Held Erect By A Releasable Latch Patents (Class 297/378.12)
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Patent number: 7350867Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is provided with a sliding device including a slide-lock mechanism, the sliding device sliding a seat body in a case of releasing the slide-lock mechanism, a seatback including a reclining device, the seatback being tilted forward in a case of releasing the reclining device, a seat cushion including a tip-up device, the seat cushion being tipped up in a case of operating the tip-up device and a walk-in mechanism including a lever, the walk-in mechanism configured to release the slide-lock mechanism, release the reclining device and operate the tip-up device in proportion to a shifting length of the lever. The tip-up device is operated in a case where the lever is shifted in an intermediate position and the slide-lock mechanism and the reclining device are released in a case where the lever is shifted in an end position.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems CorporationInventor: Gil Sam Park
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Patent number: 7338121Abstract: A vehicle child seat restraining system automatically retracts out of the way of folding portions of the seat, so that the striker of the system does not impinge on and damage portions of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenneth Pilcher
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Patent number: 7328954Abstract: A reclining mechanism of a reclining seat including a seat back and a seat cushion includes a reclining lock mechanism which locks the seat back at an adjusted angular position and allows the seat back to be rotated forward/rearward relative to the seat cushion when manually operated; a reclining angle memory mechanism which remembers an angular position of a previous adjustment of the seat back and allows the seat back to be rotated forward relative to the seat cushion when manually operated independently of the reclining lock mechanism, wherein the reclining angle memory mechanism locks the seat back to the remembered angular position when the seat back is rotated rearward from the forward position; and a manual operation limiting device which prevents the reclining lock mechanism or the reclining angle memory mechanism from being operated when the other thereof is operated.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Shiroki CorporationInventors: Kazutaka Sasaki, Hidehiko Fujioka
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Patent number: 7325876Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion having a riser releasably secured to a floor. A seat back operatively coupled to the seat cushion pivots between seating and folded positions. A recliner is coupled between the seat back and seat cushion. Rotation of an input shaft actuates the recliner between locked and unlocked states. A lockout mechanism controls actuation of the recliner and includes a lock plate fixedly secured to the input shaft and a lock arm operatively coupled to the riser. The lock arm moves between a retracted position allowing rotation of the input shaft and actuation of the recliner when the riser is latched to the floor and an extended position wherein the lock plate abuts the lock arm preventing rotation of the input shaft and actuation of the recliner when the seat back is in the folded position and the riser is unlatched from the floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Scott Lavoie, Omar D. Tame
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Patent number: 7320501Abstract: A remote release actuating system 10 for a seat assembly 12 in a vehicle. Conventionally, the system includes a seatback 14 that is removable through an arcuate range. The seatback 14 is moveable between a design position (tilted upward and rearwardly in which it may support a passenger), and a full fold flat position. Seatback latches 24 secure the seatback 14 in the effective position. A seat cushion 32 supports the seatback 14. The seat cushion 32 has a rearward portion that cooperates with the seatback 14. The rearward portion also releasably engages floor latches 26. The seat cushion 32 has a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the vehicle floor. The seat cushion 32 and seatback 14 tumble forwardly when (a) the seat cushion 32 is disengaged from the floor latches 26; (b) the seatback 14 lies in the full forward flat position; and (c) the floor latches 26 are disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mark R. Keyser, Michele R. Palomba
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Patent number: 7309105Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support for a seat comprising a pair of parallel lateral rails, wherein each of the lateral rails has a lower end and an upper end, a support panel having a top end and a bottom end, the support panel pivoting at the top end while remaining fixed with respect to the lateral rails, a rail bracket slidably attached to the lateral rails, a spring operatively connected to the rail bracket, wherein the spring biases the rail bracket in a first position, a cable operatively connected to the rail bracket, wherein the cable pulls the bracket from the first position to a second position, and a lift wire pivotably attaching the support panel to the rail bracket.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Donald D. Mundell, Joe Reu
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Patent number: 7306286Abstract: An assembly for holding open a locking mechanism for a motor vehicle folding seat includes a locking mechanism having a gear shaft and a release link fixedly attached to the gear shaft that transitions the locking mechanism between an engaged and a released orientation. A hold-open pin attached to the release link is received within a follower link notch to maintain the locking mechanism in the released orientation. An actuator positions the follower link notch to receive the hold-open pin within the follower link notch.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignees: Chrysler LLC, Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Glenn F Syrowik, Pius Ng, Erik Fontaine, Ravi Hosalli, Ronald J Kaip
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Publication number: 20070262630Abstract: A seat frame structure includes a seat cushion frame, a seat back frame, and a connecting bracket connecting the seat cushion frame to the seat back frame. The seat cushion frame includes a first beam portion having an internal space in at least one of a left/right side edge portion. The seat back frame includes a second beam portion having an internal space in at least one of a left/right side edge portion. The connecting bracket includes a first arm portion inserted into the internal space of the first beam portion and connected to the first beam portion and a second arm portion inserted into the internal space of the second beam portion and connected to the second beam portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tamotsu Sawada, Mitsugu Udagawa
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Patent number: 7287814Abstract: A fitting includes a movable locking device connected to a lower fitting part for engaging an upper fitting part and thereby locking the fitting, a control cam for engaging with a control element of the upper fitting part and thereby controlling the engagement of the locking device and the upper fitting part, and a spring-loaded clamping eccentric that acts on the locking device for securing its engagement with the upper fitting part. For unlocking the fitting, the spring-loaded clamping eccentric is moved with an actuating force in a first unlocking step, so that the engagement of the locking device and the upper fitting part is removed. In the first unlocking stage, the control cam and the control element still engage. In a second unlocking stage, which is attainable with a higher actuating force, the engagement of control cam and control element is at least to a large extent is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Heimann, Martin Gehrhardt, Martin Lübken, Stefan Haber
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Patent number: 7281766Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a pair of left and right seatback side frames comprising a seatback frame. The seatback frame is connected to the rear end of a seat portion frame via a reclining mechanism. The vehicle seat is further provided with a torsion bar that is an elastic body between the reclining mechanism and the seatback frame. When the seatback frame displaces and falls forward relative to the seat portion frame, the torsion bar deforms and resists the displacement of the seatback frame. The torsion bar is arranged at the upper region of the seat occupant's pelvis.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yasuhide Takata
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Patent number: 7273243Abstract: Seat for a rear row of seats in a vehicle, which seat can be collapsed into a recess positioned in the cargo area behind the row of seats for the purpose of expanding cargo space, so that the back side of the backrest, which is folded forward onto the seat portion, is facing upward, and is essentially flush with the cargo area floor. The seat improves the kinematics of known seats and thereby makes the seat more ergonomically favorable in terms of its operation. The conversion of the seat from its use position to its non-use position is achieved through a single operation, namely a continuous pull on a strap fastened at the back end of a two-component seat portion frame, unlike known complicated systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventor: Michal Prugarewicz
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Patent number: 7270375Abstract: A disengage mechanism incorporated into a floor-mounted, forwardly pivotal and removable seat including a bottom and a pivotally associated back. The mechanism includes a handle-operated actuating assembly mounted to an underside of the seat bottom. A seat forward tumble mechanism includes a cable securing to the assembly at a first location and a seat disengage mechanism includes a pair of cables securing to the assembly at a second location. The assembly is actuated in a first selected direction to engage the forward tumble mechanism, the assembly being actuated in a second reverse direction to concurrently engage the forward tumble mechanism as well as the seat disengagement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tavis S. Lutzka, Keith Brantley
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Patent number: 7267406Abstract: A foldable vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back frame having a lower end adapted to be supported relative to a vehicle floor to permit movement of the seat back frame between an upper, deployed position and a lowered, stowed position. A seat cross member is adapted to be supported relative to the vehicle floor in a spaced relation to the seat back frame. A seat suspension member, constructed of a flexible material, has a rear portion connected to the seat back frame and a front portion connected to the cross member. When the seat back frame is moved between the deployed position and the stowed position, the cross member and the suspension member are also moved between a deployed position and a stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Alan Sturt
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Patent number: 7258400Abstract: In a vehicle-seat retracting apparatus, a seating state is switched to a non-seating state by retracting a headrest and tilting a seat back relative to a seat cushion (lower arm). In association with retraction of the headrest, the tilting angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yukifumi Yamada
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Patent number: 7255399Abstract: An ultra compact, easy to operate folding vehicle seat includes a seat back, seat base and support leg members and is movable between a stow position and a design position. The folding vehicle seat includes a folding mechanism having an upper member for connection to the seat back and a lower member for supporting the seat base; the upper and lower members of the folding mechanism include integrated teeth aligned in meshing relationship such that movement of the seat back causes the lower member to rotate and lift the seat base to move the folding vehicle seat to a design position. A pair of upper cams are provided for selective engagement with the upper member and a third cam tab of the lower member of the folding mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Brennon White, William H. Jones, Kurt Seibold, Kyle M. Doxey, Patricia L. Conn, Alan J. King, Vanja Cemalovic
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Patent number: 7255398Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus is provided with a neutral position returning means which holds a link lever at a forward reclining operating position, and releases the holding of the link lever in the case that a seat back is shifted from a forward reclined position side to a neutral position within a reclining range. The neutral position returning means shifts a cam plate by a spring in such a manner as to hole the position of the link lever at a lever rotating position while the link lever rotates a releasing lever fixed to a center shaft of a reclining lock mechanism together therewith so as to release a lock of the reclining lock mechanism, and shifts the cam plate to an original position against the spring by a cam releasing means so as to return the link lever to an original position, in the case that the forward reclining seat back 3 is shifted to the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignees: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha, Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Tokui, Akira Nemoto
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Patent number: 7252337Abstract: The invention relates to a seat arrangement for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a seat base that defines a seat surface for a vehicle passenger and extends in the longitudinal direction of the seat, and a back rest. According to the invention, the back rest can be adjusted in relation to the seat base in the longitudinal direction of the seat by means of a lever arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Jürgen Angermüller, Thomas Haagen, Matthias Fischer
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Patent number: 7243995Abstract: A second row seat is guided by a vehicle-longitudinal-direction sliding mechanism and a vehicle-width-direction siding mechanism supported on the vehicle-longitudinal-direction sliding mechanism. The vehicle-width-direction sliding mechanism is configured such that a length thereof is set within a width of a recess portion formed at the bottom face of a seat cushion so as to allow the vehicle-width-direction sliding mechanism to be placed within the recess portion when the seat cushion has been moved forward and downward by a moving mechanism. Accordingly, a load floor formed by a back face of a seat back according to a forward movement of the seat back with its lower and horizontal position can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Kenji Muramatsu
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Patent number: 7243996Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 7229132Abstract: The invention relates generally to a foldable or collapsible juvenile car seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Meeker R & D, Inc.Inventors: Paul Meeker, William R. Gibson
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Patent number: 7226128Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1) with a first seat rail (5), a second seat rail (8) which can be moved and locked relative to the first seat rail (5), by way of which the longitudinal seat position of the vehicle seat (1) can be adjusted, an adjustable fitting connected to the second seat rail (8), a seat back coupled by way of the fitting, and a seat cushion carrier (28) coupled to the second seat rail (8) by way of a pivotable support member (30), whereby the vehicle seat (1) can be can be converted from a use position by releasing the fitting and pivoting the seat back relative to the seat cushion carrier (28) to a floor position, a device (33) is provided which queries the relative position between pivotable support member (30) and second seat rail (8) and in dependency on that releases the seat rails (5, 8).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Eckhard Spies, Jörg Adam
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Patent number: 7222918Abstract: The invention relates to a forwardly movable vehicle seat having an underframe including a longitudinal adjusting device, the longitudinal adjusting device including two pairs of rails, two catch devices and one actuation lever for actuating the catch devices. The vehicle seat further includes a seat pan that is carried by the underframe, and a seat back that is pivotal about a seat back axis and on which there is disposed a disengagement lever. In an actuated condition, the seat back is unlocked so as to be foldable, the actuation lever being actuated and the catch devices unlocked and the seat being allowed to be brought from an initial position to a forwardly moved position when the seat back is folded forward.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: C. Rob Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Brönner, Wilfried Beneker, Reinhard Vogel
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Patent number: 7210734Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes a track having a longitudinal track axis. The seat assembly further includes a head restraint moveably attached to the track such that the head restraint is moveable longitudinally along the track from a use position to a stowed position. An actuation device is associated with the head restraint for moving the head restraint from the use position toward the stowed position when the seat back pivots toward the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nagarjun V. Yetukuri, Mladen Humer, Gerald S. Locke
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Patent number: 7204556Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat underframe and a backrest which tips forwards, these being interconnected by an adjustment and tipping axle and which preferably has a backrest inclination adjustment device on both sides. The adjustment device containing an adjustment gear and a part whose angle is adjustable in relation to a side part of the seat underframe. In the use position of the backrest, a stop of the part with an adjustable angle rests on a first stop of a fitting which is fixed in relation to the backrest, while in the tipped-forward position of the backrest, a stop that is provided on a fitting on the seat side rests on a second stop of the fitting that is fixed in relation to the backrest and/or the backrest upholstery rests on the seat cushion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Christina Schwerdtner, Peter Rausch, Wolfgang Suck
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Patent number: 7201437Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a lower seat cushion supported by the vehicle and a seat back supported for movement between an upright position and a stowed position. The seat assembly also has a headrest supported for movement relative to the seat back. A locking mechanism engages the headrest to retain the headrest in a raised position when the seat back is in the upright position. The locking mechanism also disengages the headrest for allowing movement of the headrest away from the raised position when the seat back is moved toward the stowed position. The seat assembly also has a biasing mechanism that biases the headrest toward the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Nizar Freijy
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Patent number: 7172253Abstract: Vehicle seat includes seat frame, an articulated backrest frame lockable by an angle adjuster adjustable between an upright basic position, a partially forwardly-folded easy-entry position, and a completely forwardly folded cargo position. A release shaft is pivotable by a release lever to release the angle adjuster. The backrest frame can only be moved out of the basic position into the cargo position by being folded forward into the easy-entry position, locked by resetting the release lever, then unlocked by actuating the release lever and folded forward into cargo position. An easy-entry mechanism includes the following: control cams on the backrest frame with an easy-entry stop, a locking hook articulated to the seat frame to engage the easy-entry stop, and a pushrod eccentrically articulated to the release shaft that, when the backrest is folded forward, is initially in an inactive position, and then releases the locking hook in an active position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Haverkamp
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Patent number: 7156463Abstract: A motor vehicle seat has a pivoted backrest that can be swung forward in the direction of a seating of the seat, a longitudinal seat adjuster for adjusting the longitudinal position of the seat, a locking device of the longitudinal seat adjuster for locking a longitudinal seat position previously adjusted, and an unlocking mechanism for unlocking the locking device, and a flexible traction device via which the unlocking mechanism is coupled with the backrest so that the locking device is unlocked when the backrest is swung forward. An actuation element acts upon the traction device with a force component at an angle to the direction of extension of the traction device when the backrest is swung forward, thereby tightening the traction device and unlocking the locking device.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, CoburgInventors: Werner Taubmann, Thomas Hein
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Patent number: 7152924Abstract: Unlocking mechanism of reclining device features an angularly movable stabilizer link mechanism of four-point articulated link structure which comprises a first link member connected with a remote lock control device, a second link member and a third link member. The second link member is pivotally connected with a shaft of the reclining device and one end of the first link member. The third link member is pivotally connected with seat back side and another end of the first link member. With inclination of seat back, the second and third link members are moved angularly relative to the reclining device shaft so as to retain the first link member at fixed horizontal position. Operation of the remote lock control device causes rotation of the first link member away from such fixed horizontal position, thereby causing rotation of the shaft to unlock the reclining device, irrespective of the inclination of seat back.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Nemoto, Tomohisa Kubota
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Patent number: 7152921Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seat cushion assembly, a seat back assembly, and a seat track assembly for supporting the seat cushion assembly and the seat back assembly in a vehicle. The seat cushion and seat back assemblies being movable to a stadium position such that the seat cushion and seat back assemblies are in a substantially upright position so that an area behind the seat is easily accessible.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Mohammad Saberan
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Patent number: 7152923Abstract: Vehicle seat comprising a cushion and a backrest pivoting with respect to the cushion about a horizontal pivot axis by means of an articulation between a range of erect positions of use, a folded-flat position and an intermediate folded-down position. This seat comprises a first, a second and a third control member connecting the cushion to the backrest, one of the first, second and third control members being distinct from the other two.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'automobile S.A.Inventors: Fabrice Charras, Jean-François Pierrey, Gérald Thevenot, Yann Reubeuze, Jean-Gabriel Saint Supery, David Panet, Emmanuel Lardais, Xavier Lelaure, Cédric Legras
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Patent number: 7140687Abstract: A headrest assembly that includes a head support connected to a rail that is adjustably mounted to a housing so that the headrest assembly is capable of moving between a use position and a stow position. A lock member engages the rail in the use position and operably disengages the rail to initiate the movement from the use position to the stow position. Specifically, the rail is biased to a stow position so that disengaging the lock member from the rail moves the headrest assembly from the use position to the stow position. The headrest assembly is also coordinated into a seat assembly such that the movement of a seatback from a use position to a stow position concurrently causes the headrest assembly to move from the use position to the stow position.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventors: Craig Hoekstra, David L. Robinson
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Patent number: 7137666Abstract: A seat for use in a vehicle that is configured to be movable between a generally upright in-use position and a retracted cargo position includes a seat base, a seat part having a rear region and a front region, a first articulated arm having a first end coupled to the rear region of the seat part and an opposite second end coupled the seat base, the first articulated arm having a horizontal axes of rotation, and a backrest rotatably coupled to the first end of the first articulated arm and movable between the in-use position and the cargo position. The backrest is lowerable together with the seat part toward the seat base into the cargo position providing an increased freight space above the backrest.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Guido Haladuda, Michael Hoerl, Michael Comes, Patrick Stachel, Walter Link
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Patent number: 7137667Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat, in particular a rear row of seats of a motor vehicle, that is displaceable between a seat position and a functional position, having a seat part (3) adjustable relative to a seat frame (2), a back rest (4) foldable relative to the seat part, a front handle (11) for unlocking a seat longitudinal locking unit (8) of the seat part (3), a handle (24) operated from a rear position of the back rest (4), by means of which the seat longitudinal locking (8) of the seat part (3) can be unlatched; it is possible to check, whether the seat part (3) is in a rear position; if the seat part (3) is in the rear position, a rest blocking unit of the back rest (4) can be released. According to the invention, a simple displacement of the motor vehicle seat, in particular also from the rear side, is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co.KGInventor: Klaus-Dieter Habedank
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Patent number: 7137670Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a seat back assembly (10) that is fabricated to include a seat back (12) with first and second wall portions (14,16), and which may include an integrated reinforcement structure (18). The seating system is capable of either or both of withstanding without rupture at least about 11000 Newtons in the direction in which the seat back (12) faces in a plane, parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle or, upon rapid acceleration up to at least about 20 g, substantially no fragmentation of the seat back with at least a 30 kg mass placed behind the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Vikas Gupta, Jane M. Palmieri, Mick F. Heckert, Gregory J. Korchnak, Eric R. Kurtycz, Gregory P. Reny
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Patent number: 7134725Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including a foldable backrest and a lowerable seat part, wherein the backrest is foldable toward the seat part and a mechanism is provided so the seat part is lowerable from a use position into a forward position, wherein a coupling element is provided to couple folding-down of the backrest to forward movement and lowering of the seat part, and a locking mechanism is provided to lock the seat part in the use position. The coupling element may unlock the locking mechanism as the backrest is folded forward toward the seat part at a predefined angle of inclination, so that inclination of the backrest can be changed while the seat part is locked by folding the backrest forward to the predefined angle of inclination and the unlocked seat part is lowered into the forward position by folding the backrest further forward.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Olaf Göbel
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Patent number: 7134724Abstract: The adjustment device comprises a toothed quadrant connected to the sitting surface, and a toothed quadrant which is connected to the back and which can be meshed into the toothed quadrant connected to the sitting surface, in a locked configuration of the seat, and can be demeshed from the toothed quadrant connected to the sitting surface, in an unlocked configuration of the seat, making it possible to adjust the angular position of the back with respect to the sitting surface, an element which possesses a stepped quadrant having a first convex surface and at least one second convex surface, each defining an angular sequence, which are connected to one another by a stop surface, a pawl possessing a tooth capable of following each convex surface until it comes to bear against a stop surface, and an element to pivot the pawl in order to release the tooth from a stop surface, so as to cause the seat to change from one angular sequence to the next sequence.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Chabanne, Eric Gagnaire
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Patent number: 7124849Abstract: A tricycle includes a body with a handlebar stand pivotally connected to a front portion of the body to steer a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front wheel bracket which is mounted to a front side of the body, two rear wheels rotatably and oppositely mounted on a rear side of the body and respectively driven by a motor, two side plates respectively formed on the body to be opposite to each other for supporting a user's feet, a seat pivotally mounted on top of the body and a backrest frame pivotally mounted on top of the body and detachably connected to the seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignees: Taiwan An I Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun-Tai Huang
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Patent number: 7125080Abstract: A retractable armrest is disclosed for a foldable chair. The chair has a seat and a backrest with the backrest being pivotably mounted to the seat by a chair pivot for movement between an operating position and a folded position. A link pivotably operates between armrest and the seat for enabling the armrest to be rotated into the retracted position when the backrest is in the operating position. The link rotates the armrest from the extended position to the retracted position upon the backrest being moved from the operating position to the folded position. The foldable chair is suitable for use on a personal mobility vehicle such as a scooter, a power wheel chair, a foldable personal mobility vehicle or any other suitable chair.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Electric Mobility CorporationInventors: Stephen Jarema, III, Edward J. Dwyer, Jr.
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Patent number: 7121624Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat including a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom is provided. The seat adjustment mechanism includes a first kneel mechanism connected to the vehicle seat and a powered motor operably connected to the first kneel mechanism. The powered motor drives the first kneel mechanism to translate the seatback and seat bottom relative the vehicle to manipulate the seat assembly into a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventors: Srinivas Pejathaya, Jeffery T Bonk, Christopher J Ryan, David L Robinson
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Patent number: 7114779Abstract: A fitting system (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, for adjusting the inclination of a backrest relative to a seat part of the vehicle seat, having a first fitting (10) and a second fitting (20) arranged above and attached to the adjustment fitting (10), wherein after the first fitting (10) has been unlocked, the backrest is adjustable between various upright use positions and/or between at least one upright use position and a rearward inclined recline position, and wherein after unlocking the second fitting (20), the backrest can be adjusted between at least one upright use position and a forward-tilted table position, the first fitting (10) and the second fitting (20) being separately formed as entirely functional adjustment fittings.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Thiel, Andreas Rabbach
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Patent number: 7100984Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a runner made up of a fixed rail fixed to a vehicle floor, and of a moving rail mounted to slide relative to the fixed rail, a front leg having a top end and a bottom end mounted to pivot relative to the vehicle floor, a seat back mounted to pivot relative to the moving rail of the runner, and a seat proper having a front end mounted to pivot on the top end of the front leg. The seat back is mounted to pivot relative to the seat proper, and the seat further comprises at least one locking device adapted to selectively preventing the seat back from pivoting or allowing said seat back to pivot.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.Inventors: David Epaud, François Fourrey, Fabrice Lesbats, Christian Couasnon
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Patent number: 7097253Abstract: A vehicle seat recliner and folding latch assembly is provided. The assembly generally includes a lower quadrant disk, a slide pin sub-assembly and a recliner disk. The slide pin sub-assembly is supported on the lower quadrant disk for pivotal displacement between a first position and a second position. The recliner disk is supported for pivotal displacement on the slide-pin sub-assembly. The recliner disk includes an engagement edge engaging the slide pin sub-assembly. The engagement edge is adapted to lock the slide pin sub-assembly in the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventors: Craig J Coughlin, Jeffery T Bonk, Scott Fast
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Patent number: 7097252Abstract: A motor vehicle seat with a seat back hinge including a lower hinge arm associated with a seat carrier and an upper hinge arm associated with a seat back. A locking mechanism prevents the seat back tilting forward in a locked position and allows tilting of the seat back in a released position. The locking mechanism includes a handle, and a blocking lever hinged to the seat back that includes a blocking side. The upper hinge arm cooperates with the blocking side and a retaining catch stop. A retaining lever on the seat back forms a retaining lug which abuts the retaining catch stop in the tilted position of the seat back and retains the seat back in position. The blocking lever pivots upon actuation of the handle to abut the retaining lever, which is pivoted as a result, releasing the retaining lug from engagement with the retaining catch stop.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Burckhard Becker, Dieter Strasser, Michael Hennicke
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Patent number: 7097250Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including: a seat frame; a pivotally mounted seat back which, when released, is tiltable forward out of its position of use and toward a seat surface of the seat frame; a longitudinal guide with which the seat frame is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the seat; a fixing device for fixing a seat frame in a previously adjusted longitudinal position of the seat; a coupling mechanism; and, a memory device by which the seat frame can be automatically held in an adjustable longitudinal position of the seat, which is defined as a memory position. An actuating mechanism is actively connected to a seat back release for the forward tilted seat back and actuates the seat back release when the memory position of the seat frame is reached, thereby enabling the seat back to be tilted into a position of use once again.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KGInventors: Peter Rausch, Werner Taubmann, Jürgen Koppenstein
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Patent number: 7086700Abstract: An automobile seat with supporting frame, upholstery, and seat cover includes a seat body and a seat back, as well as at least one seat back region, such as a side wing on the seat back, whose height and shape in its use position extends forward over the central shape of the seat back. An elastic adjustment element and actuation medium for the adjustment element are positioned within the seat back or the side wing. The adjustment element and the deformed region in the seat back such as the side wing are so deformed by the actuation medium when the seat back is tilted forward from the use position into the tilted-forward position that the height of the seat back portion, such as the side wing, extending over the central shape is less than when in the use position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus-Dieter Habedank
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Patent number: 7086697Abstract: A recliner mechanism for an automotive vehicle seat for allowing pivotal adjustment of a seat back (12) relative to a seat cushion (14) between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a forwardly stowed position. The recliner mechanism includes a seat back (12) bracket pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket. The seat back (12) bracket and seat cushion (14) bracket are each fixedly secured to the seat back (12) and seat cushion (14), respectively. A sector of teeth is formed in the seat back bracket. A pawl (40) having a rack of teeth lockably engageable with the sector of teeth is slidably engaged with the seat cushion bracket (30) for movement between a locked position with the rack of teeth engaged with the sector of teeth and an unlocked position with the rack of teeth disengaged with the sector of teeth.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Omar D. Tame
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Patent number: 7086698Abstract: A seat device equips a walk-in mechanism and a fold down mechanism (a seatback is turned down with large angle so as to attain the flat condition). These mechanisms can be operated selectively using a simple operation without using plural levers. A base bracket of the seat device is fixed to a lower arm. The base bracket has a stopper and pivotally supports the first link member and the second member in a freely turning way. An upper arm has a contact portion. If the upper arm is turned down in the forward direction for the walk-in operation, the contact portion gets in contact with an intervening member of the first link member so as not to turn further down in the forward direction. In the case that the seatback is turned to the flat condition, the intervening member is moved towards the outside portion of the locus of movement of the contact portion. Consequently, the contact portion of the upper arm can be turned down on a large scale without getting in contact with the intervening member.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Gifu Shatai Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shin Shiraki
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Patent number: 7077463Abstract: Disclosed is a folding split seat which is easy to move from a seating position to a cargo position and back and which accomplishes this by moving the seat cushion forward and downward out of the way of the folded seat back without the need to fold or flip the seat cushion. Also disclosed is a embodiment of the folding split seat that also provides for a reclining seat back.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Simon Sun, Zorn Kojic
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Patent number: 7073861Abstract: A hinge construction in which a center hinge 14 is provided between seat backs 1 and 2 arranged by being divided into left and right, and the left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported by the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable. In this hinge construction, the center hinge 14 includes a mounting bracket 18 of which one end portion is installed to the right seat back 2, a center hinge bracket 19 installed to the vehicle body side, and a hinge shaft 20 for connecting the mounting bracket 18 to the center hinge bracket 19. The left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported via the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable by inserting the hinge shaft 20 through the other end portion of the mounting bracket 18 and the center hinge bracket 19 and by fixing the hinge shaft 20 to a seat frame 3 of the left seat back 1.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Masato Ichikawa, Toru Hirano, Akira Hijikata
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Patent number: 7066543Abstract: A fold-flat hinge assembly for use with a seat assembly includes an arm pivotably supported by a support member and adapted to support the seat back, as well as a gear fixedly attached to a shaft that is rotatably supported within a first slot of the support member. The shaft also includes a gear fixedly attached thereto and interfacing said arm. A blocking pin slidably supported by the support member between a first position and a second position and mechanically communicating with the shaft blocks rotation of the arm relative to the support member when in a first position. When the blocking pin is moved to a second position by the shaft interacting with the gear teeth of the arm, the arm is in rotate relative to the support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Fisher Dynamics CorporationInventor: Shihong Yu