Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat frame assembly including a seat base frame that may be shifted between a raised position and a lowered position, and a seatback frame pivotally attached to the seat base frame and foldable from a vertical position to a position atop the collapsed base frame. The seat base frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle floor by at least one front pivot leg which is pivotally connected for rotation with respect to both the vehicle floor and the base frame. A motor is mounted in a stationary position on the vehicle floor and connected to provide a relative torque between the seat base frame and one of the at least one pivot legs for powered movement of the seat base frame to and from the use position and the stow position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat frame assembly including a seat base frame that may be shifted between a raised position and a lowered position, and a seatback frame pivotally attached to the seat base frame and foldable from a vertical position to a position atop the collapsed base frame. The seat base frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle floor by at least one front pivot leg which is pivotally connected for rotation with respect to both the vehicle floor and the base frame. A motor is mounted in a stationary position on the vehicle floor and connected to provide a relative torque between the seat base frame and one of the at least one pivot legs for powered movement of the seat base frame to and from the use position and the stow position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is pivotally connected to a seat bottom, a lock mechanism that is configured to inhibit the seat back from pivoting when locked and to permit the seat back to pivot when unlocked, and a release and drive mechanism. The release and drive mechanism includes a mounting member, a drive gear that is rotatable with respect to the mounting member and that is connected to the lock mechanism, and a motor that is connected to the drive gear. The drive gear is rotationally limited to a defined angular range. The motor rotates the drive gear through the defined angular range which moves the lock mechanism to an unlocked state and thereafter causes the seat back to pivot.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is pivotally connected to a seat bottom, a lock mechanism that is configured to inhibit the seat back from pivoting when locked and to permit the seat back to pivot when unlocked, and a release and drive mechanism. The release and drive mechanism includes a mounting member, a drive gear that is rotatable with respect to the mounting member and that is connected to the lock mechanism, and a motor that is connected to the drive gear. The drive gear is rotationally limited to a defined angular range. The motor rotates the drive gear through the defined angular range which moves the lock mechanism to an unlocked state and thereafter causes the seat back to pivot.

Abstract: A remote release actuating system 10 for a seat assembly 12 in a vehicle. Conventionally, the system includes a seatback 14 that is removable through an arcuate range. The seatback 14 is moveable between a design position (tilted upward and rearwardly in which it may support a passenger), and a full fold flat position. Seatback latches 24 secure the seatback 14 in the effective position. A seat cushion 32 supports the seatback 14. The seat cushion 32 has a rearward portion that cooperates with the seatback 14. The rearward portion also releasably engages floor latches 26. The seat cushion 32 has a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the vehicle floor. The seat cushion 32 and seatback 14 tumble forwardly when (a) the seat cushion 32 is disengaged from the floor latches 26; (b) the seatback 14 lies in the full forward flat position; and (c) the floor latches 26 are disengaged.