Abstract: A seat support includes a panel that is connected to opposite sides of the seat through a pair of fixtures and is operated by an actuator that is connected to at least one of the fixtures. The panel includes a recessed center channel that is bounded by flat side plates and that has apertures extending across the channel. The panel can be made from a single piece of material and may also include top and bottom extensions.

Abstract: An integrated active headrest/lumbar seating system 22 includes an active headrest system 10 supported within a seat frame 12 of a vehicle. The active headrest system 10 includes an energy transfer mechanism 14 that connects the headrest 16 to the lumbar support 18. The lumbar support 18 is operated by an actuator 20. The energy transfer mechanism 14 includes a pair of linkages 26, a pair of side bars 30 and a cross bar 34. The linkages 25 connect to the headrest 16 and the pair of side bars 30 extend from the pair of linkages 26 along the side rails 32 of the seat frame 12 to the crossbar 34. The crossbar 34 connects the pair of side bars 30 and is situated at the middle section 40 of the lumbar support 18. The lumbar support 18 can fit between the side bars 30.

Abstract: A seat support includes a panel that is connected to opposite sides of the seat through a pair of fixtures and is operated by an actuator that is connected to at least one of the fixtures. The panel includes a recessed center channel that is bounded by flat side plates and that has apertures extending across the channel. The panel can be made from a single piece of material and may also include top and bottom extensions.