CHAPTER 11: HEAD RESTRAINT PATENTS

This Chapter reviews the history of automotive seat head restraint patents and includes examples of various concepts and designs. It includes examples of designs for adjustable and integrated head restraints in the seatback. The typical two post approach to adjusting the head restraint on the seatback remains in use today. By the 1970s a range of power adjustments were added to the seat and head restraint to vary the height and fore-aft position. By the 1980s, a range of inflatable airbags and bellows were added to enhance control of the occupant’s head and neck in rear, side and rollover crashes. The first page from 31 USPTO patents is included to show head restraint concepts and technologies considered for crash safety and comfort. The patent history and example concepts for head restraints show a rich history of ideas for head support and occupant protection.