Seats With Body Modifications Patents (Class 296/63)
  • Patent number: 7677644
    Abstract: A rear body panel for a golf car includes a seat support portion and a bag well portion disposed rearward from the seat support portion. The rear body panel also includes a pair of wheel wells disposed on opposite sides of the bag well portion. The seat support portion includes a discontinuous recessed flange, a lower end trim edge, and at least one tab for limiting movement of the rear body panel on the golf car. Stiffening ribs are also included adjacent the wheel wells, and hand hold apertures are further included. The bag well portion includes a front wall portion, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a floor portion with an impact absorption feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Wen, Donald S. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20100059953
    Abstract: Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: PLASAN SASA LTD.
    Inventors: Yakov Ben-Ari, Tal Dai
  • Patent number: 7669824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for adjusting motor vehicle seats comprising a spindle (5) fixed to a first (4) of two rails (3, 4) which are adjustable with respect to each other with the aid of holding devices (60) arranged on the end of the spindle (5). A transmission (9) actuated by a motor (2) is placed on the second rail (3), According to id invention, the holding devices (60) comprise an external bowl-shaped supporting surface (66) in which each end of the spindle (5) is fixedly mounted, respectively. Said solution is more advantageous in comparison with conventional holding devices which are embodied in the form of flexible stamped parts, in particular the inventive holding devices exhibit a high resistance in the case of crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: IMS Gear GmbH, Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Woehrle, Hans Dropmann, Andreas Gapp, Urban Knoepfle, Stefan Wetzig
  • Patent number: 7658428
    Abstract: Backrests of a rear seat system are attached to a cross member which extends between the wheel housings of the rear structure of a motor vehicle. Owing to this indirect attachment of the backrests, instead of a direct attachment to the rear structure, the intermediately connected cross member is in a position to absorb a large part of the impact force to which the backrests are exposed in a rear-end collision, and to dissipate this force by means of a parallelogram-like deformation. As a result, the rearward displacement of the backrests is reduced, thus improving the interior protection of the occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tietje
  • Patent number: 7658430
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor and a structural pillar is provided, the seat assembly including a seat bottom frame attached to the floor and a seat back frame pivotally attached to the seat bottom frame. The seat back frame is capable of pivoting between a stowed position where the seat back frame is generally parallel to the seat bottom frame and an upright position where the seat back frame is generally perpendicular to the seat bottom frame. A striker mechanism is positioned on the seat back frame and is capable of assuming a normal position arranged to engage a latch located in the structural pillar of the vehicle when the seat assembly is in an upright position, and a refracted position where the striker mechanism is retracted towards the seat back frame as the seat assembly Is pivoted from the upright position to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mary K. Zielinski, Paul H. Shea, Michael L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7637553
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having one or more seat assemblies each of which has an automatically stowable head restraint associated with it. Each head restraint is pivotally supported by a stowable rear roof panel and is biased into a stowed position in which it lies adjacent to the rear roof panel by a spring. A latch mechanism is used to hold the head restraint in a lowered position in which it depends downwardly from the roof panel for use by an occupant of the motor vehicle. The latch mechanism is automatically released by the process of stowing the rear roof panel or a front roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Richard Condon, Torsten Gerhardt, John K Harding, Steve David Fleming
  • Patent number: 7637551
    Abstract: A platform for use in establishing a load supporting surface upon a vehicle seat bottom. The platform includes at least one and typically a plurality of planar shaped panels, connected in either hinged or telescoping fashion, and which are displaceable from a stored to an extensible position covering a vehicle seat bottom, such that the upper surface of the platform is maintained in level fashion between front and rear locations of the seat bottom. The assembleable platform may be provided as a separate aftermarket item or may be incorporated into a vehicle interior console such that it is displaceable outwardly and across the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer Mahaffy
  • Patent number: 7635156
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body and a module. The vehicle body has a front end and a rear end with an opening formed through the rear end. The module is sized to be received within the rear end opening. The module has at least a portion of a vehicle interior mounted therein. The module is adapted to be inserted into the opening of the rear end to cooperate with the vehicle body to form the at least a portion of the vehicle interior. A modular vehicle interior system is disclosed with a module which is sized to be received within a rear end opening of a vehicle body. A method for assembling a vehicle interior is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Freeman Thomas, Kris Tomasson, David Woodhouse, Jordan Bennett, Matthew Edwards
  • Patent number: 7625039
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle seat assembly supportable on a floor of a vehicle having a battery pack disposed behind the vehicle seat, operable to help cool the battery pack, a vehicle battery pack cooling system, and a method of cooling a vehicle battery pack. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a structural support portion made of a first material and a foam seat cushion supported on the structural support portion, with the first material being more resilient than the foam. The structural support portion is supportable on the vehicle floor and, when supported on the floor, communicates with the vehicle floor to form an air flow passage extending under the seat bottom to provide air flow to the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Mangiapane, Kurt Dettloff
  • Patent number: 7588281
    Abstract: In order to be able to use a uniform body structure in the case of vehicles in a model series of a vehicle manufacturer whose rear seats are equipped either with a stationary seat cushion or with an adjustable seat cushion, in the area of the floor panel, an adapter is provided between the top side of the floor panel and the underside of the seat cushion. The adapter compensates for different height levels and/or different geometrical designs of the two variants of the seat cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tietje
  • Patent number: 7578535
    Abstract: A headrest system for an automotive vehicle having a seat and a roof includes a headrest to limit the movement of a head of an occupant seated in the seat, a bracket to support the headrest and being attached with the headrest, and a track including a bracket receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the bracket. The track is attached with the roof of the vehicle. The headrest is not attached to the seat. The bracket includes an adjustable feature to permit the headrest to adjust relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Freeman Thomas, Kris Tomasson, David Woodhouse, Brian White
  • Patent number: 7556306
    Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a user can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area. Remote actuation systems using infrared sensor assemblies such infrared proximity sensors are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David Hein, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 7543876
    Abstract: An electrically actuated lifting and transferring apparatus for assisting disabled persons when entering and exiting a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a horizontal lifting bar disposed longitudinally alongside a seat of the vehicle between the seat and a door opening of the vehicle. The apparatus also comprises an electrical actuator indirectly coupled to the horizontal lifting bar for forcing the horizontal lifting bar between a lowered position directly adjacent and level with the seat and a raised position away from and above the seat. The apparatus further comprises at least one mounting bracket for securing an assembly comprising the horizontal lifting bar and the electrical actuator directly to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Publication number: 20090134687
    Abstract: A seat holding portion structure has a side member that extends substantially in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The side member has a kick portion whose front and rear end sides are bent and that joins a front portion and a rear portion of the side member that are offset in a vehicle vertical direction. A floor reinforcement is installed within the side member from an opening portion of a vehicle body floor. A rear end portion of an elongated seat holding member is inserted in the floor reinforcement. A connecting body having a closed cross-sectional structure is fixed to a rear end portion of the seat holding member and is disposed at a rear end side bent portion of the kick portion, and, together with the floor reinforcement, is mounted to the side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KUROKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090058124
    Abstract: A seat support structure for restricting the movement of a seat front end and facilitate the mounting of a seat. A tank cover is provided for a fuel tank supported by a body frame. A flange extends to the rear of a vehicle body and is provided on the rear portion of the tank cover. A fastening groove which opens upward to fasten the flange thereto is provided at the front portion of a seat located to the rear of the tank cover and of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Masatoshi SATO
  • Publication number: 20090015030
    Abstract: A covering is provided for a gap behind at least one rear seatback in a motor vehicle, which gap is provided in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the rear seatback and a luggage compartment covering. The covering has at least one covering flap which is held in position on a housing of the luggage compartment covering, is mounted pivotably about a hinge and, in a use position, bears under prestress against the rear seatback. An integrated receptacle for the hinge of the covering flap is provided on an upper and, as seen in the direction of travel, front region of the housing of the luggage compartment covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080309111
    Abstract: A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brandon Marriott, Paul Smith, Thomas Grzybowski, Thomas Messner
  • Publication number: 20080296935
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle seat assembly supportable on a floor of a vehicle having a battery pack disposed behind the vehicle seat, operable to help cool the battery pack, a vehicle battery pack cooling system, and a method of cooling a vehicle battery pack. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a structural support portion made of a first material and a foam seat cushion supported on the structural support portion, with the first material being more resilient than the foam. The structural support portion is supportable on the vehicle floor and, when supported on the floor, communicates with the vehicle floor to form an air flow passage extending under the seat bottom to provide air flow to the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brent R. Mangiapane, Kurt Dettloff
  • Patent number: 7448663
    Abstract: A guard structure for a vehicle seat lock includes a cable 54 operatively connecting between a seat locking mechanism (49) for a vehicle seat and a key device (51) adapted to be actuated by a key. The guard structure also includes a guard body (81) for blocking an access from outside of a vehicle body to the cable (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Katsuji Fujii, Ichiro Umetani
  • Patent number: 7441821
    Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a vehicle operator can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Nagarjun Yetukuri, Gerald Locke, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 7434861
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising guide rails and rolling brackets mounted on opposite side panels extending up from the bed of a truck, and longitudinally extensible and retractable arm members for engagement removably to respective joints on said rolling brackets, for rolling a trunk and a pair of reclinable seats until retained in place either in the middle of the truck bed or on the end of said bed next to the cab of the truck is disclosed. The joints, which receive the arm members with which the trunk and the seats are secured to the side panels, can be set at different distances from the top of said side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Publication number: 20080246297
    Abstract: Backrests of a rear seat system are attached to a cross member which extends between the wheel housings of the rear structure of a motor vehicle. Owing to this indirect attachment of the backrests, instead of a direct attachment to the rear structure, the intermediately connected cross member is in a position to absorb a large part of the impact force to which the backrests are exposed in a rear-end collision, and to dissipate this force by means of a parallelogram-like deformation. As a result, the rearward displacement of the backrests is reduced, thus improving the interior protection of the occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter TIETJE
  • Publication number: 20080246296
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided having at least one seat cushion for carrying a vehicle occupant, and having a static-reducing device positioned in sufficient proximity to the occupant for dissipating an electrostatic charge from the seat. The static-reducing device includes conductive threading woven into the seat cushion or into piping along the seat cushion seams, conductive wiring connected to the base to form a conductive path for dissipating the electrostatic charge, or a humidity-absorbing layer. A vehicle is also provided having a floor and a vehicle seat having a cushion and a base mounted to the floor. The cushion is operatively connected to the base and has a static-reducing device adapted to reduce electrostatic charge of the seat to thereby minimize the electrostatic discharge between the seat and a passenger when the passenger exits the vehicle, the static-reducing device including conductive threading, conductive wiring, or a humidity-absorbing mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Diane K. McQueen, Jennifer P. Lawall, Steven E. Morris, James N. Contes
  • Publication number: 20080231068
    Abstract: A method and suspension apparatus for suspending an object in a vehicle. The vehicle having inner surfaces including a lower surface and an upper surface, comprising an object and a suspension apparatus adapted for holding the object in a suspended position in the vehicle. The suspension apparatus comprising an elongated suspension element, an anchoring arrangement for spacing the object from, and arresting its motion towards, the lower and upper surfaces of the vehicle in the suspended position, and a tensioning mechanism adapted to tension the elongated suspension element. The elongated suspension element comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventor: Zohar Elhanany
  • Patent number: 7419209
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle seat assembly supportable on a floor of a vehicle having a battery pack disposed behind the vehicle seat, operable to help cool the battery pack, a vehicle battery pack cooling system, and a method of cooling a vehicle battery pack. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a structural support portion made of a first material and a foam seat cushion supported on the structural support portion, with the first material being more resilient than the foam. The structural support portion is supportable on the vehicle floor and, when supported on the floor, communicates with the vehicle floor to form an air flow passage extending under the seat bottom to provide air flow to the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Mangiapane, Kurt Dettloff
  • Publication number: 20080164710
    Abstract: A headrest for an automotive vehicle is attached with the vehicle but not with a seat for the vehicle. The headrest may move relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Freeman Thomas, Kris Tomasson, David Woodhouse, Brian White
  • Patent number: 7390046
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided having an adjustable seating assembly comprising one or more members. One member of the seating assembly can be adjusted to provide a backrest to a straddle type seat of the vehicle. As such, when a carrier bed having an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member can optionally be used to provide a wall portion of the carrier bed. The one member can also be adjusted to provide an extension to the straddle type seat. As such, when an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member can optionally be used to at least partially cover a segment of the accessory platform. When an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, an additional member of the seating assembly can be adjusted to provide a backrest to one or more of the straddle type seat or an extended straddle type seat. The additional member can also be adjusted to form a segment of the accessory platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ostroski, Roy Sunsdahl, Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 7367603
    Abstract: In a bored headrest, a garnish includes a front garnish and a rear garnish that are attached to a through-hole of a skin member in front and rear directions of the through-hole to seal an opening. The front garnish has a first holding portion that can hold a first skin edge portion, and a first connecting portion formed at a near side to the rear garnish. The rear garnish has a second holding portion which can hold a second skin edge portion, and a second connecting portion formed at a near side to the front garnish. The rear garnish has a second connecting portion. Therefore, a bored headrest is provided having a high quality of appearance and whose quality of appearance can be kept constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Adachi, Shuichi Hashiguchi, Masami Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7347490
    Abstract: In a vehicle floor structure, a subsidiary frame is provided between a front frame and a seat frame and at a position higher than a lower frame, for supporting thereon a floor section. Step support frame is provided laterally outwardly of the lower frame, for supporting thereon a boarding step so that the floor section is located at a level higher than the boarding step. Vehicle body frame structure includes, for each of left and ride side sections of the vehicle, a straight vertical frame to which are mounted the respective ones ends of an upper arm, lower arm and cushion unit, and respective mounting sections for the upper arm, lower arm and cushion unit can be provided in linear alignment with one another in the straight vertical frame along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kobayashi, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Masahiro Inoue, Kazushiro Inoue, Hiroaki Kase, Yuji Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20080030039
    Abstract: A planar member connected to, and disposed behind, a vehicle seat assembly having a seat back and seat bottom, the planar member moveable between a first position adjacent the seat back and a second position adjacent a floor of a vehicle. The planar member has an upper and lower section connected to each other. The upper section is moveable between a first position and a second position. The upper section is adjacent the seat back when the planar member and upper section are in their respective first positions. The upper section forms a shelf when the planar member is in the first position and the upper section is in the second position. The upper section is perpendicular to, and forms a compartment within a cavity in the floor of the vehicle when the planar member and the upper section are in their respective second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, George B. Byma, Paul Rye
  • Publication number: 20080007082
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising guide rails and rolling brackets mounted on opposite side panels extending up from the bed of a truck, and longitudinally extensible and retractable arm members for engagement removably to respective joints on said rolling brackets, for rolling a trunk and a pair of reclinable seats until retained in place either in the middle of the truck bed or on the end of said bed next to the cab of the truck is disclosed. The joints, which receive the arm members with which the trunk and the seats are secured to the side panels, can be set at different distances from the top of said side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Patent number: 7278672
    Abstract: A direction-lockable seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes an upright seat post that defines a pivot axis, a seat member mounted on top of the seat post such that the seat member is rotatable about the pivot axis, and a direction-locking device that includes a locking plate, a slide guide unit, and a locking pin. The locking plate has a plate body mounted on top of the seat post and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced apart locking grooves. The slide guide unit is mounted on the seat member, and is formed with a slide channel to be aligned with a selected locking groove. The locking pin is movably disposed in the slide channel, and is operable to extend into the selected locking groove so as to arrest rotation of the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sunpex Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Shiang Lin, Chih-Sheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20070176454
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 7240948
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 7231747
    Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Aranar, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Diamond
  • Patent number: 7207619
    Abstract: Basically, a child seat tether anchor structures has a first end tether anchor, a second end tether anchor, an intermediate tether anchor, an anchoring tether, and a vehicle body mounting member with a height adjustment arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are secured to both the vehicle body and the frame. Preferably, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are configured and arranged to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are covered by a carpet or other trim finishing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7080869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotation transmission device and a motor vehicle seat adjustment system comprising one such device. The inventive transmission device comprises a flexible shaft and a casing which houses the shaft therein. The aforementioned casing comprises a core consisting of a hollow cylinder having an inner diameter which is dimensioned such as to enable the rotation of the shaft inside said core. The core of the device comprises at least one bearing-forming zone which is obtained by means of plastic deformation, said zone comprising at least three parts, namely: two outer parts and one central part. The axes of the above-mentioned parts are essentially parallel to that of the core while the diameter of said parts is essentially equal to that of the core. Moreover, the outer parts are substantially coaxial and comprise an axis which is offset in relation to the axes of the central part and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Inderflex-Technoflex
    Inventor: Tores Denis
  • Patent number: 7073865
    Abstract: A tuned vibration absorbing system (12) for a seat system (10) includes a flexible extension member (32) that is coupled to the seat system (10). A suspended element (34) is coupled to the flexible extension member (32). The flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) are configured to absorb vibration within the seat system (10). A method of designing and manufacturing a seat system (10) includes designing the tuned vibration absorbing system (12) with the flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) to absorb vibration within the seat system (10), which is then manufactured and coupled to the seat system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ian D. Haynes, Matthew Kipf, Jon Liu, Robert Buono, Vikas Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 7070223
    Abstract: A detachable seat for a vehicle, provided for visualizing whether the seat is locked on the floor panel through an indicator window. The detachable seat is composed of such components as a bracket consisting of a locking section the can be selectively locked to a striker provided on the floor panel of a vehicle, a lock cam and lock plate and a body section supporting the locking section, the indicator window with a specified area formed by a penetration in covers on the seat, and a highly recognizable colored paint applied on the interlocking section so that it is possible to check through the indicator window from outside whether the seat is locked when the striker is locked at the locking section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Chan Ho Jeong
  • Patent number: 7036864
    Abstract: Spring elements incorporated into a seat are held on the front side in elastic elements for insulation of the seat against vibration of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Benjamin Rehfuss, Siegfried Maebert
  • Patent number: 6951359
    Abstract: An interior rear seat for a motor vehicle includes a main seat located in a vehicle rear cabin portion that has opposed two end side portions, and a first rear interior side panel connected to a first inner vehicle skin surface and located adjacent an inwardly projecting wheel arch of the vehicle. The first side panel has a first seating portion that is continuous with one of the end side portions to extend the main seat adjacent the wheel arch. The rear seat with increased comfort is typically part of a production vehicle converted into a taxi vehicle. The invention also concerns a method for modifying a production vehicle with the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Michel Swift
  • Patent number: 6932407
    Abstract: A vehicle child seat attachment structure basically comprises a vehicle body panel and a sheet metal structural member. The sheet metal structural member is fixedly coupled to the vehicle body panel to create a space between the vehicle body panel and a cabin facing portion of the sheet metal structural member. The cabin facing portion of the sheet metal structural member is configured and arranged to form at least a first bar portion of an integrated child seat tether anchor that is arranged and dimensioned to receive a child seat tether clip. The sheet metal structural member is reinforced by a reinforcement plate configured and arranged to form at least a second bar portion of the integrated child seat tether anchor that is arranged and dimensioned to overlie the first bar portion such that the child seat tether clip is fastened around the first and second bar portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Cuerrier, Mike Smith, Youichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6932408
    Abstract: An adjustable frame with a seat for a truck has a beam, a plate, two arms, and a seat assembly. The beam has ends, legs, and stems. The ends, the legs, and the stems have a means to adjust. The plate has a sleeve to accept the leg. The Z shaped arms have a clamp and connect to an end. The clamp connects to a lip of a truck bed. The seat assembly has necks to join the stems. The adjusting means of the stem and of the neck, of the arm and of the end, and of the leg and of the sleeve telescope to adjust the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Louis C. Lyod, Jr., Andrew R Loyd
  • Patent number: 6899378
    Abstract: Optionally expandable passenger seating is provided in a second compartment of a vehicle body including a first compartment and a second compartment rearwardly adjacent the first compartment, through use of a passenger seating cushion attached to an interior surface of a rear wallgate, of the first compartment, optionally separating the first and second compartments from one another. The rear wallgate is attached at a lower edge thereof for pivoting movement from a vertical position, whereat the rear wallgate at least partially separates the first compartment from the second compartment with the interior surface of the wallgate facing into the first compartment, to a horizontal position, whereat the rear wall gate extends into the second compartment with the interior surface of the rear wallgate facing generally upward, thereby allowing a passenger to sit on the cushion when the rear wall gate is in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Louis A Rhodes, Stephen T Lim, Todd E Olson
  • Patent number: 6843520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rear jump seat head restraint mounting sleeve providing an easy and economic manner of mounting a rear jump seat head restraint by its top edge to a truck roof header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Modreski, Flores B. Luis, Brian Begg
  • Patent number: 6827394
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a first-row seat as a driver seat, a second-row seat rearward thereof, and a third-row seat further rearward thereof. The second-row seat can be slid and reclined in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The third-row seat with a seat back folded is stored within a space immediately below the second-row seat. The second-row seat with the third-row seat stored can be slide and reclined in a vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Watanabe, Masahiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6811199
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket construction for a seat striker, which can firmly hold the seat striker at a position separated from the vehicle body side. A latch 18 having a pin 18a is provided in a folding type squab 10, and a slot 10b is formed in a back face 10a thereof. A bracket 1 is installed to a side panel 13 by bolting. The bracket 1 has a bracket body 2 and a seat striker 3 that is installed to the bracket body 2 so as to be capable of being engaged with the latch 18. The bracket body 2 has a shape such as to project toward the vehicle inside from an outside end 10c of the squab 10 and be long in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The bracket body 2 consists of an upper bracket 2a and a lower bracket 2b. The bracket body 2 has a seat belt guide portion 5, and further has an installation portion for a trim 4 which covers the bracket body 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 6773048
    Abstract: A reinforced fastener assembly (18) for securing a vehicle seat (14, 16) to a vehicle sheet metal body structure (20) is provided. The reinforced fastener assembly (18) includes a mounting bracket (34) having a collar portion (36) for coupling to the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20) and distributing a load across a substantial portion of the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20). This mounting bracket (34) further includes an attachment portion (50) that has a vehicle seat fastener (52) extending therefrom. Finally, the reinforced fastener assembly (18) includes a tubular reinforcement member (78) that is coupled to and extends substantially across the collar portion (36) of the mounting bracket (34). This tubular reinforcement member (78) is intended to reinforce the collar portion (36) thereby allowing the collar portion (36) to distribute a load across a substantial portion of the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael James Freeman
  • Patent number: 6773049
    Abstract: A seat assembly for an off-road vehicle includes a seat having a bottom surface, and a resilient seat suspension supporting the seat. The seat is supported at least in part by a first bumper element carried by the seat suspension. The first bumper element includes a protruding portion interposed between the seat bottom surface and the seat suspension, the protruding portion supporting a portion of the seat from the seat suspension. The seat suspension and the first bumper element are arranged to adjust a length of the protruding portion. The length of the protruding portion can be adjusted to set an elevation of the seat at the point of support by the first bumper element. The seat can also be adjustably connected to another part of the resilient seat suspension by use of a seat bracket with selectable holes to register with holes provided on the resilient seat suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Co.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Rupiper, David A. Westimayer
  • Patent number: RE39315
    Abstract: An operator opens the tail gate, and stretches his/her arm through the tail gate to make the seat back fall down forward. Then, the operator can pull the pull fitting to make both the seat back and the seat cushion turn over backward so as to be received in the storage concave portion. Accordingly, this design allows an operator to perform the rear seat rearrangement in a very easy posture from the outside of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Kamida, Takahiro Mori