Abstract:
A utility vehicle is disclosed that may be used in multiple modes of use, such as a low speed transport vehicle or a golf cart. The vehicle has a rear passenger seat area which can be converted into a golf bag carrying mechanism. The vehicle also has a foot pedestal for use when operating with rear passengers, and which may fold up when not in use.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application 61/158,160 filed Mar. 6, 2009, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to utility vehicles or low speed vehicles with multiples modes of use. 
         [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    Vehicle users continue to demand increased utility and functionality for utility vehicles. To this end, these users demand increased flexibility for storage and seating in utility-type vehicles. Increasing the flexibility and functionality of a utility vehicle allows the utility vehicles to be utilized more often and to perform additional tasks. Thus, increasing the functionality of a utility vehicle can increase its usefulness and its utilization. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a utility vehicle that can have its functionality altered to perform different tasks. 
         [0005]    It would be further advantageous if the switching of the functionality of the utility vehicles were able to be accomplished quickly and easily. Moreover, it would be advantageous if no special tools or any tools at all were necessary to change the functionality of the utility vehicle. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a utility vehicle having a functionality that can be easily and quickly changed and the changing operation can be performed without the use of tools. 
         [0006]    More particularly, it has become common in various communities, retirement communities and golf communities to have vehicles to transport people around a community. These vehicles could be similar to golf carts and can carry multiple persons. Some of the carts can be golf carts with rear facing seats. Others may be convertible between a utility vehicle and a golf cart, see for example U.S. Patent application publication number 20070057526, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It would be advantageous to improve the functionality of this vehicle. 
         [0007]    To satisfy this need, a low speed vehicle comprises a frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a rear facing side by side passenger seat mounted behind the driver seat, the rear facing passenger seat having a down position for use with passengers and an upright position for storage when no passengers. A rear wall is positioned intermediate the driver seat and the rear facing passenger seat. A security bar is positioned intermediate the side by side positions of the rear facing passenger seat, and the security bar has an upright position for use with passengers and a down position for use with no passengers. A latching assembly has a first latch mechanism located on the rear facing passenger seat proximate the security bar, a second latch mechanism on the security bar, and a third latch mechanism positioned on the rear wall, wherein when the rear facing passenger seat is down, the first latch mechanism is latched to the second latch mechanism to hold the security bar up, and when the rear facing passenger seat is folded up, the first latch mechanism is unlatched from the second latching mechanism, and the first latch mechanism is latched to the third latching mechanism. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a low speed vehicle comprises a frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a rear facing side by side passenger seat mounted behind the driver seat, where the rear facing passenger seat has a down position for use with passengers and an upright position for storage when no passengers. A rear wall is positioned intermediate the driver seat and the rear facing passenger seat and a security bar is positioned intermediate the side by side positions of the rear facing passenger seat. The security bar has an upright position for use with passengers and a down position for use with no passengers, wherein when in the down position, the security bar may be folded up with the passenger seat. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, a low speed vehicle, comprises a frame; rear vehicle operational lights mounted to the frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a rear facing passenger seat mounted behind the driver seat; and a foot pedestal attached to the frame. The foot pedestal has a first position for use with rear facing passengers, and an upright position for use with no passengers, the foot pedestal has an operating position angled towards the vehicle at an angle of between 5° and 10° elevated from horizontal to allow the passengers feet to be angled up relative to the ground. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect, a low speed vehicle, comprises a frame; rear vehicle operational lights mounted to the frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a rear facing passenger seat mounted behind the driver seat; and a foot pedestal attached to the frame. The foot pedestal has a first position for use with rear facing passengers, and an upright position for use with no passengers. The foot pedestal has openings therethrough at locations proximate the rear vehicle operational lights, to view the rear vehicle operational lights from a rear thereof when the foot pedestal is in the upright position. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect, a low speed vehicle, comprises a frame; a driver seat, comprising a seat bottom and a seat back; front pillars mounted to the frame forward of the driver seat on left and right hand sides of the vehicle; rear pillars mounted to the frame rearward of the driver seat on left and right hand sides of the vehicle; a longitudinal frame member extending between each of the front and rear pillars; and a canopy operatively connected to the front and rear pillars. The canopy is spaced from at least a part of the longitudinal frame member to allow the driver and or passenger to use the longitudinal frame members as hand holds. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, a low speed vehicle, comprises a frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a rear facing passenger seat mounted behind the driver seat; and a foot pedestal attached to the frame. The foot pedestal has a first position for use with rear facing passengers, and an upright position for use with no passengers, the foot pedestal being operational as a rear bumper in either the upright or down position. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment, a low speed vehicle comprises a frame; a driver seat mounted to the frame; a drivetrain; fixed brackets mounted to opposite side of the frame; and an axle, having axle brackets attached thereto, in general lateral alignment with the fixed brackets. Trailing links extend between the fixed brackets and the axle brackets, and a linear force elements extend between the axle and the frame. A cross link extending between and movably attached to the fixed brackets and the axle. 
         [0014]    Finally, a low speed vehicle may comprise a frame; a driver seat, comprising a seat bottom and a seat back; a driver seat adjustment mechanism positioned intermediate the frame and the driver seat back, where the driver seat adjustment mechanism allows the seat back to move with vertical and horizontal components. 
         [0015]    The present teachings are merely exemplary and variations to the teachings can be employed. For example, the utility vehicle can be in a configuration other than that of a golf car. Additionally, the various interchangeable accessories can be modified to correspond to the contour of the utility vehicle upon which the interchangeable accessories are to be utilized. Additionally, the latching and locking members and mechanisms can be altered to accommodate different engaging features on the utility vehicle. Thus, such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the low speed vehicle showing the rear passenger area in an operational mode; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 1 , showing the rear passenger area modified for use as a golf cart; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the low speed vehicle frame and drivetrain; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 3  showing an underside perspective view; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is similar to that of  FIG. 4  showing a frontal underside perspective view; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are enlarged fragmentary views of the rear suspension from opposite perspectives; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 9-11  show various perspective views of the seat bottom assembly for passenger rear facing seat, showing the security bar in the upright position; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show upper and lower perspective views of the rear facing passenger seat assembly with the security bar in the down position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  shows an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  shows an enlarged view of the latch of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 16  from a different perspective; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view through lines  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 18  showing the latch in the locked position; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20-23  show diagrammatical views of the passenger seat assembly changing between the four passenger mode and the golf cart mode; 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  shows a rear perspective view of the rear foot pedestal assembly; 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  shows an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  shows an alternate perspective view of the foot pedestal of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 27 and 28  show side plan views of the foot pedestal of  FIG. 24  in the down and up positions, respectively; 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  is a rear plan view of the vehicle in the golf cart mode; 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  shows an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of the vehicle frame together with the canopy and the pedestals in position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 32  is an underside perspective view of the vehicle as shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 33  is an enlarged view showing the portion identified in  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 34  is an enlarged view of the portion identified in  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 35  shows a front perspective view of the driver and front passenger seat back assembly; 
           [0043]      FIG. 36  shows a rear perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 37  shows a rear perspective view of the actuator assembly shown in  FIG. 36 ; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 38  shows a front perspective view of the actuator of  FIG. 37 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    With reference first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the low speed vehicle  2  is shown in two different two modes;  FIG. 1  shows a first mode where the vehicle may be used to transport four persons, and  FIG. 2  shows the vehicle in a golf cart mode. The vehicle  2  is shown generally including a front end  4 , a rear end  6 , and a frame  8  ( FIG. 2 ) supported by front wheels  10  and rear wheels  12 . The vehicle has a driver and front passenger area  14  and a rear passenger area  16 . The driver and front passenger area  14  is comprised of a seat bottom assembly  20  and a seat back assembly  22 . The rear passenger area  16  is comprised of a seat bottom assembly  26  and a seat back assembly  28 . The rear passenger area  16  also includes a rear foot pedestal  30  for providing a foot support for the rear facing passengers when in the four person vehicular mode as shown in  FIG. 1 . The vehicle  2  also shows a storage area  34  for receiving the lower portion of 2 golf bags and an upper support  36  for holding the golf bags in an upright position as described further herein. Finally, a rear suspension assembly  40  ( FIG. 1 ) and a top canopy assembly  42  is described herein. 
         [0047]    With respect now to  FIGS. 3-5 , frame  8  will be described in greater detail. As shown best in  FIG. 5 , a backbone of frame  8  includes two generally longitudinally extending tubular frame members  50  having front sections  52 , angled sections  54 , longitudinally extending sections  56  and upright portions  58  which extend upwardly and over rear wheels  12 . A front end section  60  spans the two front frame portions  52  and contains a front suspension assembly  62 . The longitudinally extending frame sections  56  include transverse frame members such as  70 ,  72 ,  74  and  76  ( FIG. 5 ). Meanwhile cross-frame members such as  80 ,  82  and  84  ( FIG. 3 ) connect to upright frame portions  58 , and a rear frame portion  88  connects the free ends of the upright portions  58 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , frame  8  further includes side supports  90  and  92 , floor  94  and a crossbar  96  held by uprights  98  to assist in holding the front seat bottom. A battery box  100  is positioned intermediate crossbars  80  and  96  for retaining batteries for the electric vehicle. Finally frame  8  includes a foot pedestal support  108  and a rear seat support  110  as described below. 
         [0048]    With reference now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , pedestal support  108  is generally comprised of a channel member  120  attached to rear crossbar  88  and connected at a seam  122 , for example, by welding. Channel  120  includes flanges  124  having mounting holes  126  and locating holes  128  as described herein. 
         [0049]    With respect still to  FIG. 7 , upper support member  110  is shown defining an upper support surface  140  where threaded nuts  142  are positioned on the opposite side of apertures  144  (see  FIG. 3 ) for receiving fasteners such as bolts therethrough as described herein. Upper support member  110  is attached to uprights  58 , for example, at seams  146  and  148  such as by welding. 
         [0050]    With respect now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , rear suspension  40  will be described in greater detail. As shown, suspension system  40  includes a fixed bracket  150  having a first and second attachment portions  152 ,  154 . Suspension system  40  also comprises a moveable axle bracket portion  160  attached to rear axle  162  and is moveable with the axle  162 . Axle bracket  160  includes a first attachment portion  164  and a second attachment portion  166 . As shown, a trailing link  170  extends between the first attachment portion  152  of the fixed bracket  150  and the first attachment portion  164  of the axle bracket  160 . It should be appreciated that brackets  150  and  160  are fixedly mounted to the frame and axle respectively, for example by welding. Meanwhile a generally U-shaped cross link  172  extends between the second attachment portions  154  of the two fixed bracket portions  150  as best shown in  FIG. 5 . A linear force element such as a shock absorber  174  is attached at its lower end to second attachment portion  166  of bracket  160  and to an underside of crossbar  82  ( FIG. 3 ). A coil spring  176  may be used to circumscribe shock absorber  174  as is known in the art. As best shown in  FIG. 3 , axle  162  supports transmission  180  which in turn is connected to electric motor  182 . 
         [0051]    As best shown in  FIG. 8B , the suspension system further comprises a triangular link  184  which is attached to cross link  172  at one end, and to a bushing  186  at the opposite end. Bushing  186  is thereafter attached to axle  162  by way of bracket  188 . As should be appreciated, bushings  186  may rotate about a longitudinal axis. 
         [0052]    Thus as shown, electric motor  182  drives transmission  180 , which then drives rear wheels  12  through transmission  180 , and the drivetrain comprised of motor  182  and transmission  180  is supported by the shock absorber  174  through trailing arm  170 . Cross link  172  is a triangulated link in that it is attached at  154  on both sides and at center bracket  188 . Cross link  172  controls the fore and aft motion of the axle as well as the side to side motion of the axle. The suspension system thus allows the wheels and tires to move vertically through the combination trailing arm  170 /shock  174 , as well as through the rotation of cross link  172 . However, the axle/frame combination is provided with lateral stability through the cross link  172  attachment to the axle. Said differently, the suspension prevents lateral swaying of the frame and chassis relative to the axle, when the axle needs to move vertically, particularly when only one wheel moves vertically. 
         [0053]    With reference now to  FIGS. 9-12 , the rear seat bottom assembly  26  will be described in greater detail. As shown best in  FIG. 12 , seat bottom assembly  26  generally comprises a base  190 , a frame  192 , cushions  194  ( FIG. 11 ), a security bar  196  having a latch assembly  198 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , base  190  includes an upper surface  200  having defined impressions  202  to receive the cushions  194 . Base  190  also includes a contoured front wall section  204  which receives latch assembly  198  therein. Finally base portion  190  includes a slot  206  therein to receive the security bar  196  when in the down position as shown of  FIG. 13 , as described herein. 
         [0054]    With respect now to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , base  190  further comprises a lower surface  210  having laterally extending slots  212 ,  214  and longitudinally extending slots  216 . Frame  192  is also comprised of laterally extending channels  222  and  224  positioned in respective slots  212 ,  214  and longitudinally extending frame channels  226  extending in longitudinally extending grooves  216 . The ends of channels  226  includes hinges at  228  which fasten the seat bottom assembly to the vehicle as will be described herein. 
         [0055]    As shown in either of  FIG. 9  or  12 , the golf bag upper support  36  is integrally connected to bottom surface  210  and is circumscribed by the frame channels  222 ,  224  and  226 . It should be appreciated that the base portion  190  could be integrally molded from a plastic material by way of a blow-molded, roto-mold or other similar process. As best shown in  FIG. 12 , golf bag upper support  36  stands out from surface  210  to define two contoured surfaces  230  for the receipt of side-by-side golf bags, and includes an integrally molded recess at  232  to receive strap holders as is known in the art. 
         [0056]    With respect now to  FIG. 15 , latch assembly  198  is defined by a latch structure  240  which is attached to frame channels  224  and a latching second portion  242  which is attached to the security bar  196 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , latching member  242  is latched to latching member  240  which retains the security bar in its upright position. With reference now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , latch member  240  will be described in greater detail. 
         [0057]    Latch  240  includes a plate member  250  having an integrated stop member  252  having an end stop wall  254  and stop walls  256 . As shown in the position of  FIG. 15 , security bar  196  is positioned against the end stop wall  254  and between side walls  256  in the latched position. Plate member  250  is attached to an upper latch frame member  262  which together with lower latch plate  264  retains the latch to channels  224 . It should be appreciated that frame members  262  and  264  may be attached to channel members  224  by any means known such as welding or adhesives or fasteners, and the like. 
         [0058]    As shown best in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , latch  240  further includes a latching element  270  comprised of two upstanding plate members  272  and  274  which define a U-shaped channel at  276 . A latching element  278  is positioned intermediate plates  272  and  274  and has a torsion spring  280  spring loading the latching element  278  into the open position shown in  FIG. 17 , that is, in the unlatched position. Latching element  278  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 18 and 19  as including a latch receiving opening at  286  and a catch at  288 . A rotatable catch  290  is shown being positioned approximate to latching element  278  and has two pawls  292  and  294  where pawls  292  and  294  define an opening  296  therebetween and where pawl  294  defines a contoured edge  298 , all of which will be described herein. With respect again to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , latch  240  further includes an upper actuator at  310  which rotates about pin  312  and has a foot  314  which is positioned within openings  296  ( FIG. 18 ) between pawls  292  and  294 . Actuator  310  also includes an arm  320  which extends downwardly through plate  250  and through upper frame member  262  as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Arm  320  has a pin at  322  as best shown in  FIG. 16 . As also shown in  FIG. 16 , latch  240  further includes a lower actuator member  330  which rotates about pin  332 . Lower actuator  330  includes a forward catch  334  having a catch opening at  336 . Lower actuator  330  also includes a striker surface at  340 , which when engaged pivots the actuator  330  about pin  332 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 16 , latch assembly  240  further includes a release handle  350  operatively connected to a release member  352  which when rotated engages striker surface  340 . 
         [0059]    With respect again to  FIG. 15 , latch portion  242  includes a spanner portion  360  attached to security bar  196  by way of a link arm  362  and includes a pin  364  for cooperation with latch member  240 . With respect now to  FIGS. 15-19 , the cooperation of the latch assembly  198  will be described. 
         [0060]    As mentioned before, the latch assembly  198  is shown in the locked position in  FIG. 15  with the security bar  196  shown in the secured position against the stop  252 , which corresponds to the position of security bar  196  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Thus when latch  350  is pulled forwardly as shown in  FIG. 16 , release member  352  engages striker surface  340  rotating lower actuator member  330 . This disengages catch opening  336  from pin  322  rotating upper actuator  310  about pin  312 . This causes rotation of member  290  ( FIG. 18 ) in a counterclockwise sense disengaging catch surfaces  288 ,  298 . When moving in the opposite direction, and again with reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , as pin  364  is moved downwardly into the opening  286  as shown in  18 , member  278  is rotated in a clockwise sense to the position where catch surfaces  288  and  298  are locked into the position of  FIG. 19 . In this position, counter-rotation of member  278  is prevent by the engagement of surfaces  288  and  298  until such time as the handle  350  is released as described above. 
         [0061]    In terms of the cooperation of the operation of the latch member  240  in respect of the entire seat bottom assembly, reference is made to  FIGS. 20-23 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , security bar  196  is shown in the fully latched position with pin  364  latched in place in the position of  FIG. 19 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , handle  350  is shown rotated in a counterclockwise position, and pin  364  is released from latch  240 , and is now in the position of  FIG. 18 . This allows latch member  242  to be lifted up and security bar  196  rotated in the counterclockwise position.  FIG. 22  shows the security bar  196  rotated downwardly into the corresponding slot  206  ( FIG. 13 ) whereas  FIG. 23  shows the entire seat assembly rotated upwardly into the position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0062]    It should be noted from  FIG. 1  that seat back assembly  28  includes a contoured wall  370  and further includes a counterpart latch  372 . Thus as shown in  FIG. 1 , contoured surface  204  ( FIG. 11 ) of seat bottom assembly  26  may be rotated into position where it is tucked under seat back assembly  28  such that the frame and contoured surface  204  fit below the seat back assembly  28  and contoured surface  370  respectively, and latch portion  240  cooperates with counterpart latch  372  to hold the seat bottom assembly  26  into the upright position of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 20 , seat bottom assembly  26  includes hinges  376  which are positioned over and attached to apertures  144  and threaded apertures  142 . Finally with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , seat bottom assembly  26  further includes armrests  380  and seatbelt buckles  382  which are attached to seat assembly  26  and more particularly to frame  192 , and both the armrests  380  and the seatbelt buckles  382  rotate together with the seat assembly and flank the vehicle as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0064]    With respect now to  FIGS. 24-26 , the rear foot pedestal  30  will be described in greater detail. As shown, rear foot pedestal  30  is comprised of an integral body portion  390  having a laterally extending frame member  392 . Frame tube  392  retains a latch member  400  as best shown in  FIG. 25 . Latch member  400  includes plate members  402  holding a cylinder  404  which in turn holds a popper pin  406  having a pin positioned at an end thereof and spring loaded into one of the locating holes  128 . It should be noted that the latch  400  is located on only one side thereof and therefore a user may grasp the body portion  390 , pull the popper pin  406  and move the rear foot pedestal between the extreme positions shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , when the rear foot pedestal  30  is in the fully down position, the pedestal provides a slight angle upwardly towards the rear passenger to provide a secure feeling when the passenger&#39;s feet are on the pedestal, where the angle φ is between 5-10° and more preferably about 7°. 
         [0065]    As also shown in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , the body portion  390  is integrally molded to include openings  410  at the corners thereof in order that the openings are positioned adjacent to rear directional signals of the vehicle. More particularly as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , with the rear foot pedestal  30  in the upright position, openings  410  are located proximate to braking/directional signals  412  in order that the signals illuminate through openings  410 . 
         [0066]    With respect now to  FIGS. 31-34 , top canopy  42  will be described in greater detail. As shown in  FIG. 31 , vehicle  2  includes front pedestals  420  and rear pedestals  422 . Longitudinally extending frame portions  424  ( FIG. 32 ) connect front and rear pedestals  420 ,  422  as best shown in  FIG. 32 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , pedestal  420  is continuous with longitudinal portion  424  and extends rearwardly towards rear pedestal  422 . Canopy  42  includes integral rear corner connecting portions  430  ( FIG. 34 ) having a receiving portion  432  to receive longitudinal portion  424  and a receiving portion  434  for receiving pedestal portion  422 . In a like manner, front connector portions  440  are located at the front corners of the canopy  42  and are connected to longitudinal portion  424  to retain canopy to the pedestal assembly. As best shown in  FIG. 33 , longitudinal portions  424  are spaced from the canopy, and in particular from an inner surface  450  of the canopy such that the space intermediate longitudinal portion  424  and inner surface  450  can be used as a grab bar for either the driver or the passenger for ingress or egress of the vehicle. 
         [0067]    With respect now to  FIGS. 35-38 , seat back assembly  22  will be described in greater detail. As shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , seat back assembly  22  is shown as including a driver seat  470 , a passenger seat  472  where passenger seat  472  is directly connected to a rear frame member  474  and where seat  474  is attached to rear frame  474  by way of a seat back actuator  476 . Seat frame  474  is shown in  FIG. 31  as spanning between rear pedestals  422 . 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , actuator  476  is comprised of a rear plate  490  attached to frame  474  having an upper link  492 , a lower link  494 , where the upper and lower links may rotate relative to pins  496 ,  498 , respectively. Links  492  and  494  are also pinned to a front plate portion  500  by way of pins  502  and  504  where the plate  500  rotates in an orbital manner about the arc depicted in  FIG. 38 . A selector plate  510  is attached to link  492  and has a plurality of selector holes  512  which cooperate with a spring loaded selector rod  520 . Thus as shown in  FIG. 37 , the rod could be moved leftward (as viewed in  FIG. 37 ) to release the rod  520  from one of the selector holes  512  whereby plate  500  could be rotated upwardly or downwardly to suit the driver&#39;s physique. It should be appreciated that the seat padding  530  (see  FIG. 35 ) is attached to plate  500  such that the entire seat back is movable by way of the actuator  476 .