Abstract: An actuator configured to actuate a member. The actuator optionally including capabilities for storing and releasing kinetic energy. The actuator being suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to facilitating seat folding operations.

Abstract: An actuator for a latch assembly for securing a latched member that is linked to a trigger. The trigger may be a shape memory alloy actuating element that is actuated in response to receiving an electrical signal. The trigger may be mechanically reset to a locked state by the latched member. A method of operating the latch is also disclosed wherein the trigger is actuated in response to an electrical signal resulting in a force being applied in a first direction to a cable that connects the trigger to release the latch. The trigger is reset by exerting mechanical force on the trigger in the opposite direction. The latch system may be applied to a vehicle seat having a seat back that pivots relative to a seat base to allow the seat back to pivot over the seat base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seat backrest, a seat bottom, and a seat frame having a front member and a rear member that operatively supports the seat bottom. A seat backrest rotating assembly allows the seat backrest to move from an upright position to a folded position. The seat frame has a seat rotation mechanism to allow the seat frame to be rotatively lifted upward and move the seat frame to a tumbled position. A first latching mechanism latches and retains the seat backrest in the upright position. A second latching mechanism latches and retains the seat bottom to the vehicle floor. A release assembly has a motor and a cable assembly that is operatively connected to the first latching assembly. The motor is adapted to be remotely actuated to cause the first latching assembly to be operatively released by the cable assembly.

Abstract: An actuator configured to actuate a member. The actuator optionally including capabilities for storing and releasing kinetic energy. The actuator being suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to facilitating seat folding operations.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base, a foldable headrest, and a foundation including a leg rest.

Abstract: A fold-down automotive seat with spiral spring element for biasing a seat back thereof towards a seat cushion thereof is of such a structure wherein a first engagement element is fixedly disposed on the seat back side, whereas a second engagement element fixed to a base plate on the seat cushion side. The second engagement element is situated at a predetermined point forwardly of and distant from the first engagement element. One movable end of the spring element is normally engaged with the first engagement element. Upon folding down the seat back, such movable end of spiral spring element is engaged with the second engagement element, which blocks application of biasing force of the spring element to the seat back, whereupon the seat back is temporarily stopped at the afore-said predetermined point and prevented from being abruptly folded down onto the seat cushion.

Abstract: A device for stooping car headrests is provided. The device includes a housing wherein a stay of a car headrest is pivotably coupled thereto, a main spring installed in the housing to bias the stay and the headrest in the forward direction, an arresting member pivotably and resiliently fixed to the housing for releasably holding the stay and a check member having a release means and pivotably and resiliently coupled to the arresting member for controlling movement of the arresting member.

Abstract: A dual action seat release mechanism for a seat on a vehicle includes a seat assembly having a vertically oriented seat back portion pivotally connected to a horizontally oriented seat cushion portion. A lever is pivotally attached to the seat assembly, and includes an elongated handle extending from a disc-shaped portion, and a center of the disc-shaped portion is pivotally attached to the seat assembly. A cable attachment means is disposed on the disc-shaped portion of the lever, and is positioned radially outboard from the center of the disc-shaped portion. A cable having a first end and a second end is provided and the first end of the cable is attached to the cable attachment means on the lever. A cable support bracket for fixedly supporting the cable is fixedly attached to the seat assembly. A cable routing bracket for routing the cable is fixedly attached to the seat assembly, and includes an elongated channel for receiving the cable.

Abstract: A chair with a chair back pivotally attached to a seat. The chair back can be moved from a collapsed position located directly adjacent the seat to an upright position. When in the upright position, a spring biased latch assembly attached to chair seat allows engagement with the chair back and can be adjusted to several, adjustable positions selected by the user. In addition to providing a range of adjustment, this latch system also provides structural integrity to the design of the pivoting chair invention.

Abstract: A device for blocking and adjusting the inclination of fittings, such as a recliner mechanism, a vehicle seat, has a first fitting part which has a latch tooth, and a latching element (2) which has a mating latch tooth, the latch tooth and the mating latch tooth are brought into engagement and arrested in the engagement position by means of a clamping element under the force of a spring, acts on the latching element and is movable counter to the force of the spring via adjusting means. The clamping element has a toothing in which is engaged by a mating toothing situated on a toothed element, the force of the spring acts on the toothed element and acts indirectly on the clamping element via the toothing and mating toothing.

Abstract: A forward tiltable motor vehicle seat has a seat carrier and a seat back, a hinge mounting is associated with the seat back and comprises an upper hinge arm connected to the seat back and a lower hinge arm hinged about a forward tilt axis to the seat carrier. The seat carrier forms a clamping flank. A cam is provided and is movable between a stop position and a release position. The cam is disposed on the lower hinge arm and rests against the clamping flank in the stop position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a sliding seat bottom, a slide lock mechanism, a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat bottom, a pivot lock mechanism, a walk-in pivot release actuator, a fold-flat pivot release actuator and a blocking member. The blocking member moves between first, second and neutral positions. The blocking member is connected to the slide lock mechanism and the fold-flat pivot release actuator. The seat back moves the blocking member from the neutral position to the first position when the walk-in pivot release actuator is actuated and the seat back pivots forward. The blocking member unlocks the slide lock release mechanism when the blocking member is in the first position. The fold-flat release actuator, when actuated, moves the blocking member from the neutral position to the second position. The blocking member does not obstruct the seat back from pivoting forward when in the second position.

Abstract: Vehicle seat includes seat frame longitudinally adjustable on an upper rail relative to a lower rail affixed to the chassis. Seat frame is held in place in its longitudinal positions by a longitudinal locking mechanism, releasable by a rail release mechanism. A backrest with a backrest frame is pivotably attached to seat frame, locked in place on seat frame by a stop adjustment mechanism, and, once released by a release lever, can be folded forward from an upright use position to an easy-entry position. Easy-entry manipulation device actuates release lever, a seat cushion adjustable relative to seat frame, with a seat cushion frame, which is shifted forward longitudinally in a coupled adjustment motion when backrest frame is folded forward to easy-entry position. When vehicle seat is in easy-entry position the seat cushion frame can be shifted rearwardly relative to the backrest frame and seat frame.

Abstract: A folding and fixing structure of a chair backrest, both sides of one end of the backrest are disposed with a pivotal member having a pivotal portion and a locking portion, respective. The pivotal portions are pivotally disposed on two armrests. The armrests are defined at a side of their opposite surfaces with a containing portion for containing a clutch structure, respectively. Since the backrest is rotated around and is moved with respect to the pivotal portions of the pivotal members, the locking portions of the pivotal members will be slid into the containing portions of the armrests and can be restricted by or disengaged from the clutch structures. Thereby, the backrest can be folded or unfolded stably, such that the chair will occupy less space after being folded and can be assembled quickly.

Abstract: A lock for a motor vehicle is described. The lock includes a lock latch which is displaced upon closing of the lock by a closing element from an open position in the direction of a closed position. A spring element loads the lock latch in its closed position, which is fixed in its open position in a frictional and/or formfitting way by a removable open-position retention part. Upon closing of the lock, the closing element or another component detaches the open-position retention part from the lock latch.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back having a frame, a moveable head restraint arrangement, and a latching member. The moveable head restraint arrangement includes a headrest support disposed proximate the frame and a headrest assembly moveably disposed on the headrest support. The latching member is disposed in the headrest assembly. The head rest assembly moves linearly toward the seat back when the latching member is spaced apart from the headrest support.

Abstract: A memory mechanism for an adjustment mechanism includes a housing, a release lever supported by the housing that positions the adjustment mechanism in a latched position and an unlatched position, and a disk supported by the housing and movable relative to the housing. A slide lever is supported by the housing between an extended position and a retracted position and extends from the disk in the extended position to define a position of the disk relative to the housing.

Abstract: Vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, with a seat part (3) that is linked to a support via a cushion-four-joint (42), a backrest that can be tilted and locked by at least one fitting and which is linked to the cushion-four-joint (42) through a link-four-joint (48), in which a linking member (41) is a common component of both four-joints (42, 48), wherein the vehicle seat at a minimum can be converted from at least one in-use position that is suited for passenger transport, to a folded together, not-in-use position, and between the seat part (3) and the support an additional securing device with leeway (53) is provided in the in-use position, wherein the leeway (53) defines the mobility of the cushion-four-joint (42) in the case of a crash and during a forward tilt adjustment of the backrest.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment fitting for a vehicle seat. The adjustment fitting includes a first fitting part and a second fitting part connected by a wobble mechanism. The wobble mechanism includes a central wheel that is rotatable about a central axis and is connected to the first fitting part. A revolving wheel is arranged in the interior of the central wheel eccentrically with respect to the central axis and is connected to the second fitting part. The central wheel and the revolving wheel form, with respect to each other, an eccentric receiving space in which a first eccentric and a second eccentric are arranged rotatably in relation to each other. The revolving wheel engages in a play-free manner in the central wheel and with a transmission element that is rotatable about the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding recliner of a seat for vehicles which is able to execute both seat folding and reclining motions using only a single lever. The folding recliner of the present invention includes a lever unit, which has a lever pin and a lever, so that, when the lever is rotated in a predetermined direction, the lever unit is rotated around a reclining shaft so that the seat back enters an unlocked state. The folding recliner further includes a first link, which has a contact part on a lower end thereof, and a second link, which is rotated around a rotating shaft, coupled to the second link, by movement of the first link. The folding recliner further includes a spring, which is coupled between the second link and a frame unit, and a cam, which is rotated around the rotating shaft and has a locking protrusion.

Abstract: Right and left side reclining apparatuses adjust a rotational position of a seat back frame relative to a seat cushion frame of a seat for a vehicle. Each of the reclining apparatuses includes an upper arm which rotates with the seat back frame, a lower arm to which the upper arm is rotatably attached, and a lock member for locking rotation of the upper arm relative to the lower arm or releasing the lock. At least one of the reclining apparatuses includes a rotating member for forward-tilting which enables the seat back frame to rotate relative to the seat cushion frame while the lock is exerted, and an engaging member for locking rotation of the rotating member for forward-tilting. The right and left side reclining apparatuses are connected by a connecting member.

Abstract: Vehicle seat has a seat portion and a backrest that includes side wings foldable forwardly onto the seat portion around a backrest swiveling axis to provide a materially horizontal loading area in a cargo position. Adjustment device for flatting the contour of the side wings when the backrest is folded forward onto the seat portion is provided in the side wings. In each side wing, a wing device determines the contour of the side wing with the device swiveling in a longitudinal direction on the backrest frame via a lever mechanism. Backrest can be locked and released when in the use position. A prestressed tension device is connected to the lever mechanism. The tension device exerts tension on the lever mechanism when the backrest is folded forward causing the wing device to swing horizontally inward in the direction of the backrest frame to flatten the contour of the side wings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat comprising a backrest which can be moved from at least one position of use wherein it protects the back of the passenger, to a seating surface of the motor vehicle seat, an upholstery carrier which receives the seat upholstery which defines the seating surface and the place where the passenger can sit, and a coupling element which enables the backrest to be coupled to the upholstery carrier in such a manner that said support is displaced when the backrest is moved, especially lowered and/or displaced in the longitudinal direction of the seat. According to the invention, the coupling element is elastically mounted by means of an elastic element in such a manner that when the backrest is moved, the elastic element is initially deformed before the coupling element can act upon the upholstery carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat frame that in its rear region is adapted to be releasably arrested on structural elements by a left arresting device and a right arresting device, which are releasable separately relative to one another, preferably via different displacement processes. A back rest frame is preferably releasably arrested on the seat frame via a freely pivotable device, such as an arresting control. An actuating device, especially an actuating handle, that is activatable by the user is preferably provided for releasing the freely pivotable device. A first one of the arresting devices can be releasable by the actuating device, whereby different displacement paths can be provided for the release of the freely pivotable device and of the first arresting device. One or more driver systems can be provided for forming idle paths or free play.

Abstract: This invention relates to a backrest pivot that includes a first fitting attached to a seat bottom part, an angle adjuster that is mounted so as to be rotatable and adjustable relative to the first fitting, and a second fitting attached to a backrest. The backrest pivot includes a locking latch that can be actuated by a bolt and with which there are associated a first catch for fixing the backrest in a comfortable position and a second catch for fixing the backrest in a folded-forward position. The backrest pivot includes a mechanism by means of which the fixing of the backrest in the folded-forward position can be cancelled by a first and a second means which can be actuated independently of each other.

Abstract: A seat frame assembly is provided for compactly folding a motor vehicle seat. The seat frame assembly includes at least one side frame member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the side frame member. An elongated control arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the side frame member and an opposite distal end. A control link includes one end pivotally coupled to the side frame member and an opposing end operatively coupled to the distal end of the control arm. A seat cushion linkage assembly is operably coupled between one of the control arm and control link and the actuator for moving each of the control arm and control link between a stowed position generally parallel with and adjacent to the side frame member and a support position spaced from the side frame member in response to actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement includes a seat component that is adapted to be slidably attached to a vehicle and configured to move between a sitting position and an entry position. A backrest is pivotally connected to the seat component and pivots about an axis A between a seating position and a tilted entry position. A locking mechanism releasably locks the backrest in the tilted entry position. The locking mechanism has a slotted link that is fixed with respect to the seat component. The slotted link has a locking edge. A locking group moves with the backrest and is configured to contact the locking edge. The locking group has a principal element that pivots relative to the backrest about an axis B. A lock bar is configured to pivot with respect to the principal element about an axis C and to engage the locking edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a folding vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a handle remotely and functionally connected to the vehicle seat for moving the seatback from a folded position to an upright or design position. The handle is pivotally mounted on a support bracket and attached to an actuator member interconnecting the handle and the seatback. The actuator member transfers the motion of the handle to a generally “L-shaped” arm which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle seat below the seatback. The L-shaped arm rotates toward the back of the seat as the handle is lifted. As the L-shaped arm moves, it catches a stop or extension member located on the seatback and moves the seatback toward the upright position.

Abstract: A three point integrated seatbelt assembly incorporated into a cantilevered stowable seat with an improved dump locking mechanism. The cantilevered stowable seat can be mounted to a vehicle, where space may be selectively provided for positioning a wheelchair or other article adjacent to the stowed seat, which includes a frame attached to the support member, a cantilevered seatbase, and a seatback. The seatback assembly allows for easy storage of the seat and safe transportation of a passenger. The seatback is rotatably associated with the cantilevered seatbase by the improved dump locking mechanism, whereby the improved dump locking mechanism enables the seat to remain in the deployed position when inertial forces are placed on the seatback.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat frame (3) with upper rails (5) that are adjustable on vehicle-integrated upper rails (6) in the longitudinal direction and a backrest (8) that is locked on a seat frame-integrated component (4) using inclination adjusters, wherein the vehicle seat (1) can be moved from a utilization position into an easy-entry position by folding the backrest (8) forward into a partially forward-folded position and longitudinal movement of the seat frame (3) from a utilization zone forward into and easy-entry zone.

Abstract: A seat back hinge mounting for a forwardly foldable motor vehicle seat having a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm adapted for relative rotation about a hinge pin. A locking cam is disposed on said second hinge arm and is movable between a locking position and a release position. A first stop flange and a second stop flange are provided on the first hinge arm. The locking cam cooperates with the second stop flange in the locking position and has come free from said second stop flange in the release position. A retainer lug, which is bound by said first stop flange and by said second stop flange in the circumferential direction, is provided on the first hinge arm. A limit stop cooperating with the first stop flange and being spaced the same radial distance apart from the hinge pin as the first stop flange is disposed on the second hinge arm.

Abstract: Vehicle seat includes a seat frame, a backrest frame with a motor fastened thereto, a rotary adjustment fitting with a backrest-side fitting half attached to backrest frame, and a seat-side fitting half, rotatable relative to one another via a shaft driven by the motor. There is a locking device shiftable via an actuating device from its locked position to a released position for folding backrest frame forward into a functional position. In its locked use position backrest frame can be pivoted relative to seat frame within a comfort range by motor. Locking device is provided for locking seat-side fitting half of rotary adjustment fitting on seat frame in use position and in backrest frame functional position, when locking device is in its released position, backrest frame is foldable forwardly via rotary adjustment fitting into its functional position, and can be raised by motor from functional position to upright use position.

Abstract: A reclining device of two-point hinged type including a reclining plate element having one end connected via first lock mechanism with lower hinge point about which the reclining plate element is inclined and another end connected via second lock mechanism with upper hinge point about which a seat back is foldable forwardly. A forward inclination limit point is defined to limit forward rotation of the reclining plate element. Bifurcated flexible wire cable is arranged between unlocking plate and the first and second lock mechanisms, such that operation of the unlocking plate causes synchronized unlocking operation of both first and second lock mechanisms, whereupon the reclining plate element is automatically rotated to the forward inclination limit point, thereby allowing the seat back to be foldable relative to the upper hinge point in the thus-inclined reclining plate element down to a non-use position, with the backward side thereof extending along a substantially horizontal line.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a generally upright seating position and a forwardly folded flat position with the seat back overlying the seat cushion. The seat assembly also includes a fold flat mechanism. The fold flat mechanism includes a guide track extending between a forward end and a rearward end. A control link has a first end pivotally and glidingly coupled to the guide track for sliding movement between the forward and rearward ends while pivoting thereabout and a second end pivotally coupled to the seat back for pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a frame part, which is lockable in its rear region on a rear foot or on the chassis side and is pivoted in a front hinge in a swiveling manner; a seat back pivoted in a seat back pivot on the frame part in a foldable manner; and a seat part for accommodating a user, which is adjustable downward into a lowered position when the seat back is folded forward. The seat part may be interlocked with the frame part in its lowered position, whereby the front lock of the frame part is released. Three positions may be set: a use position for accommodating a user, a functional position, in which the seat back is folded forward, and a storage position, which is adjustable from the functional position by releasing the rear lock of the frame part, interlocking the frame part with the seat part and folding forward about a front rocker.

Abstract: A latch mechanism may include a housing, a claw rotatably supported within the housing between a latched position and an unlatched position, a first cam rotatably supported within the housing and operable to lock the claw in the latched position, and a second cam supported within the housing and slidably coupled to the first cam to selectively translate and rotate the first cam relative to the claw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a vehicle seat having a backrest and a seat base by moving the backrest and seat base at the same time to one of a normal position and a loading position. A transmission that may include a drive is provided and may further include a lock mechanism coupled to the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A liftable seat in a vehicle includes: a base frame; a seat cushion frame disposed on the base frame and to which a seat cushion is coupled; a seat back frame coupled to the seat cushion frame which is foldable in a forward direction and to which a seat back is coupled; and a lifting member in which the first end is connected to the base frame and the second end of which is coupled to the seat cushion frame, and configured to lift the seat cushion frame upward from an unlifted position to a lifted position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat backrest, bottom, and frame. The seat frame operatively supports the seat bottom and further has a seat backrest rotating assembly that is adapted to allow the seat backrest to move between an upright position and a folded position in which the seat backrest is folded down upon the seat bottom. A hinge mechanism allows the rear of the seat frame to be rotatively lifted upward and forward to move the seat frame to a tumbled position. A first latching mechanism is adapted to latch the seat backrest in the upright position. A second latching mechanism is adapted to latch the seat bottom to the vehicle floor. A release assembly is adapted to cause the first and the second latching mechanisms to be selectively released and has a release member and a pulley assembly to provide a mechanical advantage for operating the release assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat part structure (3), at least one backrest support (8) which is hingedly connected to the seat part structure (3) in a blockable manner by means of at least one fitting (7), and a backrest structure (4) that is hingedly connected to the backrest support (8) with the aid of a joint (18) and can be blocked along with the backrest support (8) by means of a blocking mechanism (22). The vehicle seat (1) can be transferred from an operative sitting position into a flat inoperative position by unblocking and swiveling the backrest support (8) and/or the backrest structure (4), the unblocked backrest structure (4) swiveling forward and the unblocked backrest support (8) swiveling rearward during the transition from the operative into the inoperative position. The backrest support (8) is unblocked in a force-controlled manner by swiveling the backrest structure (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting inclination having a freely pivoting device for the back part of a motor vehicle seat, which has at least: an inclination adjuster (2) with a lower part (3) and an upper part (4) that can be pivoted and locked in opposite to the lower part (3), a pivot bearing (5) for fastening to the back part of the seat, which has an engaging means (26) for removable rotationally rigid engagement in the upper part (4) and after releasing the engagement can be folded vis-à-vis the inclination adjuster (2) within the folding range, an adapter (6) connected rotationally rigidly to the lower part (3) of the inclination adjuster (2) for fasting to a seat frame of the motor vehicle seat, and a bearing part (7) connected rotationally rigidly to the pivot bearing (5), wherein the upper part (4) is axially clamped between the pivot bearing (5) and the bearing part (7) and the pivot bearing (5) is axially clamped between the adapter (6) and the lower part (3).

Abstract: A collapsing truss that completes a four-bar mechanism of a vehicle seat coupled to a vehicle floor. The vehicle seat includes a seat back coupled to a cushion structure via the collapsing truss which incorporates a pivot and a latch which engages on a pin. The collapsing truss includes a floor bracket coupled to the vehicle floor. A seat back bracket is coupled to the seat back and floor bracket. A cushion bracket is pivotally coupled to the cushion structure, the floor bracket, and the seat back bracket. The joints of the collapsing truss are defined by the seat back pivot, the cushion back/seat back bracket pivot, and the latch engagement pin. The seat back moves about the pivot when the collapsing truss operates.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat includes a pivotally mounted backrest such that the inclination of the backrest can be adjusted. The backrest has a front face that supports the back of a seat occupant. The seat has a spring assembly including at least one elastic element, which elastically pretensions the backrest to bias the backrest pivotally forwards such that the front face of the backrest can come to rest against the back of the seat occupant. The inclination of the backrest is adjustable by the exertion of force on its front face in opposition to the a force of the spring assembly. The spring assembly exerts a force on a gear element that is coupled to the backrest. A locking device is allocated to gear element, permitting the backrest to be locked in different positions.

Abstract: A seating system comprises a mount for securing a backrest to a frame. The mount comprises two or more mating members. At least one of the mating members has a generally curved radial surface that is engageable with the other mating members to lock together the backrest with respect to frame.

Abstract: A method and a high latch for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat base and the seat base is coupled to a vehicle body having a vehicle wall. The high latch includes a hook carriage including a structural hook, with the hook carriage coupled to the seatback. A striker assembly including a striker arm is configured to selectively engage the structural hook, with the striker assembly coupled to the vehicle body. With the structural hook and striker arm engaged, the seatback will move with the striker assembly from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat part, a seat back and an underframe. The seat part is connected to the underframe by a front guide member. The seat back is hinged to the underframe by a seat back hinge. A stop device comprising a release lever is associated with the seat back hinge. There is provided a connecting rod that is hinged to the seat part by a front connecting rod joint and to the seat back by a rear connecting rod joint.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use with a seat assembly having a latch assembly, the latch assembly having a handle portion and a latch release mechanism connected to the handle portion, the latch release mechanism controlling movement of one portion of the seat assembly with respect to another portion of the seat assembly, the latch release mechanism being manually operable by the handle portion, the actuator assembly having a base plate adapted to be positioned on the seat assembly proximate the latch release mechanism and an actuator assembly connected to the base plate and positioned so as to be capable of engaging the latch release mechanism, the actuator assembly being configured to avoid obstructing manual operation of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A retractable seat may include a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported on the seat cushion in which one of the seat cushion and the seat back is arranged and constructed to be folded onto the other of the seat cushion and the seat back. At least one of the seat cushion and the seat back includes a frame, a cushion pad, and a linking mechanism. The frame includes a framework and a support member that supports the cushion pad from a backside of the cushion pad. The linking mechanism movably interconnects the framework and the support member and is arranged and constructed to move the support member toward a backside of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back when the seat cushion or the seat back is tilted toward a retracted position.

Abstract: A seatback assembly including a frame exhibiting a side-disposed and arcuate edge. An arm is pivotally secured to the frame. A pawl is in turn pivotally secured to the arm and is biased in engaging fashion relative to the arcuate extending edge via alternating and mating teeth and recess configurations established between the pawl and along at least one of first and second spaced apart locations defined along the arcuate edge. A cam is mounted to a further location of the seatback arm and biases the pawl against the frame. The cam is actuated to cause the pawl to disengage from the first configured sector location, the seatback arm pivoting towards the seat frame, whereupon the pawl matingly engages the second location along the arcuate seat sector edge to lock the seatback in a forwardly rotated and stowed position relative to the seat frame.

Abstract: A hinge mounting for a seat back of a motor vehicle seat that is particularly suited for a motor vehicle seat having but one door on either side of the vehicle and has a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm and a round member that is interposed between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm. The round member including (a) a first round plate connected to the first hinge arm, (b) a second round plate associated with the second hinge arm, (c) a clamp forming a partial grip around the rim of the two round plates to hold them together and (d) a stop device located between the two round plates. The two hinge arms are adapted for relative rotation about a hinge pin. The clamp has a cutout. The second round plate includes at least one retainer face located in the region of the cutout. A releasable retainer device matching the retainer face, cooperating therewith and optionally blocking same is provided on the second hinge arm.