Patent ID: 6485096
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle comprising:a generally horizontal seat cushion for supporting a seat occupant on said seat assembly; a seat back pivotally couple to said seat cushion for pivotal movement between a generally upright position and a fully reclined position relative to said seat cushion; a head restraint pivotally coupled to said seat back for pivotal movement between a normal position when said seat back is in said upright position and a forward angled position relative to said seat back when said seat back is in said fully reclined position to support the seat occupant's head; an adjustment mechanism slidably coupled between said seat back and said head restraint for pivoting said head restraint between said normal position and said forward angled position; an actuator coupled between said seat cushion and said adjustment mechanism for automatically sliding said adjustment mechanism between a first position pivoting said head restraint to said normal position and a second position pivoting said head restraint to said forward angled position in response to pivotal movement of said seat back between said upright position and said fully reclined position for continuously adjusting the position of said head restraint relative to the seat occupant's head; a spring bias member connected between said seat back and said adjustment mechanism for continuously biasing said adjustment mechanism to said second position and said head restraint to said forward angled position; and said head restraint including a support frame comprising a cross bar extending between opposing first and second ends pivotally connected to said seat back, at least one upstanding post extending upwardly from said cross bar for supporting a head restraint cushion, and a control bar extending between opposing first and second distal ends operatively connected to said adjustment mechanism for pivoting said head restraint about said cross bar between said normal position and said forward angled position.