Seat Securing Device Permitting Seat Removal And Replacement Patents (Class 296/65.03)
  • Publication number: 20100320812
    Abstract: A seat assembly that is releasably secured to a floor, wherein the seat assembly is released from the floor by simply lifting the handle is provided. The seat assembly includes a latch assembly which releasably engages a platform such as a vehicle floor. The handle is configured to bear the load of the seat, and is also operable to actuate the latch so as to release the seat from the floor by simply lifting the seat by the handle. Thus only one motion is used to remove the seat from the floor. Further the operation of releasing the seat from the floor is inherent as it requires the user to merely lift the seat by the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: ROBBIE MICHAEL LINKNER, Robert Joseph Hazlewood
  • Patent number: 7854460
    Abstract: A receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework includes at least one coupler mounted thereon. The coupler enables the main framework to be joined to one or more auxiliary frame pieces that contain at least one coupling member that mates with the coupler of the main framework. The coupler may also be used for joining a variety of seating and cargo units to the main framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, Ryan Hughes, Douglas Wolter, Tim Michalke, Ronald G. Solberg
  • Publication number: 20100314191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brian M. Safranski, Richard L. Sunsdahl
  • Patent number: 7850137
    Abstract: A latch system for a vehicle seat track includes locks. The locks are moveable between locked and unlocked positions. The locks lock with a web attached with the seat track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Abdella, Ryan Kadlec, Scott Kropfreiter, John R. Sims, Neil G. Goodbred
  • Publication number: 20100289290
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a stowable seat and seat storage structure that affords for storing of the stowable seat in a vehicle and yet not use or occupy any floor or sub-floor cargo space. An interior side wall for the vehicle is also provided, the interior side wall having a recess that is dimensioned for the stowable seat to fit at least partially therewithin when it is detached from the floor and folded into a stowed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Frank Parkinson, Robert Charles Steinbrecher, Hamshivraj Singh Dhamrat, William Deming
  • Patent number: 7819455
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle having a seat that pops up. A seat assembly has a front end section that is latched by a seat connection member. The seat assembly is elastically deformable in an upward-downward direction of the vehicle. The seat assembly is latched by a seat lock such that it is bent in the upward-downward direction when in a latched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Endo
  • Publication number: 20100259061
    Abstract: A latch assembly for vehicle seat comprising a base having a receiving pocket accommodating a striker of a vehicle body part, a catch rotatably coupled to the base rotating between a locking position where the catch supports the striker and an unlocking position where the catch allows the striker to escape, a damping plate rotatably coupled to the base with the same rotating axis as the catch elastically pressing catch to rotate to the unlocking position and having a damping surface elastically pressing and supporting the striker, a pawl plate rotatably coupled to base having a pressing surface pressing the catch rotated to the locking position, a pawl rotatably coupled to base having the same rotating axis as the pawl plate and having a supporting surface supporting catch preventing further rotation if the catch at locking position rotates passing the pressing surface of pawl plate due to an outer impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: AUSTEM CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hyun Sung Paing, Jun Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 7810779
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing actuation of a seat position adjustment device coupled to a vehicle seat that is adjustably mounted to a vehicle seat frame. The apparatus may comprise a stop member mounted to the seat position adjustment device, and at least one biasing member configured to normally bias the stop member into engagement with the vehicle seat to prevent actuation of the seat position adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Chris P. Jessup, Douglas Wayne Bittner
  • Patent number: 7798550
    Abstract: Removable vehicle seats operable for use outside of vehicles include a latching mechanism and a plurality of legs. The plurality of legs can be configured to extend when the latching mechanism is released from the vehicle and to support the removable vehicle seat when the removable vehicle seat is placed on a surface outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Heraldo Felicio Stefanon
  • Patent number: 7775578
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to be removably coupled to a floor in a vehicle is provided. An electrical component is mounted to the seat assembly. A riser assembly is also mounted to the seat assembly. A first electrical connector is mounted to the riser assembly and electrically coupled to the electrical component. A second electrical connector is adapted to be mounted to the floor. The first electrical connector linearly slidingly engages the second electrical connector as the seat assembly is secured to the floor for electrically coupling the first electrical connector with a vehicle power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel T. McDermott
  • Patent number: 7762605
    Abstract: A spring force of a thrust spring can be determined independently of a spring force of a locking spring, reducing an operating load of an unlocking operation. A locking device includes a locking mechanism provided on one of two members to be engaged with each other, and a striker provided on the other of the two members. The locking mechanism includes a base plate, a hook, a pawl, a cam, a locking spring, a thrust spring and a canceling plate. The base plate has a recess that is capable of receiving the striker. The hook, when rotated relative to the base plate, is capable of forming a locked condition in which the striker is held between the hook and the recess of the base plate or an unlocked condition in which the hook is spaced away from the striker. The pawl is capable of rotating relative to the base plate and maintaining the hook in the locked condition. The cam is capable of further pressing the hook in the locked condition toward a locking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiyou Otsuka, Makoto Asano
  • Patent number: 7758096
    Abstract: A partition panel is disposed in the rear of a seat. A tether anchor is attached to the partition panel and adapted to be coupled to a tether of a child seat. A partition trim covers the partition panel from above and is formed with a opening disposed above the tether anchor. A cover is movable along a face of the partition trim to open and close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Shunsuke Ohta
  • Patent number: 7748766
    Abstract: A seat row assembly is provided, having a first rail and a first seat movably connected to the first rail. A second seat is moveable between a first position and a second position, such that the second seat in its second position does not occupy the same space as in its first position. The first seat is configured to selectively move from a first position into a second position, in which it occupies space occupied by the second seat in its respective first configuration. A second rail, perpendicular to the first rail, is movably connected to the first rail such that the first seat is selectively movable along both the first rail and the second rail. The seats may be configured to fold to a collapsed configuration. A method of allowing access to a third row of seats in a vehicle having a second row of seats is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Villeminey
  • Patent number: 7722105
    Abstract: An article includes a cover member, which can reversibly slide between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The article includes at least one track member disposed on one or opposing sides of the cover member. The article includes at least one support structure adapted to be received by the at least one track member in a sliding relation. The article includes at least one vertical support structure disposed in a fixed position relative to the cover member and adapted to mate with a bottom surface of the cover member in a vertically supporting relation. The article includes at least one mechanical stop limiting the range of motion of the cover member in an opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Shellhammer
  • Patent number: 7717489
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a vehicular seat having a first member, a cooperatively moving apparatus configured to release a lock apparatus from being locked in cooperation with a movement of the first member, and a second member configured to be adjusted when the lock apparatus is released. Further, the cooperatively moving apparatus includes a main cooperatively moving member connected to the first member and capable of cooperative movement with the first member, and a sub cooperatively moving member connected to the lock apparatus and capable of being moved by receiving a force from the main cooperatively moving member. Also, a hold mechanism is provided between the main cooperatively moving member and the sub cooperatively moving member, the hold mechanism is capable of holding the lock apparatus in a lock release state by holding a portion of the sub cooperatively moving member by a predetermined amount while operating the main cooperatively moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsutaka Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 7717488
    Abstract: A vehicle seat of a vehicle is basically provided with a seat cushion, an annular frame, a hook or striking member and a vehicle body engagement element. The seat cushion is disposed within the vehicle. The annular frame disposed within the seat cushion. The striking member is attached to the annular frame to attach the vehicle seat to the vehicle body. The vehicle body engagement element is attached to the annular frame so as to serve as a load transferring point at which the vehicle body engagement element transfers a bending load of the annular frame to the vehicle body as the vehicle seat is being initially lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Takahana
  • Publication number: 20100001545
    Abstract: Detachable vehicle seat, with a back structure and a seat structure; coupling means for coupling the seat structure to the back structure; securing means for securing the seat structure to a part of the vehicle floor; a rapid detachment mechanism that permits the seat to be decoupled from the back; at least one first strap is coupled to the structure of the back part of the seat in a zone corresponding to the abdominal zone of the person; a headrest in which at least one second strap is coupled in a zone corresponding to the zone of the head of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATION & SAFETY, S.L.
    Inventor: Sergio De Rico Herrero
  • Patent number: 7641257
    Abstract: A seating arrangement is provided in a vehicle to enable a wheelchair occupier to be carried safely in the vehicle, whilst having only a minimal effect on the total number of passengers that can be carried. The seating arrangement includes two adjacent seats, one adjacent the side of the vehicle and the other adjacent the aisle of the vehicle. The seat adjacent the side of the vehicle can be moved from a first position to a second position in which a clear space exists on the side of the second seat which is remote from the aisle. The second seat has a seat squab which is moveable to a position in which the seat squab does not obstruct the space in front of the back-rest of the seat, and the second seat is moveable laterally towards the side of the vehicle and axially of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: NMI Safety Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Sawdy
  • Patent number: 7631907
    Abstract: The present invention realizes a locking device for vehicle free from the occurrence of rattle at the portion where the striker is locked. When a lock plate 5 and a latch plate 4 are brought into a locked state and a latch-side recessed portion 4d of the latch plate 4 is engaged with a striker 20, a plate pressing cam 7 rotates clockwise by a restoring force by a coil spring 12, so that its depressing-side cam portion 7e depresses a tip end 6c of a rattle-removing plate 6. A rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d of the rattle-removing plate 6 engages with the peripheral surface of the striker 20, to suppress the rattle of the striker 20. Since the rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d is formed into the shape that matches the peripheral surface of the striker 20, occurrence of rattle can be strictly suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imasen Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yusuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20090267376
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to be removably coupled to a floor in a vehicle is provided. An electrical component is mounted to the seat assembly. A riser assembly is also mounted to the seat assembly. A first electrical connector is mounted to the riser assembly and electrically coupled to the electrical component. A second electrical connector is adapted to be mounted to the floor. The first electrical connector linearly slidingly engages the second electrical connector as the seat assembly is secured to the floor for electrically coupling the first electrical connector with a vehicle power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: INTIER AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventor: Daniel T. McDermott
  • Patent number: 7581793
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for coupling to the floor of a vehicle comprising a seat back, a seat cushion, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The seat back is pivotable between at least a first position and a design position. The seat cushion is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor. The first bracket is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor and includes one of a keyed passage and a keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The second bracket is coupled to the seat back and includes the other one of the keyed passage and the keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The keyed passage is configured to receive the keyed pin only when the seat back is in a position the seat back will be prevented from assuming after the vehicle seat has been installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Hartmann, Timothy Butt, Steven Boye, Metodija Milevski, Chih-cheng Liao, Christopher James Cowan, Richard Hong
  • Patent number: 7578536
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided which includes a seat base detachably mounted on a vehicle floor, a seat cushion detachably provided on the seat base, and a backrest foldably supported on the seat base. The seat cushion is detached from the seat base, and the seat cushion and the seat base with the backrest folded are juxtaposed to be stored in a recess provided in the vehicle floor or an area under another seat. In the case of non-use, the vehicle seat can be removed from the vehicle floor to be efficiently stored inside a vehicle. A vehicle seat storing structure and a vehicle seat structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yajima, Yuichi Tsukada, Koji Kamida, Hidetaka Shinozaki, Tomotsu Oishi
  • Patent number: 7575280
    Abstract: A latch mechanism and a vehicle seat having a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a mounting plate, a latch, a pawl, and a cam. The latch, pawl, and cam are rotatably disposed on the mounting plate. The pawl engages the latch before the cam engages the latch to inhibit rotation of the latch. The pawl and cam disengage from the latch to permit the latch to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michele Palomba, Chad Balk, Matthew Kipf, James C. Dalian
  • Patent number: 7566086
    Abstract: A seat mounting system for a vehicle comprises an elongated track mounted to a floor of the vehicle and a number of seat coupling members. The elongated track defines a length and a continuous first channel along its length. Each of the number of seat coupling members is configured to be received and retained within the first channel anywhere along the length of the elongated track, and to be secured to a vehicle seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. Gray, Christopher W. Foye
  • Publication number: 20090108615
    Abstract: Provided is a movement device for a vehicle seat. Lower rails extending in a forward or rearward direction of a vehicle are arranged in a vehicle width direction on a vehicle floor. An upper rail provided at a lower part of a seat slidably movably engages with the lower rails. A recess is formed in the vehicle floor, enabling a carriage to be conveyed between the lower rails along the vehicle width direction. The carriage is separated from the vehicle floor, and guide rails are installed on the carriage. The guide rails are provided in extensions of the lower rails so as to be capable of directly accepting a sliding movement of the upper rail from the lower rails, as the upper rail is removed from the lower rail into the extension thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Akiya, Tadashi Nie
  • Patent number: 7520555
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformable structure to attach a child seat to a mounting portion of a vehicle is provided. The energy-absorbing deformable structure comprises a loop of metal rod including a base end configured to be coupled to the mounting portion of the vehicle, a distal end configured to be coupled to a child safety seat, and a plurality of sinuous deformable portions positioned intermediate to the base end and the distal end, wherein each of the sinuous deformable portions includes an inwardly extending portion that extends inward from a perimeter of the deformable structure to a substantially central interior region of the deformable structure; wherein the sinuous deformable portions of the deformable structure are configured to be deformed when the base end and distal end are pulled in tension, thereby absorbing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reddy Malapati, Chris O'Connor, Rodney Simon, Pardeep Kumar
  • Patent number: 7516998
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Norman O. Berg, Robert C. Aronson, Levi J. McCarroll, Lance L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7500707
    Abstract: A seat assembly incorporating a combination of seat latches including seatback, front floor and rear floor latch subassemblies. A release handle actuates the seatback latch to facilitate seatback dump against a seat bottom. Pluralities of cables are associated with the seatback latch subassembly, as well as a separate seat release module secured to an accessible location of the seat operate and, in cooperation with the front and rear latch assemblies, operate according to first and second operational protocols to accomplish forward seat tumble or, alternatively, rearward seat removal from the vehicle within which the seat is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, David Grable
  • Publication number: 20090033122
    Abstract: Removable vehicle seats operable for use outside of vehicles include a latching mechanism and a plurality of legs. The plurality of legs can be configured to extend when the latching mechanism is released from the vehicle and to support the removable vehicle seat when the removable vehicle seat is placed on a surface outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Heraldo Felicio Stefanon
  • Publication number: 20090026790
    Abstract: A vehicle seat latching system having four anchor mounting points wherein three of the four points define an engagement plane with respect to a vehicle floor. The fourth mounting point is located in a non-planar orientation to the engagement plane. A compensating latch is provided as part of the fourth mounting point to engage a mating element in a non-planar orientation. The compensating latch has a reduced engagement and release force characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: James G. O'Connor, Chad Balk
  • Patent number: 7448664
    Abstract: A seat mount structure for a saddle ride vehicle having seat brackets provided on a vehicle body frame, includes hooks on a bottom plate of a seat, and locking the hooks to the seat brackets to thereby mount the seat to the vehicle body frame. The structure also includes front-side cushion rubbers for receiving the load on the seat side mounted to the seat brackets, the front-side cushion rubbers being located on the inner side of the hooks. With this seat mount structure for a saddle ride vehicle, a bending moment at a lock portion between the vehicle body frame side and the seat side is suppressed, and the ride comfort is enhanced while setting the moldability of a seat bottom plate to be equivalent to that in the related art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Rei Shioya
  • Patent number: 7434862
    Abstract: A multifunctional latch assembly associated with a rear row mounted and removable vehicle seat exhibiting a seat back pivotally secured to a seat bottom. The latch assembly releasably engages the seat bottom to front and rear floor supported strikers and to permit forward rotating seat dump and/or rearward seat removal. A first latch mechanism is mounted to a rear location of a frame associated with the seat bottom and includes a latch plate configured to engage the rear striker. A release lever is secured to a further location of the seat frame and is actuated a degree to permit the seat back to pivotally fold flat against the seat bottom, the release lever is further actuated a second degree to disengage the latch plate from the rear located striker and to permit forward rotation of the seat about the front supported striker. A second latch mechanism is mounted to a selected front location of the seat frame and includes an arcuately configured latch engaging the front striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen Bruck, Keith Brantley
  • Patent number: 7431371
    Abstract: A vehicle seat latch (24) includes a latch member (40) and a blocking member (70) that each have associated first and second blocking surfaces (80, 82 and 88, 90) for holding the latch member in a latched position with the blocking member in a blocking position. The first blocking surfaces (80 and 88) of the latch member and blocking member have a pressure angle between 4.6 and 6.6 degrees while the second blocking surfaces (82 and 90) have a zero degree pressure angle and are slightly spaced from each other. A deformable blocking portion (84) of the blocking member (70) defines its first blocking surface (88) and is deformed by excessive loading so that the zero degree pressure angle second blocking surfaces (82 and 90) then contact each other to hold the latch member in its latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Porter Group, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Miller, Brian P. Baibak, Brent C. Everett, Craig S. Smith, Michael A. Blake
  • Patent number: 7419205
    Abstract: A connector connecting structure for a detachable seat is provided which includes a floor-side hook provided rotatably on a floor, an arm coupled and fixed to the floor-side hook, and a floor-side connector provided on the arm, wherein a seat-side hook causes the floor-side hook in a collapsed state to rotate in a direction in which the floor-side hook erects together with the arm, so that a seat-side connector and the floor-side connector are connected to each other, when a seat is attached. The seat is caused to rotate such that the arm is erecting so as to bring both the connectors into connection with each other. The floor-side hook is provided with a semi-ring portion and a straight portion and is supported on the floor at an intermediate portion thereof by a shaft portion, and the arm is coupled and fixed to the floor-side hook via the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7407215
    Abstract: A tether anchor assembly is coupled to a vehicle allowing a child seat tether to be connected thereto. The anchor assembly includes a mounting bracket, a receiver bracket, a nylon loop and a boot. The mounting bracket is configured to be fixedly secured to the vehicle. The nylon loop extends through both the mounting bracket and receiver bracket. The boot includes a channel for concealing the receiver bracket and the loop when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: George Mike Chalhoub
  • Publication number: 20080169669
    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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter TIETJE
  • Publication number: 20080164711
    Abstract: A device and method for reducing noises created by a movable seat back that is tethered to a cabin wall. The seat back has a latch bracket that hooks over a rigid striker pin extending from the cabin wall. A dynamic hook insert, manufactured from a polymeric material, lines the latch bracket and makes direct contact with the striker pin. The insert is provided with a resiliently bendable section spaced from direct contact with the latch bracket. The resiliently bendable section is dynamically movable for absorbing vibrations transferred to and from the striker pin and for automatically accommodating dimensional variances in the striker pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Tony A. Zambon, James D. Biebel
  • Publication number: 20080157557
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle having a seat that pops up. A seat assembly has a front end section that is latched by a seat connection member. The seat assembly is elastically deformable in an upward-downward direction of the vehicle. The seat assembly is latched by a seat lock such that it is bent in the upward-downward direction when in a latched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato ENDO
  • Patent number: 7393038
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided which includes a seat base detachably mounted on a vehicle floor, a seat cushion detachably provided on the seat base, and a backrest foldably supported on the seat base. The seat cushion is detached from the seat base, and the seat cushion and the seat base with the backrest folded are juxtaposed to be stored in a recess provided in the vehicle floor or an area under another seat. In the case of non-use, the vehicle seat can be removed from the vehicle floor to be efficiently stored inside a vehicle. A vehicle seat storing structure and a vehicle seat structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yajima, Yuichi Tsukada, Koji Kamida, Hidetaka Shinozaki, Tamotsu Oishi
  • Patent number: 7377570
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with an elongated wheelbase has a rear-mounted receptacle for receiving one of a plurality of interchangeable modular components, such as a passenger seat, a cargo container, a cargo rack, a flatbed or a workbench. The modular component has an electrical connection and a mechanical connector on an underside thereof which has hooks and posts for engaging, respectively, a transverse rod and sockets. A latching mechanism locks the modular component to the rear of the vehicle. Accordingly, the modular component is selectively releasable to easily and quickly interchange one modular component with another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Rondeau, Jeannot Belanger, Auger Guillaume, Mathieu Audet
  • Patent number: 7367604
    Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion front latch assembly (32) includes an attachment latch (72) for providing attachment to an associated vehicle and includes a support bracket (78) whose pivotal positioning about a latch plate (66) is controlled by a blocking member (86) prevents movement of the attachment latch (72) to an unlatched condition when the support bracket (78) is moved a predetermined extent from its use position toward a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Porter Group, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Miller, Brent C. Everett, Michael A. Blake, Venugopala C. Mittapalli
  • Patent number: 7357436
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a latch mechanism for an automotive application, such as securing a seat assembly to a vehicle floor. A bracket is provided with a first link pivotally connected thereto. A second link is pivotally connected to the first link; and a third link is pivotally connected to the bracket and the second link. One of the links is provided with a hook, and selective actuation of one of the links drives the hook from a closed to an open orientation for latching the bracket to a striker. A release link is also provided for driving the linkage to a released orientation and for locking the linkage in the closed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Seat USA Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Willing, John K. Dryburgh
  • Patent number: 7347478
    Abstract: A variable slip bushing is disposed within a bore of a first structure for closing a gap between the first structure and a second structure. The variable slip bushing includes an axial bore for receiving a fastener therethrough. The variable slip bushing also includes an outer wall slidably engaging the bore of the first structure for closing the gap as the fastener is tightened against the variable slip bushing to secure the first structure to the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory R. Kreft
  • Patent number: 7347477
    Abstract: A collapsible seating apparatus is provided for use on a bed of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle bed includes a vehicle bed length and a vehicle bed width. The collapsible seating apparatus includes a container which includes a container length which is substantially less than the vehicle bed length and which includes a container width which is less than the vehicle bed width. A collapsible seat assembly is retained in the container in a nondeployed condition in a storage mode, and the collapsible seat assembly is transformed into a deployed condition for use by persons who sit on the deployed collapsible seating apparatus. The deployed collapsible seat assembly fits upon the vehicle bed. When the collapsible seating apparatus of the invention is deployed in a pickup truck bed, persons can sit in the deployed collapsible seat assembly and view outdoor events from the pickup truck by looking out the back of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Marty J. Carty
  • Publication number: 20080036231
    Abstract: In an indoor structure of a vehicle including a door (12) provided in a door opening (20) at the side of a vehicle and a step (5) for passenger ingress and egress provided on the indoor side of the door opening, the step being located at a lower position than a floor (4) of the vehicle compartment, an expanded floor portion (6) substantially level with the floor (4) is provided on the vehicle rear side of the step (5). Also, a rear leg (24) of a foldable seat (2) is extended outward in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle compartment, and is placed on the expanded floor portion (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirasawa, Masaya Suzuki, Hitoshi Takane, Kiyokazu Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20080012380
    Abstract: A vehicle seat of a vehicle is basically provided with a seat cushion, an annular frame, a hook or striking member and a vehicle body engagement element. The seat cushion is disposed within the vehicle. The annular frame disposed within the seat cushion. The striking member is attached to the annular frame to attach the vehicle seat to the vehicle body. The vehicle body engagement element is attached to the annular frame so as to serve as a load transferring point at which the vehicle body engagement element transfers a bending load of the annular frame to the vehicle body as the vehicle seat is being initially lifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Takahana
  • Patent number: 7309095
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: James G. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20070273170
    Abstract: A vehicle latch assembly including a stanchion support and a pivotally secured seat supporting bracket. A batwing shape sector is slaved to rotate with the bracket between the bracket and stanchion support. A sector bottom surface is interrupted by a shoulder projection and an arcuate interior channel is offset from a slaved rotating connection of the sector to the bracket. A pin extends through another channel defined in the stanchion and seats within the sector channel to bias the sector during travel along the interior channel. A pendulum is secured in sandwiching fashion between the bracket and stanchion and includes an upper edge configuration proximate a selected location of the bottom surface of the rotatable sector, depending upon a rotatable position established between the first seat component and a second seat component. The pendulum responds to an inertial impact condition by engaging the shoulder projection to prevent rotation of the first seat component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: William Champ, David Grable
  • Patent number: 7296840
    Abstract: A floor latch assembly includes a mounting bracket secured to the seat cushion of an automotive seat. A latch hook is pivotally connected to a side wall of the mounting bracket and engages a striker pin on the floor of a vehicle. A cam lock hook is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and engages the latch hook to create a locking mechanism for securing the seat to the striker pin. An anti-separation member maintains alignment of the latch hook and the cam lock hook to enhance the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael A. Martone, Tyrone R. Secord
  • Patent number: RE41964
    Abstract: A latch system for providing adjustment of a seat back relative to a seat bottom includes a seat-back latch mechanism interconnecting the seat back and the seat bottom for movement of the seat back between a use position and a folded position and a floor-latch mechanism selectively connecting the seat bottom to the base for movement of the seat bottom between a deployed position and a stowed position. An interlock mechanism interacts with the floor-latch mechanism and the seat-back latch mechanism to selectively block operation of the floor-latch mechanism and the seat-back latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob Paul Hellrung, Christopher James Ryan