Source: Gasgoo

According to foreign media reports, General Motors (GM) has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a seat headrest with integrated armrests. The patent application was originally filed on May 25, 2023 and published on November 28, 2024, assigned serial number US 2020/0391373 A1.

To address the challenges faced by current handrail designs, the design described in the patent application aims to make them more adaptable to practical needs and easy to use, thereby improving occupant convenience and safety.

Often, handrails are mounted on the door frame or ceiling, which may be difficult for some occupants to reach. In contrast, the design described in the generic patent application integrates the armrest directly into the seat headrest, providing a more ergonomic and convenient solution that helps those who may find traditional armrests difficult to reach or use.

The patent describes a headrest with grooves on both sides, into which the armrests are firmly installed. The structure of these grooves is designed to provide a good gripping area for the passenger’s hand or fingers. The design also includes a support structure within the headrest that helps withstand the forces applied when people use the handrail. These handles can be fixed in place or designed to rotate between stowed and unfolded positions, depending on the application.

In addition, the design reduces wear on the headrest and provides a rugged integrated alternative to relying on aftermarket or external handles.

At present, the location of vehicle handrails, which are usually fixed inside the vehicle, may not be the best choice for all users, especially for individuals with reduced mobility. This patent may provide a solution to set the handrail in a more intuitive and user-friendly location while eliminating the need for a separate mounting point. The design also sufficiently reduces stress on the back of the chair and ensures that the handle is sturdy enough for regular use.