Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism is provided and includes an arm defining a first locking shoulder, a sector plate rotatably supported by the arm and defining a second locking shoulder having a lock recess, a locking member selectively engaging at least one of the first and second locking shoulders, a quadrant rotatably supported by the arm and slidably supporting the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of a first and second position relative to the arm and a cam plate rotatably supported by the quadrant for selectively engaging the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of the first and second positions. In the first position the locking member is biased against the first locking shoulder and in the second position the locking member is biased into the lock recess. A gear assembly is preferably provided and operably supported by the quadrant for actuation of the cam plate.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a hinge assembly having a linear adjustment mechanism including a recliner rod slidably supported by a housing and a pawl rotatably supported by the housing. The recliner rod preferably has a toothed portion that interfaces with a toothed portion of the pawl to prohibit the recliner rod from sliding. The pawl is pivotable relative the housing such that it may be disengaged to enable the recliner rod to slide freely. When the pawl engages the recliner rod in a locked position, a first force component generally normal to the engagement of the pawl and the recliner rod and a second force component generally through the pawl pivot reduce play and improve the load-carrying capacity of the linear adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A seat back adjustment mechanism for a seat assembly enabling a seat back to be selectively positioned in various fold-forward positions relative to a seat, and locked into at least one forward position, includes a quadrant supporting a cam plate that interfaces with a locking member to block an arm rotatably supporting the quadrant. The arm preferably includes a series of pawl teeth for selectively engaging the locking member to lock the seat back in a selected fold-forward position. Alternatively, the arm includes a corner portion or includes a link and a sector plate allowing for the locking of the seat back in a single fold-forward position, horizontal to the seat. A gear assembly is further provided to facilitate actuation of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism is provided and includes an arm defining a first locking shoulder, a sector plate rotatably supported by the arm and defining a second locking shoulder having a lock recess, a locking member selectively engaging at least one of the first and second locking shoulders, a quadrant rotatably supported by the arm and slidably supporting the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of a first and second position relative to the arm and a cam plate rotatably supported by the quadrant for selectively engaging the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of the first and second positions. In the first position the locking member is biased against the first locking shoulder and in the second position the locking member is biased into the lock recess. A gear assembly is preferably provided and operably supported by the quadrant for actuation of the cam plate.

Abstract: A seat back adjustment mechanism for a seat assembly enabling a seat back to be selectively positioned in various fold-forward positions relative to a seat, and locked into at least one forward position, includes a quadrant supporting a cam plate that interfaces with a locking member to block an arm rotatably supporting the quadrant. The arm preferably includes a series of pawl teeth for selectively engaging the locking member to lock the seat back in a selected fold-forward position. Alternatively, the arm includes a corner portion or includes a link and a sector plate allowing for the locking of the seat back in a single fold-forward position, horizontal to the seat. A gear assembly is further provided to facilitate actuation of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for releasably locking a back rest of a vehicle seat assembly in either its normal upright position, a forward folded position or a rearward reclined position. The lock mechanism is located wholly within the seat area, is of a narrow width construction and functions to releasably detent the seat back in either of its normal upright position or forward folded position. It is also operable to allow rearward movement to a reclined position while detented in its normal upright position and to automatically return the seat back from a reclined position to its normal upright position. An inertia lock pendulum is provided to prevent movement of the seat back from any of its positions when the seat assembly is subjected to rapid deceleration forces.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for latching a tiltable seat back rest to a seat is disclosed. The latching mechanism is operable to normally latch the seat back rest in its fully upright position, allow slow forward tilting movement of the seat back without manual manipulation of the latch mechanism and prevent significant forward tilting movement of the seat back rest upon being subjected to rapid deceleration forces. The latching mechanism is constructed and arranged such that it is operable to latch the seat back rest in an upright position slightly forwardly of its fully upright position, such as could occur when the seat back rest engages cargo loaded in a cargo area behind the seat back rest.

Abstract: The seat cushion of a bench type vehicle seat has a first end pivotally mounted on the vehicle body and a second end mounted by a track assembly permitting fore and aft sliding movement of the second end so that the entire seat swivels about the first end. A link is located adjacent the second end of the seat cushion and has a lower end pivoted to the vehicle floor. A seat back has one end pivotally connected to the first end of the seat cushion and another end pivotally connected to the link. The link has a cam slot in which a cam roller mounted on the seat cushion is slidably engaged so that pivotal movement of the link effects fore and aft sliding movement of the second end of the seat cushion. A first latch is provided between the link and the seat. A second latch is provided between the seat back and the vehicle body.