Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. The seat cushion is operatively connected to the motor vehicle. The seat cushion supports an occupant on the seat assembly. A seat back is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The seat back is movable between a generally upright seating position and a forwardly folded dumped position. The forwardly folded dump position has the seat back positioned against the seat cushion. A shoulder belt tower is fixedly secured to the seat back and supports a shoulder belt. The tower includes a tower base and a tower extension. The tower extension slidingly engages the tower base. A positioning device is coupled between the tower base and the tower extension.

Abstract: A track assembly (24) is provided for use on an automotive seat assembly (10) for providing forward and rearward movement of a seat assembly within a comfort range (C) of seating positions and a forwardly extended position (D) in a vehicle. The track assembly comprises a lower track and an upper track slidably coupled to the lower track. A locking mechanism is coupled between the upper and lower tracks and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the upper track to the lower track. A seat dumping mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper track for automatically actuating the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions to extend the track assembly between the forwardly extended position (D) and a predetermined position (E) within the comfort range (c).

Abstract: A seat assembly comprising a seat cushion, a seat back and a recliner assembly operatively interconnecting the seat back to the seat cushion. The recliner assembly allows pivotal adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between one of a plurality of reclined seating positions and a stowed position. The recliner assembly is selectively moveable between locked and unlocked states. An input shaft is operatively assembled to the recliner assembly for switching the recliner assembly between the locked and unlocked states. The seat assembly further comprising a mechanism externally engagable with the input shaft of the recliner assembly for adjusting the angular position of the seat back in one of the reclined seating positions and for maintaining the input shaft in the unlocked position while the seat back is pivoted from one of the reclined seating positions to the stowed position.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back (11), a generally horizontal seat cushion (14), and a recliner mechanism (20) allowing for pivotal adjustment of the seat back about a first pivot axis (21) relative to the seat cushion and displacement of the first pivot axis about a second pivot axis (22) between forward and rearward positions. With the first pivot axis (21) in the forward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis (21) between a plurality of reclined seating positions. With the first pivot axis in the rearward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis between one of the reclined seating positions and a stowed position generally aligned against the seat cushion. The seat cushion is pivotally adjustable about a four bar linkage (17, 18) between a seating position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automative vehicle comprising a seat back and a seat cushion pivotally coupled to the seat back. A pivot bracket is fixedly secured to each opposite lateral side of the seat back for supporting the seat assembly between opposing lateral side walls within the interior of the vehicle. Each pivot bracket includes a support flange for supporting the seat cushion cantilevered from the pivot bracket. A hook portion engages a latch post on the lateral side walls to retain the seat assembly in an upright seating position. A pivot flange is pivotally coupled to a main pivot post on the lateral side walls for pivoting the seat assembly between the upright seating position to a stow-to-floor position wherein the seat cushion is pivoted forwardly and downwardly to be supported on the floor of the vehicle and the seat back is pivoted against the seat cushion to form an extended cargo load floor.

Abstract: A continuously engaged recliner assembly (20) selectively locks a seat back in one of a plurality of reclined positions about a pivot axis relative to a seat cushion on a vehicle seat. The recliner assembly includes a cylindrical housing (30) having an annular rim of gear teeth (34). A carrier plate (40), having outwardly extending drive pins (42), is rotatably nested within the cylindrical housing (30). An input shaft (50) is rotatably journaled to and extends between the cylindrical housing (30) and the carrier plate (40). Rotation of the shaft (30) causes the first and second gear (60, 62) to move in a hypocycloidal motion around the annular rim of gear teeth (34). A biasing member (58) operatively interconnecting the first (52) and second (55) cams rotatably biases the first and second cams in opposing directions, in turn biasing the first (60) and second (62) gears, respectively, in opposing directions against the cylindrical housing (30), thereby minimizing play within the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: A seat assembly (14) for use in an automotive vehicle and pivotal between a seating position and a fold and tumbled position. The seat assembly (14) includes a seat cushion (18) and a seat back (20) pivotally connected to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position and a folded position. The seat assembly includes a locking latch (46) supported by the seat cushion and pivotal between a latched position for releasably latching the seat assembly (14) to the floor (16) of the vehicle and an unlatched position for releasing the seat assembly to allow the seat assembly to pivot from the seating position to the tumbled position. The seat assembly further includes a blocking member (70) coupled between the seat back (20) and the locking latch (46) and operable in a first blocking position for engaging the seat back and preventing the locking latch from releasing from releasing from the latched position when the seat back is in the upright seating position.

Abstract: A recliner assembly for selectively locking a seat back in one of a plurality of reclined positions relative to a seat cushion on a vehicle seat. The recliner includes a cylindrical shaft extending axially and longitudinally between first and second ends and having a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom between the first and second ends. The recliner also includes a seat back disc rotatably coupled to the shaft between the teeth and the first end and fixedly secured to the seat back and having a rack of teeth extending axially therefrom. The recliner includes a seat cushion disc fixedly secured to the shaft between the seat back disc and the first end and also fixedly secured to the seat cushion. A locking disc having a center bore defined by a plurality of locking teeth is axially coupled to the shaft by mating engagement of the locking teeth with the teeth on the shaft. A cam ring is slidably coupled to the shaft and fixedly secured to the locking disc.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant in an automotive vehicle comprising a seat cushion for support the seat occupant on the seat assembly (10) and a seat back (16) extending longitudinally between a lower portion operatively coupled to the seat cushion and an upper portion for supporting the seat occupant in an upright position. The seat back (16) includes an outer peripheral frame member and an inner occupant support frame operatively connected and supported by the outer peripheral frame member and movable from an occupant support position to an impact displacement position extending rearwardly of the outer peripheral frame member. A displaceable connection member operatively interconnects the inner occupant support frame in the occupant support position during normal seat occupant use and for providing movement of the inner occupant support frame to the impact displacement position in response to a predetermined impact load exerted on the seat assembly (10).

Abstract: A multi-positionable and reversible seat assembly (10) for use in an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion (12) and a seat back operatively connected to the seat cushion. The seat cushion (12) and seat back (14) are supported above the floor of the vehicle by a pair of seat risers. The seat cushion (12) includes a front portion and an opposite rear portion and the seat back (14) includes an upper portion and a lower portion positioned adjacent the seat cushion. The seat assembly (10) is positionable between a plurality of upright and flat bed positions. The seat assembly (10) includes a pair of links for positioning the seat assembly (10) between a forward facing or rearward facing and upright seating position. The links also position the seat in a first or second flat, bed, position with the seat back extending horizontally from either the front portion or the rear portion of the seat cushion (12).

Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle comprising a seat cushion extending between a front portion and a rear portion for supporting a seat occupant on the seat assembly and a seat back extending longitudinally between a lower portion coupled to the rear portion of the seat cushion and an upper portion. The seat back includes a front support surface for supporting the seat occupant in an upright seating position. A cavity is recessed in the seat cushion between the front portion and the rear portion. A center console is seated in the cavity forming a planar portion of the seat cushion. A support mechanism is coupled between the center console and the seat cushion for removably securing the center console between a secured position recessed in the cavity and a detached position released from attachment to the seat cushion and removed from the cavity.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly (10) has a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat cushion. The seat assembly includes a seat track mechanism having a lower track member (18) and an upper track member (20) supported by the lower track member (18) for movement between forward and rearward positions. An incremental locking mechanism is mounted between the upper and lower track members (18) for locking the track members in a desired position and for unlocking the track members to allow the upper track member (20) to move between the forward and rearward positions. A slide actuator is disposed adjacent the 30 locking mechanism and is moveable to an engaged position for disengaging the locking mechanism 46 and moving the upper track member (20) to a forward dump position.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the angular position of a seat back member (18) relative to a seat cushion member (12) having an anchor shaft (34) supported by a bracket (36) that is attached to the seat cushion member (12) and supports a pawl plate (32) transmitting forces thereto from a rod (24) when in a latched position. The anchor shaft (34) extends through the slot (42) to prevent longitudinal movement of the pawl plate (32) while allowing the pawl plate (32) to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the rod (24). A pair of guide plates (44) guide the pawl plate (32) to move in an arc transversely into and out of engagement with the rod (24) between the latched and unlatched positions. An actuator pin (56) extends laterally from the pawl plate (32) and a lever (58) is supported on an axle (60), which is supported for rotation by the housing (38).

Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a component in a vehicle including a control device for actuating the mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes an input shaft coupled to the control device and an output shaft operatively coupled to the input shaft. A support bracket axially supports the input shaft and the output shaft. A drum shaped housing having a cylindrical inner surface is fixedly secured to the support bracket and rotatably received the input shaft. A coupler is mounted to the input shaft and rotatably disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a pair of spaced apart tube walls planar with and spaced from the inner surface of the housing and a pair of circumferentially opposite tabs projecting between the tube walls. A coiled spring is disposed between the housing and the coupler and compressed against the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly (22, 122) for a vehicle (10) that includes a floor (14, 114) and spaced side walls (12, 112) extending from the floor (14, 114). A rear wall (13, 113) interconnects the side walls (12, 112) and a seat (16) is supported by the floor (14, 114). The seat belt assembly (22, 122) includes a seat belt retractor (24, 124) for attachment to the floor (14, 114) and a shoulder belt (28, 128) extending from the retractor (24, 124) to a latch plate (30, 130). The subject invention is characterized by a tackle (34) and flexible tension bearing elements (40, 140) which connect the tackle (34) to the side walls (12, 112) of the vehicle (10). The tackle (34) has a roller (38, 138) with the shoulder belt (28, 128) entrained over the roller (38, 138). The flexible elements (40, 140) transmit loads on the tackle (34) from the shoulder belt (28, 128) to the side walls (12, 112) of the vehicle (10).

Abstract: A fold and tumble vehicle seat assembly (20) having an automatic retraction feature and an easy operation latch feature. An adjustment mechanism (30) is mounted between the seat cushion (22) and the seat riser (28) for providing fore and aft adjustment of the seat cushion. The seat assembly is characterized by a release mechanism (49) mounted adjacent the adjustment mechanism (30) for automatically unlocking the adjustment mechanism and moving the seat cushion toward the aft position during the tumbling of the seat assembly. The seat assembly also comprises a rear latch (70, 71) pivotally mounted to the rear seat support (50, 51) and moveable between an engaged position securing the seat assembly in the operative position and a disengaged position allowing the seat assembly to move into the tumbled position. A stop member (92, 94) pivotally mounted to the rear seat support (50, 51) holds the rear latch (70, 71) in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A mechanism (16) adjusts a relative position of a component (14) within the vehicle. The mechanism has a mounting bracket (18). A drive drum (20) is mounted rotatably on the bracket for providing a rotary output to adjust the component (14). An actuation handle (22) is rotatably mounted to the drive drum (20) and rotatable relative to the drive drum (20) from a neutral position. A coil spring (24) surrounds the drive drum (20) in a sliding engagement. A return spring assembly (54) engages the coil spring (24). The handle (22) engages the coil spring (24) and the return spring assembly (54). As the handle (22) is rotated from the neutral position, the coil spring (24) is rotated in a winding sense about the drive drum (20) and against the return spring (54) thereby coupling the handle (22) and the drive drum (20) for rotation.

Abstract: A seat assembly (24) is mounted to a seat cushion assembly (22) for movement between an operative position and a forwardly dumped access position generally overlying the seat cushion assembly (22). A fixed track assembly (36, 42) movably supports a movable track assembly (45, 46) carrying the seat cushion assembly (22) for movement between a forward access position and a rearward position. A releasable track locking assembly (56, 57) is movable between a track locking position and a track releasing position for allowing adjustment of the movable track assembly (45, 46) between fore and aft positions with respect to the fixed track assembly (36, 42). A memory track (76) is fixed with respect to the fixed track assembly (36, 42) and a memory slide (78) is fixed with respect to the memory track (76). A slide block (100) is slidably supported by the memory slide (78). A memory latch (98) is supported by a slide block (100) and is movable between a memory position and an adjustment position.

Abstract: An automotive seat adjustment assembly adjusts a relative position of a seat cushion. The adjustment assembly comprises at least one front mounting bracket adapted for supporting a forward end of the seat cushion and at least one rear mounting bracket adapted fort supporting a rearward end of the seat cushion. At least one front seat support is movably mounted to the front mounting bracket and adapted for mounting to the forward end of the seat cushion. The front seat support is movable between a first position with the seat cushion in a lowered orientation and a second position with the seat cushion in a raised orientation. At least one rear seat support movably mounted to the rear mounting bracket and adapted for mounting to the rearward end of the seat cushion. The rear support is movable between a first position with the seat cushion in a lowered orientation and a second position with the seat cushion in a raised orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat cushion and a seat back mounted to the seat cushion. An armrest is pivotally mounted to the seat back in a manner which will allows the armrest to rotate relative to the seat back. The seat assembly includes a cam for guiding the armrest in a lateral direction as the armrest is rotated about an axis between a non-use position and a use position. In particular, as the armrest is rotated downward to the use position, the cam forces the armrest to slide outwardly along the axis away from the seat back, and when the armrest is rotated upward to the non-use position the cam directs the armrest to slide inwardly along the axis toward the seat back.