Patent Publication Number: US-11395778-B2

Title: Seat base assembly of a vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/895,054, filed Feb. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/458,097 having the title “Seat Base Assembly of a Vehicle” filed Feb. 13, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a passenger vehicle which is retrofitted for transporting one or more passengers seated in a wheelchair. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration a van is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter the vehicle without the assistance of another person. 
     Other known products for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a van, include wheel chair lifts, lift platforms, and lowered floor surfaces. In some instances, a door of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) van is enlarged or otherwise modified to permit entry of the physically limited individual through what is known as the assisted entrance. Once inside the vehicle, individuals who use the assisted entrance are often located in a rear passenger compartment of the van adjacent to or behind the assisted entrance. 
     While these seating locations provide for the transport of the physically limited individual, such locations do not always lend themselves to providing good sightlines which enable the passenger to see a complete view of the road and the surrounding scenery. Consequently, what is needed is a modification to an OEM vehicle which allows the physically limited individual seated in a wheelchair to be located in the front passenger compartment, either as the passenger or as the driver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an elevational side view of a sport utility vehicle including an access ramp. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top plan sectioned view of a sport utility vehicle including a positionable shifter assembly. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a seat assembly. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a seat base assembly for the seat assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a floor base assembly. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a floor base assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a portion of the seat base assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a mounting projection. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of the mounting projection of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a seat base assembly including receivers. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a receiver of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a further embodiment of a perspective top view of seat base assembly capable of articulating. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a perspective bottom view of seat base assembly capable of articulating. 
         FIG. 12C  illustrates an exploded perspective top view of seat base assembly capable of articulating including a lower seat base assembly and an upper seat base assembly. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an upper seat base assembly. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of a perspective top view of seat base assembly capable of articulating. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective bottom view of seat base assembly capable of articulating. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a foot pedal coupled to the seat base assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 16B  illustrates a side view of a foot pedal actuator in a first position activated by a foot pedal. 
         FIG. 16C  illustrates a side view of a foot pedal actuator in a second position activated by a foot pedal. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a tilt release mechanism coupled to the seat base assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a sport utility vehicle (SUV)  10  available from any number of United States and foreign manufacturers. In the illustrated embodiment, the SUV, also called a crossover vehicle, includes a unibody construction, but other SUV&#39;s having a frame on body construction, are also included in the present disclosure. Consequently, the use of SUV herein includes all types and kinds of sport utility vehicles constructed with a body on frame construction, a unibody construction, or other constructions. In addition, while the SUV is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the present disclosure is directed to all passenger vehicles carrying one or more passengers, including vans and sedans. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the SUV  10  including a body  12  operatively coupled to front wheels  14  and rear wheels  16 . The SUV  10  includes a unibody construction. A first passenger side door  18  is located between the front wheels  14  and rear wheels  16  and provides access to a passenger for sitting in a front seat of the vehicle adjacent to the driver. In this position, the passenger has a clearer view of the road when compared to sitting in a middle row or back row of seats of the vehicle. 
     The SUV  10  has been modified to include a second passenger side door  20  coupled to the unibody frame through a mechanical linkage (not shown). In other embodiments, the side door  20  is coupled to the unibody frame through a sliding mechanism. In this embodiment, the second passenger side door has been modified to slide along a track (not shown), as opposed to the manufacturer supplied door which is hinged to swing away from the vehicle, as is understood by those skilled in the art. In addition to modifying the door  20  to slide along the track, an opening  22  to the interior, in some embodiments, is modified or widened to provide access to a passenger seated in a wheelchair. The opening is defined on the sides thereof by an edge of the door  20  and the edge of the door  18 . The vehicle is further modified to include a ramp assembly  24  which provides rolling access of the wheelchair from pavement  26  into an interior  28  of the vehicle  10 . To provide sufficient room for the ramp assembly  24  to be carried in the vehicle, the pre-existing floor of the vehicle may be removed and a new floor is installed which is lower than the old floor. The lowered floor of the vehicle provides a storage location for the ramp assembly  24  and also increases the headspace for a wheelchaired passenger. The ramp assembly  24  is installed at the opening  22  and is movable between the interior of the vehicle, where it is stored in some embodiments, and to the exterior for wheelchair access. 
     In known modified vehicles, such as modified vans, the middle row of seats is removed from the manufacturer supplied vehicle to enable access to a wheelchair supporting a passenger. Once the wheelchaired passenger moves into the interior of the vehicle, the passenger or caregiver locates the wheelchair in the middle portion of the interior behind the driver and passenger seats of the front row. While the wheelchaired passenger is readily and safely transported by the vehicle, when located at this position, the passenger can have difficulty communicating with the driver and difficulty viewing the road and surrounding scenery. This location is therefore often frustrating for many individuals, particularly those individuals who led active lives prior to becoming disabled and who continue to be active. As used herein, wheelchaired passenger is used to indicate that the individual is making use of a wheelchair, whether that use is temporary or permanent. 
     Over the past few years, the number of wheelchaired individuals who desire to lead full active lives has increased. To accommodate such individuals, the SUV has become a preferred vehicle of choice, particularly with military veterans who received disabilities during their tours of duty. Consequently, the SUV  10  is further modified or retrofitted as illustrated in  FIG. 2  to provide a location for the wheelchaired passenger to be located in the front passenger compartment at either a driver side location  30  or a passenger side location  32 , next the driver. To retrofit the vehicle  10 , a manufactured SUV is purchased from a dealer or directly from the manufacturer, and in one embodiment, the manufacturer supplied center console is disassembled or removed from the vehicle. In particular, the original shifter is separated from other manufacturer supplied components and reused and located in the front passenger compartment in a positionable shifter assembly  34 , as described herein. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the driver side location  30  and the passenger side location  32  are located in a front passenger compartment on either side of the positionable shifter assembly  34 , which includes a center console  36  and a shifter  38 . In this embodiment, the shifter assembly  34  is configured to move along a line  40  such that the shifter assembly  34  is positionable within the front passenger compartment to either increase or decrease the amount of usable floor area in either of the driver side location  30  and the passenger side location  32 . When moved closer to the driver side location  30 , the passenger side position  32  is enlarged sufficiently to accommodate a wheelchair  42 . In another embodiment, a seat  44  is removed and the shifter assembly  34  is moved toward the passenger side position  32  to accommodate the wheelchair  42  when located in the driver side location  30 . While a positionable shifter assembly  34  is illustrated, in other embodiments, the original shifter assembly is not replaced, and remains fixed in the front passenger compartment. 
     The vehicle  10  is further retrofitted, in one embodiment, to enable both the driver side location  30  and the passenger side location  32  to include one of the wheelchair  42  or a seat  44 . In the event a seat  44  is desired in one of the locations  30  and  32 , a seat assembly  50  of  FIG. 3  is placed in a recessed area of one of the locations  30  and  32 . The seat assembly  50  in other embodiments is located in both positions, but one or both is removable to accommodate a wheelchaired passenger. The recessed area is formed during the retrofit of the vehicle to lower the floor. Each of the driver side location  30  and the passenger side location  32  includes the recessed area in one embodiment. In other embodiments, however, one recessed area is located at one of the driver side location  30  and the passenger side location  32 , but not the other. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the seat assembly  50  configured to be located in the driver side location  30 . While a passenger side seat assembly is not discussed, the seat assembly  50  for a passenger side location  32  is substantially similar but is a mirrored configuration of the driver side seat assembly. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the seat assembly  50  includes a seat  52  mounted to and supported by a base assembly  54 . The base assembly  54  includes a riser  56  upon which the seat  52  is located. A lower seat base  58  supports the riser  56 . In one embodiment, the seat  52  is configured to slide along the riser  56  to adjust the seat location within the driver side location  30 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the lower seat base  58  includes a seat dolly  60  configured to support a frame structure  62 . The frame structure  62  is coupled to and supports the riser  56  and the seat  52 . The frame structure  62  includes a first portion  64  generally defining a first support surface  66  and a second portion  68 . The first support surface  66  defines a generally planar support surface configured to support the seat  52  in a level position. The second portion  68  also defines a generally planar support surface which is configured to support a floor section upon which a passenger places their feet. In one embodiment, the second portion  68  is disposed slightly lower than a surrounding floor portion such that a floor insert placed on the second portion  68  provides a flush surface between the floor insert and surrounding floor. In different embodiments, the frame structure  62  includes one or more individual one-piece parts each of which are configured to provide a complete frame structure  62 . 
     The seat dolly  60  supports the frame structure  62  and includes a plurality of wheels  70 A and  70 B, which are shown in  FIG. 4 , and one additional wheel  70 C as shown in  FIG. 7 . While the seat dolly  60  embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 7  includes three wheels  70 , in different embodiments, different numbers of wheels are included. The wheel  70 A is mounted to a swivel caster  72  at a front end  74  and the wheels  70 B and  70 C are mounted respectively on a rod  79 B and  79 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the seat dolly  60  includes a frame  73  including a side  75  connected to the front end  74 . While not shown in  FIG. 4 , the seat dolly  60  includes a rear end coupled to the side  75  and also coupled to a second side  77  of  FIG. 7 . In different embodiments, the frame  73  is made of one or more single piece parts. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a floor base assembly  76  which is located in the recessed portion of the vehicle  10  and which is configured to fixedly locate the seat assembly  50  with respect to the vehicle  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the floor base assembly  76  includes a width  78  and a length  80  which fits similar dimensions of the floor recess such that fixing the floor base assembly  76  to the vehicle recess requires reduced fastening requirements. The floor base assembly  76  includes a floor section  82  defining a substantially planar surface such that the seat assembly  50  is rolled onto the floor section  82  for locating the seat assembly  50  into position. Since the wheel  70 A is caster mounted, the front end  74  of the dolly  60  is movable from side-to side to enable alignment of the seat assembly  50  with respect to the driver side location  30 , where the floor base assembly  76  is located. 
     The wheel  70 A provides for directional control of the front end  74  such that movement of the seat assembly  50  toward a front portion  84  engages a first mounting projection  86  and second mounting projection  88  (see  FIG. 4 ) with a mounting bracket  90  of the floor base assembly  76 . The mounting bracket  90  includes first and second receivers  92  and  94 , each of which is configured to respectively receive the first mounting projection  86  and the second mounting projection  88 . Once the seat assembly  50  has been moved forward to engage the projections  86  and  88  to the receivers  92  and  94 , the seat dolly  60  is positioned to be fixed in place to the floor base assembly  76 . 
     The floor section  82  includes a first recess  96  and a second recess  98 . Each of the first and second recesses  96  and  98  define a cavity  100  which extends into the floor section  82  and which are configured to receive a first hook  102 A (see  FIG. 4 ) and a second hook  102 B (see  FIG. 7 ). Each of the hooks  102 A and  102 B includes a recess  104  which engage a pin  106  of the floor section  82 . Engagement of the hooks  102  with the pins  106  holds the seat assembly  50  in place with respect to the floor base assembly  76 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a floor base assembly  110  which includes a floor section  112  having a length  114 , similar in length to the length  80  of the floor base assembly  76  of  FIG. 5 . A width  116  of the floor section  112  is longer than the width  78  of the floor section  82  and is sufficient to provide a driver side locating area  118  and a passenger side locating area  120 . The floor section  112  includes a first, second, third, and fourth locating recesses  121 ,  122 ,  123 , and  124 . Each of the recesses defines a cavity and each is configured to accept the hooks of the seat dolly  60 . Each of the recesses includes a U-shaped member  126  including an engaging pin  128  which is engaged by one of the hooks of the seat dolly  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, an end of the U-shaped member  126 , opposite the engaging pins  128 , is rotatably coupled to the floor section  112 . Engagement of the hook to the engaging pin  128 , thereby moves the members U-shaped  126  such that an engagement pressure is applied by the hook to the U-shaped member  126  to maintain a pressurized contact therebetween. When not engaged by the hooks of the seat dolly  60 , the U-shaped members move into the respective recesses so as not to obstruct items, materials, or persons located on the floor section  112 . 
     As with the floor base assembly  76 , the floor base assembly  110  includes a mounting bracket  130 , which includes first, second, third and fourth receivers  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138 , each of which is configured to engage one of the mounting projections. For instance, the first and second receivers  132  and  134  are configured to receive the first mounting projection  86  and the second mounting projection  88  of  FIG. 4 . If a passenger side seat assembly is provided, the passenger side seat assembly includes similar projections each of which is configured to engage the receivers  136  and  138 . 
     The mounting bracket  130  extends from and substantially perpendicular to floor section  112 . The mounting bracket  130  includes one or more single part pieces arranged to provide the receivers. Each of the receivers  132 ,  134 ,  136 , and  138  define a recess into which the mounting projections extend when the seat assembly is fixed in place on the floor section  112  through engagement of the hooks  102  to the U-shaped members  126 . The mounting bracket  130 , in one embodiment, is connected to the firewall of the vehicle  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket  130  includes a first aperture  140  and a second aperture  142  which receive a connector to thereby fixedly connect the floor base assembly  110  to the firewall. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a portion of the frame  73  of the seat dolly  60  having the front end  74  and the second side  77 . The first side  75  and a back bracket are removed for illustrating further details of the seat dolly  60 . The frame  73  supports a latch assembly  150  which includes a mechanical actuator  152  having a first end  154  coupled to a support bracket  156  and a second end  158  rotatably coupled to the hook  102 B at the first end  158 . The mechanical actuator  152 , in one embodiment as illustrated, includes a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder rod  160  defining the second end  158 . 
     A rod  162  extends from one side to the other side of the frame  73  and is rotatably supported by the frame  73 . An end  164  extends past the first side  75  (see  FIG. 4 ) to be accessible to a user of the seat assembly  50 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , an actuator  166  is fixedly coupled to the end  164 . At this location, the actuator  166  is between the driver side area and passenger side area. Movement of the actuator  166  engages and disengages the hooks  102 A and  102  B with a respective pin  106  or a respective U-shaped member  126 . The other end (not shown) of the rod  162  extend into and is supported by a stiffener bracket  165 . In other embodiments, the actuator  166  is located on an opposite side of the illustrated seat assembly  60 , between a door and the seat assembly  60 . 
     Each of the hooks  102 A and  102 B are fixedly coupled to the rod  162  such that rotation of the rod  162  about the axis thereof moves the hooks  102  into and out of engagement with the pins or U-shaped members. Rotation of the rod  162  in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated moves hooks  102 A away from the pins or U-shaped members to enable movement of the seat assembly  50  from the fixed location. Rotation of the rod  162  in the clockwise direction moves the hooks  102 A toward the pins or U-shaped members to fix the location of the seat assembly  50  with the base. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of the mounting projection  86  of  FIG. 4 . Mounting projection  88  is similarly configured as projection  86  and the discussion with regard to projection  86  of  FIG. 8  similarly describes the projection  88 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the mounting projection  86  includes a first mounting bracket  170  and a second mounting bracket  172 . Each of the brackets  170  and  172  are similarly configured and include a right angle configuration in which a first portion  174  includes an aperture through which a connector  176  is inserted into a front bracket  178  of front end  74  of  FIG. 4 . A second portion  180  extends from the first portion  174  at a substantially right angle. The second portion  180  of each of the brackets  170  and  172  are spaced a distance apart to define a space therebetween in which a resilient member  182  is located. Each of the second portions  178  are configured to support a guide piece  184 , which are each coupled to one of the respective brackets  170  and  174 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , each of the guide pieces  184  include a groove  186  configured to accept a pin  188  of the receivers  132  and  134  as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and as further described in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The groove  186  includes a front portion  190  configured to guide the receivers into engagement with the pin  188 . The front portion  190  includes a first guide feature  192  which provides a first ramp structure to guide the projection  86  and  88  into engagement with the pin  188 . A second guide feature  194  includes a second ramp structure to guide the projections  86  and  88  into the appropriate receiver through guiding contact with a side wall  196  and  198  (see  FIG. 10 ). If the alignment of the seat dolly  60  is slightly offset from the receivers, the first and second guide features  192  and  194  direct the mounting projection into alignment with the receivers as the seat dolly  60  is moved forward to locate the pins  188  into the groove  186 . 
     The resilient member  182  includes a channel  200  having a width dimension less than a width dimension of the groove  186 . The width dimension of the groove  186  is the same dimension or slightly larger as a diameter of the pin  188 . The width dimension of the channel  200 , however, is less than the diameter of the pin  188 . Consequently, as the dolly  60  is moved toward the receivers, the channel  200  of resilient member  182  expands from the engagement with the pin  188 . The pin compresses with structure of the member  182  and provides a press fit with the pin  188 . Once the dolly  60  is aligned with the base, movement of the actuator  166  engages the channel  200  into further engagement with the pin  188 . The compression fit between the channel  200  and the pin  188  restricts movement of the dolly  60  with respect to the base and absorbs road conditions to provide a passenger with a relatively vibration-free anti-rattle seating arrangement. 
     In one embodiment, the resilient member  182  is made of rubber, a rubber compound, or a reinforced rubber. In additional embodiments, the guide pieces  184  are made of a plastic or a reinforced plastic. In other embodiments, the resilient member  182  and guide pieces  184  are made of a single one piece molded part having a similar shape to the multiple piece projection. The material of the single piece part is selected to provide for the features described above. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the receivers  132  and  134  (see  FIG. 60 , each of which is similarly configured. As described above, each of the receivers includes the pin  188 , the side wall  196 , and the side wall  198 . Each of the side walls  196  and  198  are similarly configured to define a recess into which the projections are received. The recess includes a floor  202  and a ceiling  204 , each of which is connected to the side walls  196  and  198 . Each of the side walls  196  and  198  include a first planar portion  206  and a second planar portion  208 , each of which are inclined with respect to a central axis  210 . The angle of the first planar portion  206  with respect to the central axis  210  is greater than the angle of the second planar portion  208  with respect to the central axis  210 , such that insertion of the projection into a recess is progressively directed to a central location within the recess. 
     As described herein, the seat assembly provides an improved configuration for a retrofitted vehicle. In particular, the seat assembly, while described as being located in either the driver side location or the front passenger side location, in other embodiments, the seat assembly is located in one or more other passenger locations within a vehicle. The seat assembly, therefore, provides a configurable vehicle designed to accommodate individuals of different physical capabilities. In addition, the vehicle is configurable to a vehicle seating only physically capable individuals, in the event that the physical limited individual continues to improve and no longer requires wheelchair transportation. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle of  FIG. 1  may be modified further to open a B-pillar area (i.e., part of the vehicle frame between the front passenger door  18  and the rear passenger door  20 . In doing so, ingress and egress of the wheelchair is made easier. In this embodiment, a modified seat base assembly may have increased maneuverability to provide additional space in the interior of the vehicle for the wheelchaired passenger. The seat base assembly may be located on either the driver&#39;s or passenger&#39;s side of the vehicle, and in particular, in either location  30  or  32  of  FIG. 2 . The seat base may be articulated either manually or automatically. For example, a handle may be provided on the seat base in which a user may use to articulate the seat base. The handle can be coupled to a cable that releases a latch on the seat base and allows the seat and seat base to lift upwards and pivot forward from the vehicle floor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12A , a perspective top view of a seat base assembly  1200  is shown including an upper seat base assembly  1202  and a lower seat base assembly  1204 . The lower seat base assembly  1204  may be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The upper seat base assembly  1202  may be pivotably coupled to the lower seat base assembly  1204 . A seat, such as seat  52  in  FIG. 3 , may be coupled to the upper seat base assembly  1202  in any conventional manner. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the seat base assembly  1200  including the upper seat base assembly  1202  and the lower seat base assembly  1204 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 12C , an exploded perspective bottom view of seat base assembly capable of articulating including the lower seat base assembly  1204  and the upper seat base assembly  1202  is shown. 
     A floor latch  1212  may be located on the lower seat base assembly  1204  for latching the seat base assembly  1200  to the floor base assembly  76 . The floor latch  1212  is pulled up to release the seat base assembly from the floor base assembly  76  for removing the assembly  1200  from the vehicle. The assembly  1200  is re-engaged with the floor base assembly  76  by appropriately locating the assembly  1200  by pushing down on the latch  1212 , typically by pressure applied by the foot of user. In one embodiment, the lower seat base assembly  1204  includes first and second mounting projections  1207  configured to engage first and second receivers, such as first and second receivers  92  and  94  of  FIG. 5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C , a pair of actuators  1206  may be pivotably coupled to the upper seat base assembly  1202  and the lower seat base assembly  1204 . The actuators  1206 , which may be electric, hydraulic, mechanical, or any known type of actuator, may extend to articulate the upper seat base assembly  1202  upwards and pivot it forward toward a front end of the vehicle. In doing so, additional space behind the seat is provided for a wheelchair to more easily fit within the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the actuators  1206  are compression gas cylinders which when released from a compressed state move the upper seat base assembly  1202  away from the lower seat base assembly  1204  about a pivot. As the gas cylinders release, the seat tilts with respect to the lower seat base assembly  1204  and moves from a seated position to a tilted position. 
     To move the seat back to its seated or lowered position, the upper seat base assembly  1202  may be pushed down towards the vehicle floor and the weight of the seat base assembly can assist with this movement. 
     Besides articulating the upper seat base assembly  1202  between its forward position and lowered position, the entire seat assembly  1200  may be removed from the vehicle. A securing assembly includes a securing handle  1208  configured to actuate hooks (not shown), located in first and second catch assemblies  1211  of the lower frame assembly  1204 . The hooks in different embodiments, are similar to or the same as the hooks  102 A and  102 B of  FIG. 7 . The hooks engage pins  100  of the floor base assembly  76  to secure the seat assembly  1200  to the floor. The hooks automatically engage the pins  100  when the seat is located at the base assembly  76 . Pulling the handle  1208  away from the seat base assembly  1200  releases the hooks from the pins  100  to enable removal of the seat base assembly  1200 . A cable  1210  is operatively connected to the hooks to release the hooks from being latched to the pins. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a tilt release mechanism of one embodiment including a handle  1220  which is coupled to a frame  1222  of the upper seat base assembly  1202 . The handle  1208  and related cable  1210  are not shown in  FIG. 13 . The handle  1220  is coupled to a first tilt cable  1224  and a second tilt cable  1226  each of which is operatively connected to a cable  1228 . Moving the handle, by pulling for instance, away from the frame  1222 , adjusts the position of a first latch  1230  coupled to the cable  1224  and a second latch  1232  coupled to the cable  1226 . As the handle  1220  is pulled away from the frame  1222 , each of the first latch  1230  and the second latch  1232  rotate back, or in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated. The first latch  1230  and second latch  1232  are each rotatably connected to the frame  1222 . 
     When the seat  52  is in the un-tilted or seated position, the first latch  1230  and the second latch  1232  each engage and are operatively connected to a rod  1236  of the lower seat base assembly  1204  as seen in  FIG. 12C . By moving the handle  1220  away from the frame  1222 , the latches  1230  and  1232  disengage from or are released from the rod  1236 . The rod  1236  is supported by a frame  1238  of the lower seat base assembly  1204  and extends between sides thereof. As the latches  1230  and  1232  disengage from the rod  1236 , the actuators  1206  are released from the compressed state and extend to tilt the upper support base  1202  with respect to the lower support base  1204 . In other embodiments, the lower support base includes pins extending from the sidewalls of the frame  1238  which are engaged by the latches  1230  and  1232 . 
     To return the seat to the seated position, downward pressure is applied to the seat to compress the actuators  1206 , until the latches  1230  and  1232  engage the rod  1236 . With sufficient pressure, the latches open to receive the rod  1236  and then close around the rod  1236  to maintain the seat in the seated position. 
     To provide for the tilting of the seat  54 , the upper support base  1202  is pivotably coupled to the lower support base  1204 , at a first pivot location  1240  (see  FIG. 12C ) and a second pivot location (not shown) on an opposite side of the frame  1238 . A pair of pivot pins  1242  are located at the first pivot location  1240  and the second pivot location. The frame  1222  of the upper support base  1202  includes a first aperture  1244  and a second aperture  1246  each of which are sized to locate bushings  1248 . The bushings  1248  are located in the apertures  1244  and  1246  and are configured to receive the pivot pins  1242 . The first and second apertures  1244  and  1246  define an axis of rotation about which the upper support base  1202  tilts with respect to the lower support base  1204 . The axis of rotation is generally horizontal with respect to the floor of the vehicle. In other embodiments, a rod extends between the first aperture  1244  and the second aperture  1246  to provide for inclining the upper base portion  1202  with the lower base portion  1204 . A connector  1250  is supported by the frame  1222  to provide for a cable connection as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective top view of another embodiment of the seat base assembly  1200  including an upper seat base assembly  1260  and a lower seat base assembly  1262 . The lower seat base assembly  1262  may be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The upper seat base assembly  1260  may be pivotably coupled to the lower seat base assembly  1262 . A seat, such as seat  52  in  FIG. 3 , may be coupled to the upper seat base assembly  1260  in any conventional manner.  FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the assembly  1200  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15  and  FIGS. 16A-16C , a floor latch  1266  is operatively connected on the lower seat base assembly  1262  for latching seat base assembly  1200  to the floor base assembly  76 . The floor latch  1266  is actuated by a foot of the user or by other means. The floor latch  1266  includes a connecting arm  1268  having a flange  1270  configured to actuate the latch  1266  with pressure. The floor latch  1266  is rotatably coupled to the frame of the lower seat base portion  1262  at a pivot location  1272 . Downward pressure at the flange  1270  engages the lower seat based assembly to the floor as described above with regard to floor latch  1212 . 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the floor latch  1266  coupled to the seat base assembly of  FIG. 15 . The floor latch  1266  includes a latching mechanism  1273  further illustrated in a side view of  FIG. 16B  and of  FIG. 16C . Upon activation of the connecting arm  1268 , a hook  1274  is moved to engage the floor pin as shown in  FIG. 16C  to secure the seat to the floor. When the arm  1268  is pushed towards the floor, the arm  1268  rotates about the pivot  1272  and moves a rod  1275  through a path  1276  defined by the frame  1238  of the lower seat base assembly  1262 . In one embodiment, the path  1276  is arcuate. Other configurations are contemplated. The rod  1275  extends between sides of the frame  1238  to actuate the hook  1274  and an additional hook (not shown) on the opposite side of the frame  1238 . A linkage  1277  coupled to an end of the arm  1268  enables the pin  1275  to move along the path. 
     The arm  1274  is coupled to the pin  1275  and rotates about an axis  1278  where the arm  1274  is rotatably coupled to the frame  1238 . As the pin  1275  moves to an end of the path  1276 , the pin  1275  is captured by a clamp or latch  1279 , where it is held until released. 
     A seat release assembly  1280  includes a seat release handle  1282  configured to release the hook  1274  and the other hook located on the rod  1275 , each of which is located in first and second catch assemblies  1284  of the lower seat base assembly  1262 . The seat release assembly  1280  functions in a fashion similar to the securing assembly and handle  1208  described above. The hooks, in different embodiments, are similar to or the same as the hooks  102 A and  102 B of  FIG. 7 . The hooks engage pins  100  of the floor base assembly  76  to secure the seat assembly  1200  to the floor. The hooks automatically engage the pins  100  when the seat is located at the base assembly  76 . Pulling the handle  1282  away from the seat base assembly  1200  enables releasing the hooks  1274  from the pins  100  to provide for removal of the seat base assembly  1200 . A cable  1283  is operatively connected to the clamp  1279  that is holding the rod  1275  to release the clamp  1279  from the rod  1275 . Upon pulling of the handle  1282 , the clamps  1279  are released from the rod  1275  to enable the rod to move along the path  1276 . Once the rod  1275  is released, the user pulls up on the arm  1268  to unlatch the seat from the floor. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a tilt release mechanism including a tilt release handle  1290  which is coupled to a frame  1292  of the upper seat base assembly  1260 . Certain components of  FIG. 15  are not illustrated to better illustrate the tilt release mechanism. The handle  1290  is similar in function to the previously described handle  1220 . In this embodiment, however the handle  1290  is moved from the location described for handle  1220 , and is located to a side of upper seat base assembly  1260 . The handle  1290  is coupled to a first tilt cable  1294  and a second tilt cable  1296  each of which is operatively connected to a cable  1298 . Moving the handle, by pulling away from the frame  1292 , for instance, adjusts the positions of a first latch  1300  coupled to the cable  1294  and a second latch  1302  coupled to the cable  1296 . As the handle  1290  is pulled away from the frame  1292 , each of the first latch  1300  and the second latch  1302  open to release the upper seat base assembly  1260  from the lower seat base assembly  1262 . Actuators  1304  (see  FIG. 15 ) provide for the relative movement between the upper seat base assembly  1260  and the lower seat base assembly  1262  as previously described. 
     In one embodiment, the latches  1300  and  1302  are latch/latch-pawl type of latch which provide a positive lock of the upper seat base assembly  1260  to the lower seat base assembly  1262 . 
     The cable  1298  is coupled to a cable terminal device  1306 , having a housing  1308 , which provides for a connection between the cable  1298  and the cables  1294  and  1296  to operate the latches  1300  and  1302 . A rocker switch and solenoid circuit  1310  is coupled to the housing  1308  and to each of the cables  1294  and  1296 . The rocker switch is electrically coupled to the vehicle control system, which is configured to transmit a signal to the rocker switch to activate the tilt function of the seat. In one embodiment, the control system includes user selectable input device, such as a switch or a graphical user interface, to actuate the latches  1300  and  1302  to move the seat to the tilted position. 
     A tilt indicator  1320  is coupled to the frame  1292  of the upper seat base assembly  1260  to indicate to the vehicle control system that the seat is in either the seated position or the tilted position. The tilt indicator includes an arm  1322 , which depending on an orientation thereof, provides an electrical signal indicating the position of the seat. When the seat is in the seated position, the arm  1322  of the tilt indicator contacts a part of the lower seat base assembly  1262  to indicate the seat is in the seated position. Once the seat is released to the tilted position, the arm  1322  moves away from and out of contact with the lower seat base assembly  1262  to indicate that the seat has moved to the tilted position. In one embodiment, the tilt indicator  1320  includes a “wobble” style switch, the electrical state of which is provided to the control system. If the tilt indicator  1320  indicates that the seat is in the tilted position, the control system prevents the vehicle transmission from shifting from park to another gear, such as drive or reverse. 
     In a further embodiment, electronic controls may control the articulating movement of the seat base assembly. Moreover, the latches  1220  or  1290  in different embodiments are an electromagnetic latch or any other known type of latch. A controller such as on a keychain or inside the vehicle may include a button that releases the latch to allow the upper seat base assembly to articulate. A second button may control the other latch for removing the seat entirely from the vehicle. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the latches  1220  or  1290 , or seat base assembly  1200  may be interlocked with a function of the vehicle for safety reasons. For example, either the latch  1220 ,  1290 , or assembly  1200  may be interlocked with a transmission of the vehicle. Controls software may limit the function of the transmission (i.e., prevent it from being shifted into a forward or reverse range, or simply out of park or neutral) until the upper seat base assembly is securely latched to the lower seat base assembly. Moreover, a similar limitation of functionality may be used to ensure the entire seat base assembly is securely coupled to the vehicle floor. 
     While transmission functionality is only one example of how controls software may limit functionality of the vehicle, other examples may include reducing or limiting engine speed, engine torque, shutting off the ignition, and any other type of limitation that may be incorporated into the vehicle. 
     While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention have been disclosed herein, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.