Movable Seat Or Backrest Patents (Class 296/65.01)
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Publication number: 20090179450Abstract: A unique and versatile seating system for automobiles is provided. The seating system includes aspects to improve the functionality of the seating arrangement while maintaining the safety and comfort of the automotive seats. In certain embodiments, the seating system includes a reversible automotive seat that includes a seat cushion and a backrest. The backrest is movable between a forward seating position and a rearward seating position and includes an integrated restraint system which is operable to secure an occupant seated when the backrest is in either the forward or rearward seating positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Philip Brown, Warren Nally, Thomas Green
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Publication number: 20090179447Abstract: A passenger vehicle comprising a vehicle body and at least one seat is provided. The vehicle body includes a front end and a rear end. The seat is mounted within the rear end of the vehicle for translating from a first stowed position within the rear end of the vehicle to a first deployed position which is exterior to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David Woodhouse, Andrei Markevich, Christopher Wheeler
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Publication number: 20090167045Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly has a longitudinally movable rear seat and a load floor, which is height-adjustable, can be placed in a boot and has a front portion coupled to a lever member in a rotational manner about a horizontal axis; the lever member can swing about a further horizontal axis, which is fixed with respect to the rear seat during the longitudinal movement of the rear seat; the load floor has a substantially flat rear panel, which is coupled in a sliding manner to the front portion so as to vary the length of the load floor depending on the longitudinal position of the rear seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Angelo Storgato, Giorgio Masoero
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Publication number: 20090160207Abstract: A convertible top assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear panel, a front panel and a pair of outer side panels. The front panel is movably coupled to the rear panel and movable relative to the rear panel between an extended position extending between the rear panel and a windshield header of the vehicle and a retracted position stacked with the rear panel. The outer side panels are movably coupled to the rear panel for movement between a use position extending outwardly from opposite sides of the rear panel and a stowed position disposed inwardly from the use position. The convertible top assembly further includes a linkage operatively connecting the front panel and outer side panels so as to cause movement of the outer side panels between the use position and the stowed position in response to movement of the front panel between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Frank Neubrand
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Patent number: 7547057Abstract: A loading base arrangement for a motor vehicle has a rear seat with a back rest and a seat cushion. Furthermore, there is provided a base element which can be moved in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle and on which items can be deposited. The base element is connected to the back rest and, when the base element is extended, covers the seat cushion. As a result, it is possible, when necessary, to improve the loading space for transporting bulky items.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Kim, Boris Jacob
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Patent number: 7527315Abstract: A armrest portion moving forward away from seat backs for allowing an object to be placed thereon is provided at the central portion of the seat backs of a rear row seat, and a movable cushion provided at a central portion of seat cushions in the vehicle width direction. The movable cushion is operative to move upward and forward away from the seat cushions to the location near a front end of the armrest portion. Accordingly, a large-scaled console can be formed at the proper level with the armrest portion and the movable cushion, thereby improving convenience.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazue Sumida, Minoru Toyota, Naomune Moriyama
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Patent number: 7520554Abstract: A unique and versatile seating system for automobiles is provided. The seating system includes aspects to improve the functionality of the seating arrangement while maintaining the safety and comfort of the automotive seats. In certain embodiments, the seating system includes a reversible automotive seat that includes a seat cushion and a backrest. The backrest is movable between a forward seating position and a rearward seating position and includes an integrated restraint system which is operable to secure an occupant seated when the backrest is in either the forward or rearward seating positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Philip Brown, Warren Nally, Thomas Green
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Patent number: 7516998Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may be convertible between a first seating configuration having a first seat disposed generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second seating configuration having a lateral seat disposed laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Norman O. Berg, Robert C. Aronson, Levi J. McCarroll, Lance L. Anderson
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Publication number: 20090091171Abstract: The invention relates to a moving seat for vehicles, which is characterised in that it is mounted to a gimbal suspension support with one or two shafts, whereby the centre of gravity of the seat and the passenger is located below the suspension shafts. The invention also includes dampers and devices for blocking, delimiting or minimizing the sharpness of the movements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: Javier Valverde Fernandez
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Patent number: 7513558Abstract: A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft or vessels, comprising a harness for suspension from fixed points of a vehicle and for supporting a vehicle occupant. Belt retractors are disposed at the fixed vehicle points, and fabric supporting belts extend from the harness to the retractors, which pretension the belts in a direction of retraction. A manually operable switching device allows the belt retractors to be switched into a free running state, a blocking state, or a positioning state. The free running state permits free withdrawal of the belts in a direction opposite to the pretension. The blocking state effects a complete blocking of the belts in both the withdrawal and the retraction directions. The positioning state effects blocking of the belts in only the withdrawal direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Autoflug GmbHInventor: Holger Hansen
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Patent number: 7506910Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that elevates and rotates to enhance passenger seat access is disclosed. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a plurality of links pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the seat at one end of each of the links and pivotally mounted with respect to a vehicle floor at the opposite end of each of the links. The axes of rotation of each link relative to the vehicle floor converge at a central area underneath the seat. A motor may be used to drive at least one link to actuate the seat between a first position in which the links are substantially parallel to the vehicle floor and a second position in which the links are transverse to the vehicle floor. In moving from the first to the second position, the seat is elevated and rotated by the movement of the links.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: 89908, Inc.Inventors: Horst Leitner, Bernard Leitner
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Patent number: 7509192Abstract: In an in-vehicle mount type AV system for implementing proper acoustic effect control, a swing angle of a rear monitor is detected by a right and left angle sensor, and respective acoustic effects of four speakers (for example, the volume levels of reproduced sounds) are adjusted. The angle detected by the right and left angle sensor corresponds to the angle of the display face of the rear monitor, and the correlation between the display face and the head position of an occupant (automobile passenger) can be estimated. That is, the probability that the head portion of the occupant exists in a direction to which the display face of the rear monitor is oriented is high, and thus the acoustic effect is controlled so that proper volume balance is established at the occupant position thus estimated.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hideki Fukuro
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Publication number: 20090051188Abstract: A child seat mount assembly, a seat for mounting a child seat, and a passenger vehicle having a stowable child seat are provided. A seat back is connected to the body for closing an access opening to a storage compartment and seating an occupant in an upright position, and for opening the access opening in a collapsed position. A child seat mounting plate is connected to the seat back such that the mounting plate and child seat extend into the storage compartment in the upright position of the seat back, and such that the child seat is in a seating position in the collapsed position of the seat back. A method is provided for converting a vehicle seat for receiving and storing a child seat in the storage compartment, and for deploying a child seat in the collapsed position of the seat back.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dean Basil Foussianes, Kip Alan Ewing
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Patent number: 7490906Abstract: To save space it is often not possible to provide a comfortable seat beside a bed, for example for a second flightdeck crew. Normally, sitting on a bed is not comfortable for extended periods of time. The present invention states a backrest arrangement which can be changed from a foldaway position to a seating position. The backrest arrangement can be hinged to a wall. In foldaway position, the distance between a lower region of the backrest and the essentially vertical surface is shorter than in the seating position. In this way the backrest arrangement can for example be attached to a wall beside a bed; in the seating position the backrest arrangement provides a comfortable and safe seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Markus Schumacher, Andrew Muin
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Patent number: 7478859Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a base member provided on the seat and including a groove in which a striker is received and from which the striker is extracted, a hook member rotatably connected to the base member, a lever rotatably connected to the hook member, and a switch that can be in contact with the lever; wherein the lever activates the switch when the striker is received in the groove and whose movement is prohibited by the hook member.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Fukada, Hiroyuki Okazaki
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Patent number: 7478860Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat assembly and a floor. The seat assembly includes a lower seat member operatively connected to the floor, a seatback member operatively connected to the lower seat member, and a head restraint operatively connected to the seatback member. The seat assembly is characterized by an occupiable configuration and a stowed configuration. The seat assembly is configured such that movement of the seat assembly from its occupiable configuration to its stowed configuration causes the head restraint to rotate in a first direction and then a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Steven E. Morris
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Publication number: 20080296951Abstract: The present invention provides a seat apparatus having: a seat back; a forward tilt device that allows at least a portion of the seat back to tilt forward; a securing device that secures the seat back at a vehicle body side; and a release strap that is used for releasing a securing condition of the securing device and has a grip portion. The release strap has a first condition in which the grip portion is positioned at a rear side of the seat back and a second condition in which the grip portion is positioned at a portion so as to be accessible from a front side of the seat back, and one of the first condition and the second condition of the release strap can be selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicants: FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD., NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Goshima, Masami Handa, Morihiro Ichisugi, Toshiaki Sunaga
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Publication number: 20080284195Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat assembly and a floor. The seat assembly includes a lower seat member operatively connected to the floor, a seatback member operatively connected to the lower seat member, and a head restraint operatively connected to the seatback member. The seat assembly is characterized by an occupiable configuration and a stowed configuration. The seat assembly is configured such that movement of the seat assembly from its occupiable configuration to its stowed configuration causes the head restraint to rotate in a first direction and then a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Steven E. Morris
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Publication number: 20080265606Abstract: In an automobile having a seat cushion 13 and a seat back 12 to be stored in an upper part of a vehicle interior, the seat cushion 13 and the seat back 12 can be lifted easily to the upper part position of the vehicle interior. The seat cushion 13 is rotatably coupled to the seat back 12 so that the seat cushion 13 can be superposed on the seat back 12, the seat back 12 is supported on a vehicle body 1 so that the superposed seat cushion 13 and seat back 12 can be rotated to the upper part of the vehicle interior, and a rear surface 12B of the seat back 12 is provided with a handle arm 16 that is grabbed by an operator to lift up the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 13 to the upper part of the vehicle interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicants: KANTO AUTO WORKS, LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jun Kanamori, Osamu Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7441822Abstract: A seat assembly movable in both longitudinal and transverse directions in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion and an adjuster mechanism. The seat cushion has an upper surface for supporting a seated occupant above a floor of an automotive vehicle and an opposite bottom surface. The adjuster mechanism is coupled to the bottom surface of the seat cushion. The adjuster mechanism includes a set of first wheels that allows movement of the seat assembly in a longitudinal direction along tracks on the floor of the vehicle. The adjuster mechanism further includes a set of second wheels that are arranged generally orthogonal to the first wheels to allow movement of the seat assembly in a transverse direction across the tracks and the floor of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Robert Christopher Day
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Publication number: 20080238124Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the position of a seat comprises a rack and a clock nut that grips the rack. The rack comprises a threaded rod, while the clock nut comprises a short cylindrical body that is drilled and threaded along its diameter with internal threads corresponding to the thread diameter and pitch of the rack. Circumferential reliefs are then formed in the threaded bore to enable the clock nut to be “clocked” from a position in which the threads of the clock nut engage the threads of the rack to a second position in which the threads of the clock nut disengage the threads of the rack. A pair of linkages are provided to rotate the clock nut between the engaged and disengaged positions and to transmit loads from the clock nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.Inventors: Keith Michael Ferguson, Othar P. Kennedy
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Patent number: 7422264Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle seat adjusting apparatus including a seat base, a mechanically operated first transmission device, a first supporting plate, a mechanically operated second transmission device, and a second supporting plate. When the first transmission device is operated to be stationary, the second transmission device is capable of being operated to rotate a rotation shaft thereof to rotate the second supporting plate with respect to the first supporting plate. The second transmission device also actuates a first gear thereof to meshably rotate on a stationary first rack member of the first transmission device, such that the second supporting plate, together with the first supporting plate, moves with respect to the seat base along a direction defined by the first rack member.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Pro-Glory Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Yung Lung, Yun-Chin Su
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Publication number: 20080174139Abstract: A vehicle having an adjustable seating assembly and related method. One member of the seating assembly may 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 may optionally be used to provide a wall portion of the carrier bed. The one member may 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 may 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 may be adjusted to provide a backrest to one or more of the straddle type seat or an extended straddle type seat. The additional member may also be adjusted to form a segment of the accessory platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Scott Ostroski, Roy Sunsdahl, Scott Taylor
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Publication number: 20080111391Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion; and a front end transfer member which supports a front end of the seat cushion movably in a front-rear direction of a vehicle; and a rear end transfer member which supports a rear end of the seat cushion movably in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; wherein the seat cushion is storable in a storage concave part provided in a vehicle floor further to a rear than the seat cushion, and the front end transfer member is provided on a vehicle floor adjacent to the front of the storage concave part, and the rear end transfer member is provided on a vehicle floor adjacent to a side of the storage concave part, or provided on a side interior surface of the storage concave part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiro Imamura, Yoshinobu Terada, Toshio Yamada, Kazuo Sunaoshi
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Patent number: 7367624Abstract: A mechanism for a vehicle seat is includes a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom. The mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism connected to the vehicle seat and operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a first powered remote activation device coupled to the first adjustment mechanism. The first powered remote actuation device includes a motor and a transmission element operable to toggle the first adjustment mechanism into the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventor: Nathan L Garland
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Publication number: 20080093875Abstract: A retractable seat of laterally folding type wherein a seat portion thereof is caused by a motor to displace in a direction laterally of a vehicle. The seat portion is pivotally connected, via connecting arm and support elements, with a support base element provided in the vehicle body. The motor and drive transmission elements are securely provided in the seat portion such that the motor is operatively connected via the drive transmission element with a drive shaft fixed to one end of the connecting arm. Operation of the motor causes displacement of the seat portion in the direction laterally of the vehicle body toward one of a use position on a floor and a non-use storage position where the seat portion extends upright adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle. The motor is controlled by electric and electronic elements and systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventors: Susumu Hatta, Takayuki Yoshiga
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Patent number: 7341302Abstract: A seating arrangement (9) comprises at least seat (11) and a second seat (12) arranged side by side. At least part of a seat member (12a) of the second seat (12) is displaceable in an up-down direction relative to the seat member (11a) of the first seat (11), and at least part of the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) is displaceable in a forward-rearward direction relative the seat back (11b) of the first seat (11) so as to allow movement of at least one of the seats (11, 12) in a sideways direction toward the other. The seat member (12a) and the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) may be foldable, in particular to form at lateral restraint and/or an arm rest, when the first and second seats (11, 12) are moved toward each other. Alternatively, the seat member (12a) and the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) may be displaceable to below the seat member (11a) and behind the seat back (11b) of the first seat (11) respectively, when the first and second seats (11, 12) are moved toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.Inventor: Sean A. R. Slade
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Patent number: 7309095Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: James G. O'Connor
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Patent number: 7300107Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, having at least one front foot (11), at least one rear foot (21) coupled to the front foot (11), a seat cushion (3) coupled at least to the front foot (11), a backrest (5) coupled to the rear foot (21), and a coupling between the seat cushion (3) and the backrest (5), it is possible for the vehicle seat (1) to be transferred at least from at least one use position suitable for conveying people into a folded-up flat floor position, the coupling between the seat cushion (3) and the backrest (5) is provided by at least two members (41, 45) which are movably connected to each other and of which at least one is coupled to the rear foot (21) by means of a central joint (43).Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Joachim Kämmerer
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Patent number: 7255383Abstract: A vehicular electrical disengaging door latch apparatus includes: a striker provided in one of a vehicle main body and a door of a vehicle; a door latch module provided in one of the door and the vehicle main body so as to freely engage with and disengage from; a latch disengaging module capable of electrically disengaging the door latch module; a control module capable of controlling the latch disengaging module; and a door-open operating module capable of mechanically disengaging the door latch module by another transmitting module other than the latch disengaging module, especially, the door-open operating module is located at one of a lower side of a seat cushion of an occupant seat and a floor member opposing to the occupant seat.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd., Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeharu Iwata, Shingo Gotou, Osamu Hamaguchi, Jiro Inoue, Shintaro Okawa
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Patent number: 7240949Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a slide carried by the vehicle and having a moveable portion, a seat carried by the moveable portion and including a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected together for movement between an open position and a folded position, and a pivot connector connected between the movable portion and the seat to permit pivoted movement of the seat relative to the slide. In one presently preferred implementation, the pivot connector is connected to the seat back and the entire seat may be pivoted about the pivot connector to move the seat relative to and preferably into a forward or a rearward area in the vehicle interior. The slide permits sliding or generally horizontal movement of the seat in the vehicle and the seat may be pivoted and/or moved into a variety of positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mark T Moushegian, Stuart P Macey
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Publication number: 20070138821Abstract: A seat fixing device for fixing a seat to a floor includes a device body. At least one vertical fixing means extends from the device body, and at least one horizontal fixing means is slidable along the device body and includes at least one actuating unit. The actuating unit includes locking means having a locking function that is dependent upon an operating parameter of the horizontal fixing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Marsel Mejuhas, Jurgen Doll
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Patent number: 7229118Abstract: An automotive slouch rear seat with improved adjustability is provided including an upper seat back and a lower seat bottom. The upper seat back includes a fixed rear seat back, a pivotal seat back, and a sliding seat back. The pivotal seat back has an upper end and a lower end for connecting to the lower seat bottom. The sliding seat back is slidably engaged to the fixed rear seat back. The sliding seat back is rotatably engaged to the upper end of the pivotal seat back. The lower seat bottom includes a fixed rear seat bottom, and a sliding seat lower. The sliding seat lower is slidably engaged to the fixed rear seat bottom. The sliding seat lower is rotatably engaged to the lower end of the pivotal seat back. Also, an automotive slouch rear seat assembly and a method of assembling a pre-installation automotive slouch rear seat assembly are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mohammad Saberan, John R. Sims
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Patent number: 7195302Abstract: A vehicle rear seating arrangement is described that includes a vehicle passenger compartment structure and a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat attachment part, a seat bottom portion with an upper seating surface and a seat extension portion with an extension seating surface. The seat attachment part is fixedly attached to the vehicle passenger compartment structure. The seat extension portion is supported by the seat assembly for movement between a stowed position underneath the seat bottom portion and a seat extending position in which the upper seating surface and the extension seating surface are generally aligned.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Niko Jovicevic
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Patent number: 7188883Abstract: A multi-positional collapsible seat assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom having a load surface provided on an underside thereof and a seat back having a load surface provided on the back side thereof. As the seat assembly is collapsed, the seat bottom is pivoted forward and the seat back is pivoted adjacent to the seat bottom such that the load surfaces collectively provide a load floor for receipt of cargo. An armrest assembly is disclosed that facilitates both passenger and cargo transport. A method is also disclosed for collapsing the seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sino J. Van Dyk, Jon Nichols, Thomas Fritz
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Patent number: 7156460Abstract: The locking device provides for double folding of a detachable vehicle seat, and in particular provides for double folding of a detachable vehicle seat capable of achieving an easier engaging and disengaging of a double folding detachable vehicle seat by providing a stopper and a strap for an unlocking operation of the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Chan Ho Jeong
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Patent number: 7152922Abstract: A mechanism for a vehicle seat is includes a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom. The mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism connected to the vehicle seat and operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a first powered remote activation device coupled to the first adjustment mechanism. The first powered remote actuation device includes a motor and a transmission element operable to toggle the first adjustment mechanism into the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventor: Nathan L. Garland
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Patent number: 7134725Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including a foldable backrest and a lowerable seat part, wherein the backrest is foldable toward the seat part and a mechanism is provided so the seat part is lowerable from a use position into a forward position, wherein a coupling element is provided to couple folding-down of the backrest to forward movement and lowering of the seat part, and a locking mechanism is provided to lock the seat part in the use position. The coupling element may unlock the locking mechanism as the backrest is folded forward toward the seat part at a predefined angle of inclination, so that inclination of the backrest can be changed while the seat part is locked by folding the backrest forward to the predefined angle of inclination and the unlocked seat part is lowered into the forward position by folding the backrest further forward.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Olaf Göbel
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Patent number: 7121613Abstract: A vehicle includes at least two items that move vertically between a lowered position and a raised position. In one embodiment, one of the items is a seating unit having a seat back and a seat base such as a couch or a dinette. The seating unit may convert into a bed. In another embodiment, one of the items may be a bed. The vehicle may also include a cargo area which is configured to receive an off-road vehicle. One or more of the items may be lifted in the cargo area to provide additional cargo space in the vehicle. The vehicle may also include other items that move vertically such as a desk, a table, a workbench, an entertainment center, an appliance, a television, a sink, a cupboard, a cabinet, a shelf, and/or a counter.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
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Patent number: 7077451Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a tub disposed at least partially in a floor of the vehicle. The seat assembly comprises at least one rear leg non-releasably secured to the floor of the vehicle. The at least one rear leg is pivotable to stow the seat assembly in the tub.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Louis A Rhodes, Douglas J Quigley, Joseph L Salani, Carl Mather, John V Keane, David J Ewers
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Patent number: 7070223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Chan Ho Jeong
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Patent number: 7053575Abstract: A method for controlling operations of power seats for a vehicle, comprises the steps of moving a first seat toward a second seat by a first reversible motor, causing a seat cushion of the first seat to be tipped up, by a second reversible motor, relative to a seat back of the first seat which stands up, sensing loads which are applied to the first and second reversible motors, once stopping the driving of the first reversible motor, when excessive load of the first reversible motor is sensed during the movement of the first seat toward the second seat, thereafter returning the first seat to a position at which the excessive load of the first reversible motor is not sensed and stopping the movement of the first seat, once stopping the tipping-up of the seat cushion, when excessive load of the second reversible motor is sensed during the tipping-up of the seat cushion, and thereafter returning the seat cushion to an original posture thereof and stopping the movement of the seat cushion.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Fukuhara, Hiromasa Matsushiro
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Patent number: 7040684Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle comprises a seat cushion and a seat hack pivotally connected to the seat cushion by a recliner mechanism for providing pivotal movement of the seat back between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a forwardly folded position against the seat cushion. A front link supports the scat cushion above the floor of the vehicle in the seating position and lowers the seat cushion to a flat position with the seat back in the folded position. A rear floor latch releasably secures the seat cushion to the floor of the vehicle in the seating position and unlocks the seat cushion and the seat back for pivotal movement about the front link from the seating position to an upright tilted position with each of the seat cushion and the seat back extending generally upright from the floor of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Omar D. Tame, Alexander Victor Kaytser
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Patent number: 7040702Abstract: A tip-up vehicle seat comprises a seat back (11) attached to a vehicle body, a seat bottom (14) displaceable between a retracted position and a available position, a leg member (17) displaceable between a retracted position and a support position, a lock mechanism (18) arranged to hold the seat bottom at the retracted position. The lock mechanism (18) is connected to the leg member (17) through a wire cable (43) so that the lock mechanism (18) is unlocked by rotational movement of the leg member (17) from the retracted position toward the support position to release the restriction to the seat bottom (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takurou Yamada, Masayuki Takakura, Takahiro Ito, Seiji Waku
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Patent number: 7000967Abstract: A slidable vehicle seat with automotive electronic parts, includes an electrically wiring construction for the parts, and a longitudinal housing member provided at a floor section of the vehicle, and having a longitudinally extending slit, the wiring construction including a first electrical wiring member led out of the parts, a second electrical wiring member movably housed within the housing member so as to be capable of traveling along the housing member according to movement of the seat, and a third electrical wiring member connected to a power source the second wiring member having first and second ends, the first end being led out of the housing member via the slit and connected to an end of the first wiring member which is distal the parts, and the second end penetrating the housing member, and connected to an end of the third electrical wiring member which is distal the power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nao Oshima, Hirokazu Horii, Hiromasa Matsushiro
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Patent number: 6997498Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle of the present invention includes a rail, a seat, a front leg, and a rear leg. The seat is made movable between a first position in which a seat cushion is supported on a lower floor via the front leg and the rear leg, and a second position in which the rear leg is disengaged from the lower floor and pivoted toward the seat cushion, a front portion of the seat cushion is supported on the lower floor via the front leg, and a rear portion of the seat cushion is supported on an upper floor.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Rikiya Oyama
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Patent number: 6991285Abstract: A reversible seat system for a vehicle is provided. A seatback includes at least one post-like element extending below a lower side of the seatback. At least one receiving slot is located on each of the anterior and posterior sides of the seat cushion. The receiving slots are configured to receive the post-like element. The seatback is removable and replaceable between a first position and a second position, where the first position is forward-facing and the second position is rearward-facing.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Michael S. Hemenway
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Patent number: 6981731Abstract: A rear seat assembly (12) movable between a use configuration and a stowed configuration within a passenger compartment (10) of a motor vehicle. The rear seat assembly (12) includes a seat cushion (24) having a front portion and a rear portion, a seat back (26) disposed adjacent to the rear portion of the seat cushion, and a translator coupled to the seat back. The translator (58) moves the seat back between the use configuration and the stowed configuration in which the seat back is adjacent to a rear lift gate (22) of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Christopher Welch, Ben Sung Chang, Colin G. Neale
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Patent number: 6945585Abstract: A vehicle seat attachment latch assembly (24) includes a latch (40) mounted for movement between latched and unlatched positions with respect to a striker (29) to secure and selectively release a vehicle seat with respect to a vehicle body. A latching wedge (48) is mounted on the latch (40) for movement therewith and for movement with respect thereto in cooperation with a bias (54) provided by a first spring (58) that moves a wedging surface 52 of the latching wedge (48) into wedging contact with the striker (29) with the latch (40) in its latched position in order to provide a rattle free attachment. A locking pawl (70) and a spring (78) cooperate to hold the latch (40) in its latched position or permit release thereof for movement to the unlatched position where the striker (29) is released.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Porter Group, LLCInventors: Hsing Lung Lewis Liu, Karl A. Murphy
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Patent number: 6932409Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seat backrest, a seat bottom, and a seat frame having a front member and a rear member. The seat frame operatively supports the seat bottom and further has at least one backrest rotating mechanism that is adapted to allow said seat backrest to move between an upright position and a folded position. The seat frame further has a first pair of linkage attachment points on the front member to allow the rear member of the seat frame to be rotatively lifted upward and forward and move the seat frame from a seating position to a tumbled position. A tumble mechanism has a first and a second linkage arm, and a base plate that is fixedly mounted to the vehicle floor and is operatively disposed between the front member of the seat frame and the vehicle floor. The first and second linkage arms are operatively and pivotably mounted to the front member of the seat frame and are pivotably mounted to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Angelo Falchero, Enrico Bruno, Alberto Cartosio