Abstract: An end stop assembly includes a pivot bracket, an end stop bracket, a strap, and a pin assembly. The pivot bracket defines a first adjustment slot and a first pivot hole. The end stop bracket defines a second adjustment slot and a second pivot hole. The end stop bracket has a first stop tab positioned about the second pivot hole. The second pivot hole is held concentrically to the first pivot hole. The strap defines an attachment hole. The pin assembly holds the strap and end stop bracket to the pivot bracket. The pin assembly is positioned through the first adjustment slot, the second adjustment slot and the attachment hole such that the pin assembly is movable by along the first adjustment slot and the second adjustment slot from a first position to a second position by pulling the strap.

Abstract: The present invention is a seat bottom suspension system adapted to provide a varying spring constant. An embodiment includes a first plurality of flat elongated biasing members in communication with at least one axle adapted to translate in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the flat elongated biasing members. An embodiment may include a second set of flat elongated biasing members set at a lower height than the first plurality of flat elongated biasing members to provide a progressive increase in the spring constant as the down force seen on the seat increases.

Abstract: A frame serving as a seatback frame for a vehicle seat and simply configured to reduce a load applied to a seated occupant at the time of a vehicle collision is provided. A seatback frame includes a connecting wire which connects side frames. The center of the connecting wire is bent to extend toward a front side of a vehicle seat. When the seated occupant is moved toward a rear side of the vehicle seat at the time of a vehicle rear-end collision, the forward extending portion restrains a portion of the back of the seated occupant in which a thoracic vertebra is located and reduces an amount of a rearward movement of the portion.

Abstract: A vehicle structural element made of plastic has at least one carbon filler reinforced region and at least one fiberglass reinforced region. In a method for producing the vehicle structural element, a pre-heated carbon fiber reinforced region and a pre-heated fiberglass reinforced region are placed in a press and shaped.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actively isolating a payload from a disturbance. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure including an actuator configured to move the seat about a pivot axis at a command angle, a sensor positioned to detect vehicle movement, and a controller configured to determine a vehicle roll angle based on an input from the sensor, generate a variable gain based at least on a vehicle roll acceleration determined from the input, wherein the variable gain modulates a gain of a band-pass filter having a fixed bandwidth, generate a command signal based at least on the vehicle roll angle, the controller configured to adjust a magnitude of the command signal relative to an amplitude of the input and apply the band-pass filter, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat at a desired command angle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle armrest includes an armrest body that is disposed on at least one side in a vehicle-width direction of a seat cushion so as to support of an arm of an occupant. The armrest body has an inflation portion that is inflated toward the occupant in the vehicle-width direction so as to support the occupant in the vehicle-width direction.

Abstract: In a method for producing a backrest rear panel from at least one organic sheet, a plurality of reinforcing beads and a frame-shaped bead, which circles the reinforcing beads, are formed in at least one organic sheet. In a molding tool, a rib structure is formed in the circling frame-shaped bead on the rear of the backrest rear panel in such a manner that a rib structure closes flush with the rear of the backrest rear panel, with the result that an even surface is formed on the rear of the backrest rear panel. A bonded connection is formed between the organic sheet and rib structure with the result that a one-piece component is formed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat incorporating a side airbag includes a seat cushion and a seat back, if an impact is detected at that side of the seat back, the inflator is activated, generating high-pressure gas, the gas gushes in the airbag, inflating the airbag, and the airbag so inflated tears up the sewn part of the seat back, which are positioned at the front part of the vehicle wall side of the seat back, and develops to the side and front of the occupant, isolating the occupant from the vehicle wall and protecting the occupant; and the airbag is secured to the inner side of the side frame on the vehicle wall side, an expansion restriction plate is provided on the inner side of the airbag, and the airbag is sandwiched between the side frame on the vehicle wall side and the expansion restriction plate.

Abstract: Longitudinal, adjuster (27) having an outer and an Inner rail (50, 51), characterized in that the outer rail (50) has a structural element (53) which absorbs vertical forces and has a flexible element which biases a rolling body (52) against the inner rail (51).

Abstract: In a vehicle seat device including a vibration system formed from a seat back and a headrest being equipped with a dynamic damper, the dynamic damper is formed from an elastic member that is embedded within a cushion member of the vibration system and formed from a rubber or elastomer that is softer than the cushion member, and a weight embedded in the elastic member. Thus it is possible to provide a vehicle seat device that includes a dynamic damper having a small number of components and a simple structure.

Abstract: Each side bar of a vehicle seat structure has a respective front longitudinal profile and a respective rear longitudinal profile. The front longitudinal profile has a cross-section that enables an elongation of the front longitudinal profile under a tensile stress on the front longitudinal profile. The rear longitudinal profile has a cross-section that enables a compression of the rear longitudinal profile under a bending moment stress on the rear longitudinal profile. The elongation of the front longitudinal profile and the compression of the rear longitudinal profile lead to an absorption of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest, wherein the seat part and the backrest can be adjusted relative to one another by an adjustment mechanism, wherein a base plate which holds the adjustment mechanism is provided, wherein the base plate has at least two passage openings through which the base plate is connected to the seat part by fasteners, wherein one of the passage openings is in the form of an elongate hole.

Abstract: A seat for use in a passenger vehicle, e.g. for prisoner transport, comprises a molded piece having at least one first contact zone at a periphery of the molded piece and at least second contact zone located inward of the periphery of molded piece. The second contact zone may comprise a multi-surface formation that is configured to engage a multi-surface formation of a vehicle body. The molded piece may comprise one or more recesses designed to accommodate the body of a passenger. The at least one second contact zone may be disposed in an area of the seat that receives the buttocks of a passenger, thereby providing additional support in a load bearing area of the seat.

Abstract: A seat cushion airbag system may include: a cushion body installed on a seat of a vehicle, unfolded by receiving gas from an inflator, and including a rear chamber which lifts the rear part of the body of a passenger and a front chamber which lifts the front part of the body of the passenger while inflating more than the rear chamber; and an unfolding restriction unit installed between the rear chamber and the front chamber, and having a vent hole through which gas is passed.

Abstract: A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat has a first fitting part (11) and a second fitting part (12) that are rotatable relative to one another and are in geared connection, and a third fitting part (74) mounted on the first fitting part (11) such that it can be pivoted relative to the first fitting part (11). The third fitting part (74) can be locked to the first fitting part (11) by a pawl (80) which is mounted at a first articulation point (D1) on the third fitting part (74). The third fitting part (74), which has a locking cam (90), which is mounted at a second articulation point (D2), a coupler (98), which is connected at a third articulation point (D3) to the locking cam (90) and at a fourth articulation point (D4) to the pawl (80), and the pawl (80) define a four-bar linkage (74, 80, 98, 90).

Abstract: An inertial latch system includes a floor bracket, a seat cushion bracket, an inertial weight and an inertial weight damper assembly. The seat cushion bracket is rotatable between a down position, an up position and an intermediate position between the down and up positions. The inertial weight damper assembly is selectively coupled to the inertial weight and includes a detent plunger and a contact plug coupled to the detent plunger. The detent plunger is movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. In each of the up and down positions, the detent plunger is in the extended condition and inhibits movement of the seat cushion bracket from the up and down positions, respectively, and the contact plug inhibits movement of the inertial weight. In the intermediate position, the detent plunger is in the retracted condition, and the contact plug does not inhibit movement of the inertial weight.

Abstract: Links are provided, each between one of the side frames of the seat cushion and the support member, and can be swung. A band extends at a substantially center part of the seat cushion and between the side frames, and is provided beneath the seat pad. One end of the band is secured to the top of one side frame, and the other end (free end) hangs over the top of the other side frame. The free end of the band further extends via the direction changing member provided on the side frame, first passing by a first relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the side frame, and then passing by a second relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the support member. At an emergency, the traction device pulls and stretches the band.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a wire that is mounted on a vehicle body to which an external force is applied according to a running state during running of the vehicle, and applies a tension to the vehicle body; an actuator to adjust the tension of the wire to change a rigidity of the vehicle body; and a controller to output a control signal to the actuator. The controller determines the running state, outputs to the actuator a control signal designating a tension according to the determined running state, and controls distortion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle seat is provided, comprising: providing a seat back frame; forwardly movably connecting a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant to the seat back frame; mounting a rear-end collision detector to the seat back frame at a position behind the seat occupant, operatively connecting the rear-end collision detector to the headrest; disposing a link member at a position lateral to the rear-end collision detector; forming a front extending portion that inwardly extends in a right-to-left direction at a front end of a lateral face of the side frame; and forming a rear extending portion that inwardly extends in the right-to-left direction; wherein a protruding portion is formed from a portion of the lateral face of the side frame that faces at least the part of the bracket, the link support shaft being disposed at a same height as the protruding portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with a floor component group and a seat frame which is fixed to the floor component group. The seat frame is connected to the floor component group via at least one coupling element and is arranged spaced apart from the floor component group essentially vertically to a longitudinal seat direction, wherein the coupling element is fixed to the seat frame on the one hand and to the floor component group on the other hand, and an arrester element is provided at the seat frame, which arrester element is formed and arranged in such a manner that the coupling element can make contact with the arrester element in case of a crash, and the arrester element then counteracts a deformation of the coupling element transversely to the longitudinal seat direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a carriage that is movable with respect to a base, and a locking apparatus having first and second components, each having teeth that inter-engage such that, during movement of the carriage relative to the base, one of the first and second components imparts movement to the other, the locking apparatus further including a locking member having teeth for selectively inter-engaging the first and second components, the locking member being movable between a non-locking state, where the locking member teeth do not engage the teeth of the first and second components, an intermediate state, where the locking member teeth engage the teeth of the first component, and a locking state, where the locking member teeth engage the teeth of both of the first and second components, the locking member being moved between its intermediate and locking states by moving the first component relative to the second component.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system is provided that includes a first link having a first end rotatably coupled to a base, and a second link having a first end rotatably coupled to the base. The vehicle seating system also includes a main tube extending between a second end of the first link and a second end of the second link. The main tube is configured to transfer torque between the first and second links. The vehicle seating system further includes an energy management feature configured to facilitate rotation of the first link relative to the second link if a torque applied to the main tube exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for protecting the legs of an occupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle from an explosive force originating under a floor of the vehicle. The system includes a movable bolster configured to move to contact the legs of the occupant and cause the feet of the occupant to move away from the floor of the vehicle. The system also includes a module positioned proximate the seat of the vehicle and including a movable rod linked to the bolster, wherein the module includes a gas generator configured to be activated to generate gas used to force the rod to move. The system also includes a controller that is configured to receive a signal from a vertical acceleration sensor and activate the gas generator when the signal from the sensor is indicative of a condition where the vertical acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest, wherein the seat part and the backrest can be adjusted relative to one another by an adjustment mechanism, wherein a base plate which holds the adjustment mechanism is provided, wherein the base plate has at least two passage openings through which the base plate is connected to the seat part by fasteners, wherein one of the passage openings is in the form of an elongate hole.

Abstract: A composite component such as a seat back for a vehicle comprises a support portion and at least one reinforcing composite layer. The support portion comprises a thermoplastic material and the reinforcing composite layer comprises a polymeric material impregnating a plurality of fibers. The polymeric material of the reinforcing composite layer is integrated with the thermoplastic of the support portion. A method of forming the composite component includes placing the composite layer into a mold, heating the thermoplastic material to a molten state, and disposing the thermoplastic material in the molten state into contact with the composite layer. The method further includes promoting interaction between the thermoplastic material and the polymeric material to integrate the support portion and the reinforcing composite layer. The thermoplastic material supports the reinforcing composite layer and the reinforcing composite layer reinforces the thermoplastic material to prevent failure when subjected to a load.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat structure that is lighter than a steel vehicle seat structure while providing the same function thereof. For this, the vehicle seat structure includes a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame connected to the seat cushion frame. At least one of components constituting the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame is formed of a magnesium plate produced through a rolling process and that has a texture.

Abstract: A vehicle slide rail device is provided, which can reduce the possibility of the lock mechanism provided between the upper rail and the lower rail unintentionally lock-releasing when the cushion airbag is inflated. As a solution, the lock-release lever 40 is provided with a lock-release contacting portion 46, which is positioned away from a press portion 65 of the lock operational lever when the lock operational lever is positioned at a lock-allowing position and which receives a force from the press portion for rotating the lock release lever toward the unlocking position when the lock operational lever rotates from the lock-allowing position toward the lock-release position. When the upper rail 30 is deformed downwardly due to pressure by the inflating of a cushion airbag 80, the lock release lever moves downwardly together with a downwardly deforming portion of the upper rail and the lock-release contacting portion moves in a direction to closely approach the press portion of the lock operational lever.

Abstract: A seat having a bucket and a supporting structure on which the bucket is fixed. The height of the bucket on the supporting structure is adjustable. A lower sub-assembly of the supporting structure forms a seat subframe and of which at least one bucket support is mounted movable in height following at least one lower guide rail. An upper sub-assembly of the supporting structure is assembled movable in rotation relative to the lower sub-assembly around a pivot axis which is situated close to a lower end of the lower guide rails and situated close to a lower end of the upper sub-assembly. The bucket is fixed to the bucket support in an articulated manner at the seat base and has at least one guide element fixed to the backrest and sliding in an upper guide rail of the upper sub-assembly situated above the lower guide rails.

Abstract: One lower end portion of a belt anchor bracket is supported on a lock unit rotatably in a front-rear direction, the other lower end portion of the belt anchor bracket is fixed to a leg, and a seatbelt anchor is supported on an upper end portion of the belt anchor bracket rotatably in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a vehicle body side member; a seat cushion having left and right side frames; left and right front links provided respectively between front end sides of the left and right side frames and the vehicle body side member, the left and right front links configure a portion of a lifter mechanism that moves the seat cushion, and one end side of the respective left and right front links is coupled to the vehicle body side member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the seat left-right direction; and a coupling member coupling together front end sides of the left and right side frames along the seat left-right direction, that is rotatable with respect to the left and right side frames about an axis along the seat left-right direction, and that is joined to other end side of the respective left and right front links.

Abstract: A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.

Abstract: An in-situ molded foam core structural plastic article having an outer shell with an interior cavity filled with expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity forming a thermal bond with the shell. The bead and shell are of a similar plastic composition enabling the articles to be reground and recycled. Various articles are disclosed including structural panels, and automotive seat, load floor, interior panel, bumper and running board components. An apparatus for forming the articles and an associated method of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A child safety seat assembly includes a support base, and a child safety seat arranged on the support base. The support base includes a shell body, a latch assembly operable to fixedly attach the shell body with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, and a cushion structure coupled with the shell body, wherein the cushion structure is operable to allow a cushioned displacement of the shell body relative to the latch assembly when the child safety seat is subject to collision.

Abstract: A seat cushion frame structure of a seat for a vehicle has an oblique monolithic strip on at least one of a pair of side frames an upper end of which is fixed to a side portion of the at least one of pair of side frames and a lower end of which is fixed to the seat cushion frame structure at a position forward of the upper end. The oblique monolithic strip is arranged in such a way that one of its strip surfaces opposed to each other is oriented to be upward, its cross section perpendicular to the opposed strip surfaces is a rectangle long in a lateral direction and includes at each of its upper and lower ends a wound portion which is wound in a loop manner in such a way that the one of said opposed strip surfaces is oriented to be inward.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy generated upon a rear end collision in a manner such that the vehicle seat is stably deformed at a specific position with respect to a complex input load generated upon a rear end collision. A vehicle seat includes: frame side portions that are located at the right and left sides of a seat back frame and extend in the up to down direction; and frame extension portions that extend from the frame side portions toward the inside in the right and left direction. A connection portion that connects the frame side portions to the frame extension portions is provided with a deformation portion that is deformed when an impact load is applied thereto. The deformation portion is formed adjacent to other deformation portions having deformation characteristics different from that of the deformation portion.

Abstract: A vehicle rear seat cushion structure includes: an anchor plate mounted on a vehicle body; a buckle which is connected to the anchor plate via an inner webbing and with which a tongue plate attached to an occupant restraint webbing engages; a cushion pad in which a housing area which houses the buckle is formed on a position away from the anchor plate; and a cushion frame provided on a bottom portion of the cushion pad adjacent to the housing area to straddle the inner webbing from above.

Abstract: A locking unit (10) for a vehicle seat (1) includes a pivotally mounted rotary latch (20) for locking to a bolt (12), and a detent (30) which secures the locking unit (10) in the locked state in the event of a crash, in which the rotary latch (20) supports itself on a first contact point against the detent (30). The rotary latch (20) also supports itself on a second contact point in the event of a deformation of the latch (20) in the event of a crash. The second contact point is provided on the detent (30).

Abstract: A leg restraint is provided for side-seated vehicle occupants, such as aircraft passengers, and includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with a floor component group and a seat frame which is fixed to the floor component group. The seat frame is connected to the floor component group via at least one coupling element and is arranged spaced apart from the floor component group essentially vertically to a longitudinal seat direction, wherein the coupling element is fixed to the seat frame on the one hand and to the floor component group on the other hand, and an arrester element is provided at the seat frame, which arrester element is formed and arranged in such a manner that the coupling element can make contact with the arrester element in case of a crash, and the arrester element then counteracts a deformation of the coupling element transversely to the longitudinal seat direction.

Abstract: A passenger seat assembly comprising an assembly of seating modules arranged for relative pivotal movement; a membranous mesh fixed about each module for providing support to a passenger in said passenger seat assembly; said mesh comprising a passenger support face and a reaction face on an opposed face of each of said modules; said mesh fixed so as to permit relative movement between the passenger face and reaction face and arranged to redistribute tension between the passenger face and the reaction face.

Abstract: A leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants, and including a leg-restraining member adapted for being mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, outwardly-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an actuator positioned operatively proximate the leg-restraining member and responsive to a signal output by a sensor for deploying the leg-restraining member upon the occurrence of an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle sensed by the sensor. The actuator includes a cushion, and is adapted for being positioned for deployment between the leg-restraining member and the legs of the seat occupant. The cushion is positioned on the actuator to cushion the legs against direct impact against the deployed leg-restraining member.

Abstract: Vehicle seats that reduce the potential for injury to occupants when the vehicle is subjected to a mine or similar explosive device. The seats are ceiling or wall mounted and include a trailing arm which allows for deflection while providing stability. The seat isolates the occupants from the chassis of the vehicle via a pneumatic or other shock absorber and/or a crushable element to provide protection from vertical and horizontal oriented blasts. These seats can also be combined with shock absorbing/isolating foot rests, appendage (leg) restrain systems and an occupant four-point harness to offer a completely integrated system. This integrated system reduces acceleration/deceleration related injuries, shock injuries to the lower legs, flailing injuries to the lower legs and internal collision injuries. Other options and alternatives are also described.

Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail including a locked portion, a second rail movably connected relative to the first rail and including bearing holes, a lock member including a lock portion and rotating around the bearing holes to engage the lock portion with the locked portion and disengage the lock portion from the locked portion to selectively bring a relative movement between the first and second rail into a locked state, and wherein the second rail includes a fracture opening allowing the shaft portion to shift from the bearing hole in a case where a load is inputted in the direction of the relative movement, and a restriction portion configured to restrict the lock member from rotating in a direction in which the locked state is released in a case where the shaft portion shifts from the bearing hole.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion frame which comprises a pair of side frames and a front cross member located on a front side of the vehicle seat, the front cross member extending between the side frames and at least one leg support member is connected to the front cross member, and is arranged vehicle forward of the front cross member, wherein the at least one leg support member comprises at least a portion having a strength lower than a strength of the front cross member.

Abstract: A safety seat for a motor vehicle includes a seat unit and a back unit having an upper part and a lower part. The safety seat can be connected by way of the upper part to the structure of a motor vehicle, and the lower part can be dropped with respect to the upper part. The lower part is guided on the upper part and is connected to the upper part by at least one energy-absorbing support strap. The seat unit has a forward part connected in articulated fashion to the upper part of the back unit, and a rear part which is connected in articulated fashion to the lower part of the back unit. The rear part of the seat unit drops farther than the forward part of the seat unit when a force resulting from an accident or an explosion acts on the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat (5) comprising a bucket (10) and a frame (15) fastened to a floor (2). Said seat (5) includes at least one energy absorber system (20) having a plurality of energy absorbers (21) arranged in parallel. Said seat (5) includes an index (30) that is movable in translation to secure the bucket (10) to an energy absorber system (20) by engaging with one end of one or more energy absorbers (21). Said seat (5) includes at least one suspension system (40) having a spring member (60) suspending said bucket (10) from said frame (15) as a function of the weight of a passenger, mechanical indexing means (60) co-operating with an index (30), said seat (5) including a mechanical inhibitor system (70) for blocking the suspension system (40) during a crash.

Abstract: A leg restraint is provided for side-seated vehicle occupants, such as aircraft passengers, and includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.

Abstract: A device for selectively monitoring and reducing a backward displacement of a vehicle seat in the event of an accident, having at least one stop element (4) which arranged on a pair (1) of seat rails and has a stop face (5) which is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pair (1) of seat rails, and having at least one stop body (6) which is arranged on the vehicle seat, having a contact face (8) which is arranged in a normal position at a distance from the stop face.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat assembly with multi-axis energy attenuation. In one embodiment the seat assembly comprises a seat with a back, a first energy attenuating support comprising a first seat guide, and a first energy attenuating link, the first energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a first direction with respect to the seat. The exemplary seat assembly further comprises a second energy attenuating support comprising a second seat guide, and a second energy attenuating link, the second energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a second direction with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for protecting an occupant (7) of a vehicle (1), said protective device comprising an airbag (11) and inflation means (12) for inflating said airbag (11), the inflation means (12) being connected to the airbag (11) via a feed pipe (13) for feeding inflation fluid for the purpose of inflating the airbag (11) under predetermined conditions. This protective device further comprises expulsion means (20) for expelling said fluid, which expulsion means co-operate with at least one water detection means (15) so as to act when water is detected to remove said fluid resulting from inflation of the airbag (11), said airbag (11) being provided with a peripheral elastic strap (50) for optimizing the deflation of said airbag (11) when said expulsion means (20) allow said fluid to be removed from the airbag (11).