Abstract:
A seat assembly has a seat cushion that is pivotally mountable to a vehicle floor. The seat cushion is selectively movable between an operative condition and a standup condition. A seat back is pivotally mounted to the seat cushion and is selectively movably angularly relative to the seat cushion. A pair of hinges pivotally receives the seat back and is linked to the seat cushion, whereby movement of the seat cushion from the operative condition to the standup condition rotates the pair of hinges, generally aligning the seat cushion and the seat back when the seat cushion is tumbled forward.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to seat assemblies for an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in seat assemblies of the type that are capable of being moved forwardly and upwardly to provide access to a rear compartment in the vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In certain minivan and sport utility vehicles, it is common to provide second and third row seating. In order to provide better access to the third row seating or cargo area behind the second row seating, the second row seating has a releasable seat back locking mechanism which is capable of being manually actuated to move the seat back forwardly to an access position. Optionally, the seat assembly may be tumbled forward to provide additional room for ingress and egress. 
         [0003]    It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,216, to provide a seat assembly that has a seat cushion that pivots forward from a generally horizontal seating position to a vertical or stand-up position and a seat back that moves from a first vertical position for supporting an occupant, to a second vertical position forward and upward of the first vertical position to provide greater access to the third row. The seat cushion moves independently of the seat back requiring a two step process for operation. Further, the seat assembly is mounted to the vehicle floor allowing only a fixed location of the seat assembly, without any fore and aft adjustability. 
         [0004]    It would therefore be desirable to provide a seat assembly having the seat back operatively coupled to the seat cushion such that the seat back moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position as the seat cushion moves from the seating position to the stand-up position. It would also be desirable for the seat back to self-lock in the first vertical position when the seat cushion is returned to the seating position. Further, it would be desirable to provide fore and aft adjustability of the seat assembly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention, a seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat cushion. The seat cushion is adapted for mounting to the floor and extends between a forward end and a rearward end. The seat cushion is releasably coupled to the floor at the rearward end and selectively pivotable about the forward end. The seat assembly further includes a pair of hinge assemblies extending between an upper end operatively coupled to the seat back and a lower end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The hinge assemblies allow for pivotal movement of the seat back as the seat assembly moves between a seating position and a stand-up position in which the seat cushion and seat back are generally vertically aligned. At least one drive link extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the floor at the forward end of the seat cushion and a second end pivotally coupled to the hinge assemblies. The drive link controls the pivotal movement of the seat back as the seat assembly moves between the seating and stand-up positions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a seat assembly in a seating position according to the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the seat assembly in a stand-up position; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the seat assembly showing a drive link for guiding the seat assembly between the seating and stand-up positions; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, perspective view of a head restraint armature in an operative position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, perspective view of the head restraint armature in a stowed position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the seat assembly in the seating position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the seat assembly in the stand-up position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the second embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the second embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a release handle module for actuating the second embodiment of the seat assembly between the seating and stand-up positions; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of a recliner handle in a rest position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is and enlarged perspective view of the recliner handle in an actuated position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of a third embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the third embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of a fourth embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the fourth embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of a fifth embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the fifth embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of a sixth embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the sixth embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of a seventh embodiment of the seat assembly showing a seat back lock mechanism in a locked condition; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a fragmentary, enlarged side view of the seventh embodiment of the seat assembly showing the seat back lock mechanism in an unlocked condition. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a seat assembly for an automotive vehicle is generally shown at  10 . The seat assembly  10  includes a generally horizontal seat cushion  12  for supporting a seat occupant above a floor  14  in the vehicle. The seat cushion  12  includes a contoured foam pad (not shown) encased by a trim cover (not shown) and supported by a seat-pan (not shown). The seat assembly  10  also includes a seat back  16 , extending between an upper end  18  and a lower end  20 , operatively coupled to the seat cushion  12 . The seat back  16  includes a contoured foam pad (not shown) encased by a trim cover (not shown). The seat assembly  10  further includes a head restraint  22  operatively coupled to the upper end  18  of the seat back  16 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a pair of laterally spaced apart track mechanisms, generally indicated at  24 , is provided for adjusting the seat assembly  10  fore and aft. The track mechanisms  24  include a fixed track  26  and a moveable track  28  slidably engaging the fixed track  26 . The fixed  26  and moveable  28  tracks define a longitudinal axis  30 . The moveable tracks  28  are slidably adjustable relative to the fixed tracks  26  along the longitudinal axis  30 . The fixed tracks  26  are fixedly secured to forward floor mounts  32  and rearward floor mounts  34 , which in turn are fixedly secured to the floor  14 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a pair of laterally spaced apart support brackets  36  include a flange  38  extending therealong, providing rigidity to the support brackets  36 . The seat-pan of the seat cushion  14  is fixedly secured to the flange  38  of each support bracket  36 . Each support bracket  36  extends between a forward end  40  and a rearward end  42 . The rearward end  42  of each support bracket  36  includes an arcuate slot  44 . The forward end  40  of each support bracket  36  is pivotally coupled by a main pivot pin  46  to a base plate  48 . The base plates  48  are disposed inward of the support brackets  36  and are adapted to mount to the moveable tracks  28 . The seat cushion  12  pivots about the main pivot pins  46  as the seat assembly  10  moves between a seating position, shown in  FIG. 1 , and a stand-up position, shown in  FIG. 2 . A torsion spring  50  extends between each of the main pivot pins  46  and a post  52  (one shown) fixedly secured at the forward end  40  of each support bracket  36 . The torsion springs  50  urge the support brackets  36 , and therefore the seat cushion  12 , to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  46 . A forward rod  54  extends between and is fixedly secured to the base plates  48 . A pair of tabs  56  fixedly secured to the forward rod  54  extend rearwardly therefrom. 
         [0032]    A pair of laterally spaced apart hinge assemblies  58  pivotally coupling the seat back  16  to the seat cushion  12  allow for pivoting the seat back  16  between a first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the seat assembly  10  is in the seating position and a second vertical position, forward and upward of the first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , when the seat assembly  10  is in the stand-up position. Each hinge bracket  58  extends between an upper end  60  and a lower end  62 . The upper end  60  of each hinge bracket  58  is pivotally coupled to the lower end  20  of the seat back  16 . More specifically, the upper end  60  of each hinge bracket  58  is configured to receive a recliner mechanism  64  of any suitable type known in the art. The recliner mechanisms  64  are disposed between the upper ends  60  of the hinge assemblies  58  and the lower end  20  of the seat back  16 . In the preferred embodiment, the upper end  60  of each hinge bracket  58  includes a series of apertures  66  that complementarily fit with embossments on the recliner mechanisms  64 . The recliner mechanisms  64  are operable between a locked state and an unlocked state allowing for selective angular adjustment of the seat back  16  relative to the seat cushion  12 . 
         [0033]    The lower end  62  of each hinge bracket  58  is pivotally coupled to the rearward end  42  of the respective support bracket  36  at pivot  68 . Additionally, a rearward rod  70  extending between the lower ends  62  of the hinge assemblies  58  is disposed within the arcuate slots  44  of the support brackets  36 . The arcuate slots  44  guide the rearward rod  70  as the hinge assemblies  58  pivot relative to the support brackets  36 . A pair of tabs  72  fixedly secured to the rearward rod  70  extend rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a seat back lock mechanism  74  (one shown) extends between a first end  76  pivotally coupled to the rearward end  42  of each support bracket  36  and a second end  78  pivotally coupled to the lower end  62  of each hinge bracket  58 . Each seat back lock mechanism  74  includes a cam surface  80  contoured to lockingly engage the rearward rod  70  when the seat cushion  12  is in the seating position, thereby preventing the seat back  16  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. 
         [0035]    A drive link  82  is provided for moving the seat back  16  between the first vertical position, shown in  FIG. 1 , and the second vertical position, shown in  FIG. 2 , as the seat cushion  12  moves between the seating position and the stand-up position. The drive link  82  extends between a first end  84  and a second end  86 . The first end  84  is pivotally coupled between the tabs  56  extending from the forward rod  54 . The second end  86  is pivotally coupled between the tabs  72  extending from the rearward rod  70 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cross member  88  extends between and is fixedly secured to the rearward ends  42  of the support brackets  36 . A pair of conventional floor latches  90  (one shown) is fixedly secured to the cross member  88  and are positioned to engage a striker bar (not shown) extending between the moveable tracks  28 . The floor latches  90  actuate between a latched position secured to the striker bar and an unlatched position released from the striker bar. 
         [0037]    A floor latch release handle  92  extends between and is operatively coupled to the floor latches  90 . A strap  94 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is fixedly secured to the floor latch release handle  92 . Manipulating the strap  94  actuates the release handle  92  thereby actuating the floor latches  90  from the latched position to the unlatched position, simultaneously. 
         [0038]    A pair of first Bowden-type cable assemblies  102 , extend between a release lever (not shown) operatively coupled to the seat back  16  and the floor latches  90 . Actuating the release lever pulls the first cable assemblies  102 , thereby actuating the floor latches  90  from the latched position to the unlatched position, simultaneously. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a towel bar  104  is shown in a use position extending forwardly from the track mechanisms  24  and laterally therebetween. The towel bar  104  is operatively coupled to the track mechanisms  24  such that upward movement of the towel bar  104  will unlatch the moveable tracks  28  from the fixed tracks  26  to allow fore and aft sliding adjustment of the seat assembly  10 . The towel bar  104  includes hinges  106  allowing a forward portion  107  of the towel bar  104  to fold to a stowed position when the seat cushion  12  is moved to the stand-up position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, as the seat cushion  12  is moved to the stand-up position the seat-pan abuts the forward portion  107  of the towel bar  104  causing it to fold downward to the stowed position. As the seat cushion  12  is returned to the seating position a bias spring (not shown) urges the forward portion  107  back to the use position. 
         [0040]    The head restraint  22  is moveable between an operative or upright position, extending generally vertically from the seat back  16  as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a stowed or forwardly folded position, at a transverse angle from the seat back  16  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the head restraint  22  includes a base bracket  108  adapted to be fixedly secured to an upper frame member (not shown) within the seat back  16 . The base bracket  108  includes laterally spaced apart first  110  and second  112  upright supports. The head restraint  22  also includes an armature, generally indicated at  114 . The armature  114  includes laterally spaced apart first  116  and second  118  legs. The first leg  116  is pivotally coupled to the first upright support  110  at pivot  120  and the second leg  118  is pivotally coupled to the second upright support  112  at pivot  122 . The second leg  118  includes an integral sector  124  at pivot  122 . A first torsion spring  126  extends between the first leg  116  and the first upright support  110  biasing the head restraint  22  to the stowed position. 
         [0041]    A release arm  128  includes a first end  130 , a second end  132 , and a middle portion  134  extending therebetween. A strap  136  is fixedly secured to the middle portion  134  of the release arm  128 . The release arm  128  is rotatably coupled at the first end  130  to the first upright support  110  and at the second end  132  to the second upright support  112 . A locking cam  138  is disposed at the second end  132  of the release arm  128  such that the locking cam  138  rotates with the release arm  128 . The release arm  128  rotates between an initial position, shown in  FIG. 4 , wherein a lobe  140  of the locking cam  138  engages the sector  124  and a rotated position, shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein the lobe  140  is away from the sector  124 . A second torsion spring  142  extends between the lobe  140  of the locking cam  138  and the base bracket  108 , biasing the release arm  128  to the initial position. Manipulating the strap  136  rotates the release arm  128  from the initial position to the rotated position, thereby actuating the head restraint  22  from the upright position to the stowed position. 
         [0042]    Additionally, referring to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , a second Bowden-type cable assembly  146  is provided for automatically actuating the head restraint  22  from the operative position to the stowed position as the seat cushion  12  moves to the stand-up position. The second cable assembly  146  is held at a first end  148  by a bracket  152  mounted to the upper frame member of the seat back  16 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and at a second end  153  by a first tab  154  mounted to one of the base plates  48 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . A lever  156  is operatively coupled to the release arm  128  for rotating the release arm  128  between the initial and rotated positions. The lever  156  extends between a first end  158  and a second end  160 . The second cable assembly  146  extends between the first end  158  of the lever  156 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and a second tab  162  mounted to the support bracket  36  adjacent the first tab  154 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The lever  156  is pivotally coupled to a bracket  164  fixedly secured to the base bracket  108  of the head restraint  22 . The second end  160  of the lever  156  is pivotally coupled to a link  166  which in turn is pivotally coupled to the middle portion  134  of the release arm  128 . As the seat cushion  12  moves from the seating position to the stand-up position the first tab  154  moves relative to the second tab  154  pulling the second cable assembly  146 , thereby actuating the head restraint  22  from the upright position to the stowed position. 
         [0043]    In operation, the seat assembly  10  is normally in the seating position with the head restraint  22  in the operative position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The track mechanisms  24  can be selectively manipulated by lifting the towel bar  104  to provide fore and aft sliding adjustment of the seat assembly  10 . The recliner mechanisms  64  can be selectively manipulated to provide angular adjustment of the seat back  16  relative to the seat cushion  12 . 
         [0044]    When it is desired to have access to an area behind the seat assembly  10 , the strap  94  is manipulated to actuate the release handle  92 , or the release lever is actuated, thereby actuating the floor latches  90  from the latched position to the unlatched position. In this condition, the torsion springs  50  urge the seat cushion  12  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  46 . The movement of the support brackets  36  relative to the base plates  48  pulls the second cable assembly  146 , which causes the lever  156  to pivot in a clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 4 ). The pivotal movement of the lever  156  forces the link  166  upward, which causes the release arm  128  to rotate from the initial position to the rotated position, thereby actuating the head restraint  22  to the stowed position. At the same time, the drive link  82  pulls downward on the rearward rod  70 , which urges the hinge assemblies  58  to rotate in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 1 ) about pivots  68 . The upwardly and forwardly movement of the support brackets  36  and the rotational movement of the hinge assemblies  58  cause the seat back lock mechanisms  74  to move such that the cam surface  80  releases the rearward rod  70 . As the seat cushion  12  pivots upwardly and forwardly the rearward rod  70  travels within the arcuate slots  44  until the seat back  16  is in the second vertical position. 
         [0045]    The seat cushion  12  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  12  and seat back  16  are generally vertically aligned, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The center of gravity of the seat assembly  10  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  46  ensuring the seat assembly  10  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  12  in the stand-up position. 
         [0046]    To return the seat cushion  12  to the seating position, the seat back  16  or seat cushion  12  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive link  82  now pushes upward on the rearward rod  70 , which urges the hinge assemblies  58  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 2 ) about pivots  68 . The rearward rod  70  travels within the arcuate slots  44  until the cam surface  80  lockingly re-engages the rearward rod  70 , locking the seat back lock mechanisms  74  and preventing the seat back  16  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  12 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 through 10 , in a second embodiment of the invention a seat assembly is generally shown at  200 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the seat assembly  200  includes a generally horizontal seat cushion  202  for supporting a seat occupant above a floor  204  in the vehicle. The seat cushion  202  includes a contoured foam pad (not shown) encased by a trim cover (not shown) and supported by a seat-pan (not shown). The seat assembly  200  also includes a seat back  206  extending between an upper end  208  and a lower end  210  operatively coupled to the seat cushion  202 . The seat back  206  includes a contoured foam pad (not shown) encased by a trim cover (not shown). 
         [0048]    The seat assembly  200  further includes a head restraint  207  operatively coupled to the upper end  208  of the seat back  206 , as described above with respect to the first embodiment. The head restraint  207  is moveable between an operative or upright position, extending generally vertically from the seat back  206 , and a stowed or forwardly folded position, at a transverse angle from the seat back  206 . 
         [0049]    A pair of laterally spaced apart track mechanisms, generally indicated at  212 , is provided for adjusting the seat assembly  200  fore and aft. The track mechanisms  212  include a fixed track  214  and a moveable track  216  slidably engaging the fixed track  214 . The fixed  214  and moveable  216  tracks define a longitudinal axis  218 . The moveable tracks  216  are slidably adjustable relative to the fixed tracks  214  along the longitudinal axis  218 . The fixed tracks  214  are fixedly secured to forward floor mounts  220  and rearward floor mounts  222 , which in turn are fixedly secured to the floor  204 . 
         [0050]    A towel bar  224  disposed between the track mechanisms  212  extends laterally therebetween. The towel bar  224  extends forwardly from the track mechanisms  212 , below the seat cushion  202 . The towel bar  224  is operatively coupled to the track mechanisms  212  such that upward movement of the towel bar  224  will unlatch the moveable tracks  216  from the fixed tracks  214  to allow fore and aft sliding adjustment of the seat assembly  200 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a striker bracket  226 , is fixedly secured to the moveable track  216  of each track mechanism  212 . Each striker bracket  226  extends between a forward end  228  and a rearward end  230 . The rearward end  230  of each striker bracket  226  includes a pair of laterally spaced apart tabs  232 , extending upwardly, having a striker bar  234  extending therebetween. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a pair of support brackets  236  extend between a forward end  238  and a rearward end  240 . The seat-pan for supporting the seat cushion  202  is fixedly secured to the support brackets  236 . The forward end  238  of each support bracket  236  is pivotally coupled by a main pivot pin  242  to the forward end  228  of the respective striker bracket  226 . The seat cushion  202  pivots about the main pivot pins  242  between a seating position, shown in  FIG. 6 , and a stand-up position, shown in  FIG. 7 . A torsion spring  244  extends between each of the main pivot pins  242  and a post  246  (one shown) fixedly secured to the forward end  238  of each support bracket  236 . The torsion springs  244  urge the support brackets  236 , and therefore the seat cushion  202 , to pivot forwardly and upwardly about the main pivot pins  242 . 
         [0053]    A pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  248 , operatively coupling the seat back  206  to the seat cushion  202  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206  between a first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , when the seat cushion  202  is in the seating position and a second vertical position, forward and upward of the first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 7 , when the seat cushion  202  is in the stand-up position. Each hinge assembly  248  includes a seat back bracket  250  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  252 . Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the seat cushion bracket  252  of each hinge assembly  248  extends between a first end  254  and a second end  256 . The first end  254  is fixedly secured to the rearward end  240  of the respective support bracket  236 . The second end  256  includes a cam surface defined by a radial outer edge  258  having a notch  260  defined therein. 
         [0054]    The seat back bracket  250  of each hinge assembly  248  extends between an upper end  262  and a lower end  264 . The lower end  264  is pivotally coupled to the second end  256  of the respective seat cushion bracket  252  at pivot  266 . The upper end  262  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210  of the seat back  206 . More specifically, the upper end  262  is adapted to receive a recliner mechanism  268 , shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0055]    In the preferred embodiment, the upper end  262  includes a series of apertures  270  that complimentarily fit with embossments on the recliner mechanism  268 . The recliner mechanism  268  is disposed between the upper end  262  of the seat back bracket  250  and a frame member  272  of the seat back  206 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The recliner mechanism  268  includes a recliner shaft  276  that is biased in an unreleased position such that the recliner mechanism  268  is normally in a locked state. The recliner shaft  276  is rotatably moveable from the unreleased position to a released position to actuate the recliner mechanism  268  to an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the recliner mechanism  268  allows for selective angular adjustment of the seat back  206  relative to the seat cushion  202  about the recliner shaft  276 . In addition, a recliner cross-talk tube  275  extends between the recliner shafts  276  of each recliner mechanism  268  such that the recliner mechanisms  268  are ganged together for cooperative operation and actuate between the locked and unlocked states, simultaneously. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , each hinge assembly  248  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  278 , for locking the seat back bracket  250  relative to the seat cushion bracket  252 , thereby preventing the seat back  206  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. Each seat back lock mechanism  278  includes a cam  280  and pawl  282 . The pawl  282  extends between a proximal end  284  pivotally coupled to the seat back bracket  250  via a pawl rivet  286  and a free distal end  288  for selectively engaging the notch  260  defined in the cam surface of the radial outer edge  258  of the seat cushion bracket  252 . The distal end  288  of the pawl  282  includes a tooth  290 . When the seat back  206  is in the first vertical position, the distal end  288  of the pawl  282  engages the notch  260  such that the seat back bracket  250  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  252 . 
         [0057]    The cam  280  extends between a proximal end  292  pivotally coupled to the seat back bracket  250  via a cam rivet  294  and a free distal end  296  for selectively engaging the tooth  290  at the distal end  288  of the pawl  282 . The cam  280  pivots between a cam engaged position, shown in  FIG. 8 , with the distal end  296  abutting the tooth  290 , and a cam released position, shown in  FIG. 9 , with the distal end  296  away from the tooth  290 , allowing the pawl  282  to release from the notch  260 . A cam spring (not shown) biases the cam  280  to the cam engaged position. A cam lever  298  is fixedly secured to the cam rivet  294  for actuating the cam  280  from the cam engaged position to the cam released position. 
         [0058]    A pair of conventional floor latches  300 , is provided for selectively locking the seat cushion  202  in the seating position. The floor latches  300  are fixedly secured to the rearward ends  240  of the support brackets  236  and are positioned to engage the striker bars  234 . The floor latches  300  actuate between a latched position secured to the striker bars  234  and an unlatched position released from the striker bars  234 . Additionally, a floor latch cross-talk tube (not shown) extends between the floor latches  300  such that they actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position, simultaneously. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a pair of drive links  302  is provided for guiding the seat back  206  between the first vertical position and the second vertical position as the seat cushion  202  moves between the seating position and the stand-up position. Each drive link  302  extends between a first end  304  and a second end  306 . The first end  304  of each drive link  302  is pivotally coupled at pivot  308  to the forward end  228  of the respective striker bracket  226 , rearwardly and downwardly of the main pivot pin  242 . The second end  306  of each drive link  302  is pivotally coupled at pivot  310  to the lower end  264  of the respective seat back bracket  250 , rearwardly and downwardly of pivot  266 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a release handle module, generally indicated at  312 , is provided for actuating the seat cushion  202  between the seating position and the stand-up position. The release handle module  312  includes a mounting bracket  314  adapted to be fixedly secured to one of the frame members  272  of the seat back  206 . The release handle module  312  also includes a shaft  316  rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket  314 . The shaft  316  includes a first cable lever  318 , having a first  320  and second  322  end, and a second cable lever  324  fixedly secured thereto. A release handle  326  is fixedly secured to the shaft  316  alongside the frame member  272 . 
         [0061]    A pair of first Bowden-type cable assemblies  328  extend between and operatively couple the release handle  326  and the seat back lock mechanisms  278 . More specifically, each of the first cable assemblies  328  extend between the first end  320  of the first cable lever  318  and the cam lever  298  of the seat back lock mechanism  278 . Actuating the release handle  326  pulls both cable assemblies  328  such that the cam levers  298  pivot, moving the cams  280  from the cam engaged position to the cam released position. 
         [0062]    A second Bowden-type cable assembly  330  extends between and operatively couples the release handle  326  and the head restraint  207 . More specifically, the second cable assembly  330  extends between the second end  322  of the first cable lever  318  and the head restraint  207 . Actuating the release handle  326  pulls the cable assembly  330  such that the head restraint moves from the upright position to the stowed position. 
         [0063]    A third Bowden-type cable assembly  332  extends between and operatively couples the release handle  326  and the floor latches  300 . More specifically, the third cable assembly  332  extends between the second cable lever  324  and one of the floor latches  300 . Actuating the release handle  326  pulls the cable assembly  332  such that the floor latches  300  actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position. 
         [0064]    In operation, the seat assembly  200  is normally in the seating position with the head restraint in the upright position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The track mechanisms  212  can be selectively manipulated by lifting the towel bar  224  to provide fore and aft sliding adjustment of the seat assembly  200  along the longitudinal axis  218 . The recliner mechanisms  268  can be selectively manipulated to provide angular adjustment of the seat back  206  relative to the seat cushion  202  about the recliner shafts  276 . 
         [0065]    When it is desired to have access to or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200 , the release handle  326  is actuated. Actuating the release handle  326  forward causes the shaft  316 , and therefore the first  318  and second  324  cable levers to rotate in a clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 10 ). The first end  320  of the first cable lever  318  pulls the first cable assemblies  328  such that the cam levers  298  pivot in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 8 ). The counterclockwise movement of the cam levers  298  cause each cam  280  to pivot from the cam engaged position to the cam released position, such that the distal end  296  of each cam  280  is away from the tooth  290  of each pawl  282 . With the cams  280  in the cam released position, the distal end  288  of each pawl  282  releases from the respective notch  260  unlocking the seat back lock mechanisms  278  and allowing the seat back  206  to pivot about pivots  266 . At the same time, the second end  322  of the first cable lever  318  pulls the second cable assembly  330  such that the head restraint  207  moves from the upright position to the stowed position. 
         [0066]    The second cable lever  324  is oriented such that it pulls the third cable assembly  332  momentarily after the seat back lock mechanisms  278  unlock and the head restraint  207  moves to the stowed position. Pulling the third cable assembly  324  causes the floor latches  300  to actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position thereby releasing the striker bars  234 . The torsion springs  244  urge the seat cushion  202  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  242  to a neutral position where the floor latches  300  are slightly above the striker bars  234 . As the seat cushion  202  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242 , the drive links  302  pull downward on the lower ends  264  of the seat back brackets  250  such that the seat back  206  pivots in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 6 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. 
         [0067]    The seat cushion  202  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202 , seat back  206 , and drive links  302  extend generally vertical from the floor  204 . The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242  ensuring the seat assembly  200  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202  in the stand-up position. 
         [0068]    To return the seat cushion  202  to the seating position, the seat back  206  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302  now push upward on the lower ends  264  of the seat back brackets  250  such that the seat back  206  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 7 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. As the seat back  206  pivots in the counterclockwise direction the distal end  288  of each pawl  282  travels along the cam surface of the radial outer edge  258  of the respective seat cushion bracket  252  until it re-engages the respective notch  260 . The cam springs then bias the cams  280  from the cam released position to the cam engaged position, such that the distal end  296  of each cam  280  is abutting the tooth  290  of each pawl  282 , locking the seat back lock mechanisms  278  and preventing the seat back  206  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  202 . 
         [0069]    The seat back lock mechanisms  278  lock prior to the floor latches  300  re-latching to the striker bars  234 . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanisms  278  by compressing the drive links  302 . The drive links  302  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  250 , by urging the seat back brackets  250  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which results in the cams  280  forcing the pawls  282  into the respective notch  260 . The seat cushion  202  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242  until the floor latches  300  re-latch to the striker bars  234 . 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the seat assembly  200  may include a recliner handle  334  operatively coupled to one of the recliner shafts  276  for actuating the recliner mechanisms  268  between the locked and unlocked states. The recliner handle  334  extends between a proximal end  336  and a free distal end  338 . The proximal end  336  is pivotally coupled to the lower end  264  of the seat back bracket  250  at pivot  266 . The recliner handle  334  pivots between a rest position, shown in  FIG. 11 , such that the recliner mechanisms  268  are in the locked state and an actuated position, shown in  FIG. 12 , such that the recliner mechanisms  268  are in the unlocked state. The recliner handle  334  includes an integrally formed tab  340 . 
         [0071]    A plate  342  is fixedly secured at pivot  266  relative to the seat cushion bracket  252  such that the plate  342  does not pivot with the seat back bracket  250  during angular adjustment of the seat back  206 . The plate  342  includes an integrally formed tab  344 . A first spring  346  extending between the tab  340  of the recliner handle  334  and the tab  344  of the plate  342  biases the recliner handle  334  to the rest position. 
         [0072]    A release link  348  extends between a first end  350  and a second end  352 . The first end  350  of the release link  348  is fixedly secured to the recliner shaft  276 . The release link  348  includes an integrally formed tab  354  at the first end  350 . The release link  348  pivots about the first end  350  to rotate the recliner shaft  276  between the unreleased and released positions, thereby actuating the recliner mechanisms  268  between the locked and unlocked states. 
         [0073]    A recliner link  356  extends between an upper end  358  and a lower end  360  interconnecting the release link  348  and the recliner handle  334 . The upper end  358  of the recliner link  356  is pivotally coupled at  361  to the second end  352  of the release link  348 . The lower end  360  of the recliner link  356  includes an arcuate slot  362  extending between a first end  364  and a second end  366 . A guide pin  368  fixedly secured to the proximal end  336  of the recliner handle  334  is disposed within the arcuate slot  362  pivotally and slidably coupling the lower end  360  of the recliner link  356  to the recliner handle  334 . The recliner handle  334  thus has a lost motion connection. The recliner link  356  includes an integrally formed tab  370  and stop  372  disposed between the upper  358  and lower  360  ends. A second spring  374  extends between the tab  370  of the recliner link  356  and the tab  354  at the first end  350  of the release link  348 . The second spring  374  biases the recliner link  356  and release link  348  together such that the stop  372  abuts the release link  348  when the recliner handle  334  is in the rest position, thereby preventing unwanted rattling of the recliner link  356  and release link  348 . 
         [0074]    In operation, the seat cushion  202  is normally in the seating position, with the recliner handle  334  in the rest position and the guide pin  368  disposed at the first end  364  of the arcuate slot  362 . When it is desired to angularly adjust the seat back  206  the distal end  338  of the recliner handle  334  is lifted. Lifting the distal end  338  of the recliner handle  334  pivots the recliner handle  334  in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 11 ). The pivotal movement of the recliner handle  334  causes the guide pin  368  to pull the recliner link  356  downward. The downward movement of the recliner link  356  causes the release link  348  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction. The pivotal movement of the release link  348  rotates the recliner shaft  276  from the unreleased position to the released position, thereby actuating the recliner mechanisms  268  from the locked state to the unlocked state to allow angular adjustment of the seat back  206 . After the seat back  206  is adjusted, the first spring  346  urges the recliner handle  334  back to the rest position and the second spring  374  urges the recliner link  356  and release link  348  together until the stop  372  abuts the release link  348 . 
         [0075]    Additionally, as the seat cushion  202  moves between the seating position and the stand-up position as described above, the recliner handle  334  maintains its position relative to the seat cushion  202  such that the distal end  338  does not protrude forwardly of the seat cushion  202 . More specifically, as the seat back  206  moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position the guide pin  368  travels within the arcuate slot  362  from the first end  364  to the second end  366 . This allows the recliner handle  334  to maintain its position alongside the seat cushion  202 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , wherein like reference numerals designated by the letter ‘a’ represent similar elements as those described above, in a third embodiment of the invention the seat assembly  200   a  includes a pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  400 . The pair of hinge assemblies  400  operatively coupling the seat back  206   a  to the seat cushion  202   a  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206   a  between the first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 13 , and the second vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Each hinge assembly  400  includes a seat back bracket  402  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  404 . The seat cushion bracket  404  of each hinge assembly  400  extends between a first end  406  fixedly secured to the rearward end  240   a  of the respective support bracket  236   a  and a second end  408 . 
         [0077]    The seat back bracket  402  of each hinge assembly  400  extends between an upper end  410  and a lower end  412 . The upper end  410  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210   a  of the seat back  206   a  as described above. The lower end  412  is pivotally coupled to the second end  408  of the respective seat cushion bracket  404  at pivot  414 . The lower end  412  also includes a cam surface defined by a radial edge  416  having a notch  418  defined therein. 
         [0078]    Each hinge assembly  400  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  420 , for locking the seat back bracket  402  relative to the seat cushion bracket  404 , thereby preventing the seat back  206   a  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. Each seat back lock mechanism  420  includes a cam  422  and pawl  424 . The pawl  424  extends between a proximal end  426  pivotally coupled to the seat cushion bracket  404  via a pawl rivet  428  and a free distal end  430  for selectively engaging the notch  418  defined in the cam surface of the radial edge  416  of the seat back bracket  402 . The distal end  430  of the pawl  424  includes a recessed step  432 . When the seat back  206   a  is in the seating position, the distal end  430  of the pawl  424  engages the notch  418  such that the seat back bracket  402  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  404 . 
         [0079]    The cam  422  extends between a proximal end  434  pivotally coupled to the seat cushion bracket  404  via a cam rivet  436  and a free distal end  438  for selectively engaging the recessed step  432  at the distal end  430  of the pawl  424 . The cam  422  pivots between a cam engaged position with the distal end  438  abutting the recessed step  432  and a cam released position with the distal end  438  away from the recessed step  432 , allowing the pawl  424  to release from the notch  418 . A cam spring (not shown) biases the cam  422  to the cam engaged position. A cam lever  440  is fixedly secured to the cam rivet  436  for actuating the cam  422  from the cam engaged position to the cam released position. 
         [0080]    In the third embodiment, the first cable assemblies  328   a  extend between the first end  320   a  of the first cable lever  318   a  and the cam levers  440 . Actuating the release handle  326   a  pulls the first cable assemblies  328   a  such that the cam levers  440  pivot, moving the cams  422  from the cam engaged position to the cam released position. 
         [0081]    In operation, when it is desired to have access to or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200   a , the release handle  326   a  is actuated. Actuating the release handle  326   a  forward causes the shaft  316   a  and therefore the first  318   a  and second  324   a  cable levers to rotate. The first end  320   a  of the first cable lever  318   a  pulls the first cable assemblies  328   a  such that the cam levers  440  pivot in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 13 ). The clockwise movement of the cam levers  440  causes each cam  422  to pivot from the cam engaged position to the cam released position, such that the distal end  438  of each cam  422  is away from the recessed step  432  of each pawl  424 . With the cams  422  in the cam released position, the distal end  430  of each pawl  424  releases from the respective notch  418  unlocking the seat back lock mechanisms  420  and allowing the seat back  206   a  to pivot about pivots  414 . 
         [0082]    As described above with respect to the second embodiment, the second cable lever  324   a  is oriented such that it pulls the third cable assembly  332   a  momentarily after the seat back lock mechanisms  420  unlock. Pulling the third cable assembly  332   a  causes the floor latches  300   a  to actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position thereby releasing the striker bars  234   a . The torsion springs  244   a  urge the seat cushion  202   a  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  242   a  to a neutral position where the floor latches  300   a  are slightly above the striker bars  234   a . As the seat cushion  202   a  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   a , the drive links  302   a  pull downward on the lower ends  412  of the seat back brackets  402  such that the seat back  206   a  pivots in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 13 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   a  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. 
         [0083]    The seat cushion  202   a  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202   a  and seat back  206   a  are generally aligned. The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200   a  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242   a  ensuring the seat assembly  200   a  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202   a  in the stand-up position. 
         [0084]    To return the seat cushion  202   a  to the seating position, the seat back  206   a  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302   a  now push upward on the lower ends  412  of the seat back brackets  402  such that the seat back  206   a  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 14 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   a  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. As the seat back  206   a  pivots in the counterclockwise direction the distal end  430  of each pawl  424  travels along the cam surface of the radial edge  416  of the respective seat back bracket  402  until it re-engages the respective notch  418 . The cam springs then bias the cams  422  from the cam released position to the cam engaged position, such that the distal end  438  of each cam  422  is abutting the recessed step  432  of each pawl  424 , locking the seat back lock mechanisms  420  and preventing the seat back  206   a  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  202   a.    
         [0085]    The seat back lock mechanisms  420  lock prior to the floor latches  300   a  re-latching to the striker bars  234   a . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202   a  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanisms  420  by compressing the drive links  302   a . The drive links  302   a  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  402 , which in turn forces the cams  422  against the pawls  424 . The seat cushion  202   a  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   a  until the floor latches  300   a  re-latch to the striker bars  234   a.    
         [0086]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , wherein like reference numerals designated by the letter ‘b’ represent similar elements as those described above, in a fourth embodiment of the invention the seat assembly  200   b  includes a pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  500 . The pair of hinge assemblies  500  operatively coupling the seat back  206   b  to the seat cushion  202   b  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206   b  between the first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 15 , and the second vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 16 . Each hinge assembly  500  includes a seat back bracket  502  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  504 . The seat cushion bracket  504  of each hinge assembly  500  is fixedly secured to the rearward end  240   b  of the respective support bracket  236   b.    
         [0087]    The seat back bracket  502  of each hinge assembly  500  extends between an upper end  506  and a lower end  508 . The upper end  506  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210   b  of the seat back  206   b  as described above. The lower end  508  is pivotally coupled to the respective seat cushion bracket  504  at pivot  509 . The lower end  508  of at least one of the seat back brackets  502  includes a first hole  510  and a second hole  512  extending therethrough. 
         [0088]    At least one of the hinge assemblies  500  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  514 , for locking the seat back bracket  502  relative to the seat cushion bracket  504 , thereby preventing the seat back  206   b  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. The seat back lock mechanism  514  includes a spring-loaded pin  516  extending laterally from the seat cushion bracket  504 . The pin  516  is retractably coupled to the seat cushion bracket  504  for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. When the seat back  206   b  is in the first vertical position, the pin  516  is in the extended position disposed in the first hole  510  such that the seat back bracket  502  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  504 . 
         [0089]    In the fourth embodiment, the first cable assemblies  328   b  extend between the first end  320   b  of the first cable lever  318   b  and one of the pins  516 . Actuating the release handle  326   b  pulls the first cable assemblies  328   b  moving the pins  516  to the retracted position, withdrawing them from the first holes  510 , thereby unlocking the seat back lock mechanisms  514 . 
         [0090]    In operation, when it is desired to have access or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200   b , the release handle  326   b  is actuated. Actuating the release handle  326   b  forward causes the shaft  316   b  and therefore the first  318   b  and second  324   b  cable levers to rotate. The first end  320   b  of the first cable lever  318   b  pulls the first cable assemblies  328   b  moving the pins  516  to the retracted position. With the pins  516  in the retracted position, withdrawn from the first hole  510 , the seat back lock mechanisms  514  are unlocked allowing the seat back  206   b  to pivot about pivots  509 . 
         [0091]    As described above with respect to the second embodiment, the second cable lever  324   b  is oriented such that it pulls the third cable assembly  332   b  momentarily after the seat back: lock mechanisms  514  unlock. Pulling the third cable assembly  332   b  causes the floor latches  300   b  to actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position thereby releasing the striker bars  234   b . The torsion springs  244   b  urge the seat cushion  202   b  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  242   b  to a neutral position where the floor latches  300   b  are slightly above the striker bars  234   b . As the seat cushion  202   b  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   b , the drive links  302   b  pull downward on the lower ends  508  of the seat back brackets  502  such that the seat back  206   b  pivots in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 15 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   b  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. When the seat back  206   b  is in the second vertical position, the pins  516  are in the extended position disposed through the second holes  512 . 
         [0092]    The seat cushion  202   b  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202   b  and seat back  206   b  are generally aligned. The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200   b  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242   b  ensuring the seat assembly  200   b  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202   b  in the stand-up position. 
         [0093]    To return the seat cushion  202   b  to the seating position, the seat back  206   b  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302   b  now push upward on the lower ends  508  of the seat back brackets  502  such that the seat back  206   b  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 16 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   b  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. When the pins  516  are re-aligned with the first holes  510  they automatically move to the extended position disposed through the first holes  510 , locking the seat back lock mechanisms  514  and preventing the seat back  206   b  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  202   b.    
         [0094]    The seat back lock mechanisms  514  lock prior to the floor latches  300   b  re-latching the striker bars  234   b . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202   b  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanism  514  by compressing the drive links  302   b . The drive links  302   b  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  502  by urging the seat back brackets  502  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which results in the pins  516  loading against the first holes  510 . The seat cushion  202   b  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   b  until the floor latches  300   b  are in the latched position, secured to the striker bars  234   b.    
         [0095]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , wherein like reference numerals designated by the letter ‘c’ represent similar elements as those described above, in a fifth embodiment of the invention the seat assembly  200   c  includes a pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  600 . The pair of hinge assemblies  600  operatively coupling the seat back  206   c  to the seat cushion  202   c  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206   c  between the first vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 17 , and the second vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 18 . Each hinge assembly  600  includes a seat back bracket  602  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  604 . The seat cushion bracket  604  of each hinge assembly  600  extends between a first end  606  fixedly secured to the rearward end  240   c  of the respective support bracket  236   c  and a second end  608 . At least one of the seat cushion brackets  604  include an arcuate slot  610  extending therethrough. The arcuate slot  610  includes a generally vertical portion  612  (when viewed from  FIG. 17 ) having a first end  614  and a generally horizontal portion  616  (when viewed from  FIG. 17 ) having a second end  618 . 
         [0096]    The seat back bracket  602  extends between an upper end  620  and a lower end  622 . The upper end  620  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210   c  of the seat back  206   c  as described above. The lower end  622  is pivotally coupled to the second end  608  of the seat cushion bracket  604  at pivot  624 . 
         [0097]    At least one of the hinge assemblies  600  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  626 , for locking the seat back bracket  602  relative to the seat cushion bracket  604 , thereby preventing the seat back  206   c  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. The seat cushion bracket  604  is partially cutaway to show a lever  628  pivotally coupled to the seat back bracket  602  at pivot  630 . The lever  628  extends between a first end  632  and a second end  634 . The first end  632  of the lever  628  includes a locking pin  636  extending laterally therefrom. When the seat back  206   c  is in the first vertical position, the locking pin  636  is disposed in the vertical portion  612  of the arcuate slot  610  at the first end  614  such that the seat back bracket  602  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  604 . 
         [0098]    In operation, when it is desired to have access to or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200   c , the second end  634  of the lever  628  is moved downward by actuating a cable (not shown) or by manually actuating the lever  628  to pivot the lever  628  counterclockwise (when viewed from  FIG. 17 ). The counterclockwise rotation of the lever  628  moves the locking pin  636  from the vertical portion  612  to the horizontal portion  616  of the arcuate slot  610 . With the locking pin  636  in the horizontal portion  616 , the seat back lock mechanisms  626  are unlocked allowing the seat back  206   c  to pivot about pivots  624 . 
         [0099]    As described above with respect to the second embodiment, the second cable lever  324   c  is oriented such that it pulls the third cable assembly  332   c  momentarily after the seat back lock mechanisms  626  unlock. Pulling the third cable assembly  332   c  causes the floor latches  300   c  to actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position thereby releasing the striker bars  234   c . The torsion springs  244   c  urge the seat cushion  202   c  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  242   c  to a neutral position where the floor latches  300   c  are slightly above the striker bars  234   c . As the seat cushion  202   c  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  244   c , the drive links  302   c  pull downward on the lower ends  622  of the seat back brackets  602  such that the seat back  206   c  pivots in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 17 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   c  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. As the seat back  206   c  pivots the locking pin  636  travels along the horizontal portion  616  of the arcuate slot  610  toward the second end  618 . When the seat back  206   c  is in the second vertical position, the locking pin  636  is disposed at the second end  618  of the arcuate slot  610 . 
         [0100]    The seat cushion  202   c  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202   c  and seat back  206   c  are generally aligned. The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200   c  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242   c  ensuring the seat assembly  200   c  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202   c  in the stand-up position. 
         [0101]    To return the seat cushion  202   c  to the seating position, the seat back  206   c  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302   c  now push upward on the lower ends  622  of the seat back brackets  602  such that the seat back  206   c  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 18 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   c  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. As the seat back  206   c  pivots the locking pin  636  travels along the horizontal portion  616  of the arcuate slot  610  toward the vertical portion  612 . When the locking pin  636  reaches the vertical portion  612  the lever  628  pivots, returning the locking pin  636  to the first end  614  of the arcuate slot  610 , thereby locking the seat back lock mechanisms  626  and preventing the seat back  206   c  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  202   c.    
         [0102]    The seat back lock mechanisms  626  lock prior to the floor latches  300   c  re-latching the striker bars  234   c . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202   c  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanisms  626  by compressing the drive links  302   c . The drive links  302   c  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  602  by urging the seat back brackets  602  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which results in the locking pin  636  loading against the vertical portion  612  of the arcuate slot  610 . The seat cushion  202   c  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   c  until the floor latches  300   c  are in the latched position, secured to the striker bars  234   c.    
         [0103]    Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , wherein like reference numerals designated by the letter ‘d’ represent similar elements as those described above, in a sixth embodiment of the invention the seat assembly  200   d  includes a pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  700 . The pair of hinge assemblies  700  operatively coupling the seat back  206   d  to the seat cushion  202   d  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206   d  between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. Each hinge assembly  700  includes a seat back bracket  702  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  704 . The seat cushion bracket  704  of each hinge assembly  700  extends between a first end  706  fixedly secured to the rearward end  240   d  of the respective support bracket  236   d  and a second end  708 . At least one of the seat cushion brackets  704  include an arcuate slot  710  extending between a first end  712  and a second end  714 . 
         [0104]    The seat back bracket  702  of each hinge assembly  700  extends between an upper end  716  and a lower end  718 . The upper end  716  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210   d  of the seat back  206   d  as described above. The lower end  718  is pivotally coupled to the second end  708  of the seat cushion bracket  704  at pivot  720 . A pin  722  extends laterally from the lower end  718  of one of the seat back brackets  702  such that it is disposed in the arcuate slot  710  of the seat cushion bracket  704 . 
         [0105]    At least one of the hinge assemblies  700  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  724 , for locking the seat back bracket  702  relative to the seat cushion bracket  704 , thereby preventing the seat back  206   d  from pivoting between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. The seat back lock mechanism  724  includes a spring-loaded hook  726  pivotally coupled to the seat cushion bracket  704  at pivot  728 . The spring-loaded hook  726  includes a first end  730  defining a C-shaped slot  732  for selectively engaging the pin  722  and a second end  734 . The hook  726  pivots between a pin engaged position, shown in  FIG. 19 , with the C-shaped slot  732  engaging the pin  722 , and a pin released position, shown in  FIG. 20 , with the C-shaped slot  732  away from the pin  722 , thereby unlocking the seat back bracket  702  relative to the seat cushion bracket  704 . The hook  726  is spring biased to the pin engaged position. When the seat back  206   d  is in the first vertical position, the pin  722  is at the first end  712  of the arcuate slot  710  and the hook  726  is in the pin engaged position such that the seat back bracket  702  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  704 . 
         [0106]    In operation, when it is desired to have access to or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200   d , the second end  734  of the hook  726  is pulled forward by actuating a cable (not shown) or by manually actuating the hook  726 , which pivots the hook  726  in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 19 ) from the pin engaged position to the pin released position. With the hook  726  in the pin released position, the seat back lock mechanisms  724  are unlocked allowing the seat back  206   d  to pivot about pivots  720 . 
         [0107]    As described above with respect to the second embodiment, the second cable lever  330   d  is oriented such that it pulls the third cable assembly  332   d  momentarily after the seat back lock mechanisms  724  unlock. Pulling the third cable assembly  332   d  causes the floor latches  300   d  to actuate from the latched position to the unlatched position thereby releasing the striker bars  234   d . The torsion springs  244   d  urge the seat cushion  202   d  to pivot upwardly and forwardly about the main pivot pins  242   d  to a neutral position where the floor latches  300   d  are slightly above the striker bars  234   d . As the seat cushion  202   d  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   d , the drive links  302   d  pull downward on the lower ends  718  of the seat back brackets  702  such that the seat back  206   d  pivots in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 19 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   d  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. As the seat back  206   d  pivots, the pin  722  travels within the arcuate slot  710  toward the second end  714 . When the seat back  206   d  is in the second vertical position, the pin  722  is at the second end  714  of the arcuate slot  710 . 
         [0108]    The seat cushion  202   d  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202   d  and seat back  206   d  are generally aligned. The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200   d  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242   d  ensuring the seat assembly  200   d  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202   d  in the stand-up position. 
         [0109]    To return the seat cushion  202   d  to the seating position, the seat back  206   d  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302   d  now push upward on the lower ends  718  of the seat back brackets  702  such that the seat back  206   d  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 20 ), thereby guiding the seat back  206   d  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. As the seat back  206   d  pivots, the pin  722  travels within the arcuate slot  710  toward the first end  712 . When the pin  722  reaches the first end  712  the spring bias returns the hook  726  to the pin engaged position, locking the seat back lock mechanisms  724  and preventing the seat back  206   d  from pivoting relative to the seat cushion  202   d.    
         [0110]    The seat back lock mechanisms  724  lock prior to the floor latches  300   d  re-latching the striker bars  234   d . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202   d  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanisms  724  by compressing the drive links  302   d . The drive links  302   d  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  702  by urging the seat back brackets  702  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which results in the pin  722  loading against the C-shaped slot  732  of the hook  726 . The seat cushion  202   d  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   d  until the floor latches  300   d  are in the latched position, secured to the striker bars  234   d.    
         [0111]    Referring to  FIGS. 21 through 22 , wherein like reference numerals designated with the letter ‘e’ represent similar elements as those described above, in a seventh embodiment of the invention the seat assembly  200   e  includes a pair of hinge assemblies, generally indicated at  800 . The pair of hinge assemblies  800  operatively coupling the seat back  206   e  to the seat cushion  202   e  is provided for pivoting the seat back  206   e  between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. Each hinge assembly  800  includes a seat back bracket  802  pivotally coupled to a seat cushion bracket  804 . The seat cushion bracket  804  of each hinge assembly  800  extends between a first end  806  fixedly secured to the rearward end  240   e  of the respective support bracket  236   e  and a second end  808 . 
         [0112]    The seat back bracket  802  of each hinge assembly  800  extends between an upper end  810  and a lower end  812 . The upper end  810  is operatively coupled to the lower end  210   e  of the seat back  206   e  as described above. The lower end  812  is pivotally coupled to the second end  808  of the seat cushion bracket  804  at pivot  814 . 
         [0113]    At least one hinge assembly  800  also includes a seat back lock mechanism, generally shown at  816 , for locking the seat back bracket  802  relative to the seat cushion bracket  804 , thereby preventing the seat back  206   e  from moving between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. The seat back lock mechanism  816  includes a hook  818  and a generally C-shaped lock feature  820 . The lock feature  820  is fixedly secured to the seat cushion bracket  804  and includes an opening  822  having a hook interface  824 . A leaf spring  826  disposed within the opening  822  of the lock feature  820  is retained therein. 
         [0114]    The hook  818  extends between a proximal end  828  fixedly secured to the seat back bracket  802  and a free distal end  830  for selectively engaging the hook interface  824  of the lock feature  820 . When the seat back  206   e  is in the first vertical position, the distal end  830  of the hook  818  is disposed within the opening  822  of the lock feature  820  compressing the leaf spring  826  and engaging the hook interface  824  such that the seat back bracket  802  is locked relative to the seat cushion bracket  804 . 
         [0115]    In operation, when it is desired to have access to or increase the cargo space behind the seat assembly  200   e , the floor latches  300   e  are actuated from the latched position to the unlatched position, thereby releasing the striker bars  234   e  to allow the seat cushion  202   e  to pivot upwardly and forwardly. As the seat cushion  202   e  pivots about the main pivot pins  242   e , the drive links  302   e  pull downward on the lower ends  812  of the seat back brackets  802  such that the seat back  206   e  pivots about pivots  814  in the clockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 21 ). At the same time, the hook  818  moves with the seat back  206   e  which causes the distal end  830  to separate from the hook interface  824  allowing the drive links  302   e  to guide the seat back  206   e  from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. 
         [0116]    The seat cushion  202   e  is in the stand-up position when the seat cushion  202   e  and seat back  206   e  are generally aligned. The center of gravity of the seat assembly  200   e  is slightly over center of the main pivot pins  242   e  ensuring the seat assembly  200   e  is relatively stable in this position. A lock-out mechanism (not shown) may be included to selectively lock the seat cushion  202   e  in the stand-up position. 
         [0117]    To return the seat cushion  202   e  to the seating position, the seat back  206   e  is pushed rearwardly and downwardly. The drive links  302   e  now push upward on the lower ends  812  of the seat back brackets  802  such that the seat back  206   e  pivots about pivots  814  in the counterclockwise direction (when viewed from  FIG. 22 ). Thus, the drive links  302   e  guide the seat back  206   e  from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. At the same time, the hook  818  moves with the seat back  206   e  which causes the distal end  830  to re-enter the opening  822  of the lock feature  820 , compressing the leaf spring  826  and re-engaging the hook interface  824 , therebylocking the seat back lock mechanism  816  and preventing the seat back bracket  802  from moving relative to the seat cushion bracket  804 . 
         [0118]    The seat back lock mechanism  816  locks prior to the floor latches  300   e  re-latching to the striker bars  234   e . Thus, the continued movement of the seat cushion  202   e  toward the seating position preloads the seat back lock mechanism  816  by compressing the drive links  302   e . The drive links  302   e  transfer this compressive force to the seat back brackets  802  by urging the seat back brackets  802  to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which results in the distal end  830  of the hook  818  loading against the hook interface  824 . The seat cushion  202   e  continues to pivot about the main pivot pins  242   e  until the floor latches  300   e  re-latch to the striker bars  234   e.    
         [0119]    The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.