Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat configured to support an occupant in a vehicle may include a seat cushion portion, a seat back portion including a backrest movable relative to the seat cushion portion, and a contour linkage linked to the seat cushion portion and the backrest. The contour linkage may be configured to impose force on the backrest upon movement of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest in at least one of a fore/aft, vertical, and rotational direction. The backrest may be configured such that a backrest contour is altered based on force imposed by the contour linkage in response to movement of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest. The backrest contour may include at least one of a contour angle of an occupant-side surface of the backrest, a maximum offset of the occupant-side surface, and vertical height of a contour apex.

Abstract: A seat structure including at least one frame having one or more thin walled complex geometry structures and a process for forming the at least one frame via an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A seat control interface mechanism for a vehicle seat may comprise an interface control surface having at least one interface that allows an occupant of the vehicle seat to activate seat controls; and a movable member upon which the interface control surface is located, the moveable member being configured to be displaced relative to the vehicle seat to cause the interface control surface to become more accessible to the occupant of the vehicle seat. A method of operation to adjust an orientation of the vehicle seat may comprise moving an interface control surface relative to the vehicle seat to cause the interface control surface to become more accessible to an occupant of the vehicle seat; and operating at least one touch-sensitive interface on the interface control surface to activate at least one seat control for the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat configured to support an occupant in a vehicle may include a seat cushion portion, a seat back portion including a backrest movable relative to the seat cushion portion, and a contour linkage linked to the seat cushion portion and the backrest. The contour linkage may be configured to impose force on the backrest upon movement of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest in at least one of a fore/aft, vertical, and rotational direction. The backrest may be configured such that a backrest contour is altered based on force imposed by the contour linkage in response to movement of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest. The backrest contour may include at least one of a contour angle of an occupant-side surface of the backrest, a maximum offset of the occupant-side surface, and vertical height of a contour apex.

Abstract: A seat back cushion support presenting device for use in a foldable vehicle seat moves a cushion support member from a position within the seat back frame to a position extended from the seat back frame such that the entire cushion is presented. A pair of presenting members, each including a side bolster support portion, are provided in overlapping arrangement for translation along a presenting device support member and rotation with respect to a cushion support member such that as an activation member moves the presenting members together, the cushion support member is extended along with the side bolster support portions.

Abstract: An ultra compact, easy to operate folding vehicle seat includes a seat back, seat base and support leg members and is movable between a stow position and a design position. The folding vehicle seat includes a folding mechanism having an upper member for connection to the seat back and a lower member for supporting the seat base; the upper and lower members of the folding mechanism include integrated teeth aligned in meshing relationship such that movement of the seat back causes the lower member to rotate and lift the seat base to move the folding vehicle seat to a design position. A pair of upper cams are provided for selective engagement with the upper member and a third cam tab of the lower member of the folding mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A ventilated seat assembly including a trim cover, an enclosure, a spacer, and a cushion is disclosed. The enclosure includes a top portion formed from an air-impermeable material and a bottom portion formed from an air-impermeable material. One of the top portion and the bottom portion includes an opening configured to be coupled to an air mover. The top portion includes a plurality of holes for allowing air to move between the trim cover and the enclosure. The spacer is located within the enclosure and includes a plurality of resilient fibers disposed between an upper and lower netting layer. The spacer defines an air space within the enclosure that allows for the movement of air in any direction through the enclosure. The spacer is sufficiently stiff to maintain the flow of air through the enclosure when the seat is occupied. The cushion supports the enclosure.

Abstract: A seat back cushion support presenting device for use in a foldable vehicle seat moves a cushion support member from a position within the seat back frame to a position extended from the seat back frame such that the entire cushion is presented. A pair of presenting members, each including a side bolster support portion, are provided in overlapping arrangement for translation along a presenting device support member and rotation with respect to a cushion support member such that as an activation member moves the presenting members together, the cushion support member is extended along with the side bolster support portions.

Abstract: An ultra compact, easy to operate folding vehicle seat includes a seat back, seat base and support leg members and is movable between a stow position and a design position. The folding vehicle seat includes a folding mechanism having an upper member for connection to the seat back and a lower member for supporting the seat base; the upper and lower members of the folding mechanism include integrated teeth aligned in meshing relationship such that movement of the seat back causes the lower member to rotate and lift the seat base to move the folding vehicle seat to a design position. A pair of upper cams are provided for selective engagement with the upper member and a third cam tab of the lower member of the folding mechanism.

Abstract: A seat cushion and method of manufacturing a seat cushion suitable for use with a seat having a contour presenting device configured to move the seat cushion between a non-presented position and a presented position is disclosed. The seat cushion generally includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a trench. A connector is provided for registering the substrate to a contour presenting device. The trench is designed to provide the seat cushion with a consistent, high quality craftsmanship, finish and appearance. According to one exemplary embodiment, the trench comprises a first side wall having a substantially vertical surface and a second side wall having an angled surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A plug assist assembly for positioning a thermo-formable sheet onto one of a plurality of different female molds. The assembly comprises a lifting apparatus and a frame. The frame extends from the lifting apparatus which provides for beneficial movement of the frame. A plurality of movable weights are suspended from the frame for contacting and automatically conforming to a contour of any of the female molds. The plurality of weights create a seal between the sheet and the female mold to allow the sheet to be vacuum formed against the mold.