Patent ID: 7931337

Claim:
A recliner adjustment system utilizing active material based actuation, and adapted for use with a structural support, wherein the support is pivotably connected to a base and defines a support surface, said system comprising: a mechanical pivot joint intermediate the support and base; a locking mechanism coupled to and configured to selectively engage the joint so as to prevent the support from pivoting relative to the base and define a first reclining angle between the surface and horizontal; an unlocking actuator including a first active material element connected to the mechanism and configured to cause the mechanism to disengage the joint, when activated or deactivated; an adjusting actuator including a second active material element connected to the joint and configured to manipulate the surface, so as to adjust the reclining angle, when activated or deactivated; and a signal source drivenly coupled to the first and second elements and configured to generate an activation signal operable to activate said elements.