Abstract: A vehicle seat is equipped with a base frame, a seatback and a seat cushion. A lower end side of a seatback frame is joined to the base frame via a recliner shaft. A cushion joining portion is provided at a front end side of the lower end side of the seatback frame relative to the recliner shaft. The cushion joining portion turns to a seat lower side and seat rearward side about the recliner shaft when the seatback is tilted forward. A rear end side of a seat cushion frame is joined to the cushion joining portion to be turnable about a joining shaft. A front portion side of the seat cushion frame is supported at the base frame to be movable to follow the turning of the cushion joining portion when the seatback is tilted forward.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position, a folded position disposed forwardly of the upright seating position, and a spring engagement/disengagement position between the upright seating position and the folded position. A recliner return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the upright seating position and the spring engagement/disengagement position such that the recliner return mechanism biases the seat back forwardly toward the spring engagement/disengagement position. The recliner return mechanism is operatively decoupled from the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position such that the seat back pivots freely between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downwards and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.

Abstract: A fold-down vehicle seat is provided having a seat part and a foldable backrest. The seat part is mounted so it is pivotable on the vehicle floor via a front rocker and the backrest is mounted so it is pivotable on a seat framework section using a lower end section. In such a vehicle seat, the seat part and the backrest are transferable into a first and a second folded position to enlarge a cargo area of the vehicle adjoining the vehicle seat, the seat part being coupled using a rear rocker to the backrest, and the seat framework section supporting the backrest situated so it is displaceable on the vehicle floor in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this way, a fold-down driver seat is provided, which has a high degree of user friendliness and is universally adaptable to various cargo space configurations.

Abstract: A fold-and-dive seat may include a first link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a back frame and the other end of which is pivotally connected to a cushion frame, wherein the one end of the first link bracket is spaced from a folding pivot shaft of the back frame, a second link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a leading end of the cushion frame, and the other end of which is selectively engaged to an upper guide, wherein the upper guide pivotally coupled to the back frame by the folding pivot shaft is slidably coupled to a lower guide fixed to a vehicle body and configured to move along the lower guide, and a locking device selectively holding the second link bracket by engaging the second link bracket to the upper guide so as not to rotate the second link bracket such that the leading end of the cushion frame is not moved downwards.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is configured such that a seat back is able to be tilted forward from a normal mode in which a person is able to be seated to a walk-in mode in which a person is able to get into and out of a rear seat. In the walk-in mode, the seat back is in a folded-down position in which the seat back substantially lies on top of a seat cushion.

Abstract: A collapsible bolster cushion for a collapsible seat is provided. The collapsible bolster cushion includes a first support member that is attachable to a seat bottom or a seat back and a second support member. A separator element is disposed between the first and second support members. The separator element is movable between a first orientation and a second orientation such that in the first orientation, the separator element resiliently biases a portion of the second support member away from the first support member, and when the separator element is in the second orientation, the portion of the second support member is permitted to collapse toward the first support member to allow the seat to collapse to the folded position. An actuator moves the separator element between the first and second orientations.

Abstract: A collapsible and foldable composite chair with back slats and seat slats held together by a fabric material. A fold line hinge into the fabric material which normally wears out over time is reinforced to prevent such early wear outs with a cell foam material, preferably a closed cell polyolefin strip. As a result the slats do not wear though the slat pockets in the material and the fold line hinge endures.

Abstract: Two-way foldable outdoor chair selectively foldable from set-up position to a first flatly folded position or to a second bundled position may be prevented from being folded to the second position while at all times remaining foldable to the first position and may include an adjustable reclining position.

Abstract: In a seat (10), in a state in which tilting of a back main frame (16) around a tilting center (16A) is locked by a reclining mechanism (18), a lower end of a back joint link (26) is turnably joined to a vehicle side. Thus, turning of a first link (22), a back sub frame (24) and the back joint link (26) is locked, and operation of a back link mechanism (14) is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from rear side of a back side portion (12B) can be enhanced by the back link mechanism (14) (the back sub frame (24)), and a crew sitting in the seat (10) can be thoroughly retained.

Abstract: A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.

Abstract: A pivoting headrest assembly incorporated into a rear row vehicle seat including a base and a pivotally supported seatback. A first bracket is fixedly supported atop the seatback and exhibits a striker. A second bracket is pivotally supported to the first bracket in a biased direction away from the striker and includes a headrest bun support. A hook is supported upon the second bracket in a first biased direction engaging the striker. A release element associated with the second bracket is biased direction and which, upon being actuated in a second counter-biased direction, engages a projecting portion associated with the hook. A cable is secured at a first end to a fixed location associated with the seat and extends through a redirection location an offset distance from a pivot location of the seatback, the cable securing at a second end to the release element.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a release mechanism and a release strap for actuating the release mechanism is provided. The release mechanism is capable of moving a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position. The release strap includes an attachment portion having an attachment end which is fixedly secured to the release mechanism. A gripping portion allows an occupant to quickly and easily grasp and actuate the release strap. The release strap also includes an overlapping portion formed by overlapping a portion of the attachment portion and a portion of the gripping portion so as to present the gripping portion in an upward direction.

Abstract: An automobile seat is provided that includes, but is not limited to a backrest, a seat portion, a backrest pivoting mechanism, and a two-link seat-portion pivoting mechanism. The seat portion is fastened to the backrest or the backrest pivoting mechanism so that it is pivotable about a first transverse axis and the backrest is fastened to the backrest pivoting mechanism so that it is pivotable about a second transverse axis, so that the backrest may be pivoted from a usage position in which the seat portion adopts a first position, forward about the second transverse axis into a non-usage position, in which the seat portion occupies a second position, in which the seat portion is displaced rearward with respect to the first position. The backrest pivoting mechanism is a four-link backrest pivoting mechanism, which is configured in such a manner that the second transverse axis may be displaced rearward into the non-usage position by pivoting the backrest.

Abstract: A forward tiltable motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier, a seat back and a hinge mounting arranged therebetween. The hinge mounting has an upper hinge arm connected to the seat back and a lower hinge arm hinged to the seat carrier about a forward tilt axis. The hinge mounting comprises a locking device on one seat side and at least one detent bight that is arranged to move together with the upper hinge arm on the other seat side. A movable detent part is provided and comprises at least one detent projection that: cooperates with the detent bight, is normally not engaged with the detent bight, and when the seat back is tilted forward about the forward tilt axis, is at least ready for engagement with the detent bight or engaged therewith.

Abstract: To be able to store a seat back and a seat cushion in line from front to back and be able to widely ensure space above a storage position of the seat cushion. In a rear seat (10), when a seat back (18) is rotated to a forwardly collapsed position in a state where a seat cushion (16) has been moved to a storage position, the seat back (18) and the seat cushion (16) are stored in parallel from front to back. Consequently, the seat back (18) and the seat cushion (16) can be thinly stored in an up-down direction of a vehicle. Moreover, the storage position of the seat cushion (16) is set on a rear lower side of a use position, so space above the storage position can be widely ensured.

Abstract: A child seat comprises a seat part, a backrest operable to rotate relative to the seat part, a backrest adjusting mechanism and a safety lock movably mounted on the backrest. The backrest adjusting mechanism comprises a positioning element mounted stationary relative to the seat part, and a latch element mounted on the backrest and movable to engage with the positioning element. The positioning element comprises a channel that delimits a range of adjustable angular positions of the backrest relative to the seat part. In addition, the safety lock has a lock position adapted to restrict displacement of the latch element relative to the channel, and an unlock position enabling the latch element to move out of the channel when the backrest is moved out of the range of adjustable angular positions toward a position lying substantially parallel with the seat part.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat fold down lever and a vehicle seat fold down lever housing. The housing can connect with the lever such that the lever is movable with respect to the housing. The housing can include an elongate slot through which an associated seat belt exits the housing. A vehicle seat is also described.

Abstract: With a motor vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle, an underbody and shock absorbers, each of which extend between an upper point of action on the underbody and a lower point of action on the rear axle extending adjacent to a rear wheel, and at least one back seat the upper point of action of one of the shock absorbers is located vertically below the back seat.

Abstract: A restraining apparatus for a child consists of a frame with a back; the back of the frame has parallel back rods which can be adjusted lengthwise and a bottom foldably attached to the back by lockable hinges. The back and the bottom each have a foundation rod further comprising a stop. The apparatus also has a cover for the frame. The cover has an upper portion containing a plurality of slots, and a plurality of straps which fit removably through the slots to adjust to the height of the child to be restrained.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback moveably connected to a seat base. The seatback has an upright position and a folded position. A stationary bolster is located on an outboard lateral side of the seatback. The seatback and the stationary bolster define a seat split line. A seatbelt assembly has a seatbelt webbing and a tongue joined to the seatbelt webbing. A portion of the seatbelt webbing extends along the split line when the seatbelt webbing is in a non-use condition and the seatback is in the upright position. An apparatus connected to at least one of the side bolster and seatbelt assembly retains the seatbelt webbing away from the split line as the seatback is moved between the upright position and the folded position.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hinge assembly includes a seat back support, a seat bottom support, a hinge pivot, and a stop pin. The seat back support has a seat back mounting portion and a seat back hinge portion. The seat back hinge portion includes a stop notch formed at an end of the seat back hinge portion. The seat bottom support has a seat bottom mounting portion and a seat bottom hinge portion. The hinge pivot passes through the seat back hinge portion and the seat bottom hinge portion to hingedly couple the seat back hinge portion to the seat bottom portion. The stop pin has a stop pin shaft and a stop pin head positioned at a first end of the stop pin shaft. A second end of the stop pin shaft is affixed to the seat bottom hinge portion of the seat bottom support proximate to the seat back hinge portion of the seat back support.

Abstract: A latching fitting for a vehicle seat for releasably locking a first part and a second part that are movable with respect to each other, particularly for adjusting and locking a backrest part with respect to a seat part of the vehicle seat, includes a pawl connected to the first part. The pawl is pivotable about a pawl bearing and includes a latching toothing which in a locked state of the latching fitting engages into a counter latching toothing of a locking piece connected to the second part. The latching toothing of the pawl and the counter latching toothing of the locking piece include different tooth shapes along the radial direction, such as a trapezoid shape and a triangle shape corresponding to each other.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge mountings has a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm, a toothed quadrant centered on a hinge axis and connected to the first hinge arm, a detent part which has a toothed surface feature cooperating with the toothed quadrant and a control part associated with the detent part. The hinge arms can be pivoted between an active angular range in which the detent part is allowed to engage the toothed quadrant and a passive angular range in which the detent part is not located opposite the toothed quadrant so that the detent part is not allowed to engage the toothed quadrant. In the passive angular range, the detent part is retained by the control part in a passive position in which it is not in the range of movement of the toothed quadrant. In the active angular range, the detent part adopts an active position in which the detent part can be brought into engagement with the toothed quadrant.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle which includes a locking mechanism is provided. The seat assembly has a base frame mounted to the floor of the vehicle. A seat cushion is pivotally mounted to the base frame for movement between a seated position and a stowed position. A locking mechanism operable to lock the seat cushion in the seated position is mounted to the base frame. The locking mechanism is capable of engaging the seat cushion at an intermediate position between the stowed position and the seated position. Upon engagement of the locking mechanism with the seat cushion at the intermediate position, movement of the seat cushion towards the stowed position is prevented while movement of the seat cushion towards the seated position is unimpeded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat comprising a seat sub-frame adjustable along a rail longitudinal guide to which a backrest is hinged in a pivoting manner and can be folded forward toward a seating surface of the seat sub-frame, a locking device for arresting the rail longitudinal guide in an adjustable seating longitudinal position, an entry aid by means of which the locking device is released, when the backrest is folded forward to the seating surface and a memory arrangement for adjusting and restoring a memory position having a position memory that has an adjustment means for adjusting the memory position in the rail longitudinal direction of the rail longitudinal guide and a locking element that is connected to the adjustment means in a pivoting manner that under the effect of a control element can be pivoted in a locking rail for locking the adjusted memory position and pivoted out of the locking rail for adjusting a memory position and is connected to the adjustment means via a slotted gui

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a rack gear mounted thereto and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat base with a pinion gear mounted at a lower end thereof. The pinion gear and the rack gear are arranged such that pivotal movement of the seat back effects longitudinal movement of the seat base.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a floor striker engaging bottom and a pivotally associated seatback. A seatback is pivotally secured to a fixed support and includes an arcuate lower surface upon which are defined teeth. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support and includes an upper surface with additional inter-engaging teeth when the seatback is in an upright position. A release cam secures to the support proximate a recessed underside location of the pawl and maintains the pawl in locking engagement with the seatback sector in a first position. The release cam rotates to cause the pawl to pivot out of engagement with the seatback, allowing it to pivot to a dump position opposing the seat bottom and concurrent with the seat bottom releasing from the floor striker and tumbling to a forward rotated position.

Abstract: A stroller seat pod includes a seat bottom having front, left side, right side, back, top, and underside; seat back having first piece and second piece, first piece and second piece slidably connected to one another; first piece of seat back being hingedly connected to seat bottom such that seat back and seat bottom have first seat position and second seat position, wherein, in first seat position, seat back and seat bottom have open configuration for sitting, and wherein, in second seat position, seat back and seat bottom have a closed configuration for storage; second piece of seat back being connected to first piece of seat back such that first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back have first backrest position and second backrest position, wherein, in first backrest position, first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back are extended relative to one another to increase seat back area for sitting, wherein, in second backrest position, first piece of seat back and the second piece of seat

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downward and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor for movement between a raised position spaced above the floor and a lowered position adjacent the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seat back that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. At least one drive link extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the seat back and a second end pivotally and slidably coupled to the seat cushion for automatically moving the seat cushion between the raised and lowered positions in response to pivoting the seat back between the upright and folded positions thereby defining a seating position and a stowed position of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A car seat includes a seat back and a back belt. The seat back is foldable from an erect position into a substantially horizontal folded position. The back belt is disposed in a position in which the back belt, when extending along the seat back, is able to restrain an item or a baby being placed on a back surface of the seat back in the folded position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for pivotal movement between seating and folded positions. The seat assembly includes an air bladder. An air control system is operatively coupled to the air bladder for automatically inflating and deflating the air bladder in response to pivoting the seat back between the seating and folded positions. The air control system includes a pressure vessel for storing a predetermined volume of air, a fill valve for controlling air flow from the pressure vessel to the air bladder, a first pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the air bladder, a pump for filling the pressure vessel with air, a second pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the pressure vessel, a control valve for controlling air flow from the pump to the pressure vessel, and a vent valve for venting air from the or bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat capable of performing a tilt-down operation in which a seat back is widely tilted forwardly to be folded on a seat cushion while a seat cushion is moved forwardly and a walk-in operation in which the seat back is half tilted forwardly over a desired angle while the seat is slid forwardly via a slide rail. The seat includes a frame member that is capable of longitudinally sliding via the slide rail and that supports the seat back via a reclining device so as to tilt the seat back back and forth, a front link connecting the seat cushion to the frame member so as to allow the seat cushion to move longitudinally, and an interlock mechanism that can be controlled so as to move or to not move the seat cushion forwardly with respect to the frame member when the seat back is tilted forwardly. At the time of the tilt-down operation, the interlock mechanism is controlled so as to move the seat cushion forwardly when the seat back is tilted forwardly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a conveyance, such as a wheelchair, that allows the user to set the recline angle of the seat back at a seating position, fold the seat back down to a folded position and back up to the seating position, such that the seat back is returned to the seating position at the user selected recline angle R unless the recline angle is adjusted by the user. The user selected recline angle R is not disturbed by folding the seat back from the seating position, to the folded position 106, and back to the seating position.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for moving a seat back in a vehicle, between a seating position and a cargo storage position. The positioning system includes a release mechanism actuatable between a first position to permit movement of the seat back and a second position to prevent movement of the seat back.

Abstract: A chair device for a person carrier includes a backrest unit formed by a front backrest and a rear backrest. The backrest unit is pivotally joined to a seat unit in which two opposite fan-shaped limit projecting members are provided at each pivot-joint end of the seat unit. The fan-shaped limit projecting members can be angularly displaced to a position to be engaged with fan-shaped recesses in the pivot-joint ends of the rear backrest. The fan-shaped limit projecting members have a position limited space for angular displacement within the fan-shaped recesses so that the backrest unit of the chair can move in the range between a collapsing state and an unfolding state. Furthermore, strength reinforcing edge ribs are provided at both sides where the front backrest is assembled to the rear backrest.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a method of control. The seat assembly includes a power recliner assembly that allows a seat back to pivot with respect to a seat bottom. The power recliner assembly includes a motor for rotating a recliner mechanism. A switch assembly is electrically coupled to the motor and disables operation of the motor when in an open condition.

Abstract: The side bolster apparatus includes a pressing unit formed on one side of a foldable seat back and rotating around a rotating shaft of the seat back, bolster installed so as to protrude from a rear side of the seat back, and an external force transmitting unit receiving external force from the pressing unit when the seat back is unfolded and transmitting the received external force to the bolster such that the bolsters protrude from the seat back.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for an automobile seat, in which an armrest protrudes from a foldable seatback such that a passenger rests his/her arm on the armrest when the seatback is folded, and comes into contact with the seatback when the seatback is folded out in order to take a seat. The armrest assembly includes an armrest, which is installed on a seatback of the seat via links so as to protrude from the seatback, an external force transmitting device, which is coupled with at least one of the links, and transmits external force to the coupled link such that the armrest protrudes from the seatback, and a pressing unit, which installed on one side of the seatback such that the external force is applied to the external force transmitting device when the seatback is folded.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A fold-and-dive seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The fold-and-dive seat assembly includes a seat cushion dived downward toward a floor panel by means of a dive link, a seat back connected to the seat cushion by a connection link, and rotatably connected to the floor panel to be folded toward the seat cushion, a head rest provided on an upper end of the seat back, a sliding unit, connected to the head rest and the seat back, for moving the head rest in a back and forth direction in a sliding manner, and a slid driving member for operating the sliding unit in link with the dive link, upon folding and diving, to slide the head rest in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seating apparatus is provided with a seat assembly and a seat belt buckle assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is foldable between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration in which the seat back is folded onto the seat bottom. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a seat belt buckle bracket and a buckle head. The seat belt buckle bracket has a first end movably coupled to a lateral side of the seat bottom. The buckle head is movably arranged with respect to the seat assembly between a usage position and a stowed position. The buckle head is arranged with respect to the seat assembly such that movement of the seat back from the seating configuration to the non-seating configuration does not contact the buckle head while the buckle head is in the stowed position.

Abstract: The motor vehicle seat of the present invention includes: a seat proper mounted on a pillar by means of a first connecting rod assembly including a front connecting rod and a rear connecting rod; a backrest mounted on the pillar by means of a second connecting rod assembly including a front connecting rod and a rear connecting rod; a locking mechanism for alternately restricting or enabling a movement of the backrest relative to the pillar, the seat being freely movable between a nominal position and a folded back position.

Abstract: Outdoor furniture that protects cushions from the elements via an internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of a resin compartment within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not require the cushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. Seals on the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creating the waterproof seal. The resin waterproof compartment protects the seat and seat back from the elements, extending the life of the cushions, and making the furniture easier to manage and enjoy.

Abstract: A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released.

Abstract: According to this invention, there are provided a stopper stopping forward pivoting of a seat back at the position of a forwardly tilted state, a stopper operation mechanism, a reclining mechanism switching the seat back between a free state in which it can be pivoted with respect to a seat cushion and a lock state in which it cannot be pivoted with respect thereto, a reclining lever, and a connection lever. Through operation of operation levers the seat back is placed in the free state via the stopper operation mechanism, the connection lever, and the reclining lever, and the stopper is moved via the stopper operation mechanism. And, between the stopper operation mechanism and the reclining lever is provided a retention mechanism that retains the stopper at a position to which the stopper is moved.