Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension assembly comprises a base, a support member, first and second latch members, and first and second actuators. The seat support member slides forward horizontally and pivots vertically upward. The first latch member has horizontally spaced locking elements and a movable first latch cooperating with one of the locking elements to lock the support member in one of a plurality of horizontal positions. The second latch member has vertically spaced locking elements and a movable second latch cooperating with one of these locking elements to lock the support member in one of a plurality of vertical or tilted positions. The first and second actuators are mounted adjacent the front end of the support member and operatively connected to the first and second latches, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension assembly affords both forward extension and vertical or tilt adjustment of the seat cushion independently of the backrest. The vehicle seat suspension assembly comprises a base, a support member slidably and pivotally mounted to the base, first and second latch devices, and first and second actuators. The seat support member has a front end that extends forward and away from the seat backrest as the support member slides horizontally and moves vertically upward as the support member pivots relative to the base. The first latch device is operatively associated with the base and seat support member and has horizontally spaced locking elements and a movable first latch cooperating with one of the locking elements o lock the support member in one of a plurality of horizontal positions.

Abstract: An adjustable bearing system, one ideally suited for use in vehicle seat suspension for aft positioning assemblies and isolator assemblies, and having an adjustment mechanism that is readily accessible and easy to use. The adjustable bearing system includes a first structure, a second structure, and a bearing adjustably disposed between said first and second structures for facilitating movement of one structure relative to the other. A bearing driver is positioned to engage a non bearing surface of the bearing and to adjust the position of the bearing relative to said first and second structures, and an actuator cooperates with the bearing driver to permit adjustment of the bearing's position.

Abstract: An adjustable bearing system, one ideally suited for use in vehicle seat suspension for aft positioning assemblies and isolator assemblies, and having an adjustment mechanism that is readily accessible and easy to use. The adjustable bearing system includes a first structure, a second structure, and a bearing adjustably disposed between said first and second structures for facilitating movement of one structure relative to the other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swivel seat assembly comprising a seat and a seat support. The seat support includes upper and lower swivel plates each having an annular recess or track. The lower plate track has one or more openings. A plurality of ball bearings are disposed between the upper and lower plate track, with each of the ball bearings having a diameter greater than the width of the lower plate track. As a result, each of the ball bearings rides on the sides of the lower track and is spaced from the bottom of the track. The seat support also includes an annular retainer having a plurality of apertures and at least one wiper, with each aperture sized to receive one of the ball bearings and the wiper configured to direct debris from the lower plate recess into the one or more openings of said lower plate recess.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The invention comprises a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base. A travel limit system is used to permit adjustment in the travel of the isolator relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The invention comprises a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base. A travel limit system is used to permit adjustment in the travel of the isolator relative to the base.

Abstract: A force isolating apparatus for use in a vehicle seat suspension, where the suspension has a base frame and an upper frame mounted to move horizontally relative to the base frame. The force isolating apparatus comprises: a first pair of in line springs comprising a first coiled wire compression spring and a first elastomeric compression spring; a second pair of in line springs comprising a second coiled wire compression spring and a second elastomeric compression spring; and an actuator disposed between said first and second pairs of springs, the actuator being horizontally movable to actuate one of the spring pairs when the base frame and upper frame move relative to one another. A force isolating apparatus may be used with a cooperating shock absorber which is also preferably mounted in line to the spring pairs.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The preferred embodiment includes a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The preferred embodiment includes a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base.

Abstract: A stowable armrest which may be moved from: (i) a lowered, operating position; (ii) to a raised position in which the armrest generally lies in a plane which is to the rear of and substantially parallel to a plane of the back portion of the seat; and (iii) then to a final stowed position in which the armrest is located rearwardly of the back portion of the seat. Armrest movement from the raised position to the stowed position may be accomplished while maintaining the armrest in the stowing plane.

Abstract: A vehicle seating apparatus has first and second seat suspensions and a seat assembly. The first seat suspension is located at a first longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a first seat platform having a pair of seat brackets. The second seat suspension is located at a second longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a second seat platform having a fixed pivot bracket. The seat assembly has first and second occupant support members, a pivot rod mounted to the support members, and at least one latch cam connected to the pivot rod. Each of the seat brackets cooperates with the seat assembly pivot rod and to permit rotation of the seat assembly from a first to a second orientation. In the first orientation the seat occupant faces one end of the vehicle. In the second orientation the seat suspension and the seat occupant faces the other end of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a force isolating apparatus for use in a vehicle seat suspension, where the suspension has a base frame and an upper frame mounted to move horizontally relative to the base frame. The force isolating apparatus comprises: a first pair of in line springs comprising a first coiled wire compression spring and a first elastomeric compression spring; a second pair of in line springs comprising a second coiled wire compression spring and a second elastomeric compression spring; and an actuator disposed between said first and second pairs of springs, said actuator being horizontally movable to actuate one of the spring pairs when the base frame and upper frame move relative to one another. The invention is directed further to the above-described force isolating apparatus used with a cooperating shock absorber which is also preferably mounted in line to the spring pairs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seating apparatus having first and second seat suspensions and a seat assembly. The first seat suspension is located at a first longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a first seat platform having a pair of seat brackets. The second seat suspension is located at a second longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a second seat platform having a fixed pivot bracket. The seat assembly has first and second occupant support members, a pivot rod mounted to the support members, and at least one latch cam connected to the pivot rod. Each of the seat brackets cooperates with the seat assembly pivot rod and to permit rotation of the seat assembly from a first to a second orientation. In the first orientation the seat occupant faces one end of the vehicle. In the second orientation the seat suspension and the seat occupant faces the other end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat suspension having first and second bases connected by a linkage assembly with an air spring and shock disposed between the bases. The shock dampens vertical movement of the bases and the air spring increases in air volume to raise the seat height of the suspension and decreases in air volume to lower the seat height of the suspension. A threaded rod is also included as part of the shock which is threadably engaged with a collar that is rotated by a drive source. The engagement between the threaded portions of the rod and collar axially repositions the rod with respect to said collar to change the effective length of, the shock.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a seat suspension that includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a seat suspension that includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat suspension having first and second bases connected by a linkage assembly with an air spring and shock disposed between the bases. The shock dampens vertical movement of the bases and the air spring increases in air volume to raise the seat height of the suspension and decreases in air volume to lower the seat height of the suspension. A threaded rod is also included as part of the shock which is threadably engaged with a collar that is rotated by a drive source. The engagement between the threaded portions of the rod and collar axially repositions the rod with respect to said collar to change the effective length of, the shock.

Abstract: An improved seat suspension assembly with axially adjustable roller and guide assemblies. The suspension uses an adjustment member the actuation of which causes the axial movement of either the roller or guide so as to adjust the spatial relationship between the roller and guide.