Abstract: The invention relates to a backseat with a base plate (1) and a corresponding back plate (11) on which one layer (2) ON of foam each or pneumatic cushions covering both plates (1, 11) are arranged. Following pneumatic cushions are placed on said layer (2) and are suitably secured thereto: For every passenger occupying a window seat, one edge cushion (13) each, resting towards outside and towards inside, and one lateral cushion (4, 14) each, resting towards inside, is provided, the latter being impinged upon with tensile forces by tension elements (9, 19) inserted in a tube (8) for the rapid evacuation of air. In the center of the backseat, a planar cushion (5, 15) is located and may also serve as a center shelf. The back plate (11) may be subdivided into two back plates (11a, b) which occupy approximately ? and ? of the width thereof. The pneumatic cushions can be impinged upon with pressure and can be evacuated individually by means of a control.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile seat (2) comprising a backrest (4), a seat portion (6), a backrest pivoting mechanism (18), and a two-link seat-portion pivoting mechanism (10), wherein the seat portion is fastened to the backrest (4) or the backrest pivoting mechanism (18) so that it is pivotable about a first transverse axis (10) and the backrest (4) is fastened to the backrest pivoting mechanism so that it is pivotable about a second transverse axis (12), so that the backrest (4) may be pivoted from a usage position in which the seat portion (6) adopts a first position, forward about the second transverse axis (12) into a nonusage position, in which the seat portion (6) occupies a second position, in which the seat portion (6) is displaced rearward with respect to the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for coupling to the floor of a vehicle comprising a seat back, a seat cushion, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The seat back is pivotable between at least a first position and a design position. The seat cushion is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor. The first bracket is configured to be coupled to the vehicle floor and includes one of a keyed passage and a keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The second bracket is coupled to the seat back and includes the other one of the keyed passage and the keyed pin configured to be received within the keyed passage. The keyed passage is configured to receive the keyed pin only when the seat back is in a position the seat back will be prevented from assuming after the vehicle seat has been installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The backrest has a first axis of rotation and is rotatable about the first axis through at least 90° from a normal position into a loading position. The backrest has pivoting means and is transferable into an armrest position by the pivoting means. A predominant part of the backrest is mounted higher in the armrest position than in the loading position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a first seat section, a second seat section, and a portioning panel. The first seat section has a first cushion portion and a first seatback portion that define a first seating area. The second seat section has a second cushion portion and a second seatback portion that define a second seating area disposed laterally adjacent the first seating area. The second seatback portion is movably mounted between an upwardly extending in-use orientation and a retracted non-use orientation. The partitioning panel is movably arranged between a stowed position in which the partitioning panel is disposed outside of the first and second seating areas and a partitioning position in which the partitioning panel extends upwardly along a lateral side of the first seat section in a forward to aft direction of the first seat section.

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 foldable bath seat includes at least a seat member and two leg assemblies each having two legs connected with a crossbar. Each of the crossbars is pivotally mounted to a bottom seat portion to allow the legs to pivot between a folded position and a downwardly extended position.

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: The embodiments described herein provide a vehicle seat assembly that is coupled to a floor of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame, at least one leg and at least one blocking member. The seat cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. The leg is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion frame and pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The blocking member is coupled to the seat cushion frame and capable of moving into engagement with the leg as the assembly moves from the folded position to the upright seating position. The blocking member is adapted to block movement of the leg and to stabilize the seat assembly in the event of a vehicle collision.

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 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: The seat device, disposed on the floor panel in the cabin with the instrument panel, comprises the driver seat, the assistant seat and the rear seat, wherein the assistant seat is foldable and movable forward close to the instrument panel to be located in the stored position where the length of the folded seat is made short, the rear seat is foldable and movable forward to be located in the stored position, and the assistant seat in the stored position and the rear seat in the stored position provide the substantially continuous storage space which is formed by back faces of respective seat backs and of the assistant seat and the rear seat. Thus, both the large space and the roomy cabin for passengers can be improved.

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 seat support system for supporting a seat in a manner that ameliorates or eliminates load applied to a driving mechanism. The system may be configured to support a seat back when the seat back in pivoted upwardly and downwardly relative to a seat bottom. The support system may create a load-bearing link between a non-driven component on the seat back and an anchor.

Abstract: A folding vehicle seat assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising at least one movable seat portion, and at least one fluid powered actuator. The actuators are connected to an operating system which is selectively activatable by a vehicle occupant. The movable seat portion is movably mountable within the vehicle and connected to an actuator. The actuator, when activated, is arranged to move the movable seat portion between a seating position for supporting a seat occupant and a stowed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising at least one first seat-back (3) and one second seat-back (5), which can be pivoted, respectively, from an operating position into a non-operating position, and comprising a locking device (11) which locks the two seat-backs (3, 5) together in the operating position. Said locking device (11) comprises two connecting elements (19) which are connected by means of a joint (17) from which each element is locked by an associated seat-back, when the second seat-back (5) is locked the first seat-back (3) is pivoted and when the first seat-back (3) is locked the second seat-back (5) is pivoted. In order to pivot only one of the two seat-backs (3, 5), one of the connecting elements (19), which is associated with the seat-back which is to be pivoted (3, 5), is unlocked and is pivoted towards the other connecting device in a tilted position.

Abstract: A legless chair includes a seat, a seatback having its bottom side connected to the seat, and a flexible member backwardly extending from a rear side of the seat. When the user sitting on the seat forces his/her back against the seatback to tilt the legless chair backwards, the flexible member is bendable to impart a damping force against the backwardly tilting motion of the legless chair so as to prevent the backward falling of the legless chair.

Abstract: In the case of a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) in geared connection with the first fitting part (11), and a rotatably mounted eccentric (26, 27) driven by a driver (21, 26) to cause relative rolling between the first fitting part (11) and the second fitting part (12), a third fitting part (54) can be both pivoted freely relative to the first fitting part (11) in an unlocked state and locked with respect to the first fitting part (11) in a locked state, wherein a disengagement mechanism (80) is provided for maintaining the unlocked state of the third fitting (11) part during pivoting freely.

Abstract: A modular folding seat for use in vehicles is provided. The seat includes a base securable to the vehicle; a backrest pivotally connected to the base, and can include a removable backrest panel mounted to the backrest. The base or the backrest includes a pair of outwardly extending bosses disposed on opposite sides that are rotatably engageable within recesses disposed in the other one of the base or backrest. The bosses are held within the recesses by a pair of engagement members disposed adjacent or in each recess. The engagement members are capable of being deflected to a non-securing position whereby the bosses can be inserted into or withdrawn from the recesses to assemble or disengage the backrest to or from the base. A plurality of regions of engagement between the base and backrest keep the backrest from over rotating beyond a fully upright position and resist downward folding of the backrest when in the upright position.

Abstract: A collapsible chair is disclosed having an arcuate frame with an upward peak and a downward peak for seating of a user in the downward peak and resting of the user's legs upon the upward peak. The frame may have a pivotal connection between the peaks for collapsing the frame. A linkage is disclosed operably connected to the frame for providing legs to the chair in an extended position and for collapsing with the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) is provided with a seat part (2) and a backrest (3), which may be folded from a substantially upright position of use (G) by the action of a spring device (6) into a substantially horizontal loading position (L), a spring force (F1) oriented in the direction of the loading position or a correspondingly oriented torque (M1) being able to be generated when folding forward from the position of use into the loading position by means of the spring device until reaching an intermediate position (A). According to the invention it is provided that a spring force (F2) oriented counter to the direction of the loading position (L) or a corresponding torque (M2) may be generated by means of the spring device (6) when the intermediate position (A) has been passed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat bottom includes a forward section and a rear section. The seat back is pivotably mounted about the seat bottom. The seat back is positionable in a reclined position and a folded position. The pivotable link system characteristically positions the forward section of the seat bottom in a lowered position and one or more raised positions.

Abstract: The hinged mounting for a seat back hinge of a motor vehicle seat has a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm; it further has a circular blank that is interposed between said hinge arms. The circular blank has a first circular blank plate that is connected to the first hinge arm, a second circular blank plate that is associated with the second hinge arm, a retaining means for keeping the two circular blank plates together in the axial direction and a releasable stopper device. The second circular blank plate comprises at least one retaining side. The retaining means is rigidly connected to the second circular blank plate. Between the annular region and the second circular blank plate there is formed a circumferential groove in which the first circular blank plate is retained for rotation. The retaining means stiffens the second circular blank plate.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom with a frame with a slot or a pivotal connection. A seat back has a frame with the other of the slot and the pivotal connection to cooperate with the seat back for collapsing the seat back upon the seat bottom. A receiver is mounted to one of the seat bottom or the seat back with a first locking component and an insert is mounted to the other with a second locking component. The seat back is assembled to the seat bottom by pivoting the seat back to align the receiver and insert and translating the seat back along the slot until the insert is inserted into the receiver and the locking components are locked. The vehicle seat connection permits the seat bottom and seat back to be fabricated at separate facilities and then shipped to an assembly facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1), in particular a sports seat, with a seat cushion (3) and a backrest (5) which may be pivoted and locked relative to the seat cushion (3), comprising a handle (29) for unlocking the backrest (5) and at least one belt passage (11) for a seatbelt, wherein the handle (29) is integrated in the belt passage (11).

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: According to one embodiment of a seat assembly for a motor vehicle a seat back pivots about a hip axis, a seat bottom pivots about a knee axis, and at least one seat bottom leg is pivots about an ankle axis, so that the seat back folds down against the seat bottom and the seat bottom kneels on the floor to at least partially define a seating load floor. According to another embodiment; a seat bottom and a seat back are articulatable in a forward direction to fold the seat bottom and back down toward a floor of the vehicle to at least partially define a seating load floor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat lower component, a seat upholstered component and a backrest component provided to be rotatably moved about a first axis provided parallel to a direction aligned transverse to the primary sitting direction. The vehicle seat upholstered component is also rotatably movable relative to the seat lower component about a second axis, the second axis being provided parallel to a direction from an upholstered component use position into an upholstered component loading position and vice versa, and the backrest component is provided to be rotatably moved relative to the seat lower component about the first axis from a backrest use position into a backrest loading position, and vice versa, only when the seat upholstered component has been moved substantially into the upholstered component loading 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 vehicle seat system, e.g., for a motor vehicle, includes a vehicle seat including a seat back and a seat part. A storage space is accessible by folding away and/or displacing the seat part and is provided below the seat part. The vehicle seat system includes a folding vehicle seat capable of being folded up and situated next to the vehicle seat. In the folded state, when the seat part is folded away and/or displaced, the folding vehicle seat is capable of being, e.g., substantially in its entirety, lowered from above into the storage space and/or folded from above into the storage space.

Abstract: A damper (1) has silicone-based unvulcanized rubber (4) interposed between a housing (2) and a shaft (3) which are disposed in such a manner as to be relatively rotatable about an axis (A) in (R) directions with respect to each other, and rotational energy between the housing (2) and the shaft (3) is absorbed through the deformation of the silicone-based unvulcanized rubber (4).

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided which includes a seat base detachably mounted on a vehicle floor, a seat cushion detachably provided on the seat base, and a backrest foldably supported on the seat base. The seat cushion is detached from the seat base, and the seat cushion and the seat base with the backrest folded are juxtaposed to be stored in a recess provided in the vehicle floor or an area under another seat. In the case of non-use, the vehicle seat can be removed from the vehicle floor to be efficiently stored inside a vehicle. A vehicle seat storing structure and a vehicle seat structure are also provided.

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 vehicle seat arrangement, e.g., for a motor vehicle, includes a base seat part and a folding seat part, with the base seat part including a vehicle seat and a side part, and with the folding seat part and the side part forming a further vehicle seat or a part of a further vehicle seat.

Abstract: A mechanism for a vehicle seat is includes a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom. The mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism connected to the vehicle seat and operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a first powered remote activation device coupled to the first adjustment mechanism. The first powered remote actuation device includes a motor and a transmission element operable to toggle the first adjustment mechanism into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A buzz, squeak and rattle reducing stop rivet incorporated into at least one of first and second side locations of a seat assembly frame, the frame including a seat back pivotally actuated relative to a seat bottom. The stop rivet includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical shaped body exhibiting an annularly protruding, deformable and resilient O-ring, such as seated upon an annular recess defined about the body. The body is adapted to being secured to the seat back offset from its pivotal location relative the seat bottom and such that the O-ring member biases against a first location of the seat bottom at an upright position of the seat back as well as against a second location of the seat bottom at a folded floor position of the seat back.

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 recliner assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat back movably mounted relative to a seat bottom includes first and second frame members. The first frame member supports the seat back. The second frame member supports the seat bottom. The first frame member is pivotally attached to the second frame member and is movable between an upright position and a storage position. In the upright position, the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat. In the storage position, the seat back is positioned above the seat bottom. A damper is operatively connected between the first and second frame members. The damper dampens the movement of the first frame member relative to the second frame member when the first frame member is pivoted from the upright position to the storage position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch hook and an anti-chuck latch, the latch mechanism being connected to a removable seat assembly having a seat back movable between an upright and a folded position. When the seat back is in a folded position, the anti-chuck hook of the latch rotates such that the seat may be removed from a striker in the floor of the vehicle. When the seat back is moved from the folded position, a cam is driven to engage a pawl to lock the anti-chuck hook in a position such that the seat may not be removed from the striker bar even when the latch hook is released.

Abstract: A convertible seat to accommodate an aircraft passenger. The seat includes a frame, a sitting portion borne by the frame, a back, and a jointed footrest along the transverse edge of the sitting portion. The seat can change from a so-called seated position in which the back forms an angle with the sitting portion and its base is close to the rear transverse edge of the sitting portion to a so-called lying-down position in which it has a more or less level surface intended to accommodate a passenger in the lying down position. The frame is a fixed frame. At most two of the elements of the whole constituted by the sitting portion, the back, and the footrest form the more or less level surface of the seat in lying-down position. At least one additional berth is provided to cooperate with the sitting portion and/or the back and/or the footrest to form the more or less level surface intended to accommodate a passenger in the lying-down position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding ottoman which is convertible to a chair having the usual seat and back rest. A seat frame extends between a pair of opposing arm panels. A storage compartment is slidably connected to the arm panels below the seat frame. The storage compartment is adapted to slide outwardly relative to the seat frame in response to a pulling force applied thereto so as to enable a user to gain access to a storage space at the interior of the storage compartment. A flip-up back rest is pivotally connected to the pair of arm panels by way of a pair of machine bolts extending therebetween. The back rest is rotatable relative to the seat frame from a horizontal, closed position lying atop the seat frame at which the ottoman is established to a vertical, open position standing upwardly from the seat frame at which the chair is established.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat assembly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a seat frame, which defines a seating surface for a motor vehicle occupant and pivotally mounted backrest, which can be folded onto the seating surface about a pivoting axis. According to the invention, the pivoting axis is displaced along a predetermined path, when the backrest is folded forwards onto the seating surface.

Abstract: A multi-position chair may be positioned into multiple positions including one or more sitting positions at different heights, one or more leaning positions at different angles, and one or more storage positions. The multi-position chair may include a seat, a back and a support for supporting the seat and the back with respect to the floor. The seat and the back may be pivotable with respect to each other and with respect to the support. The seat includes a seating surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a sitting position. The back may include a front seating surface configured to receive the user's back in a sitting position and a rear leaning surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a leaning position.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle has an upper panel provided integrally with a seat back which can be tilted forward and rearward by operating an operation lever for reclining use. At a first operation position of an operation lever for walk-in use, the operation lever for walk-in use is interlocked with the operation lever for reclining use through a linking arm to tilt the upper panel urged by a spring forward. A projected piece mounted on the upper panel contacts a slide-unlocking lever and operates the slide-unlocking lever to rotate in an unlocking direction. Thereby slide locking of the seat for the vehicle is released. At a second operation position of the operation lever for walk-in use, the slide-unlocking lever is operated directly by a linking plate. Thereby the slide locking of the seat for the vehicle is released.

Abstract: A seat back is configured to be folded on a seat cushion, a baggage-compartment board is provided in a baggage compartment so as to be supported to move vertically, and there is provided a linkage mechanism to operate the seat back to be folded as the baggage-compartment board moves upward. Accordingly, the seat back can be folded on the seat cushion as the baggage-compartment board moves upward and a difference in level between a back face of the folded seat back and a baggage-compartment floor can be diminished, so operability at a baggage loading can be improved.

Abstract: 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.

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 slidingly 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: The invention is intended to improve operability of a seat unit in a process of turning it from an approximately horizontal storage position to a seating position. An upper end of a seatback (SB) in its seating position and a rear end of a seat cushion (SC) are joined together by a string (23), and two helical springs (biasing members) are provided at a forward portion of the seat cushion (SC). The first helical spring (39) exerts an upward biasing force which is smaller than the weight of the seat cushion (SC) against the seat cushion (SC), while the second helical spring (38) exerts an upward biasing force which is larger than the weight of the seat cushion (SC) against the seat cushion (SC). With this arrangement, a rear portion of the seat cushion (SC) is lifted when the seat is turned from the seating position to the storage position, and a small force is needed for lifting the seat cushion (SC) when it is turned in a reverse direction.