Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Auxiliary article compartments
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-03
2001-12-18
Gordon, Stephen T. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Auxiliary article compartments
C296S037130, C296S063000, C224S544000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331027
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a headrest storage structure and more particularly, to a headrest storage structure which is integrated into the trim of a vehicle and which provides a location for the headrest of a vehicle seat to be securely stored when the seat is not in use.
2. Description of the Related Arts
Automotive vehicles often include seats which can be selectively stowed when not in use. For example and without limitation, one type of vehicle includes rear or auxiliary seats which may be selectively stowed within a tub or recess located beneath the seats. In this type of vehicle, the auxiliary seats are designed to fold downward into the tub or recess for efficient storage.
While this type of vehicle provides for efficient stowage of the auxiliary seats, it suffers from some drawbacks. For example and without limitation, in order for the seats to fit within the tub or recess, the headrests must be detached from the seats. These detached headrests are typically placed as loose items in a vehicle storage bin or within the rear of the vehicle. While the vehicle is being driven, the loose storage of these headrests creates an opportunity for noise, vibration, rattling, and cosmetic damage to the headrests or the vehicle's interior.
There is therefore a need for a headrest storage structure which provides a location for the headrest of a vehicle seat to be securely stored while the seat is not in use.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is a first object of the present invention to provide a headrest storage structure which overcomes some or all of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior structures.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a headrest storage structure which provides for the efficient and secure storage of a vehicle seat headrest while the vehicle seat is not in use.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a headrest storage structure which is integrated into the trim of a vehicle.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a headrest storage structure which substantially prevents rattling, loss and damage to the headrest.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a headrest storage structure is provided for use with a vehicle having an amount of interior trim and a headrest having at least one attachment member. The structure includes a socket which is disposed within the interior trim and which is effective to selectively receive the attachment member, thereby allowing the headrest to be secured to the interior trim.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a headrest storage assembly is provided for use with a vehicle of the type including a trim panel, a foldable seat, and a headrest which includes a pair of attachment members and which is selectively attached to the foldable seat. The headrest storage assembly includes a socket assembly which is operatively disposed within the trim panel and which includes a pair of apertures, the pair of apertures being effective to selectively receive the pair of attachment members, thereby allowing the headrest to be selectively attached to the trim panel when the foldable seat is not in use.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for storing a headrest which is selectively attachable to a vehicle seat. The method includes the steps of providing a socket for receiving an attachment portion of the headrest; operatively disposing the socket within a trim panel of the vehicle; and selectively inserting the attachment portion of the headrest into the socket, securing the headrest to the trim panel.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and by reference to the following drawings.
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Chenevert Paul
Ford Global Tech. Inc
Ford Global Technologie Inc.
Gordon Stephen T.
LandOfFree
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