Abstract: A headrest adjustment mechanism is provided and includes a housing receptive of a rod and gripping jaws disposable in the housing to grip the rod such that the rod is securable and primarily adjustable in a height-wise dimension defined along a longitudinal axis of the rod and such that the rod is movable and pivotable in lateral dimensions defined transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A reclining cushion assembly for a seat includes a fixed portion and a movable portion mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. At least one reclining and locking mechanism is mounted to the fixed portion. The at least one reclining and locking mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. The at least one reclining and locking mechanism is operable to engage the movable portion to transform the movable portion from the upright position to the reclined position.

Abstract: A headrest adjustment mechanism is provided and includes a housing receptive of a rod and gripping jaws disposable in the housing to grip the rod such that the rod is securable and primarily adjustable in a height-wise dimension defined along a longitudinal axis of the rod and such that the rod is movable and pivotable in lateral dimensions defined transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing assembly includes an outer assembly with an outer hollow cylindrical member, and an inner assembly with an inner hollow cylindrical member having an end disposed in the outer member. The inner and outer assemblies are axially movably engaged with each other and define first and second cavities separated by a membrane: a first cavity inside the outer hollow cylindrical member and a second cavity inside the inner hollow cylindrical member. An adjustable-size orifice is disposed between the first and second cavities, and is configured to reduce diameter in response to a stroke motion of the energy-absorbing assembly.

Abstract: A reclining cushion assembly for a seat includes a fixed portion and a movable portion mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. At least one reclining and locking mechanism is mounted to the fixed portion. The at least one reclining and locking mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. The at least one reclining and locking mechanism is operable to engage the movable portion to transform the movable portion from the upright position to the reclined position.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is provided and includes a hub, an exterior skin surrounding the hub and a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub to the exterior skin.

Abstract: A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat includes a deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a distal end. The system includes a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket. The shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable tension length with an electric current through the cable. The system also includes a controller operatively connected with the shape memory alloy tension cable. The controller transmits the electric current through the shape memory alloy tension cable based on the user actuation. The electric current causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support basket by tension force applied to the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket.

Abstract: A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat includes a deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a distal end. The system includes a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket. The shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable tension length with an electric current through the cable. The system also includes a controller operatively connected with the shape memory alloy tension cable. The controller transmits the electric current through the shape memory alloy tension cable based on the user actuation. The electric current causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support basket by tension force applied to the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing assembly includes an outer assembly with an outer hollow cylindrical member, and an inner assembly with an inner hollow cylindrical member having an end disposed in the outer member. The inner and outer assemblies are axially movably engaged with each other and define first and second cavities separated by a membrane: a first cavity inside the outer hollow cylindrical member and a second cavity inside the inner hollow cylindrical member. An adjustable-size orifice is disposed between the first and second cavities, and is configured to reduce diameter in response to a stroke motion of the energy-absorbing assembly.

Abstract: A system and method that comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes is provided. The plurality of inflatable tubes comprises a first tube set and a second tube set. The plurality of inflatable tubes is configured to provide a pressure distribution to an object supported by the plurality of inflatable tubes. The first tube set is configured to be inflated and deflated at a predetermined time interval to shift the pressure distribution.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism for an adjustable seat assembly includes an arcuate tilt column; a lift column; a first tilt slider block detachably engaged to the lift column and slideably engaged to the tilt column for moving the lift column between a plurality of tilt positions; and a first lift slider block slideably engaged to the lift column for moving between a plurality of lift positions independent of the plurality of tilt positions. The slider blocks, the lift columns, the tilt columns and the cross brace may be made of dissimilar materials and/or are easily replaced with alternative components.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism for an adjustable seat assembly includes an arcuate tilt column; a lift column; a first tilt slider block detachably engaged to the lift column and slideably engaged to the tilt column for moving the lift column between a plurality of tilt positions; and a first lift slider block slideably engaged to the lift column for moving between a plurality of lift positions independent of the plurality of tilt positions. The slider blocks, the lift columns, the tilt columns and the cross brace may be made of dissimilar materials and/or are easily replaced with alternative components.

Abstract: A system and method that comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes is provided. The plurality of inflatable tubes comprises a first tube set and a second tube set. The plurality of inflatable tubes is configured to provide a pressure distribution to an object supported by the plurality of inflatable tubes. The first tube set is configured to be inflated and deflated at a predetermined time interval to shift the pressure distribution.