Patent ID: 6454355
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A latching mechanism for use in a vehicle seat hinge assembly having a seatback hinge plate mountable on a seatback member and a seat cushion hinge plate mountable on a seat cushion member, wherein said seatback hinge plate is pivotally connected to said seat cushion hinge plate for pivotal movement about a hinge pivot axis between a first angular orientation corresponding to a substantially upright position of said seatback member, and a second angular orientation corresponding to a forwardly folded position of said seatback member, said latching mechanism comprising:a guide means disposed in said seat cushion hinge plate; a stop means disposed adjacent said guide means; a link arm member having an elongate axis and a first end, a second end, and a follower member disposed adjacent said second end so as to be engaged in retained sliding relation by said guide means, said link arm member being pivotally mounted adjacent said first end on said seatback hinge plate for movement about a separate and distinct link pivot axis spaced from said hinge pivot axis between a first latchable position corresponding to said first angular orientation and whereat said follower member contacts said stop means, and a second latchable position corresponding to said second angular orientation and whereat said follower member contacts said stop means, and through an intermediate unlatching position corresponding to an intermediate position between said first and second angular orientations and whereat said follower member is removed from contact with said stop means; and, a latch means mounted on said seat cushion hinge plate for selectively holding said follower member of said link arm member in restrained contact with said stop means, to thereby retain said seatback hinge plate in either of said first and second angular orientations.