阅读说明：本技术 多位置可调节头枕组件 (Multi-position adjustable headrest assembly ) 是由 杰克逊·R·万纳 马修·T·格雷宁格 于 2019-12-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种可附接到座椅靠背的可调节头枕组件,包括线性滑轨和转动连杆,允许头枕向前平移、侧向平移和/或围绕平行于座椅靠背的轴线移动以提供不同位置下的头部支撑。头枕还可以包括相对于中心部分的角度可独立调节的侧面部分,以提供增强的头部侧面支撑。可调节头枕组件可附接到座椅靠背的前侧或者其他调节机构,例如用于使头枕组件相对于座椅靠背上下移动的竖直调节机构。(An adjustable headrest assembly attachable to a seat back includes a linear slide and a rotational link that allow the headrest to translate forward, laterally, and/or about an axis parallel to the seat back to provide head support in different positions. The headrest may also include side portions that are independently adjustable in angle relative to the central portion to provide enhanced head side support. The adjustable headrest assembly may be attached to a front side of the seat back or other adjustment mechanism, such as a vertical adjustment mechanism for moving the headrest assembly up and down relative to the seat back.)

1. An adjustable headrest assembly attached to a seat back, comprising:

an adapter plate assembly attachable to the seat back element;

the headrest is arranged in front of the connecting plate assembly; and

an adjustment mechanism movably coupling the headrest to the tipping plate assembly, the adjustment mechanism comprising:

i. a linear slide mounted to the headrest;

a first carriage and a second carriage slidable along the linear slide; and

a first connecting rod pivotally attached to the first carriage and the tipping plate assembly, and a second connecting rod pivotally attached to the second carriage and the tipping plate assembly.

2. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism allows at least one of forward translational, lateral translational and rotational adjustment of the headrest relative to the tipping plate assembly.

3. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting rod is pivotally attached at one end to the first carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the tipping plate assembly such that the first connecting rod is rotatable between a first position parallel to the tipping plate assembly and a second position at an angle to the tipping plate assembly, and wherein the second connecting rod is pivotally attached at one end to the second carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the tipping plate assembly such that the second connecting rod is rotatable between a first position parallel to the tipping plate assembly and a second position at an angle to the tipping plate assembly.

4. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting rods rotate outwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest away from the adapter plate assembly and rotate inwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest toward the adapter plate assembly.

5. An adjustable headrest assembly according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism allows one side of the headrest to be moved away from the tipping plate assembly while the opposite side of the headrest may be substantially retained with the adapter plate assembly.

6. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the headrest includes a central portion and side portions pivotally attached to the central portion and independently adjustable in angle relative to the central portion.

7. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 6, wherein an angle of the side portions relative to the center portion is adjustable independently of an adjustment of the center portion relative to the tipping plate assembly.

8. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the tipping plate assembly includes an adapter plate and a guide mounted to the adapter plate, wherein each of the first and second connecting rods is pivotally attached to the guide.

9. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 8, wherein the guide is part of a vertical adjustment mechanism that movably couples the tipping plate assembly to a seatback element.

10. An adjustable headrest assembly attachable to a seat back, comprising:

a headrest; and

an adjustment mechanism, comprising:

i. a linear slide mounted to a rear of the headrest;

a first carriage and a second carriage slidable along the linear slide; and

a first connecting rod pivotally attached to the first carriage and pivotally attached to a seat back element, and a second connecting rod pivotally attached to the second carriage and pivotally attached to a seat back element.

11. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism allows at least one of forward translational, lateral translational and rotational adjustment of the headrest.

12. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 10, further comprising a tipping plate assembly attachable to the seat back, wherein the first connecting rod is pivotally attached at one end to the first carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the tipping plate assembly, and wherein the second connecting rod is pivotally attached at one end to the second carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the tipping plate assembly.

13. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second connecting rods rotate outwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest forwardly and rotate inwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest rearwardly.

14. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism allows one side of the headrest to move away from the seat back while an opposite side of the headrest may remain with the seat back.

15. The adjustable headrest assembly of claim 10, wherein the headrest includes a central portion and side portions pivotally attached to the central portion and adjustable in angle relative to the central portion, and wherein the angle of the side portions relative to the central portion is adjustable independently of the adjustment of the central portion relative to the seat back.

16. An aircraft passenger seat assembly comprising:

a seat back; and

an adjustable headrest assembly attached to a seat back, the adjustable headrest assembly comprising:

i. assembling a plate;

a headrest disposed in front of the adapter plate; and

an adjustment mechanism movably coupling the headrest to the adapter plate, the adjustment mechanism comprising: a linear slide mounted to the headrest; a first carriage and a second carriage slidable along the linear slide; and a first connecting rod pivotally attached to the first carriage and the adapter plate and a second connecting rod pivotally attached to the second carriage and the adapter plate.

17. The aircraft passenger seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the adjustment mechanism allows at least one of forward translational, lateral translational and rotational adjustment of the head restraint relative to the seat back.

18. The aircraft passenger seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second connecting rods rotate outwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest away from the adapter plate and rotate inwardly in opposite directions to drive the headrest toward the adapter plate.

19. The aircraft passenger seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the headrest includes a central portion and side portions pivotally attached to the central portion and adjustable in angle relative to the central portion, and wherein the angle of the side portions relative to the central portion is adjustable independently of the adjustment of the central portion relative to the adapter plate.

20. The aircraft passenger seat assembly of claim 16, further comprising a guide mounted to the adapter plate, wherein the first and second connecting rods are pivotally attached to the guide, and wherein the guide is a component of a vertical adjustment mechanism for moving the adjustable headrest assembly up and down relative to the seat back.

Background

Vehicle seats, such as aircraft passenger seats, are often equipped with a head rest. The construction of the headrest may be simple or complex. A simple construction may include a fixed headrest in the form of a cushion element incorporated in the seat back shroud. Complex configurations may include a padded element applied to a rigid support structure. The complex configuration may further include a mechanism for adjusting the position of the headrest relative to the seat back. For example, the vertical adjustment mechanism may be used to translate the headrest vertically up or down, while the angular adjustment mechanism may be used to pivot the entire headrest about a horizontal axis.

While complex headrest configurations may provide a degree of adjustability, conventional headrest configurations are not able to replicate the sidewall effect of a passenger cabin, such as an aircraft cabin. On the main deck seats, passengers sitting in the outboard seats will typically rest their individual pillows, clothing, etc. against the side walls to form a comfortable surface for their heads. It is inconvenient, undesirable or infeasible for some passengers to board the aircraft with additional items simply for comfortable sitting or sleeping positions. For other passengers, particularly those sitting on inboard seats, there is no vertical support surface available for placing personal items for greater comfort in sitting or lying.

Accordingly, there is a need for a headrest construction that avoids the need for a separate personal item to create a more comfortable sitting or sleeping position. A desirable headrest construction would be incorporated into the seat construction and include mechanisms for positioning the headrest to support various sitting and sleeping positions, including at least the back and sides of the head. An ideal headrest construction would be easy to adjust and robust to ensure long life without failure.

Disclosure of Invention

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, inventive aspects disclosed herein relate to an adjustable headrest assembly attached to a seat back, including: an adapter plate assembly attachable to a front portion of a seat back or a seat back element; the headrest is arranged in front of the connecting plate component; and an adjustment mechanism movably coupling the headrest to the adapter plate assembly. The adjustment mechanism includes a linear slide mounted to the headrest, first and second carriages slidable along the linear slide, and first and second connecting rods, wherein the first connecting rod is pivotally attached to the first carriage and the tipping plate assembly, and the second connecting rod is pivotally attached to the second carriage and the tipping plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may allow at least one of forward translational, lateral translational and rotational adjustment of the headrest.

In some embodiments, the first connecting rod may be pivotally attached at one end to the first carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the adapter plate assembly such that the first connecting rod is rotatable between a first position parallel to the adapter plate assembly and a second position at an angle to the adapter plate assembly, and wherein the second connecting rod may be pivotally attached at one end to the second carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the adapter plate assembly such that the second connecting rod is rotatable between a first position parallel to the adapter plate assembly and a second position at an angle to the adapter plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the first and second connecting rods may be rotated outward in opposite directions to drive the headrest away from the adapter plate assembly and inward in opposite directions to drive the headrest toward the adapter plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may allow one side of the headrest to move away from the adapter plate assembly while the opposite side of the headrest may remain substantially with the adapter plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the headrest may include a central portion and side portions, wherein the side portions are pivotally attached to the central portion and adjustable in angle relative to the central portion.

In some embodiments, the angle of the side portions relative to the central portion can be adjusted independently of the adjustment of the central portion relative to the tipping plate assembly or the seat back.

In some embodiments, the adapter plate assembly may include an adapter plate and a guide mounted to the adapter plate, wherein each of the first and second connecting rods is pivotally attached to the guide.

In some embodiments, the guide may be a component of a vertical adjustment mechanism that movably couples the tipping plate assembly to the fixed seat back element.

In another aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to an adjustable headrest assembly attachable to a seat back, including a headrest and an adjustment mechanism including: a linear slide mounted to the headrest; a first carriage and a second carriage slidable along the linear slide rail; and a first connecting rod pivotally attached to the first carriage and pivotally attached to the seat back element, and a second connecting rod pivotally attached to the second carriage and pivotally attached to the seat back element.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may allow at least one of forward translation, lateral translation, and rotation of the headrest.

In some embodiments, the assembly may further comprise a tipping plate assembly attachable to the seat back, wherein the first connecting rod may be pivotally attached at one end to the first carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the adapter plate assembly, and wherein the second connecting rod may be pivotally attached at one end to the second carriage and pivotally attached at an opposite end to the tipping plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the first and second connecting rods may rotate outward in opposite directions to drive the headrest away from the seat back and may rotate inward in opposite directions to drive the headrest toward the seat back.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may allow one side of the headrest to move away from the seat back while the opposite side of the headrest may remain substantially with the seat back.

In some embodiments, the headrest can include a central portion and side portions pivotally attached to the central portion and adjustable in angle relative to the central portion, and wherein the angle of the side portions relative to the central portion can be adjusted independently of the adjustment of the central portion relative to the seat back.

In another aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to an aircraft passenger seat assembly including a seat back and an adjustable headrest assembly attached to the seat back. The adjustable headrest assembly includes: assembling a plate; a headrest arranged in front of the assembling plate; and an adjustment mechanism movably coupling the headrest to the adapter plate, the adjustment mechanism comprising: the headrest system includes a linear slide mounted to the headrest, first and second carriages slidable along the linear slide, and first and second connecting rods, the first connecting rod pivotally attached to the first carriage and the adapter plate, the second connecting rod pivotally attached to the second carriage and the adapter plate.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may allow at least one of forward translation, lateral translation, and rotation of the headrest relative to the seat back.

In some embodiments, the first and second connecting rods may be rotated outward in opposite directions to drive the headrest away from the adapter plate and may be rotated inward in opposite directions to drive the headrest toward the adapter plate.

In some embodiments, the headrest may include a central portion and side portions pivotally attached to the central portion and adjustable in angle relative to the central portion, wherein the angle of the side portions relative to the central portion is adjustable independently of the adjustment of the central portion relative to the adapter plate.

In some embodiments, the assembly may further comprise a guide member mounted to the adapter plate, wherein the first and second connecting rods are pivotally attached to the guide member, and wherein the guide member is part of a vertical adjustment mechanism for moving the adjustable headrest assembly up and down relative to the seat back.

Embodiments of the inventive concept may include one or more or any combination of the above aspects, features and configurations.

Drawings

The practice of the inventive concepts disclosed herein will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be schematically represented for clarity. Like reference numbers in the figures may indicate and refer to the same or similar elements, features, or functions. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a passenger seat group showing a headrest assembly attached to a front portion of one of the seat backs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the passenger seat group shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the stowed head restraint;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the passenger seat set shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the headrest laterally translated to be positioned at an angle to the seat back;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the passenger seat set shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the headrest laterally translated to be positioned at an angle to the seat back;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the head restraint assembly showing the head restraint stowed;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the headrest assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the head restraint assembly showing the head restraint translated forward;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the headrest assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the head restraint assembly showing the head restraint laterally translated for angular positioning;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the headrest assembly shown in FIG. 9;

fig. 11 is an exploded view of the headrest assembly as viewed from the front; and

fig. 12 is an exploded view of the headrest assembly as viewed from the rear.

Detailed Description

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The specific features and functions are described in connection with each illustrative embodiment. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functions. Aspects, features, and functions described below in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to other embodiments described below, unless explicitly stated otherwise, or aspects, features, or functions are incompatible with the embodiments.

Referring to the figures, an inventive aspect of a headrest assembly is disclosed herein that is attachable to and suitable for use with any seating configuration, such as an aircraft passenger seating configuration. The headrest assembly may be attached directly or indirectly to the seat back or seat back element. For example, the attaching may include: a front portion directly attached to the seat back; directly attached to a seat back frame element; attached to the seat back by a panel interface; indirectly attached to another element by an adjustment mechanism such as a vertical adjustment mechanism or a pivoting adjustment mechanism. A head restraint assembly may be attached to a front side of the seat back and positioned relative to the seat back to support a head and/or neck of a seat occupant in various seating and sleeping positions. The headrest assembly includes an integrated or primary adjustment mechanism for changing the position of at least one headrest member relative to the seat back and is compatible with at least one secondary adjustment mechanism, such as an adjustment mechanism for changing the vertical position of the headrest relative to the seat back or a pivot mechanism for tilting the headrest up and down about a horizontal axis.

In one aspect, the integrated adjustment mechanism is used to translate the headrest fore-aft, laterally to one side or to the other, or to rotate the headrest relative to the seat back by translating one side of the headrest fore-aft. The adjustment mechanism is used to shift the head restraint between different positions depending on the needs and desires of the seat occupant. For example, the head restraint may be positioned in a first position corresponding to a stowed position in which the head restraint is closest to the seat back and parallel to the seat back transverse axis. The head restraint is positionable in a second position corresponding to a first deployed position in which the head restraint is furthest from the seat back and remains parallel to the seat back transverse axis. The headrest may be moved from the first position to the second position by pulling and returned to the first position by pushing the headrest toward the seat back. The movement may also be automated, for example by driving a rotation of a connecting rod.

The headrest can be positioned in a third position corresponding to a second deployed position in which the headrest is tilted to the right (e.g., rotated about a vertical axis) to position the headrest at an angle to the transverse axis of the seat back to provide lateral support to the left side of the head. In the third position, one side of the headrest is closest to the seat back and the opposite side of the headrest is furthest from the seat back. The headrest can also be positioned in a fourth position corresponding to a third deployed position in which the headrest is reclined to the left (e.g., rotated about a vertical axis) to position the headrest at an angle to the transverse axis of the seat back to provide lateral support to the right side of the head. In the fourth position, one side of the headrest is closest to the seat back and the opposite side of the headrest is furthest from the seat back. The headrest may be positioned in other positions, such as intermediate positions between any of the aforementioned positions. The head restraint can be selectively moved from any one position to any other position without having to follow any particular repositioning sequence.

The headrest is mounted to or on an adjustment mechanism that allows the headrest to translate and/or rotate. The headrest assembly typically includes a linear slide mounted to the rear of the headrest and a pair of attached linkages mounted to a carriage that engages the linear slide. The linkage is pivotally attached to an adapter plate that is coupled to a seat back or other seat back element. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter plate may be coupled with the mounting plate to provide vertical adjustment of the head restraint. The linkages are free to pivot on the headrest side and the seat back side and operate independently of each other to allow the headrest to rotate or tilt about a vertical axis.

In use, in the fully stowed position, the linkages are rotated inwardly to be parallel or nearly parallel to the seat back so that the linkages are collinear and point toward each other. When the headrest is fully retracted, the mounts on the rails may be near the center of the seat back and may be nearly touching. When the headrest is pulled or otherwise translated forward away from the seat back, the linkages rotate outward in opposite directions and away from each other. The carriages engaged in the linear track also move outwards and away from each other towards their respective track ends. The length of the linkage and/or rotational stops associated with the linkage may be used to adjust/determine the maximum limit distance of the head restraint from the seat back when fully deployed.

For side support, the head rest may be rotated so that one linkage folds back toward the seat back while the other is unfolded and extended. To obtain maximum lateral support, the wing pivotally attached to one end of the headrest may be angled forward out of the plane of the central portion of the headrest to provide additional lateral support. In extreme side deployment, the headrest may rotate and the wings are fully angled such that the wings are positioned generally perpendicular to the seat back transverse axis. The degrees of freedom of the headrest and optional side wings may be combined to offset the headrest to one side or the other and to pivot the headrest outwardly and away from the seat back to provide a headrest support surface for enhanced headrest side support.

Referring to FIG. 1, a non-limiting example of a passenger seat set is shown generally at 20. The passenger seat set 20 may be an economy, luxury economy, or other cabin seat set. The headrest assembly embodiments of the present disclosure are compatible with any seat configuration that may benefit from an adjustable headrest. As shown, the passenger seating group 20 includes three laterally adjacent seats 22, each having a seat bottom 24 and a seat back 26 supported on or by a seat base frame 28. The seat base frame 28 may include shared frame members such as legs, struts, and crossbeams. Each seat back 26 may be reclined during flight to enhance comfort.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, each seat 22 in the passenger seating group 20 is preferably equipped with a headrest assembly 30. The headrest assembly 30 generally includes a headrest 32 disposed forward of an adapter plate 34 that is attached directly or indirectly to the seat back. The headrest 32 generally includes a central portion 36 and may optionally include pivotally attached and angularly adjustable sides or side portions 38, for example in the form of wings. Each of the central portion 36 and the side portions 38 may be a rigid support plate with weight-reducing apertures. Cushioning elements may be applied to the rigid central portion 36 and optional side portions 38 to enhance comfort. A lining may be applied to the cushion element to further enhance comfort and make the headrest more aesthetically pleasing. The central portion 36 and optional side portions 38 may be separately sleeved over the bushing to allow angular adjustment between the portions.

Fig. 2 shows the passenger seat group 20 from the front with the head restraint 32 in a fully stowed position relative to the seat back 26 and with the center portion 36 and the side portions 38 lying in the same plane. From this position, the headrest 32 may be pulled forward with or without adjusting the angle of the side portions 38 relative to the central portion 36. Alternatively, one or more of the side portions 38 may be moved out of the plane of the central portion 36 without changing the position of the central portion relative to the seat back 26. For example, the headrest may be moved forward without changing the angle of the side portions to position the headrest away from the seat back without enhancing the side support of the head, or the side support may be enhanced without adjusting the position of the center portion.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate the head restraint assembly 30 with the head restraint 32 rotated to the left to position the head restraint at an angle to the transverse axis of the seat back. The head restraint 32 is shown tilted to the left to provide lateral support to the right side of the head. The left side portion 38 is angled relative to the center portion 36 to remain parallel to the seat back transverse axis. The right side lateral portion 38 is angled forwardly relative to the center portion 36 to be disposed generally perpendicular to the seat back lateral axis to provide maximum lateral support.

Fig. 5 illustrates a head restraint assembly 30 generally including a head restraint 32 movably coupled to an adapter plate 34. The headrest 32 is shown as including a central portion 36 and optional side portions 38. A torque hinge 40 may be used to pivotally attach each of the left and right side sections 38 to the center section 36 to provide continuous resistance throughout the range of motion of the side sections while allowing the position of the side sections to be independently positioned and maintained relative to the center section. Other hinge types and mechanisms that can maintain their position throughout the range of motion may be used. The side portions 38 may taper towards their top while the central portion 36 may have a complementary tapered shape towards the bottom, or vice versa. In the fully stowed position, at least the central portion 36 may be parallel to the adapter plate 34. The central portion 36 and the side portions 38 may be rigid metal plates having a thin profile.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the headrest assembly 30 in a fully stowed configuration. The headrest assembly 30 also includes an adjustment mechanism 42 for movably coupling the headrest 32, and more specifically, the central portion 36, to the adapter plate 34. The adjustment mechanism 42 generally includes a linear slide 44, first and second carriages 46, 48 slidable along the linear slide, and first and second connecting rods 50, 52. The linear slide 44 is mounted horizontally to the rear of the head restraint 32. The first and second carriages 46, 48 are engaged to slide along the linear slide 44. A first connecting rod 50 is pivotally attached to each of the first carriage 46 and the adapter plate 34. A second connecting rod 52 is pivotally attached to each of the second carriage 48 and the adapter plate 34. The linkages, including the first linkage including the first carriage 46 and the first connecting rod 50 and the second linkage including the second carriage 48 and the second connecting rod 52, move together to translate the head restraint 32 forward or backward while remaining parallel to the adapter plate 34, or move independently to form an angle in the head restraint 32.

A first connecting rod 50 is pivotally attached at one end to the first carriage 46 and at the other end to the adapter plate 34 such that the first connecting rod is free to pivot on the headrest side and the seat back side to rotate between a first position parallel to the adapter plate and a second position at an angle to the adapter plate. The second connecting rod 52 is pivotally attached at one end to the second carriage 48 and at the other end to the adapter plate 34 such that the second connecting rod is free to pivot on the headrest and seat back sides to rotate between a first position parallel to the adapter plate and a second position at an angle to the adapter plate. As the first and second connecting rods 50, 52 rotate, their respective first and second carriages 46, 48 slide along the linear track 44. More specifically, when the first and second connecting rods 50, 52 are rotated inward, their respective first and second carriages 50, 52 slide toward the center, and when the first and second connecting rods are rotated outward, their respective first and second carriages slide outward.

The independent movement of the linkages allows the headrest to move by translation, rotation, or a combination of both. The head restraint 32 is driven away from the adapter plate 34 when the first and second connecting rods 50, 52 are rotated outward in opposite directions, and the head restraint is driven toward the adapter plate when the first and second connecting rods 50, 52 are rotated inward in opposite directions. One connecting rod may be pivoted more than the other to create an angle of the head restraint 32 relative to the adapter plate to provide different angles of head restraint and varying degrees of lateral head support.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate the head restraint assembly 30 with the head restraint 32 fully translated forward to an extension limit furthest from the adapter plate 34. In this headrest position, the first and second connecting links 50, 52 are fully rotatable outward. Mechanical stops 54 may be used to limit the rotation of the first and second connecting links 50, 52 to limit the forward travel of the headrest, prevent over travel when the headrest 32 is deployed, and/or prevent unwanted lateral displacement. In the fully forward position, the first and second carriages 46, 48 are at their outward lateral limits. Mechanical stops may also be used to limit the outward travel of the first and second carriages 46, 48 to limit the forward travel of the head restraint 32. The side portions 38 are shown in the same plane as the central portion 36, but may alternatively be independently angled forward or rearward.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate the head restraint assembly 30 rotated to provide lateral support to one side of the head. Although the headrest 32 is shown as being rotated fully to the left, the headrest may be rotated fully to the right or partially to either side. In addition to the headrest rotating, the side portion 38 is shown angled forward to provide additional side support, while the left side portion is angled forward to clear the seat back to allow the headrest to fully rotate. In the illustrated pivoted headrest position, the linkage including the first carriage 46 and the first connecting rod 50 is nearly stowed or folded relative to the seat back, and the linkage including the second carriage 48 and the second connecting rod 52 is fully extended to position the headrest to a maximum angle.

Fig. 11 and 12 show components of a general headrest assembly 30. The adjustment mechanism, in particular the first and second connecting rods 50, 52, may be pivotally attached to a guide 56, which may be attached to an adapter plate or other seat back element. A pin 58 may be used to retain the ends of the first and second connecting rods 50, 52 at their respective attachment points on the first and second carriages 46, 48 and the guide 56. In some embodiments, the guide 56 may be part of an optional vertical adjustment mechanism for moving the headrest assembly up or down relative to the seat back. The vertical adjustment mechanism may movably couple the headrest assembly 30 to the seat back.

The vertical adjustment mechanism may include spaced apart elongated rails secured to the seat back panel. The guides 56 may be disposed between spaced apart rails for up and down linear movement relative to the rails. The guide 56 may include a post 60 on which a vertically oriented roller may be mounted. A plurality of rollers may be engaged to roll along opposing surfaces of the spaced apart rails to facilitate smooth vertical movement of the assembly. In some embodiments, the vertical adjustment mechanism may also include a friction member carried on the guide. The friction member may have a flat surface that contacts a flat opposing surface on the guide rail to enhance friction between the two surfaces to maintain the relative position of the headrest assembly. Thus, the friction member helps to maintain the headrest in a selected position while the rollers facilitate smooth up and down movement of the headrest assembly. Each friction member may be spring biased in the direction of its respective guide rail. In some embodiments, covers may be attached to the guides 56 to retain the rollers on their respective posts and the friction members in their respective recesses.

Although the foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only, it is anticipated that other embodiments may achieve similar functionality and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.