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 passenger seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (12) includes a seat bottom (24) and seat back (26) which can be folded to a horizontal stowed position for increased storage capacity. The seat assembly (10) comprises a linear recliner (66) for adjustment of the seat back (26) in the upright position and to selectively facilitate forward pivotal folding of the seat back (26) to overlap and cover the seat bottom in the stowed position. The seat back (26) also includes a lower portion (150) pivotally attached to a support stanchion (28) and an upper portion (152) connected to the lower portion (150). An adjustment mechanism (154) automatically adjusts the vertical height of the seat back (26) from a retracted position with the upper portion (152) extended upwardly from the lower portion (150).

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat back mounted for walkover movement from one end of the seat to the other end. Associated with the seat back is an inertial latching system which is normally inoperative so as to allow walkover movement of the seat back. During deceleration of the vehicle above a preselected magnitude, the latching system is actuated to restrain walkover movement of the seat back and to progressively absorb any impact into the seat back from behind, as would occur during a sudden stop or crash. The latching system automatically deactuates itself upon cessation of any tendency by the seat back to undergo walkover movement.

Abstract: A tool for abutment against an object to detect when the object is at a predetermined orientation is temporarily securable to the object in order to free both of the operator's hands for other activities. Plural spirit level vials, oriented to face in different directions, indicate when the tool is vertical, horizontal or inclined at one or more predetermined angles. In the preferred form, the tool body has a central handle region from which arms extend in opposite directions and a pair of members extend laterally from the end of each arm to define segments of a right angled slot into which the object is fitted. The tool preferably has three different types of fastener including retractable nail-like pins which may be penetrated into wood or the like, elastic cords which may be used to clasp the object and magnets which cause the tool to cling to steel posts, pipes or the like.