Patent ID: 7367626
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A seat assembly comprising: a seat; a headrest connectable to said seat and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to said seat; a biasing element; wherein said biasing element is operable for biasing said headrest toward said second position; a releasable headrest restraining mechanism including a solenoid having a movable actuator; an occupant detection mechanism operable for detecting the presence of an occupant at said seat; wherein said occupant detection mechanism is operatively connectable to said releasable headrest restraining mechanism; and wherein said releasable headrest restraining mechanism is operable for restraining said headrest in said first position when said occupant detection mechanism does not detect the presence of an occupant and for releasing said headrest to permit movement of said headrest to said second position via said biasing element when said occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant at said seat; wherein said releasable headrest restraining mechanism is movable between a restraining position and a release position; wherein said releasable headrest restraining mechanism restrains said headrest when said releasable headrest restraining mechanism is in said restraining position; and wherein said releasable headrest restraining mechanism releases said headrest when said releasable headrest restraining mechanism is in said release position; wherein said occupant detection mechanism is operable for signaling communication with said solenoid; and wherein said actuator moves from said restraining position to said release position when said solenoid receives a communication signal from said occupant detection mechanism.