Abstract: A motor vehicle seat locking device, in particular a rear seat backrest locking device, equipped with a retaining bracket that is connected to a vehicle body and can move relative thereto, and with a catch, seat-mounted, for the retaining bracket. According to the invention, the retaining bracket is connected to a rocker that can pivot with respect to a vehicle body-mounted base, about an axis that is at a distance from the bracket.

Abstract: A safety system includes a safety response device positioned proximal to an aircraft seat. The safety response device is operable to deploy thereby controlling the leg extension condition of legs of an occupant of the aircraft seat. A triggering system is operable to activate the safety response device when a deceleration is detected. The safety response device can be operable to maintain the legs of a seated occupant in an un-extended condition thereby protecting the legs from extending when a rapid deceleration occurs. The safety response device can be operable to transition the legs of a seated occupant from an un-extended condition to an extended condition at a predetermined rate. The safety response device can be, for example, and airbag or a kick plate. The device may automatically return to a stowed condition a predetermined time after deployment to permit egress from the seat and aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat device includes a seat main body having a seat cushion and a seatback, and a tilt device configured to exert a tilt function to tilt the seatback towards a seat front side. The tilt device includes an electric motor and a spring. The electric motor is configured to exert a rotational force to rotationally displace the seatback. The spring is configured to exert a resilient force to rotationally displace the seatback towards the seat front side.

Abstract: An inertial latch for a motor vehicle armrest is rotatably connected to a a bracket mounted to a support structure; an armrest interfacing component is disposed in an arcuate slot in the bracket, the slot extending from a first to a second end; a primary pawl rotatable from a first to a second position and limiting motion of the interfacing component in the slot; a secondary pawl rotatable from a third position to a fourth position and limiting motion of the primary pawl; a stop limits motion of the secondary pawl. The armrest articulates from a closed to an open position, the interfacing component moves through the entire slot when the primary pawl is in the first position, the interfacing component is held within a portion less than the entire slot when the primary pawl is in the second position, and the interfacing component is releasable from the portion.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide, in a vehicle seat having a walk-in mechanism, a locking mechanism for a seat back with which rotation of a lock plate can be suppressed against impact in any direction, and with which the locked state can be more reliably retained.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly comprises a seat support bracket, a lower seat cushion mounted to the seat support bracket, and a latch pivotally mounted to the lower seat cushion. An inertia link is pivotally and operatively coupled with the lower seat cushion and operatively coupled with the latch, the inertia link having a first rotational position corresponding to an unlocked condition of the latch, allowing movement of the lower seat cushion between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position, and a second rotational position corresponding to a locked condition of the latch, preventing movement of the lower seat cushion from the raised stowed position to the lowered deployed position. The inertia link moves from the first rotational position to the second rotational position upon a predetermined deceleration of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A door opening prevention device in a broadside collision of a vehicle, having a latch assembly which locks and unlocks a door side striker in conjunction with an operation of an outside handle when the outside handle may be operated, may include a balance weight which may be rotatably coupled to a side surface of a claw disposed in the latch assembly, wherein the balance weight may be pivotable downward by inertia in the broadside collision of the vehicle, and a striker locking lever slidably engaged to the side surface of the claw and elastically biased upwards, wherein the striker locking lever may be fitted between the side surface of the claw and the door side striker to jam the claw and the door side striker while being moved in a down direction by contact with the balance weight by the inertia in the broadside collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seatback release system comprising a seat backrest frame with an attached mounting bracket. Secured to the mounting bracket is a handle which pivots about a pivot point. The handle and the mounting bracket cooperate so that the release system can be deployed on a front left or right seat by attaching the handle to one or the other end of the mounting bracket. One or more spring members extend between the mounting bracket and the handle so that the handle is thereby biased to an initial downward position in which the seat backrest frame is locked. A cable mechanism with a proximal end and a distal end extends between the handle and a seatback release subassembly. The core of the cable moves axially within the outer sheath in response to displacement of the handle, thereby releasing the seatback release subassembly.

Abstract: A counterweighted release lever for a vehicle seat back release mechanism is described. The release lever includes a counterweight providing sufficient weight to move a center of mass of the release lever towards a release lever pivot point disposed adjacent to the counterweight. The counterweight may be integral to or attached to the release lever, or may be operatively connected to a release lever shaft. Vehicle seat back release mechanisms and vehicle seat assemblies including the counterweighted release lever as described above are described.

Abstract: A seating assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a flip up lower seat cushion having a design seating position and a structural member having a forward edge pivotally coupled with a floor and a rearward edge disposed proximate a seat frame. A cushion stop assembly is disposed on the structural member and disposed proximate the rearward edge of the structural member. The cushion stop assembly has a catch and an actuator. An inertia hook is pivotally mounted to the seat frame comprising a hook member and a hook stop, the inertia hook further having a first hook position when the actuator acts upon the hook stop to rotate the hook member into vertical alignment with the catch and a second hook position when the actuator is lifted away from the hook stop and the hook member rotates out of vertical alignment with the catch.

Abstract: An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat is provided, the adjustment drive, having a control pinion. The control pinion, in the event of a collision, is subjected to a torque which acts from the structure of the motor vehicle seat. Overload protection is provided for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat against forces which act in the event of a collision, using a simple device. This is achieved by the control pinion being rigidly connected to a torsion bar, and the control pinion is situated in an extension of the rotational axis of the control pinion, and free end of the torsion bar being integrated into a drive of the control pinion in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A door latch apparatus for a vehicle may include an open lever and a release lever rotatably coupled to a base plate, an interlocking lever rotatably coupled to the base plate and having a pushing protrusion, an operating lever provided on the base plate wherein the operating lever includes a second slot formed in a medial portion of the operating lever, and a locking protrusion formed on a lower end of the operating lever and being engaged in a first slot of the release lever, wherein when the release lever rotates, the locking protrusion pushes and rotates the open lever, thus releasing the door, and an inertia lever rotatably coupled to the base plate by a rotating shaft and including an insert protrusion formed on an end of the inertia lever and being engaged to the second slot.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle includes a seat back that is mountable in the vehicle such that the seat is pivotable between a use position and a folded position. Furthermore, the seat back includes an engaging member. The seat assembly also includes a hinge assembly associated with the seat back. The hinge assembly includes a bracket that is attachable to the vehicle, a pivot member pivotally attached to the bracket, and a blocking member pivotally attached to the bracket. When a sufficient forward force is applied to the seat back, the pivot member pivots in a first direction about a first axis, which causes the blocking member to pivot in a second direction different than the first direction about a second axis and engage the engaging member, thereby blocking pivotal movement of the seat back. In this embodiment, the second axis is located forward of the first axis.

Abstract: A locking device, in particular for a vehicle seat, includes a latch (24) and a counter element that interacts for locking. A bearing bush (30), a release element (32) that is rotationally mounted inside the bearing bush (30) and a catch element (34) for reinforcing the latch (24) in the event of a crash are provided with the catch element (34) being mounted in a rotationally secure manner on the release element (32) or being embodied as one piece with the release element. A tightening element (36), for securing the locked latch (24) during normal operation, is arranged in an axial manner adjacent to said catch element (34) and is mounted in a pivotable manner and is prestressed in such a manner that it is pivotably mounted on the outside on the bearing bush (30).

Abstract: A vehicle seat reclining device comprises a latch mechanism having latch holes defined in a rail along a central axial line, a slider hole penetrating through a slider so as to be alignable with the latch holes, a support portion slidably supported on the slider, and a lever coupled to the support portion so as to be pivotable about an axis that is substantially parallel to the central axial line. A latch claw is extends from the lever and is engageable with the respective latch holes via the slider hole. A first amount of play is provided between the support portion and the lever in a direction parallel to the central axial line. A second amount of play, which is less than the first amount play, is provided between the slider hole and the latch claw in the direction parallel to the central axial line.

Abstract: A lock for locking an object in a vehicle in place comprises a base comprising a side surface and a front surface. The side surface has at least one opening, and the front surface has a ballast retainer and a hub mounting portion. A hub is rotatably coupled to the hub mounting portion. A ballast, which is operatively coupled to the hub, is housed within the ballast retainer. At least one locking member is also operatively coupled to the hub. The ballast is configured to automatically reposition itself within the ballast retainer from an initial unlocked position to a final locked position in response to a change in velocity of the vehicle. This repositioning of the ballast actuates the hub, and causes the at least one locking member to extend past the at least one opening.

Abstract: A locking device (1), particularly for a vehicle seat, for the detachable locking of two components (5, 8) that can be displaced relative to each other, includes a first locking element (11) that is supported on the first component (5) in a displaceable, particularly a pivoting manner about a first bearing pin (13) and a second locking element (12) that is associated with the second component (8) and that interacts with the first locking element (11) in a locked state of the locking device (1). A first safety element (15), that can be displaced relative to the first locking element (11), secures the locked state of the locking device in the normal case by acting on the first locking element (11). A second safety element (17) is provided that can be displaced relative to the first locking element (11). The safety element supports the first locking element (11) at least in the case of a crash.

Abstract: A forward tiltable motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier, a seat back and a hinge mounting arranged therebetween. The hinge mounting has an upper hinge arm connected to the seat back and a lower hinge arm hinged to the seat carrier about a forward tilt axis. The hinge mounting comprises a locking device on one seat side and at least one detent bight that is arranged to move together with the upper hinge arm on the other seat side. A movable detent part is provided and comprises at least one detent projection that: cooperates with the detent bight, is normally not engaged with the detent bight, and when the seat back is tilted forward about the forward tilt axis, is at least ready for engagement with the detent bight or engaged therewith.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a floor striker engaging bottom and a pivotally associated seatback. A seatback is pivotally secured to a fixed support and includes an arcuate lower surface upon which are defined teeth. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support and includes an upper surface with additional inter-engaging teeth when the seatback is in an upright position. A release cam secures to the support proximate a recessed underside location of the pawl and maintains the pawl in locking engagement with the seatback sector in a first position. The release cam rotates to cause the pawl to pivot out of engagement with the seatback, allowing it to pivot to a dump position opposing the seat bottom and concurrent with the seat bottom releasing from the floor striker and tumbling to a forward rotated position.

Abstract: Operation force required for pivot operation of a movable body can be set almost constant independent of variation in the angular position of the pivoting. A pivot mechanism (tumble mechanism (10A)) has a floor-side member (B) fixed to a predetermined position; a seat-side member (12) connected to the floor side member (B) by hinge coupling so as to be pivotable in a predetermined angle range; and a torsion spring member (14)provided to urge the seat side member (12)in the opposite direction to gravity that acts on the seat side member (12). The pivot mechanism is constructed such that weight moments about a pivot center (13a) acting on the seat-side member (12) as the pivot mechanism move varies. The torsion spring member (14) has an urging the section (14b) for urging the seat seat member (12) and a support section (14a) that is supported by the floor side member (B).

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a floor striker engaging bottom and a pivotally associated seatback. A seatback is pivotally secured to a fixed support and includes an arcuate lower surface upon which are defined teeth. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support and includes an upper surface with additional inter-engaging teeth when the seatback is in an upright position. A release cam secures to the support proximate a recessed underside location of the pawl and maintains the pawl in locking engagement with the seatback sector in a first position. The release cam rotates to cause the pawl to pivot out of engagement with the seatback, allowing it to pivot to a dump position opposing the seat bottom and concurrent with the seat bottom releasing from the floor striker and tumbling to a forward rotated position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a moveable scat substructure of a vehicle seating system to a stationary base substructure of the vehicle seating system during a dynamic event such as, for example, rapid vehicle deceleration. In one embodiment, an inertia lock apparatus is provided for a vehicle seating system and includes: a striker bar; a pendulum latch pivotally moveable between a normal orientation and a latching orientation; and a lock mechanism configured to prevent the pendulum latch from moving from the latching orientation to the normal orientation. In another embodiment the inertia lock apparatus includes a release mechanism for moving the pendulum latch from the latching orientation to the normal orientation, thereby unlocking the lock mechanism and resetting the apparatus. In another aspect, a vehicle seating system including the inertia lock apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A forward tiltable motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier, a seat back and a hinge mounting arranged therebetween. The hinge mounting has an upper hinge arm connected to the seat back and a lower hinge arm hinged to the seat carrier about a forward tilt axis. The hinge mounting comprises a locking device on one seat side and at least one detent bight that is arranged to move together with the upper hinge arm on the other seat side. A movable detent part is provided and comprises at least one detent projection that: cooperates with the detent bight, is normally not engaged with the detent bight, and when the seat back is tilted forward about the forward tilt axis, is at least ready for engagement with the detent bight or engaged therewith.

Abstract: A cross member assembly for adjusting a reclinable vehicle seat includes a joint. The joint permits the cross member assembly to deflect during a vehicle impact if the reclinable vehicle seat is occupied.

Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement includes a rail and a seat body slidably mounted on the rail having a seat component and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat component. The backrest pivots between a generally upright position and a forward tilted entry position. The seat body moves between a sitting position and an entry position. A blocking member obstructs the seat body from moving rearward of the sitting position. A locking mechanism moves between a locked position that restrains the seat back in the forward tilted entry position and a release position that releases the seat back to return to the generally upright position. The backrest acts as a lever such that a force applied to the backrest in a direction toward the sitting position is transferred through the backrest to the locking mechanism moving the locking mechanism from the locked position to the released position.

Abstract: A linear actuator configured to move multiple mechanisms in different directions along a common axis. The actuator suitable for use in any number of applications and environments, including but not limited to vehicle seat applications where a latch handle or other features requires actuation in order to facilitate folding the seat from an upright position to a fold-flat position and onto a tumble position.

Abstract: A folding backrest in a vehicle, comprises a bearing arm which is assigned to the backrest and is connected to a positionally fixed bearing block in an articulated manner, the bearing arm being assigned a locking element which, when the bearing arm is rotated rapidly about the joint, is guided by the bearing arm along a slotted guide toward a stop or into an end region of the slotted guide, but, upon slow rotation, allows the bearing arm to rotate freely, and the slotted guide has a recess which, when the bearing arm is rotated slowly, allows the locking element to get out of the way of the pivoting region of bearing arm.

Abstract: A fitting includes a movable locking device connected to a lower fitting part for engaging an upper fitting part and thereby locking the fitting, a control cam for engaging with a control element of the upper fitting part and thereby controlling the engagement of the locking device and the upper fitting part, and a spring-loaded clamping eccentric that acts on the locking device for securing its engagement with the upper fitting part. For unlocking the fitting, the spring-loaded clamping eccentric is moved with an actuating force in a first unlocking step, so that the engagement of the locking device and the upper fitting part is removed. In the first unlocking stage, the control cam and the control element still engage. In a second unlocking stage, which is attainable with a higher actuating force, the engagement of control cam and control element is at least to a large extent is removed.

Abstract: In a locking device (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, the locking device includes: a pivotably supported detent pawl (13) which surrounds a first bearing pin (19), a counterpart (20) adapted for moving relative to the first bearing pin and with which the detent pawl (13) cooperates for engaging the locking device (11), and with a movably supported interception element (21) for supporting the detent pawl (13) in the event of a crash. The detent pawl (13) is adapted for pivoting about a pivot pin (15) which is provided on the edge or in the edge region of the detent pawl (13).

Abstract: An interlock system for stopping seat belt payout from a retractor when a seat is not secured is provided. The interlock system includes a connector between the seat latch and the retractor with the connector operating a retractor locking actuator which utilizes the vehicle inertia sensor to cause retractor locking. In one form, the actuator is shifted into engagement with the inertia member for retractor locking when the seat is released. In another form, the actuator is mounted to a module secured on one side of the one of the retractor frame plates to which the actuating mechanism for the vehicle sensor is secured on the other side thereof. The connector causes shifting of the actuator member from the one side to the other to operate the vehicle sensor actuating mechanism for retractor locking when the seat is released.

Abstract: In a locking device (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, the locking device includes: a pivotably supported detent pawl (13) which surrounds a first bearing pin (19), a counterpart (20) adapted for moving relative to the first bearing pin and with which the detent pawl (13) cooperates for engaging the locking device (11), and with a movably supported interception element (21) for supporting the detent pawl (13) in the event of a crash. The detent pawl (13) is adapted for pivoting about a pivot pin (15) which is provided on the edge or in the edge region of the detent pawl (13).

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle seat, in particular a locking device in an adjuster of a motor vehicle seat, has at least two locking elements (12, 15) which can be moved relative to each other and can be brought into engagement where they are secured by at least one securing element (23) which is mounted in a manner such that the securing device can pivot about a rotational axis (25). The securing element (23) is mounted in a balanced manner.

Abstract: A seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor includes a seat bottom and at least one panel movably attached to the seat bottom. The panel is movable between a storage position adjacent the seat bottom, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the seat bottom such that the panel is in a generally horizontal position to form a flat load floor above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A latch assembly for maintaining a seat back in upright position responsive to inertial loads. Support plates include hinged upwardly extending arms defining a seat back. A latch gear includes a first plurality of exteriorly arrayed teeth. A first cam operates a second pivotal cam so that, upon rotation, the second cam rotates in an opposite direction to move into and out of contact with a pawl. The pawl is pivotally and translatably secured to the support plates and includes additional teeth arrayed opposite to the latch gear teeth and an extending end with an upwardly/arcuate shape. A wedge block defines first and second shoulder supports. In operation, the pawl engages the first support surface of the block. In response to inertial loads, the pawl shifts radially to be engaged upon the second support surface, the pawl teeth being forcibly interengaged with the latch gear teeth.

Abstract: A frame has a pivot protruding therefrom. A first gear is rotatable relative to the frame. A cam is rotatable with the first gear. A second gear is between the pivot and the cam. The second gear is engaged with the cam for rotation. The second gear is to be rotated on the pivot, thus to be locked with the first gear. The pivot has smaller mechanical strength than the first gear and the second gear.

Abstract: In the case of a locking device for a vehicle seat, in particular for a vehicle seat adjuster, which locking device acts between at least two adjuster parts of the vehicle seat adjuster, which adjuster parts can be adjusted relative to each other, having a first toothed element (11) which is assigned to a first adjuster part, a second toothed element which is assigned to a second adjuster part, at least one clamping element (21) which, in a locked state of the locking device, keeps the two toothed elements (11) in engagement with each other, and at least one intercepting element (30) which, in the event of a crash, supports the first toothed element (11) by means of at least one intercepting surface (31, 32, 33, 34), the intercepting element (30) has at least two intercepting surfaces (31, 32, 33, 34).

Abstract: In an activation device for a vehicle seat adjuster, particularly a motor vehicle seat, possessing a pivotable hand lever (12) for manual activation, which is supported eccentrically and working in conjunction with the adjuster (7), an acceleration-sensitive feature (24) is provided to immobilize and/or lock the hand lever (12) in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A device for the blocking of a catch adjustment device for motor vehicle backrests, with adjustable inclination, that are articulated at a seat portion, the catch adjustment device having a catch gear toothing a catch element that may be brought into engagement therewith in various positions of inclination. When the inclination is being adjusted, the catch member lies out of engagement. The device comprises a control element that is sensitive to inertia, and which triggers blocking of the backrest when the catch lock is released. The control element, which is sensitive to inertia, affects a blocking device that can be activated pyrotechnically, and is provided between an area that is firmly attached to the seat and an area firmly attached to the backrest.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a seat back including a lower support bracket and an upwardly extending arm. A latch gear, mounted to the arm at the hinged connection, includes a first plurality of teeth. First and second cams pivotally secure to the support bracket and are operable to rotate in opposite directions. A pawl is engageable by one or both of the cams and includes additional teeth arrayed in opposing fashion to those of the latch gear. The pawl has an extending end configuration defined by an upwardly/arcuately extending surface. A wedge block includes shoulder support surfaces, the pawl engaging a first surface upon being rotated between latched and disengaged positions. In response to an inertial load, the pawl shifts in a lateral direction to engage upon a second shoulder support surface, the plurality of teeth being forcibly interengaged against those of the latch gear.

Abstract: An inertia-sensitive hinge mechanism for a seat assembly allows rotation of a first hinge member relative to a second hinge member about a pivot during normal use and prevents rotation about the pivot when a predetermined deceleration force is present. The inertia-sensitive lockout assembly includes a guide assembly coupled to the first and second hinge members and having a tab fixed for movement with one of the first and second hinge members. The guide assembly also includes a follower movable between a detent position and a cam position. The inertia-sensitive lockout assembly also includes an inertial actuator having a center of gravity spaced from its center of rotation wherein, when the first hinge member is in its first position and the predetermined deceleration force is present, the inertial actuator rotates to operatively engage the follower and prevent the follower from moving from its detent position to its cam position.

Abstract: A latch assembly incorporated into a vehicle seat for forcibly maintaining a seat back portion in an upright position responsive to a determined inertial or crash load. A frame of the seat includes a pair of support plates mounted and an upwardly extending arm hingedly connected to the support plates, the extending arm defining part of the seat back of the vehicle seat. A latch gear is mounted to the arm at the hinged connection and includes an exterior facing surface defined, in part, by a first plurality of teeth. A first cam is pivotally secured between the support plates at a first location and operably engages a second cam pivotally secured at a second location so that, upon rotation of the first cam in a given direction, the second cam rotates in an opposite direction. A pawl is pivotally and translatably secured at a third location and is engageable by the second cam in normal operation.

Abstract: A latch assembly incorporated into a vehicle seat for forcibly maintaining a seat back portion in an upright position responsive to a determined inertial or crash load. A frame of the seat includes a lower support bracket and an upwardly extending arm hingedly connected to the support bracket, the extending arm defining part of the seat back of the vehicle seat. A latch gear is mounted to the arm at the hinged connection and includes an exterior facing surface defined, in part, by a first plurality of teeth. A first cam is pivotally secured to the support bracket at a first location and operably engages a second cam pivotally secured to the support bracket at a second location so that, upon rotation of the first cam in a given direction, the second cam rotates in an opposite direction. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support bracket at a third location and is engageable by one of or both the first and second cams.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat back operable to be displaced between a seat forming position and a stowed position, and a latch mechanism providing support for the seat back, the latch mechanism including a support member having an engagement surface and a base plate having a stop and a buckle zone, the buckle zone able to deflect under a force such that the engagement surface contacts the stop.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has an adjustable backrest connected to a driving device that can be activated in the event of a rear end collision. The backrest is inclined forwardly during the rear end collision and then performs an opposing rearward movement decelerated by an energy absorber.

Abstract: This concerns a vehicle seat including a back pivoting mounted on a seat part by means of a locking mechanism able to be activated by a user to unlock the seat back, the seat comprising additionally an inertia safety device adapted to drive the locking mechanism into its locked position in the event of the vehicle being subjected to an impact. This safety device includes an input component which is driven by the pivoting of the seat back and which is connected to the locking mechanism by means of an inertia clutch.