Patent ID: 7594699
Filing Date: 2009-09-29
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A seat apparatus comprising: a seat cushion on which an operator is to be seated; a seatback movably inclinable relative to the seat cushion to incline in a forward direction relative to the seat cushion to reduce an angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion and to incline in a rearward direction relative to the seat cushion to increase the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion; a seatback drive device operatively connected to the seatback to incline the seatback in the forward and rearward directions relative to the seat cushion; a seatback operating switch operable by the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback driving device being operated in response to operation of the seatback operating switch to incline the seatback in the forward direction relative to the seat cushion; and excessive load restricting means for restricting application of an excessive load to the operator seated on the seat cushion by determining whether the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion is within an adjustment permitting range and by preventing inclination of the seatback in the forward direction, even when the seatback operating switch is operated, if the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion is outside the adjustment permitting range.