VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY
First Claim
1. A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function, the vehicle seat assembly comprising:
- a seat body adapted to be mounted in a vehicle, the seat body having a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, the seat body being configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that does not permit the seat back to actuate the easy entry function, the seat body being further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that does permit the seat back to actuate the easy entry function;
a first actuator for actuating the seat back to pivot through the first angular range; and
a second actuator for actuating the seat back to pivot through the second angular range,wherein the seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.
33 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function, the vehicle seat assembly comprising:
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a seat body adapted to be mounted in a vehicle, the seat body having a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, the seat body being configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that does not permit the seat back to actuate the easy entry function, the seat body being further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that does permit the seat back to actuate the easy entry function; a first actuator for actuating the seat back to pivot through the first angular range; and a second actuator for actuating the seat back to pivot through the second angular range, wherein the seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function, the vehicle seat assembly comprising:
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a seat body having a seat bottom and a seat back configured to pivot with respect to the seat bottom, the seat body being configured to selectively lock and unlock pivot movement of the seat back; a blocking member proximate the seat body, the blocking member being configured to move between a first position that obstructs the seat back from pivoting in a forward direction beyond a predetermined point, and a second position that does not obstruct the seat back from pivoting in the forward direction; a first actuator connected to the seat body and configured to unlock the seat back to pivot when actuated without moving the blocking member to the second position; and a second actuator connected to seat body and to the blocking member, the second actuator configured to unlock the seat back to pivot and to move the blocking member to the second position when actuated, wherein the easy entry function of the vehicle seat assembly is triggered when the seat back pivots forward of the predetermined point, wherein the blocking member inhibits the seat back from pivoting forward beyond the predetermined point when the first actuator is actuated and wherein the seat back is free to pivot forward beyond the predetermined point when the second actuator is actuated. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function, the vehicle seat assembly comprising:
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a seat body having a seat bottom and a seat back having an engagement member, the seat back being configured to pivot with respect to the seat bottom, the seat body being configured to selectively lock and unlock pivotal movement of the seat back; a blocking member proximate the seat body, the blocking member being configured to move between a first position that engages the engagement member to obstruct the seat back from pivoting in a forward direction beyond a predetermined point, and a second position that does not obstruct the seat back from pivoting in a forward direction; a first actuator connected to the seat body and configured to unlock the seat back to pivot without moving the blocking member to the second position; a second actuator connected to seat body and to the blocking member, the second actuator being configured to unlock the seat back to pivot and to move the blocking member to the second position when the second actuator is actuated and being further configured to remain in an actuated state until the blocking member returns to the first position; and a retaining member connected to the blocking member, the retaining member being configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, a portion of the retaining member extending in a rearward direction beyond a rear end of the blocking member when the retaining member is in the extended position and the retaining member being configured to engage the engagement member and to inhibit the blocking member from returning to the first position when the retaining member is in the extended position and engaged with the engagement member, wherein the easy entry function is actuated when the seat back pivots forward of the predetermined point, wherein the blocking member inhibits the seat back from pivoting forward beyond the predetermined point when the first actuator is actuated, wherein the seat back is free to pivot forward beyond the predetermined point when the second actuator is actuated, and wherein the second actuator is retained in an actuated state until the engagement member moves beyond a rear end of the retaining member when the retaining member is in the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification