CN108001317B

CN108001317B - Power head portion restraint system with flexible closure member

Info

Publication number: CN108001317B
Application number: CN201710984739.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·安德鲁·莱恩; 克里斯蒂安·J·赫斯巴赫; 卡罗尔·凯西; 马克·席尔瓦·康德拉德; 史蒂文·苏桑卡; 基思·艾伦·戈丁; 大卫·安德烈
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2016-10-27
Filing date: 2017-10-20
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-20
Also published as: CN108001317A; DE102017124906A1

Abstract

A vehicle seat includes a headrest assembly having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting forward and rearward positions of a headrest bag. The cover member is disposed below the headrest assembly and includes a plate member engaged with the adjustment mechanism, the plate member being operable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The plate member moves toward the deployed position as the headrest envelope adjustment mechanism is driven outward. The first and second extendable members include a first end connected to the plate member and a second end connected to the lateral member of the frame assembly. The extendable element includes an outwardly extending body portion that twists to retract the plate member as the headrest is driven inward by the adjustment mechanism.

Description

Power head portion restraint system with flexible closure member

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a headrest assembly for a vehicle seat, and more particularly to an adjustable headrest assembly having a flexible cover element configured to conceal components of the headrest assembly when the headrest assembly is adjusted.

Background

In the automotive vehicle industry, many headrest designs are available that provide for adjustment of the headrest to accommodate various vehicle occupants in multiple positions. In order to meet the needs of various vehicle occupants, it is desirable that a headrest assembly be provided with sufficient adjustment, and such a headrest should also maintain aesthetics by providing a flexible cover element to conceal moving parts of the headrest assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the invention includes a vehicle seat having a seat back with an upper portion. An adjustable headrest assembly is supported on the upper portion of the seat back and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position. A flexible cover member is disposed over the seat back and includes a plate member connected to the frame member by first and second extendable members. A portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the plate member to move the plate member toward the deployed position as the headrest bag is driven outwardly toward the deployed position. The first and second extendable elements are operable between a rest position and an extended position and move to the extended position as the panel member moves to the deployed position.

Another aspect of the invention includes a vehicle seat having a seat back with an upper portion. An adjustable headrest assembly is supported on the upper portion of the seat back and includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position. A flexible cover member is disposed over the seat back and includes a plate member connected to the frame member by first and second extendable members. A portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the plate member to move the plate member toward the deployed position as the headrest bag is driven outwardly toward the deployed position. The first and second extendable elements are operable between a rest position and an extended position and move to the extended position as the panel member moves to the deployed position.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seat having a headrest assembly with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a headrest bag. The cover member is disposed below the head restraint assembly and includes a plate member engaged with the adjustment mechanism and operable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The plate member moves toward the deployed position as the headrest is driven outward by the adjustment mechanism. The first and second extendable members include a first end connected to the plate member and a second end connected to the lateral member of the frame member. The extendable element includes an outwardly extending body portion that twists to retract the plate member as the headrest bag is driven inward by the adjustment mechanism.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat including:

a seat back having an upper portion;

an adjustable headrest assembly supported on an upper portion of the seat back, the adjustable headrest assembly having a headrest bag and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a flexible cover member disposed over the seat back and having a panel member connected to the frame assembly by first and second extendable members, wherein a portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the panel member to move the panel member toward the deployed position as the headrest package is driven toward the extended position, and further wherein the first and second extendable members are operable between the rest and extended positions and move to the extended position as the panel member is moved to the deployed position.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle seat includes:

a trim component disposed at an upper portion of the seat back, the trim component having an escape portion, wherein the flexible cover member is connected to the trim component at the escape portion of the trim component.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly of the flexible cover element comprises a lower part interconnecting the first and second upwardly extending lateral elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the frame assembly comprises one or more mounting slots arranged through the first and second upwardly extending lateral elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the frame assembly comprises one or more mounting slots provided on a lower portion of the frame assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the trim component includes one or more clips extending outwardly therefrom, and further wherein the one or more clips are received in one or more slots in one of the first and second upwardly extending lateral elements and the lower portion of the frame assembly to releasably connect the flexible cover element to the trim component.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second extendable elements are flexibly resilient and biased toward the rest position, and further wherein the first and second extendable elements urge the plate member toward the retracted position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the plate element is substantially flush with the outer surface of the trim part when the plate element is in the retracted position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a cover member comprising:

a frame assembly having a transverse element interconnecting spaced apart lateral elements;

a plate member connected to the frame assembly and operable between a deployed position and a retracted position; and

first and second extendable members having first ends connected to the plate member and second ends connected to the lateral members of the frame assembly, wherein the extendable members further comprise an outwardly extending body portion that twists to retract the plate member.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second extendable elements are operable between a rest position and an extended position.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second extendable elements comprise first and second ends disposed on opposite sides of the outwardly extending body portion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first ends of the first and second extendable members is connected to the plate member.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second ends of the first and second extendable elements are coupled to the frame assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plate element is connected to the transverse element of the frame assembly at a flexible joint.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover element comprises:

a reinforcing member disposed on an inner surface of the plate member.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat including:

a headrest assembly having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the headrest bag;

a cover member disposed below the headrest assembly and having a plate member engaged with the adjustment mechanism and operable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the plate member moves toward the deployed position as the headrest is driven outward by the adjustment mechanism; and

first and second extendable members having first ends connected to the plate member and second ends connected to the lateral members of the frame assembly, wherein the extendable members further comprise an outwardly extending body portion that folds to retract the plate member as the headrest bag is driven inwardly by the adjustment mechanism.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the plate member comprises an inner surface abutting a portion of the adjustment mechanism.

a reinforcing member disposed on an inner surface of the plate member.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second ends of the first and second extendable elements are disposed substantially in a common plane with each other when the plate member is in the retracted position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second ends of the first and second extendable elements are disposed substantially in a common plane with the plate member when the plate member is in the retracted position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat including:

a seat back having an upper portion;

an adjustable headrest assembly supported on an upper portion of the seat back, the adjustable headrest assembly having a headrest bag and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein a spacing defined between the headrest bag and the seat back expands as the headrest bag is adjusted to the extended position; and

a flexible cover member disposed over the seat back and having a panel member connected to the frame assembly by first and second extendable members, wherein a portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the panel member to move the panel member toward the deployed position within the gap as the headrest package is driven toward the extended position, and further wherein the first and second extendable members are operable between the rest and extended positions and move to the extended position as the panel member moves to the deployed position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat including:

a headrest assembly connected to the seat back, the headrest assembly having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position;

a flexible cover member disposed over the seat back, the flexible cover member having a plate member connected to the frame assembly by first and second extendable members, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to move the plate member toward the deployed position within a space defined between the head restraint and the seat back.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the flexible cover element is arranged behind the vehicle of the headrest bag.

According to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the flexible cover element is not in contact with the headrest bag in both the extended position and the retracted position of the headrest bag.

a trim component disposed on an upper portion of the seat back, the trim component having an escape portion, wherein the flexible cover member is connected to the trim component at the escape portion of the trim component.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat having a headrest assembly disposed within the interior of a vehicle;

fig. 2A is a side view of a headrest assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with a headrest bag of the headrest assembly in a retracted position;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the headrest of FIG. 2A with the headrest bag in a forward position relative to FIG. 2A, exposing the adjustable hood assembly;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the headrest of FIG. 2B, showing the headrest bag in a fully forward position;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly, showing an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 3A, with the headrest bag in a forward position relative to FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 3B, with the headrest bag in a forward position relative to FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly with the rear trim cover and headrest bag removed to expose the linkage system in a retracted position;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 4A, with the linkage system in a fully extended position;

FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a rear perspective view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A is a side view of the headrest of FIG. 2A with the shield removed to expose the adjustable shield assembly;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the headrest of FIG. 5A with the adjustable hood assembly in a partially extended position;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 5B with the adjustable shield assembly in a fully extended position;

FIG. 5D is a side view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 5A, with the rear portion of the adjustable hood assembly shown in a plurality of positions superimposed on the others;

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 2A, showing the engagement flange spaced from the interior edge of the housing;

FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 2B, showing the engagement flanges abutting the inner edge of the housing;

FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 2C, showing the engagement flanges pivoted relative to the inner edge of the housing;

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seat of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the shroud;

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a rear perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 7B when connected to a frame member of a vehicle seat;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of the hood panel of FIG. 7A connected to the vehicle seat of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of the patch of FIG. 8A shown in phantom, exposing various connecting components of the vehicle seat;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the headrest assembly with the hood plate of FIG. 7A disposed thereon in a retracted position;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 9A shown in an extended position, with the cover plate also in the extended position;

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly with the headrest bag in a fully extended position;

FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 10A with the headrest bag removed;

fig. 11A is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly of fig. 10B. Wherein the rear housing is removed;

FIG. 11B is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly of FIG. 11A with the adjustable hood assembly removed to expose the linkage system;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the headrest assembly shown in a retracted position with components of the adjustable hood assembly exploded from the linkage system;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of the components of another embodiment of the adjustable shield assembly exploded from one another;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the components of the shroud assembly of FIG. 13A in an assembled state, showing the spacer of the first element of the shroud assembly spaced from the leading engagement edge of the second element of the shroud assembly;

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly component of FIG. 13B, showing the engagement edge of the second element disposed in contact with the spacer of the first element;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of the cage member;

FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the cage element of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of the cover element of FIG. 14A connected to a trim component of a vehicle seat;

FIG. 15B is a rear perspective view of the cover member and trim component of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cover member and trim component of FIG. 15B;

FIG. 17A is a side view of the headrest assembly with the cover member of FIG. 14A disposed thereon in a retracted position; and

fig. 17B is a side view of the headrest assembly of fig. 17A shown in an extended position, with the hood element also shown in the extended position.

Detailed Description

For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 10 is shown disposed within a vehicle interior 14 of a vehicle 12. The vehicle seat 10 includes a seating portion 16 connected to a seat back 18. The seat back 18 includes an upper portion 18a having a head restraint assembly 20 mounted thereon. The headrest assembly 20 includes a housing 24, the housing 24 being a rear housing disposed adjacent an adjustable headrest bag (headrest bun) 22. The head restraint 22 may be envisioned as a cushioning element configured to support the head of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10. The vehicle seat 10 of fig. 1 is shown as a driver-side vehicle seat, however, it is contemplated that the head restraint assembly 20 of the present invention may be disposed on any vehicle seat within a vehicle, including passenger seats, rear seats, fold-up seats, and third-row passenger seat options. Likewise, the headrest assembly 20 shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the spirit of the present invention to that shown in the front driver-side vehicle seat 10.

As described above, the head restraint assembly 20 is an adjustable head restraint assembly in which the head restraint package 22 can be expected to be adjustable relative to the housing 24 between extended and retracted positions in a forward direction as indicated by arrow F and between raised and lowered positions in a vertical direction as indicated by arrow V. In the position shown in fig. 1, the head restraint assembly 20 can be expected to be in the initial position H, in connection with which the head restraint 22 is in the vertically lowered position L and the horizontally retracted position R, such that the head restraint 22 is disposed directly forward of the housing 24. Movement of the headrest bag 22 can be expected to be powered by one or more powered adjustment mechanisms that are substantially concealed by the housing 24 when the headrest assembly 20 is in the initial position H.

Referring now to fig. 2A, the headrest assembly 20 is shown in an initial position H, with the headrest bag 22 in a retracted position R relative to the housing 24. The head restraint assembly 20 is supported by and mounted to a seat back frame 28, the seat back frame 28 being generally disposed within the seat back 18 (fig. 1) in an assembled state. Headrest bag 22 is shown as a two-piece member having a cushioned front portion 22a and a rear connecting portion 22b for engagement (or abutting support) by a user. Housing 24 is also a two-piece member having a front shroud 24a and a rear shroud 24b, which front and

rear shrouds

24a and 24b are used to enclose and conceal various adjustment mechanisms and systems for adjusting the position of headrest bag 22. As also shown in fig. 2A, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is disposed in a stowed position S and, as described further below, is configured to cover the area between the headrest bag 22 and the housing 24. As further shown in fig. 2B and 2C, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is more exposed when the head restraint 22 is moved forward relative to the housing 24 in the direction indicated by arrow F. Adjustable hood assembly 30 may be envisioned as a plastic injection molded multi-component assembly configured to substantially conceal the various adjustment mechanisms and systems of headrest assembly 20 as headrest bag 22 is adjusted horizontally relative to housing 24.

Referring now to fig. 2B, the head restraint package 22 is shown in a forward position F1, wherein the head restraint package 22 is moved relative to the housing 24 in a direction forward of the vehicle along the path indicated by arrow F. Thus, as shown in fig. 2B, the connecting portion 22B of the headrest bag 22 is shown spaced from the front shield 24a of the housing 24 to define a space S therebetween. Through the spacing S between the connecting portion 22b of the head restraint bag 22 and the front shield 24a of the housing 24, it can be seen that the adjustable hood assembly 30 has two gap concealing elements: a first element 30a and a second element 30b, the first element 30a and the second element 30b together concealing the adjustment components of the head restraint assembly 20 within the space S. It is contemplated that first member 30a may be nested within second member 30b, and vice versa, such that adjustable hood assembly 30 may telescopically expand in a seemingly horizontal manner when head restraint bag 22 is driven away from housing 24 in a forward direction as indicated by arrow F. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is in the neutral position M, wherein the first member 30a is partially received in the second member 30B of the adjustable hood assembly 30. Further, the first element 30a may be expected to be fully retracted when the headrest bag 22 is in the retracted position R (fig. 2A), and partially housed in a nested position within the second element 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30. Thus, first element 30a and second cloud 30b may also be referred to as inner and outer elements/gap-concealers (gap-hiders) in view of the nesting or telescoping relationship of the two components.

The adjustable hood assembly 30b is connected to a linkage system 52 (fig. 3A), the linkage system 52 acting as a bracket for the headrest bag 22 that is also connected to the linkage system 52. The engagement between the first element 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30 and the linkage system 52 is further described below with reference to FIG. 12. The adjustable hood assembly 30 is further connected to the housing 24 by a movable engagement between a second element 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 and the front shroud 24a of the housing 24. The housing 24 is a fixed component that is connected to the seat back frame 28 and supported by the seat back frame 28. Accordingly, as described further below, as headrest bag 22 moves horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow F, adjustable hood assembly 30 follows headrest bag 22 on linkage system 52 and extends in a telescoping manner. In this manner, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is a slave that follows the movement of the linkage system 52 and the headrest package 22, and only extends or retracts upon movement of the linkage system 52. Accordingly, the adjustable hood assembly 30 acts as a two-piece gap concealment for the headrest assembly 20 by concealing the adjustment components that would otherwise be exposed in the space S between the headrest bag 22 and the housing 24 when the headrest bag 22 is extended outwardly toward the extended position E (fig. 2C).

Referring now to fig. 2C, the headrest package 22 of the headrest assembly 20 is shown in an extended position E, which may be expected to be a full extension of the headrest package 22 relative to the housing 24 in the direction indicated by arrow F. In fig. 2C, first element 30a of adjustable hood assembly 30 is more clearly shown in view of the increased spacing S between connecting portion 22b of head restraint wrap 22 and front shield 24a of housing 24. In fig. 2C, first element 30a is in an outwardly extended position relative to second element 30b such that first element 30a is no longer nested with second element 30 b. Thus, in fig. 2C, as the linkage system 52 drives the head restraint package 22 from the retracted position R to the extended position E, the adjustable hood assembly 30 moves from the stowed position S to the deployed position D relative to fig. 2A. As shown in fig. 2C, the head restraint assembly 20 of the present invention provides a large extension of the head restraint packet 22 relative to the housing 24 in the forward direction F, thereby providing enhanced comfort to the vehicle occupants. As also shown in fig. 2C, the adjustment mechanism of the headrest assembly 20 providing such horizontal extension is substantially concealed by the adjustable hood assembly 30 and the housing 24 when the headrest bag 22 is in the forward-most position E. By hiding the adjustment mechanism, the headrest assembly 20 of the present invention provides a more aesthetic appearance relative to adjustable headrest assemblies known in the market. Accordingly, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is operable between the stowed and deployed positions S, D (fig. 2A and 2C, respectively) depending on the linkage system 52 and the extended position of the headrest bag 22. It is contemplated that the headrest package 22 may be moved forward relative to the housing 24 from the retracted position R by approximately 50mm to the extended position E. Other ranges of forward movement are also contemplated.

Referring now to fig. 3A, the headrest assembly 20 is shown in cross-section in an initial position H with the housing 24 removed to expose an adjustment mechanism configured to power movement of the headrest bag 22 between extended and retracted positions E, R (fig. 2C, 2A, respectively). Headrest bag 22 is shown connected to a support plate 40, support plate 40 being adjustably connected to a mounting plate 42 disposed within housing 24 in the configuration of fig. 3A. Headrest bag 22 is vertically adjustable along a path indicated by arrow V by way of a channel and rail arrangement 44 disposed between support plate 40 and mounting plate 42. The channel and track arrangement 44 between the head restraint 22 and the mounting plate 42 can be envisioned as an arrangement utilizing a plurality of channels and a plurality of tracks contained therein. As shown in fig. 3A, a channel 46 is coupled to the mounting plate 42 at the front side 42a of the mounting plate 42 and is configured to slidably receive a rail 48 therein. The rails 48 are connected to the support plate 40. Vertical movement of the head restraint 22 can be expected to be powered by an adjustment mechanism shown in the form of a linear actuator a 2.

As also shown in FIG. 3A, the mounting plate 42 also includes a rear side 42b having outwardly extending brackets 50. The bracket 50 may be envisioned as a double bracket extending rearwardly from the rear side 42b of the mounting plate 42 as best shown in fig. 4C and 4D. Bracket 50 serves as a pivotal attachment location for linkage system 52. Considering the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, only a portion of linkage system 52 is shown, however, it is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate linkage system 52 as shown in FIG. 3A and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D as further described below. Linkage system 52 may be a four-bar linkage system having links of various sizes. One or more of the links may have multiple pivot positions to provide a multi-link system that operates as an enhanced four-bar linkage between forward and rearward positions. Linkage system 52 may be contemplated to translate head restraint 22 between an extended position E, as shown in fig. 2C, and a retracted position R, as shown in fig. 2A and 3A. Linkage system 52 includes a plurality of links that are rigid elements pivotally connected to one another as described further below.

As also shown in fig. 3A, the linkage system 52 includes a front or first link 54, which may be described as an output link having an upper portion 56, the upper portion 56 being pivotally connected to the bracket 50 of the mounting plate 42 at pivot point P1. The first link 54 may be envisioned as one of a pair of front links interconnected by a transverse member 58 to form an integral front link assembly. Also shown in fig. 3A is a second or rear link 60, which may be described as an input link, having an upper portion 62 pivotally connected to the bracket 50 of the mounting plate 42 at pivot point P2. Much like the first link 54, the second link 60 can be envisioned as one of a pair of rear links interconnected by a transverse member 64. The cross member 64 is shown in the form of a plate in FIG. 3A, and the cross member 64 connects the rear links 60 of the linkage system 52 to define an integral rear link assembly. Thus, the mounting plate 42 and bracket 50 act as a connector for the output link (first link 54) and the input link (second link 60) in the linkage system 52. Linkage system 52 is configured to guide movement of headrest bag 22 from retracted position R to a series of forward positions disposed along a path as indicated by arrow F. Movement of the head restraint package 22 between the extended and retracted positions along the path shown by arrow F is powered by an adjustment mechanism in the form of a linear actuator a1 configured to drive the linkage system 52 between the forward and rearward positions. The first and

second links

54, 60 are further pivotally connected to the base plate 70 at pivot points P3, P4, respectively. The pivot point P3 is best shown in fig. 4A and 4B. The base plate 70, which may be described as a ground link, may be expected to extend in a generally horizontal manner between the first and

second link

54, 60 pairs. In fig. 3A, the lower portion 66 of the second link 60 is shown connected to the first side 72 of the base plate 70 at pivot point P4, best shown in fig. 3C. As described above, the first link 54, the second link 60, and the base plate 70 all define links of the linkage system 52 that are rigid elements pivotally connected to one another.

As also shown in fig. 3A, the first actuator a1 is connected to a bracket 80, the bracket 80 also being connected to the bottom wall 74 of the base plate 70. The bracket 80 may be envisioned as a link bracket, the link bracket 80 pivotally connecting a first actuator a1 at pivot point P5, the first actuator a1 being driven by the linkage system 52, but independent of the linkage system 52. The first actuator a1 includes a motor 82, the motor 82 being operatively connected to a shaft or threaded member 84. The threaded element 84 is configured for being driven by the motor 82 in the direction indicated by arrow 86 such that the first actuator a1 is a linear actuator. The connecting lug 88 is disposed at an upper portion of the threaded member 84 and is pivotally connected to the connecting bracket 68 extending outwardly from the cross member 64 of the second link 60 at pivot point P6. With the headrest package 22 in the retracted position R, the first actuator a1 is configured to drive the threaded element 84 downward in the direction indicated by arrow 86 using the motor 82 that is threadably engaged with the threaded element 84, thereby extending the headrest package 22. In this manner, first actuator a1 is configured to drive headrest bag 22 forward as indicated by arrow F by pulling linkage system 52 downward and forward. As shown in fig. 3B-3C, as the threaded member 84 is driven downward in the direction indicated by arrow 86, the connection of the connecting lug 88 with the connecting bracket 68 of the second link 60 pulls the second link 60 downward, thereby driving the four-bar linkage system 52 in a forward and downward direction. The base plate 70 of the linkage system 52 may be considered a fixed base plate pivotally connected to the first and

second links

54, 60 at pivot points P3 and P4. With the upwardly extending connecting bracket 80 providing an independent pivot position P5 for the first actuator a1, the first actuator a1 has an independent pivot position relative to the linkage system 52. In this manner, first actuator a1 may pivot as desired in an independent manner relative to linkage system 52 as linkage system 52 translates forward and rearward as the position of headrest bag 22 is adjusted by the user.

Referring now to fig. 3B, headrest bag 22 is shown in a forward position F1, similar to position F1 shown in fig. 2B. Thus, a space S can now be seen between the headrest bag 22 and the transverse element 58 of the first link 54. In fig. 3B, the threaded element 84 has been driven by the motor 82 of the first actuator a1 in a downward direction indicated by arrow 86 to position X. In this manner, the linkage system 52 has been driven by the first actuator a1 from the initial position H shown in fig. 3A to the forward position X. During movement of the headrest bag 22 to the forward position F1, the threaded element 84 moves from the initial position H (fig. 3A) to the position X shown in fig. 3B. Similarly, linkage system 52 moves from an initial position H shown in FIG. 3A to a translated position X shown in FIG. 3B. It is contemplated that the forward position F1 of the headrest bag 22 as shown in fig. 3B is approximately one-third of the forward range of movement of the headrest bag 22 of the present invention.

Referring now to fig. 3C, headrest bag 22 is shown in a forward intermediate position F2 of position F1 shown in fig. 3B. In fig. 3C, threaded element 84 has been driven by motor 82 of actuator a1 to position Y, which is associated with linkage system 52 translating to forward position Y, thereby providing increased spacing S shown in fig. 3C relative to fig. 3B. In the neutral position F2, the headrest package 22 may be expected to be approximately two-thirds forward relative to the full range of movement of the headrest package 22 driven by the linkage system 52.

Referring now to fig. 4A, the linkage system 52 of the headrest assembly 20 is shown with the housing 24 and headrest bag 22 removed from the headrest assembly 20. In fig. 4A, linkage system 52 is in an initial position or rearward position H representing an embedded or retracted position, as shown in fig. 2A, wherein headrest bag 22 will be disposed proximate housing 24 and linkage system 52 will be substantially hidden by housing 24 and contained within housing 24 (fig. 2A). As also shown in fig. 4A, the mounting plate 42 is connected to the support plate 40 and includes a rearwardly extending double bracket 50 having pivot points P1, P2 for pivotally connecting the first 54 and second 60 links. The second link 60 is shown pivotally connected to the base plate 72 at pivot point P4, and the first link 54 is shown pivotally connected to the base plate 72 at pivot point P3, which pivot point P3 is disposed on a mounting bracket 73 extending upwardly from the base plate 72. The support structure 90 is shown having the support rods 26 extending therefrom to connect the head restraint assembly 20 to the seat back frame member 28.

Referring now to fig. 4B, the linkage system 52 is shown in a fully extended forward position Z, wherein the support plate 40 is fully extended away from the support structure 90. In the fully extended position Z, the linkage system 52 exposes a transverse element 58, which transverse element 58 interconnects a similar pair of first links 54 as described above. The mounting plate 42, the first and

second links

54, 60, and the base plate 72 are contemplated to be integral components of rigid elements that are pivotally connected to one another at pivot points (P1-P4) to provide extension of the support plate 40 between the retracted and extended positions. In the position shown in fig. 4B, the support panel 40 is associated with the headrest bag 22 in the fully extended position E as shown in fig. 2C. As shown in FIG. 2C, in the fully extended or forward position Z, the linkage system 52 is concealed by the combination of the adjustable hood assembly 30 and the housing 24.

Referring now to fig. 4C, the head restraint assembly 20 is shown with the linkage system 52 in a rearward position H similar to that shown in fig. 4A. The second links 60 are shown as a unitary plate, wherein the double second links 60 are interconnected by a cross member 64. In fig. 4C, the mounting plate 42 is shown with the dual bracket 50 extending rearwardly therefrom for pivotally connecting the first and

second links

54, 60 at pivot points P1, P2.

Referring now to fig. 4D, linkage system 52 is in a fully extended forward position Z, wherein support plate 40 is in a lowered position. Fig. 4D is a rear view of the headrest assembly 20 as shown in fig. 4B. In fig. 4C and 4D, a second actuator a2 is shown connected to the mounting plate 42 for moving the support plate 40 vertically in the direction indicated by arrow V. As shown in fig. 4D, the second actuator a2 may be operatively connected to the support plate 40 through an access hole (access aperture)42c provided through the mounting plate 42. Thus, the access aperture 42c may be expected to have a sufficient vertical length to accommodate full vertical movement of the headrest package 22.

Referring now to fig. 5A, the headrest assembly 20 is shown in an initial position H with the headrest bag 22 in a retracted position R. Housing 24 has been removed to show adjustable shroud assembly 30 in stowed position S. Thus, linkage system 52 may be expected to be in a rearward position H as best shown in FIG. 4C. With the linkage system 52 in the rearward position H, the first element 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is partially received within the second element 30 b. With the adjustable shroud assembly 30 in the stowed position S, the first element 30a is in its rearmost, received position relative to the second element 30 b. Further, when the adjustable shroud 30 is in the stowed position S, the second element 30b is embedded within the housing 24 and is completely concealed by the housing 24 as shown in fig. 2A. As mentioned above, and as further described below with reference to FIG. 12, the first element 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is connected to the linkage system 52 at an upper portion of the mounting plate 42. As described further below with reference to fig. 12 and 13A, the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is pivotally connected to the first member 30 a. Because of the connection together, the first element 30a is movably associated to the second element 30b because when the first element 30a moves with the linkage system 52 to which the first element 30a is connected, the second element 30b will also move.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is in a neutral position M, wherein the linkage system 52 is expected to have moved from the rearward position H shown in FIG. 5A to the forward position X shown in FIG. 5B. In the forward position X shown in fig. 5B, the linkage system 52 has driven the head restraint 22 to the forward position F1. During actuation of the headrest package 22 to the forward position F1, the linkage system 52 has moved the first and second members 30a, 30B of the adjustable hood assembly 30 in a forward direction as best indicated relative to the support structure 90 shown in fig. 5B. Thus, in contrast to FIG. 5A, where the second member 30B of the adjustable cowl assembly 30 is in the first position A, the second member 30B of the adjustable cowl assembly 30 is now in the second position B as shown in FIG. 5B. Similarly, the first element 30a is shown in a first position a in fig. 5A, and is now shown in a second position B in fig. 5B. In position B, the first element 30a extends outwardly from a partially nested position within the second element 30B. Further, with the second element 30B in position B, the second element 30B is considered to extend partially outward from the housing 24 in the manner shown in fig. 2B.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the second element 30B includes outwardly extending joining flanges 92 disposed about the side and top portions of the second element 30B. During assembly, the outwardly extending engagement flange 92 of the second component 30b is configured to engage an inner edge portion of the shell 24 at the front shroud 24a as best shown in fig. 5F. With the adjustable hood assembly 30 in the neutral position M, it is expected that the engagement flange 92 of the second member 30b will contact the inner edge of the front shroud 24a of the housing 24. Contact between the front shroud 24a and the engagement flange 92 will close any gap into the housing 24 and pivot the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 at pivot point P7 in the direction indicated by arrow 94. As described further below, pivot point P7 represents a pivotal connection between first member 30a and second member 30b of adjustable shroud assembly 30.

Referring now to fig. 5C, the adjustable hood assembly 30 is shown in the fully deployed position D, with the head restraint package 22 in the fully extended position E. In the position shown in FIG. 5C, it is contemplated that linkage system 52 is in the forward position Z shown in FIG. 4D. As the linkage system 52 drives the headrest bag 22 to the fully extended position E, the engagement flange 92 may be expected to have held the upper portion of the second element 30B against the inner edge portion of the front shroud 24a of the housing 24 to pivot the second element 30B from position B (fig. 5B) to the rearward tilted position C shown in fig. 5C. Further, pivoting of the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 occurs at pivot point P7. Thus, the upper portion 96 of the second member 30b moves rearward along the path indicated by arrow 98 as the second member 30b pivots at pivot point P7 in the direction indicated by arrow 94. In addition, this pivoting action occurs when engagement flange 92 engages the interior of front shield 24a of housing 24 as headrest bag 22 is driven to extended position E by linkage system 52.

Referring now to fig. 5D, the multiple positions of the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 are shown as positions A, B and C superimposed on one another. Positions A, B and C represent the positions shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, respectively. Fig. 5D is intended to illustrate the relative pivotal movement of the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 at pivot point P7 along the path indicated by arrow 94.

Referring now to fig. 5E, 5F and 5G, the front shroud 24a of the housing 24 is shown having an opening 99 through which the adjustable hood assembly 30 extends outwardly. In fig. 5E and 5F, the housing 24 is shown in cross-section to expose an inner edge portion 100 disposed along the opening 99 of the front shroud 24 a. Referring specifically to fig. 5E, the engagement flange 92 of the second component 30b is shown spaced from the inner edge portion 100 of the front shroud 24a of the housing 24. When the head restraint 22 is moved to the forward position F1 shown in fig. 5F, the engagement flange 92 of the hood assembly 30 contacts and abuts the inner surface of the inner rim portion 100 of the front shield 24a of the housing 24. Engagement between engagement flange 92 of hood assembly 30 and inner rim portion 100 of housing 24 closes opening 99 of forward shroud 24a and further pivots or rotates second member 30b of hood assembly 30 about pivot point P7 in the direction indicated by arrow 94. During pivotal movement of the second member 30b, the upper portion 96 of the second member 30b is tilted rearwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 98. This pivoting motion continues as head restraint 22 moves to the fully extended position E shown in fig. 5G.

Referring now to fig. 6A and 6B, another embodiment of a vehicle seat 10a is shown having a headrest assembly 20a disposed in an initial position H. The vehicle seat 10a includes a number of features similar to those of the vehicle seat 10 shown in fig. 1, and therefore, includes the same reference numbers in fig. 6A and 6B. Similarly, the head restraint assembly 20a includes features similar to those present in the head restraint assembly 20 shown in fig. 1. The housing 24c of the headrest assembly 20a is a larger housing than the housing 24 of the headrest assembly 20 of fig. 1. The housing 24c of the headrest assembly 20a provides a more fluid profile from the headrest assembly 20a to the seat back 18 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6A and 6B. The headrest bag 22 of the vehicle seat 10a can be expected to be an adjustable headrest bag in the initial position H shown in fig. 6A and 6B. Headrest bag 22 may be expected to move through a linkage system similar to linkage system 52 described above.

Referring now to fig. 7A, a flexible cage member 130 is shown having a plate member 132 generally centrally disposed within a support frame 134. The plate member 132 includes a front side 132A and a rear side 132B (fig. 7B). The support frame 134 can be envisioned as being integrally connected to the plate member 132 with the flexible joint 136 operably disposed therebetween. With flexible joint 136, plate member 132 is operable between an extended position and a retracted position as further described below with reference to fig. 9A and 9B. As also shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the support frame 134 includes first and second upright

lateral elements

138, 140 spaced apart by a lower connecting portion 142 and interconnected by the lower connecting portion 142. The upstanding

lateral elements

138, 140 extend upwardly from a lower connecting portion 142. Collectively, the first and second upright

lateral members

138, 140 and the lower portion 142 of the support frame 134 are rigid members that define a generally U-shaped structure of the support frame 134 in which the plate member 132 is received. The flexible joint 136 is provided between the lower portion 132C of the plate member 132 and the connecting portion 142 of the support frame 134 in the form of a living hinge. The flexible cover member 130 may be contemplated as a unitary member as shown in fig. 7A and 7B, which may be injection molded to include the constituent parts of the single cover member described above.

Referring also to fig. 7A and 7B, a plurality of mounting slots 144 are provided around the support frame 134 for attaching the support frame 134 to a vehicle seat as further described below. A pair of

flexible connectors

150, 152 are operatively connected to the first and second upright

lateral members

138, 140 of the support frame 134 and also to the plate member 132 on opposite sides thereof. The first and second

flexible connectors

150, 152 each include a

retractable portion

154, 156, respectively, the

retractable portions

154, 156 providing sufficient material to allow the plate member 132 to move between the extended and retracted positions relative to the support frame 134. The

retractable portions

154, 156 shown in the embodiment of fig. 7A-7C include inwardly extending raised material portions that can be stretched or straightened to accommodate movement of the plate member 132 from the retracted position to the extended position. The

flexible connectors

150, 152 are contemplated to be made of a flexible polymeric material that is flexible and resilient and integrally molded with the plate member 132 and the support frame 134. With

flexible connectors

150, 152 disposed on opposite sides of the plate member 132, the plate member 132 can be stretched to an extended position when the headrest assembly is extended horizontally, and can resume its design position or retracted position when the headrest assembly is retracted to an initial position. Given the flexible, resilient nature of the

retractable portions

154, 156, the panel members 132 will only extend outwardly toward the extended position when actuated by movement of the associated headrest assembly as desired.

Referring specifically to fig. 7B, the rear or inner surface 132B of the plate member 132 is shown as a reinforcing member in the form of an insert-molded stiffener 160 disposed thereon. The insert molded stiffener 160 includes a plurality of heat staking protrusions 162 that help provide structural rigidity to the plate member 132.

Referring now to fig. 7C, the flexible cover element 130 is shown connected to the inner surface 19A of the closure element 19, the closure element 19 being generally disposed at the upper portion 18a of the seat back 18 as shown in fig. 6A. The closure element 19 is a trim component of the vehicle seat 10a disposed below the adjustable headrest assembly 20 a. Attachment clips 164 extend outwardly from the inner surface 19A of the closure element 19 and are received through fastening slots 144 provided around the support frame 134 of the flexible cover element 130. In this manner, the flexible cover element 130 is easily attached to the seat assembly to cover the components of the headrest assembly as further described below. The flexible cover member 130 is releasably connected to the closure member 19 to provide selective access for servicing various components of the headrest assembly.

Referring now to fig. 8A, the flexible cover element 130 is shown in the retracted position R as being connected to the upper portion 18A of the seat back 18 at the closure element 19. In the retracted position R, the flexible cover member 130 is in a generally horizontal position, or more specifically in a common plane with the seat back 18. Thus, the

flexible connectors

150, 152 are in a retracted or resting state. As also shown in fig. 8A, the closure element 19 includes an avoidance portion 19C configured to receive a portion of the linkage system 52 as the linkage system moves from the rearward position toward the forward position. The flexible cover element 130 is connected to the closing element 19 at the avoidance portion 19C, thereby closing the avoidance portion 19C and hiding the linkage system. Referring to fig. 8B, flexible cover member 130 is shown in phantom, such that lower portion 59 of linkage system 52 is disposed directly against rear or inner surface 132B of plate member 132. The lower portion 59 of the linkage system 52 may be the transverse element 58 shown in fig. 3A as described above. Any other portion of linkage system 52 may contact inner surface 132B of flexible cover member 130 to urge flexible cover member 130 to an extended position as described further below. It should be noted that in fig. 8A and 8B, the headrest package 2 has been removed 2 to expose the channel and rail arrangement 44 provided on the mounting plate 42 of the linkage system 52.

Referring now to fig. 9A, flexible cover element 130 is shown in a retracted position R, wherein plate element 132 is substantially horizontal and flexible connector 152 is in a rest position against linkage system 52. Although flexible connector 150 is not shown in fig. 9A and 9B, it is recognized to function in a similar manner as flexible connector 152. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9A, linkage system 52 may be anticipated to be in an initial position H, such that head restraint 22 is in a retracted position R. Thus, in the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the position of linkage system 52 is similar to the position of linkage system 52 shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A, and 4C. In fig. 9B, linkage system 52 has been translated outward to move headrest bag 22 to forward position F1, such that linkage system 52 is in forward position Y also as described above and also referenced in fig. 3C. In fig. 3C, the spacing S is shown between the transverse elements 58 of the first links 54. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9B, the transverse element 58 may comprise a portion of the lower portion 59 (fig. 8B) of the linkage system 52 configured to contact the flexible cover element 130 and urge the flexible cover element 130 to the extended position E shown in fig. 9B. In the extended position E, the flexible cover member 130 has the flexible connectors 152 extended outwardly such that the retractable portion 156 of the flexible connectors 152 is straightened or stretched when the inner surface 132B of the flexible cover member 130 is acted upon by the lower portion 59 of the linkage system 52. When linkage system 52 is reset from position Y (fig. 9B) to initial or rearward position H (fig. 9A), it is contemplated that retractable portion 156 of flexible connector 152 will retract toward the rest position to return flexible cover member 130 to retracted position R. Thus, the

flexible connectors

150, 152 are operable between an extended position and a rest position. The

flexible connectors

150, 152, and in particular the

retractable portions

154, 156 thereof, are resilient elements biased towards a rest position. With this arrangement, flexible cover member 130 is urged or biased toward retracted position R by

flexible connectors

150, 152 such that flexible cover member 130 maintains continuous contact with linkage system 52 as linkage system 52 begins to act against inner surface 132B of plate member 132 by abutting inner surface 132B to move plate member 132 from retracted position R (fig. 9A) to extended position E (fig. 9B). In the embodiment shown in fig. 9A and 9B, the retractable portion 156 is presented in an accordion-like configuration, however, it is contemplated that smoother or continuous portions of flexible elastomeric material as shown in fig. 7A-7C may be used.

Referring now to fig. 10A, the headrest assembly 20 is shown with the headrest bag 22 in an extended position E associated with the adjustable hood assembly 30 in the deployed position D. Thus, head restraint 22 extends outwardly from housing 24 as driven by linkage system 52 shown in fig. 10B. In fig. 10B, head pillow pack 22 has been removed to expose mounting plate 42 that operatively connects head pillow pack 22. As described above, the mounting plate 42 is the forward portion of the linkage system 52. In fig. 10B, the linkage system 52 is in the fully forward position Z. In FIG. 10A, the linkage system 52 is substantially hidden by the combination of the adjustable hood assembly 30 and the housing 24. When linkage system 52 is in the rearward or initial position H, linkage system 52 is substantially concealed by housing 24, or only partially concealed by adjustable shroud assembly 30 as shown in FIG. 2A.

As described above, the adjustable hood assembly 30 includes first and

second members

30a, 30b, wherein the first member 30a is an inner member relative to the second member 30b as an outer member. The first member 30a is generally telescopically received in the outer second member 30b when the adjustable hood assembly 30 is in the stowed position S (fig. 2A). As the linkage system 52 drives the headrest bag 22 outward to the extended position E, the first element 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is also driven outward from the substantially concealed position within the housing 24 and the nested position within the second element 30 b. This is due to the fact that the first element 30a is fixedly connected to the linkage system 52, as described further below. As shown in fig. 10B, a gap G exists between the first element 30a and the second element 30B. The gap G provided between the first and

second members

30a, 30b is configured to present an aesthetically pleasing adjustable hood assembly 30 in which the telescoping movement of the first and

second members

30a, 30b and the pivoting movement of the second member 30b are smooth and consistent movements. As described further below, the gap G between the first element 30a and the second element 30b increases the overall aesthetic appeal of the adjustable hood assembly 30 and maintains the gap G during movement from the stowed position S to the deployed position D.

Turning now to FIG. 11A, housing 24 has been removed and adjustable shroud assembly 30 is shown in the deployed position D such that linkage system 52 is also in the Z position associated with the forward-most position of linkage system 52. Gap G is shown disposed between first element 30a and second element 30b of adjustable cage assembly 30 in fig. 11A at outer surface 190 of first element 30 a. The gap G defines a clear distance or spacing between the first and

second elements

30a, 30b to allow for individual movement of the first and

second elements

30a, 30 b. In fig. 11A, the pivot point P7 is shown as defining a pivot path between the first and

second members

30a, 30b for rotating the second member 30b in the direction indicated by arrow 94.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, the adjustable hood assembly 30 has been removed to expose the linkage system 52 in the forward position Z. The mounting plate 42 of the linkage system 52 also includes an upper platform 170 having a rectangular shaped slot 172, the rectangular shaped slot 172 having a clip-like element 174 disposed thereon. The upper platform portion 170 of the mounting plate 42 provides a connection location for the first member 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30. As also shown in fig. 11B, a biasing mechanism 180 in the form of a spring is shown connected to the mounting hole 176 provided at the rear of the upper platform portion 170. The biasing mechanism 180 may be envisioned as being coupled to an inner surface of the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 for biasing the second member 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 toward the extended position when the mounting plate 42 is driven outwardly by the linkage system 52.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the first and

second elements

30a, 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 are shown exploded from the linkage system 52. In fig. 12, the linkage system 52 is shown in a rearward or initial position H. As also shown in fig. 12, the biasing mechanism 180 includes a first end 182 and a second end 184. The first end 182 is configured for attachment to the mounting aperture 176 on the upper platform portion 170 of the mounting plate 42. Second end 184 is configured for attachment to a mounting lug 186 of second component 30b as best shown in fig. 13A. As also shown in fig. 12, the first member 30a includes a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having an outer surface 190 and an inner surface 192. The inverted U-shaped configuration of first element 30a is defined by first and

second side portions

194, 196 interconnected by a top portion 198. The top portion 198 includes a downwardly extending mounting lug 200 disposed on the inner surface 192 of the top portion 198. Mounting ears 200 are configured to receive clip-like elements 174 for clamping first element 30a to upper platform portion 170 of linkage system 52. The first and

second side portions

194, 196 also include inwardly extending mounting bosses 202. In fig. 12, mounting boss 202 is shown disposed on side portion 194, while a similar mounting boss would be expected to be disposed on second side portion 196 at inner surface 192 thereof. Mounting bosses 202 of first element 30a may be intended to be received in mounting holes 204 provided on the rearwardly extending brackets 50 of mounting plate 42 of linkage system 52. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, first element 30a may be expected to be fixedly connected to linkage system 52 by the connection between mounting lugs 200 and clip-like elements 174 with rectangular slots 172 of upper platform portion 170 of mounting plate 42, and also by the connection of mounting bosses 202 and mounting holes 204 of rearwardly extending brackets 50. The lower rear portions of the first and second

lateral elements

194, 196 include pivot holes 206, 208 for pivotally connecting the second element 30b to the first element 30 a. The

guide slots

210, 212 are elongated slots disposed above the pivot holes 206, 208 as shown in fig. 12. The

guide slots

210, 212 are configured to receive guide members provided on the second member 30b, as described further below.

As also shown in fig. 12, second element 30b also includes a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having an outer surface 220 and an inner surface 222. The inverted U-shaped configuration of second element 30b is defined by first and

second side portions

224, 226 interconnected by a top portion 228. The rearmost edge of the top portion 228 includes an outwardly extending engagement flange 92, the engagement flange 92 extending outwardly from the outer surface 220 of the second element 30b along the top portion 228 and the first and

second side portions

224, 226. As described above, the engagement flange 92 is configured to abut a portion of the housing of the headrest assembly to pivotally move the second member 30b as the headrest package extends forwardly. The second member 30b also includes a guide member 230 configured to be received in the

guide slots

210, 212 of the first member 30 a. In fig. 12, the guide element 230 is disposed on the inner surface 222 of the first side portion 224 and extends inwardly. It is contemplated that second side portion 226 further includes a guide element, such as guide element 230 for coupling to guide slot 212 of first member 30 a. A pivoting member 232 disposed below the guide member 230 extends inwardly. It is also contemplated that the side portion 226 further includes a pivot member 232. The pivot member 232 of the second member 30b can be expected to be received in the pivot holes 206, 208 of the first member 30a to define a pivot axis at a pivot point P7 between the first and

second members

30a, 30b as shown in fig. 11A. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the pivoting member 232, shown in the form of a clip, has spaced apart engagement formations (engagement formations) 234, 236, the

engagement formations

234, 236 being flexibly resilient to fit within the

pivot apertures

206, 208 of the first member 30 a. Once received therein, the engagement features 234, 236 retain the second element 30b in pivotal engagement with the first element 30 a. With the guide member 230 disposed in the

guide slots

210, 212, pivotal movement of the second member 30b relative to the first member 30a is limited by the length of the

guide slots

210, 212, and the

guide slots

210, 212 may be expected to be relatively small slots for limiting pivotal movement of the second member 30 b.

As described above, the first and

second members

30a, 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 are polymeric components such that the

side portions

194, 196 and 224, 226, respectively, may be spread apart to properly mount the first and

second members

30a, 30 b. With specific reference to first element 30a, first and

second side portions

194, 196 may extend outwardly such that first element 30a may fit over the top of linkage system 52 and provide clearance relative to mounting boss 202 of rearwardly extending bracket 50 of mounting plate 42. During installation of first element 30a, mounting bosses 202 will be received in mounting holes 204 of rearwardly extending brackets 50 disposed on opposite sides of linkage system 52. When mounting boss 202 is aligned with mounting hole 204 and received in mounting hole 204, first and

second side portions

194, 196 will resiliently return to their rest positions shown in fig. 12, thereby connecting first member 30a with linkage system 52. In addition, downward movement of the first member 30a onto the linkage system 52 will be associated with the connection of the first member 30a to the oblong hole 172 of the upper platform portion 170 of the mounting plate 42. In this manner, the first element 30a of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is fixedly connected to the linkage system 52.

Referring also to fig. 12, the second element 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 includes flexible,

resilient side portions

224, 226. These

side portions

224, 226 may be spread apart to provide clearance for mounting the second element 30b on the first element 30 a. Specifically, sufficient clearance is required to provide space for guide element 230 and pivot element 232 to extend inwardly from both first and

second side portions

224, 266. With the flexible resilient first and

second side portions

224, 226 spread apart from one another, a gap is provided to connect the pivot element 232 with the pivot holes 206, 208 of the first element 30 a. Further, the guide member 230 will be received in the

guide slots

210, 212 of the first member 30a when the second member 30b is disposed over the first member 30 a. Once properly aligned, the guide member 230 and the pivot member 232 will be received within the

guide slots

210, 212 and pivot

holes

206, 208, respectively, and the flexible, resilient nature of the first and

second side portions

224, 226 of the second member 30b will return it from the outwardly distorted mounting position to the rest position shown in fig. 12.

Referring now to FIG. 13A, the first and

second members

30a, 30b of the adjustable hood assembly 30 are shown exploded from one another in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 12. As described above, the inverted U-shaped configuration of the second element 30b is defined by the interconnection of the first and

second side portions

224, 226 by the top portion 228 to further define an interior 246 of the second element 30b, and the first element 30a may be partially nested within the interior 246 of the second element 30 b. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13A, mounting ears 200 of first element 30a are clearly shown for receiving clip-like elements 174. In addition, mounting lugs 200 and clip-like elements 174 are used to fixedly connect first element 30a to linkage system 52 at mounting plate 42. As also shown in fig. 13A, the biasing mechanism 180 is configured for connection to a mounting lug 186 extending downwardly from the top portion 228 of the second member 30 b.

As also shown in fig. 13A, the mounting boss 202 includes a plurality of spacing protrusions (features)203 disposed therearound to space the inner surface 192 of the first element 30a from the rearwardly extending bracket 50 of the linkage system 52. A plurality of

spacers

240, 242 disposed along the rear edge 199 of the first member 30a are disposed along the top portion 198 and the first and

second side portions

194, 196, respectively. The

spacers

240, 242 are ramped or wedge-shaped elements configured to engage an inner edge portion 244 of the second element 30b as the first element 30a is moved forward by the linkage system 52. The

spacers

240, 242 are configured to engage an inner edge portion 244 of the second element 30B to maintain the gap G disposed between the first and second elements 30a, 30B as described above with reference to fig. 10B and 11B. The joining of the

spacers

240, 242 of the first element 30a to the second element 30B is further described below with reference to fig. 13B and 13C.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, a cross-sectional view of the adjustable hood assembly 30 is shown with the first member 30a partially nested within the interior 246 of the second member 30B. The gap G is shown as being disposed between the upper or outer surface 190 of the first element 30a and the inner surface 222 of the second element 30 b. In fig. 13B, the spacer 240 disposed on the top portion 198 of the first element 30a is disposed away from the inner edge portion 244 of the second element 30B. When the linkage system 52 drives the first element 30a in a forward direction as indicated by arrow F, the spacer 240 approaches the inner edge portion 244 of the second element 30 b.

Referring now to fig. 13C, the inner edge portion 244 of the second member 30b is now in contact with the spacer 240 of the first member 30a for engagement therewith. The engagement of the spacer 240 with the inner edge portion 244 of the second element 30b causes the second element 30b to move with the first element 30a in a forward direction as indicated by arrow F, and the movement of the second element 30b is driven by the movement of the first element 30 a. As discussed above, when the first element 30a begins to move the second element 30b from the stowed position within the housing 24 of the headrest assembly 20, the upwardly extending engagement flange 92 of the second element 30b will move toward the junction with the interior edge portion 100 of the housing 24 as best shown in fig. 5E, 5F and 5G to pivot the upper portion 96 of the second element 30b relative to the first element 30 a. Further, the pivotal movement of the second member 30b relative to the first member 30a is a rearward pivotal movement at pivot point P7 as best shown in fig. 5G.

Referring now to fig. 14A, a cage member 250 is shown having a plate member 252 generally centrally disposed within a frame assembly 254. Plate member 252 includes an anterior or outer surface 252A and a posterior or inner surface 252B. Frame assembly 254 may be contemplated as being integrally connected with plate member 252 as further described below. The frame assembly 254 includes a lower portion 256 defining a transverse member interconnecting first and second

lateral members

258, 260. The first and second

lateral elements

258, 260 are upwardly extending lateral elements relative to the lower portion or transverse element 256. The first and second

lateral members

258, 260, together with the lower portion 256 of the frame assembly 254, define a generally U-shaped configuration of the frame assembly 254. Plate member 252 is generally received in the U-shaped configuration of frame assembly 254 and is flexibly connected to lower portion 256 by a flexible joint 262 disposed therebetween. In this manner, the shroud member 250 is a flexible shroud member that is operable between a retracted position and a deployed position along a path as indicated by arrow 264. In fig. 14A, plate member 252 is shown in the retracted position RP. The plate member 252 is movable from the retracted position RP to the deployed position DP (fig. 17B) due to the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 interconnecting the plate member 252 and the upwardly extending

lateral members

258, 260 of the frame assembly 254.

As also shown in fig. 14A, the first and second

extendable elements

266, 268 include a body portion 270 having a first end 272 and a second end 274. First end 272 is connected to plate member 252 on opposite sides thereof. The second end 274 is connected to the upwardly extending

lateral members

258, 260. As best shown in fig. 16, the first end 272 and the second end 274 are disposed in generally similar planes defined by the plate member 252 when the plate member 252 is in the retracted position RP. Thus, the body portions 270 of the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 are twisted or folded to extend outwardly beyond the front or outer surface 252A of the plate member 252. The body portion 270 is configured to twist or fold to the position shown in fig. 14A to urge the plate member 252 to the retracted position RP. In this manner, the first and second

extendable elements

266, 268 are operable between a rest position AR (fig. 14A) and an extended position EP (fig. 17B). Thus, when plate member 252 is moved from the retracted position RP to the deployed position DP, the body portions 270 of the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 will straighten out from the folded position shown in fig. 14A to allow the plate member 252 to extend outwardly to the deployed position DP as shown in fig. 17B. The outwardly extending body portions 270 of the first and second

extendable elements

266, 268 provide a clean aesthetic to the cage member 250 such that the plate member 252 may be moved from the retracted position RP to the deployed position DP without unsightly wrinkling or other undesirable effects on the flexible polymer properties of the first and second

extendable elements

266, 268. As also shown in fig. 14A, the lower portion 256 and the upwardly extending

lateral members

258, 260 of the frame assembly 254 include mounting

slots

280, 282 disposed therethrough to mount the cover member 250 to the trim member, as further described below. Cover member 250 may be contemplated as a unitary member wherein plate member 252 and frame assembly 254 are a unitary component that may be manufactured using injection molding techniques that will provide a substantially rigid frame assembly 254 connected to flexible first and

second extension members

266, 268 and plate member 252.

Referring now to fig. 14B, cover member 250 is shown from a rear view to expose rear or inner surface 252B. The reinforcement member 284 is shown as being connected to the plate member 252 at its inner surface 252B, and may be contemplated as providing the plate member 252 with overall movement from the retracted position RP to the deployed position DP. The reinforcement member 284 is disposed along its inner surface 252B substantially throughout the entire body portion 253 of the plate member 252 to provide substantially uniform movement of the plate member 252 as the adjustment mechanism acts on the inner surface 252B of the plate member during adjustment of the headrest assembly as described above. As described above, the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 are flexible, resilient members that are integrally molded with the plate member 252 and the frame assembly 254. With the

extendable members

266, 268 disposed on opposite sides of the plate member 252, the plate member 252 can pivot or rotate to the deployed position DP as the headrest assembly extends horizontally. Additionally, given the flexible, resilient nature of the first and second

extendable elements

266, 268, the plate member 252 may return to its retracted position RP as the headrest assembly retracts toward the initial position. In particular, the

extendable elements

266, 268 will deploy or straighten out at their body portion 270 to allow pivotal movement of the plate member 252.

Referring now to fig. 15A, the cover member 250 is shown attached to the decorative member 290, the decorative member 290 including a body portion 292 having first and second

lateral members

294, 296, the first and second

lateral members

294, 296 defining an escape portion 298, the cover member 250 being attached to the decorative member 290 in the escape portion 298. Specifically, the plate member 252 is disposed within the relief portion 298 of the decorative member 290. The trim component 290 can be envisioned to be a closure element generally disposed at the upper portion 18a of the seat back 18 very similar to the closure element 19 shown in fig. 6A. The trim component 290 is a component of the vehicle seat 10a that is disposed below the adjustable headrest assembly 20 a. The decorative member 290 includes an outer surface 300, which outer surface 300 can be considered to be the a-side surface that is substantially flush with the outer surface 252A of the plate member 252 when the plate member 252 is in the retracted position RP. In this manner, the attachment of the cover member 250 and the decorative member 290 is an aesthetically pleasing attachment in view of their generally flush

outer surfaces

252A, 300. As also shown in fig. 15A, a gap G may exist between the relief portion 298 of the decorative member 290 and the cover member 250 to provide access to a tool for releasing the cover member 250 from its connection with the decorative member 290 for servicing the headrest assembly and its adjustment mechanism.

Referring now to fig. 15B, the cover member 250 is shown connected to the trim member 290 by

clips

304, 306 extending outwardly from the inner surface 302 of the trim member 290, and the

clips

304, 306 are received in the mounting

slots

280, 282 of the cover member 250 at the frame assembly 254 thereof. The target area T is identified in fig. 15B as being on a lower portion of the frame assembly 254 or the cross member 256 and can be expected to be the target area targeted by a tool entering the gap G (fig. 15A) between the cover member 250 and the decorative member 290 to push the frame assembly 254 of the cover member 250 inwardly to push the cover member 250 out of engagement with the decorative member 290 at the

clips

304, 306. The releasable connection of the cover member 250 to the trim member 290 provides a convenient way for maintenance of the headrest assembly and adjustment mechanisms of the headrest assembly.

Referring now to fig. 16, a cross-section of the cage member 250 is shown connected to the trim component 290. As shown in fig. 16, the first and second ends 272, 274 of the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 are aligned with each other and with the plate member 252 in the common plane P when the plate member 252 is in the retracted position RP. In addition, the body portions 272 of the

extendable members

266, 268 extend outwardly and forwardly relative to the front or outer surface 252A of the plate member 252 when the plate member 252 is in the retracted position RP.

Referring now to fig. 17A, a cover member 250 is shown having a plate member 252 that can be expected to be in a retracted position RP. With the plate member 252 in the retracted position RP, the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 may be expected to be in the rest position AR. While the extendable element 268 is not visible in the view of the cover element 205 in fig. 17A and 17B, it is believed to function in a similar manner as the extendable element 266 as the plate element 252 moves from the retracted position RP to the deployed position DP. In the embodiment shown in fig. 17A, linkage system 52 is shown in initial position H, such that head restraint 22 is in retracted position R. Thus, in the configuration shown in fig. 17A, the position of linkage system 52 is similar to the position of linkage system 52 shown in fig. 3A, 4A, and 4C. In fig. 17B, the linkage system 52 has been translated outward to move the headrest bag 22 to the forward position F1 such that the linkage system 52 is in the forward position Y as discussed further above and also referenced in fig. 3C. In fig. 3C, the spacing S is shown between the transverse elements 58 of the first links 54. In the embodiment shown in fig. 17B, transverse member 58 may comprise a portion of lower portion 59 (fig. 8B) of linkage system 52 configured to contact plate member 252 of cover member 250 and urge plate member 252 of cover member 250 to the deployed position DP shown in fig. 17B. With the plate member 252 in the deployed position DP, the first and second

extendable members

266, 268 are extended outwardly to the extended position EP such that the body portion 270 of the extendable member 266 is straightened or stretched as the inner surface 252B (fig. 14B) of the cover member 250 is acted upon by the lower portion 59 of the linkage system 52 to deploy the body portion 270. When the linkage system 52 returns from position Y (fig. 17B) to the initial or rearward position H (fig. 17A), it is contemplated that the body portion 270 of the extendable element 266 will retract or fold toward the rest position AR to return the plate element 252 of the cover element 250 to the retracted position RP. Thus, the

flexible connectors

150, 152 are operable between a stretched position and a rest position. The

extendable elements

266, 268, and in particular the body portion 270 thereof, are flexible resilient elements biased towards the rest position AR. Due to this biased configuration, plate member 252 of cover member 250 is urged or biased toward retracted position RP by

extendable members

266, 268 such that inner surface 252B of plate member 252 remains in constant contact with linkage system 52 during retraction of linkage system 52.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise specified.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in its entirety, connected, coupling, connected, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such a connection may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements being integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single unitary body. Such connections may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable unless otherwise indicated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

It is to be understood that any described process or steps in a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting.

It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the above-described structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat back having an upper portion;

an adjustable headrest assembly supported on the upper portion of the seat back, the adjustable headrest assembly having a headrest bag and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein a spacing defined between the headrest bag and the seat back expands when the headrest bag is adjusted to the extended position; and

a flexible cover member disposed on the seat back and having a panel member connected to a frame assembly by first and second extendable members, wherein a portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the panel member to move the panel member within the gap toward a deployed position as the headrest cover is driven toward the deployed position, and further wherein the first and second extendable members are operable between a rest and extended position and move to the extended position as the panel member moves to the deployed position.

2. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly of the flexible cover element includes a lower portion interconnecting first and second upwardly extending lateral elements.

3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the frame assembly includes one or more mounting slots disposed through the first and second upwardly extending lateral elements.

4. The vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein the frame assembly includes one or more mounting slots disposed on the lower portion of the frame assembly.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, comprising:

a trim component disposed on the upper portion of the seat back, the trim component having an escape portion.

6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein the flexible cover element is connected to the trim component at the relief portion of the trim component.

7. The vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein the trim component includes one or more clips extending outwardly therefrom, and further wherein the one or more clips of the trim component are received in the one or more slots in one of the first and second upwardly extending lateral elements and the lower portion of the frame assembly to releasably connect the flexible cover element to the trim component.

8. The vehicle seat of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first and second extendable elements are flexible, resilient elements and are biased toward the rest position.

9. The vehicle seat of claim 8, wherein the first and second extendable elements urge the plate member inwardly from the deployed position toward the retracted position.

10. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the flexible cover element is disposed vehicle-behind the headrest bag.

11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2 wherein the lower portion of the frame component is connected to the plate member by a living hinge.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 11 wherein the flexible cover member is a unitary member.

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the plate member contacts the portion of the adjustment mechanism when the plate member is in the retracted position and when the plate member is in the deployed position.

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, comprising:

an insert molded stiffener disposed on an inner surface of the plate element along an upper portion thereof.

15. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat back having an upper portion;

an adjustable headrest assembly supported on the upper portion of the seat back, the adjustable headrest assembly having a headrest bag and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest bag between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a flexible cover member disposed on the seat back and having a panel member connected to a frame assembly by first and second extendable members, wherein a portion of the adjustment mechanism abuts an inner surface of the panel member to move the panel member toward a deployed position as the headrest bag is driven toward the deployed position, and further wherein the first and second extendable members are operable between a rest and the extended position and move to the extended position as the panel member moves to the deployed position.

16. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the flexible cover element comprises: a frame assembly having a transverse element interconnecting spaced apart lateral elements;

the plate member is connected to the frame assembly and is operable between a deployed position and a retracted position; and, the first and second extendable members having a first end connected to the plate member and a second end connected to the lateral member of the frame assembly, wherein the extendable members further comprise an outwardly extending body portion that twists to retract the plate member.

17. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a headrest assembly having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a headrest bag;

a cover member disposed below the headrest assembly and having a plate member engaged with the adjustment mechanism and operable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the plate member moves toward the deployed position as the headrest cover is driven outwardly by the adjustment mechanism; and

first and second extendable elements having a first end connected to the plate element and a second end connected to a lateral element of a frame assembly, wherein the extendable elements further comprise an outwardly extending body portion that folds to retract the plate element as the headrest envelope is driven inward by the adjustment mechanism.