Abstract: A pivot assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot assembly includes a connector member including an upper portion extending into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame. The connector member is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot assembly further includes a housing attached to a lower seat structure for movement therewith between fore and aft positions. The connector member is pivotally mounted to the housing to thereby permit the seatback to rotate relative to the lower seat structure between a generally upright position and a reclined position. The pivot assembly further preferably includes a drive arrangement for rotating the connector member about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A headrest folding apparatus is disclosed for use in a vehicle seat of the type having a fold-down seatback panel and a headrest. The headrest folding apparatus is operable for permitting the vehicle operator to release a headrest latch mechanism via actuation of a latch release mechanism for permitting angular movement of the headrest from a normal use position to a dumped position. The headrest folding apparatus also includes a movement coordinating mechanism that is operative for causing movement of the headrest from its use position to its dumped position in response to movement of the seatback panel from an upright position to a forwardly folded position. Furthermore, the headrest folding apparatus is operative for coordinating actuation of a seatback latch mechanism in concert with the headrest latch mechanism. A latch release mechanism operably interconnects the headrest latch mechanism to the seatback latch mechanism.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is disclosed that is operable for permitting selective reclining movement of a seatback relative to a seat bottom between an upright position and a fully-reclined position. The linear recliner assembly is further operable to permit the seatback to be pivoted from any reclined position to a forward dumped position. Upon return of the seatback from its forward dumped position, the linear recliner assembly is adapted to relatch the seatback in its previous reclined position.

Abstract: A locking pivot mechanism which may be used as a seat recliner to reduce chucking of a seat back has a toothed quadrant, a toothed pawl, and an engagement member. The engagement member is biased against the pawl which, in turn, is forced into engagement with the quadrant to lock the quadrant against rotation, thus reducing chucking.

Abstract: A locking pivot mechanism which may be used as a seat recliner to reduce chucking of a seat back has a toothed quadrant, a gear with two sets of teeth, a toothed pawl, and an engagement member. The engagement member is biased against the pawl which, in turn, is forced into engagement with one set of the gear teeth and the other set of teeth engage with the quadrant to lock the quadrant against rotation, thus reducing chucking.

Abstract: An inertia sensitive hinge mechanism allows rotation of a first hinge member relative to a second hinge member about a pivot during normal use and prevents rotation about the pivot when predetermined deceleration forces are present. The inertia sensing latching assembly includes an inertial actuator operatively connected to and rotatable with respect to the second hinge member. The inertial actuator includes first and second cam surfaces and a wedging surface located therebetween. The inertial actuator has a center of gravity spaced from a center of rotation. A first positioning device connected to the first hinge member positions the inertial actuator by sliding engagement with the first cam surface as the first hinge member rotates in an opposite direction when the predetermined forces are not present.

Abstract: An inertia-sensitive seat hinge mechanism allows rotation of a seatback relative to a seat bottom under normal use conditions and yet prevents such rotation in response to deceleration forces exceeding a predetermined threshold level. The seat hinge mechanism includes a lower hinge member connected to the seat bottom and an upper hinge member connected to the seatback and an inertia-sensitive latch assembly. The inertia-sensitive latch assembly includes a component carried by the upper member which defines first and second stop surfaces. The first stop surface limits rotation of the upper hinge member in one direction. An inertial actuator is rotatable with respect to the upper hinge member and includes an engaging finger for engaging the second stop surface when the upper hinge member attempts to rotate in an opposite direction due to exertion of the predetermined deceleration forces thereon. The inertial actuator also includes a projection located adjacent a center of rotation.

Abstract: A power linear seat recliner apparatus for controllably adjusting the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat cushion. The apparatus comprising a master recliner mechanism having an integrally mounted motor, a slave recliner mechanism and an actuator cable connecting the slave and master recliner mechanisms for transmitting torque from the motor to the slave recliner mechanism. The motor simultaneously drives each of the recliner mechanisms. The master and slave recliner mechanisms having a threaded rod assembly interconnected to a transmission assembly for providing desired speed reduction and linear reciprocable movement of the rod.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for permitting a seat occupant to selectively and remotely adjust distinct comfort features of a dual-function comfort mechanism corporated into a seating assembly. The transmission apparatus has a dual-positioned control device for defining a first mode position permitting selective actuation of a first cable assembly for causing corresponding adjustment of a first comfort feature. The transmission apparatus further defines a second mode position permitting selective actuation of a second cable assembly for independently adjusting a second comfort feature. The dual-position control device is movably supported within the transmission apparatus and is configured and arranged to be positively located and retained in either of the first or second mode positions for eliminating any lost motion therebetween.

Abstract: A seat recliner mechanism for controllably adjusting the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat member in response to actuation by a seat occupant is disclosed. The seat recliner mechanism includes a rod adapted to be operatively connected to one of the seat back and the seat member. The recliner mechanism is pivotally connected to the other of the seat back or the seat member and is configured to receive a portion of the rod for linear movement relative thereto. The mechanism includes a split nut assembly engaging the rod which is movable between a first position inhibiting linear movement of the rod and a second position permitting linear movement of the rod. A clamp assembly having a passage for encasing the split nut assembly is provided and which has at least one pivotable lock clamp member adapted to reduce the cross-section of the passage when pivoted in a first direction and to enlarge the cross-section when pivoted in a second direction.

Abstract: A power linear seat recliner apparatus for controllably adjusting the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat cushion. The apparatus comprising a master recliner mechanism having an integrally mounted motor, a slave recliner mechanism and an actuator cable connecting the slave and master recliner mechanisms for transmitting torque from the motor to the slave recliner mechanism. The motor simultaneously drives each of the recliner mechanisms. The master and slave recliner mechanisms having a threaded rod assembly interconnected to a transmission assembly for providing desired speed reduction and linear reciprocable movement of the rod.

Abstract: A power seat recliner mechanism particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications. The recliner mechanism includes an electric drive motor meshing with a series of reduction gears. Rotation of the drive motor causes the reclined position of the seat back cushion. Forward and rearward reclining movement of the seat back is provided through reversing the direction of rotation of the drive motor. For enhanced structural characteristics, the drive motor is affixed to the lower recliner structure at both its axial ends. A rotationally compliant drive shaft for the motor can be used to absorb shock loads acting through the drive system.

Abstract: A spring loaded latch mechanism for controlling tilting movement of a seat back relative to a seat frame to which it is pivoted, includes an elongated rod having one toothed face and only one end connected to the seat, a latch frame connected to the seat and supporting the other end of the rod for reciprocation therewithin, a pawl adapted to releasably engage the teeth, a manually-operated handle, and a cam interconnecting the handle and the pawl to drive the pawl into and from engagement. In one embodiment similar latch mechanisms are provided, one on each side of the seat with the mechanism opposite to the handle being a slave having a free-floating cam plate and a lever plate driven by the operator, actuation of the slave cam plate resulting from the lever plate being rotated thereagainst independently of the master latch mechanism on the handle side.

Abstract: A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats. The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component, which pivots with the upper recliner structure, includes a curved toothed rack. The rack meshes with a gear mounted to the lower recliner structure. A pawl is adjustable between an engaged position which fixes the seat back angle to a disengaged position permitting the seat back angle to be changed relative to the seat bottom. This design improves over prior art designs in that it employs fewer parts, is less costly to produce, and further, permits very fine adjustments in the seat back angle.

Abstract: A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats. The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component which pivots with the upper recliner structure includes a curved toothed rack which meshes with a gear. A locking pawl is movable between a position of engagement with the gear to fix the seat back angle to a disengaged position, permitting the seat back angle to be adjusted. Further, a restraint pawl is provided which acts upon the curved toothed rack in the event that the locking pawl or recliner gear fails, thereby providing a redundant means for fixing the relative angular position between the upper and lower recliner structures.

Abstract: A seat recliner mechanism for a motor vehicle of the type which permits forward folding of the seat back and allows the reclined position of the seat back to be adjusted. In one type of recliner mechanism, a quadrant is provided having a curved toothed rack which meshes with a rotatable recliner gear. An adjusting mechanism acts on the recliner gear for either preventing or allowing the recliner gear to rotate, thus providing a means for adjusting the reclined position. These types of mechanisms are subject to severe loadings if the recliner is placed in a rearwardly adjusted position with the seat back folded forward, and the actuation mechanism released. In this condition, the recliner spring which acts on the quadrant or recliner gear rotates these components unopposed by the mass of the upper recliner structure. When these components read their extreme positions, severe loadings are imposed upon them.

Abstract: An improved inertia sensitive seat hinge mechanism which enables the seat back to be normally folded forwardly to permit access to a motor vehicle rear compartment area which locks when exposed to a predetermined acceleration load. The inertia sensitive actuator is in the form of a generally straight lever which is mounted for rotation to the upper hinge structure. A projecting finger of the inertia sensitive pendulum interacts with a cam surface associated with the lower recliner structure to maintain the inertia device in an engaged position when the seat back is in its rearmost folded position. This positioning improves reliability of the hinge device. The configuration of components according to this invention eliminates the objectionable rearward projection presented by many present seat hinge designs which can interfere with free access to the rear compartment area.

Abstract: An improved motor vehicle seat hinge mechanism which includes an inertia sensitive latching device which prevents forward rotation of the seat back in the event of sudden vehicle deceleration. The vehicle seat hinge mechanism according to this invention improves over prior art designs by providing a quadrant component which does not present objectionable rearward protrusions which interfere with rear seat occupants while entering and egressing from the rear seat area and, further, avoids the presentation of sharp projections which could cause tearing and wearing of interior trim fabrics. The seat back hinge mechanism further includes a cam plate which biases the inertia sensitive latching device such that it is in a position to latch when the seat back is in its normal position. Due to the use of the cam plate, the seat hinge according to this invention is less sensitive to malfunctions caused by hinge component misalignment.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism particularly adapted for motor vehicle seats is described. In accordance with this invention, the adjusted position of the seat back is controlled by using a recliner mechanism which includes a coil spring clutch which is selectively tightened or loosened around an actuator clutch drum. The upper recliner structure has a toothed quadrant which meshes with a recliner gear which rotates the rotating actuator clutch drum. A lever is employed to cause relative rotation between a pair of actuator cam plates which are connected to extending ends of a coil clutch spring. Movement of the actuator lever selectively causes the coil clutch spring to tighten or loosen around the actuator clutch drum. In accordance with another feature of this invention, a redundant positioning pawl is provided which prevents unrestrained motion of the upper recliner structure in the event of a failure or improper operation of the coil spring clutch actuator.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism particularly adapted for motor vehicle seats is described. In accordance with this invention, the adjusted position of the seat back is controlled by using a recliner mechanism which includes a coil spring clutch which is selectively tightened or loosened around an actuator clutch drum surface to fix the reclined position or to permit it to be varied. The upper recliner structure has a toothed quadrant surface which meshes with a recliner gear which communicates preferably through an intermediate gear to the rotating actuator clutch drum. A lever is employed to cause relative rotation between a pair of actuator cam plates which are connected to extending ends of a coil clutch spring. Movement of the actuator lever selectively causes the coil clutch spring to tighten or loosen around the actuator clutch drum.