Abstract: A vehicle cabin control device includes: a plurality of seating surface changing devices; a determination unit; and an output unit. The seating surface changing devices is configured to change orientations of seating surfaces of a plurality of vehicle seats. When the determination unit determines that the sharing state is desirable, the output unit operates the seating surface changing devices so as to change orientations of bodies of the occupants to such orientations that the occupants easily communicate with each other. When the determination unit determines that the sharing state is not desirable, the output unit operates the seating surface changing device so as to change an orientation of the body of the occupant to such an orientation that the occupant does not easily communicates with the other occupants.

Abstract: Vehicle seat having a backrest consisting of a backrest lower part and a backrest upper part, which is displaceable with respect to the backrest lower part, wherein the vehicle seat is connected to a rotary adjustment device for rotating the vehicle seat, and wherein the rotary adjustment device comprises a locking device for locking the rotary adjustment device, the backrest upper part and the locking device being connected to each other, such that upon a displacement of the backrest upper part relative to the backrest lower part from a non-displaced position into a displaced position, the locking of the rotary adjusting device may be released.

Abstract: A rotary car seat facilitating getting in/out of a car includes: a frame portion constituting a framework of a seat and supporting a load; and a sheath portion formed outside the frame portion. The frame portion includes a backrest frame constituting a framework of a backrest seat and supporting a load, and a cushion frame constituting a framework of a cushion seat and supporting a load. The cushion frame includes an upper frame plate on which the sheath portion is seated, a lower frame plate formed beneath the upper frame plate, a link portion connecting the upper frame plate to be able to rotate on the lower frame plate, and a position setting mechanism is configured to set an area of rotation of the upper frame plate. The lower frame plate is connected to the backrest frame, and the upper frame plate is not connected to the backrest frame such that the upper frame plate can solely rotate independently. The upper frame plate includes a roller portion having a wheel.

Abstract: A sofa base system includes a plurality of channel assemblies and a motor. The channel assemblies are disposed on a frame portion adapted for operational engagement with an associated vehicle, and each channel assembly includes a sliding bracket and an outer bracket arranged on the sliding bracket, as well as a guide rod. The sliding bracket and outer bracket are arranged to slide on the guide rods via a plurality of roller members. The sliding bracket and an outer bracket are coupled to a shuttle member that is drive by a drive rod, and the drive rod is operatively connected to the motor via drive shafts and gearboxes.

Abstract: A seating assembly comprising a shell assembly, a base assembly operably coupled to the shell assembly, and a control assembly including a handle. The control assembly comprises a spindle gear positioned within the base assembly, a gear plate disposed in the shell assembly proximate the spindle gear, a locking key configured to simultaneously engage the spindle gear and the gear plate, a locking leaf spring configured to bias the locking key into engagement with the spindle gear and the gear plate, and an actuator configured to withdraw the locking key from engagement with one of the gear plate and spindle gear and subsequently withdraw the locking key from engagement with the other of the gear plate and spindle gear.

Abstract: An operator station for a machine is disclosed. The operator station includes a first door, a second door, a seat, and a controller. The first door and the second door provide access to the operator station. The seat is disposed inside the operator station and is movable to a first position and to a second position. Further, the controller is configured to move the seat to the first position based on a first signal, and move the seat to the second position based on a second signal.

Abstract: A method of moving a vehicle seat between a forward-facing orientation and a rear-facing orientation includes the steps of: translating the vehicle seat within the vehicle along a track, the track extending in a direction having a component in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and in a width-wise direction of the vehicle; and rotating the vehicle seat relative to the track.

Abstract: The present invention includes a vehicle seat having a seat portion and a seatback. The vehicle seat further includes a plurality of air bladders disposed in the seat portion and a plurality of air bladders disposed in the seatback. The air bladders are configurable between fully inflated condition, fully deflated condition, and plurality of semi-inflated conditions. A controller is configured to control air bladder inflation, wherein the air bladders deflate to the fully deflated condition in response to an access signal received by the controller. The controller is further configured to control the seat position with regards to vertical and horizontal positions to provide greater access to the vehicle interior when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for displacing one or more vehicle seats in a rearward direction during an impact event to increase the space between the occupant's knees/legs and an instrument panel and/or firewall, prior to the intrusion caused by the impact. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a vehicle seat and a displacement system configured to automatically displace the vehicle seat upon detecting a foot well intruding impact event within a vehicle. The displacement system may comprise a seat rail mechanism coupled with the vehicle seat and a pyrotechnic device configured to displace the vehicle seat on the seat rail mechanism upon actuation of the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly for aircraft passengers having restricted mobility comprises a seat base assembly that comprises a first carrier device and a first fastening means. The aircraft seat assembly further comprises a wheelchair sub-frame, a second carrier device and a second fastening means. The dimensions of the wheelchair sub-frame are adapted to the dimensions of aisles provided in the aircraft cabin. Finally, the aircraft seat assembly comprises a seat which comprises a fastening means that is complementary to the first fastening means of the seat base assembly and to the second fastening means of the wheelchair sub-frame.

Abstract: Improvements in a car seat where the car seat is adjustable to accommodate infants to adults. The seat has adjustments for the sides, seat, back and belt position. The seat uses servo motors with an intelligent controller that utilizes a memory position feature along with preset locations based upon different weight, age or height information. The seat pads can move separately or collectively to position the seat prior to an adult, toddler or child being seated. Side supports can elevate and or fold inward to reduce side-to-side motion. The back rest may also be movable to push the child further forward in the seat. The setting can be altered and or stored when different children are seated or as the child grows until they can be seated in the flat adult position. An insert is used to place a newborn in a backward facing reclined position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a protective surface to support the vehicle passenger and a variable-shape aircushion. The contour of the supporting surface can be varied by changing the shape of the aircushion. A drivable device is also provided with which the aircushion can be compressed at least partially from outside in such a way as to vary the shape of the aircushion, and hence vary the contour of the supporting surface. A motor vehicle is also provided with such a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a protective surface to support the vehicle passenger and a variable-shape aircushion. The contour of the supporting surface can be varied by changing the shape of the aircushion. A drivable device is also provided with which the aircushion can be compressed at least partially from outside in such a way as to vary the shape of the aircushion, and hence vary the contour of the supporting surface. A motor vehicle is also provided with such a vehicle seat.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly movable between a use configuration and a stowed configuration within a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The rear seat assembly includes a seat cushion having a front portion and a rear portion, a seat back disposed adjacent to the rear portion of the seat cushion, and a translator coupled to the seat back. The translator moves the seat back between the use configuration and the stowed configuration in which the seat back is adjacent to a rear lift gate of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes an outside switch provided outside of a vehicle for detecting an opening operation of a door from the outside of the vehicle, an actuator for releasing an engagement of a latch mechanism of the door, a control device electrically connected to the outside switch for driving the actuator in response to the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch, and a detecting device for detecting an impact added to the vehicle. When the detecting device detects the impact added to the vehicle, the control device disables the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch within a first predetermined time from the detection of the impact.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Optionally expandable passenger seating is provided in a second compartment of a vehicle body including a first compartment and a second compartment rearwardly adjacent the first compartment, through use of a passenger seating cushion attached to an interior surface of a rear wallgate, of the first compartment, optionally separating the first and second compartments from one another. The rear wallgate is attached at a lower edge thereof for pivoting movement from a vertical position, whereat the rear wallgate at least partially separates the first compartment from the second compartment with the interior surface of the wallgate facing into the first compartment, to a horizontal position, whereat the rear wall gate extends into the second compartment with the interior surface of the rear wallgate facing generally upward, thereby allowing a passenger to sit on the cushion when the rear wall gate is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle having a rearwardly opening door relative to a seat. The seat having a seat cushion, seat back and a seat pivot rotatably connected to the vehicle for rotation of the seat about a vertical axis. At least one linkage is coupled between the seat cushion and a vehicle door. The linkage is sized and positioned such that the seat pivots in response to the door movement. The seat remains substantially adjacent to the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle has a cab with a front seat and a rear seat; a cargo area behind the cab; a back door between the cab and the cargo area; and a first interlock which prevents the back door from being opened when the rear seat is in a seating position. The vehicle may also include a second interlock which prevents the rear seat from being placed in the seating position while the back door is opened. The first interlock may include a back door lock which locks the back door when the rear seat is in a seating position. The second interlock may include a seat lock which locks the rear seat in a non-seating position when the back door is opened.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a fixed seat portion which is adapted to be mounted on the floor of a vehicle and a movable seat portion which is mounted on the fixed seat portion and adapted to be moved between a normal use or drive position and an access position where the front edge of the movable seat portion overlies the sill of the vehicle to facilitate egress from the vehicle, the movable seat portion providing substantial support for the occupant at the drive position and during its movement to the access position, the vehicle seat assembly including mechanisms for pivoting and/or sliding movement of the movable seat portion relative to the fixed seat portion and for locking the movable seat portion to the fixed seat portion to prevent unwanted movement of the movable seat portion.

Abstract: A locking device for preventing a seat from coming loose when the vehicle is moving includes a plate provided with at least one recess (3) for receiving the leg of a seat, and at least one sliding block (4) having at least one open L-shaped notch (5) and able to move between a position in which the open portion of the notch faces the recess and provides a passage for a transverse pin located on said leg, and a locking position in which the closed portion of the notch (5) faces said recess and prevent said pin from being freed, a device (7) urges the sliding block towards its locking position.

Abstract: A cab structure for a working vehicle comprising a driver's seat, and a steering wheel attached to a free end of a curved steering column. The steering column extends forwardly from a front fender located laterally of the driver's seat and then inwardly toward longitudinal centerline of the vehicle body. The steering wheel is pivotable, for positional adjustment, about an axis of the inwardly extending portion of the steering column. The steering column further carries a steering valve at the free end thereof, which is connected to a steering cylinder and a hydraulic pump through hydraulic rubber pipes extending through the steering column.

Abstract: An adjustable front seat is arranged in a two-door motor vehicle and has a backrest capable of forward-tilting and inclination-adjusting about the same axis. A locking of the backrest with a catch pin is caused by a fork latch, the locking of which is cancelled as a result of a pivoting of a spring-loaded detent pawl. Under adverse preconditions, a secure locking of the backrest can be provided if, when the locking position is reached, the detent pawl falls into the fork latch and the detent pawl interacts with a switch member. When the detent pawl has not properly engaged the fork latch this generates a signal, which, with the associated door closed and the ignition key inserted, activates a backrest-pivoting device for pivoting the backrest forwards while the momentary backrest inclination position is maintained, to pivot the fork latch (supported against the catch pin) about the latter until the detent pawl falls into the fork latch.

Abstract: A wheelchair transporter for transferring a handicapped person, while seated in a wheelchair, from a ground level into an operative position on a motorcycle. The wheelchair is intended for independent use, but is designed to couple with a glide track on the motorcycle. The glide track receives rollers mounted on the wheelchair and guides the wheelchair into operational position on the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a support unit for stabilization during the transfer of the wheelchair, and in the course of initiating and ending a ride on the motorcycle by a handicapped person seated in the wheelchair, operating the motorcycle.

Abstract: A rotary seat for a vehicle has a seat cushion member rotably supported on a support shaft vertically mounted on the vehicle floor. Driving apparatus is connected to the seat cushion member for automatically rotating the seat cushion member between a direction toward the front of the vehicle and a direction toward a side door of the vehicle when the seat cushion member is not occupied. Disconnecting equipment is included for disconnecting the driving apparatus from the seat cushion member to allow the seat cushion member to be manually rotated when the seat cushion member is occupied. Control devices are provided for controlling the driving apparatus and the disconnecting equipment to place the seat cushion member in an automatic rotating mode or a manual rotating mode depending upon whether the seat is occupied.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a small lightweight automotive vehicle having a frame supported on front and rear axles, a stationary front module containing an engine, drive train, controls, etc. and a rear seating module which is pivotally supported by the frame for movement about a generally vertically axis extending above the rear axles to permit easy entry into and exit from the vehicle. The vehicle could either have a single or a pair of pivotal rear seating modules and the basic geometric structural shell for the vehicle is a tetrahedron so that the seating module or modules when pivoted to an open position to permit entry to and exit from the vehicle requires relatively little side clearance.

Abstract: A hinge unit for a seat, particularly an automotive vehicle seat, has a fixed hinge element associated with a seat part of a seat and including an upper region provided with a recess with an end abutment, a pivotable hinge element associated with a back part of the seat and pivotably connected with the fixed hinge element, a two-side catch lever pivotally connected with the pivotable hinge element and having a locking projection engageable with the abutment of the fixed hinge element and a heavy arm with a weight urging the catch lever so that the projection assumes its free position, and a retaining element urging the catch lever so that the latter assumes its locking position.

Abstract: An automobile has an operable rear panel such as a rear trunk lid or a back door. A rear seat assembly has a rear seat back which is forwardly foldable to provide an increased package space. A locking mechanism is provided for holding the seat back in the upright position. The locking mechanism can be unlocked by moving the rear panel beyond an open position.

Abstract: A car door seat assembly for handicapped persons includes a support attached to the inside wall of a door of a vehicle to facilitate the transfer of non-ambulatory persons from a wheel chair or crutches to the seat of an automobile.

Abstract: A mine vehicle such as a tractor or a scoop is provided with an operator's cab having a protective canopy and a side entrance way. A swivel seat is positioned in the cab with its back toward the side entrance way and arranged to prevent the operator from sticking his head out of the entrance way when the mine vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A multi-passenger vehicle such as a bus has a lateral entry and exit door which opens a stairwell. One or more passenger seats are arranged immediately adjacent to the stairwell. The passenger seat is oriented in such a manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the bus that the passenger either faces in the travel direction or in the opposite direction. A foot rest plate covers the stairwell when the door is closed. The foot rest plate is hinged about a horizontal axis extending across the longitudinal axis of the bus. In the upwardly tilted position the foot rest plate does not interfere with the free use of the stairwell for its purpose and in the closed position the foot rest plate makes the particular seat adjacent to the stairwell as comfortable as any other seat in the bus.

Abstract: A seat on a movable platform having a partial enclosure about one end thereof is arranged for movement in and out of a door opening in a vehicle, the outer end portion of the enclosure includes a window, the remainder of the enclosure forming front and back and top and bottom portions of the end closure.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus and more particularly an underground mining apparatus having improved protective canopy means extending partially thereover.