Patent Publication Number: US-7219959-B2

Title: Child swing with recline mechanism

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a child swing. More specifically, this invention relates to a child swing that has a recline mechanism so that a child caregiver can recline the seat back of the swing with one hand. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various types of swings are known. Typically, the swing includes a support frame, a hanger arm or arms pivotally attached to the support frame, and a seat attached to the hanger arm or arms. The swing also can include an electrically powered drive mechanism to move the swing seat in a back-and-forth motion. 
   Some swings include a seat back recline mechanism. The seat back of these swings can be adjusted to different recline angles relative to the seat bottom so that a caregiver can position the seat in various recline positions, including an upright position, a fully reclined position, or an intermediate position between the upright position and the fully reclined position, depending on the age and needs of the child. Older children may prefer a more upright position, while younger children with less neck control may prefer a more reclined position. 
   The seat back recline mechanism of one existing swing product includes a bent wire that travels along a slot or pair of slots formed as part of the seat back. The location of the wire in the slot determines the recline position of the swing seat. The wire can be mounted to hanger arms on either side of the seat back or to another suitable structure. To adjust the wire to a different recline location in the slot, a caregiver can use one hand to move the wire and the other hand to support the seat back. These wire arrangements are not intuitive or easy to operate for all caregivers. 
   A different seat back recline mechanism for a swing seat includes latches positioned on opposite sides of the seat back to engage latch-receiving ribs positioned on the hanger arms of the swing. The ribs correspond to different seat back recline angles. To change the recline angle of the seat back, a caregiver can grip the latches directly and re-position the latches against ribs corresponding to the desired seat back recline angle. This seat back recline mechanism can be awkward to operate for some caregivers. 
   There is a need for a swing with an improved seat back recline mechanism. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An aspect of the invention relates to a swing that includes a swing frame and a seat supported by the swing frame. The seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on opposite sides of the seat to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with at least one of the first and second mounts and configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator having a grip intermediate the first and second mounts and movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline actuator is coupled to the at least one recline lock such that movement of the recline actuator from the un-actuated position to the actuated position moves the at least one recline lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a swing seat configured to be suspended from a swing frame. The swing seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on opposite sides of the seat to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with at least one of the first and second mounts and configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator having a grip intermediate the first and second mounts and movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline actuator is coupled to the at least one recline lock such that movement of the recline actuator from the un-actuated position to the actuated position moves the at least one recline lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a swing seat configured to be suspended from a swing frame. The swing seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on opposite sides of the seat to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, first and second recline locks associated with the first and second mounts, respectively, and configured to lock the seat back in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom, each of the first and second recline locks movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator having a grip remote from the first and second recline locks, the recline actuator being coupled to the first and second recline locks such that movement of the recline actuator from the un-actuated position to the actuated position moves the first and second recline locks from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a swing seat configured to be suspended from a swing frame. The swing seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on the seat to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with at least one of the first and second mounts and configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator arranged between the first and second mounts and movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline actuator can be actuated from a location remote from the at least one recline lock, and movement of the recline actuator from the un-actuated position to the actuated position moves the at least one recline lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a swing that includes a swing frame, first and second hanger arms movably mounted to the swing frame, a seat supported by the first and second hanger arms on the swing frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat relative to the first and second hanger arms. The recline mechanism including first and second mounts coupling the seat to the first and second hanger arms, respectively. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a swing seat configured to be suspended from a swing frame. The swing seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes at least one mount on the seat to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with the at least one mount, and a recline actuator coupled to the at least one recline lock. The at least one recline lock is configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and the at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline actuator is movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position, such that the recline actuator can be actuated from a location remote from the at least one recline lock, and movement of the recline actuator from the un-actuated position to the actuated position moves the at least one recline lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a swing incorporating a recline mechanism in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a break-away side perspective view of the swing of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the interconnection of a hanger arm, a seat back frame member, and a seat bottom frame member to a mount of the recline mechanism. 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the seat frame of the swing of  FIG. 1 , including a seat back frame and a seat bottom frame, and of the recline mechanism coupled to the seat frame. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a recline actuator of the recline mechanism. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a recline lock of the recline mechanism. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view, in partial cross section, of the recline lock of  FIG. 5  in the locked position. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view, in partial cross section, of the recline lock of  FIG. 5  in the unlocked position. 
       FIG. 8A  is a break-away perspective view of an alternative recline actuator. 
       FIG. 8B  is a break-away perspective view, in partial cross section, of the of the recline actuator of  FIG. 8A  in the un-actuated position. 
       FIG. 8C  is a break-away perspective view, in partial cross section, of the recline actuator of  FIG. 8A  in the actuated position. 
       FIG. 9A  is a break-away perspective view of another alternative recline actuator. 
       FIG. 9B  is a break-away perspective view of the recline actuator of  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 10  is a side view, in partial cross section, of a recline lock in the unlocked position in an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a swing  1  including a one-hand recline mechanism  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. The one-hand recline mechanism  100  enables a caregiver to change the recline angle of the seat back of the swing seat relative to the seat bottom of the swing seat with one hand. The caregiver can move and support the seat back of the swing seat with the same hand that is used to actuate the recline mechanism  100 . The seat back can assume two or more recline positions according to the invention. Possible recline positions include an upright position, a fully reclined position, or an intermediate position between the upright position and the fully reclined position, depending on the age and needs of the child. The recline mechanism  100  also serves as a weight-bearing mechanism that bears the weight of the seat back and a child placed in the seat in each of the recline positions. 
   The swing  1  of  FIG. 1  includes a swing frame  10 , a pair of hanger arms  20  rotatably coupled to the swing frame  10 , and a seat  30  coupled to the hanger arms  20 . The frame  10  supports the hanger arms  20  so that the seat  30  can be suspended from the frame  10 . 
   The frame  10  can include first and second front legs  11 , first and second rear legs  12 , housings  13  to which the front and rear legs  11 ,  12  are coupled, a front cross member  14  extending between the front legs  11 , and a rear cross member  15  extending between the rear legs  12 . In other embodiments, the frame can include first and second front legs only or first and second rear legs only. It will be understood that the seat  30  and associated one-hand recline mechanism  100  can be employed on swings with any frame configuration. Additionally, the frame  10  optionally can be configured to fold. For example the front and/or rear legs  11 ,  12  can be assembled so as to pivot within the respective housings  13 , such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,080, issued Nov. 11, 2003, and U.S. Publication No. 2004/0198512 A1, published Oct. 7, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
   In electric swings, the swing, such as swing  1  of  FIG. 1 , can include a motor mechanism and a power supply for supplying power to the motor mechanism to drive swinging motion of the seat  30 . The motor mechanism and the power supply can be disposed within one the housings  13 , such as the right-side housing shown in  FIG. 1 . Electric swings also may include a control panel  16  to control the swinging motion and other electronic features of the swing, such as music. 
   The swing  1  also includes a one-hand recline mechanism  100  that enables the seat back  32  of the seat  30  to recline relative to the seat bottom  34 . The seat back  32  and the seat bottom  34  of the seat include a seat back frame and a seat bottom frame covered by a fabric cover  36 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , the seat back frame  42  and the seat bottom frame  44  of the seat frame  40  can be tubular frame members (either hollow or solid, either wire or plastic), and the fabric cover  36  is mounted to these tubular frame members to form a sling-type swing seat. In other embodiments, the tubular frame members can be replaced with plastic straps or other suitable frame structures. In yet other embodiments, it will be understood that the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame can comprise molded plastic frame members that approximate the size and contour of the seat back and the seat bottom, respectively. In addition, the seat back frame and seat bottom frame can be molded as a single piece with a living hinge. A cover can be mounted to these molded plastic frame members to form the seat. The one-hand recline mechanism  100  can control movement of the seat back frame between its various recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame. 
   The one-hand recline mechanism  100 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , can include first and second mounts  110  on opposite sides of the seat back frame  42  to movably mount the seat back frame  42  to the seat bottom frame  44 . The seat back frame  42  is pivotally mounted to the first and second mounts  110 , while the seat bottom frame  44  and the hanger arms are rigidly mounted to the first and second mounts  110 , as can be seen in  FIG. 3 . The ends of the seat back frame  42  extend into the respective mounts  110  and are pivotally coupled to the mounts  110  by pivot pins P, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   The one-hand recline mechanism  100  also can include a recline lock  120  associated each mount  110 ; the recline locks  120  are hidden by the mounts  110  in  FIG. 3 , but are visible in the partial cross sections of  FIGS. 6–7 . Each of the recline locks  120  is movable between a locked position, at which the recline position of the seat back frame  42  relative to the seat bottom frame  44  is set, and an unlocked position, at which the seat back frame  42  may be adjusted relative to the seat bottom frame  44 . It will be understood that, in an alternative embodiment, the one-hand recline mechanism  100  can include only one recline lock at either the first or the second mount  110 . 
   The one-hand recline mechanism  100  further includes a recline actuator  130  having a grip intermediate the first and second mounts  110 . The recline actuator  130  is coupled to the recline locks  120 , as will be described in connection with  FIGS. 5–7 , such that movement of the recline actuator  130  from an un-actuated position to an actuated position moves the recline locks  120  from their locked positions to their unlocked positions. 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each recline lock  120  can include a series of detents  122  formed in an interior of the respective mount  110 . The mount  110  can include an arcuate wall  112 , and the detents  122  can be formed along an interior surface of the arcuate wall  112 . These detents  122  correspond to the various recline positions of the seat back frame  42 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a series of four detents  122  along arcuate wall  112 , however, more or less detents are contemplated, depending on the number of desired recline positions. Each recline lock  120  also can include a plunger  124  connected to the recline actuator  130  to move between an unlocked position, in which the plunger  124  is spaced from the detents  122  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), and a locked position, in which the plunger  124  contacts a selected one of the detents  122  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). The plunger  124  can be slidably mounted in the seat back frame  42 . The recline lock  120  further can include a spring  126  to bias the plunger  124  in the locked position. The spring  126  can extend between a spring mount  128  and the pivot pin P extending through the mount  110  about which the seat back frame  42  can pivot. The plunger  124  can include a slot  125  that receives the pivot pin P and allows the plunger  124  to retract within the seat back frame  42  from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
   In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the plunger  124  is shown disposed inside the tubular seat back frame  42 . In an alternative embodiment, for example one in which the seat back frame comprises a molded plastic shell, the plunger  124  can be positioned adjacent to and exteriorly of the seat back frame  42 . 
   The plungers  124  are moved from their locked positions to their unlocked positions by the recline actuator  130 . The recline actuator  130  can include an actuator mount  132  provided on the seat back frame  42 , a grip  134  movably mounted to the actuator mount  132 , and an arm  136  extending between the grip  134  and the plungers  124  of each recline lock  120 . The grip  134  can include surface contouring, such as indentations, to approximate the shape of a user&#39;s fingers to facilitate gripping of the grip  134 . The arm  136  can be in the form of a cable or a wire. The arm  136  can extend from the grip  134  along the contour of the tubular seat back frame  42  to each recline mount  110  for attachment to the respective plungers  124  of the recline locks  120 . The arm  136  can include a bend  137  proximate each of its ends  138  so that the ends  138  can extend through aligned holes in the seat back frame  42  and respective plunger  124  to be secured to the plungers  124 , as seen in  FIGS. 5–7 . 
   The actuator arm  136  is shown as a single continuous, generally U-shaped arm extending between the two reline mounts  110  and through the grip  134 . Alternatively, the actuator arm can comprise first and second arms, the first arm extending from the grip  134  to the first recline mount  110  and the second arm extending from the grip  134  to the second recline mount. In addition, the actuator arm can take a different shape than the U-shape of the illustrated embodiment. 
   To move the plungers  124  from their locked positions to their unlocked positions, and hence unlock the recline locks  120 , a caregiver can grasp the grip  134  and squeeze so that the grip  134  slides in a direction normal to the seat back frame  42 , as indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 4 . The squeezing movement draws the arm  136  in the direction of arrow A, which in turn retracts the plungers  124  and moves them from their locked position ( FIG. 6 ) to their unlocked position ( FIG. 7 ). The caregiver then can pivot the seat back frame  42  to a desired recline position and then release the grip  134 . When the caregiver releases the grip  134 , the springs  126  of the recline locks  120  force the plungers  124  back to their locked positions, and movement of the plungers  124 , in turn, returns the arm  136  and the grip  134  back to their un-actuated positions. Adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame  42  thus can be accomplished with only one hand. 
   In addition, the recline actuator  130  is arranged relative to the seat back frame  42  so that the seat back frame  42  can be supported by the same hand that actuates the recline actuator  130 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the grip  134  of the recline actuator  130  is located at the top of the seat back frame  42 , which enables the caregiver to support easily the weight of the seat back frame  42 , and any child sitting in the seat, with the same hand that adjusts the recline position of the seat back frame  42 . Locating the grip  134  at the top of the seat back frame  42  also makes the grip  134  visibly obvious and easy to access. It is contemplated that the grip  134  can be located along the perimeter of the seat back frame  42  and still allow a caregiver to both recline the seat back and support the weight of the seat back, and any child sitting in the seat, with one hand. In a case where the seat back frame is a hard-shelled plastic frame that approximates the shape of the seat back, the grip  134  can be located elsewhere on the frame, such as on a rear surface of frame. 
   A variation of the recline mechanism contemplated by the invention is to employ an arm having a grip along the arm itself, such as a bent location along the arm, to serve as the recline actuator. The arm of this variation extends between the mounts  110  and is positioned relative to the seat back frame  42  so that the caregiver can squeeze directly on the arm, at the grip, to release the recline locks  120 . This variation eliminates the need for an actuator mount  132  or grip  134 . Like grip  134 , the arm grip is remote from the recline locks  120 . The arm can be in the form of a wire or a cable. 
   The recline lock  120  is designed as a weight-bearing lock. That is, the recline lock  120  bears the weight of the seat back frame  42  and the child seated in the swing seat. The contact between the detents  122  and the plunger  124 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , allows the recline lock  120  to function as a weight-bearing lock. The detents  122  have a first surface  150  against which a shoulder  152  on the tip of the plunger  124  can be positioned. The contact between the first surface  150  and the shoulder  152  provides weight-bearing capability to the recline lock  120 . 
   Another feature of the recline lock  120  is that the detents  122  can be configured so that the recline actuator  130  need only be actuated to recline the swing seat to a more reclined position and need not be actuated to re-position the swing seat in a less reclined, more upright position. As seen in  FIG. 6 , the detents can have a ramped surface  154  opposite the first surface  150 , and the plunger tip can have a curved surface  156  opposite the shoulder  152 . The curved plunger surface  156  can ride along and up the ramped detent surfaces  154  as the seat back frame is moved from a more reclined to a less reclined position. Thus, the caregiver can simply grasp the seat back frame  42  and pivot it to a less reclined position without actuating the recline actuator  130 . 
     FIGS. 8A–8C  illustrate an alternative recline actuator  230 . This recline actuator  230  is predominantly contained inside the seat back frame  42 . The recline actuator  230  includes a push-button grip  234  that projects through the seat back frame  42  and two arms  236  that extend between the push-button grip  234  and the recline locks  120  inside the seat back frame  42 . The end of each arm  236  proximate the push-button grip  234  has a connector  238 , and the end distal from the push-button grip  234  is coupled to a plunger  124  of a respective recline lock  120  in a manner similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1–7 . A sloped surface  235  of the push-button grip  234  is received within a slot  239  of each connector  238 . As a result, when the push-button grip  234  is pushed or squeezed toward the seat back frame  42 , in the direction of arrow B in  FIG. 8C , the connectors  238  ride along the sloped surfaces  235  of the push-button grip  234  and move inward relative to the push-button grip  234  in the direction of arrow C. As the connectors  238  move inward, the connectors  238  pull the arms  236 , which in turn unlock the plungers  134  of the recline locks  120  coupled to the arms  236 . To return the plungers  134  to a locked position, the caregiver simply releases the push-button grip  234 . The springs associated with the recline locks  120  force the plungers  124  of the recline locks  120  back to their locked position, which in turn pulls the arms  236  toward the recline locks and away from the push-button grip  234 . As the arms  236  are pulled away from the push-button grip  234 , the connectors  238  return to the un-actuated position shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
   Another recline actuator  330  is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B .  FIG. 9A  shows the recline actuator  330  in its un-actuated position, and  FIG. 9B  shows the recline actuator  330  in its actuated position. The recline actuator  330  includes first and second racks  304 ,  306 , a slide grip  334  fixedly connected to the first rack  304 , a pinion  308  (the axis of rotation R of which is fixed), and arms  336  coupled to the recline locks  120 . The first rack  304  is connected to an arm  336  leading to one of the recline locks  120 , and the second rack  306  is connected to an arm  336  leading to the other of the recline locks  120 . 
   The first rack  304  includes a plurality of recesses  310  that are sized to receive teeth  312  that extend around the pinion  308 . Similar to the first rack  304 , the second rack  306  also includes a plurality of recesses  314  sized to receive teeth  312  of the pinion  308 . To actuate the recline actuator  330 , the slide grip  334  can be pushed in a direction parallel to the seat back frame (not shown) as indicated by arrow D. When the slide grip  334  is pushed, the first rack  304  and its arm  336  also move in the direction of arrow D. When the first rack  304  moves in the direction of arrow D, the recesses  310 , which are engaged with the teeth  312  of the pinion  308 , cause the pinion  308  to rotate about its axis R. Rotation of the pinion  308  drives the teeth  312  into the recesses  314  of the second rack  306 , causing the second rack  306  and its arm  336  to move in the direction of arrow E. As a result, both arms  336  are pulled toward the recline actuator  330 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
   To return the recline actuator  330  to the un-actuated position of  FIG. 9A , the caregiver can release the slide grip  334 , and the springs of the recline locks  120  force the plungers  124  of the recline locks  120  back to their locked position, which in turn pulls the arms  336  toward the recline locks  120 . As the arms  336  are pulled toward the recline locks  120 , the first and second racks  304 ,  306  rotate about the pinion  308  to return to the un-actuated position shown in  FIG. 9A . 
   Other recline actuators are contemplated. For example, instead of the finger grip  134 , the push-button grip  234 , or the slide grip  334 , a twisting or rotating grip could be used. The moving members 114 of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B of U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,284, issued May 30, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, are two examples of twisting or rotating grips that could be used in a one-hand recline mechanism according to the present invention. The twisting or rotating grips also can include a lever mounted to the moving members that allows for translational (lever) and rotating (moving members) action instead of a pure rotation (moving members) action. Other embodiments may include squeezing action, rotating action, pinching action, pulling action, turning action, or any combination of those actions. A feature common to the various contemplated recline actuators is that they require only one hand to release the recline locks and to control the seat back as the seat back is reclined. 
   In addition, other recline locks are contemplated. For example, instead of recline locks  120 , a gear arrangement with teeth that mesh and un-mesh could be used as the recline locks of the present invention. One suitable gear arrangement is described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/999,148, filed Nov. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As another example, a VALCO button arrangement could be used as the recline locks of the present invention. The button could be disposed in each mount  110  to move in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the seat back. This button could be actuated by the recline actuator  130  in a manner similar to the manner in which the gear arrangement of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/999,148 is actuated. 
   As another alternative, where the seat bottom frame  44  is made of plastic, the mounts  110  and the seat bottom frame  44  can be molded as a single piece of material. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the seat back frame  442  and the seat bottom frame  444  are formed together as a unitary body. The seat back frame  442  and the seat bottom frame  444 , for example, can be molded from a single piece of plastic material. The seat, including both the seat back frame  442  and the seat bottom frame  444 , can be supported on the swing frame by first and second hanger arms, one hanger arm  20  being shown in  FIG. 10 . In this regard, mounts  410  on either side of the seat can couple the seat to the first and second hanger arms. The components of the recline lock  420  can be generally the same as those of recline lock  120  of  FIG. 7 ; recline lock  420  can include detents  422  formed in the mount  410  and a plunger  424 . In addition, any of the above-described recline actuators can be employed in this embodiment. Unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , in which only the seat back frame  42  can move about pivot pin P, however, both the seat back frame  442  and the seat bottom frame  444 , that is, the entire seat, can be moved to a new recline position about pivot pin P. 
   The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.