US Patent:
20010030456, Oct 18, 2001
Inventors:
Boris Biletskiy - West Bloomfield MI, US
International Classification:
B60N002/20
Abstract:
A latching mechanism in a vehicle seat hinge assembly having a seatback hinge plate pivotally connected to a seat cushion hinge plate for pivotal movement between a first angular orientation corresponding to a substantially upright position of the seatback member, and a second angular orientation corresponding to a forwardly folded position of the seatback member, comprises a guide disposed in the seat cushion hinge plate and a stop disposed adjacent the guide. A link arm member has an elongate axis and a first end, a second end, and a follower member disposed adjacent the second end so as to be engaged in retained sliding relation by the guide. The link arm member is pivotally mounted adjacent the first end on the seatback hinge plate in spaced relation from the pivot axis for movement about a link pivot axis between a first latchable position corresponding to the first angular orientation and whereat the follower member contacts the stop, and a second latchable position corresponding to the second angular orientation and whereat the follower member contacts the stop, and through an intermediate unlatching position corresponding to an intermediate position between the first and second angular orientations and whereat the follower member is removed from contact with the stop. A latch is mounted on the seat cushion hinge plate for selectively holding the follower member of the link arm member in restrained contact with the stop, to thereby retain the seatback hinge plate in either of the first and second angular orientations.
