Abstract: A dual-sectioned automotive propeller shaft features a weakened area in a first section. Under an axial load, the first section buckles transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft to absorb substantially all of the energy exerted against the shaft. A second section of the shaft is thereby isolated from consequences of the axial load enabling its placement and proximity to other components mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbing energy during a frontal collision of a vehicle, through the use of a front frame structure having main frame rails that include several deformable and non-deformable sections which are connected by selectively crushable junctures that are configured to predispose one or more of the junctures and sections to pivot selectively outward, rearward and upward, in a predetermined manner, during the collision. The front frame structure also includes an engine cradle, attached below the main frame rails, and having a pair of side rails that include forward and rear crushable junctures joined by non-deformable intermediate sections, with the crushable junctures of the main frame rails and engine cradle side rails being configured to predispose the intermediate sections of the engine cradle side rails to move downward and rearward during the collision.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat bench that pivot relative to each other so that the seat back may be positioned generally upright to provide an upright seating position or positioned generally folded onto the seat bench to provide a cargo position. The seat assembly is mounted to the floor of the vehicle using front and rear latches which engage respective front and rear anchors. From the upright position, the seat assembly may be rotated forward to provide access to and egress from the area behind the seat. From the folded position, the seat assembly may be pivoted forward to provide additional cargo space. The seat assembly is configured to facilitate installing and removing the seat assembly by preventing the latches from contacting the anchors until such contact is desired. The seat assembly is also configured to facilitate moving the seat while in a vehicle and while removed from the vehicle. A cupholder is included in a cover for the seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat bench that pivot relative to each other so that the seat back may be locked generally upright to provide a seating position or locked generally folded onto the seat bench to provide a cargo position. The seat assembly is mounted to the floor of the vehicle using front and rear latches which engage respective front and rear anchors. From the upright position, the seat assembly may be rotated forward to provide access to and egress from the area behind the seat. From the folded position, the seat assembly may be pivoted forward to provide additional cargo space. The seat assembly is configured to facilitate installing and removing the seat assembly by preventing the latches from contacting the anchors until such contact is desired. The seat assembly is also configured to facilitate moving the seat while in the vehicle and while removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat bench that pivot relative to each other so that the seat back may be locked generally upright to provide a seating position or locked generally folded onto the seat bench to provide a cargo position. The seat assembly is mounted to the floor of the vehicle using front and rear latches which engage respective front and rear anchors. From the upright position, the seat assembly may be rotated forward to provide access to and egress from the area behind the seat. From the folded position, the seat assembly may be pivoted forward to provide additional cargo space. The seat assembly is configured to facilitate installing and removing the seat assembly by preventing the latches from contacting the anchors until such contact is desired. The seat assembly is also configured to facilitate moving the seat while in the vehicle and while removed from the vehicle. A cupholder is included in a cover for the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat riser for use with a motor vehicle of the type having longitudinally spaced and laterally extending front and rear floor mounted strikers to removably mount a seat in the vehicle has front and rear latches connected to a frame by pivot pins. Each latch has a hook. The front latch pivots to a latching position in which its hook engages an underside of the front striker. The rear latch pivots to a latching position in which its hook engages an underside of the rear striker. The latches are pivoted to and from their latching positions by a handle connected to one of the latches, with a link interconnecting the latches. The relationship of the latches to each other and to the link is such that one of the latches engages and disengages its striker before the other, thereby reducing the maximum force needed to pivot the latches to and from their latching positions.

Abstract: A seatback having a frame formed in a generally U-shape from a tubular material and a plate coupled between the two legs of the U, a back panel, an outer fabric and an attachment device having a plurality of mounting hooks, a handle, a pair of mounting bosses and a pair of mounting legs. The mounting legs are inserted through slots formed in the outer fabric, back panel and plate. Once the mounting legs are fully inserted into the plate, a portion of each of the mounting legs engages the front side of the plate. Threaded fasteners are placed through the mounting bosses and threadably engage clinch nuts that are coupled to the plate. When a the removable seating unit is lifted by the handle, the force associated with lifting the seating unit is transferred directly to the seatback frame through the threaded fasteners and mounting legs.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat bench that pivot relative to each other so that the seat back may be locked generally upright to provide a seating position or locked generally folded onto the seat bench to provide a cargo position. The seat assembly is mounted to the floor of the vehicle using front and rear latches which engage respective front and rear anchors. From the upright position, the seat assembly may be rotated forward to provide access to and egress from the area behind the seat. From the folded position, the seat assembly may be pivoted forward to provide additional cargo space. The seat assembly is configured to facilitate installing and removing the seat assembly by preventing the latches from contacting the anchors until such contact is desired. The seat assembly is also configured to facilitate moving the seat while in the vehicle and while removed from the vehicle. A cupholder is included in a cover for the seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and seat track assembly (10) provides both incremental fore and aft seat adjustment and full fore and aft seat placement to allow easy access to a location behind a vehicle seat. The assembly (10) comprises a vehicle seat (12) having a front side, a back side, an inboard side and an outboard side. A seat track mechanism (22) attaches to the seat (12) to provide incremental fore and aft seat adjustment along the length of the seat track (22). A floor track mechanism (24) slideably supports the seat track mechanism (22) for full fore and aft placement of the seat track mechanism (22) and the seat (12). The floor and seat track mechanisms (24,22) attach in non-parallel relationship to one another for moving the seat (12) laterally as the seat (12) moves forward along the floor track mechanism (24) to allow the seat to clear an obstacle (100) located in front and inboard of the seat.