Abstract: A trim panel-water barrier subassembly for vehicle structures includes a film of water impermeable material attached to the panel and a seal (of foam or other resilient sealing material) about at least a portion of the perimeter of the outer surface of the water barrier. The seal may include a treatment on its outermost surface, and preferably a release liner is employed to facilitate shipping and assembly of the trim panel. The treatment prevents the capillary attraction of water between the seal and the adjacent vehicle structure, thus preventing water leaks and the potential for seal damage due to freeze/thaw cycles. The water barrier is adhesively attached to the trim panel to provide the subassembly. For example, openings in the water barrier are surrounded by adhesive to prevent the leakage of water into the space between the water barrier and the trim panel.

Abstract: A seat back assembly for a vehicle including a seat back, a pivot device having a pivot axis, and an armrest. The seat back is connected to the pivot device for rotational movement relative to the seat cushion between an upright position and a folded position. The armrest is connected to the pivot device for rotational movement relative to the seat back between a deployed position and retracted position. Both the seat back and the armrest pivot about a common pivot axis. The seat back assembly (1) impedes the rotational movement of the armrest beyond the retracted position; (2) holds the armrest in the retracted position when the seat back is in the fold position; and (3) urges the arm rest from the deployed position to the retracted position during rotational movement of the seat back from the upright position to the folded position.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use with a seat assembly having a separately movable seat cushion and seat back, the latching mechanism including a base member, a sector support for supporting the seat back and a lever. The sector support is pivotally coupled to the base member and includes an engagement surface. The lever is pivotably coupled to the base member, and includes a stop. As the seat cushion is moved to a seat forming position, the seat cushion will actuate the lever, the lever placing the stop into contact with the engagement surface and preventing the movement of the seat back.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat back which pivots during a rear impact vehicle collision in Such a manner that the upper end of the seat back rotates foreword. The pivoting seat back includes a releasable latch mechanism to hold the seat back frame fixed in a predetermined position about a pivot axis. The latch mechanism is releasable by inertia forces in response to a rear vehicle collision, to release the latch member and free the seat back frame for rotation about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A tumble forward seat having mounting brackets that are rigidly attachable to a motor vehicle body and which establish a pivot axis for the seat frame. The brackets are releasably attached to a pair of front mounting pins in the vehicle body floor to hold the brackets stationary in the vehicle. The seat assembly frame then pivots about the mounting brackets from a generally horizontal use position to a tumble forward stowed position to increase the cargo capacity of the vehicle. When rotated forwarded to the up-tilted position, the rear legs of the seat rotate into the envelope formed by the seat frame to avoid leaving the rear legs projecting into the cargo space.