DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a headrest assembly for vehicle seats. In particular, the present invention relates to an arrangement of the headrest assembly for vehicle seats which aids the horizontal movement of the headrests throughout the span of the seat’s back. More particularly, the present invention relates to optimally and ergonomically positioned headrest assembly for vehicle seats to provide optimum comfort to the occupants seated thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical seat, e.g. a vehicle seat generally is constituted of a bottom cushion, backrest and a headrest. The headrests are very important in the automobile sector in respect of the safety rendered by the same to the seat occupants. Sometimes, these headrests are also referred to as head restraints, which are either attached or integrated into the top of each seat to limit the rearward movement of the head versus the torso of the occupant and to prevent or mitigate whiplash or injury to the cervical vertebrae in case of a vehicle collision.

The headrests are of two types, the first type includes non-adjustable headrests, which are integral with the structure of the seat backrest whereupon these are fitted and the second type includes headrests which are adjustable in height by means of a guiding mechanism fixed on the headrest and slidable in sleeves or bushes fixed on the seat backrest.

Often, there are different shapes and sizes of headrests to fulfil the ergonomic requirements of the users. All such adjustable headrests have quite similar adjusting arrangements, in which the headrests are adjustable only in a vertical direction (Figure 1). In addition, these headrests are specific to the individual seats or individual designated seat portions. For example, the rear bench-seat of a van or a car may have two, three or no headrests at all. The front-row seats essentially have one headrest for each of the seats.

But in all these cases, only a vertical adjustment is possible and therefore, there is a need to satisfy the ergonomic requirement of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied applications. So, it necessitates and is much desirable to have the adjustment of the headrest both vertically and horizontally.

The currently available headrests and the seats have a limitation in terms of the horizontal movement thereof. The subsequent description provides details about the headrests and the seat assemblies, in which the configured mechanism allows for a vertical as well as a horizontal headrest movement.

Moreover, it is not mandatory for all vehicle seats to have the headrests and therefore, sometimes it is the vehicle manufacturer’s choice to offer this as a standard feature in their vehicles. At times, these headrests are omitted for low-cost products.

The headrest assembly configured in accordance with the present invention partially addresses this situation as well, because it also offers the flexibility of horizontal adjustment of the seat headrests, so that the occupant can easily slide the headrests to the intended position for sitting thereon.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

However, the following are the main problems with the conventional vehicle seat headrest assemblies:

• Slider arrangement can be moved maximum to the extent of 2 inches on either side.

• Offers only a single-point mounting, thus there is risk of swiveling with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes.

• Mechanism is open and can injure the seat occupants or people standing nearby.

• Headrest assembly joint to the seat is rigidly fixed by screws and every time for shifting the headrest, screws should be removed and retightened.

• Normal headrest size is fixed at 6.75 inches wide and 1.9 inches high.

• Conventional adjustable headrest is provided for medical uses and cannot be integrated in automotive seats.

• Aforesaid headrest assembly is also not safe for automotive and other moveable applications.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a headrest assembly for automotive seats, which is adjustable in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a headrest assembly for automotive seats, which is adaptable to all size and shapes of seat occupants.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective adjustable headrest assembly for seats of vehicles irrespective of costs thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headrest assembly for vehicle seats which facilitates its horizontal sliding to an intended seating location of the occupant.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headrest assembly for vehicle seats which facilitates its horizontal sliding to avoid any hindrance to improve the driver’s vision through the rear-view mirror.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headrest assembly for vehicle seats which facilitates accurate positioning of the headrest according to the head position of the seat occupant.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headrest assembly for vehicle seats which facilitates sliding of the headrest in a twin-seat of the co-driver’s seat to the correct head position of the co-driver.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a horizontally adjustable headrest assembly for a vehicle seat assembly, the seat assembly comprising:

• at least one squab;

• at least one backrest assembly; and

• at least one headrest assembly adjustable in height in a vertical direction by means of a corresponding guiding mechanism;

characterized in that the headrest assembly is also adjustable in a horizontal direction by means of an adjustable slider mechanism for locating the headrest assembly along the seat span according to the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications.

Typically, the adjustable slider mechanism comprises:

• a backrest supporting metallic tubular structure;

• a holding knob provided on a guiding lever;

• the guiding lever provided with a plurality of teeth protruding out therefrom;

• at least one torsion spring;

• a support guide for smooth engagement and release of the headrest assembly;

wherein the slider mechanism is firmly secured to the pipes of the backrest supporting metallic tubular structure by means of a respective bracket on either side of the headrest assembly disposed at the front thereof and through a respective closure plate disposed at the rear side thereof.

Typically, the guiding lever teeth are configured to be adjusted in a horizontal or vertical direction, or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of the headrest assembly to be securely held according to the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications.

Typically, the guiding lever teeth is adjusted in a horizontal direction to securely hold the headrest assembly engaged by means of the toothed profile of the lever teeth.

Typically, the guiding lever teeth is adjusted in a vertical direction or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of the headrest assembly to release the headrest assembly from the toothed profile of the lever teeth for moving and adjusting the headrest assembly within the support guide along the seat span.

Typically, the guiding lever retracts to the original position thereof by means of the torsion springs.

Typically, two or more headrest assemblies are provided on the vehicle seat.

Typically, the lengths of the guide lever, support guide and lever teeth are determined depending on the length of the sear backrest.

Typically, the number of headrest assemblies is determined depending on desired space and number of seat occupants to seat within same seat span.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle seat assembly equipped with at least one horizontally adjustable headrest assembly, the seat assembly comprising:

• at least one squab;

• at least one backrest assembly; and

• at least one headrest assembly adjustable in height in a vertical direction by means of a corresponding guiding mechanism;

• an adjustable slider mechanism comprising:

- a backrest supporting metallic tubular structure;

- a holding knob provided on a guiding lever;

- the guiding lever provided with a plurality of teeth protruding out therefrom;

- at least one torsion spring;

- a support guide for smooth engagement and release of the headrest assembly;

• the slider mechanism firmly secured to the pipes of the backrest supporting metallic tubular structure by means of a respective bracket on either side of the headrest assembly disposed at the front thereof and through a respective closure plate disposed at the rear side thereof;

characterized in that the headrest assembly is adjustable in a horizontal direction by means of the guiding lever teeth of the slider mechanism to securely hold the headrest assembly engaged by means of the toothed profile of the guiding teeth or the headrest assembly is adjustable in a vertical direction, or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of the headrest assembly by means of the guiding lever teeth to release the headrest assembly from the toothed profile of the lever teeth for moving and adjusting the headrest assembly within the support guide along the seat span for locating the headrest assembly to meet the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications, preferably an automotive vehicle seat.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the improved adjustable headrest assembly for automotive seats configured for integrating both horizontal as well as vertical adjustments to enhance the safety, comfort and optimal ergonomic requirement of the vehicle seat occupants. It also offers a flexibility of its adoption for diverse applications.

In accordance with the Invention, the seat and headrest assembly consists of the following major components:

1. Squab: A seat squab is a part of seat cushion where occupant’s hips rest and not a seat-back.

2. Backrest: It is occupant back rest area, where occupant posture is aligned.

3. Headrest/ head restraints: It is support to the head at the back of seat.

The aforementioned adjustable headrest assembly is mounted on the back rest by integrating in the top of the back rest with sliding and adjustable guide or rail mechanism by providing a lever located in a horizontal direction (Figure 2).

The present invention facilitates the following:

• Horizontal movement of the headrest without affecting its vertical movement.

• Applicable on wide range of seats, i.e. Single, 1.5, 2, 3 and more seater vehicle applications.

• Easy to operate, adjust position thereof both in vertical and horizontal directions.

• Accommodates a variety of headrests with different shapes and sizes.

• The invention can be applicable in different kind of seats over a wide range of applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1a shows a view from the rear of a conventional automobile seat with a headrest adjustable in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Figure 1b shows a perspective front view of the conventional seat of Fig. 1a.

Figure 2a shows a perspective front view of the seat assembly with a headrest adjustable both in horizontal and vertical directions according to the invention.

Figure 2b shows a perspective front view of the seat structure without backrest cushion and with headrest at location ‘A’ on seat occupant’s left-hand side.

Figure 2c shows a side view of the seat assembly of Fig. 2b.

Figure 2d shows a perspective partial enlarged view of the slider mechanism of the seat of Fig. 2b and marked with the headrest disposed at location ‘A’ encircled on the seat occupant’s left-hand side.

Figure 2e shows a detailed view of encircled location ‘A’ of Fig. 2d.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 2d with the backrest and the lever rod in an engaged position.

Figure 3b shows a side view of slider mechanism of Fig. 3a and with the headrest assembly and lever rod in an engaged position.

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 2d and with the headrest and lever rod in a released position.

Figure 4b shows a side view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 4a and with the backrest and lever rod in a released position.

Figure 4c shows the headrest at location ‘B’ on the right-hand side of the seat occupant.

Figure 5 shows two independent headrests located at different locations on the slider to indicate that the present invention can also be used for applying this seat configuration to other types of seats.

Figure 6 shows the slider headrests provided on long seats for a van and which are configured according to the present invention, as discussed above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the improved headrest assembly for automotive seats adjustable both in horizontal and vertical directions and configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1a shows a view from the rear of a conventional automobile seat with a headrest adjustable in the vertical direction and only by about 2 inches horizontally on either side. Due to single-point mounting SPM used, there is a risk of swiveling of the slider mechanism with respect to horizontal and vertical axes as shown by the arrows HS and VS.

Figure 1b shows a perspective view of the conventional seat of Fig. 1a. It includes a complete schematic arrangement of typical automobile single seat assembly consisting of squab (1), back rest (2) and headrest (3). The diagram shows the seat assembly with the headrest engaged into the backrest. It has a linear vertical movement of the headrest for adjusting the height thereof.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the seat assembly with an improved headrest adjustable both in horizontal and vertical directions. The seat assembly includes squab (1), back rest (2), headrest (3) and horizontal adjustable mechanism (4). The horizontal adjustable mechanism (4) is firmly housed inside the backrest (2) cushion.
Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the seat structure without the backrest (2) cushion and with the headrest (3) at location ‘A’ on seat occupant’s left-hand side and also an adjusting mechanism (4) and backrest seat structure (5). Here, the backrest (2) is supported on the metallic tubular structure (5) and the mesh skeleton (5a).

Figure 2c shows a side view of the seat assembly of Fig. 2b. The headrest (3) is situated in the adjusting mechanism (4) at one end of the seat span ‘A’.

Figure 2d shows a perspective partial enlarged view of the slider mechanism of the seat structure of Fig. 2b and marked with the headrest (3) disposed at location ‘A’ encircled on the seat occupant’s left-hand side and an adjusting mechanism (4) and back rest seat structure (5). Here, the backrest (2) is supported on the metallic tubular structure (5) and the mesh skeleton (5a) is also visible.

Figure 2e shows a detailed view of encircled location ‘A’ of Fig. 2d. It shows the complete structure and components of the adjustable slider mechanism (4) of the headrest (3) consisting of the backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5), holding knob (6) for guiding lever (7), bush (15), a torsion spring (8) and a support guide (10) for a smooth engagement and release of the headrest (3). The lever teeth (12) are protruded from the guiding lever (7). The entire mechanism is firmly held on the pipes of backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5) by means of two brackets (14) at the front and through the closure plate (13) at the rear side thereof. The headrest assembly (3) can easily slide horizontally in the support guide (10) and get engaged with teeth lever (12) by rotating the lever arm (7) against the torsion spring (8). The vertical movement is unaffected and controlled in the backrest cushion mechanism supported on the seat structure at the rear by a closure plate (13) and at the front by two brackets (14) firmly welded on tubular structure (5). All the components of the adjustable mechanism (4) and the interfaces thereof with the backrest (Figure 2e) are also depicted here.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 2d with the headrest assembly (3) and the lever rod (7) in an engaged position. Here, the lever teeth (12) are disposed in a horizontal direction to firmly hold the headrest assembly (3) through the toothed profile (12) of lever (7). The teeth pitch is decided based upon the rods of the headrest used for the vertical mechanism.

Figure 3b shows a side view of slider mechanism of Fig. 3a. Here, the headrest assembly (3) and lever rod (7) are in engaged position, in which the lever teeth (12) are disposed in a horizontal direction to hold headrest (3). On releasing the lever, the horizontal movements are restricted and only vertical adjustments are possible.

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 2d. Here, the headrest assembly (3) and lever rod (7) are in a released position, in which the lever teeth (12) are completely in a vertical direction or slightly inclined to the vertical axis. This releases the headrest (3) from the lever teeth (12), so that the headrest (3) is freely moveable in the support guide (10).

Figure 4b shows a side view of the slider mechanism of Fig. 4a. Here, the headrest assembly (3) and lever rod (7) are in a released position, in which the lever teeth (12) are in are completely in a vertical direction or slightly inclined to the vertical axis. On releasing the lever rod (7), it freely retracts to the original position due to the torsional springs (8) provided in the slider mechanism.

Figure 4c shows the headrest assembly (3) at location ‘B’ on the right-hand side of the seat occupant. This is the most extreme right position of the headrest assembly (3) on the seat span. This is merely an exemplary location which may vary with different seat models and seat spans thereof.

Figure 5 shows two independent headrest assemblies (3) located at different locations on the slider mechanism to indicate that the present invention can also be used for applying this seat configuration to other types of seats, in which two or more number of headrest assemblies (3) are used in the same seat. The ergonomic requirements of the seats and their positioning is different with respect to the seat occupant’s seating location and the innovative slider mechanism caters to such requirements without any change in the configuration thereof and without having any other complicated interface changes therein. Only the lengths of the support guide (10), lever rod (7), and lever teeth (12) increase with respect to the length of the seat backrest (2). The total number of headrest assemblies (3) is decided depending on the occupant’s space or number of persons that are required to be seated comfortably on the same seat and within the same seat span. The other way could be to use one or two headrests (3) on the long span of the seat, irrespective of the occupant’s seating location by just moving it through the slider mechanism on the seat backrest.

Figure 6 shows the slider headrest assemblies (3) configured according to the present invention, as discussed above, provided on long seats for a van.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION

The integrated adjustable headrest assembly for the seats configured in accordance with the present invention can be used for numerous applications and not limiting it only to the automotive application. However, in the case of automotive applications, the invention carries more value as this also enhances the safety of the seat occupant, apart from providing comfort by improvising headrest location/s according to ergonomic aspects.

The idea underlying the present invention can be applied over any seat span, starting right from a one-seater to the longest possible bench seating system. The vertical adjustment mechanism is the same as available on the current vehicle seating systems. The seat headrest guides in the sleeves concealed in the seat back cushion.

This invention and various embodiments thereof relate to horizontally adjustable seat headrest mechanism, which is integrated with the vertical adjusting mechanism.

The construction and the working principle is such that the headrest assembly (3) is placed in the guide plate (10), the length of the guide housing depends on the length of track up to which the headrest (3) would be required/intended to travel. The guide housing (10) is securely held in the backrest (2) and is concealed by the rear cushion.

In respect of the mechanical modifications of the seat frame assembly, the rear closure plate (13) is welded on the seat backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5), to hold the lever assembly (7) having toothed profile. The lever (7) is simply supported between bushes (15) provided at the either end thereof. The torsional springs (8) are housed in the clamp brackets (14) at the ends for self-retraction of the lever (7). The lever has a handle/knob (6) at one end thereof. There could be a variety of handle constructions possible. The exemplary embodiment is discussed here is only for representational purposes.

In a normal condition, the lever (7) is always in the engaged condition and the mechanical energy of torsion springs (8) is used to hold the vertical rods (11) of the seat headrest (3) in the teeth grooves (12) and to keep the mechanism in an engaged condition, which does not allow lever teeth (12) and lever rod (7) to rotate. To access the seat headrest (3) for horizontal movement, the lever (7) is rotated in clockwise or anticlockwise direction based on lever (7) location.

In the mechanism shown, the lever (7) had to be rotated anticlockwise to disengage the headrest rods from the tooth profile. Then, the seat headrest (3) is moved to different locations across the seat span over the backrests (2). Once the headrest (3) is positioned at the desired location, the lever (7) can be left free and it retracts back to its original position because of the spring force and engages the vertical rods (11) of the headrest (3).

This arrangement is conceptualized in such a way that a variety of headrest (3) positions can be achieved. This support guide (10) can accommodate number of headrests (3) at different mounting pitches, as shown in one of the embodiments (Figure 5).

This shows that the present invention also aims at extending this innovative concept to other types of seats or the ergonomic requirements of the seat occupants and their positioning could be made different with respect to occupant’s seating location and the slider mechanism (4) caters to such requirements without any change in the configuration of the slider mechanism (4) and without the addition of any interface changes.

Apart from the strength requirements of the internal construction of the adjustable slider mechanism (4) in terms of the functionality of the lever (7) and its actuation with the springs (8) and the guide housing (10), the entire mechanism (4) is held to the seat back assembly (2) in such a way that the legislative requirements of strengths of the headrests (3) are complied with. Also, the entire arrangement is housed within the seat backrest (2) foam and hence will not cause any injury to the seat occupant.

As mentioned above, there are different ergonomic requirements of the headrest (3), these are catered through the adequate placements of the headrest (3) hard points.

Since there is a provision to move the headrest (3) both in vertical and horizontal directions, the ergonomic needs are successfully met on a wide range of vehicles. This adjustable headrest assembly (3) can be utilized on the right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles. Also, there is an overall advantage in terms of providing maximum safety and a better rear-side view through the rear-view mirror.

While for the cost and practical purposes, the innovative adjustable slider mechanism is provided with manual controls, its operations could also be automatically/electronically performed. This could have a stepper motor or any other servo arrangement to be employed for actuating the lever (7) by a command from dashboard or a button placed on the seat for the headrest (3) movement.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The headrest assembly for automotive seats, which is adjustable in both horizontal and vertical directions and configured in accordance with the present invention has the following technical and economic advantages:

• Headrest assembly and its mechanism adjustable both in horizontal and vertical directions.

• Includes a rotating lever with headrest locking lever teeth.

• Adjustable headrest mechanism either fixed or bolted to seat backrest.

• Adjustable headrest has the lever teeth for accommodating different horizontal locations along with its vertical movement.

• Two or more independent headrests can be added in long bench-seats.

• The adjustable headrest mechanism can be used across wide range of vehicles and wide range of seat lengths (row/bench seats) including buses, other modes of transports like railways, airplanes, ships, and military vehicles.

• Adjustable headrest and slider mechanism can also be adopted for other applications with many seats and/or bench/row seating.

• Adjustable headrest and its slider mechanism can be used on right-hand as well as on left-hand driven vehicles without any change.

• It can also be used for applications in which the operator is seated along the center axis of the vehicle.

• Suitable for controlling by either a mechanical, electrical or electromechanical or a combination thereof, for actuating the lever.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration. The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to this non-limiting embodiment in the above description in accordance with the present invention. The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, the skilled person will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of embodiments described herein.

Therefore, the skilled person can easily make innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies, assemblies and in terms of the size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A horizontally adjustable headrest assembly for a vehicle seat assembly, said seat assembly comprising:

• at least one squab (1);

• at least one backrest assembly (2); and

• at least one headrest assembly (3) adjustable in height in a vertical direction by means of a corresponding guiding mechanism;

characterized in that said headrest assembly (3) is also adjustable in a horizontal direction by means of an adjustable slider mechanism (4) for locating said headrest assembly (3) along the seat span according to the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications.

2. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable slider mechanism (4) comprises:

• a backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5);

• a holding knob (6) provided on a guiding lever (7);

• said guiding lever (7) provided with a plurality of teeth (12) protruding out therefrom;

• at least one torsion spring (8);

• a support guide (10) for smooth engagement and release of said headrest assembly (3);

wherein said slider mechanism is firmly secured to the pipes of said backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5) by means of a respective bracket (14) on either side of said headrest assembly (3) disposed at the front thereof and through a respective closure plate (13) disposed at the rear side thereof.

3. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guiding lever teeth (12) are configured to be adjusted in a horizontal or vertical direction, or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of said headrest assembly (3) to be securely held according to the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications.

4. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said guiding lever teeth (12) is adjusted in a horizontal direction to securely hold said headrest assembly (3) engaged by means of the toothed profile of said lever teeth (12).

5. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said guiding lever teeth (12) is adjusted in a vertical direction or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of said headrest assembly (3) to release said headrest assembly (3) from the toothed profile of said lever teeth (12) for moving and adjusting said headrest assembly (3) within said support guide (10) along the seat span.

6. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said guiding lever (7) retracts to the original position thereof by means of said torsion springs (8).

7. Headrest assembly as claimed in anyone of the claims 1 to 6, wherein two or more headrest assemblies (3) are provided on said vehicle seat.

8. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lengths of said guide lever (7), support guide (10) and lever teeth (12) are determined depending on the length of said sear backrest (2).

9. Headrest assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the number of headrest assemblies if determined depending on the desired space and number of seat occupants to be seated within the same seat span.

10. A vehicle seat assembly equipped with at least one horizontally adjustable headrest assembly as claimed in anyone of the claims 1 to 9, wherein said seat assembly comprises:

• at least one squab (1);

• at least one backrest assembly (2); and

• at least one headrest assembly (3) adjustable in height in a vertical direction by means of a corresponding guiding mechanism;

• an adjustable slider mechanism (4) comprising:

- a backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5);

- a holding knob (6) provided on a guiding lever (7);

- said guiding lever (7) provided with a plurality of teeth (12) protruding out therefrom;

- at least one torsion spring (8);

- a support guide (10) for smooth engagement and release of said headrest assembly (3);

• said slider mechanism (4) firmly secured to the pipes of said backrest supporting metallic tubular structure (5) by means of a respective bracket (14) on either side of said headrest assembly (3) disposed at the front thereof and through a respective closure plate (13) disposed at the rear side thereof;

characterized in that said headrest assembly (3) is adjustable in a horizontal direction by means of said guiding lever teeth (12) of said slider mechanism (4) to securely hold said headrest assembly (3) engaged by means of the toothed profile of said guiding teeth (12) or said headrest assembly (3) is adjustable in a vertical direction, or slightly inclined to the vertical axis of said headrest assembly (3) by means of said guiding lever teeth (12) to release said headrest assembly (3) from the toothed profile of said lever teeth (12) for moving and adjusting said headrest assembly (3) within said support guide (10) along the seat span for locating said headrest assembly (3) to meet the ergonomic requirements of the demography of the targeted markets for the varied seat applications, preferably an automotive vehicle seat.

Digitally Signed.

Dated: this day of 10th August 2017. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT