Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]

A HEADREST ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THEREOF

BY
MAHINDRA ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE LIMITED, HAVING ADDRESS AT PLOT NO.41/1, MAHINDRA WORLD CITY, ANJUR, CHENGALPATTU – 603004, TAMILNADU, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, the present invention relates to vehicle headrest design. More particularly, the present invention focuses on improving the comfort and adaptability of vehicle headrests for passengers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Conventional headrest designs in vehicles such as car or bus, encounters significant challenges, particularly in the realm of providing optimal comfort and support for passengers during the travel. The existing problems revolve around the limited adaptability of conventional headrests, hindering passengers from achieving an ideal position for neck support.
[003] When passengers wish to nap during the travel, the conventional headrests often fall short to offer effective neck support when leaning to either side. The absence of mechanisms to adjust the headrest's position according to individual preferences poses a significant limitation. Even in cases where a tilt option exists, it frequently fails to deliver satisfactory support due to the inability to customize width of the headrest to accommodate the unique comfort needs of each passenger. Though traditional headrests are built for the average head, neglecting the diverse anatomies and preferences of passengers, this one-size-fits-all approach often translates to awkward gaps or excessive pressure points, failing to cradle the neck in a truly supportive manner.
[004] The static nature of traditional headrests is a fundamental limitation, preventing users from making real-time adjustments based on their specific comfort requirements. This lack of adaptability hampers the overall ergonomic design of headrests, resulting in discomfort for passengers seeking a more customized and supportive experience.
[005] The problems associated with conventional headrests become particularly apparent when considering the diverse range of passengers and their unique preferences for head and neck positioning during travel. The fixed nature of existing headrests limits their ability to cater to the varied comfort needs of individuals, creating a need for an innovative solution that addresses these shortcomings and enhances the overall user experience.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The primary objective of the present invention is to develop a headrest assembly for a vehicle.
[007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide optimal comfort and support for passengers during travel in vehicles.
[008] Another objective of the present invention is to facilitate lateral and angular adjustments of the headrest through a width adjusting unit and an angular adjusting unit, respectively.
[009] Another objective of the present invention is to allow passengers to adjust the headrest of the vehicle at one or more desired positions.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to enable independent control of the width adjusting unit and angular adjusting unit through a controlling unit that is configured to receive one or more user inputs.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to implement a motorized unit powered by a power supply for automated and efficient driving of the width adjusting unit, angular adjusting unit, and controlling unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, a headrest assembly for a vehicle is provided.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the headrest assembly may include a head supporting member with at least one fixed bracket and a pair of moving brackets. The said pair of moving brackets may be connected on either side of the fixed bracket and the said moving brackets may be moveably and rotatably connected to the fixed bracket.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the headrest assembly may further include a regulating mechanism which is mounted on the fixed bracket and includes a width adjusting unit and an angular adjusting unit.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the said width adjusting unit may be secured at a center portion of the fixed bracket and configured to move the pair of moving brackets in a lateral direction away from the fixed bracket for facilitating width adjustment of the moving brackets.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the said angular adjusting unit may be connected to distal ends of the width adjusting unit and configured to move an inner surface of at least one of the moving brackets relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket at a predetermined angle for facilitating angular adjustment of the moving brackets.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the said width adjusting unit may be formed by a first rack, a second rack, and a pinion, the said pinion may be positioned between the first rack and second rack, and concurrently drives the first rack and second rack to move the moving brackets toward and away from the fixed bracket.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined angle between the inner surface of each moving bracket and the side surface of the fixed bracket is in a range from 0 degree to 45 degrees.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism may include a controlling unit to control the movement of width adjusting unit and the angular adjusting unit independently by receiving a plurality of user inputs.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism may include a motorized unit powered by a power supply unit for driving the width adjusting unit, the angular adjusting unit, and the controlling unit.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling mechanism may be a knob which can be suitably located at a user accessible position such that the user may provide one or more inputs to the width adjusting unit, the angular adjusting unit, and the controlling unit.
[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting the headrest assembly is provided.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may include the steps of: receiving one or more user inputs for adjusting at least one of a width adjusting unit and angular adjusting unit; supplying power to a motorized unit for driving at least one of the width adjusting unit and angular adjusting unit; driving a pinion which is positioned between a first rack and a second rack; driving the first rack and second rack to move a pair of moving brackets in a lateral direction away from a fixed bracket for facilitating width adjustment of the moving brackets; and moving an inner surface of at least one of the moving brackets relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket at a predetermined angle for facilitating angular adjustment of the moving brackets.
[0024] In this respect, it is to be understood that the headrest assembly is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the headrest assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
[0026] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0027] Figure 1 depicts a headrest assembly of a vehicle in its initial configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 2 depicts a headrest assembly of a vehicle showcasing increased width adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 3A depicts a front view and a top view of headrest assembly showcasing increased angular adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0030] Figure 3B depicts a top view of a regulating mechanism of headrest assembly showcasing increased angular adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0031] Figure 4 depicts a headrest assembly of a vehicle showcasing increased width and angular adjustments, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0032] Figure 5 depicts a method for adjusting the headrest assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0033] Throughout the drawing, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0034] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention as defined by the description. It includes various specific details to assist in the understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0035] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the present invention is provided for illustration purposes only.
[0036] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0037] The present invention discloses a headrest assembly for a vehicle and method for adjusting thereof.
[0038] The term “vehicle” is not limited only to a car, van, jeep, or any other traditional ground-based modes of transportation, but also may include any autonomous vehicles, watercrafts, spacecraft, and various other means of conveyance that serve the purpose of transporting people or goods from one place to another. The definition of a vehicle has expanded in the modern era to encompass a wide range of innovative technologies and modes of travel, reflecting the ongoing evolution of transportation systems.
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, according to an aspect, the present invention discloses a headrest assembly (100) of a vehicle. The headrest assembly (100) may include a head supporting member (102) and a regulating mechanism (108).
[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the head supporting member (102) may further include a fixed bracket (104) and a pair of moving brackets (106). The pair of moving brackets (106) may be connected on either side of the fixed bracket (104) and can be moveably and rotatably connected to the fixed bracket (104). The fixed bracket (104) or moving brackets (106) may be made of using a variety of materials including, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, wood, and composites.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bracket (104) and moving brackets (106) may be connected by means of any suitable fastening mechanisms (not shown) including, but are not limited to, a screw, bolt, hinge, clamp, clip, clasp, magnet, hook, hook-and-pile fabric, or other suitable mechanism that can facilitate the moving brackets (106) to move and/or rotate.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism (108) may further include a width adjusting unit (110). The width adjusting unit (110) may be formed by a first rack (114), a second rack (116), and a pinion (118), and configured to move the pair of moving brackets (106) in a lateral direction away from the fixed bracket (104) for facilitating width adjustment of the moving brackets (106).
[0043] In some aspects of the present invention, the width adjusting unit (110) may be secured at a center portion of the fixed bracket (104) by means of any suitable fastening mechanisms (not shown).
[0044] In some aspects of the present invention, each of the first rack (114) and the second rack (116) may be configured to move between 0 mm (initial configuration) and 25 mm (increased width), providing an increased total width of 50 mm to the headrest supporting member (102) of the headrest assembly (100).
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism (108) may further include an angular adjusting unit (112). The angular adjusting unit (112) may be connected to distal ends of the width adjusting unit (110) by means of any suitable fastening mechanisms (not shown) and configured to move an inner surface of at least one of the moving brackets (106) relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket (104) at a predetermined angle for facilitating angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).
[0046] In some aspects of the present invention, the predetermined angle between the inner surface of each moving bracket (106) and the side surface of the fixed bracket (104) may be in a range from 0 degree to 45 degrees.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism (108) may further include a controlling unit (120) that may be configured to control one or more movements of width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112) independently by receiving a plurality of user inputs.
[0048] In some aspects of the present invention, the controlling unit (120) may preferably, but not necessarily, a knob, and can be suitably located at a user accessible position such that the user provides one or more inputs to the regulating mechanism (108) for controlling the movement of at least one of the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112).
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism (108) may further include a motorized unit (122) powered by a power supply unit (126) for driving at least one of the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112).
[0050] In some aspects of the present invention, the motorized unit (122) may be any types of motor including, but is not limited to, a direct current (DC) motor or any other later developed technologies that can drive at least one of the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112).
[0051] In some aspects of the present invention, the power supply unit (126) may preferably be, but not necessarily, a battery (not shown), that can provide power to the motorized unit (122).
[0052] In some aspects of the present invention, the motorized unit (122) may include a distal drive shaft (not shown) that drives a ring gear (not shown) to which the pinion (118) is mated. In that way, rotation of the motorized unit (122) may cause the main drive shaft to rotate, which causes rotation of the ring gear that in turn rotates the pinion (118).
[0053] In some aspects of the present invention, the pinion (118) may be suitably positioned between the first rack (114) and the second rack (116).
[0054] In some aspects of the present invention, the pinion (118) may concurrently drive the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to move the moving brackets (106) toward and away from the fixed bracket (104).
[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 may depict the headrest assembly (100) of the vehicle in its initial configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the initial configuration, the width of the head supporting member (102) may be 0 mm and angle of moving brackets (106) may be 0 degree.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 may depict the headrest assembly (100) of the vehicle showcasing increased width adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the increased width adjustment, the width of the head supporting member (102) may be moved between 0 mm and 50 mm, and angle of moving brackets (106) may be 0 degree.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3A may depict a front view and a top view of the headrest assembly (100) showcasing increased angular adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3B may depict a top view of a regulating mechanism of headrest assembly (100) showcasing increased angular adjustment, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the increased angular adjustment, the width of the head supporting member (102) may be 0 mm and angle of moving brackets (106) may be moved between 0 degree and 45 degrees.
[0058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 may depict the headrest assembly (100) of the vehicle showcasing increased width and angular adjustments, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the increased width and angular adjustment, the width of the head supporting member (102) may be moved between 0 mm and 50 mm, and angle of moving brackets (106) may be moved between 0 degree and 45 degrees.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the head supporting member (102) of the vehicle’s headrest assembly (100) may be strategically located at a suitable position where the user or passenger rests his/her head. The user may rotate the controlling unit (120) represented by a knob, to engage the width adjusting unit (110) for adjusting the width of the head supporting member (102). When the user rotates the knob in a clockwise direction, the pinion (118) may drive the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to move the pair of moving brackets (106) in a lateral direction away from the fixed bracket (104) such that the width of the head supporting member (102) increases. When the user rotates the knob in an anti-clockwise direction, the pinion (118) may drive the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to move the pair of moving brackets (106) in a lateral direction closer to the fixed bracket (104) such that the width of the head supporting member (102) decreases. Additionally, the user may press the knob to engage the angular adjusting unit (112). When the user presses the knob inwards, the pair of moving brackets (106) may move inwards at any desired angle between 0 degree and 45 degrees for enhanced angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).
[0060] In some aspects of the present invention, the user may press the knob inwards and tilts in either right or left direction such that at least one of the corresponding moving brackets (106) tilt inwards at any desired angle between 0 degree and 45 degrees for enhanced angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).
[0061] In some aspects of the present invention, the user may independently control either the width adjusting unit (110) or the angular adjusting unit (112) by way of controlling unit (122). In some aspects of the present invention, the user may control both the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112) by way of controlling unit (122). This may allow the users to customize the headrest assembly according to their preferences and comfort needs.
[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of moving brackets (106) of the headrest assembly (100) may be customized to move up to any desired width as per the user requirements.
[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the moving brackets (106) of the headrest assembly (100) may be customized to move up to any desired angle as per the user requirements.
[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism may allow users to manually adjust the width of the head supporting member (102) and angle of at least one of the moving brackets (106) of the headrest assembly (100).
[0065] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the regulating mechanism may automatically adjust the width of the head supporting member (102) and angle of at least one of the moving brackets (106) of the headrest assembly (100) when the user leans his/her on the head supporting member (102).
[0066] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the headrest assembly (100) may include one or more trim and foams in and/or around the head supporting member (102) for providing comfort to the passengers.
[0067] Referring to Figure 5, according to one aspect, the present invention discloses the method (200) for adjusting the headrest assembly (100). The method (200) may include the steps of: receiving (202) one or more user inputs for adjusting at least one of a width adjusting unit (110) and angular adjusting unit (112); supplying (204) power to a motorized unit (122) for driving at least one of the width adjusting unit (110) and angular adjusting unit (112); driving (206) a pinion (118) which is positioned between a first rack (114) and a second rack (116); driving (208) the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to move a pair of moving brackets (106) in a lateral direction away from a fixed bracket (104) for facilitating width adjustment of the moving brackets (106); and moving (210) an inner surface of at least one of the moving brackets (106) relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket (104) at a predetermined angle for facilitating angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).
[0068] The abovementioned process nowhere limits the invention and is provided for understanding of the invention.
[0069] The headrest assembly (100) of the present invention offers a luxurious and personalized comfort experience for passengers. Unlike conventional headrests, the present invention boasts fully powered headrest assembly, allowing effortless adjustments for optimal positioning. The headrest width can be customized to perfectly cradle different head sizes and preferences, while independent width and angle adjustments cater to unique needs. With an angular adjustment range of 0 to 45 degrees, users can achieve ideal neck support and find the perfect head position for maximum relaxation. Furthermore, the ability to independently tilt each moving brackets (106) allows for comfortable leaning to the left or right, enhancing overall comfort. This comprehensive adjustability translates to superior head and neck support, potentially reducing fatigue and strain, especially on long journeys. Beyond comfort, the design may even improve passenger safety by potentially reducing the risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. This innovative headrest has the potential to revolutionize passenger comfort and well-being, and even contribute to enhanced safety measures within vehicles.
[0070] Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.
, Claims:
1. A headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle, the headrest assembly (100) comprising:
a head supporting member (102) having a fixed bracket (104) and a pair of moving brackets (106), the pair of moving brackets (106) connecting on either side of the fixed bracket (104), said moving brackets (106) being moveably and rotatably connected to the fixed bracket (104);
a regulating mechanism (108) mounted on the fixed bracket (104), the regulating mechanism (108) including a width adjusting unit (110) and an angular adjusting unit (112), wherein,
said width adjusting unit (110) secured at a centre portion of the fixed bracket (104), said width adjusting unit (110) configured to move the pair of moving brackets (106) away from the fixed bracket (104) in a lateral direction to facilitate width adjustment of the moving brackets (106); and
said angular adjusting unit (112) connecting to distal ends of the width adjusting unit (110), said angular adjusting unit (112) configured to move an inner surface of at least one moving bracket (106) relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket (104) at a predetermined angle to facilitate angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).

2. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said width adjusting unit (110) is formed by a first rack (114), a second rack (116), and a pinion (118).

3. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pinion (118) is positioned between the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to drive said first and second racks (114, 116) of the moving brackets (106).

4. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle between the inner surface of each moving bracket (106) and the side surface of the fixed bracket (104) is in a range from 00 to 450.

5. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regulating mechanism (108) includes a controlling unit (120) that independently controls movement of width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112) based on a plurality of user inputs.

6. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regulating mechanism (108) includes a motorized unit (122) configured to drive the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112).

7. The headrest assembly (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the motorized unit (122) is powered by a power supply unit (126).

8. The headrest assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controlling unit (120) is having a knob, the knob is located at a user accessible position to provide one or more inputs to the width adjusting unit (110) and the angular adjusting unit (112).

9. A method for adjusting the headrest assembly (100), said method comprising the steps of:
receiving one or more user inputs from a controlling unit (120) for selectively adjusting a width adjusting unit (110) and an angular adjusting unit (112);
actuating a motorized unit (122) for driving at least one of the width adjusting unit (110) and angular adjusting unit (112);
driving the adjusting unit (110) for moving a pinion (118) positioned between a first rack (114) and a second rack (116);
driving the adjusting unit (110) for allowing the first rack (114) and second rack (116) to move a pair of moving brackets (106) in a lateral direction away from a fixed bracket (104) to facilitate width adjustment of the moving brackets (106); and
moving an inner surface of at least one of the moving brackets (106) relative to a side surface of the fixed bracket (104) at a predetermined angle for facilitating angular adjustment of the moving brackets (106).

10. The method for adjusting the headrest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle between the inner surface of each moving bracket (106) and the side surface of the fixed bracket (104) is in a range from 00 to 450.