DE29804643U1 - Cladding of headrests in motor vehicles - Google Patents

Description

Description
Covering of headrests in vehicles

Mass-produced headrests in cars often cannot be adjusted to a high enough level for tall drivers, are too far away from the head, slide back into the backrest when touched, are misinterpreted by the user as neck rests and do not provide any support for the cervical spine (ADAC motorweit 10/96). The consequences are a significant risk to the user and damage to the seat in the event of an accident.

lOHervical spine injuries such as whiplash/cervical spine syndrome and resulting high costs for the damage insurers.

There are no known inventions that solve this problem comprehensively, and only individual approaches to partial solutions exist, which, however, fall far short of the requirements for adequate solutions and often exclude large users.

The solution to the problem is made more difficult by the large number of headrest models available.

The utility model applications roll number G 89 13 593.8 and roll number G 89 12 143.0 describe, for example, partial solutions that are either not feasible for all headrests or not feasible for all user sizes.

20Only inadequate individual solutions can be produced in series.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of creating a comprehensive possibility of covering mass-produced headrests in motor vehicles in such a way that the defects described above are eliminated by offering a complete solution in one product that can be used on different types of headrest, meets the needs of the user, eliminates safety defects and can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities.

This problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1 - system,

System elements - solved.
30The features of claims 2 to 9 describe the problem solution for the system elements with regard to their interaction in the system.

Claims 10 to 15 describe further advantageous system solutions.

The advantages achieved with the invention are that, in contrast to the current state of the art, different types of headrests can be adapted to the users, a comprehensive overall solution for the main safety defects replaces inadequate individual solutions, the risk for the user of suffering a cervical spine distortion is reduced, the costs for insurers are significantly reduced and series production is possible.

lOEmbodiments of the invention are shown in drawings and are described in more detail below.

Show it

FIG. 1 System elements without lateral retaining element

FIG. 2 side retaining element (8)

FIG. 3 Section through the lower distance, guide and reset protection element (1)

on the headrest

FIG. 4 Section through the lower distance, guide and reset protection element (1)

in the front view

FIG. 5 Section through the lower distance, guide and reset protection element (1)

Top view

FIG. 6 Headrest extension element (2/1,2/2) in side view

FIG. 7 Headrest extension element (2/2) in front view

FIG. 8 Headrest extension element (2/2, 2/1) in side view

FIG. 9 Headrest extension element (2/1) in front view

FIG. 10 Front distance reduction and holding element (3) in side view

FIG. 11 Front distance reduction and holding element (3) in front view

FIG. 12 Height-adjustable lumbar support element (4) in side view

FIG. 13 Height-adjustable lumbar support element (4) in front view

FIG. 14 height-adjustable lumbar support element (4) in top view

FIG. 15 Base element (5) in side view

FIG. 16 Base element (5) in front view

FIG. 17 Frame holding element (6) in side view, headrest body cut

FIG. 18 Frame holding element (6) in front view

FIG. 19 Frame holding element (6) in plan view, headrest body cut

FIG. 20 Guide element left (7/2) in side view

FIG.21 Headrest element (7/1,7/2) in front view

FIG.22 Headrest element (7/1,7/2) in plan view

FIG. 2 3 lateral retaining element left (8/2) in side view

10FIG.24 side retaining element (8/1,8/2) in the front view

FIG.25 side retaining element (8/1,8/2) in plan view

FIG.26 System on the headrest, perspective

FIG.27 Section through FIG.26 at half height of the cervical lordosis support

FIG. 2 8 System removed from the headrest

15FIG.29 FIG.28 without (12) in side view

FIG.30 FIG.28 without (12) in front view

FIG. 31 Connection of system elements according to claim

FIG.32 lower distance, guide and reset protection element

FIG. 3 3 Lower distance, guide and reset protection element

FIG. 34 lower distance, guide and reset protection element

FIG.35 lower distance, guide and reset protection element

FIG.36 System according to claim 12, front view

FIG. 3 7 System according to claim 12, side view

FIG. 3 8 System according to claim 12, perspective

25FIG.39 System side view

FIG. 40 System front view

FIG. 41 System top view

FIG.42 System, schematically according to claim 15

FIG:43 System, schematically according to claim

3 OFIG. 44 System, schematically according to claim 15

FIG.45 System, schematically according to claim 5

FIG.46 System, schematically according to claim 13
FIG. 47 System, schematically according to claim 13
FIG.48 System, schematically according to claim 13
FIG.49 State of the art vs. invention

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings, showing the structure and, if applicable, the mode of operation of the invention shown.

All known and suitable materials, fastening techniques, as well as manufacturing and assembly processes that correspond to the state of the art are used and are therefore not described in more detail.

FIG. 1 shows the system elements according to claim 1 in their arrangement on the headrest (10) and their position relative to one another in the system. For reasons of clarity, the lateral holding element (8) has been shown separately in FIG. 2. The breakdown of the system into system elements represents the core of the invention and enables its advantageous mode of operation in that the system can be used on headrests of any shape by changing the shape of individual elements. A suitable cover for the system is not shown. If necessary, the state of the art applies. In certain cases, it can be omitted. As an example, in FIG. 1 the system is brought into a positive connection and held on the headrest by means of a Velcro fastener (12).

For reasons of clarity, the system elements described below are shown individually and only in their position relative to the headrest.

FIG.3, FIG.4 and FIG.5 each show by way of example the lower distance, guide and return protection element (1) according to claims 1 and 2. Its function is to position the upper edge of the headrest at least equal to or higher than the highest point of the user's head and to hold it there, either alone or in conjunction with the headrest extension element. In addition, it guides and/or holds the system on the headrest.

FIG.6, FIG.7, FIG. 8 and FIG.9 each show, by way of example, the headrest extension element (2/1, 2/2) according to claims 1 and 3. It consists of a stabilizing part, which is exemplarily attached to the headrest (2/1) and a part for rear or extension

filling (2/2). The use of both parts as well as the use of only one of these parts satisfies claim 3.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 each show, by way of example, the front distance-reducing and holding element (3) according to claims 1 and 4. It shortens the distance between the headrest and the user's head to the desired distance and across a height difference that is greater than the distance between the front upper edge and the front lower edge of the headrest. This makes it significantly different from previous proposed solutions. FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 each show, by way of example, the height-adjustable lordosis support element (4) according to claims 1 and 5. It supports the user's cervical spine lordosis in

10the desired height and independent of the size of the user. This is another significant difference to previous solutions.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 each show, by way of example, the base element (5) according to claims 1 and 6. It primarily holds the system elements in position relative to one another. FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 each show, by way of example, the frame holding element according to claims 1 and 7. In the case of frame headrests, it completely or partially fills the frame so that, in conjunction with at least one other element, it gives the system horizontal and/or vertical support. In the case of frame headrests with several compartments, as many holding element parts as there are compartments can be used. In addition, the system can be attached to the struts that separate the compartments from one another.

FIG.20, FIG.21 and FIG.22 each show by way of example the guide element (7) according to claims 1 and 8. It consists of a right (7/1) and a left (7/2) part, which are arranged in such a way that they guide the height-adjustable lumbar support element to the desired height and its lateral support transverse to the direction of travel.

251ize. Both parts can be manufactured individually or together on a base plate.

FIG.23, FIG.24 and FIG.25 each show by way of example the lateral holding element (8) according to claims 1 and 9. It consists of the right (8/1) and the left (8/2) part, which are arranged in such a way that they hold the system laterally on the headrest.

30FIG.26 shows in perspective an exemplary embodiment of the system according to claims 1 and 11. It enables the use of the system on the same or similar head-

support types without restrictions due to the user’s height.

FIG.27 illustrates the guidance of the height-adjustable lumbar support element along the vertical and its position in the horizontal.

FIG.28, FIG.29 and FIG.30 show exemplary embodiments of the system according to claims 1 and 10. Here, the guide element according to claims 1 and 8.2 is only designed to accommodate the back of the head. FIG.28 describes a further variant of the fastening of the system (12) as an example.

FIG. 31 shows an example of the system according to claims 1 and 11. The lower distance, guide and return protection element (1), the front distance reduction element (3), the base element (5) and the headrest extension element (2) are combined in one system part. For reasons of clarity, the other system parts are not shown. The advantage of this design is that it is easier to manufacture, e.g. for modular systems.
FIG.32, FIG.33, FIG.34 and FIG.35 show exemplary embodiments of the lower distance, guide and return protection element according to claims 1 and 2. FIG.36, FIG.37 and FIG.38 show exemplary embodiments of the system according to claims 1, 11 and 12. The distance reduction element, the headrest extension element and the lateral holding element are missing here. The base element, lower distance, guide and return protection element, frame holding element and guide element are made in one piece.

FIG.39, FIG.40 and FIG.41 show exemplary embodiments of the system according to claims 1, 11 and 14. Here, the positive connection is not made vertically around the headrest (10) but rather horizontally. The function of the lateral holding element (9) according to claims 1 and 9 is clearly visible. Another exemplary embodiment of the fastening of the system to the headrest is shown, here with an elastic band (12).

FIG.42, FIG.43, FIG.44 and FIG.45 show schematically exemplary system designs according to claims 1 and 15. To implement this design, for example, system elements and/or system parts are adapted in their shape to the headrest to be covered (inwards) and the desired uniform (outwards).

30FIG46 shows an example of the production of the system according to claim 1, 13 and 15 by foaming a mold template. It is also possible to use prefabricated uniform

Parts of the system are attached to the headrest by foaming. FIG.47 and FIG.48 show exemplary designs of the system according to claims 1, 13 and 15 by filling a hollow body with a gaseous substance. Here it is also conceivable to attach prefabricated system parts to the headrest by filling individual parts using filling chambers in/on the system.

FIG.49 shows in (14.1), (15.1), (16.1) and (17.1) the problem that the inventor faced and in (14.2), (15.2), (16.2) and (17.2) its advantageous solution. In principle, the use of mold adapters on the system and/or on the headrest is also conceivable. The above-mentioned fillable chambers or molded parts could be used for this, but other materials could also be used. However, the inventor considers this to be the state of the art. Therefore, it was not described in more detail.

Claims (15)

Protection claims 1. Covering of headrests in motor vehicles, characterized in that 1.1. the system elements lower spacer, guide and return protection element (1), headrest extension element (2), front distance reduction and holding element (3), height-adjustable lumbar support element (4), Base element (5),
Frame holding element (6), Guide element (7) and side retaining element (8) to
1.2. are combined in a system which forms a functional unit and which, when fitted to mass-produced headrests in motor vehicles, transforms them in such a way that they meet the safety requirements and the wishes of the users. 2. Covering of headrests in motor vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that that, 2.1. the lower distance, guide and return protection element is made of a solid material or of a gaseous or liquid substance delimited by a solid material and fills the space between the underside of the headrest cushion and the top of the seat backrest in such a way that
2.2. a desired distance is created between them, the unintentional return of the headrest into the backrest is prevented, it can be connected to other system elements and serves to hold and/or guide the system on the headrest. 3. Headrest extension element according to claim 1, characterized in that 3.1. a body made of a solid material or by a solid body · · I a spatially confined gaseous or liquid substance is placed along, around or on the head restraint, that
3.2. which extends at least the front surface of the headrest towards the vehicle roof becomes.
5 4. Front distance reducing and holding element according to claim 1, characterized in that 4.1. a solid body or a liquid or gaseous substance spatially delimited by a solid body is positioned on the front surface of the head restraint in such a way that it projects beyond the front upper edge and/or the front lower edge of the head restraint and by 4.2. it has a thickness corresponding to the distance to be reduced, reduces the distance between the headrest and the user’s head and keeps system elements in position relative to one another. 5. Height-adjustable lumbar support element according to claim 1, characterized in that 5.1. a solid body or a gaseous or liquid substance spatially limited by a solid body is worked in such a way that a cervical lordosis support is created which, in conjunction with an adjustment device, can be brought into any desired position on the user's neck and held there. 6. Base element according to claim 1, characterized in that 6.1. a solid body or a gaseous or liquid substance spatially delimited by a solid body establishes the connection between the system elements in such a way that 6.2. the system elements are held in position relative to each other. 7. Frame holding element according to claim 1, characterized in that 7.1. a solid body or a liquid or gaseous substance spatially delimited by a solid body, particularly in the case of frame headrests, has one or more · • * Fills the gaps completely or partially so that 7.2. in conjunction with at least one other system element, it holds the system in its position relative to the headrest. 8. Guide element according to claim 1, characterized in that 8.1. two solid bodies or two gaseous or liquid bodies each spatially delimited by a solid body are positioned relative to one another on the front side of the headrest in such a way that the height-adjustable lumbar support element can be guided along and/or between them and
8.2. further designed in such a way that it additionally or exclusively serves to guide/support the user’s head laterally. 9. Lateral holding element according to claim 1, characterized in that 9.1. two solid bodies or two gaseous or liquid bodies each spatially delimited by a solid body run along both sides of the headrest in such a way that 9.2. this, in conjunction with at least one other system element, holds the system in its position on the headrest. 10. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it is manufactured as a fixed connection of the system elements in one piece. 11. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of system parts, which are system elements and each is manufactured separately and/or combine at least two system elements that merge into one another and are therefore not spatially limited to one another. 12. System according to claim 1, 10 and 11, characterized in that only those system elements are used that are required or desired in the specific implementation case, i.e. the system character is maintained even after omitting one or more elements. 13. System and system elements according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it/they are created before, during and/or after installation on the headrest. 14. System and system elements according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it/they is/are attached to the headrest by frictional locking and/or positive locking. 15. System and system elements according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it/they are manufactured in such a way that different headrest models
clad so that a uniform design is realized on the outside.