Abstract: A catch hook for a backrest adjustment armature in seats of motor vehicles, which hook is mountable rotatably on a part of the armature to lock and release it. The armature part is designed to pivot forward together with a part of the seat and to rest, when in a locked position, against a stop on a base frame of the seat. Force is exerted on the catch hook by a stored-energy device in the locking direction. The opening of the catch hook gripping behind the stop when in the locked position, where a tension latch, which also grips behind the stop when in the locked position, is arranged next to the catch hook. The latch itself is pivotably supported on the catch hook so that it can, as needed, be released from the locked position by an actuating element. The tension latch is connected to the catch hook by way of support elements so that it can move in advance of the catch hook in a direction of travel. Force in the locking direction is exerted only on the tension latch by a single stored-energy device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reclining device for a rear seat of an automobile. According to the present invention, a bracket connects a seat back to a seat cushion and has a recliner connecting recess in which a control rod is inserted, and a seat back connecting recess in which a connecting rod of a seat back frame is inserted. A recliner connecting link and a seat back connecting link are installed in the bracket to selectively lock and unlock the control rod and the connecting rod. When the seat back is moved, movement of the seat cushion is restrained so that the weight of an occupant of the seat is not transferred to the reclining device. Thereby, the occupant can adjust an angle of the seat back easily.

Abstract: An automotive easy-entry assembly 10 is provided, including a seat pan 12 and a back frame 14 rotatably attached to the seat pan 12. The back frame is rotatable between a back frame upright position 16 and a back frame dumped forward position. A secured track 28 includes a plurality of engagement slots 44 and a memory block 92. An adjustment track 36 is mounted to the seat pan 12 and slidably engages the secured track 28. A locking arm 46 including one or more engagement teeth 44 is mounted to the adjustment track 36 and is movable between an engagement position 50 and a travel position 52. An actuator arm 62 is in communication with the back frame 14 such that as the back frame 14 is moved into the back frame dumped forward position 18 the actuator arm 62 is moved into an actuator active position 68.

Abstract: An automotive easy-entry assembly 10 is provided, including a seat pan 12 and a back frame 14 rotatably attached to the seat pan 12. The back frame is rotatable between a back frame upright position 16 and a back frame dumped forward position. A secured track 28 includes a plurality of engagement slots 44 and a memory block 92. An adjustment track 36 is mounted to the seat pan 12 and slidably engages the secured track 28. A locking arm 46 including one or more engagement teeth 44 is mounted to the adjustment track 36 and is movable between an engagement position 50 and a travel position 52. An actuator arm 62 is in communication with the back frame 14 such that as the back frame 14 is moved into the back frame dumped forward position 18 the actuator arm 62 is moved into an actuator active position 68.

Abstract: A fold down seat back or seat bottom has at least one ergonomic support device in it. A traction cable is operatively engaged at one end with the ergonomic support device to actuate it. The fold down seat back includes a rotating cable tension unit and a fixed torsion bar. The rotating member moves relative to the fixed member when said fold down seat back is folded up. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve having a first end and a second end and a wire having a first end and a second end. The wire is disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The first sleeve end is attached to the rotating cable tension unit. The wire end is attached to the fixed torsion bar. The wire end may be attached to the torsion rod with a pulley.

Abstract: A recliner assembly for selectively locking a seat back in one of a plurality of reclined positions relative to a seat cushion on a vehicle seat. The recliner includes a cylindrical shaft extending axially and longitudinally between first and second ends and having a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom between the first and second ends. The recliner also includes a seat back disc rotatably coupled to the shaft between the teeth and the first end and fixedly secured to the seat back and having a rack of teeth extending axially therefrom. The recliner includes a seat cushion disc fixedly secured to the shaft between the seat back disc and the first end and also fixedly secured to the seat cushion. A locking disc having a center bore defined by a plurality of locking teeth is axially coupled to the shaft by mating engagement of the locking teeth with the teeth on the shaft. A cam ring is slidably coupled to the shaft and fixedly secured to the locking disc.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism includes at least one recliner mechanism, a latch mechanism, and a kneel mechanism. The recliner mechanism serves to articulate a seatback relative to a seat while the floor latch and kneel mechanisms provide for dumping and pivoting of a seat assembly respectively. In addition, a second recliner mechanism, second floor latch mechanism, and second kneel mechanism may be provided on an opposite side of the seat assembly. A first interlock mechanism operably couples the first recliner mechanism and first latch mechanism while a second interlock mechanism couples the second recliner mechanism and second kneel mechanism. The first and second interlock mechanisms prevent the first and second recliner mechanisms from rotating to a usable position if either the first floor latch mechanism or second kneel mechanism is not securely latched.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat proper, a back presenting at least a folding portion, a rigid plate between the seat proper and the folding portion, a control mechanism for locking the folding portion, and a control member. The control mechanism has a control piece that is pivotally mounted about an axis, said control piece being urged about the axis towards a rest position, the piece having a guide slot in which there slides a peg that is secured to the rigid plate, a first lateral branch extends to a closed end for receiving the peg when the folding portion is raised, and a second lateral branch extending to a closed end receives the peg when the folding portion is folded down.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat assembly and a method of manufacturing a stowable vehicle seat. More specially, the stowable seat includes a bottom assembly forming the lower portion of a vehicle seat, and a rear assembly forming the back portion of the vehicle seat. In the stowed configuration, the bottom assembly and rear assembly are uncoupled, each folding to form a substantially flat subassembly easily stowed and fixed against a vehicle floor adjacent one another.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor including a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle floor. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the upper surface faces upwards, and a storage position, wherein the lower surface faces upwards. A panel is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The panel is automatically moved between a first position underneath the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the seating position, and a generally horizontally deployed position when the seat bottom is moved to the storage position.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed, which forms part of a vehicle seat which includes a seat cushion and a cushion plate attached thereto. The fixed part of a rotary recliner, having a handle extending therefrom, is mounted to the cushion plate. An idler plate is mounted to the movable part of the recliner, for rotation therewith. A sector plate, which carries a seat back, has a first position relative to the idler plate, and is lockable thereat by a latch, for rotation with the idler plate under control of the handle. This permits the seat back to be pivoted to a preferred seating position via the recliner when the latch is engaged. When the latch is disengaged, the sector plate is forwardly rotatable, relative to the idler plate, from the preferred position. A spring biases the latch to re-engage the sector plate upon rearward rotation thereof back to its first position.

Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a seat back assembly (10) that is fabricated to include a seat back (12) with a first panel portion (14) that is optionally secured to a second panel portion (16) with one or more fasteners such as welds, adhesives, tack-offs, steel brackets or otherwise. The first panel portion (14), the second panel portion (16) or both preferably are plastic. The seat back assembly (10) may include one or more integrated reinforcement structures (20).

Abstract: A joint fitting for a vehicle seat with a forward tiltable seat back. The joint fitting has a first fitting part, a second fitting part and a pivot joint pivotally joining these two fitting parts. A locking cam is hinged to the first fitting part and is pivotal about a cam axle, the locking cam has a first end region located in proximity to the cam axle and a second end region. A locking bight is configured on the second fitting part and is provided with a first locking side and with a facing second locking side, the distance between these locking sides matching the distance between the two end regions. An actuation device acts on the locking cam at a distance from the cam axle so that the locking cam may be moved from a locking position into a release position. In the locking position, the first end region of the locking cam abuts on the first locking side and the second end region of the locking cam abuts on the second locking side.

Abstract: The seat has a rotary recliner providing for selective pivotal movement of the seat back about an axis between occupiable and frontmost positions, and a dumped position therebetween. The improvement comprises a handle mounted on the back for movement between design and tipping positions, and an intermediate position therebetween; a member mounted on the back for pivotal movement therewith and for relative movement between first and second positions; a ring having a portion for, when the member is at its second position and the back is at its dumped position, engaging the member to arrest frontward pivotal movement thereof; and a first linkage for moving the member between its first and second positions upon movement of the handle between its design and intermediate positions and for controlling the recliner to permit said pivotal movement of the back when the handle is at its tipping position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat also has a recliner mechanism for adjusting the angle between the seat back and the seat bottom. The recliner is capable of substantially supporting the seat back relative to the seat bottom below a threshold force acting on said seat back during normal operating loads. The operating loads are below a threshold level. The seat also has an impact control mechanism operatively connected to the seat back and the seat bottom. The impact control mechanism is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the seat back is permitted to move relative to said seat bottom. In an engaged position, the impact control mechanism restrains the seat back from moving relative to the seat bottom.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprising a seat cushion, a seat back and a recliner assembly operatively interconnecting the seat back to the seat cushion. The recliner assembly allows pivotal adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between one of a plurality of reclined seating positions and a stowed position. The recliner assembly is selectively moveable between locked and unlocked states. An input shaft is operatively assembled to the recliner assembly for switching the recliner assembly between the locked and unlocked states. The seat assembly further comprising a mechanism externally engagable with the input shaft of the recliner assembly for adjusting the angular position of the seat back in one of the reclined seating positions and for maintaining the input shaft in the unlocked position while the seat back is pivoted from one of the reclined seating positions to the stowed position.

Abstract: A seat latch mechanism accommodating a pair of seatback positions, comprising a housing, a latch assembly, and an actuation assembly operably supported by the housing and in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively unlatch the latch assembly. The housing is adapted to receive a striker assembly having a first and second striker bar, whereby the latch mechanism is adapted to lock the first striker bar in a first latched position and the second striker bar in a second latched position. The actuator serves to apply a force to either of the first or second striker bars when in the first and second latched positions respectively to reduce noise and avoid chucking. The actuation handle serves to release the striker assembly from the latch mechanism and also to allow the first and second striker bars to toggle between the first and second latched positions.

Abstract: A seatback recliner mechanism incorporated into a vehicle, the seat including a seat bottom and a pivotally engaged seatback. The recliner mechanism includes a pair of lower supports forming a part of the seat bottom and secured to at least one of first and second sides of the seat bottom. A first gear is fixed between the lower support and at a generally upper end and a pair of upper supports are pivotally secured to the lower supports and include a second rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the first gear. The seatback includes an upper arm pivotally secured to the upper support in coaxial fashion relative to a third rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the second gear. A first lever is operative to pivot the upper support relative the lower support over a specified range of forward incline and rearward recline. A second lever is operative to pivot the upper arm, relative to the upper support, to a substantially forward and horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat back mounted to pivot on a seat proper by means of first and second hinges, each of which is made up of two pivotally-mounted cheek plates that can be locked by slugs controlled by a rotary cam so that they are caused to come to mesh in a fixed set of teeth. The cams of the two hinges are connected together via a lost motion mechanism, and the fixed set of teeth of one of the hinges has truncated teeth, each of which forms a flat.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanisms suited for vehicle seats, and particularly mechanisms that include a memory feature. The inventive adjustment system is of the type that provides a method of selecting a preferred seat position, releasing the adjustment mechanism for free movement of the seat, and automatically arresting the adjustment mechanism, securing the seat at the selected position. In the case of some prior art seat adjustment mechanisms, using the recline adjustment control to dump the seat does not allow the passenger to automatically return the seat back to the selected position. Other prior art seat adjustment mechanism separate the recline adjustment and the dump controls but rely upon relatively bulky stamped metal components to capture and latch the seat after dumping.

Abstract: A fold flat vehicle seat comprises a seat assembly mounted on a movable track member slidably engaging a fixed track member, and lockable by a track lock. The seat assembly includes a seatback member mounted on a seat cushion member for forward folding between a substantially upright occupiable design position and a substantially horizontal load supporting position. A downwardly and rearwardly sloped ramp is mounted on the fixed track member. A drive link assembly is mounted on the seatback member for translational engagement of a ramp contact member with the ramp. As the seatback member is forwardly folded from the upright occupiable design position to the load supporting position the track lock releases and the ramp contact member moves downwardly and rearwardly along the ramp to thereby cause rearward longitudinal movement of the seat assembly relative to the fixed track member to a predetermined rear longitudinal position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, comprising a seat underframe and a backrest which tips forwards, these being interconnected by an adjustment and tipping axle (4); and which preferably has a backrest inclination adjustment device on both sides, said adjustment device(s) containing an adjustment gear and a part (9) whose angle is adjustable in relation to a side part of the seat underframe. In the use position of the backrest, a stop (25) of said part (9) with an adjustable angle rests on a first stop (24) of a fitting (8) which is fixed in relation to the backrest, while in the tipped-forward position of the backrest, a stop (23) that is provided on a fitting (7) on the seat side rests on a second stop (26) of the fitting (8) that is fixed in relation to the backrest and/or the backrest upholstery rests on the seat cushion.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back (11), a generally horizontal seat cushion (14), and a recliner mechanism (20) allowing for pivotal adjustment of the seat back about a first pivot axis (21) relative to the seat cushion and displacement of the first pivot axis about a second pivot axis (22) between forward and rearward positions. With the first pivot axis (21) in the forward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis (21) between a plurality of reclined seating positions. With the first pivot axis in the rearward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis between one of the reclined seating positions and a stowed position generally aligned against the seat cushion. The seat cushion is pivotally adjustable about a four bar linkage (17, 18) between a seating position and a stowed position.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a foldable or collapsible juvenile car seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor including a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle floor. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the upper surface faces upwards, and a storage position, wherein the lower surface faces upwards. A panel is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The panel is automatically moved between a first position underneath the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the seating position, and a generally horizontally deployed position when the seat bottom is moved to the storage position.

Abstract: A seatback recliner mechanism incorporated into a vehicle, the seat including a seat bottom and a pivotally engaged seatback. The recliner mechanism includes a pair of lower supports forming a part of the seat bottom and secured to at least one of first and second sides of the seat bottom. A first gear is fixed between the lower support and at a generally upper end and a pair of upper supports are pivotally secured to the lower supports and include a second rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the first gear. The seatback includes an upper arm pivotally secured to the upper support in coaxial fashion relative to a third rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the second gear. A first lever is operative to pivot the upper support relative the lower support over a specified range of forward incline and rearward recline. A second lever is operative to pivot the upper arm, relative to the upper support, to a substantially forward and horizontal position.

Abstract: A seat latch assembly that includes a seat bottom that has a first frame member, a seat back that has a second frame member that is partially mounted on the first frame member about a first pivot, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a pin mounted on one of the first and second frame members. The latch pivotally attaches to the other of the first and second frame members about a second pivot. The latch has an open angled hook portion and is movable about the second pivot between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the hook portion is spaced from the pin. In the engaged position, the hook portion is in contact with the pin to hook the pin to prevent the first frame member from pivoting relative to the second frame member about the first pivot.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly for moving a headrest between an extended position and a retracted position as the frame assembly pivots. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, and a bar having first and second ends. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position about a first pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle. The first end of the bar is pivotably connected to a second pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle, and the second end of the bar is attached to the headrest such that the headrest moves from the extended position toward the retracted position as the seatback frame is pivoted from the use position.

Abstract: A seat latch mechanism accommodating a plurality of seatback positions, comprising an upper housing and a lower housing whereby the lower housing includes a recess for a striker to pass therethrough when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched position. Further, a latch assembly is provided and is operably supported by the lower housing, whereby the latch assembly is operable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and an actuation assembly operably supported by the upper and lower housings and in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively toggle the latch assembly between the latched and unlatched position.

Abstract: A seat recliner and latch includes a housing, an upper quadrant rotationally supported by the housing, a recliner mechanism supported by the housing and operably engaging the upper quadrant, a latch mechanism pivotally supported by the housing and operable to selectively engage a floor striker. An actuation mechanism is in operable communication with the recliner and latch mechanisms, and is operable in a first position, whereby the recliner mechanism enables rotational adjustment of the upper quadrant, and in a second position whereby the latch mechanism disengages the striker. The latch mechanism is pivotally supported about a pivot axis, wherein the latch mechanism rotates thereabout as the seat folds about a remote axis. An interlock is engaged with latch mechanism and is in selective engagement with the quadrant. The interlock limits a range of rotation of the quadrant when the latch mechanism disengages the striker.

Abstract: In a fitting for a vehicle seat, particularly an automobile seat, having two fitting parts (5, 8) which are pivotable relative to one another, thus allowing pivoting of a backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (3) between at least one sitting position and a table position and/or a reclining position, with the fitting having a pawl (15) which is pivotably borne on a first fitting part (5) and acting jointly with at least one single locking element (18, 32) of the second fitting part (8) to lock the fitting (1), the pawl (15) locks the fitting (1) in the sitting position as well as in the table and/or reclining position.

Abstract: A seat device comprises a base and a seat itself comprising a back and a seat proper. The back comprises a bottom portion and a top portion pivotally mounted on the bottom portion via a first locking mechanism. The bottom portion of the back is pivotally mounted on the base via a second locking mechanism. Both locking mechanisms can be unlocked simultaneously so as to allow the top portion to be retracted into the bottom portion within a cavity provided in the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reclining device for a rear seat of an automobile. According to the present invention, a bracket connects a seat back to a seat cushion and has a recliner connecting recess in which a control rod is inserted, and a seat back connecting recess in which a connecting rod of a seat back frame is inserted. A recliner connecting link and a seat back connecting link are installed in the bracket to selectively lock and unlock the control rod and the connecting rod. When the seat back is moved, movement of the seat cushion is restrained so that the weight of an occupant of the seat is not transferred to the reclining device. Thereby, the occupant can adjust an angle of the seat back easily.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle that has a rear seat positioned behind the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom that is movable between a seating position and a forward position. In the seating position, the seat bottom is in a generally horizontal position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly. In the forward position the seat bottom is in a generally vertical position such that a rear edge of the seat bottom is positioned above a front edge of said seat bottom. The seat assembly also has a seat back that is movable between a seating position and a second position. In the seating position the seat back is in a generally lateral position relative to the vehicle for supporting an occupant seated on said seat assembly. In the second position the seat back extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle to permit access to a rear seat positioned behind said seat assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a child seat device, in particular for securing a child in a motor vehicle, on land, sea and in the air, comprising seat and back portions with outer shells (1, 2) and inner inflatable cushions (3, 4), and side portions (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9′, 10) extending out-/inwards, preferably at right angles, relative to the seat and back portions. Further, the seat and back portions (1, 2, 3, 4) are pivoted to each other, and the side portions (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9′, 10) are pivoted to the respective ones of the seat and back portions, so that whenever required, the child seat can be folded up completely for storing when the cushions (3, 4, 7, 8, 10) are deflated.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for a seat has a support structure (1, 2) to be connected to the squab of the seat. This structure pivotally (17) supports an arm (13) to be connected to the back of the seat so that the back of the seat may move about a pivot axis. The mounting arm has a projection (15) spaced from the pivot axis (17) engaging a link (24). The link engages a pin (30) which passes through a slot (10) formed in the support structure. The pin also passes through a diametric slot (31) formed in a drive wheel (32) which is mounted for rotation relative to the support structure. The slot (10) in the support structure is located and configured to intersect the slot (31) on the drive wheel (32) at a plurality of rotational positions thereof. The drive wheel (32) is provided with a catch means (40) adapted to retain the drive wheel (32) in predetermined selected positions.

Abstract: A foldable and tumblable seat assembly includes a base having a front end and a rear end. The front end of the base is pivotally connected to a vehicle floor. A seat bottom frame having a front end and a rear end is also provided. The front end of the seat bottom frame is pivotally connected proximate the front end of the base. The seat assembly includes a lower arm having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the lower arm is pivotally connected proximate the rear end of the base. The invention also provides an upper arm having an upper end and lower end. The lower end of the upper arm is pivotally connected to the upper end of the lower arm. A seat back is attached to at least the upper arm.

Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism for a seat back such as an automobile seat back includes a mechanism upper part and a mechanism lower part that are mounted in opposition about a common horizontal swivel axis so as to be free to move relative to one another. One mechanism part includes an inner-toothed surface while the other mechanism includes several outer-toothed blocking elements. The outer-toothed surfaces of several blocking elements mounted in the other mechanism part free to be radially displaced and are evenly distributed about a swivel axis. The outer-toothed surfaces of the several blocking elements are held engaged with the inner toothed surface against the force of a spring by means of a control surface of a rotatable cam device. The blocking elements rest entirely on support surfaces of adjacent blocking elements as are slidable relative to one another.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism is provided and includes an arm defining a first locking shoulder, a sector plate rotatably supported by the arm and defining a second locking shoulder having a lock recess, a locking member selectively engaging at least one of the first and second locking shoulders, a quadrant rotatably supported by the arm and slidably supporting the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of a first and second position relative to the arm and a cam plate rotatably supported by the quadrant for selectively engaging the locking member for locking the quadrant in one of the first and second positions. In the first position the locking member is biased against the first locking shoulder and in the second position the locking member is biased into the lock recess. A gear assembly is preferably provided and operably supported by the quadrant for actuation of the cam plate.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat for adjusting the inclination of the seat back relative to the seat proper. The mechanism comprises: two rigid strength members mounted to pivot relative to each other, one of the strength members being a moving member secured to the seat back and the other being a fixed member secured to the seat proper; at least two slugs adapted to be moved between a position in which they prevent the strength members from moving relative to each other, and a retracted position; and a circular ramp which pivots with the seat back and which can keep a control slug in its retracted position, with the angular sum of the locking angular sector and the unlocking angular sector of the ramp occupying at least 120° about the pivot axis. The invention also provides a seat fitted with such a mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a back that can be folded down, which back has a top portion that is normally locked in a raised position by a pivoting cam which is urged resiliently towards a locking position in which said cam co-operates with a peg by coming into abutment therewith to prevent the back from moving. The cam can be moved by a control member towards a retracted position so as to allow the top portion of the back to be folded down into a horizontal position.

Abstract: An inclination adjustment fitting for adjusting the inclination of a seat back relative to a seat body and tilting the seat into a release position includes a first and a second actuation element mounted about an actuation shaft, an opposing element secured to the seat back, a ratcheting disk mounted to the seat back and including a plurality of engaging teeth, and a ratcheting block mounted to the seat back and including an engaging surface. The seat inclination is adjusted by pivoting the first actuation element, thereby releasing the engaging teeth from the engaging surface and pivoting the second actuation element and allowing the ratcheting disk to rotate. The seat is tilted to the release position by pivoting the second actuation element wherein the first actuation element remains in its initial position and the ratcheting disk is secured against the seat body by means of the ratcheting block.

Abstract: A bearing for a part of a seat, such as, a pivotal armrest or a folding backrest. The bearing comprises a bearing arm which is connected to a fixed bearing block in an articulated manner. A locking element should be assigned to the bearing arm. The locking element proceeds to a stop when the bearing arm is quickly rotated around a joint but releases the bearing arm when the same is slowly rotated.

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat cushion (3), a backrest (5) and an articulated seat frame (9, 11, 21, 29, 31) with feet (11, 21) which are to be fastened releasably to the vehicle structure, it is possible for the vehicle seat (1) to be adjusted between at least one seat position, which is suitable for conveying a person, and a folded position. In order for the vehicle seat (1) to be transferred from the seat position into the folded position, after the feet (21) present in the region of the backrest (5) have been released, the backrest (5) executes a shifting movement in the direction of the seat cushion (3).

Abstract: A vehicle rear seat is provided with a seat cushion, a seat back connected to the seat cushion and foldable from an upright position to a forwardly folded position over the seat cushion, and a retainer board mounted to a rear surface of the seat back for tilting movement. The seat back has a body portion and a decorative cover placed over the body portion. The decorative cover has an upper decorative cover component and a rear decorative cover component. The retainer board includes a core material, a decorative cover composed of one cover element and the other cover element opposing to the one cover element to enclose the core material, and a mount segment extending from the retainer board and connected to the rear decorative cover component of the seat back. The mount segment serves as a hinge to enable the retainer board to be placed in an inoperative rest position and in an operative unfold position.

Abstract: A storage type seat for an automobile is provided with a seat cushion having at least one leg portion, a lock mechanism operable to engage and disengage the at least one leg portion with and from a vehicle body floor, a seat back that can be folded down to a seat face of the seat cushion, a link member that links the seat with the vehicle body floor, the vehicle body floor having a recessed storage portion formed therein to the rear of the seat, the link member allowing the seat cushion and the seat back that are in a folded state to be stored in the recessed storage portion when the seat is not used, and allows the seat cushion and the seat back in the folded state to be returned to an original position for use so that the leg portion is brought into engagement with the vehicle body floor, a release permission mechanism which permits the leg portion of the seat cushion to be released from the vehicle body floor only when the seat cushion and the seat back are in the folded state, and a standing permission me

Abstract: A seat apparatus for an automobile comprises: a seat cushion which is movable between a sitting position and a position for getting into and getting out of the automobile, the position is remote forward or rearward from the sitting position; a guide device for guiding the seat cushion between the sitting position and the position for getting into and getting out of the automobile; a backrest which is rotatably connected to the seat cushion via a hinge structure; a locking mechanism which causes the seat cushion to engage and disengage with the guide device, and a lock switching device is provided on the seat cushion and the backrest. The lock switching device releases an engagement between the seat cushion and the guide device performed by the lock mechanism and when the backrest is inclined forward to the seat cushion at a predetermined angle, and engages the seat cushion and the guide device with each other when the backrest is further inclined forward so as to be substantially horizontal.