Abstract: An energy absorption assembly for a seat assembly having a seatback including a first frame and a second frame includes a housing, a torsion bar rotatably supported by the housing in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction, and a clutch assembly engaged with the torsion bar. Engagement between the clutch assembly and the torsion bar permits rotation of the torsion bar relative to the housing in one of the first direction and the second direction to permit movement of the second frame relative to the first frame and restricts rotation of the torsion bar relative to the housing in the other of the first direction and the second direction to restrict movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. Restricting rotation of the torsion bar relative to the housing absorbs energy associated with movement of the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A fold-flat hinge assembly for use with a seat assembly includes an arm pivotably supported by a support member and adapted to support the seat back, as well as a gear fixedly attached to a shaft that is rotatably supported within a first slot of the support member. The shaft also includes a gear fixedly attached thereto and interfacing said arm. A blocking pin slidably supported by the support member between a first position and a second position and mechanically communicating with the shaft blocks rotation of the arm relative to the support member when in a first position. When the blocking pin is moved to a second position by the shaft interacting with the gear teeth of the arm, the arm is in rotate relative to the support member.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat having a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom includes a floor latch mechanism and a recliner mechanism. The floor latch mechanism is connected to the vehicle seat and pivots the seat bottom relative the vehicle. The recliner mechanism is coupled to the seat bottom and seatback and permits rotation of the seatback relative to the seat bottom when in an unlocked state. The recliner mechanism is automatically toggled into the unlocked state when the floor latch mechanism is released and the seat bottom is rotated a predetermined amount relative to the vehicle. Therefore, the seat adjustment mechanism allows seat bottom and seatback to be articulated into a stowed position through actuation of a single lever or button.

Abstract: A seatback latch mechanism is provided for locking a seatback in one of either an upright position or a fold-forward position relative to a seat. The seatback latch mechanism includes a lower quadrant rotatably supporting an upper quadrant. A lock cam and lock pin are each rotatably supported by the upper quadrant. A first surface of the lock pin interfaces the lock cam and a second surface of the lock pin interfaces the lower quadrant. The lock cam is biased to selectively force the lock pin into engagement with the lower quadrant for locking the upper quadrant relative to the lower quadrant in either of two positions. When the upper quadrant pivots relative to the lower quadrant, the lock pin rotates relative to the upper quadrant.

Abstract: A fold-flat hinge assembly for use with a seat assembly includes an arm pivotably supported by a support member and adapted to support the seat back, as well as a gear fixedly attached to a shaft that is rotatably supported within a first slot of the support member. The shaft also includes a gear fixedly attached thereto and interfacing said arm. A blocking pin slidably supported by the support member between a first position and a second position and mechanically communicating with the shaft blocks rotation of the arm relative to the support member when in a first position. When the blocking pin is moved to a second position by the shaft interacting with the gear teeth of the arm, the arm is in rotate relative to the support member.

Abstract: A latch assembly with an interlock incorporatable into a seat hinge assembly for use in a vehicle connectable to a striker on a vehicle body. The seat hinge assembly includes a lower hinge member, an upper hinge member, a first latching mechanism, second latching mechanism, and an interlock operatively coupled to the first and second latching mechanisms. The first latching mechanism is operable in a latched mode to couple the lower hinge member to a striker and in an unlatched mode to allow movement of the lower hinge member relative to the striker. The second latching mechanism is operable in a locked mode for securing the upper hinge members in a fixed position relative to the lower hinge member and in an unlocked mode to allow movement of the upper hinge member relative to the lower hinge member. The interlock is operable in a disabling mode when the first latching mechanism is in its unlatched mode and in an enabling mode when the first latching mechanism is in its latched mode.

Abstract: A seatback latch mechanism is provided having a quadrant that is adapted to be secured to support structure associated with a seat assembly or a motor vehicle. The quadrant includes a cam segment defining a dwell surface which extends between first and second locking surfaces. The seatback latch mechanism further includes a seatback support member supported for pivotal movement relative to the quadrant between an "upright" position and a "folded" position. The support member is adapted to support the seatback of a seat assembly for pivotal movement relative to the seat bottom. A locking pin is mounted to the seatback support member for selectively engaging one of the first or second locking surfaces, thereby defining the upright position and the folded position, respectively.