Christopher Lee Vanhoeck

US Patent:

20060138817, Jun 29, 2006

Filed:

Dec 22, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/316207

Inventors:

Patrick Gorman - White Lake MI, US
Cheryl Warsinske - Port Huron MI, US
Christopher VanHoeck - Allenton MI, US
Bernardus van de Geer - Nol, SE
Erik Pettersson - Bankeryd, SE

International Classification:

B60N 2/427

US Classification:

297216150

Abstract:

An energy absorption system for a seat assembly includes a first housing plate and a second housing plate defining coaxial elongate apertures having a first end and a second end. A torsion bar is fixed for movement with the seatback and is slidably received within the elongate apertures and a biasing member is supported by one of the housing plates and imparts a biasing force on the torsion bar to bias the torsion bar toward the first ends of the elongate apertures. When a force is applied to the torsion bar, the torsion bar moves toward the second end of the apertures and against the biasing force to absorb energy associated with the force. When the torsion bar reaches the second end of the apertures, the torsion bar may yield to further absorb energy.

US Patent:

20050156456, Jul 21, 2005

Filed:

Mar 26, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/812007

Inventors:

David Robinson - Sterling Heights MI, US
Bernardus van de Geer - NOL, SE
Cheryl Warsinske - Port Huron MI, US
Christopher VanHoeck - Allenton MI, US

International Classification:

A47C007/36

US Classification:

297408000

Abstract:

A headrest assembly includes a first housing rotatably supporting a second housing, whereby the second housing is movable between a fully upright position and a fully dumped position. In addition, an adjustment mechanism is provided and includes a cross-member fixedly attached to the first housing and a lock member operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock member engages the cross-member in the locked position and disengages the cross-member in the unlocked position. A lever is rotatably attached to the cross-member and is operable to selectively unlock the lock member and permit rotation of the second housing. Rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing allows the second housing to be rotated between the fully upright position and the fully dumped position.