Abstract: A compact latching device for use with a vehicle seat assembly suitable for use in applications presenting a small design envelope, wherein one or more pawls are mounted on a seat-cushion member within an arcuate gear sector mounted on the other of the seat members so as to be simultaneously and selectively movable into and out of locking engagement with the gear sector so as to restrain pivotal folding of the backrest member relative to the seat-cushion member when secured in locking engagement, and so as to allow for pivotal folding of the backrest member relative to the seat-cushion member when removed out of locking engagement.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved adjustable latching device for use with a vehicle seat assembly having a first and a second seat member pivotally foldable relative to one another about a pivot axis between folded and unfolded operative configurations. The device accommodates both the well-known "dumping" and "reclining" features and is comprised of a latch pin rigidly mounted on the first seat member so as to define a first concentric arc of movement upon said pivotal folding of the first seat member about the pivot axis and an idler plate having a generally arcuate gear sector and being mounted for rotation about the pivot axis.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat assembly having a backrest member pivotally movable with respect to a seat member, there is disclosed a device for controlled adjustment of the inclination of the backrest member with respect to the seat member, which device includes a redundant locking mechanism which is activated upon failure of the primary locking mechanism so as to prevent uncontrolled rearward pivoting of the backrest member over the seat member. Moreover, the activation of the secondary locking structure is signalled to the seat occupant by a change in the operation of the device, which change in operation prevents the seat occupant from attempting to re-adjust the inclination of the backrest member without servicing of the device by qualified personnel.

Abstract: A seatback latching mechanism for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a backrest member pivotally tiltable over a seat member. The mechanism has a first latch means fixed relative to the seat member and a second latch means pivotally mounted on the backrest member for pivotal movement thereof between an unlatched and a latched position in which tilting movement of the backrest member over the seat member is restrained. Pendulum means are pivotally mounted on the backrest member for pivotal movement independently of the pivotal movement of the second latch means between first and second pendulum limit positions at which limit positions the pendulum means impinges upon the second latch means.

Abstract: An adjustment device for incrementally adjusting the inclination of a backrest member of a vehicle seat assembly, which backrest member is pivotably mounted with respect to a seat member.The adjustment device comprises a first hinge bracket rigidly secured to one of the members and a second hinge bracket rigidly secured to the other of the members, wherein the one of said first and second hinge brackets which is connected to the backrest member is pivotally moveable with respect to the other of said first and second hinge brackets. A first gear means is mounted on the first hinge bracket and is operationally connected to the second hinge bracket so as to effect the pivotal movement of the backrest member. A drive means is operationally connected to the first gear means and a control means is operationally connected to the drive means for activation thereof.