POWERED HEADREST ASSEMBLY WITH SIDE WINGS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally toward headrest assemblies, and more particularly to a powered headrest assembly for a headrest which is operatively associated with a piece of furniture, such as, for example, a chair, a sofa, a love seat, or the like, and wherein the headrest assembly comprises a main or primary headrest, and a pair of headrest wings disposed upon opposite sides of the main or primary headrest, the pair of headrest wings being powered so as to be moved between extended and retracted positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, usually have headrests operatively associated therewith so as to provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or love seat as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or love seat. More particularly, chairs, sofas, love seats or the like are commonly used by people when they want to relax, take an afternoon nap, or the like. Unfortunately, with conventional chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, having conventional headrests operatively associated therewith, there is only a centrally located headrest. Accordingly, as is often the case when people take a nap, doze off, fall asleep, or the like, their heads often tend to fall to one side or the other. Therefore, their heads will not be supported properly, which may cause or lead to physical problems, such as, for example, stiffness in the neck or upper back, or other physical stiffness or joint or musculature discomfort.

A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly. Another need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces. Still another need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like. Yet still another need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for a user of the chair, sofa, love seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, love seat, or the like, and when the person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like. A further need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa. A yet further need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort.

A still further need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented. A still yet further need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented, and wherein an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved. A yet still further need exists in the art for a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented, and wherein an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved in a precise manner and without any difficulty or tediousness.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

A first overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly. Another overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces. Still another overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like. Yet still another overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for a user of the chair, sofa, love seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, love seat, or the like, and when the person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like. A further overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa. A yet further overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort.

A still further overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented. A still yet further overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented, and wherein an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved. A yet still further overall objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved headrest assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, love seats, or the like, and when a person is sleeping, dozing, napping, or the like, so as to properly support the person's head should the person's head tend to fall to one side or another as commonly occurs when one dozes off, or naps while sitting in a chair, love seat, or sofa, and thereby provide a requisite amount or degree of comfort such that stiffness in the person's next or upper back, or in other musculature or joints, is effectively prevented, and wherein an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved in a precise manner and without any difficulty or tediousness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention through the provision of a headrest assembly which comprises a centrally located main or primary headrest section, and a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a bidirectional or dual-directional linear actuator, comprising a pair of oppositely oriented telescopic rods, is fixedly secured to a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, and the pair of oppositely oriented telescopic rods are operatively connected to the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections so as to move the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections between any one of an infinite angular dispositions with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a pair of oppositely disposed linear actuators are fixedly mounted upon rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, whereby each one of the telescopic rods is respectively connected to one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections so as to separately move the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections between any one of an infinite angular dispositions with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section.

Still further, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a single linear actuator is fixedly mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, however, the telescopic rod of the linear actuator is operatively connected to a first, lower drive shaft which is operatively connected to a first one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections, and the first, lower drive shaft is, in turn, operatively connected to a second, upper drive shaft, through means of a rotary clutch mechanism, wherein the second, upper drive shaft is operatively connected to the second one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections. Accordingly, when the linear actuator is actuated, the telescopic rod will effectively actuate or move the first one of the two secondary or auxiliary headrest sections to any one of a multitude of predetermined positions, while, simultaneously, the first and second drive shafts, along with the rotary clutch mechanism, will cause the second one of the two secondary or auxiliary headrest sections to likewise be moved to any one of a corresponding multitude of predetermined positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, left side perspective view of a first embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly, as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, wherein it is seen that a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of a centrally located main or primary headrest section, and wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their retracted positions so as to effectively be coplanar with the centrally located main or primary headrest section;

FIG. 2 is a rear, left side perspective view of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 1, showing a dual-directional linear actuator comprising a pair of oppositely oriented telescopic rods for simultaneously moving the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections between their fully retracted and fully extended positions;

FIG. 3 is a front, left side perspective view of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 1, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections, pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, are disposed at their extended positions;

FIG. 4 is a rear, left side perspective view of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 3, showing the dual-directional linear actuator in its actuated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their fully extended positions;

FIG. 5 is a front, left side perspective view of a second embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly, as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, wherein, as was the case of the first embodiment of the present invention as illustrated within FIG. 1, it is seen that a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of a centrally located main or primary headrest section, and wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their retracted positions so as to effectively be coplanar with the centrally located main or primary headrest section;

FIG. 6 is a rear, left side perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 5, showing a pair of linear actuators operatively connected, respectively, to the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections for simultaneously moving the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections between their fully retracted and fully extended positions;

FIG. 7 is a front, left side perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 5, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections, pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, are disposed at their extended positions;

FIG. 8 is a rear, left side perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 7, showing the pair of linear actuators in their actuated states such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their fully extended positions;

FIG. 9 is a rear, left side perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 6, showing casings covering the telescopic rod connections such that headrest fabric material does not become entangled within the telescopic rod connections;

FIG. 10 is a front, left side perspective view of a third embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly, as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, wherein, as was illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 5, it is seen that a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of a centrally located main or primary headrest section, and wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their retracted positions so as to effectively be coplanar with the centrally located main or primary headrest section;

FIG. 11 is a rear, left side perspective view of the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 10, wherein the telescopic rod of the linear actuator is operatively connected to a first, lower drive shaft which is operatively connected to a first one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections, and the first, lower drive shaft is, in turn, operatively connected to a second, upper drive shaft, through means of a rotary clutch mechanism, wherein the second, upper drive shaft is operatively connected to the second one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections such that as the linear actuator is actuated, both of the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections can be actuated simultaneously;

FIG. 12 is a front, left side perspective view of the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 10, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections, pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section, are disposed at their extended positions;

FIG. 13 is a rear, left side perspective view of the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 11, showing the linear actuator in its actuated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their fully extended positions;

FIG. 14 is a rear, left side perspective view of the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 11, showing casings covering the first and second, lower and upper drive shafts, as well as the rotary clutch mechanism, such that headrest fabric material does not become entangled within the first and second, lower and upper drive shafts, and the rotary clutch mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a rear, left side perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, showing the linear actuators in their deactivated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their retracted positions;

FIG. 16 is a rear, left side perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, showing the linear actuators in their activated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their extend ed positions;

FIG. 17 is a rear, left side perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, showing the linear actuators in their deactivated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their retracted positions; and

FIG. 18 is a rear, left side perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly, showing the linear actuators in their activated state such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections are disposed at their extend ed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a first embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 100. More particularly, it is seen that the first embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 100 is seen to comprise a centrally located main or primary headrest section 102, and a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 104,106 disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 102, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 104,106 are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 102 by means of suitable hinge mechanisms 108. As can best be seen in FIG. 2, a bidirectional or dual-directional synchronized linear actuator 110 is fixedly mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 102 by means of a suitable L-shaped mounting bracket 112, and it is seen that the bidirectional or dual-directional synchronized linear actuator 110 comprises a pair of oppositely oriented telescopic rods, that is, a right telescopic rod 114 and a left telescopic rod 116. A right mounting bracket 118 is fixedly mounted upon the right secondary or auxiliary headrest section 104, and the right telescopic rod 114 is operatively connected to the right mounting bracket 118 by means of a right linkage member 120. In a similar manner, a left mounting bracket 122 is fixedly mounted upon the left secondary or auxiliary headrest section 106, and the left telescopic rod 116 is operatively connected to the left mounting bracket 122 by means of a left linkage member 124. In operation, when the linear actuator 110 is actuated so as to simultaneously extend both of the telescopic rods 114, 116, the telescopic rods 114,116 will cause the linkage members 120, 124 to move laterally outwardly away from the linear actuator 110 whereby the linkage members 120,124 will exert forces upon the mounting brackets 118,122 so as to effectively simultaneously move the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 104,106, from the positions illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2, to any one of an infinite number of extended positions as may best be appreciated from FIGS. 3 and 4 and as may be desired for the comfort of the particular occupant of the chair, sofa, love seat, or the like. It is to be lastly appreciated that when the linear actuator 110 is actuated in a reverse mode, the telescopic rods 114,116 will of course be retracted such that the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 104, 106 will be moved from their extended positions illustrated within FIGS. 3 and 4 back to their retracted positions illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2.

With reference now being made to FIGS. 5-9, a second embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. It is to be noted that component parts of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 200 that correspond to component parts of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 100 will be designated by corresponding reference numbers except that they will be within the 200 series. More particularly, it is seen that the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 200 is seen to comprise a centrally located main or primary headrest section 202, and a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 204,206 disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 204,206 are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202 by means of suitable hinge mechanisms 208. In accordance with this second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 200, and as can best be appreciated from FIG. 6, a pair of oppositely disposed linear actuators 210,210 are adapted to be mounted upon rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202. More specifically, motor end portions 212,212 of the linear actuators 210,210 are pivotally mounted upon motor mounting brackets 214,214, which are fixedly secured to rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202, by means of suitable clevis connections 216,216. The linear actuators 210,210 further comprise telescopic rods 218,218, and it is seen that telescopic rod housings 220,220 have end portions thereof fixedly secured to rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202 by means of U-clamps or C-clamps 222,222.

In turn, it is seen that the free or distal end portions of the telescopic rods 218,218 are pivotally connected to one end of an H-shaped link member 224,224 as a result of a first pin 226,226 extending through the free end portion of each telescopic rod 218,218, while a second opposite end of each H-shaped link 224,224 is pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 228,228, fixedly mounted upon each one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 204,206 disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202, as a result of a second pin 230,230 connecting the second opposite ends of the H-shaped links 224,224 to the mounting brackets 228,228. In this manner, it can be further appreciated that each one of the linear actuators 210,210 can independently control the movement of one of the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 204,206, disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202, with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 202. More particularly, when a control button, not shown, is depressed so as to actuate one of the linear actuators 210,210, the telescopic rod 218 of the linear actuator 210 will extend causing one of the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 204,206 to be moved from its retracted position, as illustrated within FIG. 5, to its extended position as illustrated within FIG. 7. Conversely, when the linear actuator 210 is operated in its reverse mode, the particular secondary or auxiliary headrest section 204,206 will be moved from its extended position, as illustrated within FIG. 7, to its retracted position as illustrated within FIG. 5. It is lastly noted in connection with this second embodiment of the present invention that C-shaped casings or housings 232,232, fixedly secured upon rear surface portions of the main or primary headrest section 202 by suitable fasteners, as at 233, are provided so as to effectively cover the free end portions of the telescopic rods 218,218, as well as the H-shaped link members 224,224, so as to prevent headrest materials from becoming entangled with the telescopic rod and link member structures 218,218,224,224, all as depicted within FIG. 9.

With reference being made to FIGS. 10-14, a third embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 300. It is to be noted that component parts of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 300 that correspond to component parts of the first and second embodiments of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 100, 200 will be designated by corresponding reference numbers except that they will be within the 300 series. More particularly, it is seen that the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 300 is seen to comprise a centrally located main or primary headrest section 302, and a pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 disposed upon opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302, wherein the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 by means of suitable hinge mechanisms 308. Still further, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention 300, a single linear actuator 310 is adapted to be mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302. More specifically, a motor end portion 312 of the linear actuator 310 is pivotally mounted upon a motor mounting bracket 314, which is fixedly secured to a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302, by means of a suitable clevis connection 316. The linear actuator 310 further comprises a telescopic rod 318, and it is seen that a telescopic rod housing 320 has an end portion thereof fixedly secured to a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 by means of a U-clamp or a C-clamp 322.

In turn, it is seen that the free or distal end portion of the telescopic rod 318 is pivotally connected to one end of a first H-shaped link member 324 as a result of a first pin 326 extending through the free end portion of the telescopic rod 318, while a second opposite end of the H-shaped link 324 is pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 328, fixedly mounted upon the secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 306, as a result of a second pin 330 connecting the second opposite end of the H-shaped link 324 to the mounting bracket 328. Still further, it is seen that a first lower drive shaft 332 is movably mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 as a result of a pair of laterally spaced portions of the first lower drive shaft 332 being disposed within a pair of mounting brackets 334 which are fixedly secured to rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302, and wherein the laterally spaced portions of the first lower drive shaft 332 pass through a pair of bushings 336 structurally connected to the pair of mounting brackets 334. In addition, it is seen that the left terminal end portion of the first lower drive shaft 332, as viewed in FIG. 11, is operatively connected to the first pin 326 of the H-shaped link 324 assembly as a result of the first pin 326 passing through the left terminal end portion of the first lower drive shaft 332 in a manner similar to the way in which the first pin 326 passes through the free end portion of the telescopic rod 318. Still yet further, a second upper drive shaft 338 is likewise movably mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 as a result of a pair of laterally spaced portions of the second upper drive shaft 338 being disposed within a pair of mounting brackets 340 which are fixedly secured to rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302, and wherein the laterally spaced portions of the second upper drive shaft 338 pass through a pair of bushings 342 structurally connected to the pair of mounting brackets 340. As was the case with the left terminal end portion of the first lower drive shaft 332, the right terminal end portion of the second upper drive shaft 338, as viewed in FIG. 11, is operatively connected to a third pin 344 of a second H-shaped link 346 assembly as a result of the third pin 344 passing through the right terminal end portion of the second upper drive shaft 338, while a second opposite end of the second H-shaped link 346 is pivotally secured to a second mounting bracket 348, fixedly mounted upon the secondary or auxiliary headrest section 304, as a result of a fourth pin 350 pivotally connecting the second opposite end of the H-shaped link 346 to the mounting bracket 348.

Continuing further, but with reference still being made to FIGS. 10-14, and specifically to FIGS. 11 and 13 for the best understanding of this third embodiment of the invention, in addition to the first and second lower and upper drive shafts 332,338, as well as the operative connections of the first and second lower and upper drive shafts 332,338 to the pair of oppositely disposed secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306, a rotary clutch mechanism 352 is pivotally mounted upon a rear surface portion of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 by means of a shaft 354. The rotary clutch mechanism 352 has a substantially H-shaped configuration comprising two, oppositely disposed upstanding leg members and a transversely oriented cross-bar member. Each lower end portion of each one of the two, oppositely disposed upstanding leg members of the H-shaped rotary clutch mechanism 352 is provided with a first slot 356, while each upper end portion of each one of the two, oppositely disposed upstanding leg members of the H-shaped rotary clutch mechanism 352 is provided with a second slot 358. In addition, it is seen that the first lower drive shaft 332 is provided with a first pair of limit pins or guide pins 360 which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the first lower drive shaft 332 so as to be disposed within the pair of slots 356 defined within the lower end portions of the two, oppositely disposed upstanding leg members of the H-shaped rotary clutch mechanism 352, while in a similar manner, the second upper drive shaft 338 is provided with a second pair of limit pins or guide pins 362 which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the second upper drive shaft 338 so as to be disposed within the pair of slots 358 defined within the upper end portions of the two, oppositely disposed upstanding leg members of the H-shaped rotary clutch mechanism 352.

Accordingly, when the linear actuator 310 is actuated, the telescopic rod 318 will effectively be extended to the left, as viewed within FIGS. 11 and 13, thereby causing the left one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 to be moved to a particular angular position with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302. At the same time, the first lower drive shaft 332 will likewise be moved toward the left, as viewed within FIGS. 11 and 13, whereby, as a result of the interaction between the first pair of limit pins or guide pins 360 and the first lower slots 356, the rotary clutch mechanism 352 will be forced to rotate or pivot from its position or orientation shown in FIG. 11 to that shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, as a result of the interaction between the second pair of limit pins or guide pins 362 and the second upper slots 358, the second upper drive shaft 338 will be moved from its position shown in FIG. 11 to that shown in FIG. 13, that is, will be moved toward the right, as viewed within FIGS. 11 and 13, whereby the right one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 will be moved to a particular angular position with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302 substantially simultaneously with the movement of the left one of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302. Reverse actuation of the linear actuator 310 will of course result in reverse movements of the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 304,306 with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 302. Lastly, as was the case with the second embodiment of the present invention, and as illustrated within FIG. 14, a casing or housing 364 is provided so as to effectively cover the linear actuator 310 and the first and second, lower and upper drive shaft 332,338 so as to prevent headrest materials from becoming entangled with such structural components.

With reference now being made to FIGS. 15 and 16, a fourth embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 400. It is to be noted that component parts of the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 400 that correspond to component parts of the first, second, and third embodiments of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 100, 200,300 will be designated by corresponding reference numbers except that they will be within the 400 series. It is noted that the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 400 is seen to be quite similar to the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 300 except as will be described shortly hereafter. More particularly, it is seen that one of the primary or significant differences between the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 400 and the third embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 300 resides in the fact that in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 400, the linear actuator 410 is a unidirectional actuator, meaning that it is powered in only one direction, more particularly when it is desired to extend the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 404,406, and accordingly, a pair of coiled springs 464,466 are respectively disposed upon the free end portions of the first and second lower and upper drive shafts 432,438 so as to be interposed between the mounting brackets 440 and terminal head portions 468,470 of the first and second lower and upper drive shafts 432,438. Accordingly, when the linear actuator 410 is activated, the telescopic rod 418 will be extended, as can be appreciated from FIGS. 15 and 16, such that the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 404,406 will be moved to particular angular positions with respect to the centrally located main or primary headrest section 402, and coiled springs 464,466 will be compressed as can be clearly seen in FIG. 16. Then, when the linear actuator 410 is deactivated, the coiled springs 464,466 will serve to return the first and second lower and upper drive shafts 432,438 from their angular positions shown in FIG. 16 to their original positions coplanar with the centrally located main or primary headrest section 402 as shown in FIG. 15.

With reference now lastly being made to FIGS. 17 and 18, a fifth embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 500. It is to be noted that component parts of the fifth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 500 that correspond to component parts of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 100,200,300,400 will be designated by corresponding reference numbers except that they will be within the 500 series. More particularly, as will become more apparent, the fifth embodiment of a new and improved powered headrest assembly 500 has similarities to the second embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 200 as well as to the fifth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 500. More particularly, it is seen that the fifth embodiment of the new and improved powered headrest assembly 500 comprises a pair of unidirectional linear actuators 510 wherein the motor ends of the linear actuators 510 are pivotally mounted upon rear surface portions of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 502 by means of motor mounting brackets 514 and suitable clevis connections 516, while terminal free end portions of the telescopic rods 518 of the linear actuators 510 are provided with rollers 572.

A pair of slide plates 524 are fixedly connected at first ends thereof to the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 504,506 by means of mounting plates 528, while the rollers 572 engage interior surface portions of the slide plates 524. Still further, a first end of a coiled spring 564 is operatively connected to an opposite free end portion of each slide plate 524, while a second end of each coiled spring 564 is operatively connected to a mounting bracket 574 fixedly mounted upon the rear surface of the centrally located main or primary headrest section 502. In operation, when the linear actuators 510 are activated, the telescopic rods 518 will be extended whereby the rollers 572 will engage the slide plates 524 so as to cause the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 504,506 to pivot upon the hinge mechanisms 508. It will be appreciated that as a result of these movements of the slide plates 524 and the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 504,506, the coiled springs 564 will be extended to their states illustrated within FIG. 18. Subsequently, when the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 504,506 are to be retracted back to their positions illustrated within FIG. 17, the pair of linear actuators 510 will be deactivated whereby the pair of coiled springs 564 will revert back to their non-extended states, effectively drawing the pair of secondary or auxiliary headrest sections 504,506 back to their positions illustrated within FIG. 17.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.