Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support (10) adapted to be easily integrated into new or existing seat structures. Adjustable lumbar support (10) includes a floating plate (15) supported by a support linkage. In one embodiment, the support linkage is defined by a cable member (21) and first and second spring members (25) and (26) which engage the seat frame. In an alternate embodiment, the support linkage is defined by first and second spring members 25 engaged with first and second linkage members (52), respectively, and includes a rotary power mechanism (50) for applying a rotating motion to a shaft (54) threadably engaged with first and second linkage members (52). The degree of support provided by floating plate (15) is adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the support linkage. Lumbar support mechanism (10) can be mounted in a state of the art seat back alone or in conjunction with an integral trim attachment array (70).

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support (100) adapted to be easily integrated into new or existing seat structures. Adjustable lumbar support (100) includes a lower floating plate (115) that is adapted to have a second, or upper, plate (130) hinged relative to the lower plate (115). The upper and lower plates have independently actuated support linkages (120 and 140) that are selectively actuated by first and second actuating mechanisms. In this manner, selective actuation actuator mechanisms associated with the lower and upper support plates (115 and 130) provides adjustment of a vertical dimension of the adjustable floating plate lumbar support. The degree of support provided by floating plates (115 and 130) is adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the support linkages.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support (10) adapted to be integrated into new or existing seat structures. Adjustable lumbar support (10) includes a floating plate (15) supported by a support linkage. In one embodiment, the support linkage is defined by first and second spring members (25) and (26) which engage the seat frame. In an alternate embodiment, the support linkage is defined by first and second spring members (25) and (26) engaged with first and second linkage members (52), respectively, and includes a rotary power mechanism (50) for applying a rotating motion to a shaft (54) threadably engaged with first and second linkage members (52). The degree of support provided by floating plate (15) is adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the support linkage. Lumbar support mechanism (10) can be mounted in a seat back alone or in conjunction with an integral trim attachment array (70). Trim attachment array (70) is adapted to replace the trim wires molded into the cushion foam of a standard seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a rear seat having a recess formed at a forward side thereof and a tray housing positioned in the recess. A foldable tray is positioned in the housing and movable between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position for use. The tray and tray housing are configured such that in the stowed position the tray and housing are disposed within the seat recess below the knees of a passenger seated thereon such that it does not interfere with passenger knee space.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a rear seat having a recess formed at a forward side thereof and a tray housing positioned in the recess. A foldable tray is positioned in the housing and movable between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position for use. The tray and tray housing are configured such that in the stowed position the tray and housing are disposed within the seat recess below the knees of a passenger seated thereon such that it does not interfere with passenger knee space.

Abstract: A method of installing a front seat assembly in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The front seat assembly has first and second seats which are fastened together prior to installation of the front seat assembly in the vehicle. The front seat assembly is positioned in the vehicle as a single unit and then fastened to the vehicle. A method of installing a rear seat assembly is also disclosed. The rear seat assembly includes a seat back and a package tray pivotally attached to the seat back. Prior to installation, the package tray is positioned so that the rear seat assembly can be inserted through a door opening of the vehicle. The rear seat assembly is inserted through the door opening and the package tray is positioned to an extended position from the seat back and fastened to the vehicle. The seat back is also fastened to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat track member with a recliner pivot linkage pivotally connected thereto. A one-piece shell member is pivotally connected to the recliner pivot linkage and includes a back portion operative as a seat back frame and a lower seat support portion. At least one inflatable bladder supports the lower seat with respect to the lower seat support portion, and a linear actuator is positioned between the lower seat support portion and the seat track member for pivotally adjusting the shell member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a one-piece base adapted for mounting in a vehicle floor recess. First and second riser legs are pivotally attached to the base and include attachment features. Each riser leg is pivotable between upright and collapsed positions. A seat frame is removably connected to the attachment features. The riser legs are pivotally collapsible against the base to increase vehicle storage capacity when the seat frame is removed from the riser legs. The direct attachment of the riser legs to the one-piece base provides accurate location of the attachment features for attachment of the seat frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat back assembly having a seat back shell to which a foam and a skin layer may be applied to finish a rear facing surface of the seat back shell. First and second seat back support frame members are received in pockets formed by the seat back shell and an inner shell. According to the method of making a vehicle seat back, a seat back shell is formed from a rigid structural material. In one embodiment, the foam layer is molded in situ onto the rear facing surface of the seat back shell and the skin layer is preferably formed over the foam layer. The foam layer and skin layers may also be omitted, leaving the rear facing surface uncovered. A peripheral portion of the skin layer is bonded to the inner surface of the seat back shell. A separately covered cushion is assembled to the inner portion of the seat back shell.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back shell having upper and lower ends, and a bracket mounted to the seat back shell having a slot formed therethrough. A flexible plate is positioned adjacent the seat back shell and slidable within the slot. A cushion is positioned adjacent the S-shaped flexible plate. At least one inflatable lumbar bladder is positioned between the shell and the flexible plate between the bracket and the lower end. At least one inflatable thoracic adjustment bladder is positioned between the shell and the flexible plate between the bracket and the upper end. The contour of the seat assembly is adjustable by inflating and deflating the lumbar and thoracic bladders. A head restraint system includes a damper mechanism positioned between the upper end of the shell and the head restraint for energy management in a high energy impact.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle seat assembly includes a lower seat with a seat back pivotally connected to the lower seat. The seat back is pivotable between upright and collapsed positions. An inflatable air cell is positioned against the seat back and configured to cover the seat back when inflated to act as a one-piece seat back cushion. A plurality of flexible plastic fingers extend about the periphery of the air cell for preventing the air cell from extending peripherally beyond the seat back when deflated to prevent pinching of the air cell when the seat back is collapsed against the lower seat. The seat back is configured to collapse closely against the lower seat when the seat back air cell is deflated to partially compress the lower seat cushion such that the overall thickness of the collapsed seat assembly consists of a thickness less than the thickness of the lower seat alone.

Abstract: A seat (10) includes a backrest portion (16) and a seat portion (14) for supporting a cushion (12). The backrest portion (16) includes a back frame (18) which supports an expansion bladder (28) for expanding and retracting to provide lumbar support. A longitudinal plate (34) is fixedly connected to the frame (18) at a first end (36) and placed over the bladder (28) to provide lumbar support in response to selective expansion of the bladder (28). A second end (38) of the plate (34) is slidably connected within a rotatable member (46). The rotatable member (46) allows bending of the second end (38) to provide thoracic support separate from the lumbar support.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back shell having upper and lower ends, and a bracket mounted to the seat back shell having a slot formed therethrough. A substantially S-shaped flexible plate is positioned adjacent the seat back shell and slidable within the slot. A cushion is positioned adjacent the S-shaped flexible plate. At least one inflatable lumbar bladder is positioned between the shell and the flexible plate between the bracket and the lower end. At least one inflatable thoracic adjustment bladder is positioned between the shell and the flexible plate between the bracket and the upper end. The contour of the seat assembly is adjustable by inflating and deflating the lumbar and thoracic bladders. A head restraint system includes a damper mechanism positioned between the upper end of the shell and the head restraint for energy management in a high energy impact.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a lower seat portion and a seat back portion positionable in a range of angular orientations with a reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism includes a housing and a strap having oppositely facing sides which are engaged by rollers that are selectively shiftable between a locked position in which the rollers grip the strap and a recline adjustment position in which the rollers release the strap allowing the strap to move relative to the actuator. The rollers are spring-biased toward the locked position in which the rollers wedge against the housing and the strap. A flexible control cable shifts a linkage and cams that are mounted on the housing to engage the rollers. A reinforcing rib is provided on the strap to maintain strap alignment within the actuator.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly for use in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle comprising a seat portion, a seat back portion, and an adjustable back support system, the back support system controlling movement of the seat back about a relatively fixed seat track whereby backward tilting movement in response to forwardly directed high acceleration forces on the vehicle body will trigger an adjustment mechanism for a headrest carried near the upper margin of the seat back whereby the motion of the headrest relative to the passenger compartment is substantially reduced compared to the angular motion of the seat back when the seat back is moved by the acceleration forces in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for an automotive vehicle including a rigid shell seat back, an S-curve plate located between the shell and the back of a seat occupant, the plate having a profile that corresponds to the thoracic region, the mid-spine region and the lumbar region of a seat occupant. A carrier member is situated between the plate and the shell, the plate being hinged on the carrier near the pelvis region of the seat occupant and the carrier being hinged at its lower margin for pivotal motion. A spring suspension for the carrier provides a cushion for forces transmitted to the seat back assembly by a seat occupant, the plate being suspended relative to the carrier by pneumatic springs or bladders at the upper and lower regions of the plate near the thoracic region and the lumbar region, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat track or lower seat frame, and a seat back pivotally connected with respect to the seat track. A recliner mechanism is secured between the seat back and seat track for adjusting the angle of the seat back with respect to the lower seat track. A damper mechanism is secured between the seat back and seat track. The recliner mechanism is disengageable in a high energy impact, thereby allowing the damper mechanism to dissipate energy as the seat back pivots with respect to the seat track.

Abstract: A vehicular seat assembly (10) includes a pair of bolsters (18, 20) located on either side of the seat back (14). Each of the bolsters (18, 20) includes a primary adjustor (22) which moves the bolster (18, 20) to a position found to be comfortable by the occupant of the seat (10). Each of the bolsters (18, 20) further include a secondary adjustor (26) disposed adjacent the first adjustor (22). The two secondary adjustors (26) operate independently of each other and deploy when the seat assembly (10) senses a predetermined level of lateral acceleration forces (36 or 38). An accelerometer (34) senses the lateral acceleration (36, 38) and a control circuit (32) sends a signal to an activator (40) to deploy the one of the two secondary adjustors (26).

Abstract: A seat (10) including a backrest portion (16) with seat back support (24) providing selective lumbar support to a user. The seat back support (24) includes a pair of clam-shell shaped air bladders (28, 30) with their movable, expanding ends (36, 38) facing one another. Divider members (42, 44) split each of the bladders (28, 30) into separate side-by-side air sections to maintain the clam-shell shape of the bladders (28, 30) preventing bowing in the center of the seat back (14). The bladders (28, 30) support and move a flexible plate (70) connected thereover to provide selective contoured adjustment to the lumbar region of a user.