Powered mounting bracket assembly for furniture headrest

Abstract

A first embodiment of a powered mounting bracket assembly, for a furniture headrest, comprises a backrest assembly, a headrest assembly operatively mounted atop the backrest assembly, and a driving mechanism mounted upon the backrest assembly and operatively connected to the headrest assembly for adjustably moving the headrest assembly relative to the backrest assembly. As the driving mechanism is activated, the headrest assembly will be moved upwardly or downwardly as well as tilted forwardly and backwardly. As a result of these movements, the headrest can be moved within an angular range of 90° wherein, at a first extreme position, the headrest will be oriented vertically upwardly, whereas at a second extreme position, the headrest will be oriented horizontally forwardly. Depending upon the actuation of the linear actuator, the headrest can attain any angular position between its first and second extreme positions. A second embodiment of the assembly incorporates coiled springs for returning the headrest assembly to the retracted position so as to effectively provide a safe system against blockages between the headrest assembly and the backrest assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally toward mounting bracket assemblies, and more particularly to a powered mounting bracket assembly for a headrest which is operatively associated with a piece of furniture, such as, for example, a chair, sofa, a car seat, or the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Chairs, sofas, car 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 car seat as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat. More particularly, the headrests are usually adjustable whereby the headrest may in fact be moved to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person which may, of course, differ from the comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a different person. The adjustment mechanisms conventionally incorporated within such headrests, however, usually comprise structures which are manually operated and which define specifically delineated increments or steps through which the various manual adjustments are to be achieved. Accordingly, not only are such manual adjustments sometimes difficult to achieve, but they can also be tedious, and in view of the fact that the adjustments comprise specifically delineated increments or steps, the resulting adjustment, or disposition of the headrest, may not be precisely what the particular person desires or needs.

[0003] A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly. Another need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests. Still another need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces. Yet still another need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like. Still yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat. A further need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like. A yet further need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly.

[0004] A still further need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly whereby an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved. A yet still further need exists in the art for a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly whereby 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

[0005] An overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly. Another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests. Still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces. Yet still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like. Still yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat as a result of properly supporting the person's head when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat. A further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, and wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like. A yet further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly.

[0006] A still further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly whereby an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved. A yet still further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting bracket assembly which is specifically adapted for use in connection with headrests which are operatively associated with furniture pieces, such as, for example, chairs, sofas, car seats, or the like, wherein the headrest can provide a comfortable environment for the user of the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, as a result of properly supporting the person's head, when the person is seated within the chair, sofa, or car seat, or the like, in view of the fact that the headrest is adjustable so as to be movable to any one of a multiplicity of different positions or tilt angles so as to effectively accommodate different comfort desires, feelings, or needs of a particular person seated within the chair, sofa, car seat, or the like, and wherein the mounting bracket assembly, which has the headrest mounted thereon, comprises a powered mounting bracket assembly whereby an infinite number of adjustment positions can be readily achieved in a precise manner and without any difficulty or tediousness.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the principles and teachings of a first embodiment of the present invention wherein a new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly, for a furniture headrest, is seen to comprise a backrest, a headrest operatively mounted atop the backrest, and a driving mechanism, such as, for example, a linear actuator, mounted upon the backrest and operatively connected to the headrest for adjustably moving the headrest through a compound angular movement comprising both upward or downward and forward or backward movement components. More particularly, the linear actuator is operatively connected to the headrest by means of a transmission mechanism which includes a sleeve member operatively connected to a lead screw of the linear actuator, and an arcuately configured link member fixedly connected at a first end thereof to the sleeve member of the linear actuator, and fixedly connected at a second opposite end thereof to the headrest. Accordingly, as the linear actuator is activated, the lead screw of the linear actuator will cause the sleeve member and the link member to move together such that as the link member moves through its opposite arcuate movements, the headrest is moved upwardly or downwardly and is likewise tilted forwardly and backwardly. As a result of these movements, the headrest can be moved within an angular range of 90° wherein, at a first extreme position, the headrest will be oriented vertically upwardly, whereas at a second extreme position, the headrest will be oriented horizontally forwardly. It is of course to be appreciated that depending upon the actuation of the linear actuator, the headrest can attain any angular position between or intermediate the first and second extreme positions.

[0008] In accordance with a second embodiment of the powered mounting bracket assembly, the linear actuator is operatively connected to the headrest in such a manner that the linear actuator can likewise move the headrest from its retracted or horizontal position / orientation to any particular extended position or orientation, including the fully extended position, as the linear actuator is extended or retracted. However, the linear actuator is not actually connected to the headrest in such a manner that the linear actuator can actually move the headrest from its extended or vertical position / orientation to any particular retracted position / orientation, including the fully retracted position. In order to achieve such movement, the headrest and link member are also mounted upon a cross-bar which is operatively connected to a pair of spring-biased assemblies comprising a pair of coiled springs mounted upon a pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped brackets mounted upon a pair of oppositely disposed, vertically oriented guide rods. Accordingly, during the time when the linear actuator is being retracted to any particular degree, so as to, in turn, permit the headrest to be retracted from its fully extended position toward its fully retracted position, the pair of spring-biased assemblies will in effect cause the headrest to be moved toward the fully retracted position. Therefore, in accordance with this structural arrangement, should there be some blockage interposed between the headrest and the backrest, such as, for example, a child's hand or fingers, and should the headrest encounter such blockage, then the headrest can be moved manually, against the biasing forces of the coiled springs and away from the backrest, so as to permit the blockage to be removed, and thereby permit the headrest to continue to be returned to the second extreme position, without any harm having been inflicted upon the child.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front, side perspective view of a first embodiment of a new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, and wherein the headrest assembly is disposed at its first extreme position at which the headrest mounting plate is disposed vertically upwardly;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front, side perspective view of the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly, as disclosed within FIG. 1 and wherein the headrest assembly is disposed at its second extreme position at which the headrest mounting plate is disposed horizontally forwardly;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front, side perspective view of the headrest assembly so as to show the various features of the headrest assembly with more clarity;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detailed view of the driving mechanism of the powered mounting bracket assembly, as illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0014] FIG. 4A is an additional enlarged detailed view of the driving mechanism of the powered mounting bracket assembly, as illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0015] FIG. 4B is another enlarged detailed view of the driving mechanism of the powered mounting bracket assembly, as illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the hinge mechanism that connects the backrest assembly of the furniture seat to the headrest assembly of the furniture seat and which permits the headrest assembly of the furniture seat to be pivotably adjustable with respect to the backrest assembly of the furniture seat when the driving mechanism is actuated so as to adjust the disposition of the headrest assembly of the furniture seat with respect to the backrest assembly of the furniture seat;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan, front elevational view of the hinge mechanism disclosed within FIG. 5 showing, in greater detail, how the pair of first half hinge components of the hinge mechanism, which are fixedly mounted upon the headrest support base, are hingedly connected to and operatively cooperate with the second half hinge component of the hinge mechanism which forms an integral part of the hinge mechanism support post;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevational perspective view of one of the hinge mechanisms, as illustrated within FIGS. 5 and 6, illustrating the relative disposition of the first and second hinge components when the headrest support base has been moved to its vertical position at which the headrest mounting plate has been moved to its horizontal position;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side elevational perspective view of one of the hinge mechanisms, as illustrated within FIGS. 5-7, illustrating the relative disposition of the first and second hinge components when the headrest support base has been moved to its horizontal position at which the headrest mounting plate has been moved to its vertical position;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear elevational perspective view of one of the hinge mechanisms, as illustrated within FIGS. 5-8, as mounted upon the headrest support base, and illustrating the relative disposition of the first and second hinge components when the headrest support base has been moved to its vertical position at which the headrest mounting plate has been moved to its horizontal position;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, and wherein the headrest assembly is disposed at its first extreme position at which the headrest mounting plate will be disposed horizontally;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front, left side perspective view of the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, and as disclosed within FIG. 10, and wherein the headrest assembly is disposed at its second extreme position at which the headrest mounting plate is disposed at a vertically upward position; and

[0023] FIG. 12 is a front, left side perspective view of the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, similar to that as disclosed within FIG. 10, and wherein the headrest assembly is disposed at a position intermediate the first and second extreme positions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest, as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 100. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted for use upon a furniture seat and is seen to comprise a headrest assembly 102 of the furniture seat, a backrest assembly 104 of the furniture seat, and a driving mechanism 106, which may be, for example, a linear actuator. It is seen that the motor end 108 of the linear actuator 106 is pivotally connected, by means of a clevis-type connector 110, to a crossbar 112, and that the opposite ends of the crossbar 112 are fixedly secured to mounting brackets 114 which are, in turn, fixedly mounted upon internal sidewalls 116 of the backrest assembly 104. Continuing further, and with specific reference being made to FIG. 4, it is further seen that, in addition to the motor end 108 of the linear actuator 106, the linear actuator 106 also comprises a rotatable lead screw member 118, and a sleeve member 120 is operatively connected to the rotatable lead screw member 118, the sleeve member 120 also being operatively connected to, and supported upon, an underlying track member or housing 121. In this manner, as the rotatable lead screw member 118 is rotated, the sleeve member 120 will be moved between its lowered and elevated positions, as can be appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2. Still further, it is also seen that a vertically oriented, arcuately configured link 122 has a lower end portion thereof, not visible, pivotally connected to the sleeve member 120, while an upper end portion 123 thereof is adapted to be pivotally connected to the headrest assembly 102 as will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

[0025] More particularly, reverting back to FIGS. 1 and 2, and with additional reference being made to FIG. 3, it is seen that the headrest assembly 102 comprises a headrest mounting plate 124 and a headrest support base 126 having the headrest mounting plate 124 fixedly mounted thereon such that the headrest mounting plate 124 is disposed perpendicular to the headrest support base 126, it being additionally noted that the headrest mounting plate 124 is adapted to be wrapped with any suitable furniture cushion fabric or material so as to render the same comfortable when supporting the head of the person seated within the furniture seat with which the headrest is operatively disposed. Continuing further, it is seen that the headrest support base 126 is provided with a first slot 128 defined at a central portion thereof, and a pin, not shown, is adapted to be fixedly secured within the headrest support base 126 so as to effectively bridge, or extend across, the slot 128 and thereby serve as a mounting pin for the upper end portion 123 of the arcuately configured link 122, when the pin, not shown, extends through an aperture 130 defined within the upper end portion 123 of the arcuately configured link 122. In this manner, the upper end portion 123 of the arcuately configured link 122, after passing through a slot 131 defined within an upper wall portion 140 of the backrest assembly 104, is pivotally mounted upon the pin, not shown. In addition, as can also be best appreciated from FIG. 3, the headrest support base 126 is further provided with a pair of laterally spaced second slots 132,134 defined within opposite ends of the headrest support base 126. As will be more fully discussed hereinafter, this pair of laterally spaced second slots 132, 134 are adapted to house or accommodate a pair of hinge mechanisms by means of which the entire headrest assembly 102 will be moved, by means of the linear actuator 106, between its two extreme positions and relative to the backrest assembly 104, the first position being when the headrest mounting plate 124 is disposed vertically upwardly, as disclosed or illustrated within FIG. 1, and the second position being when the headrest mounting plate 124 is disposed horizontally, as disclosed or illustrated within FIG. 2.

[0026] With reference now being made to FIGS. 5-9, the hinge mechanisms, by means of which the entire headrest assembly 102 will be moved by means of the linear actuator 106, between its two extreme positions and relative to the backrest assembly 104, will now be described. It is of course to be understood that since both hinge mechanisms are identical, only one hinge mechanism will be described. More particularly, as can best be appreciated from FIG. 5, each one of the hinge mechanisms comprises an upstanding mounting post 136 wherein the lower end portion of the upstanding mounting post 136 is externally threaded as at 138. The externally threaded lower end portion of the upstanding mounting post 136 is adapted to be inserted into and through an aperture defined within an upper wall portion 140 of the backrest assembly 104, and it is further seen that the upstanding mounting post 136 has a washer 142 fixedly mounted thereon. In addition, an internally threaded nut 144 is adapted to be threadedly mounted upon the externally threaded lower end portion 138 of the upstanding mounting post 136. In this manner, the externally threaded lower end portion 138 of the upstanding mounting post 136 is adapted to be inserted through the aperture defined within the upper wall portion of the backrest assembly 104 until an undersurface portion 143 of the washer 142 engages the upper surface portion of the upper wall portion 140 of the backrest assembly 104 whereupon the internally threaded nut 144 can then be threadedly engaged upon the externally threaded lower end portion 138 of the upstanding mounting post 136 until an upper surface portion 146 of the internally threaded nut 144 tightly engages a lower or undersurface portion of the upper wall portion 140 of the backrest assembly 104. Accordingly, the upstanding mounting post 136 will be fixedly secured upon the upper wall portion 140 of the backrest assembly 104. Continuing further, and as can best be seen in FIGS. 6-9, the upper portion of the upstanding mounting post 136 is seen to be integrally connected to an elbow section 148, and a first end portion of a mounting bracket 150 is fixedly secured upon the free distal end portion of the elbow section 148 by means of suitable fasteners, such as, for example, bolts, rivets, or the like 152. In turn, the second opposite end portion of the mounting bracket 150 has a hinge mechanism 154 mounted thereon wherein, as can best be seen in or appreciated from FIG. 6, hinge mechanism 154 actually comprises three, laterally separated first hinge members, sections, or plates 156, 158, 160.

[0027] Reverting back to FIGS. 1-3, and with specific reference being made to FIG. 3, it will be recalled that the headrest support base 126 is provided with the pair of laterally spaced second slots 132, 134 which are defined within opposite end portions of the headrest support base 126, and it will also be recalled that the pair of laterally spaced second slots 132, 134 are adapted to house or accommodate the hinge mechanisms 154. As can best be seen or appreciated from FIGS. 5-9, a pair of hinge plates 162, 164 are provided and are adapted to be fixedly secured to rear or undersurface portions of the headrest support base 126, as can best be seen in FIG. 9, by means of suitable fasteners 166. As can best be appreciated from FIG. 6, it is also seen that each one of the pair of hinge plates 162, 164 is integrally formed with a mounting bracket or plate 168, 170, such that the hinge plates 162, 164 and the mounting brackets 168, 170 effectively form angle irons or similar structures, and that, in turn, each one of the mounting brackets or plates 168, 170 is integrally provided with a second hinge member, section, or plate 172, 174, each one of which is adapted to be respectively rotatably or pivotally interposed between the first hinge members, sections, or plates 156, 158, and the first hinge members, sections, or plates 158, 160, in an interdigitated manner so as to effectively form each hinge mechanism assembly 154. It is lastly seen that the pair of mounting brackets or plates 168, 170 are also fixedly connected together by means of suitable fasteners 176 which, when the headrest support base 126 is disposed at its retracted position, at which the headrest mounting plate 124 will be disposed at its vertical orientation, the fasteners 176 will extend above and across the top of the mounting bracket 150 so as to effectively limit the movement of the headrest support base 126 from its extended position back toward its retracted position, and thereby define the retracted position of the headrest support base 126 at which the headrest mounting plate 124 will be disposed at its proper vertical orientation.

[0028] Having described substantially all of the structural components of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest, a brief description of the operation of the same will now be provided. As can best be appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2, when the linear actuator 106 is actuated so as to rotatably actuate the rotatable lead screw member 118 thereof, the rotatable lead screw member 118 will be rotated whereby the sleeve member 120 will be moved upwardly. Since the arcuately configured link 122 has its lower end portion fixedly connected to the sleeve member 120 the arcuately configured link 122 will likewise be moved upwardly. In turn, since the upper end portion of the arcuately configured link 122 is pivotally connected to the headrest support base 126, the headrest support base 126, upon which the headrest mounting plate 124 is fixedly secured, will be moved from its horizontal orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 1, to its vertical orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 2, whereby the headrest mounting plate 124 will be moved from its vertical orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 1, to its horizontal orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 2. In this manner, it is to be appreciated that the headrest mounting plate 124, with the headrest mounted thereon but not shown, can be moved continuously through innumerable positions, as predetermined by means of the movement of the sleeve member 120 of the linear actuator 106 and the arcuately configured link 122, in accordance with the actuation of the linear actuator 106, whereby the range of movement of the headrest mounting plate 124 can encompass a 90° range of movement.

[0029] With reference now being made to FIGS. 10-12, a second embodiment of the present invention is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. In addition, it is to be noted that component parts of this second embodiment of the present invention, which correspond to similar component parts of the first embodiment of the present invention, will be designated by corresponding reference characters, except that they will be within the 200 series. More particularly, it is seen that the second embodiment of a new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest is seen to comprise a linear actuator 206, and that the motor end 208 of the linear actuator 206 is operatively mounted upon, or connected to, a lower cross-beam member 212 by means of a suitable, clevis-type connector 210. A sleeve member 220 is slidably mounted upon an underlying track member or housing 221 within which a rotatable lead screw member, not shown, of the linear actuator 206 is operatively disposed, and one or more push-blocks 278 are fixedly mounted upon the slidable sleeve member 220. In addition, it is seen that a pair of vertically oriented guide rods 280,280 are disposed upon opposite sides of the linear actuator 206, and that lower end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed guide rods 280,280 are fixedly connected to the lower cross-beam 212 by means of suitable brackets 282,282, while upper end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed guide rods 280,280 are fixedly connected to an upper cross-beam 284 by means of suitable brackets 286,286. Furthermore, a pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped brackets 288,288, each one having a pair of oppositely disposed sleeve members 290,290 integrally connected thereto, are slidably mounted upon the pair of oppositely disposed guide rods 280,280, wherein it is noted that each one of the pair of oppositely disposed sleeve members 290,290 is fabricated from polyoxymethylene (POM). Still yet further, a cross-bar 292 has opposite end portions thereof fixedly connected to each one of the pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped brackets 288,288, while a vertically oriented, arcuately configured link 222 has a lower end portion thereof pivotally connected to a central portion of the cross-bar 292 by means of a suitable clevis-type connector 294, while an upper end portion 223 thereof is adapted to be pivotally connected to the headrest assembly 202 as at 230. It is noted that the one or more push-blocks 278, fixedly mounted upon the slidable sleeve member 220, are not connected to the cross-bar 292. Lastly, a pair of oppositely disposed coiled springs 296,296 have lower, hooked end portions 298,298 fixedly mounted within a pair of suitable, oppositely disposed mounting brackets 300,300 fixedly mounted upon the lower cross-beam member 212, while upper, hooked end portions 302,302 of the pair of oppositely disposed coiled springs 296,296 are fixedly mounted within a pair of suitable, oppositely disposed mounting brackets 304,304 fixedly mounted upon the cross-bar 292.

[0030] Having described substantially all of the structural components of the second embodiment of the new and improved powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest, a brief description of the operation of the same will now be provided. As can best be appreciated from FIG. 10, when the linear actuator 206 is actuated so as to rotatably actuate the rotatable lead screw member thereof, the rotatable lead screw member will be rotated so that the sleeve member 220 will be moved upwardly along the underlying track member or housing 221 such that the one or more push-blocks 278, fixedly mounted upon the sleeve member 220, will encounter or engage the cross-bar 292 and move the same upwardly. Since the arcuately configured link 222 has its lower end portion fixedly connected to the cross-bar 292, the arcuately configured link 222 will likewise be moved upwardly. In turn, since the upper end portion of the arcuately configured link 222 is pivotally connected to the headrest support base 226, the headrest support base 226, upon which the headrest mounting plate 224 is fixedly secured, will be moved from its horizontal orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 11, to its vertical orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 10, whereby the headrest mounting platen 224 will be moved from its vertical orientation, as illustrated within FIG. 11, to its horizontal orientation. In this manner, it is to be appreciated that the headrest mounting plate 224, with the headrest mounted thereon, but not shown, can be moved continuously through innumerable positions, as predetermined by means of the movement of the sleeve member 220 of the linear actuator 206 and the arcuately configured link 222, in accordance with the actuation of the linear actuator 206, whereby the range of movement of the headrest mounting plate 224 can encompass a 90° range of movement.

[0031] Conversely, it is to be noted that during the time when the linear actuator 206 is being retracted to any particular degree, so as to, in turn, permit the headrest to be retracted from its fully extended position toward its fully retracted position, the pair of spring-biased assemblies, comprising the pair of oppositely disposed coiled springs 296, the cross-bar 292, and the pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped brackets 288, will actually comprise the structure which will, in effect, cause the headrest to be moved toward the fully retracted position. More particularly, since the sleeve member 220 and the one or more push-blocks 278 are not actually connected to the cross-bar 292 within which the lower end portion of the arcuately configured link 222 is disposed, then any retractive movement of the sleeve member 220, along the underlying track member or housing 221, will not serve to retract the cross-bar 292 and the arcuately configured link 222 because they are not physically attached or connected to each other. To the contrary, retractive movements of the cross-bar 292 and the arcuately configured link 222 will be achieved as a result of the lowering of the sleeve member 220 and the one or more push-blocks 278, and the contraction of the pair of oppositely disposed coiled springs 296 with the corresponding downward movement of the pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped brackets 288 along the pair of oppositely disposed vertically oriented guide rods 280 as facilitated by means of the pairs of oppositely disposed sleeve members 290. It is to be noted still further that this structural arrangement facilitates a safe operation of the adjustable headrest assembly 202 in that should there be some blockage interposed between the headrest and the backrest, such as, for example, a child's hand or fingers, and should the headrest encounter such blockage, then the headrest can be moved manually, against the biasing forces of the coiled springs 296 and away from the backrest, so as to permit the blockage to be removed, and thereby permit the headrest assembly 202 to continue to be returned toward the second extreme position, without any harm having been inflicted upon the child.

[0032] 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.

Claims

1. A powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest of a furniture seat, comprising:a furniture seat;a headrest assembly; anda driving mechanism having a first end operatively connected to said furniture seat, and a second end operatively connected to said headrest assembly, such that as said driving mechanism is actuated, said headrest assembly can be moved between any one of a multiplicity of positions, relative to said furniture seat, so as to adjust the disposition of said headrest assembly, relative to said furniture seat, in accordance with a particular comfort desire of a person seated within said furniture seat.

2. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said driving mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

3. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said headrest assembly comprises:a headrest support base; anda headrest mounting plate fixedly connected to said headrest support base.

4. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 3, wherein:said headrest mounting plate fixedly connected to said headrest support base such that said headrest mounting plate is disposed perpendicular to said headrest support base.

5. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein:said headrest support base is pivotally mounted upon said furniture seat.

6. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein:said headrest support base is movable between two extreme positions located 90° apart from each other wherein, when said headrest support base is disposed at a first one of said two extreme positions, said headrest mounting plate will have a vertical orientation, whereas, when said headrest support base is disposed at a second one of said two extreme positions, said headrest mounting plate will have a horizontal orientation.

7. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein:said linear actuator comprises a motor, a rotatable lead screw member, a sleeve member operatively connected to said rotatable lead screw member, and a link operatively connected to said sleeve member at a first end thereof, and to said headrest assembly at a second end thereof.

8. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein:said link comprises a vertically oriented, arcuately configured link such that when said linear actuator is actuated, said vertically oriented, arcuately configured link will cause said headrest assembly to move between two extreme positions located 90° apart from each other.

9. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 3, wherein:said headrest support base is pivotally mounted upon said furniture seat by at least one hinge mechanism.

10. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein said at least one hinge mechanism comprises:an upstanding mounting post fixedly mounted upon said furniture seat;a first hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said upstanding mounting post;at least one hinge plate fixedly mounted upon said headrest support base; anda second hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said at least one hinge plate and rotatably engaged with said first hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said upstanding mounting post so as to permit said headrest support base to be pivotally mounted upon said furniture seat.

11. A powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest of a furniture seat, comprising:a backrest assembly;a headrest assembly; anda driving mechanism having a first end operatively connected to said backrest assembly, and a second end operatively connected to said headrest assembly, such that as said driving mechanism is actuated, said headrest assembly can be moved between any one of a multiplicity of positions, relative to said backrest assembly, so as to adjust the disposition of said headrest assembly, relative to said backrest assembly, in accordance with a particular comfort desire of a person seated within said furniture seat.

12. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein:said driving mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

13. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein said headrest assembly comprises:a headrest support base; anda headrest mounting plate fixedly connected to said headrest support base.

14. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein:said headrest mounting plate fixedly connected to said headrest support base such that said headrest mounting plate is disposed perpendicular to said headrest support base.

15. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein:said headrest support base is pivotally mounted upon said backrest assembly.

16. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein:said headrest support base is movable between two extreme positions located 90° apart from each other wherein, when said headrest support base is disposed at a first one of said two extreme positions, said headrest mounting plate will have a vertical orientation, whereas, when said headrest support base is disposed at a second one of said two extreme positions, said headrest mounting plate will have a horizontal orientation.

17. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein:said linear actuator comprises a motor, a rotatable lead screw member, a sleeve member operatively connected to said rotatable lead screw member, and a link operatively connected to said sleeve member at a first end thereof, and to said headrest assembly at a second end thereof.

18. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 17, wherein:said link comprises a vertically oriented, arcuately configured link such that when said linear actuator is actuated, said vertically oriented, arcuately configured link will cause said headrest assembly to move between two extreme positions located 90° apart from each other.

19. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein:said headrest support base is pivotally mounted upon said backrest assembly by at least one hinge mechanism.

20. The powered mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein said at least one hinge mechanism comprises:an upstanding mounting post fixedly mounted upon said backrest assembly;a first hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said upstanding mounting post;at least one hinge plate fixedly mounted upon said headrest support base; anda second hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said at least one hinge plate and rotatably engaged with said first hinge segment fixedly mounted upon said upstanding mounting post so as to permit said headrest support base to be pivotally mounted upon said backrest assembly.

21. A powered mounting bracket assembly for a furniture headrest of a furniture seat, comprising:a furniture seat;a headrest assembly;at least one coiled spring assembly operatively interposed between said furniture seat and said headrest assembly; anda driving mechanism having a first end operatively connected to said furniture seat, and a second end operatively connected to said headrest assembly, such that when said driving mechanism is actuated in a first direction so as to move said headrest assembly from a retracted position to an extended position, said headrest assembly can be moved between any one of a multiplicity of positions, relative to said furniture seat, so as to adjust the disposition of said headrest assembly, relative to said furniture seat, in accordance with a particular comfort desire of a person seated within said furniture seat, whereas when said driving mechanism is actuated in a second opposite direction, only said at least one coiled spring assembly will return said headrest assembly to said retracted position.

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