Back Tilts And Bottom Moves Forwardly Patents (Class 297/341)
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Patent number: 8517328Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a lower track and an upper track slidably movable relative to the lower track. A latch is attached to the upper track and movable between a locked position wherein movement of the upper track is prevented, and an unlocked position wherein the upper track may be moved relative to the lower track. An actuation mechanism is provided and is movable between a first position wherein the latch is in the locked position, and a second position wherein the actuation mechanism engages the latch and urges the latch into the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski, Krzysztof Wroblewski, Wee T. Gam
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Publication number: 20130200668Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a seat recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat further includes an actuator mechanism having a first actuator that includes a push button located on the seat and an actuator in electrical communication with the push button, A force transmitting device has one end connected to the actuator and a second end connected to the seat recliner mechanism, such that energizing the actuator actuates the force transmitting device to release the seat recliner mechanism and move the seat between a use and a tipped and forward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Eric B. Michalak, Joseph Rajkumar, Mark Kowalski, Vijay Havali, Jeffrey P. Medvecky
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Publication number: 20130193730Abstract: A seat track assembly includes first and second tracks. The second track includes a detent. A roller engages the first and second tracks for facilitating movement of the first track relative to the second track. Movement of the first track relative to the second track at a predetermined position causes the roller to engage with the detent such that the detent resists rotation of the roller, thereby temporarily retaining the first track relative to the second track at the predetermined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventor: Lear Corporation
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Patent number: 8496294Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor includes a support mechanism operatively coupled between a seat back and a seat cushion. A rear end of the seat cushion is released from the support mechanism to pivot the seat cushion from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back from an upright seating position to a forwardly folded position. The support mechanism is released from the floor and a stand-up link pivotally coupled between the floor and the support mechanism moves the seat cushion from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position and simultaneously urges the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion, thereby maintaining the seat back in a generally vertical orientation defining a stand-up position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating IncInventors: Carl J. Holdampf, Ronald A. Zimmerman, II, Douglas A. Dingel, Brian Adwell
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Patent number: 8490941Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail, a second rail slidably movable relative to the first rail, a lock member restricting a movement of the second rail relative to the first rail, a memory member movably supported within an inner void between the first rail and the second rail and prevented from moving, a first holding member holding the memory member so that the memory member is movable along with the second rail, a second holding member holding the memory member so as to maintain the engagement between the memory member and the first rail, a support bracket fixed to the second rail in the inner void and supporting one end portion of the second holding member, and a rail-side engagement portion arranged at the second rail, engaged with a holding-member-side engagement portion, and preventing the second holding member from being loosened from the second rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryousuke Mizuno, Hideo Nihonmatsu, Genta Moriyama, Naonori Hioki
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Publication number: 20130175841Abstract: A reclining seat assembly includes a seat frame, a backrest frame supported by the seat frame for pivoting movement about a backrest pivot axis, a seat pan, and a backrest recline angle adjuster. The seat pan has a forward portion supported by the seat frame for relative longitudinal movement. The seat pan has a rearward portion pivotally supported by the backrest frame for pivotal movement about a rear seat pan pivot axis. The backrest frame reclines relative to the seat frame upon forward longitudinal movement of the rear seat pan pivot axis relative to the seat frame. The backrest recline angle adjuster is coupled to the backrest frame. The adjuster maintains the rear seat pan pivot axis in a selected one of a plurality of longitudinal positions relative to the seat frame to thereby achieve a desired backrest inclination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: JAMES W. FINCK
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Patent number: 8480175Abstract: The present invention provides for an automotive vehicle seat assembly allowing for fold flat functionality as well as sliding capabilities along a track located within the automotive vehicle. The seating assembly further including a plate. The seating assembly includes a handle bracket having an abutting edge, a biasing member connected to the handle bracket, and a planar bracket having a first end and a second end. The first end of the planar bracket having a stopper which abuts the abutting edge when in contact. The second end of the planar bracket operable to connect to a cable wherein the cable connects to a release mechanism allowing for movement of the seat assembly along the vehicle track.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Todd Rupert Muck
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Patent number: 8474912Abstract: Subject matter described herein includes a seat assembly (e.g., chair, bench, sofa, vehicle seat, etc.) having a seat and a back rest that adjust together to facilitate reclining. The seat assembly includes a base coupled to a back-rest frame. The base remains substantially fixed relative to synchronized adjustment of the seat and the back rest, and the back-rest frame includes a pivot on which the back rest rotates to adjust a back-rest recline position. The assembly also includes the seat hingedly coupled to the back rest and a fore-and-aft adjuster that couples the seat to the base. A movement restrictor attaches to the seat and the base and biases the seat in a rearward orientation. The assembly further includes a pivot receiver coupled to the back rest, the pivot receiver providing a path along which the pivot travels when the seat moves forward and rearward.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Dana Lockwood, Joseph L. Waters, Cesar Antonio Santana
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Patent number: 8474777Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail, a second rail, a lock member, a memory member, a first holding member holding the memory member to move integrally with the second rail in a state where a restriction of the relative movement between the first rail and the second rail is released on a basis of an operation handle, and a second holding member holding the memory member so that the engagement of the memory member with the first rail is maintained in a state where the restriction of the relative movement is released in association with a forward folding operation of a seat back. The first holding member integrally includes a body portion and a memory member holding portion so as to sandwich the memory member in a state where the body portion engages with the front end portion of the memory member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Nihonmatsu, Ryousuke Mizuno, Genta Moriyama
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Patent number: 8474911Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back, a seat base, a first input lever, a second input lever, an actuator, a latching mechanism, and a system connecting the first input lever, the second input lever and the actuator. The seat base connects with the seat back and is mounted to a vehicle floor. The input levers each connect with at least one of the seat back and the seat base. The actuator connects with at least one of the seat back and the seat base. The latching mechanism is for selectively locking movement of the seat back with respect to the seat base or for selectively locking movement of the seat base with respect to the vehicle floor. The latching mechanism is operably connected with the actuator such that movement of the actuator results in movement of the latching mechanism. The first input lever, the second input lever, and the actuator are connected in series along the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Grey B. Parker, Trenton Hobbs
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Patent number: 8449033Abstract: A track release system for a vehicle seat includes a device for selectively engaging a track to prevent sliding movement of a vehicle seat, a cable coupled to the device, and a track release mechanism coupled to the cable for actuating the device. The track release mechanism includes a drive arm configured for movement between a first position and a second position. The drive arm is configured to cause the device to disengage the track when moved from the first position to the second position. The track release mechanism also includes a trigger arm configured for rotational movement and configured to cause the device to engage the track when the drive arm is in the second position. The trigger arm is configured to reset the track release system such that sliding movement of the vehicle seat is prevented when the drive arm is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Yi Shao, Tamizharasan Shannugam
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Patent number: 8444224Abstract: A seat controlling mechanism includes motors for actuating a plurality of seat sections, a position detecting apparatus detecting positions of the seat sections and a controlling apparatus controlling the seat sections to move to a predetermined position, wherein an interfering range, an interference avoidable range in which an interference avoidance control is executed and a normal operation range are set in the controlling apparatus, and when at least one of the seat sections positions in the interference avoidable range, the controlling apparatus prohibits the movement of the at least one of the seat sections toward the interfering range.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Misato Maeda, Kazuyuki Kashiwabara
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Patent number: 8439435Abstract: Described are passenger seats having a seat pan assembly with reclining and tilting mechanisms, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat pan assembly. The reclining mechanism is configured to adjust a forward position of the seat pan assembly and the rotation of the seat back between upright and reclining positions. The tilting mechanism is configured to rotate an aft end of the seat pan relative to the pan frame and deploy the lumbar mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
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Patent number: 8439443Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an operating member that is provided for a seat back. The operating member is operated to release locking of a seat cushion to a floor and to release rotation-sopped state of a reclining device. By operating the operating member, a first link rotatably provided for the seat back is operated in one rotation direction to thereby turn a second link rotatably provided for a base frame so that locking of the seat cushion to the floor is released. When the seat back is tilted forward, the first link is moved together with the seat back in a direction to be separated from the second link, that is, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first link turns the second link.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoshu Nakane, Toshinao Wada, Kazuya Iwasa
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Patent number: 8408630Abstract: A slide member is slidable along a slide rail provided at a vehicle-body side portion. When lock pawls provided at the slide member are engaged with the slide rail, the slide member is locked. The slide member is unlocked by operating an operation cable connected to the lock pawls. The operation cable is fitted to a fitting portion of an attachment bracket connected to the slide rail. A portion from a fixed portion fixed to the fitting portion to a movable portion (one end portion) extends through a region where a non-contact portion is disposed, and does not contact the non-contact portion. The movable portion is connected to the slide member and moved integrally with the slide member.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Saito, Toshinao Wada, Masaki Sugimoto
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Patent number: 8408649Abstract: A walk-in seat is provided, which has decreased number of components, and has a vacant space formed below a seat cushion so that the walk-in seat may be used even for a different-level seat track. The walk-in seat has a first control lever 171 for unlocking a first locking mechanism 100; a second control lever 181 for unlocking a second locking mechanism 100?; a memory mechanism 300 holding the first control lever 171 such that when a first upper rail 5 is located between a middle position and a foremost position with a seatback being tilted most forward, the first locking mechanism 100 is unlocked; first cable means FC operating such that when the seatback of a seat is tilted to a most forward position, the means FC drives the first control lever 171 to unlock the first locking mechanism 100; and second cable means SC transmitting operation of the first control lever 171 to the second control lever 181.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Shiroki CorporationInventors: Koji Ito, Hidehiko Fujioka
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Patent number: 8398142Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat which is positionable between a use and not-it-use position convenient for increased storage space and access to rearward areas of the vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The seat part is pivotably coupled to the vehicle floor at one end so that that the seat part may be moved frontward with respect to the vehicle. A transmission link is provided, coupled to the backrest and the seat part so that the backrest pivots into the not-in-use position as the seat part is moved into its not-in-use position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Johnson Controls GmbH, Volkswagen AGInventors: Andreas Stark, Erik Sprenger, Andreas Weiss
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Patent number: 8388065Abstract: A vehicle seat movable between a seating mode, an ingress/egress mode, and a cargo mode includes a vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus. The vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows a seat back to be rotated toward a seat bottom into the ingress/egress mode while holding the seat bottom in an elevated position. Further, the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows the seat back to be rotated further toward the seat bottom into the cargo mode while rotating the seat bottom into a lowered position. When the vehicle seat is moved from the cargo mode to the seating mode, the seat back is rotated away from the seat bottom while the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus causes the seat bottom to rotate into the elevated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Matthew J. Harden
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Patent number: 8376459Abstract: When a tilt-down function is performed, a rotationally-preventing condition of a reclining device connecting a base member and an intermediate member is released, so that a seat back is tiltably rotated forwardly integrally with the intermediate member and a seat cushion is pushed by a boomerang link capable of moving with the intermediate member so as to be sunk downwardly while tiltably rotating a front link. However, when a walk-in function is performed, a rotationally-preventing condition of a memory device connecting the seat back and the intermediate member is released, so that the seat back can be tiltably rotated to a forwardly inclined position independently of the intermediate member that is maintained in a condition in which the intermediate member is integrated with the base member.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Kumazaki, Keisuke Hoshino, Yasuo Suzuki
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Patent number: 8376458Abstract: A chair having an adjustable seat pan that can be moved from an angled to a flat position is disclosed. The chair includes a seat frame having a front end and a rear end with a seat back attached to the rear end of the seat frame. A seat articulator that includes a ramp bar that has a first end connected to the seat back and an upper edge with a second end displaced downward from the upper edge is adjacent to the seat frame. The seat pan is pivotally connected to the seat frame and a drop down link is pivotally attached to the seat pan. A cam roller is attached to the drop down link where it is positioned on the upper edge of the ramp bar in contact with the seat pan.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Peter Meister, Larry Hazbun
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Patent number: 8313144Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back and seat cushion. A forward link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and base. A control bracket has a pair of pivotal links forming a four bar connection with the base. A control link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and control bracket. A seat back operatively coupled to the control bracket has a recliner mechanism for selectively pivoting the seat back between a forwardly folded position and a plurality of reclined seating positions. A guide link pivotally extends between the seat back and control link. Forward rotational movement of the seat cushion urges the seat back to rotate relative to the seat cushion moving the seat assembly to a stand-up position. Pivoting the seat back to the forwardly folded position urges the seat cushion to move forwardly and lower relative to the base moving the seat assembly to a kneeling position.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive IncInventor: Carl J. Holdampf
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Patent number: 8308242Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downwards and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Nelson E. Hurst, III, Robert J. Szybisty, Jeffrey P. Carroll, Matthew J. McLaughlin, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
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Patent number: 8292366Abstract: A fold-and-dive seat may include a first link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a back frame and the other end of which is pivotally connected to a cushion frame, wherein the one end of the first link bracket is spaced from a folding pivot shaft of the back frame, a second link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a leading end of the cushion frame, and the other end of which is selectively engaged to an upper guide, wherein the upper guide pivotally coupled to the back frame by the folding pivot shaft is slidably coupled to a lower guide fixed to a vehicle body and configured to move along the lower guide, and a locking device selectively holding the second link bracket by engaging the second link bracket to the upper guide so as not to rotate the second link bracket such that the leading end of the cushion frame is not moved downwards.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Chae Hoon Ma
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Patent number: 8272694Abstract: A passenger seat, having a seat back, and a seat bottom, including a seat pan, supported by a frame mounted on laterally spaced-apart legs for being mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track fittings. A seat back frame assembly and a seat bottom assembly are joined for articulating movement such that when the seat back is reclined, the seat pan is shifted forward and the forward end of the seat pan and thus the seat bottom is raised in order to maintain an appropriate passenger seating angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Hawkins, Dennis Hedrick, Jeremy Green
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Publication number: 20120187734Abstract: Longitudinally adjustable motor vehicle seat comprising opposite rail pairs; a lower rail for securement to a chassis and an upper rail secured to a seat component, displaceable in the lower rail. Two pivotable levers are associated with the rail pairs. A second lever is connected to a locking mechanism for securing the upper rail; both levers are connected to a seat backrest. Upon operation of a control member connected to the levers for comfort-longitudinal seat adjustment, a first lever synchronously pivots the second lever to release the locking mechanism. A Bowden cable is connected to the backrest for adjustment when the backrest is folded forward into an easy-entry-position. A Bowden cable core is attached to the first lever, and a sheathing thereof is secured to the second lever. In a neutral position, the sheathing presses the first lever against an abutment secured to the upper rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Dan Stoia, Bertrand Touzet
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Publication number: 20120181833Abstract: A vehicle seat easy entry system includes a vehicle seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. A seat track assembly receives the vehicle seat and selectively allows forward and rearward travel of the seat bottom. A seat track locking mechanism is engageable to lock the seat bottom with respect to the seat track assembly. A recliner mechanism controls an orientation of the seat back. The recliner mechanism is engageable to lock the seat back with respect to the seat bottom. An easy entry handle is arranged such that assertion of the easy entry handle releases the seat track locking mechanism. The seat track assembly and the recliner mechanism are configured such that movement of the seat bottom to a forward position releases the recliner mechanism, thereby allowing the seat back to rotate to an easy entry position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Eckhard Nock, Johannes Barzen, Christoph Warnken
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Patent number: 8205944Abstract: An arrangement lever device for an automobile seat including a reclining operation lever (1) mounted on a support shaft that is concentrically joined with an actuating shaft (5) interconnecting reclining lock mechanisms which are arranged between brackets (3) of a seat cushion and brackets (4) of a seat back, a walk-in operation lever (2) arranged to be adjacent to the reclining operation lever (1) and supported on one of the brackets (3) of the seat cushion, and a linkage mechanism for preventing the motion of one of the levers (1, 2) from being transmitted to the other of the levers (1, 2), the linkage mechanism coupled between the levers (1, 2).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: TS TECH Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Watanabe
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Publication number: 20120139313Abstract: A fold-and-dive apparatus for a vehicle seat is provided, which includes a protrusion projecting from a seat back that is folded toward a seat cushion, a moving block moving on a connection link by the protrusion when the seat back is folded, a lock plate connected to the moving block by a cable to move upward and downward on the connection link so as to restrain and release the seat cushion, and an elastic member having both end portions installed in the seat cushion and a vehicle body, respectively, to make the seat cushion slide forward. Since the seat cushion slides forward when the seat back is folded, the overlap of bolster portions between the seat back and the seat cushion is minimized, and thus the evenness of the seat back that is folded toward the seat cushion and the luggage trim is maximally improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Young Bok SUNG, Chan Ho Jeong, Tae Hoon Lee, Seon Chae Na
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Publication number: 20120104820Abstract: The present invention provides for an automotive vehicle seat assembly allowing for fold flat functionality as well as sliding capabilities along a track located within the automotive vehicle. The seating assembly further including a plate. The seating assembly includes a handle bracket having an abutting edge, a biasing member connected to the handle bracket, and a planar bracket having a first end and a second end. The first end of the planar bracket having a stopper which abuts the abutting edge when in contact. The second end of the planar bracket operable to connect to a cable wherein the cable connects to a release mechanism allowing for movement of the seat assembly along the vehicle track.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Todd Rupert Muck
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Patent number: 8167372Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a dual actuated lever mechanism operable by movement of a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position or the actuation of a handle. The lever mechanism engages with a locking mechanism such that when the lever mechanism is in a first position a first lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the seated position. When the lever mechanism is in a second position a second lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the cargo position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Robert Joseph Hazlewood
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Patent number: 8141954Abstract: A switching mechanism of a vehicle seat includes a base element, an output arm pivotally connected to the base element via a first pivot shaft, an input arm having a force input point and pivotally connected to the output arm via a second pivot shaft as a rotational center, and an input arm biasing member. When a force is applied to the input arm, the input arm can be rotated around the first pivot shaft in the normal rotational direction while contacting the first pivot shaft, so that the second pivot shaft can pivot about the first pivot shaft, thereby rotating the output arm about the first pivot shaft with the input arm to rotate the seat back from a seating position into one of a walk in position and a folded position. The input arm may also be configured to rotate the seat back to the seating position.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Kumazaki, Masumi Konaka
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Patent number: 8141953Abstract: An adjusting system for a vehicle seat is specified that comprises a lower rail that can be mounted rigidly to the vehicle, an upper rail that is displaceable along the lower rail and can be mounted rigidly to the seat, a locking device for locking the upper rail to the lower rail, a memory module that is movable along the lower rail and can be fixed alternately with respect to the seat or to the vehicle and which includes a movable blocking catch for effecting positive locking to the lower rail, and a seat-mounted control lever for actuating the blocking catch and a seat-mounted actuating means for unlocking the locking device.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.Inventors: Ingo Quast, Marco Gleissberg
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Publication number: 20120062008Abstract: In various embodiments, self-adjusting reclinable seating is disclosed. When the user applies a force to the seating by shifting his or her center of gravity, the backrest and seat portions of the seating move in response to the force to recline the seating. The user can return the seating to an upright position by again shifting his or her center of gravity. Such a configuration eliminates the need for manual recline controls. The seating is further configured to continuously vary the angle of the seat and backrest portions relative to the ground as the user moves. In particular, vertical distance between the front of the seat and the ground increases as the backrest reclines. Continuously varying the angle of both the seat and the backrest portions of the seating relative to the ground may improve a user's seating comfort, for example, by decreasing or eliminating the user's need to shift position on the seat when reclined.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: TROPITONE FURNITURE CO., INC.Inventor: Richard Rivera
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Publication number: 20120038193Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downwards and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Nelson E. Hurst, III, Robert J. Szybisty, Jeffrey P. Carroll, Matthew J. McLaughlin, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
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Patent number: 8100478Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a rack gear mounted thereto and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat base with a pinion gear mounted at a lower end thereof. The pinion gear and the rack gear are arranged such that pivotal movement of the seat back effects longitudinal movement of the seat base.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Terrie Ellison
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Patent number: 8096616Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion coupled between a pair of risers and a seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A pair of front cushion support links and a pair of rear cushion support links are coupled between the seat cushion and the risers for pivotally supporting and guiding the seat cushion. A fold flat mechanism includes a transfer link operatively coupled between the rear cushion support link and the seat back for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to each of the front and rear seat cushion support links to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbHInventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake, Omar D. Tame, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
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Publication number: 20110298264Abstract: A walk-in seat is provided, which has decreased number of components, and has a vacant space formed below a seat cushion so that the walk-in seat may be used even for a different-level seat track. The walk-in seat has a first control lever 171 for unlocking a first locking mechanism 100; a second control lever 181 for unlocking a second locking mechanism 100?; a memory mechanism 300 holding the first control lever 171 such that when a first upper rail 5 is located between a middle position and a foremost position with a seatback being tilted most forward, the first locking mechanism 100 is unlocked; first cable means FC operating such that when the seatback of a seat is tilted to a most forward position, the means FC drives the first control lever 171 to unlock the first locking mechanism 100; and second cable means SC transmitting operation of the first control lever 171 to the second control lever 181.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Koji Ito, Hidehiko Fujioka
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Patent number: 8061776Abstract: A walk-in and folding apparatus for a seat includes a locking link installed on a cushion frame by an elastic hinge, and connected with a locking unit via a first wire so as to, upon rotation, release the locked locking unit, and a walk-in pin installed on a frame of a seat back by another elastic hinge, protruding towards the locking link so as to, upon folding of the frame of the seat back, force the locking link to rotate, and connected with a folding lever in such a manner as to rotate in association with the same so as to, upon a folding action caused by operation of the folding lever, rotate so that it does not interfere with the locking link.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Chang Ju Gi, Young Bok Sung, Hyeong Jun Kim, Jae Hyun Na, Tae Hoon Lee, Jong Eup Choi
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Patent number: 8047610Abstract: A vehicle seat that includes a support base, a seat back tiltably supported on the support base, a seat cushion, a first link and a second link. Each of the first and second links is pivotally coupled to the support base and the seat cushion, so that a multi-link mechanism is formed by the support base, the seat cushion, the first link and the second link. A coupling device couples the seat back to the first link, so that the first link can pivot relative to the support base and the seat cushion in response to the tilting movement of the seat back. The tilting movement of the seat back causes the seat cushion to shift toward the support base, while a coupling point between the first link and the seat cushion and a coupling point between the second link and the seat cushion move substantially in the same direction relative to the support base.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsuhiro Yamagishi
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Patent number: 8038217Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat capable of performing a tilt-down operation in which a seat back is widely tilted forwardly to be folded on a seat cushion while a seat cushion is moved forwardly and a walk-in operation in which the seat back is half tilted forwardly over a desired angle while the seat is slid forwardly via a slide rail. The seat includes a frame member that is capable of longitudinally sliding via the slide rail and that supports the seat back via a reclining device so as to tilt the seat back back and forth, a front link connecting the seat cushion to the frame member so as to allow the seat cushion to move longitudinally, and an interlock mechanism that can be controlled so as to move or to not move the seat cushion forwardly with respect to the frame member when the seat back is tilted forwardly. At the time of the tilt-down operation, the interlock mechanism is controlled so as to move the seat cushion forwardly when the seat back is tilted forwardly.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsuhiro Yamagishi, Hideki Uramichi
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Patent number: 8033608Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with: a rotation lock mechanism for inhibiting or permitting rotation of the both support arms placed at a fixed position relative to base frames and a support arm operation mechanism for actuating the rotation lock mechanism by tilting of a backrest. In the vehicle seat, when the backrest is tilted forward beyond a maximum forward adjustment angle of a reclining angle range, the rotation of the both support arms from the fixed position is permitted. When the backrest is tilted further backward than the maximum forward adjustment angle, the rotation of the both support arms from the fixed position is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nao Yoshida, Yutaka Iwahori
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Patent number: 8033607Abstract: A seat reclining device for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a lock mechanism and a memory mechanism. The seat reclining device is arranged between a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame, and includes a control shaft associated with operation of an unlock operation lever. The lock mechanism includes a rotating body, which is secured to the seat back frame and is supported to be freely rotatable with respect to the base body. The memory mechanism includes a plate portion having an engaging portion, a holding bracket, which is freely rotatable about a rotational axis that is the same as the control shaft, a memory pole, a restricting portion, which restores the holding bracket to a predetermined initial position, a lever member, which is rotated in accordance with operation of the memory operation lever, and an engagement holding portion, which disengages the memory pole from the plate portion as the holding bracket is restored to the initial position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Hideo Nihonmatsu
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Publication number: 20110193388Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion coupled between a pair of risers and a seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A pair of front cushion support links and a pair of rear cushion support links are coupled between the seat cushion and the risers for pivotally supporting and guiding the seat cushion. A fold flat mechanism includes a transfer link operatively coupled between the rear cushion support link and the seat back for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to each of the front and rear seat cushion support links to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake, Omar D. Tame, Peter Paul Zeimis, III
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Patent number: 7976103Abstract: A seat assembly and a method of control. The seat assembly includes a power recliner assembly that allows a seat back to pivot with respect to a seat bottom. The power recliner assembly includes a motor for rotating a recliner mechanism. A switch assembly is electrically coupled to the motor and disables operation of the motor when in an open condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Steve Gamache, Gerald Patrick, Suresh Veeramachaneni
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Patent number: 7971938Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
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Patent number: 7971920Abstract: A walk-in memory apparatus for an automobile seat locks the seat on a body only after the seat moves past a preset reference point when the seat, moved forwards with a seat back folded up by a seat walk-in apparatus, moves backwards with the seat back unfolded. The walk-in memory apparatus causes the entire seat to move forwards along tracks in an unlocked state when the seat back is folded up. The seat includes a track memory unit which, when the seat moves backwards with the seat back unfolded, causes the seat to be unlocked from the track when the stopper bracket is located ahead of a reference stopper and to be locked on the track when the stopper bracket is located behind the reference stopper.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daewon Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Yong Jang, Jong Moon Yoo, Byung Jae Lee, Sang Man Seo, Eun Sue Kim
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Patent number: 7963496Abstract: In a vehicle seat sliding apparatus wherein rotating an operating lever causes a lock lever to allow a sliding movement of an upper rail along a lower rail, the operating lever is held within a bracket connected to the upper rail via torsion spring. The torsion spring is made from a single piece of wire and formed into a specific shape for easy provision of the operating lever to the bracket during an assembly of the seat sliding apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Hideo Nihonmatsu, Ryousuke Mizuno, Mikihito Nagura
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Patent number: 7963608Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly operable to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body adapted for attachment to a vehicle, the seat body having a seat back that is pivotally mounted to a seat bottom. A pivot lock mechanism inhibits the seat back from pivoting with respect to the seat bottom when locked. An easy entry actuator associated with the seat body is configured to unlock the pivot lock mechanism when actuated and to retain the pivot lock mechanism in an unlocked state while actuated. A retaining member associated with the easy entry actuator is configured to engage the seat back and to maintain the easy entry actuator in an actuated state after the easy entry actuator has been actuated until the seat back pivots to an angular orientation with respect to the seat bottom that the seat back occupied immediately prior to actuation of the easy entry actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
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Patent number: 7963604Abstract: The forwardly movable motor vehicle seat has a seat back (20) and a seat frame with a seat pan. The motor vehicle seat may be moved between a normal position of utilization and a forwardly moved position. An immobilizing device is associated with the seat frame. In particular, the seat back (20) has a seat back hinge (32) and a stopper device (40). The stopper device (40) retains the seat back (20) in the forward tilted position as long as the seat frame is located in a front portion of the travel path. The stopper device (40) enables said seat back to tilt upward into the normal position of utilization when the seat frame is located in a rear portion (74) of the travel path. The stopper device (40) has a first limit stop and a second limit stop, one limit stop being disposed on the seat frame and the other one on the seat back (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Burckhard Becker, Kornel Zalavari, Michael Leng
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Publication number: 20110127818Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a dual actuated lever mechanism operable by movement of a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position or the actuation of a handle. The lever mechanism engages with a locking mechanism such that when the lever mechanism is in a first position a first lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the seated position. When the lever mechanism is in a second position a second lock locks the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the cargo position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingInventor: Robert Joseph Hazlewood