Abstract: A seat trim cover having a 3-dimensional shape for an automotive vehicle seat is formed by pre-cutting a laminate blank into a predefined shape having a predefined selvage extending around an outer periphery of the laminate blank, vacuum forming the laminate blank in a 3-dimensional mold to form a 3-dimensional laminate blank, and forming a molded foam backing on the 3-dimensional shaped laminate blank to form the seat trim cover. The molded foam backing has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the predefined selvage such that the predefined selvage is free of foam.

Abstract: An improved head restraint is provided for a reversible seat that is movable between two use positions, namely a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The improved head restraint automatically pivots to a fold flat position upon unlocking of the seat, wherein the head restraint is positioned in this fold flat position during reversing seat movement, so as to reduce the seat height and clear the vehicle headliner. The head restraint is cable driven and operably connected to the seat linkages that control movement of the seat cushion and seat back during reversing movement. As such, the seat movement articulates the head restraint so that the head restraint angles forwardly toward the occupant in the forward-facing position and rearwardly toward the occupant in the rearward-facing position, while permitting the head restraint to automatically articulate to the fold flat position during travel of the seat between these two use positions.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism prevents erroneous operation of a vehicle rear seat. The vehicle seat has a seat back rotatably coupled to a seat cushion. The interlock mechanism includes a handle pivot link, a latch pivot link, and an interlock bracket rotatably coupled to a pivot pin. When the seat back is in an upright position, the interlock bracket releasably couples the handle pivot link to the latch pivot link such that rotation of the handle pivot link rotates the latch pivot link causing the cushion latches to be released. When the seat back is folded towards the seat cushion, the interlock bracket is moved to an interlock position decoupling the handle pivot link and the latch pivot link such that rotating the handle pivot link does not rotate the latch pivot link and does not release the cushion latches.

Abstract: A long rail assembly is attached to a floor within an automotive vehicle for transposing vehicle seats between a plurality of positions. The long rail assembly includes a rail drive assembly configured to travel along an interior cavity of a fixed long rail. The fixed long rail has a generally U-shaped cross-section and includes a pair of flanges with mating teeth extending inwardly from a pair of outer walls. The rail drive assembly includes a retention latch and a wheel assembly coupled adjacent a first and a second end of the rail drive assembly. The rail drive assembly is operable between a use position and a loaded position in which at least one of the retention latches engages the mating teeth to interlock the rail drive assembly and the fixed long rail in response to forces causing upward loading on the rail drive assembly.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly includes a manual system to slide the seat assembly from a seating position to a pitch easy entry position. The seat assembly includes a power return device to automatically return the seat assembly from the pitch easy-entry position back to the seating position wherein the power return device may be a module that may be added onto an existing seat assembly having manual pitch easy-entry features. The power return device is disengaged during forward slide and pitch of the seat assembly to the easy-entry position, but may then be actuated to control the return slide and return pitch of the seat assembly rearwardly to the seating position.

Abstract: An electrical circuit board includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. And an interlayer forming a thermal barrier is placed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the thermal barrier reduces heat transfer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A cable assembly has a link, a cable connector and a cable. The link has a slot near a distal end of the link. The cable connector comprises a shaft near a proximal end of the cable connector and an opening near a distal end of the cable connector. The shaft is engaged with the slot of the link. The cable has a stopper at an end of the cable. The cable extends through the opening, and the stopper extends above the opening.

Abstract: A reversible seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle has a seat cushion, a seat back and a linkage. The linkage operatively couples the seat back with the seat cushion. The linkage moves the seat back between one of a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The linkage lowers the seat cushion when the seat back is moved towards a central position between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position.

Abstract: A single motor gearbox assembly (100) including a shift motor (104) operatively connected to a shift worm (106), a worm gear (108), a drive selection arm (110), and a drive motor (116) operatively connected to a plurality of output gears (112a-112c) to selectively control multiple seat assembly functions. The single motor gearbox assembly (100) further includes a plurality of micro-switches (114a-114c) configured to activate/deactivate the shift motor (104) and the drive motor (116).

Abstract: An improved armrest is provided for a reversible seat that is movable between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The armrest is rotatably mounted to the seat assembly so as to be rotatable downwardly to a fully deployed position or upwardly to a neutral, stowed position. The armrest may project forwardly in a first deployed position or rearwardly in a second deployed position depending upon whether the seat is in the forward-facing or rearward-facing positions. The seat is reversible from the forward-facing position to the rearward-facing position, or vice versa, wherein the armrest automatically returns to the neutral, stowed position as the seat is moved between these positions.

Abstract: An assembly and method for steaming and/or heating a trim cover of an upholstered article is disclosed. The assembly includes a stand having a bottom end and a top end, an open frame attached to the top end of the stand and adapted to receive at least a portion of the trim cover, and a steam supply system. At least a portion of the steam supply system is adapted to fit within the frame and the steam supply system applies steam towards at least one interior steam zone of the trim cover.

Abstract: A reversible seat for an automotive vehicle having a head restraint which rotates between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position as the seat is moved between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position. The head restraint folds towards the seat back as the reversible seat passes through the peak of its locus to increase clearance with a headliner of the automotive vehicle. The head restraint returns to an upright rotated position as the seat reaches the opposing position.

Abstract: A reversible seat for an automotive vehicle having a head restraint which rotates to a fold flat position between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position as the seat is moved between opposing forward-facing and rearward-facing positions. The head restraint folds towards the seat back as the reversible seat passes through the peak of its locus to increase clearance with a headliner of the automotive vehicle. The head restraint returns to an upright inclined position as the seat reaches the opposing position.

Abstract: A multidirectional clock spring assembly with a rotating arbor is disclosed for an automotive seat of the type wherein a seat back thereof may be pivoted between a rearward reclined position and a forward fold flat position overlying a seat cushion thereof. The clock spring provides a biasing force to move the seat back from the reclined position towards an upright position, and further for biasing the clock spring to provide a biasing force to move the seat back from the fold flat position towards the upright position.

Abstract: A seat is provided in which a seat cushion is pivotally coupled to a seat back by a recliner assembly. The recliner assembly is selectively operable between a locked condition preventing pivotal movement of the seat back and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A riser assembly supports the seat assembly above a floor, such as the floor of a vehicle, and is configured for actuation and movement of the seat assembly between a generally upright seating position, a pitched easy entry position tilted forwardly and downwardly towards the floor to allow easier ingress and egress behind the seat, and a stowed position recessed within a compartment below the floor.

Abstract: A thermally conductive padding 20 for transferring heat comprising a layer of cellular foam padding 10 having a plurality of spaced apart openings 22 formed therein. A thermal tunneling pad 24 is seated in each of the openings for creating a thermal path through the thermally conductive padding wherein the thermal tunneling pad includes a cellular foam block 12 encased in strip of thermally conductive graphite ribbon 26.

Abstract: A system and method of active stain prevention for an automotive seat which reduces visible staining on automotive seating surfaces by adding ozone to a ventilation system within the automotive seat.

Abstract: A power return mechanism for restoring a seat track assembly for a vehicle from a first position, such as a full forward position used for easy-entry, to a second position, such as a passenger use position. The power return mechanism includes a return cable assembly with a return cable adapted to be fixedly secured to one of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly, and a selectively actuated cable draw assembly. The cable draw assembly is adapted to be connected to the other of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly. The cable draw assembly permits free movement of the return cable when the cable draw assembly is inactive. When actuated, the cable draw assembly draws in the return cable, thereby moving the upper rail of the seat track assembly from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A flexible heat sink with a flexible base having a first side configured to engage a heat generating component, and a second side opposite the first side. A plurality of groups of fins extend from the second side of the base. The groups of fins are positioned in an array and spaced apart lengthwise and width wise across the base to enable the heat sink to flex lengthwise and width wise. The heat sink is able to flex lengthwise and width wise between the groups of fins. The fins and groups of fins also may provide some flex. The fins may define triangular, rectangular, or u-shaped channels to enable air flow through the heat sink.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement between a reclined seating position and a fold flat position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat back and the seat cushion to provide pivotal movement of the seat back. A riser assembly is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and pivotally latched to the floor to allow pivotal movement of the seat cushion between a horizontal seating position and a forwardly upright tumbled position. A release mechanism is coupled between the seat back and the riser assembly for automatically synchronizing actuation of the recliner assembly and the riser assembly to provide movement of the seat assembly to the tumbled position in response to the pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold flat position.