Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1) with a first seat rail (5), a second seat rail (8) which can be moved and locked relative to the first seat rail (5), by way of which the longitudinal seat position of the vehicle seat (1) can be adjusted, an adjustable fitting connected to the second seat rail (8), a seat back coupled by way of the fitting, and a seat cushion carrier (28) coupled to the second seat rail (8) by way of a pivotable support member (30), whereby the vehicle seat (1) can be can be converted from a use position by releasing the fitting and pivoting the seat back relative to the seat cushion carrier (28) to a floor position, a device (33) is provided which queries the relative position between pivotable support member (30) and second seat rail (8) and in dependency on that releases the seat rails (5, 8).

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat cushion (3) and a backrest (4) which are connected movably and/or releasably to the vehicle structure (S), it being possible for the vehicle seat (1) to be transferred from a design position into at least one other position, the backrest (4) is coupled to the vehicle structure (S) by way of at least one link (12, 14), a pivoting movement of the provided links (12, 14) at least in phases predetermining a displacement of the backrest (4) forward, as a result of which the vehicle seat (1) takes up a front use position.

Abstract: A retractable seat device includes a seat body having first and second ends rotatably connected to rear and front legs, respectively, first and second arms, and a link. When the first arm is rotated in a second direction, the rear leg and the front leg connected to the rear leg with the link are unfolded, a rear lock mechanism provided on the rear leg becomes engaged with a first striker provided on the vehicle floor, and then a front lock mechanism provided on the front leg becomes engaged with a second striker provided on the vehicle floor, so that the seat body is supported on the vehicle floor by the rear leg and the front leg. The rear lock mechanism has an interlock structure including a ratchet and a pawl, and the front lock mechanism has a hook lock structure including a hook.

Abstract: A foldable and storable seat for a vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle having a conveniently storable passenger seat. The seat is collapsible into an on-floor or stowed position. A user can stow the seat using only one hand. A release member is activated to permit the seat to move from an upright position to the collapsed position. A tub area which stows the seat is concealed by a floor covering member which has flippers that automatically retract upon activation of the release member. The seat is also capable of reclining. Moreover, the seat remains adjustable in the forward and rearward directions with respect to the vehicle cab. This type of arrangement is ideal for passenger vehicles with two or more rows of seating, like SUVs, vans, and minivans.

Abstract: A combined seat back release and floor release for use with a vehicle seat. The seat back includes a first mechanism for forwardly rotating a seat back relative to a seat bottom. The floor release is actuated by the seat back by virtue of a linearly translatable cable extending therebetween. The cable acts upon a floor release lever, which is rotatably slaved to a pair of cam elements. A latch plate is rotatably secured to the seat and engages a floor mounted striker. Shoulder portions associated with the cams define primary and secondary abutment surfaces acting against the support surface of the latch plate. The lever actuates the cams away from the support surface in response to the actuation of the cable from the seat back mechanism.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion extending laterally between spaced apart side members. The seat cushion includes a front cross member extending between the side members. Inboard and outboard front legs are each pivotally assembled at one end to the front cross member for pivotal movement of the seat cushion relative to the front legs between a seating position and forwardly dumped positions. A boss protrudes outwardly from the front cross member for pivotal movement therewith relative to the front legs. A guide flange is fixedly secured to one of the front legs and has a cam surface cammingly engagable with the boss for automatically laterally displacing the seat cushion in response to pivotal movement of the seat cushion relative to the front legs between the seating and forwardly dumped positions.

Abstract: An adjustable seat for a vehicle includes a first support and a second support connected to the first support to form a seat, a mount for attachment to the vehicle floor; and an adjustment mechanism. The seat is movable between a forward orientation wherein the second support faces forward and a rearward orientation wherein the first support faces rearward.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a seat bottom that is configured to be pivotably mounted to the vehicle body, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, a seat back latch associated with the seat back for inhibiting movement of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom, and an automatic stow arrangement for moving the seat bottom and seat back from a use position to a stowed position. The stow arrangement is associated with the seat back latch and is configured to release the seat back latch to allow the seat back to pivot in a first direction toward the seat bottom. The stow arrangement is further configured to pivot the seat bottom and seat back in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.

Abstract: A rear vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest is provided. The vehicle seat has a control device in connection with an adjusting device which have the purpose of implementing that, during a folding of the rear seat backrest, the seat part is displaced forward in the driving direction and lowered, and the backrest is then part of a loading surface which is constructed at the same level as the remaining loading surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A double-folding seat has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a recliner portion. The seat also has a rear locking portion, a force transmitting member, and a front locking portion. The seat back is connected to the seat cushion. The recliner portion is configured to selectively fold the seat back toward the seat cushion. The rear locking portion selectively locks a rear potion of the seat cushion to a vehicle body. A force transmitting member transmits a force generated by folding of the seat back to the rear locking portion. The rear locking portion is configured such that a locking thereof, to the vehicle body, is automatically released by a force transmitted through the force transmitting member. The seat cushion is rotatably connected to the front locking portion and the front locking portion connects a front portion of the seat cushion to the vehicle body.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat assembly has an adjustable seat cushion and a foldable seat back. The adjustable vehicle seat assembly is pivotally mounted on the vehicle for rotation from an extended passenger carrying position to a storage position behind the passenger carrying position. The seat cushion is slidably mounted on a rail assembly having a pivotal connection to the vehicle at a position behind the passenger carrying position and a latch located at the forward portion of the seat cushion whereby the seat adjusting assembly is rotated with the folded seat cushion and seat back into the storage position after release of the latch.

Abstract: The invention provides a seat stowing system for stowing in a floor recess (16) a seat (15) with a seat back (22, 23) tipped forward to fold it against a seat cushion (21). The stowing system (20) includes a seat back forward-tipping mechanism for automatically tipping the seat back forward and a swinging mechanism (30) for automatically swinging the folded seat back and the seat cushion as one. The seat back forward-tipping mechanism and the swinging mechanism are drive-controlled by a control unit, and the operation of stowing the seat in the floor recess is thus made electric.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism is provided for a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle having a floor. The adjuster mechanism includes a support member, a first leg, a shaft, an arm, a link and a motor. The shaft extends defines a first axis. A first end of the support member is rotatably coupled to the shaft. The first leg has an upper end rotatably coupled to the shaft and a lower end rotatably coupled to the floor for rotation about a second axis. The arm has a distal end extending radially outwardly from the shaft. The link has one end pivotally coupled to the distal end of the arm and an opposite end pivotally coupled to the floor for rotation of the link about a third axis. A motor is drivingly engaged to the shaft via a gear mechanism causing rotation of support member about the first axis, rotation of the first leg about the second axis and rotation of the link about the third axis, whereby the support member is displaced between a seating position and a stowed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding split seat which is easy to move from a seating position to a cargo position and back and which accomplishes this by moving the seat cushion forward and downward out of the way of the folded seat back without the need to fold or flip the seat cushion. Also disclosed is a embodiment of the folding split seat that also provides for a reclining seat back.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle comprising at least a seat, and a recess which is formed receding downwardly in a floor of the vehicle immediately behind the seat. A cross member extends across the vehicle width above the recess and is fixed to the vehicle body at its opposite ends. A buckle connecting member is connected with a buckle of the seat belt for the seat at one end and connected with the cross member at the other end.

Abstract: A seat assembly is adapted to be mounted along a floor of a motor vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion frame having a forward end and a rearward end for supporting an occupant on the seat assembly. The seat assembly also includes a front support structure pivotally coupled to the forward end of the seat cushion frame. The front support structure pivots the seat assembly between a generally horizontal seating position and a generally upright tumbled position. In addition, the seat assembly includes a locking strut extending between a first end, which is coupled to the front support structure, and an opposite second end, which is coupled to the rearward end of the seat cushion frame. The locking strut locks and retains the seat assembly in any location between the seating position and the tumbled position in response to an acceleration force exerted on the seat assembly above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An attachment structure for attaching a seat assembly to a vehicle underbody includes a first cross member that extends between a pair of side rails. The first cross member includes first and second transversely extending portions that each support a striker. A second cross member also extends between the pair of side rails. First and second longitudinal members extend between the first and second cross members. The first longitudinal member is attached to the first cross member at the first transversely extending portion and the second longitudinal member is attached to the second cross member at the second transversely extending portion. Straps are mounted to each of the first and second transversely extending portions, with one strap extending underneath each of the first or second longitudinal members. The first and second transversely extending portions each include a horseshoe shaped opening over which the respective striker extends.

Abstract: A headrest arrangement for a vehicle seat consisting of a back and a bottom seating part. Said arrangement comprises a headrest part that is connected to the back of the seat, with the connection configured in such a way that the headrest part can be moved between an in-use position arranged above the back of the seat and corresponding to its headrest function and a non-use position wherein the headrest part can be releasably locked in both positions. The headrest part in non-use position and relative to the in-use position is lowered in the direction of the seating part and is arranged horizontally in the area of the front part of the back of the seat. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat fitted with said headrest arrangement.

Abstract: Vehicle seat of retractable type having a rotary support link mechanism, which is displaceable between upper use position and lower storage position. The rotary support link mechanism comprises a forward link element and a backward link element smaller in length than the forward link element, wherein the forward link element has upper and lower pivotal support points between the seat and a vehicle floor, while the backward link element has upper and lower pivotal support points between the seat and vehicle floor. The lower pivotal support point of the backward link element is disposed backwardly of and above the lower pivotal support point of the forward link element, and the backward link element is inclined more backwardly than the forward link element. With this arrangement, the seat can be displaced by operation of motor between the upper use position and lower storage position in a manner analogous to a manual operation.

Abstract: A rear seat having a backrest provided with a back board includes a first link member, a second link member, a sliding member, an elastic member, and a stopper. The back board is arranged to be automatically deployed by the elastic member in such a manner that the movement of the sliding member integrated with the back board is controlled in conjunction with a folding condition of the backrest. Accordingly, in the present invention the drawbacks such as falling or sticking of a luggage are effectively addressed.

Abstract: A third row seat of a vehicle includes a seat back which can be folded down onto a seat cushion, and a headrest which can be pivoted rearward with respect to the seat back. The seat cushion is mounted on the vehicle floor so as to be pivotable rearward. A recess is formed in the floor of the vehicle behind the third row seat. The recess stores the third row seat, with the seat back being folded down, the headrest being pivoted rearward, and the third row seat being pivoted rearward. The headrest is located within a path of the pivotal motion of the seat back and the seat cushion, without increasing the path of the pivotal motion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle comprising a four joint link mechanism for storing a seat into concave portion provided on a floor of the vehicle and a motor device driving the four joint link mechanism, wherein a wire harness connected to the motor device is wired in a space provided between a cover attached to a rear link which forms the four joint link mechanism and the rear link.

Abstract: A vehicle foldable seat back recliner (20) is operable to permit movement of a foldable vehicle seat (14) so that its seat bottom (16) and seat back (18) store in either a folded vertical position or a folded horizontal position.

Abstract: A multifunctional third row seating assembly that is capable of moving between two seating positions, as well as moving between split passenger seating configurations and between seating and storage positions. In the storage position, the third row seating assembly forms a true flat floor in combination with a second row seating assembly. The third row seating assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat squab coupled to it and mounted to the vehicle such that the third row seating assembly can be pivoted in an elliptical movement between a forward and a rearward seating position. The third row seat cushion is also latched such that it can be released and flipped over from a front longitudinal axis to fit into a foot rest area of the vehicle. The third row squab can then be folded down to form a flat floor. The third row squab is also constructed in two sections, so that it is capable of forming a bench seat or a split seat.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a seat that is retractable into a leg space of the seat, and a cargo bed adjustably provided behind the seat such that a part of the cargo bed is moveable into a space formerly occupied by the seat after the seat is retracted. In this manner, cargo space and passenger space of the vehicle may be selectively optimized by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle seat support frame assembly (14) has a seat cushion base member (16) with opposite ends (20) and (22) pivotally connected to first and second legs (28, 40). The first legs (28) are also pivotally connected to the associated vehicle and the second legs (40) have first and second latches (50) and (52). Each first latch (50) provides securement of the associated second leg to the associated vehicle in the seating position, and each second latch (52) prevents pivoting between the second leg and the seat cushion base member end (22) to provide rigidity in the seating position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat apparatus in which a seat is rotated around a rotational shaft to the rear of a vehicle in such a manner that a bottom surface of a seat cushion is made to face the inside of a passenger compartment so that the seat can be stowed in a recessed portion. The rotational shaft extends in a transverse direction along a front edge of the recessed portion to be fixed to a vehicle body at ends thereof. A seat cushion and a seat back of the seat are both divided into at least two in a widthwise direction. Respective seats so divided are rotatably supported on the rotational shaft individually.

Abstract: A retractable seat to be attached to a floor may include a seat cushion, a seat back rotatably supported on the seat cushion, and a link mechanism for supporting the seat cushion on the floor. The link mechanism includes a front leg and a rear leg that are pivotally connected to the seat cushion and the floor so that the seat can be switched between a use condition and a retracted condition. The front and rear legs respectively have a different link length so as to produce a difference between a rotating range of the front leg and a rotating range of the rear leg. The seat may further include a compensation mechanism for compensating for the difference between the rotating ranges of the front and rear legs within an operating range of the link mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable seat may include a seat cushion, a seat back rotatably supported on the seat cushion, and a link mechanism for supporting the seat cushion on a floor. The link mechanism includes a front leg and a rear leg that are pivotally connected to the seat cushion and the floor so that the seat cushion and the seat back can be switched between a use condition and a retracted condition. The seat may further include a restraint mechanism provided on the floor for preventing the link mechanism from moving when the seat is in a use condition.

Abstract: A vehicle seat apparatus includes a first latch mechanism supported at a front portion of a seat cushion frame supporting a vehicle seat, a second latch mechanism supported at a rear portion of the seat cushion frame, a first striker mechanism provided on a vehicle floor and being engagable and disengagable relative to the first latch mechanism, a second striker mechanism provided on the vehicle floor and being engagable and disengagable relative to the second latch mechanism, an upper bracket provided at the first latch mechanism and fixed to the seat cushion frame, and a lower bracket provided at the first latch mechanism and rotatably supported at the upper bracket by a rotating shaft. The upper bracket includes a supporting portion, and the lower bracket moves to be disengaged from the first striker mechanism due to a contact of the supporting portion to the vehicle floor side while the vehicle seat being tumbled is reclined in the rear direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding seating apparatus, for on-board stowage of an optionally deployable passenger seat, in a vehicle having a floor defining a floor surface that may be entirely flat when the seating apparatus is stowed. The seating apparatus includes a stowable seat having a seat cushion supported on one or more legs above the floor, a seat back that is foldable upon the seat cushion for stowage of the seat, and a seat receiving recess in the floor for on-board stowage of the seat. The seat is movable transversely in the vehicle in addition to being stowable.

Abstract: A fold-in-floor vehicle seat is supported in a use position on a generally flat load floor. To move the seat into a storage position, the seat is lowered onto a portion of the load floor that acts as an articulated base for the seat. The base approximates the footprint of the seat, and covers a storage cavity directly below the seat and configured to closely receive the seat. The base is free floating with respect to the remainder of the load floor, but is pivotally connected to the vehicle by an articulating arm that allows the base to rotate about a pivot point through an arcuate section of guide track in the storage cavity, and the arm then articulates to allow the base to travel through a straight portion of track. The arm then returns to its starting position as the base traverses a second arcuate section of track, having now inverted so that the seat is lodged within the storage cavity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly of a passenger cabin of a pick-up truck includes a rear seat cushion and a rear seat back, each rotatable such that a bottom surface of the rotated rear seat back can rest upon a rear end of the rotated seat cushion to provide a storage space beneath the rotated seat back and between the rotated seat cushion and a rear wall of the passenger cabin. The cargo bed of the truck may be extended into the storage space by providing an access door thereto in a front wall of the cargo bed in communication with a corresponding opening in the rear wall of the passenger cabin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a station wagon, having a rear loading space which has a floor trough and having an additional seat which is arranged foldably in the rear loading space and has a pivotably held seat and backrest part, the rear sides of which, in the folded-over not-in-use position of the additional seat, form a flat loading floor which covers the floor trough. In order to realize a footrest for the vehicle occupant sitting on the additional seat counter to the direction of travel, a covering module is inserted into the floor trough, said covering module having a self-supporting, flat plate which is used for the footrest and a strip-shaped, narrow limb which is angled on one longitudinal side of the plate. The plate is supported at the edges at a distance from the bottom of the floor trough, and the limb extends vertically until it reaches or is close to the front edge of the seat part of the additional seat.

Abstract: A close-out panel for a stowable vehicle seat assembly having pivotable connections to a vehicle floor, the close-out panel having: a first edged attached to the stowable vehicle seat assembly, a second edge, parallel to the first edge, and a living hinge positioned between and parallel to the first edge and the second edge. The living hinge enables the close-out panel to fold when the stowable vehicle seat is deployed and to open into a flat panel flush with the vehicle's floor that conceals the pivotable connections when the vehicle seat is pivoted to a stowed position.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having bottom and a pivotally secured back. A release mechanism is operably engaged to the back and includes an actuating handle extending from the bottom. A plate is secured to the back at a first location and pivotable along with the back about an axis defined at a second location, an arcuate exterior surface defined by the plate exhibiting a recessed detent. A floor release lever is secured to the bottom proximate the plate and is pivotally associated with the release mechanism by a cable extending to a floor latch mechanism associated with the vehicle. A male detent is pivotally secured to the seat bottom in inter-disposed fashion between the floor release lever and the plate.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle is provided. Typically, the vehicle includes a movable seat and an adjustable cargo bed, each configured to be alternatively positioned in an overlapping area of movement. The vehicle further includes a latch system including a latch body and a first retainer provided on the seat and a second latch retainer provided on a portion of the cargo bed. The latch body is typically configured to alternatively be secured to the seat or to the cargo bed by interlocking with either the first or the second latch retainer.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat storage assisting apparatus, a folded second rear seat can be rotated to a front side and a rear side about seat rotating shaft members provided at both side portions thereof. A rearward and forward biasing springs are provided between the seat rotating shaft members and floor support brackets respectively. The biasing force of the rearward biasing spring gradually decreases as the second rear seat which is being in a horizontal state A forward of the seat rotating shaft members rotates from the horizontal state A to a vertical state B. The biasing force of the forward biasing spring gradually decreases as the second rear seat which is being in a horizontal state C rearward of the seat rotating shafts rotates from the horizontal state C to the vertical state B.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat cushion frame, a seatback, and a leg. The seat cushion frame has an outboard end pivotally mounted to a fixed support proximate a side wall of the vehicle, and the seatback is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame. The leg is pivotally mounted to the inboard end of the seat cushion frame and includes a latch mechanism for securing to the vehicle floor. A brace is pivotally connected to the leg and to the fixed support proximate the side wall, so that the seat cushion frame, leg, brace and fixed support act a parallel linkage to move as a unit from a use position to a stowed position of the seat assembly. The assembly is held in the stowed position by a pin that engages the brace to prevent its pivoting relative to the fixed support.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automative vehicle comprising a seat back and a seat cushion pivotally coupled to the seat back. A pivot bracket is fixedly secured to each opposite lateral side of the seat back for supporting the seat assembly between opposing lateral side walls within the interior of the vehicle. Each pivot bracket includes a support flange for supporting the seat cushion cantilevered from the pivot bracket. A hook portion engages a latch post on the lateral side walls to retain the seat assembly in an upright seating position. A pivot flange is pivotally coupled to a main pivot post on the lateral side walls for pivoting the seat assembly between the upright seating position to a stow-to-floor position wherein the seat cushion is pivoted forwardly and downwardly to be supported on the floor of the vehicle and the seat back is pivoted against the seat cushion to form an extended cargo load floor.

Abstract: A folding seating apparatus, for on-board stowage of an optionally deployable passenger seat, in a vehicle having a floor defining a floor surface that may be entirely flat when the seating apparatus is stowed. The seating apparatus includes a stowable seat having a seat cushion supported on one or more legs above the floor, a seat back that is foldable upon the seat cushion for stowage of the seat, and a seat receiving recess in the floor for on-board stowage of the seat.

Abstract: A seat device adapted to be fixed to engagement members on a vehicle floor includes a first engagement member supporting a front portion of the seat device, a second engagement member supporting a rear portion of the seat, a first lock engagable with the first engagement member, a second lock engagable with the second engagement member. The first lock is supported on the seat device and includes a bracket rotatably supported relative to the seat device and being engagable with the first engagement member and a hook member supported on the bracket and being able to maintain an engagement of the bracket with the first engagement member. A contact portion is provided on the hook member for contacting on a portion of the seat device to prevent a release operation of the hook member when the bracket is out of a predetermined position range relative to the seat device.

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.