Patent ID: 6789845
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B60N,B60R

Abstract:
A vehicle seat assembly comprising:a seatback frame and an active head restraint system operatively supported by said seatback frame, said head restraint system including a head rest, an upper armature, a lower armature and a linkage operatively interconnecting said upper and lower armatures; said upper armature pivotally mounted relative to said seatback frame so as to be generally aligned with the thoracic area of the occupant of said seat assembly, said head rest being operatively mounted to said upper armature; said lower armature pivotally mounted to said seatback frame in spaced relationship relative to said upper armature so as to be generally aligned with the pelvic and lumbar regions of the occupant of the seat assembly; said lower armature being operative to absorb energy generated by a force exceeding a predetermined level at the pelvic and lumbar regions such that said lower armature acts on said upper armature through said linkage to cause said upper armature and said head rest to pivot upwardly and forwardly to move said head rest toward the head of the occupant of said seat assembly in an initial response to an impact exceeding a predetermined force; and said upper armature further operative to absorb energy generated by a force exceeding a predetermined level at the thoracic region such that said upper armature and said head rest pivots further upwardly and forwardly following the initial response by said lower armature to an impact that exceeds a predetermined force.