Abstract: A collapsible pivot body having a housing that includes a channel defined therein and a mounting bracket that is adapted to attach the pivot body to a portion of a vehicle. The collapsible pivot body further includes a sleeve operatively disposed within the channel. The sleeve includes an internal passage that is adapted to receive a pivot shaft assembly of a wiper system. The collapsible pivot body further includes a plurality of bridges that connect the sleeve to the housing. The bridges are adapted to fail in response to a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and cause the sleeve to collapse within the housing, thereby displacing the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of a wiper arm below the impact line of a vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible pivot body having a housing that includes a channel defined therein and a mounting bracket that is adapted to attach the pivot body to a portion of a vehicle. The collapsible pivot body further includes a sleeve operatively disposed within the channel. The sleeve includes an internal passage that is adapted to receive a pivot shaft assembly of a wiper system. The collapsible pivot body further includes a plurality of bridges that connect the sleeve to the housing. The bridges are adapted to fail in response to a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and cause the sleeve to collapse within the housing, thereby displacing the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of a wiper arm below the impact line of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat latching system having four anchor mounting points wherein three of the four points define an engagement plane with respect to a vehicle floor. The fourth mounting point is located in a non-planar orientation to the engagement plane. A compensating latch is provided as part of the fourth mounting point to engage a mating element in a non-planar orientation. The compensating latch has a reduced engagement and release force characteristic.

Abstract: A vehicle seat latching system having four anchor mounting points wherein three of the four points define an engagement plane with respect to a vehicle floor. The fourth mounting point is located in a non-planar orientation to the engagement plane. A compensating latch is provided as part of the fourth mounting point to engage a mating element in a non-planar orientation. The compensating latch has a reduced engagement and release force characteristic.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat backrest, bottom, and frame. The seat frame operatively supports the seat bottom and further has a seat backrest rotating assembly that is adapted to allow the seat backrest to move between an upright position and a folded position in which the seat backrest is folded down upon the seat bottom. A hinge mechanism allows the rear of the seat frame to be rotatively lifted upward and forward to move the seat frame to a tumbled position. A first latching mechanism is adapted to latch the seat backrest in the upright position. A second latching mechanism is adapted to latch the seat bottom to the vehicle floor. A release assembly is adapted to cause the first and the second latching mechanisms to be selectively released and has a release member and a pulley assembly to provide a mechanical advantage for operating the release assembly.

Abstract: A release actuating system 10 for a seat assembly 12 in a vehicle. Conventionally, the system includes a seat back 14 that is removable through an arcuate range. The seat back 14 is moveable between a design position (tilted upward and rearwardly) in which it may support a passenger, and a full fold flat position. Seat back latches 24 secure the seat back 14 in the design position. A seat cushion 32 supports the seat back 14. The seat cushion 32 has a rearward portion that cooperates with the seat back 14. The rearward portion also releasably engages floor latches 26. The seat cushion 32 has a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the vehicle floor. The seat cushion 32 and seat back 14 tumble forwardly when (a) the seat back latches 24 are disengaged; (b) the seat back 14 lies in the full fold flat position; and (c) the floor latches 26 are disengaged. The tumble forward position facilitates occupant ingress and egress and provides access to luggage and storage areas.

Abstract: A seat latch assembly that includes a seat bottom that has a first frame member, a seat back that has a second frame member that is partially mounted on the first frame member about a first pivot, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a pin mounted on one of the first and second frame members. The latch pivotally attaches to the other of the first and second frame members about a second pivot. The latch has an open angled hook portion and is movable about the second pivot between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the hook portion is spaced from the pin. In the engaged position, the hook portion is in contact with the pin to hook the pin to prevent the first frame member from pivoting relative to the second frame member about the first pivot.

Abstract: A seat latch assembly that includes a seat bottom that has a first frame member, a seat back that has a second frame member that is partially mounted on the first frame member about a first pivot, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a pin mounted on one of the first and second frame members. The latch pivotally attaches to the other of the first and second frame members about a second pivot. The latch has an open angled hook portion and is movable about the second pivot between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the hook portion is spaced from the pin. In the engaged position, the hook portion is in contact with the pin to hook the pin to prevent the first frame member from pivoting relative to the second frame member about the first pivot.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a cushion section a back section pivotally interconnected. The assembly also includes a wheeled latch assembly that is connected to the cushion section. The wheeled latch assembly includes a seat member and a latch member pivotally interconnected and is urged in one direction by a coil spring. The latch member includes a recess for accepting a striker on the vehicle floor and a projection terminating in a roller. The roller is adopted to aid in transporting the vehicle seat while the seat is removed from the vehicle and is accepted into a U-shaped formation while in the vehicle. The wheeled latch also includes a clasp that can be used to entrap the striker of the vehicle floor within the recess of the latch member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided for use in a vehicle including floor means having a pair of front and rear wells and anchor members extending across the wells. The seat is movable between a fixed, operative position and forwardly tumbled, storage position. Handle structure is coupled to at least one of the rear legs in a position to be manually grasped and operated at a side of the vehicle seat for unlatching the rear hook members thereby permitting the vehicle seat to be pivoted about the front anchor members and moved to the forwardly tumbled, storage position thereof.

Abstract: A dual solenoid burner control system particularly adapted for a gas clothes dryer. A controlled switching element, such as a triac, is advantageously employed in a circuit arrangement which accomplishes the various operational functions required of such circuits, and which permits the use of single-winding solenoid gas valves and a simple single-pole sensing switch for sensing igniter ignition condition or flame heat. The preferred embodiments interrupt gas flow in the event of triac failure, whether open-circuited or short-circuited. In an additional system function, the change in winding impedance as a solenoid valve operates normally is sensed and advantageously utilized to cause the first valve to close in the event the second valve does not properly operate.