WO2011130272A1

WO2011130272A1 - Foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2011130272A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/032115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sai Pedaballe; Cha XIONG; Douglas Wheeler; Joseph M. Laperriere, Iii
Original assignee: Kongsberg Automotive, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-04-12
Filing date: 2011-04-12
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: WO2011130279A1

Abstract

A foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle is disclosed. A housing is adapted to be coupled to the seat and a shaft is coupled to the housing and defining a central axis. A support is coupled to the shaft and rotatable between use and stowed positions. A bracket is coupled to the shaft and attached to the support for concurrent rotation with the support between the use and stowed positions. A locking member is coupled to the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the central axis between a locked position preventing rotation of the support to the stowed position and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the support to the stowed position. The locking member is sandwiched between the bracket and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support to the stowed position.

Description

FOLD ABLE HEADREST ASSEMBLY

FOR A SEAT OF A VEHICLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/342,288, filed on April 12, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Foldable headrests are known in the art. One example of a foldable headrest includes a pivot shaft along an axis with a pair of head restraint supports rotatable about the axis between an upright position and a folded position. A metal substrate is provided at the lower ends of the head restraint supports for attaching the head restraint supports to the pivot shaft. A lock abutment is movable transverse to the axis and selectively engages one of the substrates. For example, when the lock abutment and the substrate engage each other, rotation of the head restraint supports to the folded position is prevented. However, the substrate engages one side of the lock abutment and the other side of the lock abutment is not supported where the force of the substrate is being applied, which causes excess stress in various locations of the lock abutment.

[0004] Therefore, there remains an opportunity to develop a foldable headrest assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides for a foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle. The foldable headrest assembly includes a housing adapted to be coupled to the seat and a shaft coupled to the housing with the shaft defining a central axis. The foldable headrest assembly further includes a support coupled to the shaft and rotatable between a use position and a stowed position. The foldable headrest assembly also includes a bracket coupled to the shaft and attached to the support for concurrent rotation with the support between the use and stowed positions. The foldable headrest further includes a locking member coupled to the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the central axis between a locked position preventing rotation of the support to the stowed position and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the support to the stowed position. The locking member is sandwiched between the bracket and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support to the stowed position.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides for a foldable headrest assembly which is more compact and less complex. Having the locking member movable substantially parallel to the central axis allows the locking member to be slimmer and/or allows the locking member to be manufactured from a wider selection of materials. Further, when the locking member is in the locked position, the bracket is sandwiched between the locking member and the housing for preventing undesirable rotation of the support. In addition, when the locking member is sandwiched between the bracket and the housing, the locking member is being supported by the housing at the point of contact, thus reducing stress on the locking member as compared to the lock abutment as discussed in the background of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foldable headrest assembly coupled to a seat.

[0009] Figure 2 is a plan view of the foldable headrest assembly having a support in a use position and a cap substantially covering various components of the assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 is a plan view of a housing with the cap removed and the support in the use position with a locking member in a locked position. [0011] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the foldable headrest assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 is a plan view of the housing and the locking member in the locked position.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking member in the locked position.

[0014] Figure 7 is a plan view of the locking member in an unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support in a stowed position with the locking member abutting a bracket.

[0016] Figure 9 is a plan view of the support in the stowed position and the locking member abutting the bracket.

[0017] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cover and a fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a foldable headrest assembly 20 for a seat 22 of a vehicle (not shown) is generally shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. It is to be appreciated that the seat 22 can be utilized with any suitable vehicle or non- vehicle. Referring to Figure 1, the seat 22 can include a back portion 24 and a bottom portion 26 transverse to the back portion 24. The back portion 24 can support a user's back and the bottom portion 24, 26 can support a user's legs. It is to be appreciated that the seat 22 can be foldable such that the back portion 24 rotates downwardly toward the bottom portion 26.

[0019] Also referring to Figures 2-4, the foldable headrest assembly 20 includes a housing 28 adapted to be coupled to the seat 22. More specifically, the housing 28 is coupled to the back portion 24 of the seat 22. The housing 28 includes a bottom wall 30 and a back wall 32 traverse to the bottom wall 30. The housing 28 further includes a first side wall 34 and a second side wall 36 spaced from each other with the bottom and back walls 30, 32 disposed between the first and second side walls 34, 36. More specifically, the first side wall 34 is coupled to one end of the bottom and back walls 30, 32 and the second side wall 36 is coupled to another end of the bottom and back walls 30, 32. The walls 30, 32, 34, 36 cooperate to define a pocket 38. The housing 28 defines a plurality of holes 40 spaced from each other and more specifically, the first side wall 34 defines one of the holes 40 and the second side wall 36 defines another one of the holes 40.

[0020] The housing 28 can also include a first insert 42 and a second insert 44 spaced from each other and disposed in the pocket 38. The first insert 42 is disposed adjacent the first side wall 34 and the second insert 44 is disposed adjacent the second side wall 36. The first insert 42 can be attached to the bottom wall 30, the back wall 32, and/or the first side wall 34. Likewise, the second insert 44 can be attached to the bottom wall 30, the back wall 32 and/or the second side wall 36. The first and second inserts 42, 44 can be attached to the housing 28 by any suitable method, such as, for example, welding, press fit, adhesives, fasteners, etc. or combinations thereof. It is to be appreciated that the first and second inserts 42, 44 can be disposed at any suitable location. It is to further be appreciated that one or both of the first and second inserts 42, 44 can eliminated.

[0021] The first and second inserts 42, 44 each include a plurality of arms 46 spaced from each other. The first insert 42 defines a plurality of first orifices 48 and the second insert 44 defines a plurality of second orifices 50. More specifically, one of the arms 46 of the first insert 42 defines one of the first orifices 48 and another one of the arms 46 of the first insert 42 defines another one of the first orifices 48. Likewise, one of the arms 46 of the second insert 44 defines one of the second orifices 50 and another one of the arms 46 of the second insert 44 defines another one of the second orifices 50.

[0022] The foldable headrest assembly 20 further includes a shaft 52 coupled to the housing 28 and defining a central axis C. In one configuration, the shaft 52 can be disposed through the holes 40 of the housing 28. In other words, one shaft 52 can be coupled to the housing 28. In another configuration, the shaft 52 is further defined as a first shaft 54 and further including a second shaft 56 coupled to the housing 28 along the central axis C with the first and second shafts 54, 56 spaced from each other. More specifically, the first shaft 54 is disposed through the first orifices 48 of the first insert 42 and the second shaft 56 is disposed through the second orifices 50 of the second insert 44. In certain configurations, the first shaft 54 is disposed through the first orifices 48 of the first insert 42 and the hole 40 of the first side wall 34 with the second shaft 56 disposed through the second orifices 50 of the second insert 44 and the hole 40 of the second side wall 36. It is to be appreciated that the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 can be coupled to the housing 28 at any suitable location.

[0023] The holes 40 and the first and second orifices 48, 50 align with each other. More specifically, the holes 40 and the first and second orifices 48, 50 are disposed along the central axis C. It is to be appreciated that the holes 40 and the first and second orifices 48, 50 can be at any suitable location.

[0024] A cap 58 can be coupled to the housing 28 and substantially enclose the pocket 38. Therefore, the first and second inserts 42, 44, and the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 are disposed in the pocket 38 with the cap 58 disposed thereover. The cap 58 includes at least one first attachment member 60 for securing the cap 58 to the housing 28, and more specifically includes a plurality of first attachment members 60. The housing 28 includes at least one second attachment member 62 cooperating with the first attachment member 60 for securing the cap 58 to the housing 28, and more specifically includes a plurality of second attachment members 62 cooperating with the first attachment members 60. In one configuration, the first attachment member(s) 60 can further be defined as tab(s) and the second attachment member(s) 62 can further be defined as opening(s). For example, the back and bottom walls 32, 30 of the housing 28 can each define one of the openings and additionally, the first and second inserts 42, 44 can each define one of the openings with the cap 58 including tabs corresponding to the openings. It is to be appreciated that the first attachment member(s) 60 can further be defined as opening(s) and the second attachment member(s) 62 can further be defined as tab(s). It is to further be appreciated that the first and/or second attachment member(s) 60, 62 can be defined as, for example, fastener(s), snap fit connector(s), tab(s), clip(s), opening(s) and/or any suitable attachment member(s) for coupling the cap 58 to the housing 28.

[0025] The foldable headrest assembly 20 also includes a support 64 coupled to the shaft 52 and rotatable between a use position and a stowed position. Figures 1-3 and 5-7 illustrate the support 64 in the use position and Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the support 64 in the stowed position. The support 64 includes a first leg 66 and a second leg 68 spaced from each other. In certain configurations, the first leg 66 is coupled to the first shaft 54 and the second leg 68 is coupled to the second shaft 56. It is to be appreciated that the first and second legs 66, 68 can be coupled to one shaft 52. [0026] As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, a cushion 70 is coupled or attached to the support 64 for supporting a user's head. The cushion 70 and the support 64 rotate in unison between the use and stowed positions. The cushion 70 is disposed above the back portion 24 when in the use position. The cushion 70 can be disposed over a portion of the first and second legs 66, 68 of the support 64. It is to be appreciated that the cushion 70 can be disposed over the support 64 as desired. The cushion 70 can be coupled to the support 64 by any suitable method(s).

[0027] Also referring to Figure 3, a biasing component 72 is coupled to the housing 28 and the shaft 52 for continuously biasing the support 64 toward the stowed position. More specifically, the biasing component 72 continuously biases the support 64 which continuously biases the cushion 70 toward the stowed position. In one configuration, the biasing component 72 is secured to the first shaft 54 and the first side wall 34 of the housing 28. It is to be appreciated that the biasing component 72 can be secured to any suitable parts and any suitable location for biasing the support 64 toward the stowed position. The biasing component 72 can be further defined as a clock spring, dump spring, torsion spring, or any other suitable biasing component.

[0028] Turning to Figures 4-7, the foldable headrest assembly 20 further includes a bracket 74 coupled to the shaft 52 and attached to the support 64 for concurrent rotation with the support 64 between the use and stowed positions. In one configuration, the bracket 74 is coupled to the first shaft 54 and attached to the first leg 66 of the support 64. In another configuration, the bracket 74 is coupled to the second shaft 56 and attached to the second leg 68 of the support 64.

[0029] The bracket 74 includes a first abutment 76 and more specifically, the first abutment 76 extends outwardly away from the back wall 32 of the housing 28 when in the use position. The first abutment 76 faces the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28 when the support 64 is in the use position. In certain configurations, the first abutment 76 presents a flat configuration. It is to be appreciated that the first abutment 76 can be any suitable location and configuration.

[0030] As best shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bracket 74 further includes a second abutment 78 spaced from the first abutment 76. The second abutment 78 faces the back wall 32 of the housing 28 when the support 64 is in the use position. In certain configurations, the second abutment 78 presents a flat configuration. It is to be appreciated that the second abutment 78 can be any suitable location and configuration. The first and second abutments 76, 78 will be discussed further below.

[0031] The bracket 74 is further defined as a first bracket 74 and further including a second bracket 80 coupled to the second shaft 56 and attached to the support 64 for concurrent rotation with the support 64 between the use and stowed positions. In one configuration, the first and/or second brackets 74, 80 are attached to the support 64. In another configuration, the first and second brackets 74, 80 are attached to the first and second legs 66, 68 respectively. The first and/or second brackets 74, 80 are attached to the support 64, and thus the first and second legs 66, 68, by any suitable methods, such as, for example, welding, press fit, adhesive, fasteners etc. or combinations thereof. It is to be appreciated that the first and/or second brackets 74, 80 can be integral with the support 64. It is to further be appreciated that the second bracket 80 can be coupled to the first shaft 54 when eliminating the second shaft 56. In other words, when utilizing one shaft 52, the second bracket 80 is coupled to that shaft 52. The first bracket 74 includes the first and second abutments 76, 78 as discussed above. The bracket 74 will be referred to as the first bracket 74 in the following discussion.

[0032] The second bracket 80 includes a back side 82 facing the back wall 32 of the housing 28 when the support 64 is in the use position. In certain configurations, the back side 82 presents a flat configuration. It is to be appreciated that the back side 82 can be any suitable location and configuration. The back side 82 will be discussed further below.

[0033] Referring back to Figure 4, the first bracket 74 defines a first aperture 84 along the central axis C for receiving the first shaft 54 such that the first bracket 74, the support 64, and the first shaft 54 concurrently rotate about the central axis C. Likewise, the second bracket 80 defines a second aperture 86 along the central axis C for receiving the second shaft 56 such that the second bracket 80, the support 64, and the second shaft 56 concurrently rotate about the central axis C. In one configuration, the first and second brackets 74, 80 and the support 64 concurrently rotate about the central axis C independently of the first and/or second shafts 54, 56. In other words, the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 do not rotate in unison with the first and second brackets 74, 80 and the support 64. In another configuration, the first and second brackets 74, 80 are attached to the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 such that the first and second brackets 74, 80, the support 64, and the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 concurrently rotate about the central axis C. In other words, the first and second brackets 74, 80, the support 64, and the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 rotate in unison. In the configuration with the support 64, and the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 rotating in unison, the first and/or second brackets 74, 80 can be attached to the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 by any suitable methods, such as, for example, welding, press fit, adhesive, fasteners etc. or combinations thereof.

[0034] In addition, the first and/or second brackets 74, 84 are attached to the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 such that the first and second brackets 74, 84 concurrently rotate with the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 about the central axis C. In other words, the first and second shafts 54, 56 are rotatable about the central axis C. The first and second brackets 74, 84 are attached to the first and second shafts respectively 54, 56 by any suitable methods, such as, for example, welding, press fit, adhesive, fasteners etc. or combinations thereof. It is to be appreciated that the first and second brackets 74, 84 can be rotatable about the central axis C independently of the first and/or second shafts 54, 56. In other words, the first and/or second shafts 54, 56 can be stationary during movement of the first and second brackets 74, 84 about the central axis C.

[0035] The foldable headrest assembly 20 can optionally include a latch 88 coupled to the housing 28 for securing the support 64 in the stowed position. In one configuration, the latch 88 is attached to one of the first and second inserts 42, 44. For example, as best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the latch 88 is attached to the second insert 44. One of the first and second brackets 74, 80 optionally include a pin 90 cooperating with the latch 88 for securing the support 64 in the stowed position. For example, the second bracket 80 includes the pin 90. The latch 88 and the pin 90 are disposed in the pocket 38 of the housing 28. Referring to Figure 9, when the support 64 rotates to the stowed position, the pin 90 engages the latch 88 for preventing the support 64 from freely rotating back to the use position. In other words, to rotate the support 64 back to the use position when the pin 90 engages the latch 88, a force is applied to the support 64 or the cushion 70 to overcome the engagement between the pin 90 and the latch 88.

[0036] Turning to Figures 3 and 4, the foldable headrest assembly 20 also includes a locking member 92 coupled to the housing 28 and more specifically, coupled to the bottom wall 30. The locking member 92 is disposed in the pocket 38 of the housing 28. It is to be appreciated that the locking member 92 can be coupled to the housing 28 at any suitable location. The locking member 92 is movable along a longitudinal axis L substantially parallel to the central axis C between a locked position preventing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position. Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6 illustrate the locking member 92 in the locked position and Figure 7 illustrates the locking member 92 in the unlocked position. Having the locking member 92 movable substantially parallel to the central axis C allows the locking member 92 to be slimmer and/or allows the locking member 92 to be manufactured from a wider selection of materials.

[0037] The locking member 92 is sandwiched between the first bracket 74 and the housing 28 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position. In other words, when the locking member 92 is in the locked position, the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the locking member 92 and the housing 28 for preventing undesirable rotation of the support 64 and the cushion 70. More specifically, the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the locking member 92 and the back wall 32 of the housing 28 and even more specifically, the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the locking member 92 and the first insert 42 such that the second abutment 78 engages the first insert 42. As best shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the locking member 92 is in the locked position, the locking member 92 is disposed in the rotational path of the first bracket 74; thus, rotation of the support 64 from the use position to the stowed position is prevented. Further, as shown in Figure 7, when the locking member 92 is disposed in the unlocked position, the locking member 92 is spaced from the rotational path of the first bracket 74; thus, rotation of the support 64 from the use position to the stowed position is allowed.

[0038] Turning to Figures 3, 5, and 6, the locking member 92 includes a ramp 94 engaging the first bracket 74 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position. More specifically, the ramp 94 engages the first bracket 74 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position such that the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the ramp 94 and the back wall 32 for preventing rotation of the support 64. Even more specifically, the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the ramp 94 and the first insert 42 such that the first abutment 76 engages the ramp 94 and the second abutment 78 engages the first insert 42 or the back wall 32 of the housing 28. The ramp 94 compensates for manufacturing tolerances. Hence, the ramp 94 reduces and/or eliminates play in the support 64 and thus the cushion 70. In other words, the ramp 94 reduces and/or eliminates movement of the support 64 and the cushion 70 while in the use position. The portion of the ramp 94 that engages the first bracket 74 can change depending on manufacturing tolerances while still reducing and/or eliminating play in the support 64 and thus the cushion 70 when in the use position. As such, engagement of the ramp 94 with the first bracket 74 prevents rotation of the support 64 and the cushion 70 to the stowed position while also reducing and/or eliminating play in the support 64 and the cushion 70 when in the use position.

[0039] The locking member 92 further includes a first end 96 and a second end 98 spaced from the first end 96. In certain configurations, the first and second ends 96, 98 are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis L. The first end 96 of the locking member 92 is sandwiched between the first bracket 74 and the housing 28 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position. In certain configurations, the first end 96 of the locking member 92 includes the ramp 94 engaging the first bracket 74 when the locking member is in the locked position. In other words, the first end 96 includes the ramp 94 such that the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the ramp 94 and the housing 28 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position. More specifically, the first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the ramp 94 and the back wall 32 of the housing 28. The first abutment 76 of the first bracket 74 engages the ramp 94 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position.

[0040] The locking member 92 also includes a top side 100 and a bottom side 102 spaced from each other with the bottom side 102 facing the housing 28 and the top side 100 facing the first abutment 76 when in the use position. The locking member 92 further includes a first shoulder 104 with the ramp 94 sloping upwardly toward the first shoulder 104 and more specifically, the top side 100 of the locking member 92 includes the first shoulder 104. The bottom side 102 of the locking member 92 includes a second shoulder 106 with the first end 96 terminating at the first and second shoulders 104, 106 such that the first end 96 defines a head 108. The first end 96 of the locking member 92 presents the head 108 such that the head 108 is sandwiched between the first bracket 74 and the housing 28 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position for preventing rotation of the support 64 to the stowed position. The head 108 of the locking member 92 includes the ramp 94 engaging the first bracket 74 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position. In certain configurations, the locking member 92 includes the ramp 94 disposed on the top side 100 of the head 108 with the ramp 94 sloping upwardly toward the first shoulder 104 and the bottom side 102 of the head 108 abutting the housing 28.

[0041] The ramp 94 is disposed on the top side 100 of the head 108 and slopes upwardly toward the first shoulder 104 and the bottom side 102 of the head 108 abuts the housing 28. The bottom side 102 of the head 108 abuts the housing 28 for supporting the first end 96 when the first bracket 74 engages the locking member 92. A remainder of the bottom side 102 of the locking member 92 is spaced from the housing 28. More specifically, the remainder of the bottom side 102 of the locking member 92 is defined from the second shoulder 106 to the second end 98 of the locking member 92.

[0042] The bottom wall 30 of the housing 28 includes a stop 110 for limiting movement of the locking member 92 along the longitudinal axis L. More specifically, the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 can engage the stop 110. The stop 110 limits axial movement of the locking member 92 when in the locked position such that the first end 96 or the head 108 does not extend beyond the first bracket 74. In other words, the stop 110 ensures that the first end 96 or the head 108 engage the first abutment 76 of the first bracket 74 when the support 64 is in the use position and the locking member 92 is in the locked position. As such, the stop 110 prevents the locking member 92 from moving axially to the point where the first abutment 76 of the first bracket 74 can engage the first shoulder 104. It is to be appreciated that the first end 96 or the head 108 can be spaced from the stop 110 when the locking member 92 is in the locked position. It is to further be appreciated that the stop 110 can be attached/coupled to the housing 28 at any suitable location or attached/coupled to any suitable component.

[0043] A cable 112 is coupled to the locking member 92 for moving the locking member 92 to the unlocked position such that the ramp 94 is spaced from the first abutment 76. In certain configurations, the cable 112 is coupled to the second end 98 of the locking member 92 for moving the locking member 92 to the unlocked position. For example, when the cable 112 moves, the locking member 92 correspondingly moves along the longitudinal axis L away from the first bracket 74 toward the unlocked position. The ramp 94 of the locking member 92 disengages from the first abutment 76 when the locking member 92 is in the unlocked position. It is to be appreciated that the cable 112 can be coupled to the locking member 92 at any suitable location. It is to further be appreciated that the locking member 92 can be moved to the unlocked position by any suitable component, such as, for example, linkage, etc.

[0044] Referring to Figures 4-6 and 10, a cover 114 is attached to the housing 28 and more specifically, attached to the bottom wall 30. The cover 114 is disposed in the pocket 38 of the housing 28. The cover 114 includes a base 116 facing the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28. In one configuration, the base 116 abuts the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28. The base 116 includes at least one extension 118 extending downwardly away from the base 116 toward the housing 28, and more specifically, includes a plurality of extensions 118. The housing 28 defines a slot 120, and more specifically, defines a plurality of slots 120 for receiving the extension(s) 118 to attach the cover 114 to the housing 28. In one configuration, the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28 defines the slot(s) 120 for receiving the extension(s) 118. It is to be appreciated that the slots 120 can be positioned such that the location of the cover 114 can be adjusted if desired.

[0045] Further, the cover 114 includes a tab 122 extending outwardly therefrom for attaching the cover 114 to the housing 28. As such, the tab 122 and the extension(s) 118 cooperate for attaching the cover 114 to the housing 28. A fastener 124 is disposed through the housing 28 and the tab 122 for attaching the cover 114 to the housing 28. More specifically, the fastener 124 extends through the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28 and the tab 122.

[0046] The cover 114 defines a cavity 126 along the longitudinal axis L for receiving the locking member 92. The locking member 92 is movable along the longitudinal axis L independently of the cover 114. The remainder of the bottom side 102 of the locking member 92 is spaced from the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28 for allowing the locking member 92 to move through the cavity 126 without interference from the cover 114. In other words, the remainder of the bottom side 102 is spaced from the bottom wall 30 a distance corresponding to a thickness of the base 116 of the cover 114. Hence, the locking member 92 is capable of moving through the cover 114 until the first and/or second shoulder(s) 104, 106 of the locking member 92 engage the cover 114.

[0047] The cover 114 includes an end wall 128 such that the cavity 126 extends through the cover 114 to the end wall 128. The end wall 128 defines a slit 130 with a part of the locking member 92 disposed through the slit 130. More specifically, the part of the locking member 92 is movable through the slit 130. In certain configurations, the end wall 128 is disposed between the first and second ends 96, 98 of the locking member 92. Specifically, the slit 130 is configured for receiving the second end 98 of the locking member 92.

[0048] A biasing member 132 engages the locking member 92 and the cover 114 for continuously biasing the locking member 92 toward the locked position. The biasing member 132 can be further defined as a coil spring or any other suitable biasing member. The locking member 92 defines a cutout 134 for receiving the biasing member 132. More specifically, the cutout 134 is disposed between the first and second ends 96, 98 of the locking member 92. The cutout 134 extends along the longitudinal axis L to a base wall 136. The biasing member 132 is disposed in the cavity 126 of the cover 114 and the cutout 134 of the locking member 92. More specifically, the biasing member 132 engages the end wall 128 of the cover 114 and the base wall 136 of the locking member 92 for biasing the locking member 92 toward the locked position.

[0049] The locking member 92 further includes a projection 138 extending therefrom with the cable 112 coupled to the projection 138. More specifically, the top side 100 of the locking member 92 presents a bottom 140 extending from the base wall 136 to the second end 98 of the locking member 92 with the projection 138 extending from the bottom 140. In one configuration, the projection 138 extends upwardly away from the bottom side 102 of the locking member 92. The slit 130 of the cover 114 is complementary in configuration to the projection 138. More specifically, the slit 130 of the cover 114 is complementary in configuration to the projection 138, the bottom 140 of the top side 100 of the locking member 92, and the remainder of the bottom side 102 of the locking member 92. [0050] Optionally, a first dampener 142 can be disposed about the projection 138 for reducing and/or eliminating noise. More specifically, the first dampener 142 is disposed between the cable 112 and the bottom 140 of the locking member 92. In certain configurations, the first dampener 142 is sandwiched between the cable 112 and the bottom 140 of the locking member 92 for reducing and/or eliminating noise. Specifically, the first dampener 142 engages the projection 138 and the cable 112 where the cable 112 attaches to the projection 138 to reduce noise at this attachment point. It is to be appreciated that the first dampener 142 can be at any suitable location, such as, for example, the first dampener 142 can abut the bottom 140 or be spaced from the bottom 140 of the locking member 92, etc. In one configuration, the first dampener 142 can be further defined as a seal, such as an o-ring as shown in Figure 4. It is to be appreciated that the first dampener 142 can be any suitable configuration for reducing and/or eliminating noise.

[0051] In addition, as best shown in Figures 4 and 8, optionally, at least one second dampener 144, and more specifically, a plurality of second dampeners 144 can be coupled to the housing 28 for reducing and/or eliminating noise. In one configuration, the second dampeners 144 are coupled to the back wall 32 of the housing 28. In another configuration, one of the second dampeners 144 is coupled to the first insert 42 and another one of the second dampeners 144 is coupled to the second insert 44. When the support 64 and thus the cushion 70 is in the use position, the first and second brackets 74, 80 abut the second dampeners 144 for preventing direct contact between the housing 28 and/or the first and second inserts 42, 44 and the brackets 74, 80 thus reducing noise. More specifically, when the support 64 and the cushion 70 are in the use position, the second abutment 78 of the first bracket 74 abuts one of the second dampeners 144 and the back side 82 of the second bracket 80 abuts another one of the second dampeners 144. In one configuration, the second dampeners 144 can be further defined as pads as shown in Figure 4. It is to be appreciated that the second dampeners 144 can be any suitable configuration for reducing or eliminating noise and/or for preventing direct contact between the housing 28 and/or the first and second inserts 42, 44 and the brackets 74, 80.

[0052] Referring back to Figure 1, an actuator 146 is coupled to the seat 22 for rotating the support 64 and the cushion 70 to the stowed position. More specifically, the actuator 146 is coupled to the cable 112 for moving the cable 112 and thus the locking member 92 to the unlocked position. Movement of the locking member 92 to the unlocked position allows the support 64 and the cushion 70 to be rotated to the stowed position. For example, in one configuration, the actuator 146 pulls the cable 112 which pulls the locking member 92 along the longitudinal axis L out of engagement with the first bracket 74 thus allowing the support 64 and the cushion 70 to rotate to the stowed position. The actuator 146 can be any suitable configuration and one example of a suitable configuration is a strap as shown in Figure 1. The actuator 146 can be disposed in the back portion 24 of the seat 22 proximal to the cushion 70 or proximal to the bottom portion 26 of the seat 22. Alternatively, the actuator 146 can be disposed in the bottom portion 26 of the seat 22. It is to be appreciated that the actuator 146 can be at any suitable location.

[0053] The operation of the locking member 92 will be discussed below for illustrative purposes only. Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 6, when the support 64 is in the use position and the locking member 92 is in the locked position, the ramp 94 of the locking member 92 engages the first abutment 76 of the first bracket 74 and the second abutment 78 of the first bracket 74 engages the first insert 42 or the back wall 32 of the housing 28. Likewise, the back side 82 of the second bracket 80 engages the second insert 44 or the back wall 32 of the housing 28. The first bracket 74 is sandwiched between the locking member 92 and the back wall 32 of the housing 28 and the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 is sandwiched between the first bracket 74 and the bottom wall 30 of the housing 28, thus the support 64 is prevented from rotating about the central axis C.

[0054] To rotate the support 64 to the stowed position, the actuator 146 is actuated to move the locking member 92 along the longitudinal axis L to the unlocked position. For example, when the actuator 146 is pulled, the cable 112 and thus the locking member 92 are correspondingly pulled along the longitudinal axis L. Movement of the locking member 92 along the longitudinal axis L away from the first bracket 74 allows the ramp 94 to disengage from the first abutment 76 as shown in Figure 7. When the locking member 92 is in the unlocked position, the support 64 and thus the cushion 70 automatically rotate to the stowed position due to the biasing component 72 continuously biasing the support 64 to the stowed position.

[0055] When the actuator 146 is actuated and the locking member 92 is in the unlocked position, the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 is spaced from the first bracket 74. Upon releasing the actuator 146, the locking member 92 moves along the longitudinal axis L toward the locked position such that the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 engages the first bracket 74 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In other words, the first end 96 or the head 108 abuts a side of the first bracket 74. Alternatively, upon releasing the actuator 146, the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 can remain spaced from the first bracket 74 due to tension in the cable 112 as the seat 22 folds. For this alternative, when the seat 22 unfolds, the tension in the cable 112 is released and the locking member 92 biases back toward the locked position.

[0056] To rotate the support 64 and the cushion 70 back to the use position, a force is applied to the support 64 and/or the cushion 70. As the support 64 and the cushion 70 are rotated about the central axis C back to the use position, the first bracket 74 correspondingly rotates such that the first abutment 76 is rotated to a point where the locking member 92 can move under the first abutment 76 and thus back to the locked position. The locking member 92 automatically biases to the locked position due to the biasing member 132 continuously biasing the locking member 92 toward the locked position. Once the support 64 and the cushion 70 are back to the use position, the locking member 92 is also back to the locked position with the ramp 94 engaging the first abutment 76 of the first bracket 74. As such, the first bracket 74 is again sandwiched between the locking member 92 and the first insert 42 or the back wall 32 of the housing 28 for preventing undesirable movement of the support 64 and thus the cushion 70.

[0057] It is to be appreciated that the locking member 92 and the cover 114 can be mounted to the housing 28 in an opposite direction than illustrated. In other words, instead of the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 facing the first side wall 34, the first end 96 or the head 108 of the locking member 92 can face the second side wall 36. In this configuration, the first bracket 74 is attached to the second leg 68 of the support 64 and the second bracket 80 is attached to the first leg 66 of the support 64. Likewise, the latch 88 can be attached to the first insert 42. Further, the biasing component 72 can be coupled to the second shaft 56 and the housing 28. It is to be appreciated that any suitable component of the assembly 20 can be moved to accommodate reversal of the locking member 92 and the cover 114. [0058] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards; thus, the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment can become apparent to those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A foldable headrest assembly for a seat of a vehicle, said assembly comprising:

a housing adapted to be coupled to the seat;

a shaft coupled to said housing and defining a central axis;

a support coupled to said shaft and rotatable between a use position and a stowed position;

a bracket coupled to said shaft and attached to said support for concurrent rotation with said support between said use and stowed positions; and

a locking member coupled to said housing and movable along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to said central axis between a locked position preventing rotation of said support to said stowed position and an unlocked position allowing rotation of said support to said stowed position;

wherein said locking member is sandwiched between said bracket and said housing when said locking member is in said locked position for preventing rotation of said support to said stowed position.

2. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking member includes a first end sandwiched between said bracket and said housing when said locking member is in said locked position for preventing rotation of said support to said stowed position.

3. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first end of said locking member presents a head sandwiched between said bracket and said housing when said locking member is in said locked position for preventing rotation of said support to said stowed position.

4. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first end of said locking member includes a ramp engaging said bracket when said locking member is in said locked position.

5. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said head of said locking member includes a ramp engaging said bracket when said locking member is in said locked position.

6. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said locking member includes a top side and a bottom side spaced from each other with said bottom side facing said housing.

7. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said top side of said locking member includes a first shoulder and said bottom side of said locking member includes a second shoulder with said first end terminating at said first and second shoulders such that said first end defines a head.

8. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said locking member includes a ramp disposed on said top side of said head with said ramp sloping upwardly toward said first shoulder and said bottom side of said head abutting said housing and wherein a remainder of said bottom side of said locking member is spaced from said housing.

9. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking member includes a ramp engaging said bracket when said locking member is in said locked position.

10. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said locking member includes a first shoulder with said ramp sloping upwardly toward said first shoulder.

11. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said bracket includes a first abutment engaging said ramp when said locking member is in said locked position.

12. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including a cable coupled to said locking member for moving said locking member to said unlocked position such that said ramp is spaced from said first abutment.

13. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing including a bottom wall and a back wall traverse to said bottom wall with said locking member coupled to said bottom wall.

14. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said locking member includes a ramp engaging said bracket when said locking member is in said locked position such that said bracket is sandwiched between said ramp and said back wall for preventing rotation of said support.

15. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 14 further including a cover attached to said bottom wall and defining a cavity along said longitudinal axis for receiving said locking member.

16. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 15 further including a biasing member engaging said locking member and said cover for continuously biasing said locking member toward said locked position.

17. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said locking member defines a cutout for receiving said biasing member.

18. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said bottom wall includes a stop for limiting movement of said locking member along said longitudinal axis.

19. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a cable coupled to said locking member for moving said locking member to said unlocked position.

20. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said locking member includes a first end and a second end spaced from said first end with said cable coupled to said second end for moving said locking member to said unlocked position and further including a cover attached to said housing and defining a cavity along said longitudinal axis with said cover including an end wall defining a slit for receiving said second end of said locking member.

21. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bracket is further defined as a first bracket and said shaft is further defined as a first shaft and further including a second shaft coupled to said housing along said central axis with said first and second shafts spaced from each other and further including a second bracket coupled to said second shaft and attached to said support for concurrent rotation with said support between said use and stowed positions.

22. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said support includes a first leg and a second leg spaced from each other with said first bracket attached to said first leg and said second bracket attached to said second leg.

23. A foldable headrest assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a biasing component coupled to said housing and said shaft for continuously biasing said support toward said stowed position.