed between the unitary button 13/latch portion 14 and a spring stop 18, so that when the button 13 is released, the spring 17 pushes the button 13 outboard, allowing the latch portion 14 of latch assembly 12 to re-latch in one of the notches 24 in the latch post 16. [0018] The spring stop 18 is molded, stamped or otherwise formed into or on the upper surface of the bottom cover 15. The latch assembly 12 including spring 17 is sandwiched or entrapped between the bottom cover 15 and a top cover 22. The bottom cover 15 and top cover 22 are designed with mating surfaces or edges 26, 28 to allow them to snap together without separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby enclosing or entrapping the latch assembly 12 with its spring portion 17. The bottom closeout cover 15 of the height adjuster and trim closeout 10 is sufficiently coextensive with the bottom closeout opening 20 and /or latch post opening 39 on the underside of the head restraint 19 to aesthetically trim the bottom closeout opening 20 and latch post opening 39 when cover 15 is connected to the underside of the head restraint 19. The preferred method of connection is the "Christmas tree" style prongs 23 into mating holes 27 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, although rivets, snaps, and similar fasteners would also suffice. [0019] To further improve the aesthetic trim, the button portion 13 of the latch assembly 12 may be framed by a bezel 21. The button 13 and bezel 21 are preferably aligned in a 90 degree angle facing outward, so as to allow their inner surfaces to conform to the external surface of the head restraint 19, as depicted in FIG. 1 at 35. However, the button 13 and bezel 21 portion of the bottom cover 15 may be formed so as to align with varying angles of the external surface of the head restraint 19 other than 90 degrees. While the best mode discloses a design suitable for positioning the button 13 and bezel 21 on a lateral surface 33 of the head restraint 19 for ease in accessibility, it is possible, by modifying latch assembly 12, to situate the button on the front or rear surfaces of head restraint 19. As depicted in phantom at 37 in FIG. 2, it may also be desirable to conceal or hide the button 13 and/or bezel 21 beneath the fabric/upholstery material covering 32 of the head restraint 19 to further improve aesthetic appeal, and/or to mark the location of a concealed button 13 exposed on the external surface of the head restraint in a suitable manner consistent with vehicle aesthetics to indicate a press-point for actuating the latch button portion 13. Continue reading about Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method... Full patent description for Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Adjustable vehicle seat Next Patent Application: Vehicle seats and components thereof Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Head restraint adjustment and trim closeout apparatus and method patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.7641 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf 174 |
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