Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back connected to the seat bottom. A reclining mechanism is configured to adjustably position the seat back. A head restraint assembly includes a head restraint and one or more supports receiving the head restraint extending through one or more slots in an upper frame member of the seat back frame. A head restraint adjustment mechanism cooperates with the seat back to position the head restraint adjacent an occupant's head. The head restraint adjustment mechanism includes a guide rotatably mounted to the seat back frame receiving the one or more head restraint supports, a cam rotatably mounted to the seat back frame and a linkage having a first end connected to the guide and a second end adjustably connected to the cam.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly is provided including a seatback and a motion translation element pivotably mounted within. The motion translation element includes a back engagement portion, movable between a back engagement stable position and a back intrusion position, and a translation portion, movable from a translation stable position to a translation actuated position in response to the back engagement portion movement. A intermediary element is rotatably attached to the translation portion, such that it is moved between an intermediary stable position and an intermediary actuated position. The intermediary element is additionally movable between a disengagement position and a engagement position. A momentum cam is utilized to move the intermediary element into the engagement position during vehicle impact. A trigger arm is positioned within said seatback and engages the intermediary element when in said engagement position.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat cushion supported by a seat pan. The system has a tray with a plurality of pedestals disposed between the seat pan and the cushion. The system also has a plurality of sensor assemblies, each defining a force responsive axis and disposed between the lower seat cushion and tray. The pedestals support some of the sensor assemblies such that the force responsive axes of the sensor assemblies are substantially aligned with the occupant's weight load. Furthermore, the system may be employed in a seat assembly to detect a condition thereof. The tray allows addition of safety features in the vehicle seat assembly such that the seat more effectively retains the occupant, and yet the tray positions the sensor assemblies to be responsively aligned with the occupant's weight load despite these additional features.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A tilt-adjustable head restraint assembly includes a hollowed head restraint body pivotally connected to a U-shaped mounting post. A ratcheting mechanism is disposed within the head restraint body and includes a ratchet interacting with a rack of ratchet teeth. The ratchet has an inertia gear engaged therewith to slow the forward movement of the pivoting head restraint when the ratchet is engaged to allow forward movement of the head restraint, and further has a plunger mechanism which allows for the pivoting of the head restraint in a hands free manner by the application of a static force or pressure.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly having a lower seat cushion supported by a seat pan. The system has a tray with a plurality of pedestals disposed between the seat pan and the cushion. The system also has a plurality of sensor assemblies, each defining a force responsive axis and disposed between the lower seat cushion and tray. The pedestals support some of the sensor assemblies such that the force responsive axes of the sensor assemblies are substantially aligned with the occupant's weight load. Furthermore, the system may be employed in a seat assembly to detect a condition thereof. The tray allows addition of safety features in the vehicle seat assembly such that the seat more effectively retains the occupant, and yet the tray positions the sensor assemblies to be responsively aligned with the occupant's weight load despite these additional features.