Held Erect By A Releasable Latch Patents (Class 297/378.12)
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Publication number: 20130270884Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seatback is provided and may include a mounting bracket fixed for movement with the seat bottom. A recliner mechanism may be supported by the mounting bracket and may be movable between a locked state preventing movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom and an unlocked state permitting movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom. A dump mechanism may be supported by the mounting bracket and may be moved between an engaged state preventing rotation of the seatback relative to the seat bottom when the recliner mechanism is in the locked state and a disengaged state permitting rotation of the seatback relative to the seat bottom when the recliner mechanism is in the locked state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: FISHER & COMPANY, INCORPORATEDInventors: Joseph C. Espinosa, Andrew Joshua Simms, John J. Berndtson, David L. Robinson
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Patent number: 8556348Abstract: A seat assembly includes a track mount configured to shift along a track and a platform configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the track mount. The assembly also includes a seat-back and a seat-cushion, each connected to the platform and configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the platform. The assembly additionally includes a first mechanism configured to selectively operate the seat assembly in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-back and unlatching and pivoting the platform such that the seat assembly tumbles relative to the track. The second mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-cushion and unlatching and pivoting the seat-back such that the seat-back comes to rest substantially parallel to the track mount. A vehicle having the seat assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rainer A. Glaser, Krzysztof Wroblewski, Stanislaw A. Wieclawski
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Patent number: 8550560Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, includes the pair of lower arms each connected to the lower side frame, the upper arm positioned between the pair of lower arms and fixedly attached to the upper side frame, the pair of recliners joined to the upper arm and to the pair of lower arms, the electric motor, the lower side frame provided as a pair for sandwiching the pair of lower arms and connected to the pair of lower arms in a manner that the pair of lower arms is pivotable relative to the lower side frame, and a lock member for engaging with the pair of lower side frames and with the pair of lower arms for restricting a relative pivoting movement between the pair of lower side frames and the pair of lower arms in a state where a relative pivot angle therebetween is at a predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Genta Moriyama, Hideki Fujisawa, Masaharu Nakamura
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Patent number: 8544956Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat adjusting mechanism for vehicle comprising a seat cushion frame which has at a lower part thereof a latch assembly being locked or unlocked to a locking pin of a vehicle part, a connecting plate which is fixedly coupled to an end part of the seat cushion frame and a seatback frame which is rotatably coupled to an end part of the connecting plate through a recliner, further comprising a driving link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate and is rotated in connection with the seatback frame when the seatback frame is rotated; a pre-latch link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate apart from the driving link and which, when the driving link is rotated over a predetermined angle, is rotated together to a predetermined extent in contact with the driving link; and a latch link which is rotatably coupled to the connecting plate with the same rotating axis as the pre-latch link and has an end part coupled to a cable end part for an operation of unlockinType: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Austem Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gun Young Park, Heon Pil Lim
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Patent number: 8534750Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat includes a seat support portion that supports a seat cushion rotatably in the front-and-rear direction, a seat back provided with reclining elements that can be folded onto the seat cushion, a stowage recess portion disposed on the vehicle body floor side, a front-side leg portion disposed on the front side of the seat cushion, leg-portion locking elements that lock and unlock the front-side leg portion to and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining elements and the leg-portion locking elements, and a strap for operating the reclining mechanism and the leg-portion locking elements through the link mechanism, in which the seat back is locked in the folded state in a stowing operation by a pulling operation of the strap.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
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Patent number: 8511750Abstract: A vehicle seat device includes a first arm connected to a first frame forming a framework of a seat cushion, a second arm fixed to a second frame forming a framework of the seatback, a recliner sandwiched therebetween, a drive source providing a rotation in opposing directions therebetween, the first arm rotationally connected to the first frame, a locking mechanism equipped on the first arm and the first frame restricting rotation therebetween when the first arm is rotated to a first rotational end with respect to the first frame, and a control unit driving and controlling the drive source to adjust the inclination angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion to a predetermined angle range when the locking mechanism is disengaged and the first arm is rotated to a second rotational end with respect to the first frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Genta Moriyama, Tsutomu Oya, Hideki Fujisawa
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Publication number: 20130193735Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back moves about a seat-back pivot axis from an upright position to a fold-flat position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SEATING, INC.Inventors: Jeffery Bonk, Miroslav Tasevski
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Patent number: 8496294Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor includes a support mechanism operatively coupled between a seat back and a seat cushion. A rear end of the seat cushion is released from the support mechanism to pivot the seat cushion from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back from an upright seating position to a forwardly folded position. The support mechanism is released from the floor and a stand-up link pivotally coupled between the floor and the support mechanism moves the seat cushion from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position and simultaneously urges the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion, thereby maintaining the seat back in a generally vertical orientation defining a stand-up position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating IncInventors: Carl J. Holdampf, Ronald A. Zimmerman, II, Douglas A. Dingel, Brian Adwell
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Patent number: 8491054Abstract: A vehicle seat system including a seat-bottom (1.7) and a.seatback (15) wherein the seatback (15) is prevented from rotating by both a recliner mechanism (50) and a latch mechanism (60) connected to the seatback (15). The latch mechanism (60) is configured to be disengaged to permit rotation of the seatback (15), to a forward position to aid ingress into a rearward positioned seat, which in turn releases a pair of tracks to shuttle the seat forward, to provide for easier ingress into a rearward positioned seat. When the latch mechanism (60) is released or unlocked, the recliner mechanism (50) release handle is free to rotate, but the lockout mechanism is prevented from, releasing the recliner mechanism. The seat is configured so that the seatback (15) unfolds and returns to the specific comfort position prior to activation of the latch mechanism release handle (23).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Timothy S. Myers, Keith R. Ziegler, Michael J. Leighton
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Patent number: 8480175Abstract: The present invention provides for an automotive vehicle seat assembly allowing for fold flat functionality as well as sliding capabilities along a track located within the automotive vehicle. The seating assembly further including a plate. The seating assembly includes a handle bracket having an abutting edge, a biasing member connected to the handle bracket, and a planar bracket having a first end and a second end. The first end of the planar bracket having a stopper which abuts the abutting edge when in contact. The second end of the planar bracket operable to connect to a cable wherein the cable connects to a release mechanism allowing for movement of the seat assembly along the vehicle track.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Todd Rupert Muck
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Patent number: 8459731Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion. The seat back is pivotally movable between a first seating position and a second folded position. A head restraint is operatively coupled to the seat back for pivotal movement between a use position and a stowed position. A handle assembly includes a handling having a first slot operatively coupled to the head restraint and a second slot operatively coupled to the seat back. Operating the handle actuates the head restraint to move from the use position to the stowed position prior to actuating the seat back to move from the first seating position to the second folded position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: David M. Runde
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Patent number: 8454092Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Thiel
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Patent number: 8449034Abstract: A disc recliner for pivoting a seat back relative to a seat cushion includes a fixed plate mounted to the seat cushion and a movable plate mounted to the seat back. The disc recliner includes a locking mechanism operable between a locked condition coupling the fixed and movable plates and an unlocked condition uncoupling the fixed and movable plates to allow rotation of the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. The disc recliner includes a memory plate that is disengaged with the movable plate to allow pivotal adjustment of the seat back between a plurality of seating positions by actuating the locking mechanism to the unlocked condition. The memory plate engages the movable plate to identify a previously selected seating position and to maintain the locking mechanism in the unlocked condition thereby allowing pivotal movement of the seat back between the previously selected seating position and a folded position.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventors: Omar D. Tame, Randolph P. Villarroel
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Patent number: 8439443Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an operating member that is provided for a seat back. The operating member is operated to release locking of a seat cushion to a floor and to release rotation-sopped state of a reclining device. By operating the operating member, a first link rotatably provided for the seat back is operated in one rotation direction to thereby turn a second link rotatably provided for a base frame so that locking of the seat cushion to the floor is released. When the seat back is tilted forward, the first link is moved together with the seat back in a direction to be separated from the second link, that is, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first link turns the second link.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoshu Nakane, Toshinao Wada, Kazuya Iwasa
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Patent number: 8439446Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ansei CorporationInventors: Koji Ishii, Satoshi Umezu
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Patent number: 8439444Abstract: A seat assembly (10) includes a recliner assembly (30) operatively coupled between a seat back (12) and a seat cushion (14) for pivotal movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and fold-flat position. A track assembly (58) operable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition allowing forward and rearward movement of said seat assembly. A stop member (54) fixedly secured to the seat cushion engages the seat back to limit forward pivotal movement. A trigger mechanism (56) pivotally coupled to said seat cushion and operatively coupled to said track assembly for releasing said track from said locked condition to said unlocked condition in response to pivoting said seat back to the fold-flat position. A pin mechanism (80, 82) slidably coupled to the seat back moves between an extended position engageable with the trigger mechanism and the stop member, and a retracted position allowing the forward pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold-flat position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: Christopher Ngiau
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Patent number: 8439445Abstract: In the field of vehicle seats there is a need for an improved vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly that allows a user selectively to make small or large adjustments to the inclination of a vehicle seat back. A vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly comprises a guide member securable to a vehicle body; and an intermediate mechanism moveably coupled to the guide member. The intermediate mechanism includes first and second locking elements. The first locking element is moveable between a first configuration in which it is engagable with a vehicle seat back to secure the seat back to the intermediate mechanism and a second configuration in which the seat back is disengagable therefrom to allow the seat back to move independently of the intermediate mechanism. The second locking element selectively engages the guide member to secure the position of the intermediate mechanism relative to the guide member.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive (UK) LimitedInventors: Graham Perkins, Stuart Joseph Whitmore
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Patent number: 8430455Abstract: A device for maintaining a hinge of a seat in an unlocked position, that includes a locking mechanism that can be declutched by rotation of an axis of the hinge, and a cam connected to a back of the seat and having a profile adapted to act on a forced-rotation driving mechanism of the hinge axis from a first inclination angle of the back of the seat towards the front, and to stop acting on the driving mechanism from a second inclination angle towards the front.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Daniel Douceau, Vincent Hazera
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Patent number: 8424969Abstract: In a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, which may be transferred from at least one position of use suitable for conveying passengers into at least one pivoted-forward position of non-use, comprising a base (9), at least one rocker (13) which is linked at least indirectly to the base (9), in particular to a front foot (11) attached to the base (9), a seat cushion (3) which is linked to the rocker (13), at least one link (27, 29) which is linked at least indirectly to the base (9), in particular to the front foot (11) attached to the base (9), at least one rear foot (21) which is linked to the link (27, 29) and is releasably locked to the base (9), and a backrest (5) which is pivotably linked to the rear foot (21) about a backrest pivot axis (33), the seat cushion (3) is linked by means of an articulated joint (35) directly to the backrest (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Joachim Kämmerer
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Patent number: 8424971Abstract: A positioning system is provided for moving a seat back in a vehicle between a seating position and a cargo storage position. The positioning system includes a release mechanism actuatable between a first position to permit movement of the seat back and a second position to prevent movement of the seat back. A first actuator is provided on the seat back near an upper corner of the seat back and a second actuator is provided on the seat back near a lower corner of the seat back, so that the seat back can be moved from the cargo storage position to the seating position by a person actuating the first actuator from a location alongside the vehicle and by a person actuating the second actuator from a location behind the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: William T. Hentges, Vasile E. Bozintan, Tod A. Shivak, Srinivasa N. Sanku
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Patent number: 8424946Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a removable table and chair set is described. The set is constructed from a removable front passenger seat configured to releasably engage a seat mounting member secured to the vehicle and includes at least two legs configured to support the front passenger seat when positioned on a surface outside of the vehicle. A removable structural component of the vehicle is configured to releasably engage the vehicle and includes at least two extendable leg elements configured to support the structural component as a table when positioned on a surface outside of the vehicle. A removable rear passenger seat is configured to releasably engage a seat mounting member secured to the vehicle and includes at least two legs configured to support the rear passenger seat when positioned on a surface outside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Travis Newberg, Yousuf Riad, Christopher David Hall, Michael P. Hullihan, Joshua Kramer
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Publication number: 20130043708Abstract: A seat assembly includes a recliner mechanism operatively coupled between a seat back and seat cushion to allow pivotal movement of the seat back. An easy-entry mechanism includes an easy-entry release lever, a drive link and a sector. Actuating the easy-entry lever in a first direction causes the drive link to pivot into engagement with the sector and simultaneously pivots a recliner release lever to unlock the recliner mechanism. As the seat back pivots forwardly, the drive link moves with the seat back and causes the sector to pivot in a second direction until the sector is blocked and the seat back is in a forwardly dumped position. Alternatively, actuating the recliner release lever in the first direction unlocks the recliner mechanism and the drive link moves with the seat back and passes by the sector as the seat back pivots to a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Ameya Gupte, Jeffrey P. Carroll
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Patent number: 8376459Abstract: When a tilt-down function is performed, a rotationally-preventing condition of a reclining device connecting a base member and an intermediate member is released, so that a seat back is tiltably rotated forwardly integrally with the intermediate member and a seat cushion is pushed by a boomerang link capable of moving with the intermediate member so as to be sunk downwardly while tiltably rotating a front link. However, when a walk-in function is performed, a rotationally-preventing condition of a memory device connecting the seat back and the intermediate member is released, so that the seat back can be tiltably rotated to a forwardly inclined position independently of the intermediate member that is maintained in a condition in which the intermediate member is integrated with the base member.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Kumazaki, Keisuke Hoshino, Yasuo Suzuki
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Patent number: 8360528Abstract: In a vehicle seat, by turning-control a control lever, a locked state of a reclining device is cancelled, to thereby bring a seat back into a forward foldable state. When the seat back is switched into the forward folding state while maintaining the operating state of the control lever, the interlocked state between the vehicle seat and a floor is cancelled. However, when the operating state of the control lever is cancelled while the seat back is folded forward, the interlocked state between the vehicle seat and the floor is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Shinohara
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Patent number: 8360529Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a seat back mounted to pivot on a seat cushion by a recliner mechanism, and is urged forwardly by a torsion bar subassembly which has two ends fixed respectively to the seat back and to the seat cushion. The torsion bar subassembly urges the seat back to pivot forwardly for only a limited arcuate range of travel from a vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Chris Armbruster
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Patent number: 8360527Abstract: A fitting system (5) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), with a first fitting (10) which, for unlocking purposes, has a driver (18) which is rotatable about an axis (A), and with a second fitting (20). A transmission element (25) is provided between the two fittings (10, 20). A free-pivoting device (24) is assigned to the second fitting (20). A first operating element (31) is provided, upon the actuation of which the two fittings (10, 20), with the use of the transmission element (25), are unlocked. A second operating element (32) is provided, upon the actuation of which the first fitting (10) and the free-pivoting device (24) are unlocked, The driver (18) of the first fitting (10) receives the transmission element (25)—coupled thereto for carrying along, wherein free travel in one direction of rotation is provided between the driver (18) and the transmission element (25).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ulrich Lehmann
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Publication number: 20130009440Abstract: A conventional lock mechanism requires a lock-off operation in order to set a seat back of a seat at a design reference position, as a result of which, the seat can not be smoothly mounted to a vehicle body. In the present invention, a first surface 22a1 and a second surface 22a2 of a latch 22 are each adapted to serve as a permitting guide surface which permits sliding passage of the latch from a front leg 30F of a striker, upon either of the first and second surfaces 22a1, 22a2 being forcibly contacted with the front leg 30F.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Sanji Majima, Ken Kuroiwa, Akira Ogiso, Kiyohiko Kamata, Hiroyuki Nozaki
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Patent number: 8348346Abstract: A vehicle seat spring assembly having an engagement post connected to one of a seat and a seat back. A coil spring includes an internal end and an external end. The external end is operably connected with the engagement post. An arcuate engagement bracket is connected to the other of the seat and the seat back. The engagement bracket includes an elongate slot adapted to operably engage the internal end of the coil spring. The internal end moves between a compression position in contact with a first end of the elongate slot corresponding to a first predetermined position of the seat back relative to the seat. A tension position is in contact with a second end of the elongate slot corresponding to a second predetermined position of the seat back relative to the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Yuenian Richard Li
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Patent number: 8348345Abstract: A fitting system (9) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), especially motor vehicle seat, which defines a pivot axis (A) of backrest and has a fitting lower part (11) and an associated fitting upper part (12) on both sides of the vehicle seat. Each fitting upper part (12) is pivotable relative to the associated fitting lower part (11) about the pivot axis (A) of the backrest. The system has, on one side of the vehicle seat, a lock (15) and an opposing element (16), which lock the fitting system (9) in a use position by cooperating. A prestressed latch (17), which cooperates with another opposing element (16), especially receives it, in the use position, is provided on the side of the vehicle seat that is located opposite the lock (15).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Müller, Stefan Haber
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Patent number: 8328284Abstract: Lock release assemblies which are accessible at the rear of a rotatable fold-down back of a collapsible home or office chair. The lock release assemblies are adapted to be manually manipulated by the user to control the rotation of the fold-down back from a locked upright position standing vertically above the seat of the chair to an unlocked folded position lying horizontally over the seat in face-to-face alignment therewith. With the back rotated to its folded position, the chair will have a compact, space-efficient configuration which is suitable for storage and/or transport.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Mark Loomis
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Patent number: 8313147Abstract: A vehicle seat has a base and a seatback pivotably connected to the base. A latch mechanism holds the seatback in an upright position. A seat latch assembly includes a release mechanism operatively connected to the latch mechanism and including a latch handle. The latch handle is rotatable between a first extended position where the latch handle extends outwardly from an outboard lateral side of the seatback, and a second retracted position where the handle is generally flush with the outboard lateral side of the seatback. Movement of the latch handle from one of the first position and the second position to the other one of the first position and second position occurs upon movement of the seatback to one of the upright position and a stowed position to provide more clearance for interior trim of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Scheurer
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Patent number: 8313145Abstract: A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat is provided having a seat part and a backrest. The fitting includes a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) in geared connection with the first fitting part (11) for a relative rolling for adjusting the inclination of the backrest between several use positions, a drive motor for driving the relative rolling, a third fitting part (74) for manually free-pivoting of the backrest into a non-use position, the third fitting part (74) being releasable locked with a detent element (75), and a first coupling element (104) and a second coupling element (105) between the third fitting part (74) and the detent element (75). The first coupling element (104) and the second coupling element (105) are inactive in the normal case and become active in the misuse case, when the third fitting part (74) is unlocked and the backrest is in the non-use position and the drive motor is moving the detent element (75) backwards.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Keiper GmbH Co. KGInventors: Ralf Flesch, Christopher Ryan
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Patent number: 8313144Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back and seat cushion. A forward link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and base. A control bracket has a pair of pivotal links forming a four bar connection with the base. A control link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and control bracket. A seat back operatively coupled to the control bracket has a recliner mechanism for selectively pivoting the seat back between a forwardly folded position and a plurality of reclined seating positions. A guide link pivotally extends between the seat back and control link. Forward rotational movement of the seat cushion urges the seat back to rotate relative to the seat cushion moving the seat assembly to a stand-up position. Pivoting the seat back to the forwardly folded position urges the seat cushion to move forwardly and lower relative to the base moving the seat assembly to a kneeling position.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive IncInventor: Carl J. Holdampf
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Patent number: 8308242Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downwards and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Nelson E. Hurst, III, Robert J. Szybisty, Jeffrey P. Carroll, Matthew J. McLaughlin, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
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Patent number: 8282160Abstract: A combination pivoting armrest and seatback assembly incorporated into a vehicle including a base secured to the vehicle and exhibiting an extending edge profile. A sector is pivotally secured to the base, with a first cam pivotally secured to the sector and contacting a first edge location of the base when the sector is in an upright position. A second cam is also pivotally secured to the sector in inter-engaging fashion with the first cam such that, upon the first cam being rotated out of contact with the base and the sector rotating to a forward dump position, the second cam subsequently contacts a second edge location of the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen Bruck
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Patent number: 8267478Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest connected to a sitting part by a backrest adjustment element. The adjustment element has a part that is connected to the backrest or to the sitting part. At least one means is formed, incorporated, shaped and/or arranged in the backrest, in the part and/or the seat part for securing the position of the part relative to the backrest and/or to the sitting part in at least one direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Cornel Labuwy, Michael Moog, Ludger Muhlenbrock, Martin Zynda, Ernst-Jurgen Hake, Erik Sprenger
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Patent number: 8256844Abstract: A vehicular seat including a reclining apparatus capable of adjusting an angle of a seat back relative to a seat cushion, a tilt down mechanism, a walk in mechanism, a base member provided on a side of the vehicular floor, and a middle member provided between the base member and the seat back is provided. A lower portion of the middle member and the base member are connected to adjust an angle therebetween by the reclining apparatus, an upper portion of the middle member and the seat back are connected by a connecting apparatus of the walk in mechanism, the walk in mechanism includes a stopper apparatus for positioning the seat back at a normal angle and a forward tilting angle, and the tilt down mechanism moves the seat cushion in the lower direction toward the vehicular floor relative to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Yamazaki, Takafumi Sekino, Yasuyuki Okumura
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Publication number: 20120217370Abstract: A device for locking a vehicle seat comprises a locking pawl which may be pivoted about a first pivot between a closed position in which it engages a fitting part and an open position free of the fitting part. A locking element pivots about a second pivot axis to lock the pawl in its closed position by engagement of a first bearing surface of the locking element with a second bearing surface of the locking pawl. The locking element may further be pivoted about a third pivot axis to move it into a clamping position in which the locking element comes to bear with a first bearing point against the second bearing surface and comes to bear with a second bearing point spaced apart from the first bearing point against a third bearing surface of the locking pawl.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: PROGRESS-WERK OBERKIRCH AGInventor: Juergen Seigel
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Patent number: 8231176Abstract: An internal gear member and an external gear member of a reclining device are axially inserted into a cylindrical interior of a retainer member in order, so that the internal gear member that is inserted first faces a first bottom surface that is formed in an insertion direction side end periphery of the retainer member, and that the external gear member that is inserted later contacts a second bottom surface that is positioned closer to a reception side relative to the first bottom surface. A reception side end periphery of the retainer member is bent radially inwardly, so that the external gear member is integrated with the retainer member. A rear outer surface corresponding to a rear side surface of the first bottom surface of the retainer member has a radial width that corresponds to at least the sum of a radial width of the first bottom surface and a radial width of the second bottom surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsutaka Mitsuhashi
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Patent number: 8210614Abstract: A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Yi Shao
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Patent number: 8205946Abstract: The present application relates to an actuating device (1) having a drive part (2) moving an output part (5) from an initial position into a final position, wherein the output part (5), or the drive part (2), has a first region (9) and a second region (10), and the drive part (2), or the output part (5), interacts with the two regions (9, 10) such that the position of the output part (5) is changed during an interaction with the first region (9), and an interaction with the second region (10) prevents a return movement of the output part (5) into the initial position. The present invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising the actuating device (1) according to the application.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Ludger Mühlenbrock, Jörg Seibt
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Publication number: 20120139320Abstract: A seat assembly having a soft latch mechanism. The soft latch mechanism includes a spring arm disposed on a bracket and a housing disposed on a seat back frame. The housing engages an end portion of the spring arm when the seat back frame is in a folded position to inhibit movement of the seat back frame away from the seat bottom frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Joerg-Holger Schneider, Florian Diefenthaler
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Patent number: 8191968Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a release mechanism and a release strap for actuating the release mechanism is provided. The release mechanism is capable of moving a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position. The release strap includes an attachment portion having an attachment end which is fixedly secured to the release mechanism. A gripping portion allows an occupant to quickly and easily grasp and actuate the release strap. The release strap also includes an overlapping portion formed by overlapping a portion of the attachment portion and a portion of the gripping portion so as to present the gripping portion in an upward direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Robert Joseph Hazlewood
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Patent number: 8182037Abstract: A fold-and-dive seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The fold-and-dive seat assembly includes a seat cushion dived downward toward a floor panel by means of a dive link, a seat back connected to the seat cushion by a connection link, and rotatably connected to the floor panel to be folded toward the seat cushion, a head rest provided on an upper end of the seat back, a sliding unit, connected to the head rest and the seat back, for moving the head rest in a back and forth direction in a sliding manner, and a slid driving member for operating the sliding unit in link with the dive link, upon folding and diving, to slide the head rest in a rearward direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Lear Korea Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Gil Ju Kim, Mi Sun Kwon, Seon Chae Na, Cheol-Ho Jung, Soon-Man Jang
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Patent number: 8182041Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a rear actuated release mechanism is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat frame, and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat frame about a pivot axis for movement between a seated position and a stowed position. The seat assembly further includes a release mechanism capable of locking, releasing, and moving the seat back from a seated position to a stowed position. The release mechanism is actuated by a release handle having an elongated slot formed therein. An egress mechanism operable to actuate the release mechanism from the rear of the seat assembly, includes a bracket pivotally attached to the seat frame and having a pin engaged within the slot of the release handle. The rotation of the bracket from a first position to a second position rotates the release handle to actuate the release mechanism to pivot the seat back from the seated position to the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Peter James Moegling, Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Todd Rupert Muck
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Patent number: 8172322Abstract: A child seat comprises a seat part, a backrest operable to rotate relative to the seat part, a backrest adjusting mechanism and a safety lock movably mounted on the backrest. The backrest adjusting mechanism comprises a positioning element mounted stationary relative to the seat part, and a latch element mounted on the backrest and movable to engage with the positioning element. The positioning element comprises a channel that delimits a range of adjustable angular positions of the backrest relative to the seat part. In addition, the safety lock has a lock position adapted to restrict displacement of the latch element relative to the channel, and an unlock position enabling the latch element to move out of the channel when the backrest is moved out of the range of adjustable angular positions toward a position lying substantially parallel with the seat part.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co., LimitedInventor: Ying-Zhong Chen
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Patent number: 8172327Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat fold down lever and a vehicle seat fold down lever housing. The housing can connect with the lever such that the lever is movable with respect to the housing. The housing can include an elongate slot through which an associated seat belt exits the housing. A vehicle seat is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Derek Shane Lindsay
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Patent number: 8152236Abstract: A restraining apparatus for a child consists of a frame with a back; the back of the frame has parallel back rods which can be adjusted lengthwise and a bottom foldably attached to the back by lockable hinges. The back and the bottom each have a foundation rod further comprising a stop. The apparatus also has a cover for the frame. The cover has an upper portion containing a plurality of slots, and a plurality of straps which fit removably through the slots to adjust to the height of the child to be restrained.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Amanda Romero
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Patent number: 8152240Abstract: A vehicular seat device has a first linking member (21) that is linked to a front portion of a seat cushion frame (16) and to a base member (24) so as to be respectively pivotable, and a second linking member (22) that is pivotably linked to a rear portion of the seat cushion frame (16) and is also pivotably linked to a position on a seatback frame (18) which is upward of a reclining mechanism (26) when the seatback is in a standing state. The seat arrangements thereof include a retracted state in which the seatback (14) is superimposed on the upper side of the seat cushion (12), and an entry/exit state in which the seat cushion (12) is placed in the standing state producing a space for an occupant's entry or exit behind the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Yamada, Takeshi Tokai, Keisuke Onoda
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Patent number: 8141930Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat having an increased number of kinds of seat arrangements. A vehicle seat includes a seat support part for rotatably supporting the rear side of a seat cushion, a seat back that is foldable over the seat cushion via a reclining mechanism, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided in the front part of the seat cushion, a leg locking mechanism that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to both the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism via the link mechanism, and further includes a seat arrangement selective mechanism for enabling or disabling the operation of the reclining mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama