Including Means To Hold Back In Forwardly Folded Position Patents (Class 297/378.14)
  • Patent number: 11192470
    Abstract: A vehicle device system for a motor vehicle, having at least one vehicle device, in particular a vehicle seat or vehicle table, and comprising a mount fastened or fastenable to a vehicle body for detachably locking the vehicle device to the vehicle body, and comprising a key-operated switch, which establishes or interrupts at least one electrical contact between the vehicle device and the vehicle depending on its switching position. It is provided that the key-operated switch is fastened on the vehicle device, which is longitudinally displaceably mounted/mountable on the mount, and interacts with a contact carriage, which is longitudinally displaceably mounted on the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Simon Bork, Sebastian Alisch
  • Patent number: 10596939
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat frame and a seating support cushion. An adjustable cushion pan is rotatably coupled with the seat frame. A plurality of downwardly-extending connection members are integral with and extend from a bottom surface of the cushion pan. An electronic seating module is operably coupled directly to select ones of the plurality of downwardly-extending connection members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Jay Osterhoff, David Andree, Kimberly Ann Broski, Diane Carol Favors, Lori Ann Donze
  • Patent number: 10214119
    Abstract: A track adjuster may include a cross member, an end stop bracket, an adjustable end stop lever, and/or a connection member that may be configured to actuate the adjustable end stop lever. The adjustable end stop lever may be configured to rotate between a first position in which the adjustable end stop lever engages the end stop bracket and prevents movement of a seat from a comfort range into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the adjustable end stop does not prevent movement of the seat from the comfort range into the easy entry range. The cross member may be configured for rotating independently of the adjustable end stop lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Stutika, Martin Kravcik, Peter Jenco
  • Patent number: 10166894
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A back panel includes a front closeout panel. A carrier supports the seatback and includes an upper thoracic region having a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the upper thoracic region. A bottom portion of the upper thoracic region includes a lower wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A lower lumbar region includes a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front closeout panel and the lower lumbar region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region includes an upper wall having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors couple the lower wall of the upper thoracic region with the upper wall of the lower lumbar region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Richard Joseph Soyka, Jr., Daniel Ferretti, S. M. Akbar Berry, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello
  • Patent number: 9340127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat part 1 and a backrest 2, wherein the angle formed between the seat part 1 and the backrest 2 can be set, wherein the backrest 2 consists of a backrest base 3 facing the seat part 1 and of a backrest upper part 4 adjoining the backrest base 3, wherein the backrest upper part 4 can be pivoted with respect to the backrest base 3 about a substantially horizontally aligned pivot axis 5, wherein the angular position of the backrest upper part 4 with respect to the backrest base 3 can be set with respect to the seat part 1 independently of the angular position of the backrest base 3, with a first locking device, by means of which the tilt of the backrest base 3 with respect to the seat part 1 can be fixed in at least two positions, wherein there is an operating lever 6 which operates the first locking device mechanically, with a second locking device 7, by means of which the tilt of the backrest upper part 4 with respect to the backrest base 3 can be fixed in at le
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ISRINGHAUSEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Kroencke, Winfried Titz, Reiner Lieker
  • Patent number: 9033419
    Abstract: In a fitting for a vehicle seat, a catch assembly has a pivot axis, and the catch assembly has a catch and a lever which can be pivoted relative to one another about an axis spaced from the pivot axis. The catch has a hook-like contour and in the pivoted-out position of the backrest engages with a catch locking element for locking in a punctiform or linear contact region. The catch cooperates with a spring. The lever is mounted pivotably about the pivot axis and the lever rotatably mounts the catch. In the unloaded pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on one side of the pivot axis or through the pivot axis. When a return pivoting force is imposed on the backrest in the pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on the opposing side of or outside of the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Peter Thiel
  • Patent number: 9022480
    Abstract: A no-tools chair and chair arm assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an armrest support configured and arranged to connect to a seat of a chair. The armrest support has mating formations thereon. A backrest support is configured and arranged to connect to a backrest of a chair. The backrest support is pivotally connected to the armrest support. A chair arm has an armrest portion and support member depends from the armrest portion. A connector extends from the support member and has reciprocal mating formations thereon configured and arranged to interlock with the mating formations on the armrest support. The chair arm locks the backrest support in position when coupled to the armrest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: LF Centennial Limited
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hazzard, Tracy Leigh Hazzard
  • Patent number: 9010862
    Abstract: A seat frame structure includes a first mechanism element; a second mechanism element; a bolt shaft; and a seat frame that has a fitting portion that fits together with the first mechanism element, and a hole through which the bolt shaft passes, the seat frame being sandwiched between the first mechanism element and the second mechanism element, and integrated with the first mechanism element and the second mechanism element by fastening of the bolt shaft in the hole in a state extending between the first mechanism element and the second mechanism element. The first mechanism element has a fitting portion that fits together with the seat frame, and the second mechanism element is integrally assembled, by the fastening of the bolt shaft, to the first mechanism element in a state positioned on the seat frame by the fitting of the each fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Yamaguchi, Yoshiyuki Kumazaki, Shinya Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 8985691
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an operating link rotatably mounted to a base, a bracket that is provided on a seat back, and is arranged to be pressed against the operating link due to rotation of the seat back, so as to push and rotate the operating link, and an operating mechanism arranged to be operated by the operating link when the operating link is pushed and rotated. The bracket and the operating link are engaged with each other such that one of the bracket and the operating link sandwiches the other of the bracket and the operating link in rotational directions thereof, so that the above-indicated one of the bracket and the operating link abuts on the other thereof in both of the rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mari Tsuruta, Yoshiyuki Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 8882200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Joerg-Holger Schneider, Florian Diefenthaler
  • Patent number: 8851562
    Abstract: A vehicle head restraint on a seat back is adjustable in height from a non-usage position to a usage position. The head restraint is disposed on a retaining element formed from a U-shaped tubular section and of which a horizontally disposed section forms the axis of rotation of the head restraint. The head restraint and retaining element are coupled by means of a spring element such that a biasing force of the spring element is applied to the head rest, wherein sections of the spring element engage in respective cutouts disposed on both sides in the region of rounded portions of the retaining element, and the biasing force generated rotates a lower end of the head rest automatically in the direction of the retaining element as the head rest is moved from the non-usage position to the usage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Rezbarik, Michal Martinka, Ivan Jakubec
  • Patent number: 8833847
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat back in which a seat body is supported by a seat frame; a backboard provided on a rear surface of the seat back; and a cloth member covering a surface of the backboard, wherein the backboard is attached to the seat frame to have a convex shape in which a center part of a surface thereof protrudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20140252834
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Adam Sachs, Carl L. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 8807652
    Abstract: A back reclining apparatus interlocking with a seat cushion for a vehicle may include a back frame including a main frame fixed to a vehicle body and a reclining frame that may be selectively reclined around a reclining hinge on an inner surface of the main frame, a reclining locking unit connected to the main frame and the reclining frame to selectively release locking of the main frame and the reclining frame, a cushion locking unit selectively releasing locking of a cushion frame and the reclining frame, and a cushion sliding unit connected between the cushion frame and a floor panel to interlock with the reclining frame and to make the cushion frame move to slide forward when the locking of the reclining locking unit may be released and the reclining frame may be reclined around the reclining hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Byung Jae Lee, Sang Wook Yu, Mi Sun Kwon, Seon Chae Na
  • Patent number: 8801073
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carl L. Gray, Jr., Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 8789868
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Sachs, Carl L. Gray, Jr., Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 8777316
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is movable between a first position and a second position and includes a scat back and seat cushion for coupling to a track adjuster for use in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a recliner mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a stow mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and an easy entry mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and stow mechanism, wherein, when the stow mechanism is actuated, the easy entry mechanism is not actuated and when the easy entry mechanism is actuated, the stow mechanism is not actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Tamizharasan Shanmugam, Kurt Siebold, Paul Arthur Gilmore, David D. Sheill, Bruce A. Hiemstra
  • Patent number: 8727442
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position, a folded position disposed forwardly of the upright seating position, and a spring engagement/disengagement position between the upright seating position and the folded position. A recliner return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the upright seating position and the spring engagement/disengagement position such that the recliner return mechanism biases the seat back forwardly toward the spring engagement/disengagement position. The recliner return mechanism is operatively decoupled from the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position such that the seat back pivots freely between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Runde
  • Patent number: 8714649
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, in particular motor vehicle seat, including a seat part (3) and a backrest (4) which is connected by at least one fitting (10) to the seat part (3) and may be pivoted relative thereto about an axis (A). The fitting includes at least one stop (51, 52, 53) on the seat part (3) and on the backrest (4), which are provided in each case on a structural part (4a) or an adapter (3a) fixed to the structure, and which by cooperation limit the pivoting angle of the backrest (4). At least one first stop (51), of the stops (51, 52, 53) provided, is integrally formed with the structural part (4a) or adapter (3a), as this least one first stop (51) is produced from the material of the structural part (4a) or adapter (3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Uwe Assmann
  • Patent number: 8702172
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, such as a rear bench seat, includes a seat part, a backrest part and a fitting part. The backrest part and the fitting part are pivotable relative to the vehicle body about a first rotational axis. The first rotational axis is disposed below the seat part or behind the backrest part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Hans Schmodde, Stefan Josten, Stuart Woolston, Peter Lekat
  • Patent number: 8690251
    Abstract: A seatback-motion controller in accordance with the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle seat in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back mounted for pivotable movement relative to the seat base between an upright use position and a forward-leaning easy-entry position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Miller, Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 8684463
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively moving a seat back of a motor vehicle seat relative to a seat bottom includes an armrest movably mounted to the vehicle seat, a seat back actuator and mechanical linkage engaged with and between the armrest and the seat back actuator. The armrest has a first position that supports an arm of an occupant of the motor vehicle seat, and is movable from the first position to a second position. The seat back actuator is responsive to actuation to allow the seat back of the vehicle seat to be moved relative to the seat bottom, and is responsive to release thereof to block movement of the seat back relative to the seat bottom. The mechanical linkage is responsive to movement of the armrest from the first position to the second position to actuate the seat back actuator and to otherwise release the seat back actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Rumler
  • Patent number: 8662578
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion and a head restraint operatively coupled to the seat back. A bell-crank is pivotally coupled to the seat back and operatively coupled to the seat cushion and a head restraint latch mechanism. Initial pivotal movement of the seat back from a seating position toward a folded position pivots the bell-crank from a first position actuating the latch mechanism to disengage with the head restraint. Continued pivotal movement of the seat back to the folded position pivots the bell-crank to a second position operably disconnecting the bell-crank and seat cushion. Pivotal movement of the seat back from the folded position to the seating position pivots the bell-crank from the second position to the first position actuating the latch mechanism to a position for engagement with the head restraint upon return of the head restraint to a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Szybisty, David M Runde
  • Patent number: 8602495
    Abstract: A fold-and-dive structure for a vehicle seat is provided, which includes a connection member connecting a cushion frame built in a seat cushion and a back frame built in a seat back to each other, a rotating link connecting a front end portion of the cushion frame and a support frame to each other, and a recliner provided on the support frame to which a lower end portion of the back frame is rotatably connected, wherein a guide frame is provided on a front side portion of the connection member, and the cushion frame is slidably coupled to the guide frame to make the seat cushion slide forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daewon Sanup Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Sang Do Park, Tae Hoon Lee, Jong Kweon Pyun, Seon Chae Na, Kwang Bin Im, Do Kyun Kim, Jae Myung Hur
  • Patent number: 8585147
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a linkage that may be used to raise and lower a front portion of the seat base. A track assembly is provided in combination with the linkage that moves the seat in a fore-and-aft direction with the seat back in either an upright or fold flat position. The linkage for adjusting the position of the front of the seat base may be actuated by pivoting the seat back between the upright and fold flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle Calvert
  • Patent number: 8585145
    Abstract: A vehicle seat easy entry system includes a vehicle seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. A seat track assembly receives the vehicle seat and selectively allows forward and rearward travel of the seat bottom. A seat track locking mechanism is engageable to lock the seat bottom with respect to the seat track assembly. A recliner mechanism controls an orientation of the seat back. The recliner mechanism is engageable to lock the seat back with respect to the seat bottom. An easy entry handle is arranged such that assertion of the easy entry handle releases the seat track locking mechanism. The seat track assembly and the recliner mechanism are configured such that movement of the seat bottom to a forward position releases the recliner mechanism, thereby allowing the seat back to rotate to an easy entry position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eckhard Nock, Johannes Barzen, Christoph Warnken
  • Patent number: 8534750
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Patent number: 8480051
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) is provided with a base (3), which is connected to a vehicle structure (7). The vehicle seat (1) is adjustable at least between a use position and an easy-entry position. The vehicle seat (1) is guided displaceably in at least one track (5) with at least one first, straight area (15a) and at least one additional, curved area (15c). At least three rollers (17, 23, 23?) or link blocks are provided each per track (5). The three rollers (17, 23, 23?) support the vehicle seat (1) in the use position in the same at the track (5) and only two of the rollers (17, 23) or link blocks are arranged within the same track (5) in the easy-entry position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Mühlberger, Birger Hahn
  • Patent number: 8465096
    Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat includes a seat supporting portion that supports one end portion side of a seat cushion movably in a front-and-rear direction, a seat back that can be folded to a seat cushion through a reclining mechanism, a link mechanism that is connected to the reclining mechanism and is movable, and a strap connected to the reclining mechanism through the link mechanism. The link mechanism has a fourth link member that prohibits return from a moved position to an initial position after movement by the strap, and since an unlocked state of the reclining mechanism is maintained even if a pulling operation of the strap is stopped, the seat back can be reliably folded and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Patent number: 8459731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Runde
  • Patent number: 8430455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Daniel Douceau, Vincent Hazera
  • Publication number: 20120261964
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is configured such that a seat back is able to be tilted forward from a normal mode in which a person is able to be seated to a walk-in mode in which a person is able to get into and out of a rear seat. In the walk-in mode, the seat back is in a folded-down position in which the seat back substantially lies on top of a seat cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao YAMAGUCHI, Yoshiyuki KUMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8210614
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Yi Shao
  • Patent number: 8205946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Mühlenbrock, Jörg Seibt
  • Patent number: 8182037
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 8167372
    Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a dual actuated lever mechanism operable by movement of a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position or the actuation of a handle. The lever mechanism engages with a locking mechanism such that when the lever mechanism is in a first position a first lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the seated position. When the lever mechanism is in a second position a second lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the cargo position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Hazlewood
  • Patent number: 8152236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Amanda Romero
  • Patent number: 8118367
    Abstract: A seat support system for supporting a seat in a manner that ameliorates or eliminates load applied to a driving mechanism. The system may be configured to support a seat back when the seat back in pivoted upwardly and downwardly relative to a seat bottom. The support system may create a load-bearing link between a non-driven component on the seat back and an anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, H. Winston Maue, Mark Keyser
  • Patent number: 8109574
    Abstract: An adjustable hinge mountings has a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm, a toothed quadrant centered on a hinge axis and connected to the first hinge arm, a detent part which has a toothed surface feature cooperating with the toothed quadrant and a control part associated with the detent part. The hinge arms can be pivoted between an active angular range in which the detent part is allowed to engage the toothed quadrant and a passive angular range in which the detent part is not located opposite the toothed quadrant so that the detent part is not allowed to engage the toothed quadrant. In the passive angular range, the detent part is retained by the control part in a passive position in which it is not in the range of movement of the toothed quadrant. In the active angular range, the detent part adopts an active position in which the detent part can be brought into engagement with the toothed quadrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Stefan Pietas, Robert Houston, Jozef Potecin
  • Patent number: 8016358
    Abstract: A forward tiltable motor vehicle seat has a seat carrier and a seat back, a hinge mounting is associated with the seat back and comprises an upper hinge arm connected to the seat back and a lower hinge arm hinged about a forward tilt axis to the seat carrier. The seat carrier forms a clamping flank. A cam is provided and is movable between a stop position and a release position. The cam is disposed on the lower hinge arm and rests against the clamping flank in the stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burckhard Becker
  • Patent number: 8002355
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a vehicular seat including a seat cushion, a seat back inclinably attached to the seat cushion, and a restricting falling down mechanism. The restricting falling down mechanism restricts the seat back from falling down forward when the seat back falls down from a substantially erected state so that the seat back is maintained in a forward inclining attitude. The restricting falling down mechanism comprises an interference lever pivotably attached to the seat cushion. When the seat back falls down forward from the substantially erected state, the interference lever is squeezed between a member on a side of the seat back and a member on a side of the seat cushion. And the seat back is restricted from falling down forward by the member on the side of the seat cushion via the interference lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kumazaki, Masumi Konaka
  • Patent number: 7963604
    Abstract: The forwardly movable motor vehicle seat has a seat back (20) and a seat frame with a seat pan. The motor vehicle seat may be moved between a normal position of utilization and a forwardly moved position. An immobilizing device is associated with the seat frame. In particular, the seat back (20) has a seat back hinge (32) and a stopper device (40). The stopper device (40) retains the seat back (20) in the forward tilted position as long as the seat frame is located in a front portion of the travel path. The stopper device (40) enables said seat back to tilt upward into the normal position of utilization when the seat frame is located in a rear portion (74) of the travel path. The stopper device (40) has a first limit stop and a second limit stop, one limit stop being disposed on the seat frame and the other one on the seat back (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Kornel Zalavari, Michael Leng
  • Patent number: 7930852
    Abstract: A portable gun rest that will provide a sturdy, and fully adjustable gun rest support for hunters or target shooters. This includes a fully adjustable and padded gun rest cradle, adjustable gun rest arm, and padded seat in which all can rotate three hundred sixty degrees as a single unit, and which has a backrest for comfort and support. The portable gun rest can be folded into a compact unit, and be transported to any location by being attached and worn around a hunter or target shooter's waist. This invention is also well suited for scopes, and cameras and other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Billy Joe Hubbard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7922251
    Abstract: According to this invention, there are provided a stopper stopping forward pivoting of a seat back at the position of a forwardly tilted state, a stopper operation mechanism, a reclining mechanism switching the seat back between a free state in which it can be pivoted with respect to a seat cushion and a lock state in which it cannot be pivoted with respect thereto, a reclining lever, and a connection lever. Through operation of operation levers the seat back is placed in the free state via the stopper operation mechanism, the connection lever, and the reclining lever, and the stopper is moved via the stopper operation mechanism. And, between the stopper operation mechanism and the reclining lever is provided a retention mechanism that retains the stopper at a position to which the stopper is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromasa Hayakawa, Shingo Suzushika, Masaharu Nakamura, Ko Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110062761
    Abstract: A reconfigurable seat assembly (4) that provides a vehicle seat with greater flexibility and adjustability. The seat assembly (4) includes a latch mechanism (10) that enables the seat assembly (4) to be positioned into design, fold, stow or tumble configurations or a combination thereof. The latch mechanism (10) includes a first link member (12), a second link member (20), and a base member (34). The first link member (12) is pivotally coupled to both the seat base (8) and to the second link member (20). The second link member is pivotally coupled to both the first link member (12) and to the base member (34). The base member (34) is fixed to a portion of a vehicle (2) structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Kurt A. Seibold, Yogesh A. Pawar, Ioan N. Ghergheli
  • Patent number: 7887134
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Yi Shao
  • Publication number: 20110018326
    Abstract: Rattling of a stowable vehicle seat in a stowed state during driving is prevented, and a seat locking device and a stowable vehicle seat that reduces a returning operation load and improves returning operability is provided. The seat locking device includes a stowage locking member disposed on the rear face side of a seat back and lockable to and unlockable from the vehicle body floor side in stowage of a seat, a pulling-up grip disposed on the rear face side of a seat cushion and operated in a returning operation of the seat, a movable member moved in conjunction with the pulling-up grip in the returning operation, and a stowage unlocking wire that connects the stowage locking member and the movable member, and lock of the stowage locking member is unlocked through a stowage unlocking wire by movement of the movable member in the returning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Patent number: 7874622
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat reclining device, all projections are surely engaged in corresponding cam grooves and strength of every projection is assured. The seat reclining device includes a first cam groove formed at a first opposing surface of a pawl, a pawl control member provided in an inner space and rotatably disposed between the first arm and the first opposing surface, the pawl control member including at least a first projection to be inserted into the first cam groove and controlling movement of the pawl in response to the rotation thereof by engagement between the first cam groove and the first projection, a second projection formed at a second opposing surface of the pawl and a second cam groove formed at the second arm side, into which the second projection is inserted and including a restricting portion restricting the movement of the pawl towards the engagement state with an internal toothed portion by engagement with the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okazaki, Yukifumi Yamada, Kazuhide Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7871128
    Abstract: A seat-back motion controller is used in a foldable vehicle seat to control motion of a seat back relative to a seat base. The motion controller includes a seat recliner configured to be locked to retain the seat back in a selected reclined position and unlocked to free the seat back to be pivoted forwardly to assume a forward-leaning seat-back dumping position to facilitate passenger access to a back seat area in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Bonk, Miroslav Tasevski
  • Patent number: 7857392
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can include a stopper capable of stopping a forward tilting of a seat back at a forwardly tilted position, and a stopper operation mechanism. The stopper operation mechanism has a main pivoting member that is pivoted through an operation of a forward tilting operation lever, a sub pivoting member that is pivoted with respect to the main pivoting member, and a connection spring connecting these tilting members to each other. When the forward tilting operation lever is operated, the sub pivoting member receives a force from the connection spring to be pivoted together with the main pivoting member, causing the stopper to move to an acting position. When the stopper is pushed from the acting position toward a non-acting position, with the forward tilting operation lever being operated, the sub pivoting member receives a force from the stopper to elastically deform the connection spring, and is pivoted with respect to the main pivoting member together with the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Boshuku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromasa Hayakawa, Shingo Suzushika, Masaharu Nakamura, Ko Ishikawa